Well I have officially survived my first full week for the Schuyler-Industry school district. There are good and bad things with every change in life. I am working with a veteran teacher who has lots of experience to share with me, but some differing philosophies. I am no longer killing myself running a 5-12 program by myself and I don't have to teach general music(thank goodness).
I've met all my students, now the task of learning the 200 or so names! I'm getting adjusted to the new school, schedule, other teachers, and all that jazz. I know it will take time, I kind of just feel like I'm doing a clinic right now.
It's just all very different. Somedays I'm so excited for the new opportunities and challenges that I face. I wonder how far can I take these students at my new school. What can offer them and what will they teach me? Other days I just want my EPG kids back, notice I didn't say the tough schedule or the headaches, but the kids.
and that's why we do this...for the kids that we will impact.
Showing posts with label EPG. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EPG. Show all posts
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Composer Heroes
I recently took three JH students to Eastern Illinois University for a truly unique honor band experience. If you want to read/hear about what the students did please visit, Titan Bands Online. This post of more about my experiences during the day.
Honor Band days always begin early, especially when travelling South to EIU. I got up around 4:30 to prepare and then I drove into El Paso to meet my students. We loaded up the van and boy were we a sleepy bunch on the way to Charleston. The students had their IPods going while I just focused on the road and the hum of the old van radio. I really wish the school van had a CD player.
Once we arrived and registered I headed off to Starbucks to play around on my computer. I don't even drink coffee. My addiction really is to technology! I played around on my Blackberry and my laptop for about an hour before heading back to do my favorite honor band activity...listen to the great clinicians teach!
I don't think Dr. Allen could've gotten better clinicians than Pierre LaPlante and Larry Daehn! I have been playing these guys pieces since JH and now I conduct them with my own groups. I know it's dorky, but it was like meeting my favorite movie stars. Well, maybe not quite as exciting as meeting Jenifer Aniston, but that's for a totally different reason! :)
We went to Pizza Hut for lunch then back for more rehearsal. The students even got to hear a chamberworks concert! I especially enjoyed the tuba solo, man that guys fingers were flying! Of course at the end of the afternoon was the concert in the awesome new Doudna Recital Hall. It was really cool to hear my students play in there and judging from conversation on the two hour ride home they thought it was pretty cool too.
Yes, I was the dork asking the composers to take pictures with me. These two men really are composer heroes for the way they craft music for developing bands. Many of their pieces are featured on my favorite CDs, Teaching Music Through Performance. I was honored to get to talk with them and I'm thankful that I have these pictures as memories of a great day.
Friday, September 26, 2008
From Pekin
Well, even though it's early on we had a good showing at Pekin this year. It was a nice little festival. El Paso-Gridley ended up taking the music, visual, and winds captions as well as first place. It's nice to recognized for all the hard work we do. I'm pretty proud of those kids.
Anyway, I promised pictures so here they are.
Anyway, I promised pictures so here they are.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Rain Delay
It seems like hurricane season is causing quite a bit of trouble for the Central IL marching bands. I've been talking to other directors and they're having the same problems we are. It's shocking just how much we can be affected by this weather.
Just about the time we have practice it pours. I think I've spent more time repainting the lines on my practice field than I have teaching sets. It doesn't exactly feel productive. However, I tell my band to be flexible and I guess I need to learn that I can't control the weather.
We had a pretty good music rehearsal this morning. The dynamics need to stick in our playing though. That's my biggest complaint at this time. Now I hope we retained the sets we learned last night. We've only got three to go, but I figure I'll be reteaching some of the stuff were should already know just because we aren't getting enough reps in on the field!
Well I guess I should get ready tonight's game. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the rain to stop long enough to play. Let's be honest that's all any musician wants to do. I'm no different. I really see a lot of myself in my students. I wonder if that's part of the reason I care so much. I hope I never get too old to remember that they aren't having an easy time.
Just about the time we have practice it pours. I think I've spent more time repainting the lines on my practice field than I have teaching sets. It doesn't exactly feel productive. However, I tell my band to be flexible and I guess I need to learn that I can't control the weather.
We had a pretty good music rehearsal this morning. The dynamics need to stick in our playing though. That's my biggest complaint at this time. Now I hope we retained the sets we learned last night. We've only got three to go, but I figure I'll be reteaching some of the stuff were should already know just because we aren't getting enough reps in on the field!
Well I guess I should get ready tonight's game. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the rain to stop long enough to play. Let's be honest that's all any musician wants to do. I'm no different. I really see a lot of myself in my students. I wonder if that's part of the reason I care so much. I hope I never get too old to remember that they aren't having an easy time.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Band Camp is Complete
Yes, it's true band camp is over. It's a weird feeling and I'll always wonder if we got enough done or pushed too hard.
