Giving "thanks to our space"

(above: students giving "thanks to our space."
On the last day of school before Thanksgiving vacation, the 7th grade band instruction classes gave "thanks to our space." In an effort to learn to appreciate and take care of the facility that we have to learn and rehearse in, the students gave the practice rooms a good going over, including moving the pianos and checking for items that might have slipped behind them, picking up any trash, cleaning the walls, pianos, and windows, and even tightening the stands! In the junior high instrument storage area the cubbies were straightened, uniforms were rehung, large case storage was organized, and the carpet was even vacuumed under those large cases! The students left signs in each practice room reminding everyone to turn off the lights and ventilation and pick up the trash each time they used the room. This will hopefully not only keep the rooms in tip-top shape for all to use, but will save energy at the same time! GREAT JOB EVERYONE!

Time to "step up?"

On Friday, November 21 representatives from The Music Mart in Mankato gave "step up" presentations to all four bands. Students were given a brief introduction to what step-up horns were and then were sent to the music commons in sections to look at the instruments. Students were able to play the instruments and compare them to their own instruments. It was amazing to watch the faces as they played these instruments that allowed them show their talents so easily!

So what is a step-up? Most students in the junior high are currently playing on "student line" horns. These horns are an inexpensive way for beginners to obtain an instrument and start learning how to play. As students mature in both intellect and talent it is a great time to consider an "intermediate" or "pro-line" horn. These are often made of higher quality materials, have additional keys or features and usually blow easier and more in tune than student models. An intermediate or pro-line horn also improves the tone quality of the student as well.

Thanks to the Music Mart for taking the time to share their instruments with us! Parents and students, please contact me if you have additonal questions regarding the purchase of a step-up horn.

Fall Festival of Bands

The Music Department at Mankato East will present the annual Fall Festival of Bands Concert on Thursday, November 20th, beginning at 7:30 P.M. in the East auditorium. The concert will feature all four concert bands at the school; the Seventh Grade Concert Band, Eighth Grade Concert Band, Cougar Band and Concert Band. A wide range of musical styles and genres will be featured. There is no admission charge for this event.

Paying Tribute

The 8th Grade Concert Band performed today at the annual Veteran's Day Program. Held in the auditorium the band performed This is My Country, The Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, and closed by performing My Country 'Tis of Thee along with the choir and orchestra.

The band did a great job of playing in front of a packed gymnasium and I know the Veteran's appreciated their efforts!

Honoring our veterans

On Tuesday, November 11th we will take time in our busy lives to honor and pay tribute to our Veterans. At Mankato East Junior High that means a 2:20 program in the gym where we will have speakers, a moving Powerpoint presentation and music from the 8th Grade Concert Choir, 8th Grade Concert Band, and Junior High Orchestra.

I invite you to attend our program. I also invite you to take a moment on Tuesday and say "thank you" to a USA Veteran either in person or during a quiet personal reflective moment.

I encourage you to create a login and leave comments for this post. Please respond to this prompt: "Why Veteran's Day is important to me."

"A" Work

It seems hard to believe that we are almost at the end of the first quarter! The first quarter is always the most difficult, as teacher and students are getting used to each other and adjusting to new music, new procedures, and new grading expectations. The grade book usually looks pretty awful at this point as well, as I fill in missing work with "zeros" in order to show students what their final grade will be if the missing work is not turned in.

In classes today I went over procedures for make-up practice logs. Please see me if you have questions on how to complete them. The logs are located on the bulletin board and must be completed at school. This is also the perfect time to do make up those missing lessons! Don't procrastinate and wait until the end!

Remember, in ALL of your classes your teachers want to help you SUCCEED. We want to give you the grade that you deserve and earn and I know that everyone in the bands are capable of "A" work! I hope you work up to your potential!

Strolling Along

We stroll through time like fall leaves making their way to the ground courtesy of the wind. It often feels like "time flies." It is hard to believe that mid-quarter was last week. It seems even harder to believe that we have our second late start this week and our first long weekend thanks to MEA. It is important that we keep our focus as our time "continues to fly" as each passing day brings performances closer! Even though we have a short week we will make the most of our rehearsals - please come to rehearsal ready to "stroll" through the music!

All that JAZZ!

Mankato East junior high band students are now in the process of signing up for jazz ensembles. We will have one ensemble for sure, but if interest warrants we will have two! I welcome and encourage all band students to consider trying out for one of our ensembles. Rehearsals will start October 22nd.

Outstanding!

We started a new program this week. Each Friday I will announce the section in the bands that has shown the most excellence during the week. My criteria includes musical performance, focus, and spirit. The sections will receive their picture on the bulletin board by the band room and various other perks throughout the week. While all sections did well overall, this first week the flute sections in each band outdid themselves - congratulations!

With the conclusion of seating auditions I must take the time to say how impressed I was with many of the performances. Perhaps the best part of the process for me was the opportunity to get to know each student as a individual person first, and musician second. Regardless of your placement in the section, please know that every band member plays an important role in ensemble. Without you, our team is diminished! The section principals from both bands met with me during homeroom and we discussed what roles they can assume to help make our bands outstanding!

This was also the week for practice logs. 7th grade had their first log due, and 8th grade received their first log to complete. Practice outside of rehearsal is an extremely important part of the development of young musicians. All musicians young and old need to practice. Some of the best musicians in the world are the ones that practice the most! Remember, I am more concerned with the quality of your practice first - then focus on quantity.

Team Building

Junior high band members took advantage of an empty rehearsal room (due to Homecoming Coronation) to do a little team building. 7th Grade started outside trying to accomplish a "sitting circle" which takes the cooperation of all team members to complete. As you can see, there was some success!

Both 7th and 8th grade bands created a "band spider web" using string. This exercise proved that everyone's participation is necessary for group success. Great job teammates!

Class Instruction Brass and Percussion

Every morning 32 eager young musicians bound into the music suite to develop their instrumental skills. Period one finds the trumpets learning how to do mouthpiece buzzing and lip slurs to strengthen the embouchure. The section has been assigned to six collaborative groups to work on ensembles. In the second picture you see "Group A" performing for the class. During low brass / percussion class time is spent working together as one group and seperately as sections. Students are working on solos and ensembles, as well as mallet and stick technique for the percussionists and embouchure and range building for the brass.

It's a great way to start each day!

Adjustment Period

As I said today in rehearsals, it takes a while for a new director to adjust to new students and also a while for students to get used to a new director. That is true whether you are in junior high or in an adult ensemble.

The best way to get through that adjustment period is to ask questions if you aren't sure, listen carefully to directions, and give 100% effort! I am pleased with the initial sounds both bands have been achieving and I know that once we get used to each other the rehearsals will have a "musical flow" that will make it a great musical environment.

Again, my door is open to you and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Stop by any time!

Welcome!

Welcome all junior high musicians and parents! I am very excited to be at Mankato East Junior High School and I look forward to meeting you soon. I look forward to working together to discover and create great music this school year.

I have high expectations for all musicians and know that with hard work and dedication our bands will sound amazing! Please take the time prior to the first rehearsal to make sure your instrument is in good working condition, that you have new reads and supplies and that you are practicing to get back in shape.

Again, I look forward to meeting you all. Enjoy the last week of summer!

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