There was a great article in the Des Moines Register on Tuesday about the "First Family of Jazz" in Iowa--the Oatts'. Definatly worth reading.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200881029012
Notice that in the picture, all the students are sitting up straight and have great posture!
A reminder that if students are selling butter braids, the order forms and money are due on Monday, Nov. 3rd!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Fundraiser
Every year, the middle school band students have the opportunity to participate in one of the high school music department's fundraisers. Participation is totally optional. Students will receive approximately 50% of their total sales in an individual account that can be used to purchase items such as reeds, valve oil, lesson books, metronomes, etc. These accounts will follow students through high school.
The high school started selling frozen butter braids on Friday and we will begin tomorrow, Oct. 28th. The turn in date for order forms in Monday, November 3rd. This gives the high school students an opportunity to sell first, as the middle school students use the funds for smaller items and not trips. We expect delivery shortly before Thanksgiving, so please plan on taking home what is sold and deliver it--otherwise I will have a lot of butter braids to haul home to my freezer!
As I said, this is a completely optional fundraiser--it is not required. Proceeds go to individual accounts for use for individual purchases for supplies.
Here is a link to their website: http://www.butterbraid.com/
The high school started selling frozen butter braids on Friday and we will begin tomorrow, Oct. 28th. The turn in date for order forms in Monday, November 3rd. This gives the high school students an opportunity to sell first, as the middle school students use the funds for smaller items and not trips. We expect delivery shortly before Thanksgiving, so please plan on taking home what is sold and deliver it--otherwise I will have a lot of butter braids to haul home to my freezer!
As I said, this is a completely optional fundraiser--it is not required. Proceeds go to individual accounts for use for individual purchases for supplies.
Here is a link to their website: http://www.butterbraid.com/
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Links and other things
I found a couple of links that are really interesting. The first is an article for this past Sunday Register about Des Moines Symphony Conductor Joseph Giunta. A nice look at some of the world of conducting.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008810190304
The second is a story, also from the Des Moines Register about the Adair-Casey band program. Kind of an interesting look on the small school perspective about marching contest.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008810190338
It is nice to see music featured so nicely in the paper!
In addition, the word of the week is ADAGIO.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008810190304
The second is a story, also from the Des Moines Register about the Adair-Casey band program. Kind of an interesting look on the small school perspective about marching contest.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008810190338
It is nice to see music featured so nicely in the paper!
In addition, the word of the week is ADAGIO.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
End of the Quarter
The end of the quarter is fast approaching. I thought I would take this opportunity to remind students and parents about the "extra items" that are due at the end of the semester. In the band handbook, which can be found at the CM Middle School website, there is a page explaining the quarter project policy. My intent is to get students involved in some other aspect of music that may interest them that we would not otherwise have time to discuss. With lessons/practice calendars/concerts/etc., the point total each quarter is about 120/150. In order to achieve the full 150, students need to choose up to 2 projects to be completed each quarter.
There is a list of suggested items in the handbook on the middle school website, but this list is by no means a be-all-end-all. If students have other suggestions, they should run them by me--more than likely, I will say that it is ok. Again, my goal is to encourage students to get involved or interested in some other aspect of music that we would not have time to delve into during class time.
There is a list of suggested items in the handbook on the middle school website, but this list is by no means a be-all-end-all. If students have other suggestions, they should run them by me--more than likely, I will say that it is ok. Again, my goal is to encourage students to get involved or interested in some other aspect of music that we would not have time to delve into during class time.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Wassail
The 7-8 choir is working on the song "Here We Come A Wassailing." Last week we discussed the origin of the word wassail and on Monday I brought wassail for the students. The wassail is an apple based beverage, heated to keep carolers warm during their trek outside. Several students really enjoyed it, so I am posting the recipe below. Incorporating other experiences is a great way for students to make connections to the history and other aspects of the song.
2 quarts of apple cider
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup orange juice
1 cup pineapple juice
2 tsp whole cloves
2/3 cup of sugar
3 cinnamon sticks
Heat for an hour, stirring occasionally! Enjoy!
2 quarts of apple cider
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup orange juice
1 cup pineapple juice
2 tsp whole cloves
2/3 cup of sugar
3 cinnamon sticks
Heat for an hour, stirring occasionally! Enjoy!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
More Jazz Info
Sorry it took me so long to get the rest of the info up!
Students should enter the elementary through the doors between the gym and the lunch room. Most of the time, I'll be there about 10 minutes before 7, so the doors will be unlocked in plenty of time. I am more than willing to take big instruments in my car (bass, bari sax, etc.) so they don't have to be transported on the bus. Students should be responsible for their own smaller instruments (trumpets, saxes, trombones). Rehearsals will last about half an hour, so it is important to arrive and be ready to play at 7:15. I understand how early in the morning this is, but there really is no other good time for rehearsals.
As far as adverse weather, on days when school is delayed or cancelled, there will NOT be jazz band. Setting this policy makes life easier for everyone involved--including me. Should there be some other need to cancel, I will try to announce it the day before in school and put something on the website and this blog. If I don't have a chance to announce it in school, I have a list of phone numbers so I can call students and let them know!
I am really excited about the number of students signed up this year!!! I think we are in for a good time with some good music!
