West El Update - 9/25/14

I hope everyone had an opportunity to enjoy some family time as the Andover Schools observed Rosh Hashanah.  

Hope all is going well with home practice, and that it is part of the regular routine.  Almost nothing else we do all year will have as big of an impact on the success of band than home practice.  It is a little bit of rough timing for fifth graders in that band will be pre-empted two weeks in a row due to Outdoor Ed.  Please have them keep practicing and feel free to explore the pages ahead if things are going will.

Fourth graders will meet as scheduled next Thursday, Oct 2!

Bancroft Update - 9/23/14

Great morning, everyone!  We are up and running!

INTERMEDIATE BAND

Great job.  We are going to review page 2, and add page 3.  Play with lots of support, and be sure you are following key signatures.  The first several pages center themselves around specific key signatures.  Thank you to Garrett, Mikey, and Katherine for being excellent mentors this morning.  You are a big help!

BEGINNING BAND

In general, everyone is off to a strong start.  Every one was there, everyone has a book, and everyone has an instrument!  We are rocking.  We were able to play together, as a band, the first two exercises on Page 6.  We will all practice Page 6 for next week.  We are sounding like a band!  We are working on streamlining our logistics, so we can get up and running quicker, as well as cleaned up and off to class.

Thank you, parents, for your patience and support!

Sanborn Update - 9/22/14

Great morning, everyone!  We are up and running!

INTERMEDIATE BAND

Great job.  We are moving on to Page 4.  Which will put us in F concert major.  Saxes: watch those C-shaprs, Flutes, watch those E-naturals, and Ryan, no doubt you are already all over those F-sharps.  Thanks to the advanced band for all their great work as mentors!

BEGINNING BAND

In general, everyone is off to a strong start.  We are getting some strong flute sounds very early.  That’s not easy, and it’s nice to get over that fence early.  Jack has a nice gentle touch and a steady pulse.  That makes life very easy for us all!  Trumpets are all getting a good sound on the right pitches, and the reeds (saxes and clarinets) are also getting good sounds and figuring out all of that crazy finger work quite well.  It will all be second nature in no time.  Just do it a lot!

When the mentors were playing with the group, it was a nice full sound with all the right notes.  Thanks in large part because of their leadership, when they got up to go to class, the beginners kept a lot of that full beautiful sound.

Page 6 is our assignment for next week, and I can’t wait to hear what another week on the instrument will do for you all!

South Band - First Update of the New School Year - 9/19/14

Dear South Band Parents:

We are up and running!  Thank you for all you have done so far to get us off to a good start.

One quick logistical note.  When arriving for band on Friday mornings, please enter the school through the Kindergarten lobby doors (the leftmost front door to the school).  Thank you!

Just to make sure that you all know how things work.  I am giving you a little bit of a description of what Friday mornings look like, and how things went this morning.

ADVANCED BAND: 7:30 – 8:10

There are five members of the band with one year of band under their belts.  They meet at 7:30, and are continuing their progression as musicians.  They are working out of Standard of Excellence, Book 2 (the blue book), and will be completing weekly assignments out of that.  They have all been invited to be “mentors” in the Beginning Band, and were a tremendous help for me this morning.  Mentors will be dismissed from beginning band in time to get to their classrooms by 7:45.

BEGINNING BAND: 8:10 – 8:50

At this time, there are nine members of the Beginning Band!  We noted today that all six members of the band last year who were fifth graders have continued in the middle school bands, and all five members that were fourth graders are still playing here at South!  This morning, we learned about how everything will work, about how to sit, about how to assemble and disassemble this instruments, and those with instruments were able to get a good first sound! fAs I told them: “This is the best sound this band has made so far, and it will only get better from here!” The routine will quickly become a very smoothly running machine!

PARENT PRESENCE IN BAND

Parents are always welcome to attend band class.  I have always said (maybe joking, maybe not) that behavior and work quality is always better when parents are in the room, not just the kids, but mine too.

PUNCTUALITY AND RELIABILITY

A huge part of the success for individuals and for the group is that we are all there every week and on time.  Thank you in advance for everything you do to this end.  I am the father of a young musician and am all too aware of the challenges of this, but I assure you there is a great dividend when we all pull it off!

COMMUNICATIONS

Each week, at my first opportunity, you will receive and e-mail with a quick summary of that week’s class, and an assignment for next time.  I would be grateful if you could help our musicians keep on top of this.

I also post all communications in a blog site, so that you can easily find them without digging through e-mail accounts.  I encourage you to bookmark this site for easy access:

http://whatsnewinband.blogspot.com

THIS WEEKS ASSIGNMENTS:

Advanced Band:  Book 2: Page 3 and 4.  Please get comfortable with all exercises.  Play with a beautiful sound!

Beginning Band:  Book 1: Page 2-5.  Please read, and try the first three notes.  Be sure you practice in a good chair that lets you sit right up and breath correctly.  Percussionist, practice standing up!

I know there are a handful of you who do not yet have an instrument, or do not have Book 1 of Standard of Excellence.  Please e-mail me back if you need assistance with either of these!  I also know that these things take time, and whatever happens this week, we will keep your kid in the loop, and get him/her caught up in no time!

TROMBONES????

If there is anyone in the beginning group who is possible interested in considering a switch before we get to into it, we have need for trombones across the district.  There is a very large number of saxophones and clarinets, and an opportunity to make an important impact for anyone who might want to give trombone a try.  It looks big, but actually weighs less than a saxophone, is less expensive, and is a lot of fun.  A fourth grader may not be quite big enough to get all the way out to “seventh position”, but by the time one really needs it, that eventual growth spirt will likely have happened! 

