The page contains notes from the director...notes include general thoughts, concerns, comments, and suggestions for/to/about students.
#14 November 9, 2008 - Lately I have been very busy with a writing/recording project (not school affiliated) and it has opened my eyes to a few things...one of which was that we were missing some audio from our website!!! i just uploaded audio from this year's recording session (and last years too!). I still need to edit a few other things, but hopefully it won;t take me another year to get them up. This year (like all) is interesting. This may be the best freshmen class I have seen yet (attitude AND playing-wise) right out of the gate. Students always get better, but this group seems to be full of genuinely nice, hard working kids - its nice! The marching band had a good show, difficult drill and did pretty well - although I am disappointed by our performances at competitions. We did not rise-up for the competitions this year and I'm not sure why. I think we only had bad weather once this year so we have no excuse. We did get straight ones at MSBOA - it was a very good show that night!! I think the VB & SB are going to sound good this year as well - there is always work to do though. The attitude of many students is getting on my nerves. WAY too many people at Truman (not just the band) feel a sense of entitlement to what ever they want...its very disturbing. Some kids believe because they think certain things are ok - they are. Discipline, attitude, and respect are all far from an acceptable level right now. Certain days it really gets to me and I think, "Am I contributing to this?" I hope not! I am trying to instill the concept of "talk less, listen more, and pay attention." It seems to me that when those three things are followed, more individuals understand more and cause problems less. Many students are failing band this year. I have posted when our practice logs are due, but TOO MANY students forget or don't even bother with doing them. I know they are a hassle, but only if you don't care or are O.K. with being a mediocre musician - I AM NOT O.K. with being so-so. I want my kids to be great and settle for nothing less than their best (and best effort). The laziness has got to go. I am hoping that by my next writing here that things will have improved.
#13 October 4, 2007 - Progress reports just went out, parent conferences are over and marching band season is in full swing. Things are definitely moving this year. The marching band is doing a challenging show and improving (which is important) and over the last week or so I have felt much better about the show and the students performance of it. Hopefully our performances keep improving all the way through the last competition. Jazz band will be starting soon and I hope we have another good year - last year was awesome! The band classes are doing well, but we do have discipline issues. I understand kids will be kids, but sometimes its ridiculous. I hope everyone understands that when I become tough or mean or whatever you want to call it, its for everyone's benefit. I really just want to have a great band with a bunch of great kids that everyone can be proud of....sounds lofty and corny, but its true. Most of the students in the bands are really good kids, but there are a few that either; 1) don' like me, 2) don't like band, or 3) are just selfish and could careless about anyone but themselves and the "fun" they should have. I would really hope that if they have a problem with me they wouldn't let it effect their classmates. If they don't like band...they should drop the class. If they are selfish they should really try to focus on what's important and hopefully that will help them gain maturity. High school is a funny place...you can see kids telling adults what's right and wrong without ever reflecting at their own actions or words. A lot of times kids have good suggestions or ideas about things, but sometimes they should accept that they do not know everything (or how to handle everything) and close their mouth and listen. Many times the students with the worst disposition (or loudest mouth) are the ones with the biggest personal issues, either at home or just to seek attention. Funny how these same students feel they have inside info on everything yet have what I call a "baby complex"...you know, the one where if no attention is given to them they get loud and scream or do something to get everyone's attention (like an infant)....funny when these same people think they are more mature than others, they are actually acting, in many case like an infant seeking attention...irony. Every year there are a few who think they have it all figured out and everyone else must not understand the things they do...obviously due to their vast knowledge and wisdom of life skills and topics. O' well...I hope everyone who has these issues can be mature enough to face their problems, or deal with them in a productive manner and move forward...being a jerk for the sake of being a jerk gets astoundingly old quickly and most people would just assume that they either squash their pettiness or remove them self from the situation (or in this case the class). All of the kids in the band are good people, some just tend to put on a show...why? That is the question. Despite my rant on this stuff, I feel the bands are going to have a good year and I do look forward to performing and learning about music together.