We had some ups and downs. It was nice that the weather held out most of the time. I think we only had one rain scare this year. It came during the morning of our preview performance and camp picnic. I had one parent tell me that it would clear off. I asked how she was so she sure. She simply replied "God loves marching band." I had to smile when was right!
Uniform fitting was exciting because we are in brand new Demoulin uniforms this year. The kids look sharp. I'm almost certain scores will go up because of the new look. However, the most important part is that I think the kids will be more comfortable with how they look. Pride is important to marching band. Wearing the new school colors should make the community proud too.
Marching Band Olympics are a new tradition that we started this year. It was a competition for a year's worth of bragging rights and a name plate on a trophy. The Drumline/Pit won this year, but it took a lot to be out the brass. The Colorguard/DMs weren't quite there and I'm pretty sure the woodwinds would have rather been practicing. However, the team building is very valuable. Not to mention if we don't have fun it's not worth it. Great performances, Left Obliques, and goofy games can all be worth it.
All and all I'm looking forward to an exciting season. It's kind of a rebuilding year because we lost some great seniors. I hope the kids make as many great memories as I will.
We had some ups and downs. It was nice that the weather held out most of the time. I think we only had one rain scare this year. It came during the morning of our preview performance and camp picnic. I had one parent tell me that it would clear off. I asked how she was so she sure. She simply replied "God loves marching band." I had to smile when was right!
Uniform fitting was exciting because we are in brand new Demoulin uniforms this year. The kids look sharp. I'm almost certain scores will go up because of the new look. However, the most important part is that I think the kids will be more comfortable with how they look. Pride is important to marching band. Wearing the new school colors should make the community proud too.
Marching Band Olympics are a new tradition that we started this year. It was a competition for a year's worth of bragging rights and a name plate on a trophy. The Drumline/Pit won this year, but it took a lot to be out the brass. The Colorguard/DMs weren't quite there and I'm pretty sure the woodwinds would have rather been practicing. However, the team building is very valuable. Not to mention if we don't have fun it's not worth it. Great performances, Left Obliques, and goofy games can all be worth it.
All and all I'm looking forward to an exciting season. It's kind of a rebuilding year because we lost some great seniors. I hope the kids make as many great memories as I will.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The Woodwind and Brasswind
Despite my brass players best debating, it is in fact called the "Woodwind and Brasswind" not the other way around. I won't lie though...I said the same thing in high school when I made my first trip to one of largest music stores in the country. Yes, right before I became a freshman I took my first trip there to buy the trumpet I still play on today. The store was in a different location, but it didn't lack the magic that I was so excited to share with some of my students.
I took some of my most dedicated advancing students on a 3 hour car trip to South Bend to upgrade some of their equipment. They spent hours testing out new gear, having me listen until they found stuff that was going to help elevate their playing. Of course they also understood that by doing this they are also helping the band.
It was really cool to get to see them go through that process. Something that I really think all musicians need to try is that test of equipment to help them find their own sound. It was astounding how much a mouthpiece and ligature can do!
Here's a picture of them out in front of the huge sax/trumpet fountain by the store.
I was so glad that I got to take them on this trip, other students are already asking when I'll be taking another group. When the energy is high students can do so much. I love that.
I took some of my most dedicated advancing students on a 3 hour car trip to South Bend to upgrade some of their equipment. They spent hours testing out new gear, having me listen until they found stuff that was going to help elevate their playing. Of course they also understood that by doing this they are also helping the band.
It was really cool to get to see them go through that process. Something that I really think all musicians need to try is that test of equipment to help them find their own sound. It was astounding how much a mouthpiece and ligature can do!
Here's a picture of them out in front of the huge sax/trumpet fountain by the store.
I was so glad that I got to take them on this trip, other students are already asking when I'll be taking another group. When the energy is high students can do so much. I love that.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The Dust Has Settled...
It was a real whirlwind the past couple of weeks. Jazz Showcase, Bradley Honor Band, ISU Contect, Jr. High Contest, and the first EPGHS Senior Recognition Banquet. I'm glad to be able to breathe a bit this week.
Jazz Showcase was well done. We had over 80 people in attendance on a Thursday night in April! Not too bad for the first gig. The parents did an excellent job decorating. It had a jazz club kind of feel to it. The auditorium needs to be used more. Next year we are thinking of moving it to a different venue and billing it more as a dance gig. It's all good to me as long as the kids are into jazz!
Bradley got me out of EPG for a day with three of my most talented musicians. They got to play in a big group that sounded great! I got to spend the day talking with other directors, working on our show for next season, and listening to the guest conductor.