Again, thank you, and I very much look forward to a great year!

West El Band - First Update of the New School Year - 9/18/14

Dear West El. Band Parents:

We are up and running!  Thank you for all you have done so far to get us off to a good start.

Just to make sure that you all know how things work.  I am giving you a little bit of a description of what Thursday mornings look like, and how things went this morning.

ADVANCED BAND: 7:30 – 8:10

There are five members of the band with one year of band under their belts.  They meet at 7:30, and are continuing their progression as musicians.  They are working out of Standard of Excellence, Book 2 (the blue book), and will be completing weekly assignments out of that.  They have all been invited to be “mentors” in the Beginning Band, and were a tremendous help for me this morning.  Mentors will be dismissed from beginning band in time to get to their classrooms by 7:45.

BEGINNING BAND: 8:10 – 8:50

At this time, there are nineteen members of the Beginning Band! which is a nice healthy leap over last year.  (Many of last years 5th graders are now in the growing middle school bands!)   This morning, we learned about how everything will work, about how to sit, about how to assemble and disassemble this instruments, and we all made our first band sound.  As I told them: “This is the best sound this band has made so far, and it will only get better from here!” The routine will quickly become a very smoothly running machine!

PARENT PRESENCE IN BAND

Parents are always welcome to attend band class.  I have always said (maybe joking, maybe not) that behavior and work quality is always better when parents are in the room, not just the kids, but mine too.

PUNCTUALITY AND RELIABILITY

A huge part of the success for individuals and for the group is that we are all there every week and on time.  Thank you in advance for everything you do to this end.  I am the father of a young musician and am all too aware of the challenges of this, but I assure you there is a great dividend when we all pull it off!

COMMUNICATIONS

Each week, at my first opportunity, you will receive and e-mail with a quick summary of that week’s class, and an assignment for next time.  I would be grateful if you could help our musicians keep on top of this.

I also post all communications in a blog site, so that you can easily find them without digging through e-mail accounts.  I encourage you to bookmark this site for easy access:

http://whatsnewinband.blogspot.com

THIS WEEKS ASSIGNMENTS:

Advanced Band:  Book 2: Page 3 and 4.  Please get comfortable with all exercises.  Play with a beautiful sound!

Beginning Band:  Book 1: Page 2-5.  Please read, and try the first three notes.  Be sure you practice in a good chair that lets you sit right up and breath correctly.  Percussionist, practice standing up!

I know there are a handful of you who do not yet have an instrument, or do not have Book 1 of Standard of Excellence.  Please e-mail me back if you need assistance with either of these!  I also know that these things take time, and whatever happens this week, we will keep your kid in the loop, and get him/her caught up in no time!

TROMBONES????

If there is anyone in the beginning group who is possible interested in considering a switch before we get to into it, we have need for trombones across the district.  There is a very large number of saxophones and clarinets, and an opportunity to make an important impact for anyone who might want to give trombone a try.  It looks big, but actually weighs less than a saxophone, is less expensive, and is a lot of fun.  A fourth grader may not be quite big enough to get all the way out to “seventh position”, but by the time one really needs it, that eventual growth spirt will likely have happened! 

Again, thank you, and I very much look forward to a great year!

High Plain Band - First Update of the New School Year - 9/17/14

Dear High Plain Band Parents:

We are up and running!  Thank you for all you have done so far to get us off to a good start.

Just to make sure that you all know how things work.  I am giving you a little bit of a description of what Tuesday mornings look like, and how things went this morning.

ADVANCED BAND: 7:30 – 8:10

There are six members of the band with one year of High Plain Band under their belts.  They meet at 7:30, and are continuing their progression as musicians.  They are working out of Standard of Excellence, Book 2 (the blue book), and will be completing weekly assignments out of that.  They have all been invited to be “mentors” in the Beginning Band, and were a tremendous help for me this morning.  Mentors will be dismissed from beginning band in time to get to their classrooms by 7:45.

BEGINNING BAND: 8:10 – 8:50

At this time, there are nineteen members of the Beginning Band! which is a nice healthy leap over last year.  (Most of last years 5th graders are now in the Wood Hill MS band!)   This morning, we learned about how everything will work, about how to sit, about how to assemble and disassemble this instruments, and we all made our first band sound.  As I told them: “This is the best sound this band has made so far, and it will only get better from here!” It took us a little too long to pack up and clean up this morning, but we’ll get that machine running smoothly in no time.

WHERE DO WE KEEP THE INSTRUMENTS?

If there is a place in their classroom, that’s fine, but the band room at Wood Hill is safe space for folks to keep their instruments during that day on Wednesdays, and then toward the end of the day, they can come get it to take it home.  We want to discourage the practice of leaving them at school overnight.  They are safer in your possession, and they aren’t getting practiced if they aren’t at home.

PARENT PRESENCE IN BAND

Parents are always welcome to attend band class.  I have always said (maybe joking, maybe not) that behavior and work quality is always better when parents are in the room, not just the kids, but mine too.

PUNCTUALITY AND RELIABILITY

A huge part of the success for individuals and for the group is that we are all there every week and on time.  Thank you in advance for everything you do to this end.  I am the father of a young musician and am all too aware of the challenges of this, but I assure you there is a great dividend when we all pull it off!

