Congratulations everybody! In the 3 months that this site has been in existence, we have had over 1,000 visitors! Keep that count rolling up!
One of the composers whose work was performed by the 8th grade band this year died on May 30. Elliot Del Borgo, composer of "Hopak" and many other great works died at the age of 74. You can read more about Mr. Del Borgo here.
In honor of the upcoming Memorial Day, it is fitting to post about the absolutely amazing United States Marine Band. The bands of the various branches of the United States Armed Forces are nearly without parallel in the world today. Arguably, the most famous of these is "The President's Own" United States Marine Band. A little bit about the band can be found by visiting their website which contains lots of FREE RECORDINGS and other fun facts. Here is a little bit of their history: Founded in 1798 by an Act of Congress, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Today, “The President’s Own” is celebrated for its role at the White House and its dynamic public performances. “The President’s Own” encompasses the United States Marine Band, Marine Chamber Orchestra, and Marine Chamber Ensembles, and performs regularly at the White House and for more than 500 public performances across the nation each year. One of the most famous members of the Marine Band was composer John Philip Sousa. His march "Semper Fidelius," which means always faithful, is one of his greatest compositions. Enjoy the US Marine Band's performance and check out the FREE MUSIC! Below is a video that gives all sax players a little something to work up to. The Eastman Saxophone Project is performing a number of great works, but this is certainly one of the most impressive! Who knew saxophones (or just about any instrument for that matter) could play like that?! To get students thinking more in depth about what they are learning and playing in class, some students wrote program notes to accompany the concert on May 6 (6:30 5/6 Bands, 7:30 Percussion Ensemble & 7/8 Bands-Be there or be square!). Here are a few words from the notes written to accompany the 8th grade music by Nathan. You will have to come to the concert to hear the whole thing! Great work Nathan! "Equinox" by Eric Osterling 8th grade band students have been compiling a portfolio which reflects their learning throughout their four years of instrumental music. One option for students to demonstrate a connection between the musical and non-musical worlds was to write a one page essay talking about what extra-musical things they have learned from their time in band at DMIS. I will post a number of these as they come in. Today's example of excellence comes from Jennifer. The following excerpt is posted with permission. Band has taught me so much, both musical and non musical. It shows you how to take responsibility If you never did, you wouldn't be able to reach your full potential. If you never practiced for your lesson, you just better not expect to get it done well. You also have to take responsibility because your band leans on you. Someone might ask how to do a fingering or at a concert you might end up off track leading your band mates off track. The 8th grade jazz band has been composing and recording melodies too. We hop you enjoy our work! First up today we have "Do Dop Dweep Dop" by Nick, Kevin, Cory, and Derek. Our second recording of the day was "Durango" by Dominick, Tim, and Nathan. 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. 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!
Here is a sample performance of the first movement of the Howard Hanson Suite performed by the DMIS 8th grade band. We will see you at the concert on May 6 at 7:30 pm for the rest of it! The first movement is entitled "Enchantment." |
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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