The Rockford Elementary Concert Band

It is eighth hour on a Tuesday, this means I have band today. I walk into the band room, and I see a handful of other students have already arrived and are watching a video that is being played up on the starboard. They stand and watch as the Notre Dame marching band performs an intricate routine during a college football game. A few others hustle around to get their instruments and get to their seats before the three minute allowance is up. I hear random chit chat among friends and people beginning to tune their instruments as I gather my things and get into my seat.

Band camp began two weeks before the school year started. The director mailed all the band members the music they were required to learn. However, I ignored the mail and didn’t bother touching my trumpet or learning the music. I dreaded going to band camp the entire summer, but the day finally arrived when I was forced to go. My parents dropped me off at Niwot, I walked into the school, and lethargically headed straight to the band

You are cordially invited to attend the reunions for the Classes of 1980-1985. They will be held on Friday, January 15th, in Room fourteen of the Central Conference Center, 469 Grand Avenue East in Birmingham. Registration and the social hour will begin at 5:30 o’clock p.m. The dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the program at 7:30 p.m.

Imagine a third grader, small and blonde, standing on a stage that practically swallows her. She gazes in awe at the bright lights that seem to tower miles above her head; likewise, she follows with a stare, fixating on the hundreds of darkened faces that remain directly in front of her. Unlike her classmates who fidget with nerves beside her, she feels a rush of adrenaline. What may have seemed to some an ordinary choir concert in a dull auditorium, was, to me, a life changing moment. Ever since this day, for 9 years now, I have had an unwavering passion for music and performing. As I aged, I found myself excitedly learning how to play 7 new instruments, but even considering the vast number of bands, orchestras, choirs, and instrumental lessons that I joined, I noticed myself

Throughout my 5th grade year, I practiced the clarinet and made my way through our first book. I enjoyed band class and lessons, especially getting to be with some of my friends, but I kept thinking about the trombone. I still wanted to play it. By the end of the year, I made up my mind. I was going to play the trombone. I talked to my parents, and my mom talked to Mrs. Jones, allowing me to take the school’s trombone home over the summer between 5th and 6th grade. The first day I got it, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I took it right out of the case and put it together. I was at my parents’ work,

As with most kids, I was a bit nervous about my transition from middle school to high school. One advantage I had was that I participated in band in middle school and planned to be in the band in high school. The Round Rock High School band has a history of excellence and I was looking forward to being a part of that organization. This was an extraordinary time and I looked forward to being a part of the band with great anticipation. Being a part of an organization such as this makes the transition to high school seem much easier and it seemed I had a ready-made group of friends that I could rely on and ask questions of if necessary. After all, the Round Rock High School Band has over 300 members.

In the first grade, I picked up a clarinet. It was my sister’s, collecting dust while waiting for me to play it. From the moment I produced my first sound, an ear-piercing squeal that frightened my dog, the path of my life took a turn for the better. I began teaching myself for the following three years, along with learning from my sister how to properly play the beautiful instrument. The music pushed me out of my comfort zone: concerts that forced me onstage, tests that made me play difficult songs, and teachers that pushed me to be an exceptional player. From the shy elementary school student I used to be to the outgoing band member I take joy in being today, music has shaped my everyday life.

In high school I was a part of the Northgate Marching Band Drumline. I auditioned my freshman year and was put on top bass. At the time the line was dominated by girls, so I felt very comfortable and made a lot of friends. During the winter season I auditioned for snare. In drumline, the snare drum is the most exposed drum, therefore it is reserved for the more advanced players. I was told to go home and work on some things, and so I did. I practiced for a few hours and the next day after practice I was told I was on snare. I marched snare from then on, freshman year all the way through my senior year. Although this was a main goal of mine, it was not my only goal in the drumline. In marching band we had roles called Section Leaders. A section

During my junior year, all high school students of the Coachella Valley were given the opportunity to audition for the All Coachella Valley Honor Band, with a guest conductor H. Robert Reynolds. This was a significant educational opportunity I took advantage of. The audition consisted of a couple of scales, and excerpts from the music that was going to be performed on the day of the concert. When the day came I sat in front of the judge with my music and clarinet, where my nerves began to rise. Before I began to play my heart began to pound along with my hands beginning to sweat. Throughout my audition I had a few mistakes,but I stayed persistent and completed my audition. After I finished my audition, the judge said I had done great, I was

Alyssa Cariaso is a senior here at CHHS. She is both overjoyed and heartbroken as her high school years are slowly coming to an end. Although high school is fading away, she continues to work and study hard to be successful later on in life. Her ultimate goal in life is to be a nurse. Alyssa and her love for music and singing led her to join Choir. The choir allowed her to enjoy what she loves doing and meet new friends. On her free time, she loves to play instruments such as the guitar and the piano. High school may be ending for her, but she is excited to see what life unfolds for her and to start a new chapter in her

Music has always been integral in my life. During my childhood, when I was four years old, I pressed my fingers on an oven handle like a piano. Throughout my childhood years I listened to my mom’s old-school mix CD’s, along with the Pandora music app on my old Kindle. In fifth grade, I picked up the piano. My alto saxophone studies began in seventh grade. When high school arrived, I turned my focus to guitar and voice. The more knowledge I absorbed, the more knowledge I craved. My decision to pursue music was also influenced by the inspirations I’ve encountered on my journey so far.

Walking up and down the two rows of hornline and drumline members at our very first show whispering encouragements and fixing aussies, I watched the terror consume face as you and those around you were trying to focus on what was about to happen. After that 9 minute show bursting with chaos and confusion, I remember coming off the field with shaky knees and hearing all sorts of positive whispers and seeing your wide, excited eyes. At that moment, you gave me hope for this season.

I can say I’m a multi-instrumentalist. I can play the harmonica, the trombone, the ukulele, the bass, the piano, the electric and acoustic guitar, and I’m probably forgetting one. But really I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her” (Montes). “One of the big things I teach my kids is how through hard work, you can accomplish anything. Whenever a kid shows up to a lesson, I always ask them if they practiced, and sometimes they say no because they don’t have a piano at home. It reminds me of the days when I couldn’t even afford a piano, but I push those thoughts away and work towards helping these kids fulfill their dreams as I’ve fulfilled mine. Music teaches the kids how to work through a tough song, and through time and practice, they always get it at the end” (LaBeau). Ronnie’s School of Music has performed annually for several of the city’s prominent events: the Arroyo Lighting at Christmas, Saint Anthony’s Fall Festival, Winter Texan festivals, and many more. LaBeau teaches students of all ages, from three to ninety seven. The majority of her students, however, come from Saint Anthony Catholic

In fifth grade, I played my first cincernt on the alto saxophone and I was as neurotic as a cat that hears a mouse hiding in a wall. With butterflies fluttering , I found a way to be optimistic. The concert was in the huge Kilmas Field House at MHS. The glazed over basketball court was a very awkward and a not ver acoustic place to play a concert. But somehow for as long as anyone can remember, Methuen has help the Band Jambore when grades 5-12 all play pieces of music and at the

Phil Smith, band director of the Penzville High School Marching Band, would like for the principal to increase his extracurricular pay. Mr. Smith specifically has asked that the extracurricular pay be raised to be equal to that of the head football coach’s compensation. Mr. Smith’s justification for his request is based on the band’s outstanding growth and performance: