South Update, 1/13/14

I love the energy of the South School band every Friday.  They come prepared and with great questions!  I know that has a great deal to do with what happens between Fridays!

We are moving on to Page 24.  We are introducing what I call a "roadmap" concept.  So far among these we have learned repeats, first and second endings, and measure repeats.  This one is called "D.C. (Da Capo) al Fine."  (da COP-oh all FEEN-ay)  It means literally "from the top to the end", and it means to go to the beginning of the piece, and play until you reach a point marked "Fine".  We might go back and do the last couple of exercise on page 23 (Sailor's Song and This Old Man) just to take another shot at them.

I am in the process of reinforcing the use of pencils in the elementary school bands.  With pencils, they will be able to make notes of trouble spots, and making note of the week to week assignment.  They also know that you have access to that assignment via these updates.

I try never send them off without specific instructions for next week.  It might be prudent to make sure they are aware of it when they practice.  They might make it from Friday to Friday appearing to practice a specific assignment, and quite likely making genuine progress, but in earnest are not quite being aware of what was assigned.  I know I pulled that trick a few times at their age.

I would never do this without parent consent, but if there are additional e-mail addresses that your kids read that you would like me to include in my updates and communications, I would be happy to do so.  Just let me know.   Nothing will be sent to them without also being sent to you.  As you also probably know, all of my updates get posted to http://whatsnewinband.blogspot.com

Have a great weekend!

Bancroft Update, 1/30/14

Bancroft, the littlest band in Andover, may well be the one with the most momentum.  I perceive that as a group, they have very good practice habits, and we are lately in a position to make a lot of progress on Thursday mornings.

I am in the process of reinforcing the use of pencils in the elementary school bands.  With pencils, they will be able to make notes of trouble spots, and making note of the week to week assignment.  They also know that you have access to that assignment via these updates.

I try never send them off without specific instructions for next week.  It might be prudent to make sure they are aware of it when they practice.  They might make it from Thursday to Thursday appearing to practice a specific assignment, and quite likely making genuine progress, but in earnest are not quite being aware of what was assigned.  I know I pulled that trick a few times at their age.

I would never do this without parent consent, but if there are additional e-mail addresses that your kids read that you would like me to include in my updates and communications, I would be happy to do so.  Just let me know.   Nothing will be sent to them without also being sent to you.  As you also probably know, all of my updates get posted to http://whatsnewinband.blogspot.com

FOR NEXT WEEK: We are moving on to page 23, adding a new scale, a new note, and in some cases, new symbols! (Sharp/Natural)  In addition, I want them to keep working on page 21 for the March 11 concert repertoire. ("Montego Bay" and "Regal March")

Having said all this, I do think that it is absolutely appropriate and desirable for them to just play the thing once in a while.  For them to figure out easy pop or folk tunes (or read them from some book or internet resources), and spend some time learning to love the instrument.  A little bit of off-task time on the horn can be just as soul filling as perfecting your articulation and counting skills, and may help them develop a genuine affection for the art form.  If you are having trouble getting them to practice, try once in a while saying, "Why don't you just take 10 minutes and play something you are good at.  We'll worry about the assignment tomorrow", or "Let's see if we can find "The Harry Potter Theme" on line, and see how many notes you'd have to learn to play it."  If there is something specific you can't find, let me help. :)

Thanks again for all your support.  I am seeing lots of confidence and growth coming from all of them.  Let's continue on a path to not only make them competent musicians, but to help them fall in love with music. :)

West Update, 1/29/14

Another wonderfully gratifying morning!  Good to see everyone!

I spoke to the kids about always making sure they know exactly what they are expected to prepare for each class.  I told them that they have two important resources:

1. They need to make a note in their books in pencil as to what the is assignment for next week.
2. I told them that I have been pretty good about sending that out in an e-mail to their parents.

I never send them off without specific instructions for next week.  It might be prudent to make sure they are aware of it when they practice.  The might make it from Monday to Monday appearing to practice, and quite likely making genuine progress, but not quite being aware of what was assigned.  I know I pulled that trick a few times at their age.

