10-09-14 Rehearsal Notes

10-09-14 Rehearsal Notes
CORNELIUS HALL - IMPORTANT
Please remember that Resurrection Church has graciously allowed us to return for another
concert season to hold our rehearsals in Cornelius Hall. However, parents and children
alike are required to stay inside, in Cornelius Hall when you are on the grounds. NO ONE IS
TO BE OUTSIDE except those arriving and leaving. And no one should ever be across the lot
by the priest’s residence. At the end of these notes is a list of suggested places to go while
waiting for your student(s).
LEAVING YOUR BAND EARLY
Do not leave one band early to prepare for the following band. You must remain in your seat
until the band is dismissed. There is enough time to switch instruments between bands.
DRINKING WATER AT REHEARSALS
No food or drink, other than water, is allowed in Cornelius Hall. There is no drinking fountain
available but, individuals may bring their own water container to keep at their seat.
LATE ARRIVALS
Late arrivals should be rare, but if you do arrive late and are not in your seat, either while
attendance is being taken or after it has been completed, you will be marked absent unless
you do the following. Check in with the attendance taker if you see a red stop sign standing
up, which says “STOP, CHECK IN WITH ATTENDANCE.” If there is no red stop sign then
just continue on your way.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
October 16 – DEADLINE for returning the signed Handbook Agreement
DEADLINE for the Wheaton Light-A-Holiday Parade Sign-up
Parade is November 28, the day after Thanksgiving
October 23 – Band Apparel Order DEADLINE
November 11 – Tuesday evening, 7:30 – 8:30 pm – Black uniform pants for all and
Symphonic blue jacket fitting/exchange - Location TBA in Rehearsal Notes
May 14 and 15 – Spring Dress Rehearsal and Concert are confirmed at Edman Chapel.
SECTIONALS FOR 10-16-14 – Note: Earlier start times require earlier arrival
Cadet
Cadet
Junior
Junior
Senior
Senior
Symphonic
Symphonic
5:00-5:25pm
5:00-5:15pm
5:45-6:00pm
5:30-6:00pm
6:45-7:00pm
6:45-7:00pm
7:45-8:00pm
7:45-8:00pm
Percussion
NONE
Percussion
Trumpets
Flutes, oboes
Percussion
Flutes, oboes
Clarinets
Kitchen
Hall
Kitchen
Hall
Kitchen
Hall
Kitchen
Hall
Sweeping/Trash Assignments for next rehearsal after Symphonic band
You must get a sub if you will not be there. 10/16 – Mary S, Emma T
MUSIC NOTES
Cadets
SECTIONALS – 5-5:25pm KITCHEN – Percussion on practice pads with Mary
on page 6 and 7, pad/snare skills
BE SURE TO BE BACK TO CADET BAND FOR 5:30
5:15-5:00pm HALL - NONE
Reminder to always sit according to the seating chart posted at band.
FOR HOMEWORK –
1. All Cadets should play the "Notes in Review" in the yellow box on page 6 - 10 times a day.
2. Work on pages 8 and 9, playing along with recordings. Adjust tempo if you are able. Read below about how
to access My EE Library and its online features including the play-along tracks.
3. Page 42 - rhythm lines 1, 2, 3
4. Note to oboes – Consider using a soft plastic reed if struggling to produce sound
Practice every day for no less than 20 minutes. You may split the time between multiple sessions. At every
practice session, everyone should check their: posture and instrument hold, breathing/airstream, and mouth
position (embochure).
BRASS: It is imperative for brass players, to play with the recordings! It would be helpful if you can set your
player on "repeat." Whether you can or not, play all the odd exercises (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) and do each one
separately for several minutes. Parents please listen while your student plays, to hear whether or not they are
matching the right pitch. Focus on the trial & error of moving your lips (tightening/loosening). It will take regular
practice to match pitches and reach high notes.
ABOUT ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS “MY EE LIBRARY”
First of all, a reminder that both the older and newest versions of Essential Elements have the same contents
and exercises. The difference is the older versions came with a CD or DVD/CD ROM which are still worthwhile.
However, for the newest version, all tools and features are accessible online or you can order the CD Rom for
free if you prefer.
Either way, anyone can use the tools available online at Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements My Library.
Included are play-along tracks for all the exercises #1-187, the start-up video, additional music and a listening
library all for your specific instrument.
Go to myEElibrary. If you have the newer title, Essential Elements for Band, there is a student code on the
title page of the book to enter in the student activation code box. If you have the older version, Essential
Elements 2000, click where it says “My Book Doesn’t Have a Code.” On the next page that opens you will enter
the 10 or 13 digit ISBN from the book you do have and you will be able to access all the features listed above.
The ISBN code also gets you to the correct instrument.
