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DATES TO REMEMBER: Spring Concert - March 17th - 7:00 p.m. - Naper gym Band/Orchestra Assembly - March 19th Band Festival - April 21st - 7:30 p.m. WJHS Memorial Day Parade - May 31st - band marches MUSIC IS IN THE AIR And it's happening here at Naper School! Our band performed a most successful daytime concert in December for our school and the Naper Winds band group could be heard in the morning, providing music carols in the hall and in the 4th/5th winter concert. Great performance to all of our band students! AND THE BEAT GOES ON - The band students are now busily preparing for their next performances. Our concerts will feature selections from classical composers, traditional band music, novelty rock and small group performances. We look forward to providing the audience with a variety of band music. Our evening spring concert will be on Wednesday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Naper School. The following Friday, march 19th, the band and orchestra will perform an all-school assembly during the day for the students and staff. Later in the spring, on Wednesday, April 21, the Naper Band will be guests at Washington Jr. High School for the elementary/junior high band festival. They will practice with Ellsworth, Prairie and Washington Jr. High bands during the afternoon and then perform together for an evening concert at 7:30 p.m. This is a special opportunity for students to play with students from other schools as well as be able to hear the students for the junior high play their instruments and perform in concert. Look for this special happening on Wednesday, April 21. NAPER WINDS Our Naper Winds is a voluntary group of band students of all instruments. They meet once a week before school for the experience of playing different parts in music and literature styles. I was pleased by the large attendance of the group this year. Students have another opportunity to play their instruments and relate to other instruments and music parts. Special thanks to all the parents who transport band students to early morning rehearsals for the Naper Winds and for providing breakfast snacks. Look for us at the March 17th concert. PRACTICE AND ACHIEVEMENT It seems that families and individuals are becoming more and more busy with activities. However, playing a musical instrument, just like any activity, sport, or other special involvement, does require practice. Practice on a regular basis will allow for much faster success and a more enjoyable experience of playing the instrument. I encourage parents to help their children with regular practice time. Even a few more minutes on a regular weekly routine will probably yield a noticeable difference. Additionally, private lesson instruction is another option to pursue for students. Lists of area teachers are available. Students in their 2nd year have been working on scale achievements. Some have chosen to perform all major scales for extra credit and will be honored at the spring band concert for their achievements. Congratulations to the Naper Band students: Zulin and Samantha, who participated in the Honor Band/Honor Strings Concert on February 10 at Naperville North High School. Great concert! NEW MUSICIANS WANTED During the month of April, we will be presenting a demonstration concert of instruments to the third grades. Information will be sent home during this month to students regarding our program for summer and next year. Any students in third grade or new 4th and 5th grade students will then have the opportunity to try instruments in the month of May. More information will be coming in April. For any questions regarding our band program please feel free to call or email me. Very Musically, Michelle Ryan, Band Director 420-6345 |
