Councils Plan for Spring Trip

Today, the JHS Band Council and SHHS Choir Council met at the Clark house to plan the 2010 Spring Trip. We split into small groups and researched two possible locations: Portland and Bend. Students searched for hotels, activities, performance venues, and more. After lunch, each group presented their findings and collectively, we voted to make Portland, OR and Grand Mound, WA this year's Spring Trip destinations. After more small group work, we came together to create a tentative itinerary. With the

approval of school administrators, we'll be taking another great trip this April!

Northwest Band Camps

Today, Mrs. Clark and her family went and made a visit to the Northwest Band Camps. There, they spent some time with the first week Jefferson campers--all of whom were exhausted after a week of fun filled days, and ready to make the trek back home. Here is a picture of Mrs. Clark with 7 of the Jefferson girls!

Summer!

It is summer time! (Well, for you at least!) 

A couple of things planned for the JHS bands this summer: 

-Tomorrow: Painting day at the Clarks' new house if you want to come help out

-June 17th: Clarks' moving day if you want to help out then, too

-June 29th: Band Council meeting at the Clarks' new house

-TBA: Band Social

-TBA: Possible spring trip fundraisers

Post a comment on this blog, or email me at heather.clark@jefferson.k12.or.us if you want more info.

JHS Band Council Election Results

JHS 2009-2010 Band Council

President: Karina Plascencia

Vice President: Briana Wanner

Secretary/Librarian: Lindsey Carter

Ambassador: Tyler Human

Fundraiser Chair: Xochitl Guerra

Design Chair: Alex Villmann

Webiste Chair: Alex Villmann; Webiste Assistant: Eli Kaspari

Congrats!

First Band Council (and SHHS Choir Council) meeting scheduled for Saturday, June 27th at the Clarks' to start planning for the coming school year!

JHS Jazz Band Audition Results

Altos: Karina Plascencia & Patrick Williams

Tenors: Tarah Mulkey & Shealyn Wippert

Bari: Briana Wanner

Trumpets: Tyler Human, Brandee Mears & Alex Villmann

Trombones: Yuuki Divers & Nick Ivers

Piano: Elena Kurian

Bass: Bethani Wippert

Drums: Spencer Kienzle

Goodbye Seniors!

Tonight was the Jefferson High School graduation. As is tradition, the seniors played one final song at the start of graduation with the rest of the band. Here they are in their graduation garb right before heading to the gym (along with a special visitor, Mr. Bevington). I am sure going to miss this group!

Harrisburg Gazebo Concert and BBQ

Thursday, the Beginning Band took a trip to Harrisburg to join in on their annual Beginning Band Gazebo Concert and BBQ. Creswell, Jefferson and Harrisburg all showed up to do individual performances followed by a mass band performance of "Regal March." It was estimated that 170 students participated in total! What fun!

District Spring Band Concert

The District Spring Band Concert and Awards Ceremony is Tuesday, May 26th! The concert will be taking place in the JHS Commons, and will begin at 7:00pm. Students need to show up at their assigned warm up time in concert dress (see below). Tardies will result in a deduction of concert points. If your child will not be able to attend this concert, I must have a written note or email from you by Tuesday at 3:00pm in order for your child to receive the make-up assignment to earn their concert points. Otherwise, their absence will not be excused and they will earn a zero.

Warm Up Time and Location:

JHS Concert Band and JHS Jazz Band: 5:50pm in the JHS Band Room
7th/8th Grade Band: 6:15pm in the JHS Band Room
6th Grade Beginning Band: 6:40pm in the JHS Band Room

Concert Dress:

Women: Black dress slacks and skirt (that falls below the knees), black dress shirt (that covers the shoulders and has an appropriate neck-line), and black dress shoes.

Men: Black dress slacks, white long-sleeved collared shirt, black socks, and black dress shoes.

Please contact me at heather.clark@jefferson.k12.or.us or at (541) 327-3337 ext. 232 if you have any questions or concerns.

I'm looking forward to seeing you then!

Riddle JH and Jefferson MS Exchange

Today, the Riddle JH Band came to Jefferson. Both 7th/8th grade ensembles worked together to prepare two pieces for a concert that afternoon for the JMS students and staff: "Twin Oaks" (conducted by Mr. Follose) and "The Pit and the Pendulum" (conducted by Mrs. Clark). The mass band totaled almost 70 students and made quite an impressive show.