COMMUNICATIONS

Each week, at my first opportunity, you will receive and e-mail with a quick summary of that week’s class, and an assignment for next time.  I would be grateful if you could help our musicians keep on top of this.

I also post all communications in a blog site, so that you can easily find them without digging through e-mail accounts.  I encourage you to bookmark this site for easy access:

http://whatsnewinband.blogspot.com

THIS WEEKS ASSIGNMENTS:

Advanced Band:  Book 2: Page 3.  Please get comfortable with all exercises.  Play with a beautiful sound!

Beginning Band:  Book 1: Page 2-5.  Please read, and try the first three notes.  Be sure you practice in a good chair that lets you sit right up and breath correctly.  Percussionist, practice standing up!

TROMBONES????

If there is anyone in the beginning group who is possible interested in considering a switch before we get to into it, we have need for trombones across the district.  There is a very large number of saxophones and clarinets, and an opportunity to make an important impact for anyone who might want to give trombone a try.  It looks big, but actually weighs less than a saxophone, is less expensive, and is a lot of fun.  A fourth grader may not be quite big enough to get all the way out to “seventh position”, but by the time one really needs it, that eventual growth spirt will likely have happened! 

Again, thank you, and I very much look forward to a great year!

Bancroft Band - First Update of the New School Year - 9/16/14

Dear Bancroft Band Parents:

We are up and running!  Thank you for all you have done so far to get us off to a good start.

Just to make sure that you all know how things work.  I am giving you a little bit of a description of what Tuesday mornings look like, and how things went this morning.

ADVANCED BAND: 7:30 – 8:10

There are four members of the fifth grade with one year of Bancroft Band under their belts.  They meet at 7:30, and are continuing their progression as musicians.  They are working out of Standard of Excellence, Book 2 (the blue book), and will be completing weekly assignments out of that.  They have all been invited to be “mentors” in the Beginning Band, and were a tremendous help for me this morning.  Mentors will be dismissed from beginning band in time to get to their classrooms by 7:45.

BEGINNING BAND: 8:10 – 8:50

At this time, there are twelve members of the Beginning Band, which is a nice healthy leap over last years eight.  (Of those 8, four are this years Advanced Band, and the other four are all playing in the band at Doherty Middle School!)   This morning, we learned about how everything will work, about how to sit, about how to assemble and disassemble this instruments, and we all made our first band sound.  As I told them: “This is the best sound this band has made so far, and it will only get better from here!” It took us a little too long to pack up and clean up this morning, but we’ll get that machine running smoothly in no time.

WHERE DO WE KEEP THE INSTRUMENTS?

Mrs. Loynd (music teacher) and I will make a safe space for folks to keep their instruments during that day on Tuesdays in the music room, and then toward the end of the day, they can come get it to take it home.  We want to discourage the practice of leaving them at school overnight.  They are safer in your possession, and they aren’t getting practiced if they aren’t at home.

PARENT PRESENCE IN BAND

Parents are always welcome to attend band class.  It is a bit of a problem with the flow of the morning to have parents in common areas and other parts of the school at this time, and it is asked that if you do remain, to please do so in the music room.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.  I have always said (maybe joking, maybe not) that behavior and work quality is always better when parents are in the room, not just the kids, but mine too.

PUNCTUALITY AND RELIABILITY

A huge part of the success for individuals and for the group is that we are all there every week and on time.  Thank you in advance for everything you do to this end.  I am the father of a young musician and am all too aware of the challenges of this, but I assure you there is a great dividend when we all pull it off!

COMMUNICATIONS

Each week, at my first opportunity, you will receive and e-mail with a quick summary of that week’s class, and an assignment for next time.  I would be grateful if you could help our musicians keep on top of this.

I also post all communications in a blog site, so that you can easily find them without digging through e-mail accounts.  I encourage you to bookmark this site for easy access:

http://whatsnewinband.blogspot.com

THIS WEEKS ASSIGNMENTS:

Advanced Band:  Book 2: Page 3.  Please get comfortable with all exercises.  Play with a beautiful sound!

Beginning Band:  Book 1: Page 2-5.  Please read, and try the first three notes.  Be sure you practice in a good chair that lets you sit right up and breath correctly.  Percussionist, practice standing up!

TROMBONES????

If there is anyone in the beginning group who is possible interested in considering a switch before we get to into it, we have need for trombones across the district.  There is a very large number of saxophones and clarinets, and an opportunity to make an important impact for anyone who might want to give trombone a try.  It looks big, but actually weighs less than a saxophone, is less expensive, and is a lot of fun.  A fourth grader may not be quite big enough to get all the way out to “seventh position”, but by the time one really needs it, that eventual growth spirt will likely have happened! 

Again, thank you, and I very much look forward to a great year!

Sanborn Band - First Update of the New School Year - 9/16/14

Dear Sanborn Band Parents: We are up and running!

 Thank you for all you have done so far to get us off to a good start. Just to make sure that you all know how things work. I am giving you a little bit of a description of what Tuesday mornings look like, and how things went this morning.

 ADVANCED BAND: 7:30 – 8:10

There are five members of the fifth grade with one year of Bancroft Band under their belts. They meet at 7:30, and are continuing their progression as musicians. They are working out of Standard of Excellence, Book 2 (the blue book), and will be completing weekly assignments out of that. They have all been invited to be “mentors” in the Beginning Band, and were a tremendous help for me this morning. Mentors will be dismissed from beginning band in time to get to their classrooms by 7:45.

