Daily Archives: March 19, 2019

Spring Festival season is upon us! Both the Concert Band (Sat. 5/11) and the Wind Ensemble (Fri thru Sun 4/5-7) will each attend a music festival that I created just for them; each group will perform before a panel of adjudicators AND experience an on-stage clinic with the adjudicators, as they coach the students on how to achieve better musicianship.  I am so excited for them to learn from this musical experience!

All students have a homework assignment due at their weekly band lesson. You should hear your student practicing at home.  Professional recordings of our festival music are available for download on your student’s YHS Band Dashboard. I am always available for help by appointment.

The March/April lesson calendar is attached FYI.

Please remind your WE student to fill out the on-line form that we discussed in class (food allergies/West Point security). The form was sent to students via e-mail, with multiple reminders. I cannot take the next steps in planning our trip without this information.

Please note, we will be rehearsing on Tuesday 4/2, Wednesday 4/3 and Thursday 4/4 periods 8+9 (12:45-2:15) in the auditorium. Students, please make sure these rehearsals are on your personal calendars.  See me this week if you have a conflict so we can make a plan.

The attached document outlines exactly what students need to practice each week so that they are on-track to have their music prepared for our festival. Professional recordings are available on their Dashboard. If your student needs help with their music, I am available every day after school, by appointment, until 3:00.

If you are interested in supporting the Wind Ensemble at their adjudication, you are welcome to watch our performance! Our adjudication and clinic will take place on Saturday 4/6 from 9:30-11:00 at Nutley HS in Nutley, NJ. (315 Franklin Ave. Nutley NJ 07110). Please let me know if you plan to attend so that I can alert the festival.

We have begun our NYSSMA solo unit. If your student needs help with their music or scales, I am available every day after school, by appointment, until 3:00. Reference recordings of NYSSMA solos can be found on YouTube.

The students and I discussed NYSSMA, and reviewed the forms, in class. Information is below and forms are attached.

The NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) solo festival is a wonderful opportunity for your student to grow as a musician, gain confidence, earn the full 5 extra credit points for quarter 3, and possibly be selected to perform in an ensemble with the best band students in all of Westchester.  

To participate in the NYSSMA festival, students prepare scales, a solo and sight-reading.  At the festival, students will perform for a judge who will give them a score and comments.  This quarter, all band students will be learning a NYSSMA solo as part of their lesson homework (so if they are interested in participating in NYSSMA, or auditioning for Wind Ensemble (see below), they will have the necessary tools to do so).

NYSSMA Festival Dates: Friday – Saturday May 10 – 11, 2019

**CONCERT BAND STUDENTS – OUR FESTIVAL IS SATURDAY MAY 11^th. If you wish to go to NYSSMA you MUST request a Friday May 10^th time!****

Location: Henrick Hudson High School

NYSSMA Forms are attached and also available in the band room.  COMPLETED FORMS ARE DUE TO MS. KLUGA BY WEDNESDAY 3/20

In addition to the musical opportunity NYSSMA provides, students are able to receive honors credit for Concert Band or Wind Ensemble by earning a score of 95 or above on a level 6 solo/ensemble, or a score of 97 or above on a level 5 solo/ensemble. 

Auditions for the 2019-2020 Wind Ensemble will take place 4/29 – 5/3 (Monday- Friday).  Students wishing to audition should review the audition information sheet (attached) with you.  If your student is interested in auditioning, I strongly suggest that they also participate in NYSSMA.  The Wind Ensemble audition information sheet/permission slip is attached and is also available in the band room.  FORMS ARE DUE WEDNESDAY 3/27.

A fantastic opportunity for your child to experience a week (or more!) of musical study, surrounded by college level teachers, enthusiastic counselors, and new band friends from other towns, counties, and states!  A huge variety of camps are available (both near and far!).  An informational handout is attached.  Please contact me with questions. 

Congratulations to YHS Jazz Band students Justin Chee (junior, Wind Ensemble, alto sax) and Swaroop Pujari (sophomore, Wind Ensemble, tenor sax), for representing YHS at this week’s All County Jazz Concert! Justin and Swaroop won these coveted spots based on the scores they earned at the All County Jazz audition in January.  The boys played alongside other high school jazz musicians from across Westchester County, participating in rehearsals, an improvisation clinic, and concert. We are so proud of you!

Paperwork for the final payment was sent home this week in class. If possible, please send in your payment by this Wednesday 3/10.

Please note, we will be rehearsing on Tuesday 4/2, Wednesday 4/3 and Thursday 4/4 periods 8+9 (12:45-2:15) in the auditorium.

The attached document outlines exactly what students need to practice each week so that they are on-track to have their music prepared for our festival. Professional recordings are available on their Dashboard. If your student needs help with their music, I am available every day after school, by appointment, until 3:00.

We have begun our NYSSMA solo unit. Students received a level IV NYSSMA solo, and a circle of 5ths. Each week they will be assigned a section of their solo, and a new scale to learn. If your student needs help with their music, I am available every day after school, by appointment, until 3:00. Reference recordings of NYSSMA solos can be found on YouTube.