NOTE: We are learning about using the Essential Elements Interactive feature and will advise if/when we have
more information to share. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Notes to Junior, Senior, and Symphonic bands –
All members need to check the seating charts weekly and be seated according to the
order indicated, as changes continue to occur thru out the season. Refer to the lists and
seating charts posted at band.
BOOKS NEEDED FOR REHEARSAL
All Concert Juniors should bring their “Gold” Essential Elements book (“Red” will be used second trimester) and
Seniors should be bringing their “Red” Essential Elements book every week to band. Seniors and Symphonic
should both bring the Unisonal book. We may or may not do a few exercises/rhythms/lines at rehearsal.
MISSING MUSIC - CHECK YOUR FOLDER
Be sure to check your folders for new music, BEFORE you take your seat. New music may be used for
sight-reading that same night. At this point all music listed in the Rehearsal Notes has been distributed, but
more may be coming. If you are missing any music currently on your band’s list, email Mrs. Borow as soon as
possible, DO NOT WAIT UNTIL NEXT THURSDAY TO TELL HER.
RETURNING MUSIC
Anyone who has made working copies of their music should return their originals to one of the moms at the front
table. Keep each band’s music separate and have each band clipped together with your name so we know who
returned it. It needs to be checked in on the master list. DO NOT RETURN MUSIC IN THE BINS.
LEAVING YOUR BAND EARLY
Do not leave one band early to prepare for the following band. You must remain in your seat until the band is
dismissed. There is enough time to switch instruments between bands.
TUNE BEFORE BAND
Tune your instrument before your band time begins. Tuners are available at the front table.
Junior (see notes above)
SECTIONAL 5:45-6pm – KITCHEN – Percussion w/Nick – Spirit of America 4 measures before 27,
plus work on all bell and cymbal parts
5:30–6pm - HALL – Trumpets w/Mr. Morden, work on mouthpieces, breathing and buzzing
NOTE EARLIER START TIME
Gold EE book
Scales page 40, Eb Concert, scales 2 and 4; Rhythms, page 42, start at #41
Air and Alleluia
Corps of Discovery
El Pato Loco
QUIZ – Flutes and oboes at 13
Jupiter (Chorale)
Li’l Liza Jane
Solos (all 2nd players should be ready to back-up solos)
19 – flute, Annabelle
21 – clarinet, Mary
23 – trumpet, Sam
25 – alto sax, Grace
27 – baritone, Rebecca
29 – trombone, Jeff
See the Conquering Hero Comes
Spirit of America
This is My Country
God Bless America
SUNG Star Spangled Banner
Senior (see notes above)
SECTIONAL 6:45-7pm – KITCHEN - Flutes and oboes w/Noele on Amber Moon
HALL - Percussion w/Nick (and perhaps Mrs. Borow) –
Capriccio Italian at 44 and King and I whole song, but especially opening
Red EE book
Scale #159; Rhythms, page 42, first three lines
Unisonal scale book
First line
Amber Moon
Bella Roma, La
Capriccio Italian
NOTE: Error checking continues. Mark corrections on your music lightly in pencil.
Trumpets – Measure 47 should be D# and F#(last note in measure)
Measure 71 should be B natural not Bb
2nd Alto saxes - Measure 63 should be F# not F natural
QUIZ – Start at 41, not beginning, Quiz from 44 for Alto saxes, French horns, baritones, tubas
Choucoune
Drummers’ Delight
Flambeau Overture
King and I, The (Highlights)
QUIZ - Oboes, alto saxes and clarinets, at L, “Shall We Dance”
NOTE TO 1st CLARINETS – See Brian or Micah for error correction
Mañana
O Most Wonderful
Spirit of America
This is My Country
God Bless America
SUNG Star Spangled Banner
Symphonic (see notes above)
SECTIONAL 7:45-8pm – KITCHEN Flutes and oboes w/Annie on Marriage of Figaro
HALL Clarinets w/Micah on Marriage of Figaro
Unisonal scale book
First line
Chorale and Shaker Dance
NOTE TO PERCUSSION: Check for any part assignment changes,
especially tympani and perc. cymbals
Classical Rhondo
NOTE to ALL: Small ensemble/one player per part
Fanfare and Presto (Brass Ensemble)
Only 10 brass players rec’d this title
Fanfare Prelude on the “Italian Hymn”
Flower Duet
NOTE to ALL: Director may use only one per part, unless we play very quietly.
If balance is “off”, she may be cut to one player per part. Play with restraint.
Drums are optional and may be eliminated.
Marriage of Figaro
Masque
Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna Overture PART
Power and Glory
Radetzky March
Serenata
Star Spangled Banner (Symphonic Portrait)
Spirit of America
This is My Country
God Bless America
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENERAL NOTES
CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE SIGN–UP
While fall is just beginning, we must already plan for the WSHSB Christmas Season Performance. In the
Handbook, read about The Wheaton Light-a-Holiday Parade which is on Friday, November 28. The sign-up
sheet is at the front tables. You need not have marched before to participate in the Wheaton parade and Cadets
may march as part of the Patriot Auxiliary. PLEASE SIGN UP ASAP SO WE CAN GET A FINAL COUNT AND
BEGIN MUSIC DISTRIBUTION. Sign-up deadline is October 16.
