Posted by glennled on April 2, 2012
2012 Seattle All-City Honors Elementary Band
Last Saturday, another of my trumpet students played in the annual concert performed by the Seattle Public Schools’ All-City Honors Elementary Band and Orchestra. This year it was held at Chief Sealth International High School in West Seattle. He’s now a 5th-grader at Lawton Elementary School where Lindsey Dustin is band director (see my blog posts of 17 February 2012 and 14 November 2010). Next fall, he plans to attend Hamilton International Middle School in Wallingford.
The 123-member band representing 41 schools packed the large stage, and the auditorium was almost full, too, with parents, relatives, friends and a few tutors like me. He was one of only 18 trumpet players in the 2012 honors band. Think of that—one of the best 5th grade trumpeters in Seattle Public Schools—that’s impressive! The band’s guest conductor was Marcus Pimpleton, a 2002 graduate of the University of Washington who now serves as music department head at Denny International Middle School, Chief Sealth International High School, and the Seattle Schools All-City Marching Band. Mr. Pimpleton was a drum major with the UW Husky Marching Band (see http://www.huskymarchingband.com/). He now has a Master’s in Theology and a Doctorate in Religious Education from Bishop A.L. Hardy Academy of Theology in Seattle.
Part of the 18-member trumpet section
The talented honors band sounded very solid when playing three pieces: “Oxford Overture,” “I’m An Old Cowhand,” and “A Little Cha-Cha Music.” The Honors Orchestra was conducted by Heather Shaffer, who is Director of Orchestras at Denny and Sealth. They played “Hunter’s Chorus,” “Jamaican Spice,” and “Legend of Dark Mountain.” At this level, the orchestra is comprised solely of strings. There were 88 students representing 32 schools—a great honor, indeed!
Please click on any photo to enlarge it.
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Dr. Marcus J. Pimpleton
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2012 Seattle All-City Honors Elementary Orchestra, Heather Shaffer, Guest Conductor
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2012 Seattle All-City Honors Elementary Band, Dr. Marcus Pimpleton, Guest Conductor
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Part of the Honor Band’s 18-member trumpet section
Posted in School Concerts, Student Competitions, Honors & Awards | Tagged: band, concert, drum major, elementary, Heather Shaffer, honors, Husky, Lawton, marching, Marcus Pimpleton, orchestra, trumpet, trumpeters, University of Washington, UW | Leave a Comment »
Posted by glennled on March 29, 2012
Grandfather and grandsons form the Brass Trio, playing "The Victors" march
Every four years, there’s a presidential election. Every four years, there is a Community Band Concert at Kamiakin Jr. High in Kirkland. Ward Brannman, Director of Bands, says he started these special concerts in 1986, as a means of involving his band students with musicians in their own families, school alumni, and the local community.
The concert opened with The Washover Fans, a folk music quartet, and closed with Curb Appeal, a 6-member rock and roll band. Kamiakin’s speech pathologist, plays in the former, and Kamiakin’s registrar, plays and sings in the latter. See www.thewashoverfans.com and www.wearecurbappeal.com.
The school’s Jazz Ensemble and three bands performed: Concert Band (7th grade), Symphonic Band (8th grade), and Wind Ensemble (9th grade). In between their performances, four other groups played and sang, including the Zydeco Trio (“It’s So Hard to Stop”) and Brass Trio (“The Victors”).
Two audience members join Zydeco Trio and Ward Brannman in playing "It's So Hard to Stop"
Trumpeters were featured in the Jazz Ensemble (“Take Me Out to the Ball Game”), Symphonic Band (“Overture on a Shaker Tune”), and Brass Trio (two trumpets, one trombone). Mr. Brannman said the Zydeco Trio and Brass Trio epitomize the purpose of this concert. Two members of the Zydeco Trio are fathers of band members. One trumpeter in the Brass Trio plays in the Wind Ensemble, and his younger brother, the trombonist, plays in the Beginning Band. The second trumpeter is their grandfather!
One of my trumpet students was the featured soloist in the Shaker tune overture! She is the principal of the trumpet section, and Mr. Brannman awarded her a Certificate of Achievement for the 3rd quarter of this school year (see photos). Incidentally, he also received an award this year: he was named Middle School/Junior High Music Educator of the Year by the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) at its annual state conference in February.
Kids and adults dance to "Don't Stop Believing" played by Curb Appeal
Seth Kuhns, Kamiakin alum, attended the concert to hear the premier performance of his composition, “Like Yesterday,” by the Wind Ensemble. It was commissioned by last year’s Wind Ensemble.
The concert closed with kids and adults dancing in a massive huddle on the gym floor as Curb Appeal played the ever-popular song, “Don’t Stop Believing.”
