Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Spring Concert and Summer Programs

Congratulations to your children on a spectacular Spring Concert.  I was very proud of the students hard work and professional demeanor during both the day and night concerts.  They truly raised the bar!  If your child is interested in continuing their musical pursuits throughout the summer, I have listed several opportunities below.  Students who participate in private lessons or camps over the summer have improved retention and come into the school year with many lessons to share with their peers.  It is a huge benefit to the student and our program.  Please contact me if you would like further details or opinions on an appropriate program for your child.  

Thank you so much for all of your support.  This program would not exist without you!



We are very lucky to live so close to this fantastic program.  CSA offers private lessons, a week long band camp and a week long jazz camp.  This is an excellent program.

Hartt also offers excellent programs.  It is slightly farther away than CSA, but may be option if the CSA programs do not fit into your schedule.  They also offer week long, middle school trumpet, french horn and clarinet institutes.  

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Spring Concert Ahead!

Next week the music program will be presenting the annual Spring Concert.  All students have received a concert reminder including performance times and appropriate dress, but I will repeat the information here for those interested.  I look forward to a great performance!

Monday(5/18): Normal Day
Tuesday(5/19): Dress Rehearsal - AM
Wednesday(5/20): In-School Concert begins at 9:30
Thursday(5/21): Night Concert begins at 7:00pm.  Students are to be here by 6:15 (band students in music room/chorus students in caf)
Friday(5/22): Normal Day

Jazz Band students are required to wear black pants, black shoes, white dress shirt and bow-tie for boys.

Band students are asked to dress up.  Black or tan pants/capris, button down or collared shirt, skirt or dress are appropriate.  No jeans or t-shirts please.  


Sunday, May 3, 2009

Small Ensemble Concert a Success!


Select 6th-8th grade music students organized and performed in the Small Ensemble Benefit concert on Thursday, April 16th.  Jr High students elected to support The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for this 3rd annual benefit concert.  Thanks to the support of the staff and community, we raised $441.00 in support of the camp.  Thank you to students, families and staff members who helped to make this night a huge success!



Thank you to Mr. Boiano for his technical support and these fantastic photos!!

Jazz Band Excels at Colchester Jazz Festival

On Thursday, April 30th, the Ashford Jazz Band participated in the Colchester Jazz Festival. The 19 member, select group performed 3 charts including Moondance, Georgia on My Mind and Jericho. The band's hard work and dedication showed as they sailed through all 3 pieces. Their focus and energy was impressive and all soloists did an impecible job. In addition to earning a Silver rating, three members were recognized for individual "Outstanding Musicianship" Paul Ference (8th Grade, alto sax), Josh LeBrun (8th grade, trumpet) and Justin Gagnon (7th grade, trombone) were selected for this honor. Congratulations to these three boys and all the Jazz Band members for their hard work and dedication. I am very proud of all of you!

-Miss Dotson