I would never do this without parent consent, but if there are additional e-mail addresses that your kids read that you would like me to include in my updates and communications, I would be happy to do so.  Just let me know.   Nothing will be sent to them without also being sent to you.  As you also probably know, all of my updates get posted to http://whatsnewinband.blogspot.com

FOR NEXT WEEK: We are moving on to page 23, adding a new scale, a new note, and in some cases, new symbols! (Sharp/Natural)  In addition, I want them to keep working on page 21 for the March 11 concert repertoire. ("Montego Bay" and "Regal March")

Having said all this, I do think that it is absolutely appropriate and desirable for them to just play the thing once in a while.  For them to figure out easy pop or folk tunes (or read them from some book or internet resources), and spend some time learning to love the instrument.  A little bit of off-task time on the horn can be just as soul filling as perfecting your articulation and counting skills, and may help them develop a genuine affection for the art form.  If you are having trouble getting them to practice, try once in a while saying, "Why don't you just take 10 minutes and play something you are good at.  We'll worry about the assignment tomorrow", or "Let's see if we can find "The Harry Potter Theme" on line, and see how many notes you'd have to learn to play it."  If there is something specific you can't find, let me help. :)

Thanks again for all your support.  I am seeing lots of confidence and growth coming from all of them.  Let's continue on a path to not only make them competent musicians, but to help them fall in love with music. :)

West Special Update, 1/27/13

Hey there,

Just a quick reminder that the band will have been working on Page 22.  Since the not-so-fierce snow storm kept us apart last week, I thought it might be prudent to touch base with you today.

Also, Wednesday morning we will be in the Teachers Room (across from the stage doors) and will be meeting there for the next month or so, due to preparations for WERAWC.  See you there!

Sanborn Update, 1/27/14

Two straight classes with 100% attendance.  Very cool.

I spoke to the kids about always making sure they know exactly what they are expected to prepare for each class.  I told them that they have two important resources:

1. They need to make a note in their books in pencil as to what the is assignment for next week.
2. I told them that I have been pretty good about sending that out in an e-mail to their parents.

I never send them off without specific instructions for next week.  It might be prudent to make sure they are aware of it when they practice.  The might make it from Monday to Monday appearing to practice, and quite likely making genuine progress, but not quite being aware of what was assigned.  I know I pulled that trick a few times at their age.

I would never do this without parent consent, but if there are additional e-mail addresses that your kids read that you would like me to include in my updates and communications, I would be happy to do so.  Just let me know.   Nothing will be sent to them without also being sent to you.  As you also probably know, all of my updates get posted to http://whatsnewinband.blogspot.com

FOR NEXT WEEK: We went into some detail on how to approach page 17, and we will listen to them playing this next week.  In addition, I want them to keep working on page 21 for the March 11 concert repertoire. ("Montego Bay" and "Regal March")

Having said all this, I do think that it is absolutely appropriate and desirable for them to just play the thing once in a while.  For them to figure out easy pop or folk tunes (or read them from some book or internet resources), and spend some time learning to love the instrument.  A little bit of off-task time on the horn can be just as soul filling as perfecting your articulation and counting skills, and may help them develop a genuine affection for the art form.  If you are having trouble getting them to practice, try once in a while saying, "Why don't you just take 10 minutes and play something you are good at.  We'll worry about the assignment tomorrow", or "Let's see if we can find "The Harry Potter Theme" on line, and see how many notes you'd have to learn to play it."  If there is something specific you can't find, let me help. :)

Thanks again for all your support.  I am seeing lots of confidence and growth coming from all of them.  Let's continue on a path to not only make them competent musicians, but to help them fall in love with music. :)

South Update, 1/24/14

Good morning,

Nice work this morning from everyone, as always.

I have asked the band to be sure they are on top of their assignments for the week, and aside from their making sure to mark it down, I reminded them that these e-mails (so, in essence, you) are always a resource for them.

We move on this week to page 23.  For many of them, it introduces concept of either the sharp or the natural, and it also adds some familiar folk tunes to their growing repertoire.

I also want to make sure that they are continuing to grow more comfortable with the concert repertoire on page 21.

Hope Eliza is feeling better soon!  Stay warm, everyone!

Bancroft Update, 1/23/14

Hey folks,

Good work this morning, and thanks for getting everyone out on such a cold morning.

I have told the students that they can always refresh their memories on the weekly assignment by asking you, and if you happened to check with them on that, I'd be grateful.  The updates and assignments are also always available right here at http://whatsnewinband.blogspot.com.

This week, only a handful of kids completed the little written portion on page 22 (exercise #90).  I asked all of them to be sure they gave it a shot, and that they each ought to have something down for next week.

Despite this, I think we are ready to move on to page 23.  They will be adding a new note and some familiar folk tunes to their repertoire, and a new major scale.

Stay warm, and only 3 weeks until pitchers and catchers report!

SPECIAL West Update 1/22/13

While it looks like we might end up having some sort of weather related decision about school tomorrow, we have decided that at the very least, with digging out, etc., that there will be no band tomorrow morning, even if there is no delay.

