(UPDATED 09/24) Sr. Instrumentalists.....
Thank you all who took the time to provide input for scheduling our weekly rehearsal. With Quarter 3 not beginning until February (!), it is critical for your continued musical development to keep playing regularly, and this will help in that regard, attendance for all -whether signed up for a concert band or not- is expected. For those that weren't able to get Band as part of your schedule, it will also help keep you engaged and actively playing music, and eligible to continue with us in band again next year. For grade 9 and 10 students (with or without Band as a course), I've spoken to Counselling and these extra rehearsals will allow us to make regular contact with you, and thereby allowing us to continue working towards the CLE 10 completion that would not be attainable in a single quarter.
Our first meeting is going to be this coming Monday (Sept. 28) in the Cafeteria @ 3:15pm. While our regular meeting time will be 3:15-4:45, this will be an organizational meeting that will be under 30 minutes -no instruments for this meeting. Please spread the word and encourage others to do the same. Music will be handed out to allow you to begin practicing before our first rehearsal.
We look forward to seeing everyone,
Mr. Angell & Mr. Fawkes
Thank you all who took the time to provide input for scheduling our weekly rehearsal. With Quarter 3 not beginning until February (!), it is critical for your continued musical development to keep playing regularly, and this will help in that regard, attendance for all -whether signed up for a concert band or not- is expected. For those that weren't able to get Band as part of your schedule, it will also help keep you engaged and actively playing music, and eligible to continue with us in band again next year. For grade 9 and 10 students (with or without Band as a course), I've spoken to Counselling and these extra rehearsals will allow us to make regular contact with you, and thereby allowing us to continue working towards the CLE 10 completion that would not be attainable in a single quarter.
Our first meeting is going to be this coming Monday (Sept. 28) in the Cafeteria @ 3:15pm. While our regular meeting time will be 3:15-4:45, this will be an organizational meeting that will be under 30 minutes -no instruments for this meeting. Please spread the word and encourage others to do the same. Music will be handed out to allow you to begin practicing before our first rehearsal.
We look forward to seeing everyone,
Mr. Angell & Mr. Fawkes
(UPDATED 09/23) Masks & bags for instrumental players
As we wait for purchasable masks/bags to come in (they are back ordered commodities about now), they are also something those with basic sewing skills and a machine can make for themselves. United Sound is one of the manufacture's of these products and they have shared info/patterns on how to make your own (does not include for flute, but the clarinet/oboe version is easily adaptable). There are 2 versions of face masks listed, the 2nd one is more comfortable and allows for a better fit . For flautists, here's a step by step video.
As we wait for purchasable masks/bags to come in (they are back ordered commodities about now), they are also something those with basic sewing skills and a machine can make for themselves. United Sound is one of the manufacture's of these products and they have shared info/patterns on how to make your own (does not include for flute, but the clarinet/oboe version is easily adaptable). There are 2 versions of face masks listed, the 2nd one is more comfortable and allows for a better fit . For flautists, here's a step by step video.
(UPDATED 09/23) Contact & Communicating w/Music ensembles and Courses
We use more than one method of contact & distribution of information with our ensembles and classes. While students will receive more specific info in their individual classes, expect to use a combination of TEAMS, MusicFirst, and this music dept. website. Students should check regularly and/or ensure they have their device(s)notifications turned on.
We use more than one method of contact & distribution of information with our ensembles and classes. While students will receive more specific info in their individual classes, expect to use a combination of TEAMS, MusicFirst, and this music dept. website. Students should check regularly and/or ensure they have their device(s)notifications turned on.
(UPDATED 09/15) PAST and current Band & Choir students take note.
Were you not able to take the band or choir course you wanted? We don't want the extreme challenges of this years timetabling to impede your involvement. We're working hard at coming up with ways of providing opportunities to remain involved and engaged this year, as well as continuing to keep the door open for subsequent years.