ISU's contest gave us the great experience of playing on a fantastic stage. We had some jitters and was not our best performance. I hope the kids had fun anyway, I was really impressed with how many of them listened to the other bands and glad that some even came back the next day to hear groups. The only snag was the bag incident, I can't believe that's the worst I have had to deal with all year. Count my blessings I guess.
The Jr. High Band went to IESA contest for the first time in a few years. We played a program that stretched them and it showed. Maybe I should've programmed a little simpler, but I just don't believe in watering it down. They recieved a 2nd, but I'm glad because they need to realize that they have some serious weaknesses. Considering they suggested adding a drum solo to our ballad to "win" over the judges, I knew this would be a wake up call.
Then there was the banquet. What a great time that was! We spent an evening looking back on the year. The seniors all spoke. I was pretty moved by what some of them said. One said not to clap for him, but to clap for me. They recounted fun stories, shared some tears and laughs, and generally had a good time. I'm really glad Harrison and I got the slide show together. It means a lot to me.
It's cool to look back. I'll put a year pictures post soon I think. Until then, just a lot of words and time to get to lunch duty.
Jazz Showcase was well done. We had over 80 people in attendance on a Thursday night in April! Not too bad for the first gig. The parents did an excellent job decorating. It had a jazz club kind of feel to it. The auditorium needs to be used more. Next year we are thinking of moving it to a different venue and billing it more as a dance gig. It's all good to me as long as the kids are into jazz!
Bradley got me out of EPG for a day with three of my most talented musicians. They got to play in a big group that sounded great! I got to spend the day talking with other directors, working on our show for next season, and listening to the guest conductor.
ISU's contest gave us the great experience of playing on a fantastic stage. We had some jitters and was not our best performance. I hope the kids had fun anyway, I was really impressed with how many of them listened to the other bands and glad that some even came back the next day to hear groups. The only snag was the bag incident, I can't believe that's the worst I have had to deal with all year. Count my blessings I guess.
The Jr. High Band went to IESA contest for the first time in a few years. We played a program that stretched them and it showed. Maybe I should've programmed a little simpler, but I just don't believe in watering it down. They recieved a 2nd, but I'm glad because they need to realize that they have some serious weaknesses. Considering they suggested adding a drum solo to our ballad to "win" over the judges, I knew this would be a wake up call.
Then there was the banquet. What a great time that was! We spent an evening looking back on the year. The seniors all spoke. I was pretty moved by what some of them said. One said not to clap for him, but to clap for me. They recounted fun stories, shared some tears and laughs, and generally had a good time. I'm really glad Harrison and I got the slide show together. It means a lot to me.
It's cool to look back. I'll put a year pictures post soon I think. Until then, just a lot of words and time to get to lunch duty.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
ICC Honor Band
To the left: Jeff(tpt-soph), Jessie(euph-soph), Miranda(horn-jr), Mark(tpt-jr), Danny(alto sax-jr), and I after peforming in the First Annual ICC Honor Band Festival in East Peoria, IL.We performed with ICC students, high school students, and the 85th Division Army Band for a packed house.
The program was called an American Celebration and featured your standard patriotic music as well as some original band literature.
I had a great time attending this event with my students. We spent a whole Saturday during Spring Break rehearsing and meeting the other musicians. I'm lucky that they're all underclassmen as I look forward to the growth they will make over the next year(s).
I was lucky enough to be approached by both conductors about coming out to see my band. I hope to have Mr. Jones and Commander Walker both out at my high school over the next year. What a cool experience this proved to be and I hope to participate again next year.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Holiday Concert
It seems far too early for the Holiday Concert to be over. I mean I'll be listening to Christmas music for the next 20 days and I'm already tired of it!
The bands did well and to be honest it's nice to have my first actual concert under my belt. It was painless because the students were prepared and to tell the truth I'm not really the nervous type. Even the dress rehearsal wasn't bad, which shocked because I don't think I ever had a good dress rehearsal as a player!
We played Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" and really brought down the house. The crowd loved the horse whinny in the trumpet. I had a teacher tell me that it was "superb". I'm glad that's the word being used to describe us.
My beginning band played a simple arrangement I printed up for them of Jingle Bells. I have come to realize at the age, the parents are thrilled if they can recognize the tune. It's so cool that two months ago they couldn't even hold their instruments and now they're playing. They've done the work though, I know that I'm just a small part of it.
Overall it was a good experience. I didn't even sound too dumb on the microphone.
The bands did well and to be honest it's nice to have my first actual concert under my belt. It was painless because the students were prepared and to tell the truth I'm not really the nervous type. Even the dress rehearsal wasn't bad, which shocked because I don't think I ever had a good dress rehearsal as a player!
