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

Penny War Time!!

The Penny War has begun in Ashford School.  From now until Tuesday, April 14th, students, teachers, staff and parents are invited to partake in our second annual Penny War.  This year we have two teams; 7th grade and 8th grade.  The winning team will receive their own container of money for their class fund and the other container will go to support this year's Small Ensemble Concert beneficiary, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.  

The rules are simple:   

• Pennies are worth 1 point
• All other money is worth negative points (ex: nickle -5; dime -10, dollar -100)
• The team with the most positive points at the end of the contest will win
• Anyone can play, just pick a team to support!

So start hoarding those coins and let the battle begin!  You can find the containers in the lower lobby before school, after school and during lunch.  If you have any questions please email Miss Dotson at Ashfordband@gmail.com 

Xylophone

Thanks to the generosity of the Ashford School PTO and the support of Ashford families, the music department will be purchasing our first concert xylophone.  You can check out the specifics here:

Yamaha Acoustalon Xylophone

We look forward to incorporating this beautiful instrument into our program!

First Days of Band

Last Monday our first year students participated in their first ensemble rehearsal. All beginning players reported to the band room at 2:40 to meet and practice with second year players. During this first rehearsal we did some basic warm ups, practiced our major scale, reviewed simple songs such as Hot Cross Buns and Juba and even played large parts of our first band song, Beethoven's Ninth. The students demonstrated responsibility, maturity and excitement during the rehearsal time. I was very proud of their hard work and impressed by the skills that they have developed.

Parents will be able to experience the Concert Band at this year's Spring Concert which will be held at 7pm on Thursday, May 21st in Ashford School's gym.

Thank you for all of your support and dedication at home!

Small Ensemble Charity Chosen

Students in grades 6-8 will be presenting a Small Ensemble Benefit concert on Thursday, April 16th 2009 at 7:00pm.  Recently students held a meeting to decide what charity would benefit from this year's concert.  After discussion, students selected the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT.  We look forward to fundraising for this event in our community and in our school.  Stay tuned for more news on the upcoming Penny War fundraiser and more information concerning the concert.  

Colchester Middle School Jazz Festival

The annual Colchester Middle School Jazz Festival will be taking place on April 30th.  All Jazz Band members are required to attend this exciting event.  We are still waiting to hear what time we will be performing, but in the past we have usually received a mid-afternoon time slot.  Please look out for updates in the upcoming weeks.  

Ashford Music Logos

Ashford Music Department t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts will be on sale through Friday, February 27th.  All clothing will be black with gold writing.  A sample t-shirt is hanging in the music room.  Please see Miss Dotson, Mrs. Porri or Mrs. Gagnon for additional order forms or with any questions.

T-Shirts (youth and adult): $10.00

Youth Hooded Sweatshirts: $16.00

Adult Hooded Sweatshirts: $20.00