Please click on any photo to enlarge it.
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Sarah D., principal of trumpet section, Symphonic Band, solos in “Overture on a Shaker Tune”
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Sarah D. receives Certificate of Achievement from Ward Brannman, band director
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I.J., Junior All-State Band member, solos in “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” played by Jazz Ensemble
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Jazz Ensemble accents
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Jazz Ensemble finishes
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Ward Brannman plays spoons and washboard with Zydeco Trio
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Jammin’
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Concert Band, 46 members, features Tool Kit Quartet on “Tool Time Tango”
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Kamiakin teachers comprise Tool Kit Quartet
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Concert Band plays “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”
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Symphonic Band, 47 members
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Trumpet section, Symphonic Band
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Ward S. Brannman, Director of Bands
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Wind Ensemble, 44 members
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Trumpet Section, Wind Ensemble
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The Washover Fans
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Curb Appeal
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Grandfather and grandsons form the Brass Trio, playing “The Victors” march
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Two audience members join Zydeco Trio and Ward Brannman in playing “It’s So Hard to Stop”
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Kids and adults dance to “Don’t Stop Believing” played by Curb Appeal
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: band, community, concert, Curb Appeal, Don't Stop Believing, ensemble, folk, jazz, Kamiakin, Overture, rock and roll, Shaker, symphonic, trumpet, trumpeters, tune, Ward Brannman, Washover Fans, wind | 6 Comments »
Posted by glennled on March 16, 2012
Symphonic Band, Kenmore Jr. High, 79 members
I had heard about the exceptionally strong music program at Kenmore Jr. High, and on 14 March, I heard with my own ears what the fuss is all about—an outstanding school concert, loaded with young star musicians, including a trumpet player whom I tutor! [See my blog post of 13 November 2010, for more about this student.]
Almost 200 students comprise the three bands and seven ensembles which performed under the leadership of Debbie Montague, Ph.D., Director of Instrumental Music. Her command and control were flawless, and the music she selected was challenging and entertaining. She attracts and produces high-achievers. Consistently, many of her students are winners in various band and ensemble competitions. She says that in band, they learn not only music but also concentration and responsibility. Those are great character traits to carry with them into Inglemoor High School and beyond.
The Symphonic Band supplied the peak performance of the evening, playing Triumphant Fanfare by Richard Saucedo; On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss by David R. Holsinger; and Earthdance by Michael Sweeney.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The Symphonic Band is participating in the prestigious Festival of Gold at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Orange County, Los Angeles, CA, 30 March-3 April. This festival combines with the Festival at Carnegie Hall to create the Elite Performance Series. Only ensembles that have received a Gold rating at a WorldStrides Heritage music festival or regional festival are accepted into Festival of Gold. The Honor Concert culminates the festival weekend and features the highest scoring ensembles of the festival.
See www.scfta.org and http://www.worldstridesheritageperformance.org/fog/festival_of_gold.php.
As part of the remodeling project now underway at Kenmore Jr. High, a new band room is being readied for use late this school year. It will include a built-in recording system to record the bands and various music groups.
Please click on any photo to enlarge it.
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Seventh Grade Band, 47 members
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Trumpet section, Seventh Grade Band
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Concert Band, 68 members, playing “The Great River” by Michael Story
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Symphonic Band, Kenmore Jr. High, 79 members
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Alto Sax Trio from the Symphonic Band, playing “Shenendoah”
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Bassoon Quintet from the Symphonic Band, playing “Liberty Bell.” Mona Butler, Coach, substitutes for an ensemble member who was sick.
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The popular Marimba Group from the Symphonic Band, playing “Hidden Treasure”
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Dr. Debbie Montague conducts Symphonic Band
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Two tubas, one baritone
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Trumpet Section, Symphonic Band
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Trumpet Section, Symphonic Band
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Trumpet Section, Symphonic Band
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Debbie Montague, Ph.D.
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Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Los Angeles, Orange County
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: band, Debbie Montague, Festival of Gold, Kenmore Jr. High, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Symphonic Band, trumpet, WorldStrides Heritage | Leave a Comment »
Posted by glennled on March 12, 2012
Lots of people start band and drop out, only to regret it in later years. My 19th trumpet student did just that—dropped out after his first year in band when he was a 5th grader at John Muir Elementary School. Now he’s a 9th grader at Kamiakin Junior High in Kirkland, and his goal is to join the band next year as a sophomore at Juanita High School. He’s given himself one year to catch up and be ready. It’s a rare, ambitious attempt. So far, so good.
