Posted by glennled on April 11, 2011
Glenn, Rex, and Les
Last Sunday, I again played trumpet in the church orchestra—dum-de-dum-dum! This time, however, the music was written in some of the easiest key signatures: C, F, B-flat, G, and A—whew, no problem! Begone to that diabolical stuff like the key of F-sharp, which has a whopping six sharps (see my post of two weeks ago, 28 March 2011). Hmmm (or Hymnnn)… it was a lovely day. 🙂
Posted in Church Music | Tagged: church, F-sharp, key signatures, orchestra, trumpet | 2 Comments »
Posted by glennled on April 10, 2011
All-City Honors Elementary Band, Seattle Public Schools, 9 April 2011
My very first trumpet student played in the concert performed last Saturday by the 2011 Seattle Public Schools’ All-City Honors Elementary Band and Orchestra at Whitman Middle School in Ballard. He’s now a 5th-grader at Lowell Elementary School (see my blog posts of 25 May 2010 and 14 August 2009). Actually, he plays a cornet.
The 150-member band representing 43 schools packed the large stage, and the audience was full, too. He was one of only 17 trumpet players in this honors band. Think of that—one of the best trumpeters of his age in Seattle—that’s impressive! The band’s guest conductor was Joel Orsen, a graduate of the University of Washington, who now teaches at Whitman Middle School and plays in the Highline Community Symphonic Band and the Seattle Sounders FC Soundwave. The talented band sounded very solid when playing three pieces: “America the Beautiful,” “Aura Lee,” and “Grand March: The Australian Land.”
All-City Honors Elementary Orchestra, Seattle Public Schools, 9 April 2011
First on the program was the Honors Orchestra conducted by Elisabeth Stoyanovich, who teaches strings at Whitman and is Music Director of the Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra. At this level, the orchestra was comprised solely of strings. There were 97 students representing 39 schools—a great honor, indeed!
Posted in School Concerts, Student Competitions, Honors & Awards | Tagged: All-City, America the Beautiful, Aura Lee, Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra, band, cornet, elementary, Grand March: The Australian Land, honors, Joel Orsen, Lowell, orchestra, Seattle, Seattle Sounders FC Soundwave, trumpet, Whitman Middle School | 2 Comments »
Posted by glennled on April 7, 2011
Nine masked trumpeters from the Concert Band (7th grade) perform "Phantom Trumpets"
If you were required by state law to attend one band concert this year at a junior high school in Western Washington, you would have to consider going to Kirkland to hear the bands directed by Ward S. Brannman. He runs a top-notch program, and the music produced by his young musicians at a concert last Tuesday was proof.
Leading off the concert was the Kamiakin Jazz Ensemble playing, among other charts, “Night and Day” by Cole Porter. Next, the Concert (7th Grade) Band performed three pieces: “Dance of the Witches,” “Irish Festival,” and “Phantom Trumpets.” In the latter, nine trumpeters wore masks and came to the front to play (see photo). One of them is a student of mine. I was very proud.
50-member Wind Ensemble
“Dance of the Witches” is a theme (in 6/8 time) written by John Williams for the 1987 movie, The Witches of Eastwick.Third was the Symphonic (8th Grade) Band, playing “Overture in C Minor” by Eric Osterling and “El Camino” by Jerry Nowak. Again, the trumpet section was featured in a mariachi section of “El Camino.” Finally, the Wind Ensemble performed Vaclav Nelhybel’s “Lyrical March,” featuring a flute solo and a trumpet duet. Five selections from Les Miserables, arranged by Warren Barket, concluded this special concert. The stage production of this popular musical debuted 25 years ago. Trumpet solos were featured in two of the selections.
Mr. Ward S. Brannman, Director
I know from tutoring one of his trumpet players that Mr. Brannman is diligent about setting high goals for his students and then encouraging, expecting, and rewarding excellence. At the same time, he mixes lots of fun, excitement, and recognition into his music program. This is the second concert of his which I’ve attended (see my post of 19 February 2010).
At this concert, for example, the teachers of Helen Keller Elementary School and the Quest Program of the Lake Washington School District were honored. Many band students read testimonials thanking
48-member Concert Band (7th grade)
their favorite teachers for good learning experiences in elementary school. Mr. Brannman also passed out several awards to various band members. And finally, he selected music that featured some of his best musicians. He builds pride and self-esteem through superior performance. Go hear his bands when you have the opportunity, whether or not it’s required by law!
55-member Symphonic Band (8th grade)
27-member Kamiakin Jazz Ensemble
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: bands, Cole Porter, Dance of the Witches, ensemble, Eric Osterling, Helen Keller Elementary, jazz, John Williams, junior high, Kamiakin, Kirkland, Lake Washington School District, Les Miserables, Overture, Phantom Trumpets, Quest Program, The Witches of Eastwick, trumpet, trumpeters, Ward Brannman, Warren Barket, wind | 4 Comments »
Glenn's Trumpet Notes 
