Archive for the ‘School Concerts’ Category
School concerts in which at least one of my students performed.
Posted by glennled on December 13, 2011
Mr. Shawn McGinn (left, front), 2nd-year band (left, back), and 1st-year band (right)
On Thursday, 8 December, the parents and relatives gathered at band period (7:55-8:35 a.m.) to hear their kids play in the band in the school cafeteria at Skyview Junior High School in Bothell. For the 1st-year band, it was their first concert ever, and the featured song was “Jingle Bells.” Then the 2nd year band played two pieces: “Apollo Fanfare” by Robert W. Smith and “Five Christmas Favorites,” a medley. The band director is Shawn McGinn, and I am his assistant for brass instruction (trumpet, trombone, baritone, and French horn). Photos by I-Phone; click on any photo to enlarge it.
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Mr. Shawn McGinn (left, front), 2nd-year band (left, back), and 1st-year band (right)
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: band, Bothell, brass, concert, elementary, Skyview Jr. High, trumpet | Leave a Comment »
Posted by glennled on June 9, 2011
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!
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: Autumn Leaves, band, Bothell, Herbie Hancock, jazz, Johnny Mercer, Legend of the Alhambra, Mr. Shawn McGinn, Na Na Hey Kiss Him Goodbye, Skyview Jr. High, Watermelon Man, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling | Leave a Comment »
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 »
Posted by glennled on March 26, 2011
7th Grade Band (center), 5th Grade Band (left) & 6th Grade Band (right)
“Have you ever seen or heard anything like it?” “No, never!” “How was it?” “Unbelievable!”
That’s how the proud audience of parents, relatives, and friends felt after the 5th, 6th, and 7th-grade bands performed their concert in the gynmasium at Skyview Jr. High School in Bothell last Thursday night.
1st-Year Elementary Band
The concert began with the 5th Grade Band playing “Furioso,” followed by the 6th Grade Band’s “American Spirit March.” Then the 7th Grade Band played three pieces: “The Firebird,” “Black is the Color,” and “Legend of the Alhambra.” Next, Mr. Shawn McGinn, Director of Instrumental Music, joined this band’s percussionists in performing a Latin piece, “Mario Brothers.”
For the finale, Mr. Ginn conducted the combined 6th-7th Grade Bands in the dramatic piece, “Second Storm.”
It is remarkable to witness the progress being made by all these young musicians [especially the trumpet and trombone players, I say]! Band is so fun!
"Second Storm," played by the combined 7th (left) and 6th (right) Grade Bands
The combined 7th (left) and 6th (right) grade bands play the finale, "Second Storm"
Mr. McGinn joins the 7th-grade percussionists to play "Mario Brothers"
2nd-Year Elementary Band
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: 5th, 6th, 7th, American Spirit March, band, Black is the Color, Bothell, elementary, Firebird, Furioso, gymnasium, Legend of the Alhambra, Mario Brothers, percussionists, Second Storm, Shawn McGinn, Skyview Jr. High, trombone, trumpet | 2 Comments »
Posted by glennled on February 21, 2011
Last night, the Washington All-State Band and All-State Orchestra played their annual concert, sponsored by the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA), at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. I was not there. I wanted to be there. Someday, I want to go see and hear one of my trumpet students play on the concert stage in the Washington All-State Band or All-State Orchestra. Who will it be?
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: All-State, band, Benaroya Hall, concert, orchestra, Seattle, trumpet, Washington Music Educators Association, WMEA | Leave a Comment »
Posted by glennled on February 16, 2011
Something special happened in Bothell last night—315 young musicians filled the floor of the spacious gymnasium at Northshore Junior High School and gave the adoring audience some thrilling sounds! It was the annual Honors Concert of the 22 elementary schools within
Honors Band (foreground), Orchestra (center), and Choir (background); Mr. Shawn McGinn (lower left)
the Northshore School District. Equally packed were the stands, overflowing into standing-room-only spaces for the many relatives and friends in attendance. And outside in the rain, their cars crammed into every feasible space in the school lots and out along the streets of the surrounding neighborhood for blocks. This was a big deal!
I attended because I teach some of the kids in the 105-member Honors Band. I am an Instructional Assistant to Mr. Shawn McGinn, band director at Skyview Junior High (see my blog post, “Glenn Now Teaches Brass…,” 6 September 2010). On Mondays, I teach the trumpeters and trombonists of the 2nd-year elementary band, and on Fridays, I conduct that entire band.
From Mr. McGinn’s band program, 15 students were selected for Honors Band. Of these, there were three flutists, four clarinetists, one bass clarinetist, one percussionist, two trombonists, and four trumpeters. They come from either Canyon Creek, Crystal Springs, or Fernwood elementary schools. I’m so proud of them all.
Honors Band, Janie McDavid conducting
Janie McDavid conducted the Honors Band. She currently teaches elementary instrumental music at Kenmore Junior High and Meridian Park and Echo Lake elementary schools. She led the band in three selections which ended the concert: “American Spirit March,” “The Tempest,” and “Eye of the Tiger.” Outstanding!
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: American Spirit March, band, Bothell, brass, Canyon Creek, choir, Crystal Springs, Echo Lake, elementary, Eye of the Tiger, Fernwood, honors concert, instructional, instrumental, Janie McDavid, Kenmore Junior High, Meridian Park, musicians, Northshore Junior High, Northshore School District, orchestra, school, Shawn McGinn, Skyview Junior High, The Tempest, trombonists, trumpeters | Leave a Comment »
Posted by glennled on December 23, 2010
Mr. McGinn leads the Jazz Band
Mr. Shawn McGinn, director of bands and orchestra at Skyview Jr. High in Bothell, wore a tuxedo with cummerbund, and the students were all dressed in solid black. That tells you how classy this concert was! It was held last Thursday in the 600-seat Northshore Performing Arts Center (NPAC), and the house was packed.
