Great job, Berkley Brass Quintet

On Sunday, January 17, the Berkley Brass Quintet had their debut, performing as part of the "Friends Day" celebration at the Huntington Woods Library. They performed alongside a cello quartet and woodwind quintet, playing "Sonata from Die Bankelsangerlieder."

The best part is--they got paid! I can't wait to see them keep playing together and get more gigs along the way.

Here is the video from the performance:

Brass Quintet at HW Library

Just for Fun...

Maybe this is the next generation. If I were an orchestral player, I guess I might get a little nervous...

Robot Clarinet

BHS Improv Class featured in The Oakland Press

We were very excited to have reporter Sharon MacDonell visit the Berkley High School improv class a few weeks ago. She wrote a piece that appeared in today's Oakland Press. Here's a link to the electronic version of the article (with video):

Berkley Students Learn Jazz Improv Technique from New Artist in Residence

Thanks, Sharon!

BHS Winter Concert 2009

The BHS Bands did very well at their concert last night! I hope everyone is proud of their hard work and ready to move ahead toward festival season. Here is a sampling of pictures from before the concert and during, thanks to Chris Germaine.

6th Grade Arranging Project

This is a link for the 8th grade arranging project:

Mr. Shaw's "Chester"

Video of Norup 6th Grade Band

Here are some short snippets from the Norup International School Winter Band Concert.

Frosty the Snowman


Gates of Freedom

Thanks to Jackie Stuart!

Congratulations to Norup Solo and Ensemble Performers

On Saturday, December 5, Norup International Bands were represented by 12 talented 7th and 8th grade students. These musicians traveled to Brighton, MI to take part in MSBOA District IV Solo and Ensemble festival. All students earned a first or second division rating and should be proud of their hard work in preparation.

8th Graders
Audrey Pittman -- Flute Solo (I rating)
Max Smith -- Piano Solo (II rating)

7th Graders
Brendan Batcheller -- Trumpet Trio (I rating)
Annie Beaubien -- Clarinet Solo and Woodwind Trio (II ratings)
Austin Chase -- Trumpet Duet (II rating)
DJ Desmond -- Trumpet Duet (II rating)
Rebecca Enerson -- Woodwind Trio (II rating)
Max Gillis -- Trombone Solo (I rating)
Erin Maroney -- Woodwind Trio (II rating)
Dominic Smarjesse -- Trumpet Trio (I rating)
Samantha Taub -- Trombone Solo (II rating)
Emily Zonder -- Trumpet Trio (I rating)

Great job to all who participated!