I can't believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It seems like I say it every year, but it seems to come quicker every year! That means concerts are just around the corner. Our middle school concert is Tuesday, December 20th. Hopefully we can avoid any snow and have no scheduling difficulties!
It is fun to come to school every day and work with the groups I get to work with. I was just telling my 7-8 band today that I really do enjoy coming to school and working with them Monday, Wednesday and every other Friday. There is no substitute for doing something you love to do!
On another positive note, check out the great news about the middle school on the website. The building was one of 10 in the state to be recognized for improvement in test scores! That's some awesome news!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Keeping up with the Posts
It inevitably happens--I begin the year with the best intentions on keeping up with everything I want to do, but about this time of year, I start to fall behind on things. This blog is one of them! I'm going to make a renewed effort to keep putting information out there!
It was great to see so many of you at conferences on Thursday! I wish I could have been there both nights, but I took 2 students to SCIBA Honor Band on Tuesday and had the opportunity to listen to 3 wonderful bands perform at a concert. It is amazing what committed students can do!
On that note, I would like to redouble my reminder to encourage your student to practice. It doesn't need to be an everyday thing (although that wouldn't be bad) but it needs to be some kind of routine. 15-20 minutes can do wonderful things--even if it means setting a kitchen timer! A lot of times, a student just needs to get over that hurdle of starting to practice--once they get going, they'll often play for much longer.
We have a lot of students here who have great potential--I am looking to help them move past potential to make it a reality! That is one of the things that excites me so much about teaching.
KEEP ENCOURAGING THE PRACTICE AT HOME!
It was great to see so many of you at conferences on Thursday! I wish I could have been there both nights, but I took 2 students to SCIBA Honor Band on Tuesday and had the opportunity to listen to 3 wonderful bands perform at a concert. It is amazing what committed students can do!
On that note, I would like to redouble my reminder to encourage your student to practice. It doesn't need to be an everyday thing (although that wouldn't be bad) but it needs to be some kind of routine. 15-20 minutes can do wonderful things--even if it means setting a kitchen timer! A lot of times, a student just needs to get over that hurdle of starting to practice--once they get going, they'll often play for much longer.
We have a lot of students here who have great potential--I am looking to help them move past potential to make it a reality! That is one of the things that excites me so much about teaching.
KEEP ENCOURAGING THE PRACTICE AT HOME!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
History of Rock Music
This year, I am teaching a history of rock music exploratory class. We begin with Bill Haley and the Comets in the 50's and go all the way through the 90's. I have had an absolute blast so far listening to and talking about some FUN music! It's also great to see the students make some connections about family members and music, as well as cultural connections concerning music's role in society.
Today we had Megan Wood's grandfather come and talk a little about Buddy Holly. What a great time! He had quite a collection of memorabilia and information to share with the class. I learned several things today! It was a great opportunity to have him come and share his knowledge and enthusiasm with the class! What a resource for us to have!
Today we had Megan Wood's grandfather come and talk a little about Buddy Holly. What a great time! He had quite a collection of memorabilia and information to share with the class. I learned several things today! It was a great opportunity to have him come and share his knowledge and enthusiasm with the class! What a resource for us to have!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Conferences
I hope that you are all able to make it to conferences this week! The last couple of weeks, I have been telling my classes to let you know that I will not be at conferences on Tuesday evening. I will be with a couple of students at an honor band in Johnston all afternoon and evening. If you need to talk with me, I'll be there on Thursday. I'm also more than willing to set up another time that is good for you. Just let me know!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Butterbraids and Jazz Band
Every fall, the middle school bands join the high school music department in selling Butterbraids. It's the only fundraiser we take part in. Each Butterbraid is $12--5 of which go to individual student accounts. Students can use this money to buy needed supplies, like reeds, oil, lesson books, metronomes, etc. These accounts stay with students through high school and eventually can be used to help pay for trips. Selling is totally optional. I don't push too hard on this, as the students are the ones who see the benefit from this sale.
Jazz band will begin next week, Oct. 24th. We are going to try something new this year. On Monday, we are going to rehearse during RAPP at the middle school. On Tuesday, we will have a 7:30AM rehearsal in Mingo and on Wednesday we'll have a 7:15AM rehearsal at the elementary. That way, students in both communities will have the opportunity to take part. Plus, we'll have everyone together for one rehearsal each week. It should be a great learning experience and a fun time!
Jazz band will begin next week, Oct. 24th. We are going to try something new this year. On Monday, we are going to rehearse during RAPP at the middle school. On Tuesday, we will have a 7:30AM rehearsal in Mingo and on Wednesday we'll have a 7:15AM rehearsal at the elementary. That way, students in both communities will have the opportunity to take part. Plus, we'll have everyone together for one rehearsal each week. It should be a great learning experience and a fun time!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
It's Coming!!
The end of the quarter is fast approaching! This means that band students have quarter projects that need to be turned in soon! There is a link to the handbook on the middle school website. There are tons of suggestions--but the deadline to have these completed is October 21st.
Monday, September 26, 2011
On to Concert Band!
What a great day for a parade last Friday! I thought the band did a great job. Our music sounded great and our lines were pretty straight! There is always room for improvement--we weren't staying in step very well--but overall I was pleased! The music is always the most important thing.
The switch to concert band can be challenging and exciting at the same time. We go from one tune we have been working on for a month and know pretty well, to 3 new pieces we have never seen before. Percussion completely switches gears as far as instrumentation. Several students migrate back to instruments that don't work as well for marching. There just are a lot of things in flux.
As far as I am concerned, though, new music is always exciting. We work on our sightreading. We spend a lot more time working on tone and sound production. It's just a great time to work and grow as musicians!
The switch to concert band can be challenging and exciting at the same time. We go from one tune we have been working on for a month and know pretty well, to 3 new pieces we have never seen before. Percussion completely switches gears as far as instrumentation. Several students migrate back to instruments that don't work as well for marching. There just are a lot of things in flux.
As far as I am concerned, though, new music is always exciting. We work on our sightreading. We spend a lot more time working on tone and sound production. It's just a great time to work and grow as musicians!
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