Here is a link to a recording of "Procession of the Nobles."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Sx-OOsQXhvU
This should give you an idea of the piece. But...warning! They play the piece significantly faster than most ensembles, and faster than we will play it.
Shoot for Quarter Note = 90-96. Not 124 like this band on the recording...
Here's a recording of the other audition excerpt: "Rondo," from "Prelude, Siciliano, and Rondo."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KRpQPY-yzEE
The audio isn't great. Also, probably an example of the most boring way to conduct...
Remember, auditions for symphonic band will take place the week of October 15 during seminar and after school.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Pictures from Andover
Here are some pictures (courtesy of Robertta Goffeney) of Saturday's Andover Invitational. Enjoy!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Andover Invitational
Last night, the marching band performed at the annual Andover "Early Bird" Marching Band Invitational in Bloomfield Hills. I was proud of how the band did, especially considering we hadn't met since Tuesday evening.
The invitational was valuable for several reasons. First, we received two audio tapes of comments by two long-time music educators and a video tape from the press box. Second, we got a chance to put our whole show on the field before the ensuing football games. Until last night, we had only performed 3 of 5 songs. Last, we got the chance to see 6 other area bands including Troy HS (http://www.troyhighband.org/), Andover (http://www.andovermusic.com/band.htm), Lahser (http://www.lahserbands.org/), Dakota (http://www.cvs.k12.mi.us/dakota/), and Southfield HS and Southfield-Lathrup (http://www.southfield.k12.mi.us/education/district/district.php?sectionid=1).
What might be most fun about the night is seeing the very different styles of the bands. Our band probably had a similar style to Andover and Lahser in the presentation, music, and marching style. In the same way, the Southfield schools have a similar style, modeling their show on the Florida A&M Band (http://www.marching100alumni.com/home.htm). Troy and Dakota had unique styles, at times approximating DCI (http://www.dci.org/index.cfm) groups.
We have the next week off from football and then follow with our last two games. I'll post soon about upcoming October events, including the trip to UM's Band-O-Rama (October 20), Tag Days fundraiser (October 12-14), and the indoor marching concert (October 19).
The invitational was valuable for several reasons. First, we received two audio tapes of comments by two long-time music educators and a video tape from the press box. Second, we got a chance to put our whole show on the field before the ensuing football games. Until last night, we had only performed 3 of 5 songs. Last, we got the chance to see 6 other area bands including Troy HS (http://www.troyhighband.org/), Andover (http://www.andovermusic.com/band.htm), Lahser (http://www.lahserbands.org/), Dakota (http://www.cvs.k12.mi.us/dakota/), and Southfield HS and Southfield-Lathrup (http://www.southfield.k12.mi.us/education/district/district.php?sectionid=1).
What might be most fun about the night is seeing the very different styles of the bands. Our band probably had a similar style to Andover and Lahser in the presentation, music, and marching style. In the same way, the Southfield schools have a similar style, modeling their show on the Florida A&M Band (http://www.marching100alumni.com/home.htm). Troy and Dakota had unique styles, at times approximating DCI (http://www.dci.org/index.cfm) groups.
We have the next week off from football and then follow with our last two games. I'll post soon about upcoming October events, including the trip to UM's Band-O-Rama (October 20), Tag Days fundraiser (October 12-14), and the indoor marching concert (October 19).
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
A few corrections for the marching band...
Two corrections/clarifications about upcoming marching band events.
1) The call time for the marching band at Saturday's invitational is 6:15 PM at the circle drive in front of Andover HS. I had previously noted 5:45 (sorry).
2) The deadline for turning in ticket money for the UM Band-O-Rama ($9 to Berkley High School) should have read Friday, September 21st, not Friday, September 14th (sorry).
3) Sorry.
Hope to see everyone on Saturday!
1) The call time for the marching band at Saturday's invitational is 6:15 PM at the circle drive in front of Andover HS. I had previously noted 5:45 (sorry).
2) The deadline for turning in ticket money for the UM Band-O-Rama ($9 to Berkley High School) should have read Friday, September 21st, not Friday, September 14th (sorry).
3) Sorry.
Hope to see everyone on Saturday!
Monday, September 10, 2007
ANNOUNCEMENT--EXTRA PRACTICE
Just a reminder that the BHS Marching Band has an extra practice tomorrow (Tuesday) evening from 6:45-8:15 PM at the field across from the high school. Be on the field no later than 6:45!! If anyone has a conflict, I need a signed note from a parent excusing you. We have lots of work to do...