The most important thing you need to do is connect with us and let us know you are wanting to continue involvement! Please fill out the linked form here. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rvqr_Ar4dE-2p7oVwqS7JFNMGRkOz7xFrkd7qQOESU9UNjJGQTFURkFKVTVSVk9LWVFaT1RBNVdDNC4u
Choirs and Jazz Bands continue to function outside of the regular timetable, and therefore provide a non-conflicting way to continue involvement. They have just begun meeting, so it's not too late!
Jazz Band is normally a co-requisite -meaning you need to be Concert Band to be in Jazz Band. Because of CB scheduling issues that have kept many from joining, this requirement will be waived this year. While the repertoire & focus of JB will remain the same, all instruments are welcome -not just the typical saxes, tbns, trpts, rhythm section type instruments. Jazz oboe? Why not.
Because the quarter system undermines the year long attributes of skill development, we are working on creating 2, after-school ensembles (Gr. 8, and 9-12) that will each meet once/week (days/times, tba). These ensembles will both help offset the feast or famine issues of the 10 week, 3hr/day endurance challenges, as well as create an important opportunity for those students who did not get the music class they signed up for, to continue playing this year, and coming years.
Again, we want to do all we can to help those wanting to continue being involved in a vibrant musical opportunity to do so. If you do, fill out the form. Feel free to also contact Mr. Angell or Mr. Fawkes directly if you have further questions.
edit.
Were you not able to take the band or choir course you wanted? We don't want the extreme challenges of this years timetabling to impede your involvement. We're working hard at coming up with ways of providing opportunities to remain involved and engaged this year, as well as continuing to keep the door open for subsequent years.
The most important thing you need to do is connect with us and let us know you are wanting to continue involvement! Please fill out the linked form here. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rvqr_Ar4dE-2p7oVwqS7JFNMGRkOz7xFrkd7qQOESU9UNjJGQTFURkFKVTVSVk9LWVFaT1RBNVdDNC4u
Choirs and Jazz Bands continue to function outside of the regular timetable, and therefore provide a non-conflicting way to continue involvement. They have just begun meeting, so it's not too late!
Jazz Band is normally a co-requisite -meaning you need to be Concert Band to be in Jazz Band. Because of CB scheduling issues that have kept many from joining, this requirement will be waived this year. While the repertoire & focus of JB will remain the same, all instruments are welcome -not just the typical saxes, tbns, trpts, rhythm section type instruments. Jazz oboe? Why not.
Because the quarter system undermines the year long attributes of skill development, we are working on creating 2, after-school ensembles (Gr. 8, and 9-12) that will each meet once/week (days/times, tba). These ensembles will both help offset the feast or famine issues of the 10 week, 3hr/day endurance challenges, as well as create an important opportunity for those students who did not get the music class they signed up for, to continue playing this year, and coming years.
Again, we want to do all we can to help those wanting to continue being involved in a vibrant musical opportunity to do so. If you do, fill out the form. Feel free to also contact Mr. Angell or Mr. Fawkes directly if you have further questions.
edit.
(UPDATED 09/11) IMPORTANT 2020/21 STARTUP INFO
Dear WGSS instrumental music students,
I've been waiting for class lists and have written this note while waiting for them. I will quickly be creating your Teams class(es) where you've now received this. At this point, I know there's a lot of questions being asked and I hope this will begin to shed some light on where things currently stand. I will continue to distribute information as it becomes available through your Teams music classes (to start, primarily through your Concert Bands). Here goes....
Welcome back! I know we're all looking forward to the return of some sort of normalcy -or at least a smaller step towards it, but in the interests of health and safety for all students, the challenges for our School administration –to create a workable timetable that meets all the Ministry of Education requirements has been overwhelming. While it has created some very real difficulties and challenges, we are working hard to maintain and build upon the shared joy and experience of creating ensemble music. This year, yes, some things will need to be different. We'll work with that, but we're also going to work towards enriching that with supplemental activities.
