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!