#12 April 15, 2007 - Today is the last day of spring break, even though it has not been very spring like (it snowed last night!). I am excited for the spring concert as we have many things in the works. The Varsity Band is doing a very challenging program of medleys from movies & musicals. The Symphonic Band is tackling something we have not done in the past...featuring a few musicians on solos/concertos! We also have a student composition that will be performed as well - all very exciting! The jazz band received a II at festival and has continued to do a great job this year (especially our brand new drummer John). As the year ends, I am looking for students to move into Symphonic Band and allow them to grow musically. On the marching band front, I have developed the show and will be meeting with our visual designer in the next week or so to get details of the show knocked out. We will have three new drum majors (yikes!) but I am confident they will not disappoint the band. The guard & drum line have been working and a expect great things from both groups this season. Things are moving along very nicely and I am encouraged by the start of our newly formed honor society (Tri-M Music Honor Society). We inducted about 29 students this year and hope to create a great tradition.
#11 January 1, 2007 - Wow, that's the first time I have written 2007....time flies! Our holiday programs were very good and I am now looking forward to the next events. Pep Band season is here and that should be a good time. We are playing for the Tiger's Winter Caravan in January which should be very cool and we have Solo & Ensemble as well as Band Festival just around the corner. On the jazz band front we will be playing several concerts in February - some with guest musicians. I think the year is going well so far and really look forward to all of the upcoming events. Since we are on break as I write this and the Holidays are over, I am already getting set for another marching band season. This year will be very different - musically & artistically. In doing the music from West Side Story I feel this gives us a better chance to not only play music, but understand how to become more of a complete package in terms of performing. There will be many challenges, but I know we are up to them. I hope everyone has a wonderfully productive and healthy new year!!
#10 November 13, 2006 - Hmm...what's new....the jazz band is doing absolutely awesome this year. On Wednesday we are doing a tribute to Maynard Ferguson and I am very excited about it. Several guest musicians are playing (including me) and I can't wait to perform the music for people other than ourselves. This has been a good year so far for me...the band classes are doing well in preparation for the holiday concerts, the jazz band is swingin, and personally I have been playing professionally with local orchestras (which I haven't done a lot of since becoming a band director). I just got home form a rehearsal with the Livonia Symphony where I am the timpanist for our upcoming concert. I am playing a church gig (Trenton), a concert with the Southern Great Lakes Symphony (Flat Rock) a holiday concert (Livonia), and two separate engagements of the Nutcracker (Flat Rock & Rochester)....and that's all before Christmas! It is very fun for me to continue performing and making music, even after high school and college...its amazing how much music can really inspire you (even when its your job!). I think the marching band had a good season which is almost over...well after the Motor City Bowl. Lately I have been wondering about students...are they getting the most out of band? Could I do a better job? Could they do a better job? I think there are arguments to both sides of each of those questions, all I know is that I will try to keep doing what ever I can to develop the concepts I feel are paramount for people and musicians - hard work, dedication, discipline, and desire to be great (not mediocre) and become a fine musician. Hopefully everybody understands those are my goals for the band program...and if not...WAKE UP!!!!!!
#9 June 21, 2006 - Florida was awesome, state festival was excellent, and the end of the year went well. I am very proud of the jazz bands accomplishments this year. They performed more than ever and represent all of us very well. I have high hopes for jazz band next year! I am starting to think about class room music and festival music - this is always a challenge, but I really enjoy exploring new music for everyone...hopefully I will get some really good stuff for this year. The marching band is rolling! Many sectionals have already occurred and the first full rehearsal is fast approaching. I am honestly a bit nervous this season...hopefully its just a false feeling. I am pleased with everyone's general attitude about the music - people seem to dig Chicago! I went to Toledo for the DCI show (with Steve K, Jessica G & Dru)...its was a good time. The Cavaliers look awesome!!! Looking forward to seeing the Port Huron & Battle Creek shows. I hope everyone is having a fun and SAFE summer. Be good!!!
