From the Top

2 weeks ago (sorry it's been so long) I posted a link to some audio from a program called "From the Top," a public radio/television program featuring young musicians from around the country. It has been brought to my attention that From the Top will tape a recording in eastern Iowa (Cedar Rapids or Iowa City--I am at home and don't have the info with me and I am too tired to look it up) in May. It would be a great opportunity to hear some incredible students from our state. The school won't be able to officially sponsor the trip, but it might be nice to get a group together to go! I'll post some more details about it later this week, but something to think about. Let me know if you or your middle school student might be interested in going!

From the Top--A Great Listen!

I will be saying a little more about the show "From the Top" next week, but I listened to a clip last night and couldn't help but want to post a link to it. The show taped a performance at Hoyt Sherman in the latter parts of last year. It will air this weekend on NPR. They recorded an interview with one of the performers--a student at Johnston High School. It is about 5 minutes long and a great listen--it really made me feel proud of our state and the individuals who are growing up and representing our state. He is well-spoken and a great advocate for arts education.

www.fromthetop.org/files/111308-3.ram

Conferences and a survey

It was good to see several parents at conferences last evening. I always enjoy talking to parents about their students!

I was also working on handing out some surveys. Around Christmas, an email went out about an online survey concerning parental opinions regarding the school. We are in the early stages of working on a program to increase the school-parent communication and participation. This survey is our first step. If you received the email and participated in the survey, thanks!! If not, we can certainly get you another link. I also have paper forms available for anyone who would prefer those. It is a process that we are really hoping will improve the learning environment for all involved, so if you have time, we would really appreciate it if you could fill one out. THANKS!!!

Performances and Girl's State Basketball

I wanted to take this posting and talk about a couple of things.

First, congrats to all those students who performed band solos this past Thursday. It takes a lot of work to prepare a solo, not to mention getting up in front of a judge and an audience and having them critique you! Putting yourself out there is a great skill to have and these solos/duets provide a great opportunity to develop those skills! Kudos to you, even if the scores don't reflect the work you thought you put in.

Second, I am thrilled to see that the live pep bands are going to be continued at the Girl's State Basketball Tournament. In case you missed it, a couple of weeks ago, the new head of the girl's athletic union decided that live music was going to disappear from the event in favor of recorded music. There was a big uproar from the music education community in the state, as well as some media attention--John Carlson had an article in the Des Moines Register and I know I saw something on it on a WHO sports broadcast. Thankfully, the decision has been revisited and there will be live music at the tournament.

This is the way that music programs around our state will start taking a hit. Something small here and there can develop into something much bigger. With the introduction of the Iowa Core Curriculum coming in the next several years, it is important to remember the roll that arts education plays in the development of well-rounded individuals. This education is a critical component in learning higher order thinking skills, as well as an ability to work with and relate to others.

Keep supporting the arts and all educational opportunities for Iowa students!

Performance Day

It's solo/ensemble day for 7th and 8th grade band students! We are going to have a couple of last minute runs with the piano this afternoon. We are also going to hear some of the duets during band today. I am proud of the students who, even though the solo festival became an optional event this year, decided to participate and go through the process. It will be a good experience. I'll also count this as one of their quarterly items.

Things are a little crazy around here with the science fair going on in the gym, but it is great to see all the students' projects! There are many that are well done!

Solo/Duets!

It is the week of the solo/ensemble festival! I know that there is a lot going on in addition to this festival this week, with Science Fair and the finishing of the sports seasons. During this busy time we have been rehearsing student ensembles and solos with the piano. A big thank you to Mrs. Gonzales for accompanying the students this year. We will have another opportunity to run through things today and the festival is on Thursday. Just a reminder to those who are participating--be sure to dress nicely and be about 10-15 minutes early so you have time to warm up. All the students participating have worked hard and I am eager for them to get the opportunity to participate and get some feedback from the judges!