Keep on practicing!

Joe Wright

Jazz Band Update, 1/21/14

This week:

Please note (as I told them today) that due to a conflict with the Wood Hill Middle School musical, we need to cancel next week's rehearsal.  I will see them next on Tuesday, February 4.  

The YouTube artist is Miles Davis, and I encouraged them also to look at Clark Terry, whom we watched at the end of today's rehearsal.  If you have a spare moment, you might get a kick out of doing this with them!

They started work on Watermelon Man by Herbie Hancock, and we are off to a great start. We managed to push through a decent reading of it, and then a nice little confidence building run of "C Jam Blues".   They are to keep working on these, and those scales!

South Update, 1/17/14

Sometimes the challenge of teaching an elementary school band is finding ways to bring out and encourage the timid kids who are thus falling behind.  This band doesn't have anyone even close to that.  Each individual in this band is forging forth with confidence, and every one of them is pulling his or her weight.  Friday mornings are a joy.  Thank you for you continued support!

Page 21 needs to remain a regular part of their practice regimen as we prepare for our March 11 concert at AHS.  "Montego Bay" and "Regal March" will be their program.  I have asked them also to move forward with page 22, where they get a few new notes, learn their first major scale as a band, and I want to make sure they all take a shot at #80, where they write in notes in an incomplete piece.  I am looking forward to their creativity!

I have arranged for all of them to skip school on Monday and devote themselves to a full day of practice on their instruments.  You're welcome.

Bancroft Update, 1/16/14

Everybody was there today, and lots of encouraging signs.

Grace came itching to play.  She was confident, and is really staring to trust herself.  Brandon did a good job helping commit to the pulse and providing some tempo leadership.  Katherine's range gets ever higher and better sounding!  The group is getting more and more solid every week!

Page 21 needs stay regularly on their radar in daily practice, but we are moving on to Page 22, moving ahead a little bit.  Please help them remember to do exercise #90, where they finish composing an incomplete 8 measure piece.  Looking forward to their creativity!

It is my understanding that today's lunch at Bancroft School comes from Katherine's recipe.  I can't imaging not loving something called a "Fiesta Cup", so if the recipe were to end up in my e-mail inbox, I wouldn't complain a bit!

West El.Update, 1/15/14

I was in my black suit this morning for the Wood Hill concerts today, and the whole rest of the band was in their pajamas.  It was an interesting contrast!

"Montego Bay" and "Regal March" are both off to very strong starts, and the concert on March 11 will be a lot of fun!  I was pleased with all the hard work.  I was able to notice some very positive growth from our trumpets, and some very strong and confident playing from Sofia on percussion.  Good things keep happening with the band at West!

We move on to page 22 as a band, which introduces some new notes, and gives us our first full octave major scale!  Exercise #90 requires a pencil and creativity.  Please make sure they all give it a shot.  They get to choose the notes to finish the otherwise incomplete piece of music!

Thank you again for the extra effort to which you all go to get them to a weekly before-school band rehearsal.  I certainly try not to take that for granted!

Jazz Band Update, 1/14/14

This week:

The YouTube artist is Herbie Hancock, and they need to find a couple of tunes that aren't "Watermelon Man", which I will be giving to them next week, and to which they have already listened twice.  We talked about funk, and will start playing it next week.

We worked on cleaning up the jazz articulations and language of "C Jam Blues", and everyone volunteered for and very successfully executed at least one twelve bar solo.  I was really thrilled with courage and their talent!  There is a wonderful energy in the group and a vast potential!

I have asked them to get comfortable with the Eb and F (concert pitch) mixolydian scales (the two remaining on their C Jam lead sheet), and to build up some speed on the blues scale, using a rhythm I taught them by rote, but have included here in an image file.

West Middle Concert Correction

Due to a couple of circumstances, there have been a couple of changes to the upcoming concert schedule.

1. The evening concert date remains the same, but the time is 7:00pm, not 7:30, moving the call time to 6:30.  I am sorry for any inconvenience this creates, and if you made plans based on this information and will have trouble getting there for the 6:30 call, please let me know and we can work something out.
2. The in-school concert has been moved to 9:00am on Tuesday, January 21, to avoid a conflict with Academic Bowl events.  Please be aware that this is the first day back after the long weekend.  Students will need their instruments and concert dress, and the holiday will already have us out of our routine.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Joe Wright 

************************************

See below for updated information:

WHEN and WHERE

Thursday, January 16, 7:00pm

West Middle School Auditorium

Call for band: 6:30pm

Tuesday, January 21, 9:00am

Assembly for the Student Body

Students will be called to the auditorium during 1st period.