JHS Concert Band: STATE CHAMPS!

The JHS Concert Band is the 

3A STATE CHAMPION!

JMS 7th/8th Grade Band Festival

The 7th/8th grade band had a strong performance at the District 11 MS Band Festival in Newport on Wednesday. After their performance, we learned that we scored 20 POINTS HIGHER than last year! What an accomplishment! Go Cubs!

JHS is Going to State

The JHS Concert Band has been chosen to perform at the OSAA State Band Competition on Wednesday, May 13th at 9:00am at LaSells Stewart Center in Corvallis. All family and friends are welcome to attend! See www.ossa.org/band/ for more information.

JHS Band trip to Seattle, Washington

After the Send-Off Concert and lock-in on Wednesday night, students got on the bus early Thursday morning and began their tour of Seattle, Washington. On the trip, students ate at the Rainforest Cafe, toured the Seattle Underground, took a bay cruise to the Tillicum Village Island, and explored the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Pike's Place Market, Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum. Saturday, the Jazz Band, Concert Band and SHHS Symphonic Choir had marvelous performances at the Heritage Festival. At the awards ceremony on Saturday night, we learned that the JHS Jazz Band won 1st place in their division, and that the JHS Concert Band received a gold rating (which is the highest rating they could have received). The SHHS Symphonic Choir also earned 3rd place in their division! What success!

Pleasant Hill Jazz Festival

This afternoon, the JHS Jazz Band performed at the Pleasant Hill Jazz Festival. We had a wonderful performance that was well received by the audience present (which included two well-known and respected adjudicators). At the awards ceremony later in the evening, we learned that the Jazz Band earned 3rd place in their division, and were therefore presented a trophy. Woohoo! I am so proud of the successes of our students! Go Lions!

Warner Pacific HS Concert Band Festival

The JHS Concert Band has once again qualified for the OSAA State Band Competition!! Friday, the ensemble had a fine performance at the Warner Pacific HS Concert Band Festival. Our next step will be to submit our performance CD to the "tape pool" and cross our fingers that we will be selected from that "tape pool" to perform at the State Competition on Wednesday, May 13th. In the mean time, we'll be diligently working on our music with hope that we will be able to represent Jefferson proudly that day. Go Lions!

JMS Bands/Northwest Band Camp Fundraiser Results

Officially, the fundraiser ended this past Friday. Most students turned in their money and any left over chocolate, however there are a handful that will be turning in theirs on Monday. So far, students have turned in close to $3,000 (half of which will either go to the JMS Band program or to students' Northwest Band Camp tuition)! Final numbers will be announced at Thursday's JMS Band Concert. Hope to see you there!

JMS Mid-Winter Concert

The JMS annual Mid-Winter Band Concert is fast approaching! This concert's theme is "Music and Literature," which will feature music inspired by poetry and other written works. It will begin at 7:00pm on Thursday, March 19th in the JMS Gym.

Students will need to be ready to warm up and tune at their designated time:

7th/8th Grade Band: 6:10

6th Grade Beginning Band: 6:40

Students will also need to have the appropriate concert dress:

Women: Black dress slacks or skirt (that falls below the knees)

             Black dress shirt (that covers the shoulders and has an 

           appropriate neck-line)

     Black dress shoes

Men: Black dress slacks

   White long-sleeved collared shirt

   Black socks

    Black dress shoes

If you are unable to provide these items, please contact me no later than Tuesday, March 17th so that we can work something out. Also, if your child will not be able to attend this concert, I must have a written note from you by Tuesday, March 17th as well in order for your child to receive the make-up assignment to earn their concert points. Otherwise, their absence will not be excused and they will earn a zero.

Please contact me at extension 232 if you have any questions or concerns.

Looking forward to seeing you March 19th!

PACWEST League Music Festival

Today, the Concert and Jazz Bands traveled to Santiam Christian High School to perform for the PACWEST League Festival and both groups had wonderful performances! Concert Band started off the day and Jazz Band ended it. In between, both Harrisburg's and Creswell's bands performed. All around, there was some great music! And, Concert Band WON the festival! Here are some pictures I took after the performances were over.

JMS Band Program/Northwest Band Camp Fundraiser

It's that time of year to 1) sign up for the Northwest Band Camp at 

Twin Rocks on the Oregon Coast, and 2) start fundraising to help pay for camp tuition, as well as to help support the Jefferson Middle School band program. 

