Monday, January 12, 2009

Notes from the Podium- January 12th

Greetings from the last week of the first semester!

After a wonderful two weeks of holiday break, it was a little slow-going last week. I'm glad to be at the start of week 2! It's always better after we shake off the rust of not playing together for an extended period of time.

The concert band is entering into its contest season. We will be playing for a set of judges later in March. One of the pieces we will be performing is entitled "Regenesis". It is a piece written to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the cataclysmic eruption of Mount St. Helens in May, 1980. With the force of 500 Hiroshimas, its towering wall of destruction enveloped over 230 square miles of forest and wildfire. It's been an exciting piece to work on.

There are many solos and small ensembles starting to rehearse also! I always love this time o year. As much as I enjoy working with the entire band, I'm always glad when students take the time to work on a solo performance. Some of my best musical memories from high school involved performing solos at State Contest.

Jazz band will be selling tickets to its annual pancake breakfast soon. It would be great to see you there! Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children (12 and under).


New York trip payments are still due! Please try to keep on schedule. We are down to 79 days until final payments are due. Deposits are due for the various events!