Nearing a Break!

Reminders:
-Grade 8 Band Trip - Grade 8's please meet at 2:00p.m. in the band room on Sunday.
-Jazz Band students reminder that all jazz band students will have jazz band on Tuesday after school.   Jazz rehearsal on Wednesday is cancelled because of the recital.
-All Jazz Band and Junior Winds Students - recital on WEDNESDAY APRIL 16

In Grade 6 Band
This week in Grade 6 band we continued to review our two new pieces, as well as Mr. P.C.   We also have continued working on our Concert Bb scale, Concert Eb Scale, Concert F scale and concert Ab scale.    As well this week grade 6 students were given a piece of "solo" music.   We discussed different places that solo music was played and how it was played.  Some students did not realize their band instrument could also be a solo instrument.   We watched a few examples of professional soloists.  We practiced playing a solo.   We played together, and then many students tried playing a solo on their own.  We are hoping that if the opportunity arises, students will feel comfortable playing a solo.

In Grade 7 Band
This week in Grade 7 band we worked on intonation and tuning.   Students practiced tuning their own instruments.   As we practiced this we noted a few students who needed to make sure they were putting slide grease on slides and cork grease on corks.   Students also tried using a tuner but were asked to always trust their ears.    We have started to hand out trip itineraries.   Students are asked to return these by Monday May 5.   Students continue to work on moving together in slow music and creating phrases.  We listened to Pandora this week.   We still have a lot of work to do with this piece.   Students are asked to take a look at 48 to the end.

In Grade 8 Band

This week we worked more on our new piece, Beatles 1964.  This will be a main focus of our clinic with Nick Fanner in Saskatoon.  We are also trying to keep our other 5 pieces up to snuff.  Phrasing and rhythmic accuracy seem to be concepts that we keep needing to work at.  This requires consistent focus as well as an in depth knowledge of ones own part which only comes from individual practice.  This becomes difficult after a major performance like the Optimist Music Festival but with two months left in band we can't rest on our laurels.

See you all on Sunday at 2 p.m.  Don't forget your instrument, music, and concert dress!  We are looking forward to a rewarding and fun trip.