BEGINNING BAND: 8:10 – 8:50 

At this time, there are nine members of the Beginning Band. Fourteen members total for the Sanborn Band is a good number! Yesterday morning, we learned about how everything will work, about how to sit, about how to assemble and disassemble this instruments, and we all made our first band sound. It took us a little too long to pack up and clean up, but we’ll get that machine running smoothly in no time.

 WHERE DO WE KEEP THE INSTRUMENTS?

 Mrs. Waddell and I have safe space for folks to keep their instruments during that day on Mondays in the vestibule of the music room, and then toward the end of the day, they can come get it to take it home. We want to discourage the practice of leaving them at school overnight. They are safer in your possession, and they aren’t getting practiced if they aren’t at home.

 PARENT PRESENCE IN BAND

 Parents are always welcome to attend band class. I have always said (maybe joking, maybe not) that behavior and work quality is always better when parents are in the room, not just the kids, but mine too.

PUNCTUALITY AND RELIABILITY

A huge part of the success for individuals and for the group is that we are all there every week and on time. Thank you in advance for everything you do to this end. I am the father of a young musician and am all too aware of the challenges of this, but I assure you there is a great dividend when we all pull it off!

COMMUNICATIONS

Each week, at my first opportunity, you will receive and e-mail with a quick summary of that week’s class, and an assignment for next time. I would be grateful if you could help our musicians keep on top of this. I also post all communications on this site, so that you can easily find them without digging through e-mail accounts. I encourage you to bookmark it for easy access.

THIS WEEKS ASSIGNMENTS:

Advanced Band: Book 2: Page 3-4. Please get comfortable with all exercises. Play with a beautiful sound!

Beginning Band: Book 1: Page 2-5. Please read, and try the first three notes. Be sure you practice in a good chair that lets you sit right up and breath correctly. Percussionist, practice standing up! 

TROMBONES????

If there is anyone in the beginning group who is possible interested in considering a switch before we get to into it, we have need for trombones across the district. There is a very large number of saxophones and clarinets, and an opportunity to make an important impact for anyone who might want to give trombone a try. It looks big, but actually weighs less than a saxophone, is less expensive, and is a lot of fun. A fourth grader may not be quite big enough to get all the way out to “seventh position”, but by the time one really needs it, that eventual growth spirt will likely have happened! 

Again, thank you, and I very much look forward to a great year!

Registration Form

Here is a registration form for the Andover Middle and Elementary School Bands!

Bancroft Update, 6/5/14

Our concert is next week, and I am confident that we are prepared to the point where we can really enjoy playing for our peers in the morning, and for parents in the evening.

Details for next Wednesday, June 11:

I will meet the band kids at 9:00am to warm up before the 9:30 assembly just outside the music room.  They need to be in their concert black clothes.

We will then assemble at 6:30pm in the same place to get ready for a 7:00 evening concert.

On Thursday morning following the concert, we will have our final band class for the year.  In addition to reviewing the repertoire for the concert, they are to prepare page 3, which 6 has an easy little piece (different one for different instruments) with piano accompaniment.  We are going to play through those for each other, and I will be bringing in my tuba!

It has been a wonderful year.  Alan, Thomas, and Edward will all make a wonderful impact on the Doherty sixth grade band next year.  I am excited for them.  They will love Ms. Hofius! I hope Grace is ready to pick it up again!

As for Michael, Brandon, Catherine, and Garret, we are in for a cool adventure next year! The band has been scheduled for Wednesday mornings.  Experienced musicians (this years fourth graders, and any others we find) will begin at 7:30, 15 minutes earlier, and go to 8:10.  This gives us the opportunity to have a second separate band class from 8:10 to 8:50 for next years beginners, and thus not start everyone back at the beginning of Book 1, but rather continue to progress from where we left off!  Attached is a form for signing up for next year's band.

I'm glad I was able to hang out a little while and see Grace score a sweet late goal to bring Harvard to a tie with tenacious Michigan squad, 2-2, in before school gym hockey!

For those who are renting instruments, I strongly encourage you to keep that up over the summer.  There are opportunities for playing over the summer, via lessons and camps, and I will be sending out information about these soon, but at the very least, please encourage them to get it out now and then and keep it fresh, if even just for fun.  Also, turning in a rented instrument and starting new in the fall also means starting over with rent-to-own equity.  With Leonard's Music (and with most instrument retail rental companies), you are in a situation where everything you pay, less tax and insurance, goes toward the purchase of that instrument.  That is all lost if you turn it in.  I just wanted to make sure that was clear.

Looking forward to seeing you all at the concert.  They sounded great this morning, and you are in for a treat!

West Update, 6/5/14

We have one band class left!  Next week, June 11, with be the last meeting for this year of the West El. Band!

Page 36 has an easy little piece (different one for different instruments) with piano accompaniment.  We are going to play through those for each other, and I will be bringing in my tuba!

I am so pleased with everyone's work this year, and look very much forward to working with everyone again next year.  It will be great to have Jack and Alfonso at West Middle, and Sofia at Wood Hill!

As for the fourth graders: Next year's band has been scheduled for Thursday mornings, which will hopefully avoid conflicts with some of the other wonderful and popular before school activities, such as student council.  Experienced musicians (this years fourth graders, and any others we find) will begin at 7:30, 15 minutes earlier, and go to 8:10.  This gives us the opportunity to have a second separate band class from 8:10 to 8:50 for next years beginners, and thus not start everyone back at the beginning of Book 1, but rather continue to progress from where we left off!  Attached is a form for signing up for next year's band.