Musical development is not a sprint and best occurs across a longer, sustained period of time. In an effort to reduce our 'bubble' at this time, our course scheduling has had to be done in quarters -a sprint model. Our Concert Bands (because they are in the regular timetable) are constrained by this. I'll talk more about that in a minute.
Our extended day classes (Choral & Jazz Bands) are able to run linear (all year long, as we have normally done).
Normally, most students doing Jazz Band will have already signed up for it, although there are always a few students that need to get added in Sept. This year, as the office went through multiple (ie. more than 20!!! versions of timetables), there were many students who disappeared, and have already contacted me about that. If you're in that position, please let me know, and also plan on coming out.
Grade 8 musicians.... Welcome to Gator Nation, and to our music department! I'm struggling and disappointed that your Concert Band is scheduled for Q4. There is a bunch that Mr. Angell (the other music teacher here) and myself are working on towards augmenting these kinds of issues. There will be more info on that to follow, but immediately I would like to invite ALL of you to come out and join our Junior Jazz Band. While I don't have the luxury of talking with you about this in person on startup, please consider it. Normally, you are required to be in Concert Band to be in Jazz Band, but this year only -given the struggles surrounding Electives, we will waive this requirement in order to keep you connected with our program and eligible to continue on with us next year. All instruments are welcome to come explore playing in the main jazz styles (swing, latin, rock). That could be a great enrichment to your musical experience. I'd encourage all of you to seriously consider it.
A second way to participate would be through a weekly Gr. 8 after school concert band ensemble. This is a work in progress, so stay tuned for more info. Please contact me if you have any other questions.
Grade 9 musicians.... In particular, it seems your grade was the most difficult for scheduling; especially for music and language courses. I've already heard from students that did not receive Band due to larger scheduling issues. Given the unusual circumstances this year, if you know of someone in that situation please have them contact me, because I would like to help find a way for them to remain connected with our program. Normally a co-requisite, I would invite them to join Jazz Band and/or a year long, once per week after school ensemble for Gr. 9-12 students that are either enrolled in Ba9, or wanted to but did not get Ba9 as an elective.
Sr. Band.... same as for grade 8s, we're working on creating a weekly afternoon rehearsal, starting asap. We're also extending this offer for grade 9 students to join us.
Jazz Bands (whether you're already enrolled or not): we will begin rehearsals starting next week with your after school rehearsal (rehearsal schedule below). Do not bring your instrument for the first meeting.
EVERYONE: Please watch for the survey coming your way, and especially those who are not currently registered in your desired ensemble(s), fill it out ASAP (Link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rvqr_Ar4dE-2p7oVwqS7JFNMGRkOz7xFrkd7qQOESU9UNjJGQTFURkFKVTVSVk9LWVFaT1RBNVdDNC4u). While this situation is fluid and evolving, we want to make sure we sustain and foster every opportunity to continue your musical journey with us.
Jazz Band Rehearsal Schedules:
•Sr. JB: Tuesdays 2:15-3:30, Thursdays 7:45-9:00
•Int. JB: Mondays 2:15-3:30, Wednesdays 7:45-9:00
•Jr. JB: Wednesdays 2:15-3:30, Fridays 7:45-9:00
Please make a point to contact us directly if there is any way we can help you to be with us.
Dear WGSS instrumental music students,
I've been waiting for class lists and have written this note while waiting for them. I will quickly be creating your Teams class(es) where you've now received this. At this point, I know there's a lot of questions being asked and I hope this will begin to shed some light on where things currently stand. I will continue to distribute information as it becomes available through your Teams music classes (to start, primarily through your Concert Bands). Here goes....
Welcome back! I know we're all looking forward to the return of some sort of normalcy -or at least a smaller step towards it, but in the interests of health and safety for all students, the challenges for our School administration –to create a workable timetable that meets all the Ministry of Education requirements has been overwhelming. While it has created some very real difficulties and challenges, we are working hard to maintain and build upon the shared joy and experience of creating ensemble music. This year, yes, some things will need to be different. We'll work with that, but we're also going to work towards enriching that with supplemental activities.
