Well it has definitely been awhile since I've posted on my blog. Shame on me. I just got back from watch the Cadets of Bergen County in their final rehearsal at Chanhassen High School. And it was inspirational to say the least. Many thoughts swam through me head as I drove back home from this short 15 minute performance/rehearsal. First, I am reminded at the need to be inspired in life. As musicians, we need to see incredible performances like this on a regular basis. It makes me want to practice, write music, study music, teach music, etc. It is so motivational. But it can apply to anything in life. I think of a couple friends of mine who are awesome parents that inspire me to be a better dad. I think of the pastor at my church who inspires me in so many areas in life. I think of reading the Bible, eating food prepared by a great chef, watching professional golfers at the British Open and so on. Inspiration is something we all need.
Another thing that was a bit more specific was how marching band is generally viewed so negatively in our school district by our middle school kids. I saw two sets of parents tonight who were really enjoying the show tonight. In both cases, their kids were not there. Now who knows. They could have had other commitments, but what a great opportunity for our kids to see how incredible the marching experience can be. We must find a way to expose students to the music opportunities that are out there and how incredible they can be. That is something I need to improve upon as a teacher. Music education is not just rehearsing recycled music in a band, choir or orchestra rehearsal and performing a concert. IT IS SO MUCH MORE!
That leads me to a blog entry for another day...one that is hopefully coming sooner than later.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Fall Concerts
Hey students and parents. I really enjoyed the concerts this past month. I was very proud of the kids in their improvement these past couple months. I always say that we should record the first rehearsal of the school year and then listen to it after the concert to see just how much better we have become.
Here are a few comments I have regarding both concerts:
6th grade:
Gallant March and Champions went really well. I was especially happy with the percussion on Champions given how hard that snare drum part is and you never got to practice together as combined bands.
Fury was the highlight of the evening. That was our hardest piece and you pulled it off with flying colors. Way to go!
Mystic Journey had that interesting error by the trumpet section coming in four measures early. That never happened to us in rehearsal. Great contrast of soft and loud sections though. Dillon, great baritone note!
Dynamite was very fun. Great job dancers!
You were well-dressed, well-behaved and acted very professionally. Very nice!
8th grade:
A-Plus was very funny. Great marching percussion/flag entrance. Your mistakes were perfect!
Sing Sing Sing was the best song of the evening. All-around great playing. Good choreography brass. Great dancing Alyssa and Katie.
Monmouth Overture had a wonderful opening passage flutes and Ajay. Very nice playing all around except for the trumpets being a measure ahead for about 16 measures near the beginning.
Wicked was well-played but lacked energy. The lack of dynamics and articulations made it seem like it went on and on and on. We need to work on balance as well. There were times the melody was covered up. More practice at home ladies and gentlemen!
Hits also lacked energy at times. I felt like we started to wear out. Again, more practice at home will lead to greater endurance. There were some very nice moments though.
I loved all the transitional material. Kalley and Alyssa sounded wonderful on that out-of-tune piano. Maddie, you make a good Dorothy. And, Dr. W. "in the house".
Nicely dressed and you acted professionally. Great effort as well. Let's work on practicing more at home!!!!
Would love to hear your comments.
Here are a few comments I have regarding both concerts:
6th grade:
Gallant March and Champions went really well. I was especially happy with the percussion on Champions given how hard that snare drum part is and you never got to practice together as combined bands.
Fury was the highlight of the evening. That was our hardest piece and you pulled it off with flying colors. Way to go!
Mystic Journey had that interesting error by the trumpet section coming in four measures early. That never happened to us in rehearsal. Great contrast of soft and loud sections though. Dillon, great baritone note!
Dynamite was very fun. Great job dancers!
You were well-dressed, well-behaved and acted very professionally. Very nice!
8th grade:
A-Plus was very funny. Great marching percussion/flag entrance. Your mistakes were perfect!
Sing Sing Sing was the best song of the evening. All-around great playing. Good choreography brass. Great dancing Alyssa and Katie.
Monmouth Overture had a wonderful opening passage flutes and Ajay. Very nice playing all around except for the trumpets being a measure ahead for about 16 measures near the beginning.
Wicked was well-played but lacked energy. The lack of dynamics and articulations made it seem like it went on and on and on. We need to work on balance as well. There were times the melody was covered up. More practice at home ladies and gentlemen!
Hits also lacked energy at times. I felt like we started to wear out. Again, more practice at home will lead to greater endurance. There were some very nice moments though.
I loved all the transitional material. Kalley and Alyssa sounded wonderful on that out-of-tune piano. Maddie, you make a good Dorothy. And, Dr. W. "in the house".
Nicely dressed and you acted professionally. Great effort as well. Let's work on practicing more at home!!!!
Would love to hear your comments.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Winter Concert
Really enjoyed the concert this past Tuesday night. Great job by the bands. Musically, very well done. The 8th grade band is playing with feeling and accuracy. The 6th grade band is playing with power and excitement. Sorry about the parking and seating issues. We'll work on that for next time. Good skits. Everyone dressed up nicely.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
MMEA
Just had a blast at MMEA. Here were my ten favorite moments in chronological order:
Kev Mills, Zach Miller and other staff from North Central College presenting on jazz improvisation.
The UW-Eau Claire BASSically BRASS ensemble.
A session on technology in the music classroom.
Dinner with Barry Fox.
The Chaska High School Band performing with the Dallas Brass.
Scott Prescott and Tricia Stolz's session on their Composer of the Month program.
Trevor Fladwood directing the Wayzata Middle School Band.
The Dallas Brass presenting on showmanship.
Dinner at Brit's with many Eau Claire alumni.
Getting to see many friends and colleagues and learning a wealth of ideas from each other.
What a great conference. Too bad it's over. Now it's time to implement all of this stuff though!
Kev Mills, Zach Miller and other staff from North Central College presenting on jazz improvisation.
The UW-Eau Claire BASSically BRASS ensemble.
A session on technology in the music classroom.
Dinner with Barry Fox.
The Chaska High School Band performing with the Dallas Brass.
Scott Prescott and Tricia Stolz's session on their Composer of the Month program.
Trevor Fladwood directing the Wayzata Middle School Band.
The Dallas Brass presenting on showmanship.
Dinner at Brit's with many Eau Claire alumni.
Getting to see many friends and colleagues and learning a wealth of ideas from each other.
What a great conference. Too bad it's over. Now it's time to implement all of this stuff though!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Technology
Hey Blogsters,
I recently presented at the Minnesota Middle School Association convention on technology in education. Any great ideas on things you are doing in your classroom involving technology?
I recently presented at the Minnesota Middle School Association convention on technology in education. Any great ideas on things you are doing in your classroom involving technology?
Friday, November 20, 2009
2nd Floor Party
Thank you 8th graders for a fun time at the Second Floor. I hope it was a great way to start your weekend. Let me know if you have any suggestions for next time.
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