For those who are renting instruments, I strongly encourage you to keep that up over the summer.  There are opportunities for playing over the summer, via lessons and camps, and I will be sending out information about these soon, but at the very least, please encourage them to get it out now and then and keep it fresh, if even just for fun.  Also, turning in a rented instrument and starting new in the fall also means starting over with rent-to-own equity.  With Leonard's Music (and with most instrument retail rental companies), you are in a situation where everything you pay, less tax and insurance, goes toward the purchase of that instrument.  That is all lost if you turn it in.  I just wanted to make sure that was clear.

Please let me know if you have any questions.  It has been a privilege working with these kids!  I am excited for next year!

Sanborn Update, 6/5/14

I am so pleased with how the concerts went on Tuesday!

Sanborn has such a wonderful culture to it, and feels like such a family.  That was absolutely the feeling I had at both the morning and evening concerts.  Mrs. Waddell has always brought such a rich musical experience to the school, and I am so pleased to have been invited, along with Miss Kolodziej, to join this year and help cultivate that further.

The Sanborn band is small, and young.  With only 9 members, 7 of which are fourth graders, I am so pleased at how this group has consistently risen to the occasion, as was evident this week in particular.  I told them as we were preparing to go in to play on Tuesday night that I so looked forward to every Monday morning, because I knew they would be there, ready to work.  They are great kids, and will play a huge role in an exciting rebirth of Andover Bands.  It takes a special group of kids to get me genuinely excited about driving to work on Monday morning!

Our last band class will be this coming Monday.  I will bring in my tuba (as I have promised I would at some point), and we will play through some favorites, and talk about how to stay fresh over the summer.

I am looking forward to working with Lemuel at West Middle and Brigitte at Wood Hill next year!

As for the fourth graders, Sanborn's band will continue next year to be on Monday morning.  Experienced musicians (this years fourth graders, and any others we find) will begin at 7:30, 15 minutes earlier, and go to 8:10.  This gives us the opportunity to have a second separate band class from 8:10 to 8:50 for next years beginners, and thus not start everyone back at the beginning of Book 1, but rather continue to progress from where we left off!

For those who are renting instruments, I strongly encourage you to keep that up over the summer.  There are opportunities for playing over the summer, via lessons and camps, and I will be sending out information about these soon, but at the very least, please encourage them to get it out now and then and keep it fresh, if even just for fun.  Also, turning in a rented instrument and starting new in the fall also means starting over with rent-to-own equity.  With Leonard's Music (and with most instrument retail rental companies), you are in a situation where everything you pay, less tax and insurance, goes toward the purchase of that instrument.  That is all lost if you turn it in.  I just wanted to make sure that was clear.

Please let me know if you have any questions.  It has been a privilege working with these kids!  I am excited for next year!

Mixed Meter - Thinking beyond "four". - Music Critique

Aerosmith and Run DMC - Walk This Way

We start with this one to get a good solid four-beat-per-measure, four-measure-per-phrase, four-phrase-per-theme feel into our heads.  This music does pretty much what we expect of it metrically.

William van Twillert (organ) - Bach, "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"

3 + 3 + 3

The Los Angeles Philharmonic - Bernstien "Chichester Psalms" 1) Ps. 100 & 139

2 + 2 + 3

Dave Brubeck - "Take Five"

3 + 2

Dave Brubeck - "Blue Rondo a la Turk"

2 + 2 + 2 + 3

Rush - "YYZ"

2-2-1-2 / 2-2-1-2 / 2-2-1-1

_ _ . _ / _ _ . _ / _ _ . . 

Rush - "Limelight"

Several different patterns using 3, 4, or a combination

Sting - "Love is Stronger than Justice"

2 + 2 + 3 (verse), 4 (chorus)

West El. Update, 5/21/14

I was very pleased with how things went on Monday.  I am very proud of the start this little band got this year, and am very much looking forward to continuing the growth.

This concludes our performances for the year.  As we grow and develop the program, I feel certain that there will be a few more opportunities next year to get out in front of people and play.  This goes for both those moving on the the middle schools, and for those continuing in the West El. Band.

Band class for the rest of the year will be about finishing up Book 1, which we are well on the way to doing.  This morning the folks who came did nice work on Page 34.  I realize there may have been some confusion about band continuing past the concert, but I'm there, and we're still working!  For next week, we are looking at page 35, and if that goes smoothly, go ahead and look at page 36, which by the way is the last page in the book with assigned exercises.  

With regards to next year:  The day of the week is still pending, in hopes of avoiding the student council conflict, but experienced band students will meet a bit earlier next year, from 7:30-8:10.  This will make time for a separate beginning band time after that (8:10-8:50), and allow the experienced kids to continue progressing where they left off last year, rather than start back again at whole notes. I am excited for all of the growth towards which I believe we are headed!

West and Wood Hill Middle School Concert Information!

As you may well know by now, we, the Wood Hill and West Bands discussed and decided that we would like to perform in the Spring Concerts this year as one band, which means two evening performances.

The Winter Concerts in January were very much a success, and it was gratifying to see the two schools were able to perform on their own as separate bands.  The combined bands however will give us an opportunity to play some more intricate literature with an instrumentation in which each school compliment each other nicely.