WHAT TO WEAR

The band dresses in all black (shoes, socks, slacks, skirts, dresses, shirts, ties, etc).  They are asked to dress respectfully, reverently, and is clothes that allow them to play with proper positions and posture with dignity.

PROGRAM

The sixth grade band will be performing "Montego Bay" and "Regal March", and in the evening will be doing short sectional demonstrations.

The seventh and eighth grade band will be performing "Highlights from Star Wars", Overture from "The Barber of Seville", and "Portrait of a Clown".

ANY "RINGERS" FOR THE WOOD HILL CONCERT?

I have asked seventh and eighth grade band members if they would be willing to sit in with the Wood Hill Band for their concert on Wednesday evening, January 15.  They would need to report to the Wood Hill band room at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm concert, in their concert dress.  They are performing the same program.

OUR NEXT CONCERT…

…will be the annual All-Bands Night, which is Tuesday, March 11, at Andover High School.  There will be a brief rehearsal of the combined bands at 5:00pm, and the concert will be at 7:00pm.  This concert will include elementary, middle, and high school bands.

Please e-mail me if you have any questions! (j2wright@aps1.net)

Sanborn Update, 1/13/14

Everybody made it this morning!  I love that!  Thanks everyone.

I told the kids this morning that particularly in the last six weeks or so, their growth as a band has been remarkable.  I earnestly feel like when I walk into Sanborn every Monday, a sincere effort is being awaiting me from these kids, and the makings of some great music is in the near future.  Congratulations to them, and thank you for your continued support.

Be sure to keep Tuesday, March 11 in mind: their first concert.  There will be a brief run-through on the Collins Center (AHS) at 6:00pm before the concert, and the performances start at 7:00.  More details to come!  The concert will last until about 8:30, and albeit late, I am asking you to plan to stay for the entire show, so they are able to see the progression of bands that lie before them in the Andover Schools.

This week I have asked them to focus on Page 21, "Montego Bay" and "Regal March", which will be their program for the concert.

I also have asked them all to make sure they have completed Star Search!

Attention Saxophones (with at least 1 year of experience)...

Dear Andover Saxophones!

I hope you will consider SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY'S SAXOPHONE DAY.  This is

the fifth year this event is being held, and has been a great success,

Andover's own Amy McGlothlin (AASMP, and AHS Marching Band staff) is the

saxophone professor at SSU, and hosts this great event.  You will be hard

pressed to find such a fun and inspiriting day at such a great bargain!

It's only $25 and includes a t-shirt and lunch!

Saturday, March 1, 8:30am-5:30pm.  Please check out  http://w3.salemstate.edu/~amcglothlin/ for more information and a registration form, and feel free to e-mail me if you have any

questions.  (j2wright@aps1.net)

South Update, 1/10/14

Seemed like forever since the last time we got together!

Good work this morning from everyone.

We are going ahead with page 19, but we are also going to step up the preparation of page 21, containing our two pieces for the March concert.  With a little bit of work at home, and a good jump on it starting next week, we should not only be capable of playing them, but comfortable to the point that we get to enjoy the process!  Please encourage the kids to come next week with any questions they may have about those pieces, and we should be up and running on them quickly!

All the best, and Happy New Year!

Bancroft Update, 1/9/14

Good to get back to work, and good work from everyone!

We are going ahead a little bit this week to step up the preparation of page 21, containing our two pieces for the March concert.  With a little bit of work at home, and a good jump on it starting next week, we should not only be capable of playing them, but comfortable to the point that we get to enjoy the process!  Please encourage the kids to come next week with any questions they may have about those pieces, and we should be up and running on them quickly!

All the best, and Happy New Year!

Jazz Band Update 1/8/14

Great work from the kids yesterday afternoon!

They are talented, ambitious, and creative.  I am really looking forward to their energy and growth as we go on!

They all have a lead sheet to "C Jam Blues", which includes (except for drums) some scales that will serve as a color palate for them as they begin to grow more comfortable with improvisation.  I asked them to have a look at the top scale (Bb/C/G mixolydian) and the bottom one (Bb/C/G Blues).  Next week we will ad a 'funk' style tune to build into their repertoire as well.

This week's "You Tube Artist" is Count Basie.  They are encouraged to search and surf a little bit on a different artist each week, and be prepared to chat a little about what they found.

Thank you for all your encouragement, and for your punctual attention to the logistics (re: registration, etc.).  It is much appreciated!