Last September at the start of the new school year, he found himself eating lunch alone—all his best friends were in band rehearsal during his lunch period. Well then, rejoin band, his mother suggested. “Ok, I’ll try,” was his response.
His mom contacted the high school band director, Mariko Lane, to determine whether she would accept him into band. Yes! Kids
join at all levels of performance, she said enthusiastically. She then advised him to stay with his original instrument, the trumpet, and to find a good tutor right away. In our first meeting, I listened to the story of why he quit and why he wants to start again. I wondered, is this his goal or someone else’s? Is this realistic or just a pipe dream? So I grilled him thoroughly with tough questions and provactive comments, giving him every opportunity to drop the idea or select a different tutor. But he stayed cool and stood fast, which pleased me, so we embarked on the challenge together.
Our first weekly lesson was on 3 November 2011. They ordered the instruction book I prefer for beginners, “Progressive Trumpet,” by Peter Gelling. It happened to be out of stock in local music stores and took a few weeks to arrive on special order. Why is this important? Because he is now finishing that book after about only three and a half months! A fifth grader takes much longer. He is now more mature, he is more dedicated, he has more self-discipline–in other words, he practices regularly! He works at it, so he’s on the fast track. It’s that simple. But simple is not always easy, is it? Simple can be the most difficult.
What does he think of his progress so far? “It’s more possible than I originally thought,” he said. Yes, it is. He has finished the first instruction book faster than any of my other students. When he finishes the second book, he’ll be ready to join high school band. Immediately, he’ll have to learn to march while playing. Then he’ll get three, fun, high school band years full of wonderful, lifelong memories with his friends—just by playing music, and that’s fun in itself. It’s one of those things that’s better “The Second Time Around.”
Posted in New Students - Intro Posts | Tagged: band, instrument, John Muir Elememtary, Juanita High, Kamiakin Jr. High, lesson, Mariko Lane, music, school, trumpet, trumpeter, tutor | 2 Comments »
Posted by glennled on March 9, 2012
It’s not often that you can hear outstanding jazz trumpeters play in a family-friendly venue, but this Saturday night you have that rare opportunity! Jonathan (Jon) Pugh, solo jazz cornet and trumpet artist, is playing at 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 March, at Third Place Books at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park. And it’s free!
Meanwhile, if you wish, you can buy an inexpensive meal from the several restaurants surrounding the audience and stage, and you can browse the adjacent bookstore, before and after the entertainment.
His jazz music is melodic! You don’t have to go to a nightclub or bar. Kids of all ages are welcome. It’s totally casual. It’s fun!
Perhaps you have not heard of Jon Pugh. Well, he’s been playing a long time with some famous groups, including being a featured soloist for 30 years with the legendary Don Lanphere (soprano, alto, and tenor saxophonist). Since 1982, he has been a recording artist and clinician representing Conn-Selmer:Holton trumpets/cornets. As a music educator, he’s known for his passion to both entertain, inform, and inspire every member of his audiences. Wouldn’t you like to experience that? Then come hear him, free!
For more information about the event, his jazz style, his discography of CDs, and his background and credentials, please see the following:
Among those listed as artistic influences upon Jon are Tony Frucella, Chet Baker, Clifford Brown and Oscar Peterson.
Posted in Professional Concerts | Tagged: Chet Baker, Clifford Brown, cornet, cornetist, Don Lamphere, jazz, Jonathan Pugh, Oscar Peterson, solo, Third Place Books, Tony Frucella, trumpet, trumpeter | 4 Comments »
Posted by glennled on February 17, 2012
Yakima, Washington is being invaded by more than 1,000 music educators and 1,600 student musicians over Presidents Day Weekend. This happens annually when the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) conducts its state in-service conference. This is the Diamond Jubilee Conference, celebrating WMEA’s 75-year support of music education.
The event will include more than 100 educational sessions, 30 performing groups, and 80 exhibitors. The students represent various WMEA All-State honor groups from grades 5 through 12. Concerts will be held on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 18-20 February. For more information, see www.wmea.org.
I can’t wait until one or more of my trumpet students makes All-State Band or Orchestra. I want to help someone become the best he or she can be! 🙂
Posted in School Concerts, Student Competitions, Honors & Awards | Tagged: band, choir, conference, educators, jazz, music, orchestra, trumpet, WMEA, Yakima | Leave a Comment »
Posted by glennled on February 17, 2012
For the second year in a row, one of my trumpet students has been selected by the Seattle Public Schools music program to perform in the annual All-City Elementary Instrumental Music Honors Concert. The band will play at Chief Sealth International High School, 2600 SW Thistle, Seattle, on Saturday, 31 March, at 4 p.m. The concert is free.