#8 April 17, 2006 - Spring Break...seems I find time to add a 'note' here when we are on some sort of break. Well I just read our State festival time & location and couldn't be any happier. I did ask for Novi or Warren Woods Tower as a site but we got Clarkston which is a solid hour drive....BUT, we are the only class AA band and that makes me very happy. I think we are in a good position to do well, that is if we play better than we did at district festival. I am very excited to take the band to state (and looking forward to Mr. Romero conducting the tunes he worked up). It is a great honor to even qualify for State....only 200 high school groups (band AND orchestra) have qualified this year and we are one of them. What else...ahh yes...FLORIDA is this weekend!!!!!!! I checked the weather for next week....85 and sunny - perfect! I think we will put on a good show in Disney and have a great time at the parks. I have been working on the schedule and we are very busy in the coming weeks...especially the jazz band - which makes me very happy. I wish the jazz band was a class, but it is managing to sustain. We received a II at festival, but we did not play our best that day. Still, receiving a II and not rehearsing that much is an accomplishment. This is the time of the year I reflect on the events and the performances and feel very proud of the students for working hard - many times when you don't feel like it. BRAVO!!!! Keep up the work as it does not go unnoticed. Orlando here we come!!!
#7 February 26, 2006 - Winter Break----what a great time to rejuvenate! MSBOA Band Festival is very soon (March 11) and I can't wait. The anticipation of how we respond will be great - there is nothing like the feeling of performing on stage in front of other students, parents and of course judges. Our sound is improving with every rehearsal. The Jazz Band is also doing a fine job (when everyone shows up with their music!). I think the jazz band is very rewarding experience, especially once you get to the point where we are. Nothing is perfect, but we are learning to play together as an ensemble. Marching Band will be gin before you know it (for next season). Music will be available around spring break. Florida is also right around the corner....I really can't wait for that. I am looking forward to a stress free environment. many people tell me I am crazy for taking such a large group, but I love it! I think its cool that we can go and represent our city & school on the grandest of stages - DISNEY!!! I am very confident there will be no problems at all this year. Of course, I need everyone's help in making this a safe and positive trip. Our first laser tag lock-in is tomorrow and I am looking forward to it....GREEN!!!!
#6 December 17, 2005 - I just returned from the Midwest Music Clinic (Chicago) and I can't wait to get back to the podium...but only three days of school left and then we are on break. I saw a few great ensembles and met some interesting people. I had a great conversation with Vic Firth (former Timpanist with the Boston Symphony and originator of the Vic Firth Stick/Mallet Company). What a great individual! I also spoke with Giff Howarth who is a doctoral student at MSU, author of a great 4 mallet technique book, and mallet tech for the Cadets Drum & Bugle Corp. I also spoke with Neil Larivvee (Vic Firth's Director of Education & instructor with the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corp). He showed me a great new stick bag that will be available in February. The purpose of this clinic is to network with other people in the music field, attend clinics (which are basically 1 hour classes or reviews of a certain subject), and see new products. I picked a few band directors brains on how they operate and they picked mine as well. This is a wonderful experience and a great opportunity to learn about music, from many different angles. In addition to the great clinic, I attended TWO performances of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's performance of three great pieces... Vaughn Williams - London Symphony, Gershwin's Rhapsody in blue (with a jazz trio!!), and Bernstein's West Side Story...it was awesome to see this awesome orchestra in person. I also briefly met Mike Ditka!!! Mike Ditka was the Chicago Bear's Coach in the 80's when they won the Super Bowl...I know, not music related but still very cool! I wanted to write this so those of you who actually read this to get a glimpse of what I do when I leave for the week. In addition to all of the "celebrity" meetings I had, I also met up with some friends and we discussed our programs with Mr. Cross (South Lyon), Mr. Hilton, Mr. Kosi, & Mr. Ihnat (L'Anse Creuse & the Cadets) and we all shared ideas, concepts, and problems that we have had in the last year. Let this be an example as you grow older, network with your colleagues...right now you have colleagues, your fellow students. Use them!!!! I know this may be a shock to some people but you don't know everything. Ask questions to your friends, pick their brain as you may learn something and maybe even just remember something you had forgotten. I use this trip to Chicago to clear my head and focus on what needs to be done in the upcoming year. I am very excited to get back to school and challenge myself and my students to become better in every aspect of what they do. Judging from the message board conversations I have some ideas as to what needs to be done immediately to allow us to focus on the wonderful task of becoming great musicians!
