Glenn’s Trumpet Notes

1st Year Elementary Band

Happy young musicians make proud parents and teachers. The proof was in the final concert of the school year for the two elementary bands and the jazz combo which performed in the gym at Skyview Jr. High in Bothell on 31 May.

2nd-Year Elementary Band

The 58-member first-year band performed four movements of a piece by Jack Bullock: “Alpha Overture; Rock-It; Yuki; The Bingo Polka.”

The 37-member second-year band performed “Na Na Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” by A.F. Dale, P.R. Leka and G. Carla, as arranged by Eric Osterling, and “Legend of the Alhambra,” by Mark Williams.

The 8-member jazz combo performed “Autumn Leaves” by Joseph Kosura and Johnny Mercer and “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock.

Jazz Combo (plus vocalist, not shown)

The concert was interrupted to pay tribute to the leader, Mr. Shawn McGinn. During the past several weeks, band members had made donations toward the purchase of a gift, and the two assistants, Candice Palmberg (flutes) and me (brass), supplemented their contributions. In all, $152 was collected, and a gift certificate from Babies-R-Us was presented to him. He and his wife are expecting their first baby in early July! Mr. McGinn is going to be a wonderful father. With those two good parents, that kid is very lucky!

The brass section of the 2nd-year elementary had secretly prepared its own special treat for Mr. McGinn. As a surprise and on behalf of all his students, they played the chorus of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” to honor him for his inspirational, fun instruction and leadership. Mr. McGinn encouraged everyone to stay in practice during the summer and come back next fall for a very special school year in band!