Thursday, April 22, 2010
Simpson Honor Band
On Tuesday, I took 3 CM students to an honor band at Simpson College. It was originally scheduled for January, but due to the crazy weather we had, it was postponed. I was glad they were able to reschedule--it's always nice for students to get the opportunity to learn from another director. This year, the CM students were part of a group under Derek Stratton, middle school band director at Pella. It was a great concert and a great time!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
End of the year?
I can't believe how quickly the end of the year is approaching! It seems like just yesterday we were outside for marching band!
The end of the year always brings a flurry of activities, so I thought I would update a little about our schedule.
6th grade band students (as well as 7-8 students who didn't participate in Feb.) are receiving solos this week to work on for a solo festival at the elementary on May 18th. These need to be practiced at home!
Our Fine Arts Night concert is on Monday, May 10th. Earlier in the day, the 7-8 band will perform for the 5th graders, who are coming up to tour the building in preparation for the next school year.
On Thursday, May 27th at 7PM, we will be having 8th grade promotion. Both the 6th and 7th grade bands perform, as well as the 7-8 choir.
Keep these dates in mind! We are busy up through the end of the school year!
The end of the year always brings a flurry of activities, so I thought I would update a little about our schedule.
6th grade band students (as well as 7-8 students who didn't participate in Feb.) are receiving solos this week to work on for a solo festival at the elementary on May 18th. These need to be practiced at home!
Our Fine Arts Night concert is on Monday, May 10th. Earlier in the day, the 7-8 band will perform for the 5th graders, who are coming up to tour the building in preparation for the next school year.
On Thursday, May 27th at 7PM, we will be having 8th grade promotion. Both the 6th and 7th grade bands perform, as well as the 7-8 choir.
Keep these dates in mind! We are busy up through the end of the school year!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Budget cuts not just a school music issue
I did my student teaching at Hampton-Dumont. They have an absolutely phenomenal music program in that district and a strong tradition of a summer community band. There is a great article by Kyle Munson in the Des Moines Register this morning about the band shell at Band Shell Park in Hampton and the disrepair it is in.
I was lucky enough to work a little with Brian Stevens when I was student teaching--an incredible teacher and individual! Check it out here.
I was lucky enough to work a little with Brian Stevens when I was student teaching--an incredible teacher and individual! Check it out here.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Break!
I hope everyone had a great holiday break! I spent way too much of mine in a car, but got to see a lot of family!
The end of break signals to me that we are in the home stretch of the school year. Fine Arts Night (May 10th) and solos (May 18th) in May and 8th grade promotion at the end of the month (May 27th). Everything we do will push to those events. As you can see, we work right up to the end of the school year! Hopefully everyone is rested and ready to go for this last month and a half!
The end of break signals to me that we are in the home stretch of the school year. Fine Arts Night (May 10th) and solos (May 18th) in May and 8th grade promotion at the end of the month (May 27th). Everything we do will push to those events. As you can see, we work right up to the end of the school year! Hopefully everyone is rested and ready to go for this last month and a half!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Assembly and Break
Trooper Doug Cutts was here today for an assembly on cell phones, texting and sexting. He did a great job at explaining to the students about the dangers and problems that exist with technology today. Students did a great job of paying attention and hopefully got the message.
The weather has been great the last couple of days--almost made me forget about winter! Break is coming at a good time--everyone needs a chance to get out of the routine and to enjoy the weather, family and friends. Because there is no school until Wednesday, April 7th, I am telling all my band students today that instruments need to go home and get practiced at some point over break. So many kids could progress so much faster with just a little bit of practice--and that makes the whole group better.
The weather has been great the last couple of days--almost made me forget about winter! Break is coming at a good time--everyone needs a chance to get out of the routine and to enjoy the weather, family and friends. Because there is no school until Wednesday, April 7th, I am telling all my band students today that instruments need to go home and get practiced at some point over break. So many kids could progress so much faster with just a little bit of practice--and that makes the whole group better.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Jasper County Honor Band
Tomorrow I'll be taking 15 students to the Jasper Co. Honor Band in Newton. It is a great event--a chance for students in Jasper Co. to be recognized for their outstanding work. The 7 middle schools in Jasper Co. each bring students to the event and they get to work with a guest conductor to prepare the music for an evening concert.
This year's conductor is Dr. Craig Hancock of Wartburg College. It is a special treat for me because Dr. Hancock was my director at Wartburg. Not only that, he also was my tuba lesson instructor! I am thrilled to have him coming to this part of the state to work with some awesome middle school students! 15 is more than I have taken to this honor band in the past, but we have a great group of students this year and they deserve a chance to have this opportunity!
The concert is a 7pm at the Newton High School auditorium. There is a nominal entrance fee and it should be a great event. Feel free to come enjoy the music!
This year's conductor is Dr. Craig Hancock of Wartburg College. It is a special treat for me because Dr. Hancock was my director at Wartburg. Not only that, he also was my tuba lesson instructor! I am thrilled to have him coming to this part of the state to work with some awesome middle school students! 15 is more than I have taken to this honor band in the past, but we have a great group of students this year and they deserve a chance to have this opportunity!
The concert is a 7pm at the Newton High School auditorium. There is a nominal entrance fee and it should be a great event. Feel free to come enjoy the music!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Annie
I had the opportunity to see a great show last weekend at the Newton Community Theater. Annie was great--even better was that a CM student was playing the lead and did a phenomenal job! If you get a chance, go this weekend and check it out. Danielle is playing the part of Annie on Friday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:30--at least I think that is the matinee time. Tickets are $15 are are very well worth it!
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