Musical development is not a sprint and best occurs across a longer, sustained period of time. In an effort to reduce our 'bubble' at this time, our course scheduling has had to be done in quarters -a sprint model. Our Concert Bands (because they are in the regular timetable) are constrained by this. I'll talk more about that in a minute.
Our extended day classes (Choral & Jazz Bands) are able to run linear (all year long, as we have normally done).
Normally, most students doing Jazz Band will have already signed up for it, although there are always a few students that need to get added in Sept. This year, as the office went through multiple (ie. more than 20!!! versions of timetables), there were many students who disappeared, and have already contacted me about that. If you're in that position, please let me know, and also plan on coming out.
Grade 8 musicians.... Welcome to Gator Nation, and to our music department! I'm struggling and disappointed that your Concert Band is scheduled for Q4. There is a bunch that Mr. Angell (the other music teacher here) and myself are working on towards augmenting these kinds of issues. There will be more info on that to follow, but immediately I would like to invite ALL of you to come out and join our Junior Jazz Band. While I don't have the luxury of talking with you about this in person on startup, please consider it. Normally, you are required to be in Concert Band to be in Jazz Band, but this year only -given the struggles surrounding Electives, we will waive this requirement in order to keep you connected with our program and eligible to continue on with us next year. All instruments are welcome to come explore playing in the main jazz styles (swing, latin, rock). That could be a great enrichment to your musical experience. I'd encourage all of you to seriously consider it.
A second way to participate would be through a weekly Gr. 8 after school concert band ensemble. This is a work in progress, so stay tuned for more info. Please contact me if you have any other questions.
Grade 9 musicians.... In particular, it seems your grade was the most difficult for scheduling; especially for music and language courses. I've already heard from students that did not receive Band due to larger scheduling issues. Given the unusual circumstances this year, if you know of someone in that situation please have them contact me, because I would like to help find a way for them to remain connected with our program. Normally a co-requisite, I would invite them to join Jazz Band and/or a year long, once per week after school ensemble for Gr. 9-12 students that are either enrolled in Ba9, or wanted to but did not get Ba9 as an elective.
Sr. Band.... same as for grade 8s, we're working on creating a weekly afternoon rehearsal, starting asap. We're also extending this offer for grade 9 students to join us.
Jazz Bands (whether you're already enrolled or not): we will begin rehearsals starting next week with your after school rehearsal (rehearsal schedule below). Do not bring your instrument for the first meeting.
EVERYONE: Please watch for the survey coming your way, and especially those who are not currently registered in your desired ensemble(s), fill it out ASAP (Link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rvqr_Ar4dE-2p7oVwqS7JFNMGRkOz7xFrkd7qQOESU9UNjJGQTFURkFKVTVSVk9LWVFaT1RBNVdDNC4u). While this situation is fluid and evolving, we want to make sure we sustain and foster every opportunity to continue your musical journey with us.
Jazz Band Rehearsal Schedules:
•Sr. JB: Tuesdays 2:15-3:30, Thursdays 7:45-9:00
•Int. JB: Mondays 2:15-3:30, Wednesdays 7:45-9:00
•Jr. JB: Wednesdays 2:15-3:30, Fridays 7:45-9:00
Please make a point to contact us directly if there is any way we can help you to be with us.
(UPDATED 04/17)MUSIC UNIFORMS
Please note that the school has asked for all uniforms (including from the Music Dept.) to be returned in to the school on Thurs. April 23. A detailed drop off schedule will be coming from Administration.
Please include all uniform pieces in a single plastic garbage bag (kitchen size preferred). Make sure the outside is clearly marked in felt pen of a contrasting colour with student's name and their primary ensemble. If you have multiple uniforms, please include them together in the same bag. Siblings are asked to do separate bags.