We played Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" and really brought down the house. The crowd loved the horse whinny in the trumpet. I had a teacher tell me that it was "superb". I'm glad that's the word being used to describe us.
My beginning band played a simple arrangement I printed up for them of Jingle Bells. I have come to realize at the age, the parents are thrilled if they can recognize the tune. It's so cool that two months ago they couldn't even hold their instruments and now they're playing. They've done the work though, I know that I'm just a small part of it.
Overall it was a good experience. I didn't even sound too dumb on the microphone.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Art Project
I just thought this was kind of neat...
My first chair horn player also has talent for seeing art in everyday objects.
We had a very old drum that was going to be thrown away so she asked for it. I didn't think much about it until she brought it back in a few weeks later. She had transformed it into a coffee table(you can see the plexiglass top) with the words "Life is Rhythm" over a bunch of torn up old sheet music.
I really wish she was selling it or that I another drum to give her, because I want this.
I'm humbled by the amount of talent she has...and I thought I was special because I can play an instrument, she saw beauty in something that I saw only has something taking up space in our rehearsal room.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
The Marching Titans
The Marching Titans have officially ended their competitive season. I’m sure those of you within
earshot of the school are glad that there won’t be anymore 7:00AM or 9:00PM rehearsals.
The "MT" attended three competitions this year in addition to our community and school performance obligations.
When all was said and done they rehearsed for over 300 hours this year. That does not count sectionals and the individual practice that these hard working student musicians put in from August 5th until October 21st!
They brought home five trophies including High Honors Overall at all three competitions, Drum Majors, and Percussion. All the hardware is being displayed in the trophy case in the Link. Since most competitions are based on school size (our div. is usually 300-600 enrollment) sometimes they were competing against bands that were over twice their size. Sometimes they wereeven beating schools in the divisions above us!
earshot of the school are glad that there won’t be anymore 7:00AM or 9:00PM rehearsals.
The "MT" attended three competitions this year in addition to our community and school performance obligations.
When all was said and done they rehearsed for over 300 hours this year. That does not count sectionals and the individual practice that these hard working student musicians put in from August 5th until October 21st!
They brought home five trophies including High Honors Overall at all three competitions, Drum Majors, and Percussion. All the hardware is being displayed in the trophy case in the Link. Since most competitions are based on school size (our div. is usually 300-600 enrollment) sometimes they were competing against bands that were over twice their size. Sometimes they wereeven beating schools in the divisions above us!
They represented all of El Paso-Gridley with class at every event they attended. Even though I'm sad to see the book closed on our POTC Trilogy show. I am really looking forward to next season and what I'll be able to accomplish now that I have a year of real life experience.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
2007 Season Snapshots
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The First Gig
So I have taken my first gig in a small town just north of Bloomington, IL. I moved away from all that I knew and I'm starting out in a pretty cool place. No stop lights here, but at least they have a McDonnald's. I feel a little out of my element.
The school is just a little over 350 kids. The staff isn't around much since it's summer, so I'll be ready to meet some of them. I hope there's some younger teachers to befriend. We'll need it I have a feeling.
It's not a big band, but it's a band and I hope someday soon I'll think of it as my band. About 40 members including the colorguard. I have meet a few of the kids and they seem cool. I have spoken to both of the drum majors and a few girls who were at the school the other day for some choir stuff. I kind of felt like a goldfish, everyone wanted to check out the new guy, but not as many wanted to talk to me.
I know I'm following a tough act. They really loved the last director, so I have to make it my own without destroying their feelings for him. It's a line to walk, but I can do it. I'm pretty good at bringing people together. I like to solve problems.
As I sit in my new office, wondering how I will make mark, what I will teach them, I can't help, but think this is only the start of something big.
The school is just a little over 350 kids. The staff isn't around much since it's summer, so I'll be ready to meet some of them. I hope there's some younger teachers to befriend. We'll need it I have a feeling.
It's not a big band, but it's a band and I hope someday soon I'll think of it as my band. About 40 members including the colorguard. I have meet a few of the kids and they seem cool. I have spoken to both of the drum majors and a few girls who were at the school the other day for some choir stuff. I kind of felt like a goldfish, everyone wanted to check out the new guy, but not as many wanted to talk to me.
I know I'm following a tough act. They really loved the last director, so I have to make it my own without destroying their feelings for him. It's a line to walk, but I can do it. I'm pretty good at bringing people together. I like to solve problems.
As I sit in my new office, wondering how I will make mark, what I will teach them, I can't help, but think this is only the start of something big.
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