Northwest Band Camp at Twin Rocks is for students going into 7th, 8th, 9th or 10th grade. It is a wonderful place for band students to continue developing their musical skills by preparing a concert through large band rehearsals as well as through sectionals with band experts from all over the state, while also developing friendships with students who share similar interests. Camp activities include bonfires on the beach, a dance, sport tournaments, a skit night and many more. Both my husband and I have worked at this camp and highly recommend that your child attend. This year's band camp dates are: June 21st -- June 27th or June 28th -- July 4th (traditionally, Jefferson students attend the FIRST camp). For more information, check out the camp's website at www.peak.org/~jmdskd. Also, do note that the school provides $50 towards a student's tuition fee as a scholarship for any student who signs up to attend.

Each year, we do a fundraiser to help with the cost it takes to run the Jefferson Middle School band program. The money raised goes toward paying for sheet music, percussion equipment and other school instruments, instrument repair fees, festival fees, music stands, and more. Students who sign up to go to the Northwest Band Camp can use this fundraiser as a way to raise money to go towards their Band Camp tuition fees.

This year, we are selling chocolate bars. Attached you will find a half sheet that you need to fill and return to participate in the fundraiser. Once your child returns this form, they will be given a box (or more) of chocolate to begin selling. When they are done selling chocolate bars, they will turn in the money and any left over chocolate. They money earned will either go towards their band camp tuition fees, or to help the JMS band program. Money and any left over chocolate bars will need to be turned in no later than Friday, March 13th. Students do not need to pay for the box upfront, but if for whatever reason there are missing chocolate bars when the student turns their money and any leftover chocolate bars in at the end of the fundraiser, the cost of those chocolate bars will be added to the students' outstanding school balance.

The Valentine's Cabaret Was a Success!

The first annual Valentine's Cabaret was a success! About 80 people were in attendance, and between the tickets sold and the four raffle items, the Jefferson High School Bands made a profit of over $400! The commons was transformed into a romantic setting. Tables were nicely adorned with white fabric tablecloths, floating candles, tea lights, and red heart shaped balloons. Guests were served sparkling cider and water while the JHS Jazz Band performed, and while the JHS Concert Band performed, they were served decadent cheesecake topped with cherries and chocolate syrup.  The night ended while the crowd danced to the Albany Swing Band's lively set!

Valentine's Cabaret

Celebrate Valentine's Day in a lovely setting with gourmet cheesecakes, sparkling cider, candlelight and live music by the Jefferson High School Concert and Jazz Bands, and the Albany Swing Band Saturday, February 14th at 7:00 p.m. at Jefferson High School, 2200 Talbot Rd. SE.

Reserve your seat for $10. Proceeds benefit

 the Jefferson High School Bands. RSVP by Feb. 10. For more information or to reserve your seat, call (541)327-3337 ext. 232 or email Heather Clark (Jefferson Schools Director of Bands) at heather.clark@jefferson.k12.or.us. 

JHS Bands' Trip to Seattle in April

The Space Needle, Pike's Market, a long road trip in a bus with fifty other kids: all of this and more awaits Jefferson High School's Concert and Jazz Bands this April when they travel to Seattle to perform in the Heritage Festival. However, performing is not all that they will be doing. Over the course of four days and three nights, they will get to experience Seattle and bond as a band, creating memories that they will keep for life. 

Not only are Jefferson's bands, under the direction of Heather Clark, going to Seattle, but the Sweet Home High School Symphonic Choir, led by Mr. Clark, will be accompanying them as well.

This past year, the bands have been working at a concessions stand at Oregon State University's home football games to raise money for their trip. While the fundraiser has been quite successful (students have raised $5,571 total towards their trip), the bands are not finished fundraising yet.

This Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14th at 7:00 PM, the Jefferson Concert and Jazz Bands will be hosting a Valentine's Cabaret at Jefferson High School. Cheesecake and sparkling cider will be served as people listen to four different musical groups, including the Jefferson bands, Outspoken (OSU's premier male a capella group), and the Albany Swing Band. There will also be time for dancing.

Reservations will be taken up until Tuesday, February 10th. $10 reserves you a seat along with cheesecake and sparkling cider. $5 will get you in the door to enjoy the music and dancing.

To make sure that we provide enough cheesecake, we must have you reserve your seats in advance. To reserve a seat--or even an entire table--contact Heather Clark at (541)327-3337 ext. 232 or heather.clark@jefferson.k12.or.us. Also, see www.jeffersonbands.blogspot.com for more information.