Those performances are:

Wednesday, June 4, 7:00PM, Wood Hill Middle School (report to the band room at 6:30)

Thursday, June 5,  7:00PM, West Middle School (report to the auditorium at 6:30)

There will be in school performances, and we are currently navigating around a couple of other events and have yet to determine exactly when those will be.  Students will be bussed to the other school for each others' assemblies. A follow up e-mail will come with that information, and a permission slip, will come next week.

Sanborn Update, 5/19/14

Monday went very well, and I am optimistic that we will have a very gratifying performance on May 3.  Hope Luke is OK!

We will be performing:

"Sakura" (page 31, # 135)

"Chorale" (page 33, # 144)

"Grandfather's Whiskers" (page 31, # 136)

Next week, would it be possible, in light of the upcoming concert and the missed rehearsal on Memorial Day, to come to a Wednesday morning rehearsal instead (5/28)?  Let me know if this is a problem!

South Update, 5/16/14

Good work this morning,

Reminder that our concert is coming soon!  Thursday, May 29!  There will be a performance during the day for the school, and then the evening concert at 7:00, for which the students should arrive at 6:30.  The dress is the same black that they wore for All Bands Night in March.

We will be performing:

"Sakura" (page 31, # 135)

"Chorale" (page 33, # 144)

"Manhattan Beach March" (page 32, # 139)

"Grandfather's Whiskers" (page 31, # 136)

Be sure to have them work on these for next week!  It will be our final rehearsal before the concert!

Bancroft Update, 5/15/14

Sorry to have missed yesterday.  I'm recovering little by little.  Thank you for understanding!

Reminder:  Our concert is on Wednesday, June 11, at 7:00PM.  We will meet at 6:30, and be dressed in concert black, just like for All-Bands Night.

We will be performing:

"Sakura" (page 31, # 135)

"Chorale" (page 33, # 144)

"Grandfather's Whiskers" (page 31, # 136)

Keep working on these for next Thursday!

All the best,

Joe Wright

Bancroft Band

West El. Update, 5/14/14

Hello!

So sorry to have missed Wednesday's rehearsal.  The band was in wonderfully capable hands, and Ms. Hofius reported back to me that the band is ready to go!

CONCERT DAY, Monday, May 19

The kids will perform for the school in a 1:00pm assembly.  They should be dressed in concert black (just like All Bands Night in March).

They should be in the same great outfits when they arrive at 6:30 for the 7:00 concert at West El.  

We will be performing:

"Sakura" (page 31, # 135)

"Chorale" (page 33, # 144)

"Grandfather's Whiskers" (page 31, # 136)

Let me know if you have any questions!

Sanborn Update, 5/12/14

Reminder:  Our concert is on Tuesday, June 3, at 7:00PM.  We will meet at 6:30, and be dressed in concert black, just like for All-Bands Night.  There will be a performance during the school day for which the students must also be dressed in black!

We will be performing:

"Sakura" (page 31, # 135)

"Chorale" (page 33, # 144)

"Grandfather's Whiskers" (page 31, # 136)

Keep working on these for Monday!

All the best,

Joe Wright

Bancroft Band

South Update, 5/2/14

Great work on Page 31.  I asked them to look at 2 pages this week, 32 and 33.  I don't think it will be much of a problem for them.  We will nail down or repertoire for the June 3rd concert when we meet this Friday.

For your planning purposes.  June 20th will be our last band meeting, and soon to come will be details on band for next year, both for those moving on to a middle school, or those continuing at South.  

Bancroft Update, 5/1/14

Very good work this week on page 29.  We move on to page 31.  I asked the band to have a look at 30, but the the assignment is page 31, and "Sakura" will most likely be one of the pieces programmed in our June 11 concert!  We will discuss the rest of the program on Thursday.

West El. Update, 4/30/14

Playing a lot of catch up lately.  I will try to get back on pace this week!

Great work on Page 31.  I asked them to look at 2 pages this week, 32 and 33.  I don't think it will be much of a problem for them.  We will nail down or repertoire for the May 19th concert on Wednesday.

For your planning purposes.  June 18th will be our last band meeting, and soon to come will be details on band for next year, both for those moving on to a middle school, or those continuing at West El.  

Sanborn Update, 4/28/14 - CONCERT INFO!

I really have to hand it to the band this morning.  A week off would have been a reasonable explanation for taking a while to get up to speed on this assignment, but it really would appear that most of them made sure that they worked some good time in on the horn even if they had been traveling, and in a few cases it was apparent that the vacation made extra practice a reality.  Bravo to the band!  Well done.

A few particular reasons that I smiled today:

• Lemuel had a particularly impressive week.  He has nice command of his high register, and was sitting right up and engaged today, acting like a real leader.  
• Everybody played by his- or herself for the group this week.  I heard genuine growth out of everyone.
• Utsav sat right up and gave a great effort and got some solid playing out of his horn. (also love the cool keychain from his trip to India!)
• "Band is the best part of Monday" - Ryan Entner
• Very good post-vacation attendance and punctuality!

Page 26 introduces the concept of the dotted quarter note and the single eighth note.  We did have a chance to go over that before they were sent off for the day.  Looking forward to seeing what they get done this week!

SPRING CONCERT! - The Sanborn Band WILL be performing in the Sanborn Spring Concert on Tuesday, June 3.  They will perform for the school in the morning for the school, as well as in the evening at 7:00pm, with a report time of 6:30.  The concert dress will be black, just as it was in March.  More details to come!

