Well, this is embarrassing… Our date has been moved once again! We absolutely will give a concert, but not in March. Our Intermediate, Concert, Honor, and Jazz Bands will be performing on Wednesday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. I believe this one to be “set in stone.” Many thanks to all of you for your patience these past few days, and I look forward to seeing you at the concert!
***ALERT*** Concert Update
March 4th, 2010Not music, but really, really cool!
February 2nd, 2010Elementary Band Concert Info
February 1st, 2010
Parent Letter
I’d like for the elementary students to have full band rehearsal on Wednesday this week to help them prepare for the concert later that evening. (We will follow the normal schedule for all other days this week.) I’ve also sent home a letter with your child today. The letter contains info about what to wear, plus a little bit about how the concert is organized.
Beginning Band Concert
January 29th, 2010Looking forward to our beginners concert this Wednesday, February 3. A reminder that the show starts at 6:30. Plan to arrive between 6:00 and 6:15. Ask your child where he/she sits on-stage so you can find seats with the best view. The 45 minute program features beginning band students from Mason, Washington-Hoyt, Sherman, Jefferson, and Lowell, plus some very special guest artists (T.B.A.)
Mason students wear red polos, tan khaki pants, and dark shoes. Elementary students should simply plan to wear your nicest, clean clothes. Boys- shirts and ties are okay to wear! The ladies may wear dresses or skirts/blouses if they are floor length. Bring your cameras, camcorders, etc. to this “historic” event!
Tacoma Concert Band with Alan Baer
January 29th, 2010Hello. Just getting the word out about a great soloist coming to town and performing with the Tacoma Concert Band.
Private Lessons
January 26th, 2010Hi students and parents. Here is the form you can use to submit the hours you have spent in private lessons. Fill it out and have your parents verify the info and sign the form. I’ll need it returned no later than this Thursday for you to receive credit. Click here to download the form.
Solo Ensemble Schedule
January 26th, 2010Hi everyone. The schedule has been published and you can click here to download a copy. I’ve also prepared a brief letter with tips on how to make your solo ensemble experience the best it can be. I will be there and try to make it to as many performances as possible. Good luck on Saturday!
Extra ABA Composition Paper
January 23rd, 2010Download the paper if you need some extra sheets as you complete your final drafts. Compositions are due Monday.
Sample Melodies
January 20th, 2010Here are three samples of 4 measure “A” sections that follow the guidelines discussed in class today. Measures 1 and 2 feature identical rhythms and a melodic sequence where the pattern of steps and skips in measure 1 are copied into measure 2, played one step higher. Check it out- it should give you some ideas. (Remember, if you play an instrument other than trumpet, clarinet, or tenor sax- you will be writing your melodies in a different key than the samples below.)
Sample "A" Section Melodies
12 Bar “ABA” Composition Checklist
January 20th, 2010Hello everyone! We will be working on our compositions this week, with the final draft due Monday. Today we discussed and worked on creating a 4 measure “A” section. The guidelines we discussed should be written down in your band notebooks. Use this checklist to make sure everything is on track as you complete this assignment. You will turn it in with your final draft. (More on that later.)