Christmas Story from ESPN The Best Gift of All

Go to this website.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3789373

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Story from ESPN

Drummer Joke

A drummer decided to teach himself to play the flute.  After practicing for a month, he still could not get a good tone from it.  He finally decided that he was hitting it too hard with his drumstick.

(Girls, notice it was a male drummer!)

Dumb Christmas Joke

What do you get when Santa Claus comes down the chimney and you have a nice fire in the fireplace.

Krisp Kringle!

Jazz Band Cancelled for Monday AM 12/15

I do not know if there will be school, but no Jazz Band Monday morning due to the weather.  Our next rehearsal will be January 5.  New music will be passed out.  Be careful and Merry Christmas.

Congratulations! Christmas Chapel and Program

Congratulations to all who performed.  There were many positive comments made about each of the bands and the choir.   If you would like to make a specific comment, please send me an email.

It was nice to see a full house.  It is much more enjoyable for the performers to see so many people.  

Advanced Band Christmas Caroling Safeway

On Tuesday and Thursday, December 16 and 18 from 3:30 to 4:30 PM, I am asking for volunteers to play Christmas Carols at Safeway.  I feel this is a wonderful opportunity for DCS to contribute to the neighborhood.  I have called the Salvation Army and I am trying to get a Kettle, so people can contribute as we play.  My goal is to have 8-12 students playing each day.  I will take them over to Safeway in our van.  Parents may pick them up there.  We will be playing in the area where there is a overhang so we will be dry, but DRESS WARM.  Please email me back if you are able to play.

Merry Christmas!

This Thursday 5 AM to 7AM KGW TV Channel 8

On Thursday, December 11,  early morning there will be a group of Tuba and Baritone players playing Christmas Carols at various times though out the morning show.  During the show Dr. John Richards, who came last spring to DCS and showed us old music instruments, will be trying to teach Drew Carny how to play the tuba.  I will be there in the group playing tuba.

Added Thursday AM Jazz Band Rehearsal 12/11

This is a reminder that we have added a rehearsal for 7:30 AM for this Thursday, December 11. This rehearsal is very important because we need to work on Jingle Bell Boogie and practice with microphones.

Reminder, all Advanced Band members need to be at DCS at 8:00 AM and dressed up for our performance.

Please practice today the music we are performing on Thursday.

December 4 Rehearsals

Just a quick note.  Today I worked with the Intermediate Band, it was a joy to see them again.  It was the first time I have been able to conduct them this year.  They sounded very good and it reminded me again of how many good musicians are in the group.

In the Advanced Band rehearsal, we got a lot of good work done.  The band has made a lot of progress this year and today was a great example of students working together to correct mistakes.  At the end of the rehearsal they were sounding much better then at the beginning. There is a lot of talent and energy in the group.

Beginning Band, had a guest conductor with Russ Schmidt.  This band is making excellent progress that you will hear at the Christmas Program.  It is amazing that students who could not even put their instrument together 14 weeks ago, can after 28 classes play music with separate parts and rhythms and you can recognize what they are playing!

Music Gifts for Band Members

Here is a few ideas for band members.  If your student has an interest in improving.  There are several gifts you can purchase.

1. Korg Tuner and Metronome for about $40.  This will help to keep a steady tempo when practicing as well as tuning the instrument.  It will also work to tune an electric bass and guitar.  This can be purchased at many music stores, like Joyful Noise close to Clackamas Town Center.

2.  CD of an outstanding classical musician on their instrument.  This will help in developing concepts of tone and style.

3.  CD of a Jazz Band.  A group performing hymns and praise songs is Denver and the Mile High Orchestra.  Another group is the Buddy Rich Big Band from the 70's.

4.  There are many books of music put out with CD accompaniment.  These can be purchased at many music stores.  Sheet Music Service in Portland is the largest Sheet Music Dealer in the Northwest.  Their phone number is 503.222.9607, ask for Lisa or Gordy for help.  Be sure you buy music that is appropriate in difficulty.

If you are considering purchasing an instrument etc. please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Brenda Schmidt takes over Intermediate Band and Recorders

It has been announced that Pastor Rich Stafford has resigned from DCS and will not be directing the Intermediate Band and the 4th grade recorder class.  On an interim basis art teacher Brenda Schmidt has taken over these two classes.  The school will be looking for someone to take over on permanent basis in the near future.  We thank Mr Stafford for all of his hard work, his enthusiasm, and the time he spent to build the band program at DCS.  We wish him the very best in the future and request that you keep him in your prayers.

