Congratulations to Norup Bands

Congratulations to Norup International School Bands on their introductory performances at District Band and Orchestra Festival today. The 7th grade band put on a solid performance earning an overall II (second division) rating among class D bands (reflects the size of the school and grade level of the players). The 8th graders similarly earned an overall II among class B bands with a very promising performance. It had been many years (if ever) since Norup bands competed at the annual event, and we look forward to good ratings in the years to come! Thank you to the very helpful chaperones and to the kids for putting in time on a Saturday.

Congratulations to BHS Bands

Congratulations to the BHS Bands for their performances at MSBOA Festival over the weekend. The Concert Band took straight IIs in performance and sight-reading, with slightly higher grades from the judges than last year. The Symphonic Band took its first overall I rating in some years, with two I ratings in performance, and a I in sight-reading!

I was very proud of all the students who attended, for putting in the time and careful rehearsal necessary, for giving up a Saturday to the time-vampire that is band, and for allowing me the pleasure of teaching them. What a great culmination for the Symphonic Band, too, after 7 Tuesday night rehearsals! Hard work pays off!

Of course, this now it makes us hungry for straight I ratings for both bands. Onward toward next year...

Directions to Lake Orion HS

For parents who may want to watch BHS or Norup students perform at MSBOA District Band Festival:

http://www.mapquest.com/mq/10-Uv4a1yFH

Distict Band Festival Schedule Announced

The times have just been released for the BHS and Norup bands participating in MSBOA District IV Band Festival. Soon to come will be an exact busing schedule for each group. Please see below:

Saturday, March 14 (at Lake Orion High School)
9:30 AM: Berkley High School Concert Band
1:10 PM: Berkley High School Symphonic Band

Saturday, March 21 (at Lake Orion High School)
8:55 AM: Norup Int'l School 7th Grade Band
11:30 AM: Norup Int'l School 8th Grade Band

I am in need of 2 chaperones to ride the bus with both the BHS Symphonic Band on the 14th, and 2 parents to ride the bus with the 8th grade band on the 21st. Please contact Mr. Shaw at (248) 837-8119, or by email at rshaw@berkley.k12.mi.us if you are available to help.

Solo and Ensemble Participants

On February 6-7, a number of Berkley High School band students competed at District IV Solo and Ensemble Festival in Clarkston. I'm very proud to say that all students who participated received division I or II ratings.

The following students received Division I (outstanding) ratings:

--Megan MacDonald: Flute solo
--Rachel Barth: Clarinet solo
--Anna Dimanin: Trumpet solo
--Megan Gilson: Flute solo
--Nick Rifel: Trumpet solo
--Daniel Okun: Tuba solo
--Anna Dimanin & Nick Rifel: Trumpet duet

The following students received Division II ratings:

--Matt Germaine: Trombone solo
--Joylene Jabboori-Ryan: Flute solo
--Matt Germaine, Stephen Tryban & Jeremy Hermann: Trombone trio
--Anna Dimanin, Nick Rifel, Tim Higle & Mark Jones: Brass quartet

Those students who received a I will now go on to represent BHS at State Solo and Ensemble Festival on Saturday, March 28th. Wish them luck! And thank you to all who competed--you make our program better!

NYC Health Form

Here's the pdf of the health form for the April NYC trip. This needs to be turned in to the band room mailbox ASAP.

http://berkleybands.pbwiki.com/NYC-Health-Form#

Diner's Club Video

This is a link to the video from the BHS Winter Band concert on December 18. Every time they perform, I'm more and more proud of the percussion ensemble and thankful for the help of Adam James in their preparation.

The piece is titled "Diner's Club" and is supposed to be impromptu music that develops between waiters and patrons at a restaurant. Enjoy...

http://www.mediafire.com/?k3tdmyiynmk

Thanks to Ryan Levy for the file...