Bancroft Update, 4/17/14 - CONCERT INFO!

Soooo…

Between Holy Week, vacation, and all that went on immediately after our gathering on 4/17, it became apparent to me as I was updating the blog that a Band Update never went out!  I am sorry.  I hope this catches you up sufficiently with a couple of days before our next class!

We were missing Alan and Katherine to vacation, but we forged on and had a good session with page 28.  We moved on to page 29, which has a couple of fun and familiar tunes in it.  This page helps us get more comfortable with accents, slurring, register changes, and dynamics, including the introduction of crescendo and decrescendo.  I added my own little twist to the definition of these.  Crescendo=start soft, and Decrescendo=start loud.

SPRING CONCERT! - The Bancroft Band WILL be performing in the Bancroft Spring Concert on Wednesday, June 11.  They will perform for the school in the morning for the school, as well as in the evening at 7:00pm, with a report time of 6:30.  The concert dress will be black, just as it was in March.  More details to come!

West El. Update, 4/16/14 - CONCERT INFO!

Soooo…

Between Holy Week, vacation, and all that went on immediately after our gathering on 4/16, it became apparent to me as I was updating the blog that a Band Update never went out!  I am sorry.  I hope this catches you up sufficiently with a couple of days before our next class!

We move on to page 31, but please start to look at page 30.  We will come back to it.  We are starting to assemble possible repertoire for the WEST ELEMENTARY SPRING CONCERT, which will be on Monday, May 19th.  They will perform for the school in the morning for the school, as well as in the evening at 7:00pm, with a report time of 6:30.  The concert dress will be black, just as it was in March.  More details to come!

Jazz Update, 4/15/14

A reminder to the Level 1 jazz folks.

We are meeting tonight in the band room of the Collins Center at Andover HS.  The concert starts at 7:00pm.  The call time I we sent out last week was 6:30, but most of you got an e-mail from Mr. Buckridge changing that to 6:15.  I will be there then to meet everyone, but if that's a hardship, please get there when you can.

I know that a weeknight can be hectic, but a big part of tonight is hearing and supporting each other, and I would like very much to encourage the band to stay, supporting and enjoying the older bands.  Thanks for understanding.

The YouTube Artist for our next rehearsal (4/29) is "The Dirty Dozen Brass Band", and in particular, I'd like them to check out their tune "Don't Drive Drunk", which is their take on a lesser known Stevie Wonder tune.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FaDozJ8PPY

Sanborn Update, 4/14/14

That's more like it!  Nice work this week!

We move on to page 25, and that includes some more 'written homework'.  Exercise #110 asks them to write a 'knee slap' part as a duet with the already composed clapping line, and to give it a name.  Simran is off to a great start with "Cupcake".  I am looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday, particularly to those who are traveling.  Looking forward to seeing everyone back on 4/28!

South Update, 4/11/14

We are in the homestretch with Book 1!  I have assigned for them to work on Page 31, which among other things introduces the concept of 'ritardando' or gradually slowing down.  I also asked them to at least have a look at page 30, which has potential for a performance piece, as does "Sakura" on page 31.

Because of the religious holiday and school vacation, we won't see each other for three weeks!  Please help them not to go too long without playing!

Have a wonderful and safe holiday, particularly to those traveling!

Bancroft Update, 4/10/14

We are cranking ahead nicely!  This morning Mikey and Katherine both shared projects from outside of their assignments in band which were really cool.  Mikey is working a "Drummer Boy" piece on his oboe, while Katherine played a part of "The Pirates of the Caribbean" that she is working on with her brother playing the piano.  Loved them both!

We move ahead to page 28, and talked for a little while about tempos.  See you all next Thursday, except for Katherine, whom I wish a safe and exciting journey!

West El. Update, 4/9/14

On we go to page 29.  Here we reinforce our use of recently learned concepts such as dotted quarter notes, register changes, and tempo markings, and we add crescendo and decrescendo to the mix.  If you get a chance, I encourage you to ask the kids what that means, and ask them if they remember Mr. Wright's definition of them.

I made it a point to let the kids know how impressive and extraordinary I find it that they are so mature and respectful of their instruments and of each other.  This group virtually never has to be spoken to about appropriate use of the instruments, and not make silly noises, etc.  I feel as though when they play the instrument, the intent is always a beautiful sound, as is often the result.  They are also quite encouraging and positive with each other.  It's inspirational.

Look forward to hearing the familiar theme from the finale of Beethoven's ninth symphony this week.  Encourage them to use the crescendos and decrescendos!

Jazz Update, 4/8/14

My name is Lindsay Marino, and I have been student teaching with Mr. Wright for the past 4 weeks.  I attend the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and I will be finishing up my master's degree in the fall.  It is a pleasure working with all of your children and watching how they are growing with musicality within the past few weeks.  I have taken over the email duties this week.

Today, we ran through the three songs that we will be performing at the upcoming concert next week.  There has been a lot of progress, and the band is starting to sound really good, and I love hearing everyone's solos and how they are progressing.   Mr. Wright would like the students to be able to play through all three pieces ("C Jam," "Spooky," and "Watermelon Man" with more confidence and with perfected notes, especially in "Spooky."  We discussed the form of the pieces and who will take solos during the concert.  

Just as a reminder, the concert will be next Wednesday, 4/16, at 7pm in the Calling Center.  Call time for the musicians is at 6:30 sharp.  