School instruments needed to fulfill course requirements should be kept until later, but any school instruments/accessories not required to complete courses should be returned at this time. Please make sure instrument cases, and any other items for return, are labelled.
(UPDATED 04/09) For today I'll post this in 3 spots; the Music Dept Website, MusicFirst, and your TEAMS class. Please respond using MusicFirst (Class message in upper RH corner). If everything looks good for all classes just say 'All ensembles good', but please specify and problems 'All good except I didn't see it for JB in TEAMS' for example. This one's a long read.....
Hi everyone! (doesn't that seem warm and personal?)
First off, I just want to say my interest and concerns around this educational detour will be focusing on you, your musicianship, and your enjoyment of music (something I truly believe can be part of your personal well being). Not having been together sharing the ensemble experience has been a challenge, but it's also about the intrinsic dynamic of what goes along with being together 'music-ing'.
We know that one of the most challenging parts of what lies before us is the apprehension that goes along with the unknown and uncertainty of how we proceed; we all are more comfortable when we feel secure. Me too. The last thing I want you to have to deal with is the obstacles of the new to us tech that as a school, we'll be needing to learn/use. I'm learning too. I do feel a self-imposed pressure to know and be able to instantly solve everything related to that for you -but I can't. I will however, do everything to help in that regard, but it may take time as we both deal with issues.
What I will ask is that we all make a concerted effort to deal with challenges that arise. Please reach out to me, and/or your classmates -some may have just solved your same issue. If you have a helpful suggestion -again for me or your classmates, please share those too. Here is one important thing that I ask of all... please READ INSTRUCTIONS/DESCRIPTIONS FULLY before asking questions -it's not fair to ask others to answer questions that are already in front of you.
Instead of calling it 'On Line Learning', a fellow teacher aptly described it as 'Emergency Based Learning' -and I don't disagree. We do need to be flexible -teachers and students alike; we need to be patient (with ourselves and with others) and make the effort. From our day to day classes I know that these qualities are part of you all.
---------
So, here's our current landscape; where things currently sit, and where we each need to be.
We are already using two primary online sources and will continue to do so; they are familiar and should be straight forward.
1) our dept. website: www.wgssmusic.weebly.com, which will primarily continue to be a repository for files and documents.
2) wgss.musicfirstclassroom.com This is where I expect us to be spending most of our time. There's LOTS within this package that we have not yet used and will be of great value moving forward.
The new puzzle piece is #3. TEAMS
Hopefully your accessing & setting up for using Office365, your @langleyschool.com email access, and MS TEAMS has gone relatively smoothly. I know I found I had (am still finding) some issues. Let me know if you're struggling (this is new to me too) and I'll help as much as I can.
I have created a TEAM for each ensemble; you should see as many music TEAMS as ensembles you are in. I have not yet published anything there yet -just gotten everyone added. As we move forward (and as I learn & determine how best to create our new 'virtual class' you will find more there). I actually expect you (if all your teachers are using TEAMS) will quickly become more proficient than myself.
I really want to make sure that we start this journey with everyone; with no one missing the boat. So here's some starting points/expectations.
Everyone should by now (or in the process of) should be having your/an instrument to play on. I've posted on both our Weebly site and in MusicFirst regarding that (proactively, I expect you've been checking there already).
I expect (especially in the beginning) that you check in at all 3 places daily. That does not mean there will be something new every day, but check in.
For now (like I've already been asking), I just want you to be playing some music that you already have or can easily get. It certainly can include some scale/tech work/improv/etc as well; something that you can enjoy WHILE FOCUSSING ON PLAYING IT WELL (think all the issues we regularly bring up in class). I will be putting up O Canada asap, but in the mean time why not start figuring out the melody (or download the sheet music). I want you to play it in Concert Eb (check what you download to make sure it matches), which means the first note should be a Concert G. Good luck!