#5 September 5, 2005 - T' was the night before school...I have been thinking about the upcoming school year. I think the Symphonic Band will do well and I can't wait to see what we can accomplish this year. The Jazz Band is going to start much earlier this year in hopes of "grooving" before Christmas. The Varsity Bands should be good this year a I think we will have a strong group of musicians...festival is not totally out of the question. Marching Band, well its been going on for an eternity!!! But we are definitely improving with our best performances ahead. The Florida trip is on the table and I am waiting to see if we have enough people to participate. I hope we go, its such a fun trip. This year solo & ensemble music & money will be due by the end of September to get everyone ready sooner...too many people wait until the last minute to start thinking about it and then when the event rolls around you wonder why you were not prepared...so this year let's get it together sooner! I hope everyone in band has a good start and stays ahead of schedule in every class. Have a great 1st semester!!! -
#4 August 20, 2005 - CAMP IS OVER!!! Everyone did a great job! I am proud of the staff, the students, and the parents for allowing such a great band camp. This year the show was done on Thursday (10:53AM) and we had a lot of fun from beginning to end. NOW - we must continue the terrific effort and attitude throughout the school year. I am not sure what the judges say about our show, but I know that in my opinion you guys are straight ones! Get rest...its a long season!
#3 June 30, 2005 - Well, the first two marching band rehearsals have just passed and I am looking forward to this year! I think the returning members and the new members did a good job. I can't wait to see if the discipline and effort will be displayed in full force. Our potential is limitless and I do believe that we have the talent and personnel to be an excellent band. Today was interesting because at the end of rehearsal we were virtually in a tornado at the school (we lost power and everything). It was rather exciting...and we all lived! Next week we begin normal rehearsals. I am also looking forward to some softball, tennis, and maybe a trip to the wave pool. We need a social director...maybe Marvel...I will think about it.
#2 May 11, 2005 - The Chicago music is going well and I think we will do a great job in the windy city! The jazz band is scheduled to play on Grosse Ile's Islandfest on June 4, at 2:40PM. Members of the marching band did a gig at the Gleanors Food Bank in Detroit yesterday...it went very well and everyone I spoke to loved us! The president of the food bank informed me that they would be making a donation to the band program which was a welcomed surprise to me. Its funny how we haven't practiced the MB music for many months and we had one short rehearsal and everyone did great! This is a testament of our potential and talent level. MB (marching band) is starting very soon and I have thoughts of having a rehearsal or two BEFORE school even gets out...we will see. I started writing the show (about 5 pages) and I am excited to sit down and complete the opener. I should have it (hopefully) by the end of May.
#1 May 3, 2005 - We are getting ready for Chicago, the Spring Concert, and next years marching band season. It is an exciting time and I can't wait for the summer...especially since it almost snowed today! I think all the ensembles rehearsals and becoming more effective. I really appreciate it when students focus on playing on not on "other stuff." One suggestion...PRACTICE MORE!!!!!! Remember, practice does not make perfect...perfect practice makes perfect. Always have good posture & tone quality. Practice slowly..not to memorize, but rather to understand how each note feels and sounds. You should become VERY comfortable with your instrument and the music you are playing. Do NOT speed up until you feel this comfort in your playing.