Students should enter the elementary through the doors between the gym and the lunch room. Most of the time, I'll be there about 10 minutes before 7, so the doors will be unlocked in plenty of time. I am more than willing to take big instruments in my car (bass, bari sax, etc.) so they don't have to be transported on the bus. Students should be responsible for their own smaller instruments (trumpets, saxes, trombones). Rehearsals will last about half an hour, so it is important to arrive and be ready to play at 7:15. I understand how early in the morning this is, but there really is no other good time for rehearsals.
As far as adverse weather, on days when school is delayed or cancelled, there will NOT be jazz band. Setting this policy makes life easier for everyone involved--including me. Should there be some other need to cancel, I will try to announce it the day before in school and put something on the website and this blog. If I don't have a chance to announce it in school, I have a list of phone numbers so I can call students and let them know!
I am really excited about the number of students signed up this year!!! I think we are in for a good time with some good music!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Wednesday Early Outs
Wednesday early outs for teacher inservice can really put a wrench in the lesson schedule. Since the periods are only 20 minutes long, it is really difficult to get the usual lesson schedule to roll smoothly. What I end up doing is breaking with our usual schedule to use the following policy.
The first early out of the year (today) people who have lessons the first half of each period come for their lessons. Those with lessons the second half of each period are excused. For the early out in November, we will switch, with those having lessons the second half of each hour having lessons, while those with lessons the first half are excused. Eventually this will work its way out through the year.
While I understand it can be confusing at times, especially since students need to remember what period they usually have band as opposed to what time, it really gives the best possibilities for student learning.
The first early out of the year (today) people who have lessons the first half of each period come for their lessons. Those with lessons the second half of each period are excused. For the early out in November, we will switch, with those having lessons the second half of each hour having lessons, while those with lessons the first half are excused. Eventually this will work its way out through the year.
While I understand it can be confusing at times, especially since students need to remember what period they usually have band as opposed to what time, it really gives the best possibilities for student learning.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Word of the Week
I had a request to put the Word of the Week on the blog, so I will do my best to start doing that!
This week's word is: Largo
The word of the weeks is something that I started this year to help students remember musical terminology. Below are the rules I handed out to students at the beginning of the year.
Word of the Week Rules:
Every Monday, a new word will appear on the board. Follow these steps:
Write the word down
Find the definition on your own time
Write that definition next to the word
Put your name and grade on the paper
Deposit the paper in the word box before Friday of that week
During rehearsals on Friday, Mr. Wipperman will select one correct answer at random per band (one from 6th grade band, one from 7/8 band) from all the correct answers and the winner will receive a prize. If the person can recite the definition from memory on Friday, they can do one of the following things:
Take another prize
Trade their 2 prizes for a bigger prize
Keep their initial prize and receive extra credit toward their lessons
If the student can’t remember the definition, he/she still keeps their prize for having their answer drawn. Must be present to win. All decisions of the director are final.
This week's word is: Largo
The word of the weeks is something that I started this year to help students remember musical terminology. Below are the rules I handed out to students at the beginning of the year.
Word of the Week Rules:
Every Monday, a new word will appear on the board. Follow these steps:
Write the word down
Find the definition on your own time
Write that definition next to the word
Put your name and grade on the paper
Deposit the paper in the word box before Friday of that week
During rehearsals on Friday, Mr. Wipperman will select one correct answer at random per band (one from 6th grade band, one from 7/8 band) from all the correct answers and the winner will receive a prize. If the person can recite the definition from memory on Friday, they can do one of the following things:
Take another prize
Trade their 2 prizes for a bigger prize
Keep their initial prize and receive extra credit toward their lessons
If the student can’t remember the definition, he/she still keeps their prize for having their answer drawn. Must be present to win. All decisions of the director are final.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Jazz Band
It has finally come to that time of year where we start jazz band. I have tried to put off starting rehearsals until the fall athletic seasons are winding down. Especially at the beginning of the year, a lot of things get thrown at students. My hope is that not starting until mid-October will allow students a chance to get settled in and comfortable in the school year.
I put a sign-up sheet on the closet door in the band room today. Jazz band will start next week, Oct. 13th, at 7:15 at the elem. in Colfax. We will rehearse there on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 7:15. We will finish by 7:45 so that students can get on the buses in Colfax for their trip to Mingo. Mingo rehearsals will start at 7:30 since there are no transportation considerations. My hope is that having 3 rehearsals available, students will be able to attend 2 per week--that is, there is no need to get up 3 mornings per week!
We are going to learn about several different styles of music and will perform at concerts in December and May for sure, as well as the possibility of March. Later this week I'll post more information concerning details because this has become longer than I originally intended! On a final note, a special thanks to Mr. Summy and the elementary for letting us use the music room in the mornings!
I put a sign-up sheet on the closet door in the band room today. Jazz band will start next week, Oct. 13th, at 7:15 at the elem. in Colfax. We will rehearse there on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 7:15. We will finish by 7:45 so that students can get on the buses in Colfax for their trip to Mingo. Mingo rehearsals will start at 7:30 since there are no transportation considerations. My hope is that having 3 rehearsals available, students will be able to attend 2 per week--that is, there is no need to get up 3 mornings per week!
We are going to learn about several different styles of music and will perform at concerts in December and May for sure, as well as the possibility of March. Later this week I'll post more information concerning details because this has become longer than I originally intended! On a final note, a special thanks to Mr. Summy and the elementary for letting us use the music room in the mornings!
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