Welcome Back!

Welcome back to another year in the Ashford School Instrumental Music Program! I hope that everyone had a fun and relaxing summer. I am looking forward to heading back to school to see all of you!

This year we have a great group of students who exude enthusiam and dedication. I am so excited to see the progress we will make! Please stay tuned for more details about some new programs we will be piloting this year and other updates that will be headed your way soon.

Have a great week!

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!

UConn Community School of the Arts (CSA) 

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 Community School   

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.  

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.  

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

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!