We're Back!!!!!

Ok, it's been a while. I didn't add anything over the summer, and we are now approaching our first concert of the 2009-10 school year. No, I haven't been lazy, just busy.

The 09-10 7th Grade Band rocks!

Your first concert is in 4 days. You are ready. It will be fun!

Jazz Band, we have several students signed up, but we should have more. There are too many 8th Grade Band students who SHOULD be in Jazz Band. It is a fun experience. If you think it's too early in the morning, you should try my schedule. Get up at 4:00 a.m. and spend 45 minutes in the car to get here! If I can do it (remember I'm an old geezer) you should have no problem geting up at 6 to be here by 7. Remember, sometimes doughnuts show up!

HAPPY SUMMER BREAK!!!!!

WE MADE IT!

OK, that sound like it was a harsh year. It really wasn't. It was a lot of fun.

7th Grade Band, you all rocked! You had some challenges with the music, especially the last concert, and you didn't back away. I am proud of you! When I get some time (and I probably will have some time soon) I'll post mp3s of your concert music. Sorry, I haven't gotten a recording of Star Trek from Video Club yet.

Jazz Band... you were also awesome! I looked forward to those early mornings! It is real cool to see and hear the changes from last fall to this spring. You have really grown as musicians. I look forward to continuing with you next year as MGHS Jazz III!

For those of you who are in band next year, good for you! Keep playing because the more you learn, the more you can play, and the funner (yeah, it's not a word but too bad) band gets! Stay in through high school and you probably will have the chance to ...

===> Play at Camp Randall for UW-Band Day
===> Take a trip to a large metropolis (we recently went to NYC)
===> Play in the "pit" for the Musical
===> Play in different types of ensembles
===> And many many more opportunities

If you are not signed up for band.... DO IT! You will have a lot of fun! It is work, but very rewarding!

Have a Great Summer!!!!!!!!!!
Mr. K.

Jazz Band Performs at Talent Show

On April 24th, the GDS Jazz Band performed at the First Annual Glacial Drumlin Middle School Talent Show. Tunes performed were Satin Doll (with Ellen Albright on alto sax and Matt Frisque on tenor sax0, and Baggy Pants Blues (with Dalton Bright on mallets and Hayden Newton on trombone.) The jazz band played at both the 12:00 pm show and the 7:00 pm show.

Nicely done!

First Performance!

On Friday, January 23, 2009, the Glacial Drumlin Jazz Ensemble performed in public for the first time! We took the stage in the GDS Cafeteria and played for the breakfast shift. The tunes we played were:
Baggy Pants Blues
Jingle Bell Rock
Frosty the Snowman
Santa Rocks The House

We originally planned on playing last December 19, but were snowed out (but hey, we got an extra day of Holiday Break!)

The members of the GDSJE did an outstanding job of setting up, playing, and clearing out! I think I owe them some doughnuts!

Thanks to Ms. Tennant and Mr. Whisler for allowing us to play. Also thanks to Mrs. Stone for sitting in on trumpet!

Way to go GDSJE!!!!

Mr. K.

FREEZING RAIN! ICE! SNOW!!!

Attention all Jazz Band Members...

Due to the probability nasty weather all day Tuesday, and into Tuesday night, we will cancel Jazz Band rehearsal for this Wednesday (12/10/2008). This is just a precaution because I may not be able to contact each and every one of you personally if we have no school on Tuesday. Just playing it safe. Even if there IS school on Wednesday, I won't make you come in at 7:00 am. Be safe.

Mr. K.

Glacial Drumlin Jazz

The FIRST Glacial Drumlin Jazz Ensemble is already rehearsing!
Twenty-two 8th Grade Band students are getting to school at 7:00 am to learn jazz, blues, big band, rock, swing, latin, and other styles of music, including improvisation (the sun has not exploded!) We are currently working up some winter-ish tunes for a little suprise in December.
They keep wondering about doughnuts. Well... you never know when they will appear!

Jazz Band

Winneqah has had a jazz band for many years. I have been fortunate to have outstanding students over the past 8 years. This year's Jazz Band made their performance debute last week at the Winnequah Talent Show. We played "Stepping Up to the Blues" and "Let It Groove." Megan Bower, Matt Blair, and Jack Allen played solos.