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
ANNOUNCEMENT
THE BERKLEY HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND WILL PERFORM AT THE ANDOVER "EARLY BIRD" MARCHING BAND INVITATIONAL ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 6:55 PM AT ANDOVER HIGH SCHOOL IN BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI. THIS REPLACES THE GROVES INVITATIONAL, WHICH CONFLICTS WITH THE BHS HOMECOMING DANCE.
STUDENTS MUST USE THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO GET TO ANDOVER HS. HERE ARE DIRECTIONS TO THE SCHOOL: http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?do=nw&go=1&r=f&aoh=&aot=&aof=&2a=%5b4150%2d4198%5d%20ANDOVER%20RD&2c=BLOOMFIELD%20HILLS&2s=MI&2z=48302&2n=OAKLAND%20COUNTY&2y=US&2l=q%2f2gnrOLoKXUSgrStwFQ9A%3d%3d&2g=YEXLU1czKPDNOg42xSxqdA%3d%3d&2v=STREET&1a=&1c=BERKLEY&1s=MI&1z=48072&1y=US&1l=6XQqblwsH8QSt3QXcIAxsg%3d%3d&1g=w%2f1lGhVlIAY6%2b%2bsX%2fUAZXQ%3d%3d&1pn=&1pl=&1v=ZIP&1ffi=&1ex=&1n=OAKLAND%20COUNTY
STUDENTS MUST BE AT ANDOVER HS AT 6:15 IN FULL UNIFORM. WE ARE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM, SEE OTHER BANDS IN THE AREA, AND BE ADJUDICATED WITH BENEFICIAL FEEDBACK.
MORE INFO TO COME ABOUT TICKETS FOR PARENTS/SUPPORTERS AND OTHER DETAILS.
STUDENTS MUST USE THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO GET TO ANDOVER HS. HERE ARE DIRECTIONS TO THE SCHOOL: http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?do=nw&go=1&r=f&aoh=&aot=&aof=&2a=%5b4150%2d4198%5d%20ANDOVER%20RD&2c=BLOOMFIELD%20HILLS&2s=MI&2z=48302&2n=OAKLAND%20COUNTY&2y=US&2l=q%2f2gnrOLoKXUSgrStwFQ9A%3d%3d&2g=YEXLU1czKPDNOg42xSxqdA%3d%3d&2v=STREET&1a=&1c=BERKLEY&1s=MI&1z=48072&1y=US&1l=6XQqblwsH8QSt3QXcIAxsg%3d%3d&1g=w%2f1lGhVlIAY6%2b%2bsX%2fUAZXQ%3d%3d&1pn=&1pl=&1v=ZIP&1ffi=&1ex=&1n=OAKLAND%20COUNTY
STUDENTS MUST BE AT ANDOVER HS AT 6:15 IN FULL UNIFORM. WE ARE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM, SEE OTHER BANDS IN THE AREA, AND BE ADJUDICATED WITH BENEFICIAL FEEDBACK.
MORE INFO TO COME ABOUT TICKETS FOR PARENTS/SUPPORTERS AND OTHER DETAILS.
Band Camp Wrap-Up
The second week began with more hot weather and good retention from the band. While we were able to get three songs on the field by the end of the first week, things were still in a rough state. We needed the second week to clean up the first three songs, attempt the following 1 and 1/2 tunes, and work on pregame and stands tunes.
"Cool," our third song, is just flat-out hard. But I love it for its substance. Considering its a 1:30 long marching band arrangement, it keeps its integrity and style intact (most arrangements of its kind are dumbed-down). I'm proud of the kids for working hard on it. I believe its intricacy (and our hard work on it) will translate into how well we play for the December concert and beyond.
In fact, "Cool" was difficult enough that we were not able to get to cleaning up "America" or to even charting "Tonight." This was expected, however, and we'll have those on the field for our September 15 invitational performance.
By the time Wednesday and Thursday (August 29-30) came around, the kids and myself were overheated and exhausted. So we finished a little early on Wednesday and slept in a little on Thursday. The performance Thursday evening was successful and received well. I can't wait to see what we are able to put together this Friday...
"Cool," our third song, is just flat-out hard. But I love it for its substance. Considering its a 1:30 long marching band arrangement, it keeps its integrity and style intact (most arrangements of its kind are dumbed-down). I'm proud of the kids for working hard on it. I believe its intricacy (and our hard work on it) will translate into how well we play for the December concert and beyond.
In fact, "Cool" was difficult enough that we were not able to get to cleaning up "America" or to even charting "Tonight." This was expected, however, and we'll have those on the field for our September 15 invitational performance.
By the time Wednesday and Thursday (August 29-30) came around, the kids and myself were overheated and exhausted. So we finished a little early on Wednesday and slept in a little on Thursday. The performance Thursday evening was successful and received well. I can't wait to see what we are able to put together this Friday...
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