Do 15 min/day. Keep a log of things you did: (example)
Monday -20 min. focused on Ab & Eb scales at 75bpm. Worked on learning 'O Canada', and played 'We are the Champions' and 'section 'E' of 'Trumpet Boogie'
At the end of next week I'll ask you to submit it (I'll let you know more later, just record your entries for use later).
That's enough for now. Go enjoy some music; playing and listening!
(UPDATED 04/08) Please make sure you have access to, and check in daily, to the primary online tools your class is using. Instrumental ensembles -that would include here, our MUSICFIRST classrooms, and on TEAMS. While how (how much) we use TEAMS is yet to be determined, as a Gator, you'll be using it regardless. Mr. Fawkes -an admitted TEAMS rookie- will be working at getting your ensemble TEAM up and running over the next few days.
INSTRUMENTAL STUDENTS: Please DO NOT return your Technique Books at this time -you will still be needing them. If you're using a school instrument as your PRIMARY INSTRUMENT and you already have it at home, please continue to work with it and it will be returned (along with tech. books, ensemble music, uniform, etc.) later. If you're using a school instrument as a SECONDARY INSTRUMENT and you can use your personal instrument as a substitute (ie: you've been playing a school bass clarinet and you have your own soprano clarinet) please do so. If you require additional assistance/guidance, please let us know.
CHORAL STUDENTS: Please DO NOT return your music or uniform at this time, we will be collecting them at a later time.
(UPDATED 03/31) While most students' instruments went home for the break, I was in today and saw a few still in the Storage Room. The school has not designated an access date for retrieving needed materials, stay tuned for date/time of access. Please make sure you have your instrument and music/folder available at home.
Music matters -now more than ever.
For the music dept., we will try to tailor our response to meet our unique needs. DOING MUSIC is one of the most mindful, therapeutic activities you can use right now. Music matters –especially now.
Please check back both here AND your MusicFirst between Mar. 27-30 for updated info.
SPRING BREAK 2020 and then.......?
Well, we expected there would be adjustments due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, and there will be. As much as we'd all appreciate the security of knowing what we are returning to after Spring Break, the truth is we don't know what that is going to look like yet –it's currently a moving target and the District is doing their utmost to create a working solution for all; stay tuned to the Dist. website for that.
Please note that the school has asked for all uniforms (including from the Music Dept.) to be returned in to the school on Thurs. April 23. A detailed drop off schedule will be coming from Administration.
Please include all uniform pieces in a single plastic garbage bag (kitchen size preferred). Make sure the outside is clearly marked in felt pen of a contrasting colour with student's name and their primary ensemble. If you have multiple uniforms, please include them together in the same bag. Siblings are asked to do separate bags.
School instruments needed to fulfill course requirements should be kept until later, but any school instruments/accessories not required to complete courses should be returned at this time. Please make sure instrument cases, and any other items for return, are labelled.
(UPDATED 04/09) For today I'll post this in 3 spots; the Music Dept Website, MusicFirst, and your TEAMS class. Please respond using MusicFirst (Class message in upper RH corner). If everything looks good for all classes just say 'All ensembles good', but please specify and problems 'All good except I didn't see it for JB in TEAMS' for example. This one's a long read.....
Hi everyone! (doesn't that seem warm and personal?)
First off, I just want to say my interest and concerns around this educational detour will be focusing on you, your musicianship, and your enjoyment of music (something I truly believe can be part of your personal well being). Not having been together sharing the ensemble experience has been a challenge, but it's also about the intrinsic dynamic of what goes along with being together 'music-ing'.
We know that one of the most challenging parts of what lies before us is the apprehension that goes along with the unknown and uncertainty of how we proceed; we all are more comfortable when we feel secure. Me too. The last thing I want you to have to deal with is the obstacles of the new to us tech that as a school, we'll be needing to learn/use. I'm learning too. I do feel a self-imposed pressure to know and be able to instantly solve everything related to that for you -but I can't. I will however, do everything to help in that regard, but it may take time as we both deal with issues.