Christmas Chapel and Program

On Thursday, December 11, the Advanced Band, Jazz Band, and Halel will be performing a Christmas Chapel for the entire school.  The members of the bands performing need to be at DCS by 8 AM to setup, warmup and to be ready for Chapel.   The dress for band members is "Dressy" we are on stage performing.  No tennis shoes, t-shirts, jeans, etc. please dress up.

On Friday, December 12, is our Christmas Program, all bands will be performing, beginning band, intermediate band, advanced band, jazz band, and Halel.  We need to all meet at 6:15, more information later on which rooms will be used to leave cases, coats, etc.  Please everyone dress up in your best clothes.  This is our Christmas Program, to honor and glorify the birth of Jesus.   For this we can do our best to look, act and play at our highest level.  

Invite all of your family and friends to join us in this Christmas celebration!

Joke of the Week

Do you know what would have happened if it had been Three DCS Band Moms in place of the Three Wise Men?

They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped to deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, fixed a dinner, and brought practical gifts!

Christmas Jazz Benefit Concert

An evening to benefit the Good News Health Center in Rockwood.

Performing will be the Jazz Express Big Band with Vocals.  The performance will be at Good Shepherd Community Church in Boring on Monday, December 8, at 7:30 PM. 

Admission is $10 for Adults, $5.00 for students and seniors, and children 5 and under are free.

This is an annual event and is always a great evening of Christmas music and jazz.

Beginning Band Holiday Sampler

Just a short note to let everyone know that the beginning band is doing a great job on their Christmas music.  We had a great rehearsal today!

New Advanced Band Members

Recently two new members have joined our band.  They are Faith P. a senior on clarinet and her sister Hope P. a sophomore on flute.  They also have a younger sister who plays violin named Charity.  We are very pleased to have them as members of the group.  They will be a great addition.  When you see them please say "Hi" and welcome them to our band at DCS.

Inspirational Music Quote of the Week

O come, let us sing onto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. Psalms 95:1-2

Advanced Band Christmas Program Selections

The Advanced Band will be performing the following pieces of music at the Christmas Program on Friday December 12 at 7:00 PM

1. Joy by Frank Ticheli

2. O Come, O Come Emmanuel arranged by Claude Smith

3. Housetop Variations arranged by Bill Calhoun

4. Anchors Aweigh by Charles Zimmerman, arranged by Jerry Brubaker

5. A Christmas March by Philip Sparke

In addition, at the end of the concert we will be playing 3-4 Christmas Carols and have the audience and Halel join us in a sing along.

Saturday Barnes and Noble

Congratulations and Thank you to the Advanced Band members who played at Barnes and Noble. In the 7th and 8th grade group 11 out of 12 members were able to be there.  In the High School group 9 out of 12 students were there.  We received many compliments.  You represented DCS and yourselves in a very positive way.  Merry Christmas and Happy Turkey Day.

I hope that we can get 6-8 members of the band to play after school at Bi-Mart and Safeway.  In addition it would be great if we could play for the Salvation Army and provide music at several locations for their collection pots.

Barnes and Noble Saturday November 22

Additional information.  We will meet and perform on the second floor on the parking lot side.

Reminders, bring your instrument, music, folding stand (if you have one), wear red &/or green OR DCS shirt etc.

Jr. High meet at 10:45, perform at 11:00

High School meet at 11:15 and perform at 11:30.

Merry Christmas and Happy Thanksgiving

Playing Tests

Today the beginning band had a playing test.  Many of the students did very well.  Some students were not prepared.  If a student receives an 89 or lower they may retake the test during the next class period.  This will be the same for all bands.  The goal is to have all of the students progressing and playing their instrument well.

Clarification on class absence and forgetting Instrument

Band is both an academic and a activity class.  So when students are absent or forget their instrument the student is not able to participate.  They do not gain knowledge and the other students also miss from their not contributing to the band on that day.  So when a student misses band for illness or a school activity they will receive a zero for that day, however they may make up the full 100 points by practicing for 60 minutes and bringing a signed note from the parents, within a week.  A 50 is given when students forget their instrument.   Again the 50 points may be made up by practicing for 30 minutes and bringing a note from parents within a week.  This is not meant to be punitive, but to encourage progress to be made by all.  In addition to see how many are reading this blog, I will give $5.00 to the 5th student who emails me that they have read the blog.  

