First up is "Slur Century" written by Elizabeth, Emily, Sam, Madeline, and Chase. Solos were performed by Sam, Elizabeth, and Emily.
Jazz band students have been writing original melodies. Today we performed the completed melodies along with some improvised solos. There are some very talented composers in this group! First up is "Slur Century" written by Elizabeth, Emily, Sam, Madeline, and Chase. Solos were performed by Sam, Elizabeth, and Emily. Next, we have "Jazzettes" by McKenna, Kim, Kelly, Nicole, and Mina. Solows were performed by Kim and Nicole.
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The 7th grade band did a little recording as well. Here we have the finale of Overture Espanol. We hope you enjoy and that we will see you on May 6 for our full concert!
Today in class I asked 7th graders to come up tweets to say something about our next concert (which is only 2 weeks away!). All of their comments had to be 140 characters or less. Here are a few!
Have a happy weekend everybody! In honor of our few days off and our cold and wet weather, I wanted to post a fitting video to warm you all up. The United States Navy Band has recorded a fantastic performance of a piece by Eric Whitacre. This music, "October," is stunningly beautiful . It has also been rewritten for choir under the title "Alleluia." The bands of the United States Armed Services are some of the best in the world. They promote morale and culture throughout the world. Through their work an excellent service is provided to the public at home and service members abroad. Alan Gilbert is the conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the best musical groups in the world. His position is one of the most prestigious that a conductor could ever earn. Maestro (which is sometimes what great conductors are called) Gilbert has a great sense of humor and is always happy to talk about music. Last week, he paid a visit to Sesame Street to explain what a conductor does. What other things can a conductor do with his or her baton? Do you think you might like to be a conductor someday? Why? Post your thoughts in the comments section! April is Jazz Appreciation Month. During this time, we can reflect and learn about a style of music that America can call its own creation. 2013 will celebrate The Spirit and Rhythms of Jazz. Stories, videos, and a lot more information can be found at the website of the Smithsonian: www.smithsonianjazz.org. You can even find a list of 112 ways to celebrate jazz. Jazz is an important part of our shared history and culture. Take a few minutes this month to learn a little and listen a little. Also, be on the lookout for a guest post by two students that visited Niagara Falls over break. The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra has just announced the audition requirements for their 2013-2014 youth ensembles. Information can be found by clicking here. Past and current Drexler and Intermediate School students as well as a number of Western Dubuque High School students currently participate in the ensembles. Auditions are open to students with at least two years of playing experience. The groups perform professional level symphonic music. It is an amazing opportunity for any young musician! One of the pieces the 7th grade band will be playing this term is "Overture Espanol" by John Higgins. This work contains a number of Spanish chords, instruments, and styles in a modern overture style for middle school concert band. As a way to introduce yourself to the style of the piece, watch a performance by the Banda Sinfonica de Miguelturra from Miguelturra, Spain. What Spanish-influenced sounds do you hear? |
AuthorMs. Maher teaches 7th and 8th grade music at Drexler Middle & Intermediate School in the Western Dubuque Community School District. Also check out...Archives
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