What I will ask is that we all make a concerted effort to deal with challenges that arise. Please reach out to me, and/or your classmates -some may have just solved your same issue. If you have a helpful suggestion -again for me or your classmates, please share those too. Here is one important thing that I ask of all... please READ INSTRUCTIONS/DESCRIPTIONS FULLY before asking questions -it's not fair to ask others to answer questions that are already in front of you.
Instead of calling it 'On Line Learning', a fellow teacher aptly described it as 'Emergency Based Learning' -and I don't disagree. We do need to be flexible -teachers and students alike; we need to be patient (with ourselves and with others) and make the effort. From our day to day classes I know that these qualities are part of you all.
---------
So, here's our current landscape; where things currently sit, and where we each need to be.
We are already using two primary online sources and will continue to do so; they are familiar and should be straight forward.
1) our dept. website: www.wgssmusic.weebly.com, which will primarily continue to be a repository for files and documents.
2) wgss.musicfirstclassroom.com This is where I expect us to be spending most of our time. There's LOTS within this package that we have not yet used and will be of great value moving forward.
The new puzzle piece is #3. TEAMS
Hopefully your accessing & setting up for using Office365, your @langleyschool.com email access, and MS TEAMS has gone relatively smoothly. I know I found I had (am still finding) some issues. Let me know if you're struggling (this is new to me too) and I'll help as much as I can.
I have created a TEAM for each ensemble; you should see as many music TEAMS as ensembles you are in. I have not yet published anything there yet -just gotten everyone added. As we move forward (and as I learn & determine how best to create our new 'virtual class' you will find more there). I actually expect you (if all your teachers are using TEAMS) will quickly become more proficient than myself.
I really want to make sure that we start this journey with everyone; with no one missing the boat. So here's some starting points/expectations.
Everyone should by now (or in the process of) should be having your/an instrument to play on. I've posted on both our Weebly site and in MusicFirst regarding that (proactively, I expect you've been checking there already).
I expect (especially in the beginning) that you check in at all 3 places daily. That does not mean there will be something new every day, but check in.
For now (like I've already been asking), I just want you to be playing some music that you already have or can easily get. It certainly can include some scale/tech work/improv/etc as well; something that you can enjoy WHILE FOCUSSING ON PLAYING IT WELL (think all the issues we regularly bring up in class). I will be putting up O Canada asap, but in the mean time why not start figuring out the melody (or download the sheet music). I want you to play it in Concert Eb (check what you download to make sure it matches), which means the first note should be a Concert G. Good luck!
Do 15 min/day. Keep a log of things you did: (example)
Monday -20 min. focused on Ab & Eb scales at 75bpm. Worked on learning 'O Canada', and played 'We are the Champions' and 'section 'E' of 'Trumpet Boogie'
At the end of next week I'll ask you to submit it (I'll let you know more later, just record your entries for use later).
That's enough for now. Go enjoy some music; playing and listening!
(UPDATED 04/08) Please make sure you have access to, and check in daily, to the primary online tools your class is using. Instrumental ensembles -that would include here, our MUSICFIRST classrooms, and on TEAMS. While how (how much) we use TEAMS is yet to be determined, as a Gator, you'll be using it regardless. Mr. Fawkes -an admitted TEAMS rookie- will be working at getting your ensemble TEAM up and running over the next few days.
INSTRUMENTAL STUDENTS: Please DO NOT return your Technique Books at this time -you will still be needing them. If you're using a school instrument as your PRIMARY INSTRUMENT and you already have it at home, please continue to work with it and it will be returned (along with tech. books, ensemble music, uniform, etc.) later. If you're using a school instrument as a SECONDARY INSTRUMENT and you can use your personal instrument as a substitute (ie: you've been playing a school bass clarinet and you have your own soprano clarinet) please do so. If you require additional assistance/guidance, please let us know.