Barnes and Noble Saturday November 22

Reminder, the advanced band members will be performing Christmas Carols this Saturday at Clackamas Town Center.  

7th and 8th grade band members at 11:00 AM, be there by 10:45

High School band members at 11:30 AM, be there by 11:15.

Please bring folding music stands.

More information will be given during class.

Lame Music Joke of the Week

Why do bag pipe players walk while they play?   Its harder to hit a moving target!

Inspirational Music Quote of the Week

"Music gives a soul to the universe,

wings to the mind,

flight to the imagination,

and life to everything."

Plato

Clarinet Clinic

Today Dr. Stanford, retired Clarinet Professor from Portland State University,  gave two clarinet clinics.  The first one for the 5th and 6th grade and the second for the Advanced Band clarinets.  Dr Stanford told the clarinets that they should all be using #3 VanDoren reeds.   He feels that the harder reeds make playing easier.  He reminded them to have the lower lip over the teeth and the upper teeth on the mouthpiece and to blow at the reed.  He also used the idea of playing with "cold" air, blowing air with a "ooh" sound.  In talking with some of the students who attended his clinic, they said it was really interesting and helpful.   He told me that the students were a joy to work with and were doing very well.  We at DCS thank him for his help.  

Lame Music Joke of the Week

What is the range of a Tuba?

About 10 feet with a good arm!

Parent Teacher Conferences and Maple/Chocolate Bars

This past Thursday afternoon there were parent/teacher conferences.   Without telling the students it was decided to give a maple/chocolate bar to each band member if their parent came and discussed their student.  Sadly, I may have missed some parents on Friday AM, as I was teaching at Warner Pacific College.  Thank you to all the parents that came to the conferences.   We hope all will touch base with us next time.

The following students will be rewarded on Tuesday at the end of class.

5th Grade

Luke S

Bonnie M

Mike W

6th Grade

Nate S

7th Grade

Kayla K

Lydia M

Carrie O

Hannah S

Alyssa B

Sam M

Patrick W

Keira B

8th Grade

Lindi B

9th Grade

Donny O

Josh R

Joe W

Chelsea C

Jake S

Joke of the Week

Why did Ludwig Von Beethoven hate chickens?

Because they ran around all the time going Bach Bach Bach!

GROAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Outstanding Players

Each week we will select an outstanding player in each band.   The criteria for selecting the students will be, playing ability, attention, tests, cooperation, helping other students in the group, and other actions seen to be positive to the growth of the group.  Due to the public viewing of this site only first name, last name initial, and  instrument will be listed.

Pre-band Recorders Sara N

Beginning Band Grace M Trumpet

Intermediate Band Michael W Trombone

Advanced Band Jake S Trumpet

Jazz Band Lydia M Alto Sax

Congratulations to each of these musicians!

Upcoming Performances

November 22, Saturday,  Barnes and Noble at Clackamas Town Center.   11:00 AM  the 7th and 8th band members will be playing Christmas Carols.   11:30 AM the high school band members will be performing Christmas Carols.

December 11, Thursday, 8:30 AM, at Damascus Christian.   The Advanced Band and Jazz Band with Halel will be performing for a Christmas Chapel for the entire school.

December 12, Friday, 7:00 PM, at Damascus Christian.  The Beginning Band, Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, Jazz Band, and Halel will be performing at our Christmas Concert.

Damascus Christian School Bands

Welcome to the DCS Bands page of information.   This blog will list information on playing tests, concerts, activities, and anything to do with the bands.

This year we have 4 bands.  Three of the bands meet on Tuesday and Thursday.

The beginning band has the entire 5th grade class and 2 6th graders for 19 total students.  

The intermediate band has 18 students.  

Advanced band, which is students in grades 7-12 has 27 band members.  There are 13 high school students in the group.

There are 64 students involved in band this year in grades 5-12.  The enrollment for the school in grades 7-12 is 174.  So over 1 out of every 3 students are in one of the bands.

We have also added a jazz band that meets on Monday morning from 7:30-8:15.  This band has 17 students.

This is our second year of having a full band program.