Like all of Mr. McGinn’s school concerts, this one was well-organized and well-rehearsed. The students knew what was coming and what to do when the time came…and they did it well! It was a very entertaining and impressive evening event.
More than anything, I am impressed with the breath and depth of the music program he is building. It has to be one of the best within the Northshore School District, and it’s getting bigger and better all the time. At this concert, the opening act was a self-directed jazz sextet with vocalist, and that was followed by the orchestra, conducted by Mr. McGinn. Next he led the 7th grade band, after which he conducted the 8th-9th grade band and the jazz band.
Wow! There are about 180 students under his tutelage. They are at about six levels of proficiency. Makes you wonder when and where all
The Orchestra
these groups practice. And remember, Mr. McGinn has been doing this for several years! That really pulls and stretches a teacher. Does this man have passion and drive? Does he have purpose? As an audience member, it’s a pleasure to witness all these people on stage, striving with their leader for excellence.
And just think: this is happening all over America and in some form or another, all over the world. Music is a giant. It pervades every culture. How did this come to be?—because the gifts of natural musical talent and ability are not rare. Yes, great talent is indeed quite rare, but many, many people worldwide are born with excellent musical talent and then develop outstanding abilities. It is quite common among us. Why? Is there some noble, universal purpose to this? For me, the answer is clearly yes—so we can express ourselves, so we can communicate with each other in infinite ways by infinite means, so we, too, can create beauty, so we can give and share among our communities. When we play our instruments and sing for others, even in the school cafeteria or NPAC or Husky Stadium, we are on the world stage.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Hear the Words of Aldous Huxley: After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.
Jazz Band
7th Grade Band
8th-9th Grade Band
Trumpeter takes a solo
Another trumpeter solos
Another trumpeter solos
Opening Act: Jazz Sextet with Vocalist
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: 7th Grade Band, 8th-9th grade band, Aldus Huxley, band, Bothell, Husky Stadium, jazz band, music, Northshore Performing Arts Center, Northshore School District, NPAC, Skyview Jr. High, trumpet, trumpeter | 2 Comments »
Posted by glennled on December 20, 2010
Photos by Blackberry camera
Early last Wednesday, about 150 parents and relatives swarmed into the cafeteria at Skyview Jr. High (SJH) in Bothell, WA, to see and hear their kids play in the winter concert by the two elementary bands conducted by Mr. Shawn McGinn. It was a standing room only crowd! The 1st-year and 2nd-year bands are comprised of about 85 students in the 5th and 6th grades from three elementary schools which feed into SJH: Crystal Springs, Canyon Park, and Fernwood. As you know, I’m Mr. McGinn’s assistant for brass instruction with both these bands (see my post on 6 September 2010).
1st-year band
First, the 1st-year band played “Jingle Bells,” followed by “Mr. Dreydl,” featuring the flutes. The clarinet section then played “Ode to Joy,” and the brass section (4 trombones and 22 trumpets) played a duet, “London Bridge is Falling Down.” Finally, the percussion section laid down a rock beat.
1st-year brass
Before the 2nd-year band played, one of its members treated the audience to an amazing solo, playing Metallica’s hit song, “Seek and Destroy,” on his electric guitar. Afterwards, the 2nd-year band played “Apollo Fanfare” and their favorite, “Cameroon.”
2nd-year band
The whole concert was very impressive. The kids were well-rehearsed, well-behaved, and played very well. They’re learning their horns. Everyone is proud to be in these bands!
1st-year brass
Guitar soloist
2nd-year brass
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: 1st-year, 2nd-year, Apollo Fanfare, band, Bothell, brass, Cameroon, Canyon Park, Crystal Springs, elementary, Fernwood, Jingle Bells, London Bridge is Falling Down, Metallica, Mr. Dreydl, Ode to Joy, parents, Seek and Destroy, Shawn McGinn, Skyview Jr. High, trombones, trumpets | Leave a Comment »
Posted by glennled on June 11, 2010
At this elementary school in Bothell, there are two bands, one for beginners and the other for more advanced students. But they don’t practice at their own school–they bus to a nearby junior high school for that. And their spring concert was held this week in the gymnasium
of that junior high, where this picture was taken. One of my trumpet students, a 6th grader, is a member of the advanced band. They played “Farandole” by Georges Bizet and “William Tell Overture” by Gioachino Rossini.
It’s a strong program, and the energetic band director is anxious to build it to even higher levels. They sound good! He has good control of the bands, they are well-rehearsed, and they have fun. I was impressed with his conducting sytle. While it is expressive and animated, it is also very clean and clear. A musician would have no trouble following his lead, knowing exactly where the beat is, and playing with the intensity that he desires at any given moment.
To supplement the band performances, a jazz ensemble from the junior high played also. The band director encouraged everyone to continue to practice throughout the summer and take private lessons to improve. He stressed the benefits–better results, faster! He wants to see some of his musicians audition and be chosen for District Honor and Junior All-State bands next year. Go for it, kids!
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: 6th grader, band, band director, District Honor Band, elementary school, Junior All-State Band, junior high school, private lessons, spring concert, trumpet | 2 Comments »
Glenn's Trumpet Notes 