Students were selected because of their dedication to improving their skills and their exemplary musicianship. The event celebrates their success and provides the city schools’ best 5th-grade musicians the opportunity to play together among their peers. I’m very proud of my student—indeed, he is among the best! He attends Lawton Elementary School in Magnolia, where Lindsey Dustin is the Instrumental Music Teacher (see www.LawtonElementary.org).
Posted in School Concerts, Student Competitions, Honors & Awards | Tagged: 5th grade, All-City, band, concert, elementary, honors, instrumental, Lawton, Lindsey Dustin, music, musicians, school, trumpet | Leave a Comment »
Posted by glennled on February 16, 2012
Last Monday was “Chair Tryout” day for the trumpet section of the 8th grade band at Kamiakin Jr. High School in Kirkland. One by one, ten trumpeters played a passage from “Introduction and Caccia” by Claude T. Smith in front of the whole band and Ward Brannman, band and jazz band director (see http://www.lwsd.org/school/kajh/Academics/Pages/Music.aspx).
My student scored 50 out of 50 points to take first chair! I am so proud of her.
The band program at Kamiakin is one of the best in the state. On 18 February, Mr. Brannman was named Middle School/Junior High Music Educator of the Year by the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) at its annual state conference. This was the Diamond Jubilee conference, celebrating 75 years of WMEA support of music education.
For more stories about this student and her school bands, see my past posts on 7 April 2011, 19 February 2010, and 25 November 2009, simply by selecting the dates from the Archives list in the left column.
My motto is “Become Your Best!” I don’t care if you’re first or last chair, provided you’re performing up to your potential.
Posted in Student Competitions, Honors & Awards | Tagged: 1st, chair, first, Kamiakin Jr. High, Kirkland, trumpet, Ward Brannman, Washington Music Educators Association, WMEA | Leave a Comment »
Posted by glennled on February 9, 2012
NSD 6th Grade Honor Band, 2012
More than 300 students performed last Tuesday evening at the annual Northshore School District’s Sixth Grade Honors Concert held at Northshore Junior High School in Bothell. The 2012 Honor Orchestra, Choir and Band filled the entire length of the gym floor, and their parents, relatives and friends overflowed the grandstand and lined the walls to hear them perform 10 music pieces.
My prime interest was in the Honor Band, for I teach brass instruments to sixth graders from Canyon Creek, Crystal Springs, and Fernwood elementary schools, under the leadership of Mr. Shawn McGinn, Director of Instrumental Music, Skyview Junior High School in Bothell. From the group I teach, there were four trumpet, one French horn, one trombone, and one baritone players in the Honor Band. In addition, Mr. McGinn’s schools were represented by two 
flute, four clarinet, one bass clarinet, one alto saxophone, and one percussion players.
Mr. Alec Wilmart, band director at Kellogg Middle School, conducted the Honor Band. He is past president of the Sno-King Music Educators Association and is chief arranger for the University of Washington Husky Marching Band. He holds degrees in Percussion Performance and Music Education from UW.
The band played “Declaration and Dance” by Harold Bennet and arranged by Larry Clark; “Summit March” by Bill Calhoun; and “Antiquitas” by Larry Clark.
The audience waved often, clapped hard, and went home very proud!
Posted in School Concerts, Student Competitions, Honors & Awards | Tagged: Alec Wilmart, band, brass, concert, honor, Northshore Jr. High, school, Shawn McGinn, trumpet | Leave a Comment »
Posted by glennled on February 8, 2012
Officer Stanley J. Chapin was known as a local legend. “Out of all men in blue vests, Officer Chapin was the best,” wrote Jay Gilliland. A Memorial Mass in his honor was held Tuesday, 7 February, at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Bothell. It was attended by some 1200-1500 family members, friends, government and school officials, and fellow officers.
“Respect and serenity came forth as he spoke,” wrote Gilliland, “A man daily happy…a man of contentment every day standing true.” For those who knew him, he played numerous roles in their lives: husband, father, son, brother, friend, police officer, Army Captain, Sheriff Deputy, comrade, confidant, disciplinarian, counselor, role model, comedian, volunteer, teacher, and marathon champion.
After the Funeral Mass, the Honor Guard of the Washington Army National Guard rendered military honors, including a rifle salute. I followed, sounding “Taps” in farewell to this very special man who died at age 61 in his sleep during the night of 30 January. As a bugler, I have not yet played at a more moving ceremony.
For more about him, please see:
Posted in Ceremonies & Celebrations | Tagged: Bothell, bugler, Chapin, deputy, funeral, Honor Guard, mass, memorial, sheriff, St. Brendan, Taps | 2 Comments »
Glenn's Trumpet Notes 