BAND APPAREL ORDER
You have received the band apparel order form via email. It will not be on the web because it contains personal
contact information. Orders will be taken through the deadline, October 24.
HOW TO GET YOUR $5 REFUND
If you are interested in obtaining your $5 hat refund, please turn in your marching hat at the front desk next
week. Quite a few still need to be turned-in.
SOLO AND ENSEMBLE CONTEST (SEC)
Our annual Solo and Ensemble Contest is an exciting and much anticipated musical event. Our 14th SEC will
be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015. ALL band members, Cadet through Symphonic, are encouraged to
participate in the SEC. Students have the opportunity to prepare solos and/or ensembles of their choice and
perform them for a judge who then rates their performance. There is no competition; rather, students strive for
their personal best. Judge’s decisions are final.
Now is the time to begin preparing, planning and choosing appropriate music. Do not wait until it is time for
registration. The director would love to see all members participate and would like to have section
leaders (1st chairs) already begin canvassing others in their sections to put together an ensemble. Still
others can plan duets. We will try to reserve space and a convenient time for ensembles and duets to practice
together on rehearsal nights.
If you need ideas for music to perform there is a JW Pepper Solo and Ensemble music catalog at the front table
for reference. Another resource is http://www.stantons.com/. Click on Instrument Solos, Ensembles, Methods
under Browse Categories at the top of the page. Many titles have a recording you can listen to. A reminder to
Cadets, Juniors and Seniors - You may use a solo from your Essential Element book if you like.
We have had particular recommendations from the judges. These can help guide your choices for solos in
particular.
1. Preferably, all solo piece(s) would be classical and not contemporary/popular.
2. Ideally, all students should play with an accompanist. First choice would be a pianist, second choice a
CD.
3. In general, judges have observed that students frequently are playing music below their level/ability.
Students should be playing more challenging pieces.
With point two above in mind, the director also asks that any accomplished pianists in our band consider
volunteering to play as an accompanist for one or more SEC solo entries. Please submit your name at the
front table.
Before you know it, it will be time for the SEC statement of intention, which will be followed by the actual
registration some weeks later. Both will be announced in the Rehearsal Notes. See our SEC webpage for more
information.
FREE PRIVATE LESSON OFFER
Mrs. Lisa Martin is a noted local professional brass instructor. She currently teaches students from Glenbard
North, York, Wheaton North and WSHSB. She is offering one (1) free private lesson in her studio in West
Chicago, to ANY WSHSB brass student. Contact her at 630-520-0292 or email her at lbsmerk@aol.com to
arrange your free lesson. Bring clip this notice and bring it with you.
SPRING CONCERT DATES
We have just had the dates for our Spring Dress Rehearsal and Concert at Edman Chapel at Wheaton College
confirmed. They are May 14 and 15, Thursday and Friday. Mark your calendar now.
IDEAS FOR PASSING TIME
In the past moms of small children wondered what to do/where to go during band time. Suggestions we’ve
received include the following list. Please let us know if any have changed or you have something to add.
Bring some popcorn and a good exciting book and read out loud in the car. There are great biographies
of missionaries and leaders of the faith written for younger ages. We can never seem to squeeze in
enough time to do family reading, and this ‘forced down time’ could offer that.
There is a Wal-Mart and Toys R Us just east of the Charlestown Mall and a Jewel on the west. It is fairly
close (5.6 mi @10 min). Take Rt. 59 to North Avenue. Go west and the store and mall are on the right
(north) side of the street, just past Pheasant Run Resort.
McDonalds has a Play Place down on the corner of RT 59 and North Avenue.
Steak and Shake and Hardee’s are on North Avenue in front of Menards, west of RT 59.
Hobby Lobby, Old Time Pottery and Dollar Store are also on the NE corner of RT 59 and North Avenue.
Some prefer to go east on Army Trail Road past County Farm Road to Costco (4.5 mi @7 min). There is
also a Jewel at Army Trail and County Farm Roads (3.2 mi @5 min).
Hang out at the Starbucks reading books and sipping hot chocolate.
On the NE corner of 59 & Army Trail near the Starbucks is Bartlett Gymnastics. It's a little chaotic in the
parking lot in the evening, but it might be fun to go and see the big kids (H.S. team age) practicing. It's
pretty amazing what they can do at that age.
A 1420 S. Route 59 is a nice big Goodwill store, so if you have any discount shopping to do, or have a
donation to make (they have a drive through donation door), that might be a good spot.
Bartlett Library is at 800 S. Bartlett Road (3.5 mi, @8 min). It’s good if you have multiple practices to sit
through.