Wood Hill (Grade 6) Update, 1/8/14

Hi folks,

The 6th Grade Band will be preforming together, as a band, the two pieces on Page 21, and a short piece with their individual sections.  I wanted to let you know in case you have a chance to encourage maybe just a little bit of extra individual preparation over the next several days.

Thanks!  See you next Wednesday!

West El. Update, 1/8/14

So great to be back at it this morning.

The group had a good rehearsal this morning.  It took a couple of them a few minutes to shake off some mental cobwebs, but they were the West El. Band we all know and love in almost no time.

I asked them to concentrate on Page 21 ("Montego Bay" and "Regal March").  As I have mentioned, this is the program for their performance on All-Bands Night (March 11).  I want them to be comfortable with the music enough to really enjoy the experience.  Many of them had done some work on these already, and we got off to a great start.

Looking forward to next Wednesday, hopefully not in the midst of another 'polar vortex'.

Wood Hill Middle Update, 1/7/14

Hello Wood Hill Middle School Band!  Here are the details for our upcoming concert!

WHEN and WHERE

Wednesday, January 15

Wood Hill Middle School Auditorium

9:00am – Assembly for the Student Body

7:00pm – Evening Concert for Families, etc.

Students will be called down to the auditorium after homeroom for warm-up and preparation for the morning performance.

Student should arrive at 6:30pm for the evening concert, and meet in the band room.

WHAT TO WEAR

The band dresses in all black (shoes, socks, slacks, skirts, dresses, shirts, ties, etc).  They are asked to dress respectfully, reverently, and is clothes that allow them to play with proper positions and posture with dignity.

PROGRAM

The sixth grade band will be performing "Montego Bay" and "Regal March", and in the evening will be doing short sectional demonstrations.

The seventh and eighth grade band will be performing "Highlights from Star Wars", Overture from "The Barber of Seville", and "Portrait of a Clown".

ANY "RINGERS" FOR THE WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCERT?

I have asked seventh and eighth grade band members if they would be willing to sit in with the West Middle Schooll Band for their concert on Thursday evening, January 16.  They would need to report to the Wood Hill band room at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm concert, in their concert dress.  They are performing the same program.

OUR NEXT CONCERT…

…will be the annual All-Bands Night, which is Tuesday, March 11, at Andover High School.  There will be a brief rehearsal of the combined bands at 5:00pm, and the concert will be at 7:00pm.  This concert will include elementary, middle, and high school bands.

Please e-mail me if you have any questions!

Joe Wright

West Middle Update, 1/7/14

Hello West Middle School Band!  Here are the details for our upcoming concert!

WHEN and WHERE

Thursday, January 16

West Middle School Auditorium

1:00pm – Assembly for the Student Body

7:30pm – Evening Concert for Families, etc.

Students will be called down to the auditorium at 12:30pm for warm-up and preparation for the afternoon performance.

Student should arrive at 7:00pm for the evening concert

WHAT TO WEAR

The band dresses in all black (shoes, socks, slacks, skirts, dresses, shirts, ties, etc).  They are asked to dress respectfully, reverently, and is clothes that allow them to play with proper positions and posture with dignity.

PROGRAM

The sixth grade band will be performing "Montego Bay" and "Regal March", and in the evening will be doing short sectional demonstrations.

The seventh and eighth grade band will be performing "Highlights from Star Wars", Overture from "The Barber of Seville", and "Portrait of a Clown".

ANY "RINGERS" FOR THE WOOD HILL CONCERT?

I have asked seventh and eighth grade band members if they would be willing to sit in with the Wood Hill Band for their concert on Wednesday evening, January 15.  They would need to report to the Wood Hill band room at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm concert, in their concert dress.  They are performing the same program.

OUR NEXT CONCERT…

…will be the annual All-Bands Night, which is Tuesday, March 11, at Andover High School.  There will be a brief rehearsal of the combined bands at 5:00pm, and the concert will be at 7:00pm.  This concert will include elementary, middle, and high school bands.

Please e-mail me if you have any questions!

Joe Wright

Sanborn Update, 1/6/14

Happy New Year!

Thanks so much to Amy McGlothlin for ably stepping in and working with the kids this morning.  I got good reports!

Next week, I will listen to the rest of page 15, and I would like them to have a look ahead at page 21, which has "Montego Bay" and "Regal March", the two pieces will be performing in the big massed elementary school band in the concert on March 11.  We will continue to make progress in the book as we go, but we will also be spending time on those pieces starting next week.  Please let them know about page 21, as I was not there to tell them.  Thanks!

All the best!