Thank you for your support of the Jefferson High School bands!

(Article to be published in the Jefferson Review newspaper on February 5th, written by Amelia Kaspari, Band President.)

JHS Pep Band

Xochitl at the drums at Saturday night's basketball games.

The band has one more pep band appearance: Tuesday, February 10th. Go Lions!

7th/8th Grade Band Unit: 1/25-1/30

This week's unit is articulations. The articulations we are focusing on are accents (>), staccatos (.),  marcatos (^) and slurs. Accents are meant for moderately sharp, percussive attacks that can be used at any dynamic level. A staccato causes a note to be short and separated from the following note. Marcatos are generally meant for very percussive attacks at loud dynamic levels. Slurs are arcs that signify that the only the first note of the slur should be tongued. 

JHS Pep Band Polo Shirts

7th/8th Grade Band Unit: 1/19-1/23

This week's units are note names and accidentals.

There are 7 letters of the musical alphabet: A, B, C, D, E, F and G. These letters repeat themselves forwards (if going up) or backwards (if going down), going from space to line to space to line, etc. In treble clef, A is in the second space. In bass clef, A is in the bottom space.

Accidentals alter a note. Sharps (#), flats (b) and naturals are all accidentals. Sharps raise the note. Flats lower the note. Naturals take away sharps or flats on a note.

Playing Tests Tuesday 1/19

JHS Concert Band: Sight-Reading Playing Test in Cut Time

7th/8th Grade Band: 144 A (in Standard of Excellence Book) 

             or 69 (in Essential Elements Book)

6th Grade Beginning Band: 28 (in Essential Elements Book)

JHS CB Unit: 1/12-1/16

This week's unit is the Cut-Time Time Signature (also known as 2/2), and the note and rest values within that time signature. When there is a two in the bottom of a time signature, it means that the half note gets the beat. When the half note gets the beat, every note and rest become half as long as in 4/4 time--and therefore become twice as fast. 

7th/8th Grade Band Unit: 1/12-1/16

This week's unit is crescendos and decrescendos. These are musical markings that indicate a gradual increase or decrease in volume. Playing crescendos and decrescendos create a lot of interest in a piece, but can be difficult to do effectively.

JHS CB Unit: 1/5-1/9

This week's unit is 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and 5/4 time signatures, and the notes and rests within those time signatures. Time signatures are symbols made up of two numbers that specify how many beats are in a measure (by the top number) and what note value constitutes one beat (by the bottom number). When there is a 4 in the bottom of a time signature, it means that the quarter note is equal to one beat.

7th/8th Gr. Band Unit: 1/5-1/9

This week's unit is dynamics. Dynamics refers to the volume at which a section of a piece, or even a single note should be played. In music we see the following notations: pp (pianissimo), p (piano), mp (mezzo piano), mf (mezzo forte), f (forte), and ff (fortissimo). These are dynamic markings, listed from softest to loudest. In an ensemble setting, one person must compare their volume to the volume of those around them to ensure that they are playing the correct dynamic. It is a skill that requires a lot of practice and a lot of listening.

Beginning Band Unit: 1/5-1/9

This week's unit is rhythm. Rhythm is made up of sounds (notes) and silences (rests). These sounds and silences are put together to form patterns of sound, which are repeated to create rhythms. It is important to learn the written language of rhythm in order to become an independent musician.

JHS CB and JB Winter Concert Repertoire

Valentine's night, we'll be putting on concert/desert/dance as a fundraiser for the Concert and Jazz Bands' trip to Seattle, WA in April. So, in keeping with the Valentine's theme, the music we'll be playing is based on love--although many of the pieces are upbeat and even dramatic. The Concert Band will be performing "Heartbeat Five" by Gary P. Gilroy, "Annabel Lee" by Douglas E. Wagner (based off of the Edgar Allen Poe poem of the same name about two lovers), and "Black Granite III" by James L. Hosay (a piece dedicated with love "To the men and women whose names are forever engraved in the Vietnam Memorial"). The Jazz Band will be performing "This Can't Be Love," arranged by Lisa DeSpain (from the Broadway musical, "The Boys of Syracuse"), "The Creole Love Call," arranged by Mark Taylor (originally by Duke Ellington), "Goodbye My Heart," by Mike Smukal, and "Hallelujah I Love Her So," arranged by Mark Taylor (originally by Ray Charles).