Drum Majors and Section Leaders for 2012-2013!
Drum Majors:
Morgan Sawitzky
Burton Palmer
Section Leaders:
Flutes: Catherine Lacy & TBD
Clarinets: Kyle Blummer & Mike Cortright
Saxophones: Connor Jones & Julia Evans
Trumpets: Sandhya Avula, Channing Pear, Jack Neary
Mellophones: TBD
Low Brass: Jeff Sload, Drew Losito
Percussion: Sam Hampton, Will Trautmann
Band Banquet
After completing all of our concerts and performing in Darien’s Memorial Day parade, the school year is coming to an end and it’s time for the band banquet. This banquet will be held on Friday, June 1st.
6:00 – Start of the banquet
6:30 – Dinner
6:45 – Band Slideshow and Award Ceremony
- slideshow
- “paper plate” awards
- parent gifts
7:15 – 6 bigger awards
Jazz Band at Weed Beech – Sat, June 2nd
The Jazz Band will be playing at Weed Beach this Saturday. All jazz players need to be there and ready to play at 4:45 wearing khaki pants and a nice shirt. The girls should wear whatever looks nice.
There will also be a rehearsal right after school tomorrow (Thursday) to rehearse for it.
Wind Ensemble After School Rehearsal
Because we need the extra practice before performing the harder songs in the concert two weeks from now (May 17), we will be holding an after school rehearsal from 6-8pm on Tuesday next week. Don’t forget!
Quick Jazz Reminder
To all Jazz 1 students:
Remember to check to see if you’re busy on the 2nd of June! Even though it may seem too far away for you to accurately know if you’ll be busy, it’s important for you to plan ahead. Be sure to let Mr. Grauer know by Thursday. If and when something comes up between now and then, tell Mr. Grauer as soon as possible.
Section Leader and Drum Major Essays
If you would like to be a section leader, drum major, or both next year, you need to write essays and submit them by Wednesday, April 4th. Once finished and satisfied with your essays, you can either hand them to Mr. Grauer or drop them off in the wooden box by his office. More information on the essays can be found on the flyer located on the door of the band room. Good luck!
Band Update
Hello all,
This has been a busy month so far and it’s not over yet.
Tonight the jazz ensemble has one of their last competitions at Norwalk High School. We perform at 8:25. It would be great to have a cheering section.
The music department has a new blog with up to date info that Mr. Sadlon has set up. Here is the link: http://blogs.darienps.org/music
Please see the band newsletter that Mrs. Losito has put together for us.
Thanks so much,
Mr. Grauer
Homework: Find a musician!
This week, you will have to do a little extra work for band class: Finding, commenting on, and submitting a professional in your instrument as well as a video to Mr. Grauer.
For this assignment, you should find a soloist on your instrument if possible. If you have an instrument like the bass clarinet, try to find something like a quartet. These players must specialize in classical music, so don’t send in a jazz or rock player!
Once you have your musician, get the organization they belong to and include it in an email sent to darienhsband@gmail.com.
This email should include the organization, a link to a video of their work, and comments you have made on the video. Your comment should include musical terms like tone, intonation, dynamics, and whatever else you may find fit to tell Mr. Grauer.
Again, here’s the email: darienhsband@gmail.com
Berklee Jazz Festival
As you may or may not know, our jazz band will be playing at the Berklee Jazz Festival up at Berklee College, MA. Last year we managed a 4th place for our division. This year we’ll be aiming for the top 10 again, but placing doesn’t matter; music is subjective and this trip is for the experience.
All members of the jazz band or combo must be at DHS by 7:15am to get on the bus. You don’t need to wear your formal attire until we arrive, but you do have to show your change of clothes to Mr. Grauer before you’re let on the bus. Remember your socks!
Section Leaders, Drum Majors, and Music Ideas
If you want to be a section leader or drum major, you’re going to need to write an essay soon. Mr. Grauer will be going more into detail soon.
Last year, we got little to no suggestions regarding the music we’re playing this year. Hopefully this year will be better. Don’t forget to check out some music and show it to Mr. Grauer!
