Brooks Bands, Week of 5/2 - 5/7

DISTRICT 97 ETHNIC FESTIVAL PARADE, SAT., MAY 7TH @ JULIAN M.S.
All 7th/8th grade band students are participating in this Saturday's Ethnic Festival Parade at Percy Julian Middle School. All students will need to report to the Julian Main Gym at 9:15 a.m. for attendance, warm up and parade lineup. At this time, any students that have conflicts should have contacted Mr. Barnard in writing/via email. If there is a conflict, please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org. Students will need to wear one of the following: BRAVO T-Shirt (black), any blue Brooks Wear, or a blue t-shirt, along with jeans/shorts and closed toe shoes (gym shoes preferred). All students are responsible for bringing their instrument to this event with the exception of our sousaphones and drumline equipment. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and we should be done no later than 11 a.m.

BAND PLACEMENTS FOR 2011/2012 SCHOOL YEAR will be posted early next week for current 6th/7th grade band students. All 6th grade students are doing their final performance assessment this week in class, all 7th graders have already been assessed through weekly band sectional performance assessments. Please read the previous post for more information. If anyone has any questions please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

8th GRADE INFORMATION REGARDING OPRFHS BANDS:

Wind Ensemble/Wind Symphony Auditions: May 12th or 13th at Brooks, Mr. Svejda will be coming over to audition students during band class. Some students may need to come from another class due to the number of auditionees. This will be address earlier in the week.

OPRF Marching Huskies: Students interested in participating in this Fall's Marching Huskies Marching Band should have turned in a registration form along with a $60 deposit to either Mr. Svejda or Mr. Barnard. If this has not been done please do so immediately.

OPRF Drumline Workshop & Auditions:
Friday, May 6th at 4:00 p.m. is a workshop open to everyone that is interested in participating. Everyone should go to this if you plan on being in drumline in high school.

Friday, May 20th at 4:00 p.m. is the auditions. Both the workshop and audition are at OPRFHS.

OPRF Jazz Ensemble Auditions:
Wednesday, June 1st at OPRF, after school. Any student interested in auditioning for this group needs to confirm with Mr. Barnard and he will submit your name to Mr. Svejda. Mr. Svejda will assign specific audition times for each confirmation.

Those students pursuing jazz band in high school but cannot commit to jazz ensemble may participate in the 2nd Jazz Band at OPRF. They meet once a week in the evening on Tuesday nights.

If anyone has questions about the OPRFHS Band Program, please contact Mr. Svejda at asvejda@oprfhs.org .

HOMEWORK:
Practice Records: Week 9 is due on Monday 5/2

Music Theory: Wednesday 5/4
6th Graders: Unit 5 Ear Training and Unit 5 review, Alfred Bk. 1

3rd Trimester Outside Concert Summary:
Due no later than Friday, May 27th.

REMAINING BAND EVENTS:

Ethnic Festival Parade: Sat., May 7th @ 10 a.m., Percy Julian Middle School (all 7th/8th
grade band students)

7th/8th Gr. Spring Concert: Tues., May 17th @ 7 p.m. (Concert Band, Symphonic Band,
Jazz Ensemble)

6th Gr. Spring Concert: Thurs., May 19th @ 7 p.m. (Cadet/Intermediate Bands, Jazz Lab
Band)

8th Gr. Graduation Ceremony: Mon., June 6th @ 5 p.m., OPRFHS (6th/7th grade
volunteers) Sign Up sheet available soon in D110.

JAZZ PROGRAM:

Jazz Ensemble: rehearsals Tuesday & Thursday @ 8 a.m.
Jazz Lab Band: rehearsal Friday @ 8 a.m.

Brooks Bands, Week of 4/25 - 4/29

7th/8th Grade Band Placements 2011-2012 School Year

This week, 6th grade students will be accomplishing their final performance assessment for band placements for the 2011-2012 school year. This will be accomplished in class throughout the week. All current 7th grade students will be placed based on all of their performance so far this school year. All students are placed into an ensemble based on their performance skills, daily participation/preparation, weekly homework requirements (practicing/music theory) and sectional participation (7th graders only).

When it comes to band placements, we are looking at providing a well balanced band program which will offer all of our students the opportunity to become successful and gain a positive learning experience. With this in mind, we are looking for well balanced music ensembles in both of our two 7th/8th grade bands including balanced instrumentation needs. Students will be notified in early May of their band placement for the 2011/2012 school year.