The Youtube artist of the week is Buddy Rich.  Here are a few links that may help your child learn more about him to discuss next week:

- http://www.biography.com/people/buddy-rich-9457049#early-life&awesm=~oATGRSvbx00aD9

-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9esWG6A6g-k

-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=141o_jwG7cA

Sanborn Update, 4/7/14

The band struggled a little bit with page 24, and I think we'd all benefit from one more shot at it.  I don't think it was a total disaster this morning, but we certainly could stand a more successful run at this assignment before moving on.  With one student missing, no trumpet books, and no really clean run-throughs of anything, let's take a mulligan!

It would be a real boost if you can help those who don't already have this a practice routine that gets them playing regularly throughout the week. The pages to come will present new challenges, and everyone in this band is fully capable of meeting all of them, but not without a regular practice routine.  Thanks for your attention to this.

Safe travels to Utsav and family!

South Update, 4/4/14

As always, a very well prepared group showed up this morning and worked hard.  They get more and more musical every week.

Page 29 is our new frontier, and introduces crescendos and decrescendos (gradual increase or decrease in dynamics, respectively), and reinforces and develops or more recent concepts  such as tempo, dynamics, and range extension.

Book 2 is just around the corner.  Information on acquiring this book will be coming soon.

The South School Band will be performing in the Spring Concert at South School on Thursday, May 29.  There is a morning concert at 9:30 am for the school, and a performance for parents in the evening at 7:00pm.  Please be on the lookout from me for details, but be sure to have this on our calendars!

Also soon to come is information about continuing with band either next year at South or moving on to middle school.  One thing to bear in mind is that most of you are in a rent-to-own situation with your instruments.  Returning them for the summer would put you back to square one, where everything you currently pay (less tax and insurance) is credited toward the purchase of the instrument.  I would also be happy to help you find opportunities to do some playing over the summer, if even just an occasion or two.

Bancroft Update, 4/3/14

Great job this morning.  I am seeing more and more confidence and growth, one feeding into the other!

This morning we flew right through page 26, and moved on to page 27 for next week.  This page introduces some pretty big leaps from one register to another on the instrument, especially in the clarinet.  This doesn't always come easy, and may require a little more self-patience in practice than at other times.  Work hard, and we'll get it happening!

Thanks for everything!

West El. Update, 4/2/14

Thanks to Ms. Hofius for filling in this morning while I took my turn with this cold everyone seems to be passing around.  She reported to me that our band played very well!

 

We are moving on to page 28, which adds 'tempo' into the mix, as well as the 'mezzo' (MET-zo) or media, dynamics: mf =mezzo forte (medium loud) and mp = mezzo piano (medium soft).  Looking forward to next Wednesday!

Sanborn Update, 3/31/14

We missed Gabby and Shubam this morning, but we got a lot done!

There were a few things to talk about today, including sharps, key signatures, and alternate fingerings for saxophone and clarinet.  We are moving confidently on to Page 24 for next week.  Be sure they are paying attention to key signatures, time signatures, accidentals, and dynamics!

Thanks so much to Simran and Nikita for the cool shells from Florida.  That was very thoughtful!  They have assumed a display position with my Ludwig van Beethoven action figure on a shelf in my office at Wood Hill!

South Update, 3/28/14

Sorry, everyone!  Playing a little catch-up after a very busy weekend.

We worked on some challenging interval leaps, with lots of success.  The percussionists are well on their way to playing some great sounding double-stroke rolls, and the clarinets are having success getting into their upper register.  After band, Mrs. O'Donnell and I had a good discussion about some ways to approach that very topic, as she is an excellent clarinetist.  She was able to demonstrate a couple of fingering techniques for me on her lamp.  I found it amusing enough to include a picture.

Next week we will be working on page 28, which adds 'tempo' into the mix, as well as the 'mezzo' (MET-zo) or media, dynamics: mf =mezzo forte (medium loud) and mp = mezzo piano (medium soft).

Bancroft Update, 3/27/14

Sorry!  I am playing a little bit of catch-up with a very busy weekend!

Once again, I am really pleased by the progress!  We move on to page 26, where they are learning to use dotted-quarter note and single eighth notes.  Their focus and attention was excellent, we got a lot done!  Looking forward to this Thursday!

Jazz Update, 3/25/14

There was a good level of preparation going into Tuesday's rehearsal, and that made it much easier to move forward!

We had a good chat about Jaco Pastorius (1952-1987), about his genius on electric bass and about his demons that lead to his untimely end.  This week our YouTube artist is Jeff Coffin.

Here are some suggestions for videos to share with them:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA8ijzDSzIg – Jeff with his own "Mu'tet"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gIlLOowyP0 – Jeff with the Dave Matthews Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUMGSr3b67g – Jeff with Bassist Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck and the Flecktones)

We had a good session with "Spooky", and were able to add some horn backgrounds for the tune.  I asked them to have a look at the Bb concert (D or G) Dorion Scale (on the bottom of their music to "Spooky" for use in solos.

West El Update, 3/26/14

Good to have everyone this morning!

Nice work today for everyone.  We move on to page 27.  This is an exciting time for clarinets and percussion in particular, as we introduce upper register and double stroke rolls (respectively).  Their introduction went very well, and I am confident that we will have a good week with these concepts.  It would be a good week to be sure that we don't try to fit practice into a couple of longer sessions, but rather keep at these things a little everyday, or as well as we can do.

Looking forward to next week!