CHORAL STUDENTS: Please DO NOT return your music or uniform at this time, we will be collecting them at a later time.
(UPDATED 03/31) While most students' instruments went home for the break, I was in today and saw a few still in the Storage Room. The school has not designated an access date for retrieving needed materials, stay tuned for date/time of access. Please make sure you have your instrument and music/folder available at home.
Music matters -now more than ever.
For the music dept., we will try to tailor our response to meet our unique needs. DOING MUSIC is one of the most mindful, therapeutic activities you can use right now. Music matters –especially now.
Please check back both here AND your MusicFirst between Mar. 27-30 for updated info.
SPRING BREAK 2020 and then.......?
Well, we expected there would be adjustments due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, and there will be. As much as we'd all appreciate the security of knowing what we are returning to after Spring Break, the truth is we don't know what that is going to look like yet –it's currently a moving target and the District is doing their utmost to create a working solution for all; stay tuned to the Dist. website for that.
BCMEA Provincial Honour Groups
Auditions & selections for the annual Provincal Honour groups occur in April for the follow school year's ensembles, which meet & perform at the BCMEA Concerts at the Oct. Pro D weekend. There are many of you that should strongly consider auditioning. If this interests you, you can begin preparing with the 2020 Honour Group audition materials
Auditions & selections for the annual Provincal Honour groups occur in April for the follow school year's ensembles, which meet & perform at the BCMEA Concerts at the Oct. Pro D weekend. There are many of you that should strongly consider auditioning. If this interests you, you can begin preparing with the 2020 Honour Group audition materials
Welcome!
After what I hope was a great summer for everyone, we're looking forward to seeing and catching up with our returning students, as well as meeting and get to know our new ensemble members.
We use this website as a conduit for a lot of general information, as well as a central directory to useful/needed links for individual courses. It will serve you well to bookmark this site, as you will find yourself returning to it frequently.
For the start of classes, you will not need instruments for the first day. While you may not have been playing/singing every day (or maybe you have?), please make a point of doing some playing & preparation prior to our first ensemble classes to make sure you're able to help both yourself, and the ensemble, start off on the right foot. Intermediate & Senior Instrumental class should plan on playing the second class back; Juniors will be announced in class -either Mon. or Wed. of week 2.
After what I hope was a great summer for everyone, we're looking forward to seeing and catching up with our returning students, as well as meeting and get to know our new ensemble members.
We use this website as a conduit for a lot of general information, as well as a central directory to useful/needed links for individual courses. It will serve you well to bookmark this site, as you will find yourself returning to it frequently.
For the start of classes, you will not need instruments for the first day. While you may not have been playing/singing every day (or maybe you have?), please make a point of doing some playing & preparation prior to our first ensemble classes to make sure you're able to help both yourself, and the ensemble, start off on the right foot. Intermediate & Senior Instrumental class should plan on playing the second class back; Juniors will be announced in class -either Mon. or Wed. of week 2.
Although school has started up, our copiers seem to think it's still summer break. We'll get course guidelines and expectations out as soon as we have machines working.
Our New Parent's Meeting will take place Thurs. Sept. 21st @ 7:00pm. Although aimed primarily towards the parents of our incoming Gr. 8 class, all parent's of students new to our program are welcome.
Need a new/extra copy of the Expectations Booklet? Download here.
Click here to view Mr. Witzke's Whistler pictures taken from April 25-28, 2019.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rjnb9kvn936jjl7/AABGazOsbaVlI5Wby__HPO0Ca?dl=0
Our New Parent's Meeting will take place Thurs. Sept. 21st @ 7:00pm. Although aimed primarily towards the parents of our incoming Gr. 8 class, all parent's of students new to our program are welcome.
Need a new/extra copy of the Expectations Booklet? Download here.
Click here to view Mr. Witzke's Whistler pictures taken from April 25-28, 2019.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rjnb9kvn936jjl7/AABGazOsbaVlI5Wby__HPO0Ca?dl=0