For the 2011/2012 school year, our 7th and 8th grade bands will assume new names. Our most advance ensemble will be called the Wind Ensemble (our current Symphonic Band). This group currently performs literature that is at an advance middle school/intermediate high school level. Many of our students in this ensemble are currently in 8th grade with a handful of 7th grade students that are performing at a very high level of musicianship. Our 7th/8th grade intermediate ensemble will be called the Symphonic Band (our current Concert Band). This group currently performs literature that is at an intermediate/advance middle school. Many of our students performing in this ensemble are currently in 7th grade with a handful of 8th grade students that are performing at the middle school level. The change of ensemble names are being made to help align with our ensembles at Percy Julian Middle School. There will be no change for the names of our current 6th grade bands.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Records: Week 8 is due on Monday, 4/25.

Music Theory: There will be no music theory homework for 6th grade due to the performance testing this week. All 7th/8th graders do not have music theory due to our current marching band/concert performance requirements.

Marching Band Music Memorization Testing (7th/8th Grade)

All 7th/8th grade students will be accomplishing their music memorization test during their band sectional this week. This will be accomplished as a section and students will be individually assessed. If a student cannot attend their sectional this week, they are highly encouraged to make it up by attending another sectional.

3rd Trimester Portfolio Assessments:

This was started last week during 7th/8th grade band sectionals and in class for 6th graders. If a student has not had a chance to accomplish this assessment may do so by the end of this week. Please read previous posts for more detailed information on this assessment.

ETHNIC FESTIVAL PARADE, SATURDAY MAY 7TH

All 7th/8th grade students are currently preparing for our marching band to perform in the Annual D97 Ethnic Festival Parade at Julian Middle School. The parade will start at 10 a.m. and students will need to report to Julian Middle School at 9:15 a.m. The parade should be done by 11:00 a.m. Unfortunately, due to budget cutting costs, the Multicultural Department will not be providing t-shirts for our students. Since we were recently notified of this, we have decided for students to wear any of the following: New BRAVO T-Shirts (Black), blue Brooks wear (t-shirts, sweatshirts) or blue t-shirts. Ideally, we would prefer everyone to be uniform but do not want to burden families in purchasing t-shirts just for this event. Students can also wear jeans or shorts and closed toe street shoes/gym shoes.

This is a required event for all 7th/8th grade band students and families should notify Mr. Barnard two weeks in advance of any event if there are conflicts. Also, most families should be able to work out sports related conflicts and should contact Mr. Barnard to see how they can be worked out.

JAZZ PROGRAM:

Jazz Ensemble rehearsals Tuesday and Thursday 8:00-8:50 a.m.

Jazz Lab Band rehearsal Friday 8:00 a.m.

Brooks Bands, Week of 4/18 - 4/20

Congratulations to all of our jazz ensemble members that performed at PING's Fundraiser Event on Sunday to help raise money for such a great organization! Also thank you to guest musicians, Chris Weller and Mark O'Connor for performing with our group.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Records: Week 7 is due on Monday, 4/18.

Music Theory:
6th Graders: This Tuesday-Lessons 20-21 in Alfred Bk. 1 and worksheet 5-3 due on Wed. 4/20.

7th/8th Graders do not currently have music theory due to marching band and concert repertoire preparation.

3rd Trimester Portfolio Assessments:
6th graders will have their band binders assessed this Tuesday, 4/19 in class. All 7th/8th graders will have their band binders assessed during their group lessons this week. Since we have a shortened school week, some students will not have a group lesson until next week and will accomplish this then. All students should have the following for a successful portfolio assessement.

1. A three ring binder with their name labeled on the outside cover.
2. Both books required for band, Standards of Excellence & Alfreds Essentials of Music Theory, with their name labeled on them.
3. All current sheet music secured on the 3-rings. Plastic page protectors are recommended but not required. Any marching band music can be in the side pocket of the binders.
4. All current music theory assignments secured on the 3-rings.
5. Practice record secured on the 3-rings.

This assessment is simply designed to help teach our students organizational skills and be prepared for daily band rehearsals and weekly lessons. The assessment is 10% of each student's total band grade.

3rd Trimester Outside Concert Summaries: are due no later than Friday, May 27th. Students are required to attend one music or fine arts event each trimester as an audience member and fill out the Outside Concert Observation Form and have it signed by a parent/guardian. A ticket stub or program from the event should also be attached. Events that students are a participant in cannot be used. A copy of this form can be downloaded through the link in the upper right hand corner of this blog. Please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org if there are any questions.

Events for the Remainder of the School Year:
These events are required performances as part of our curriculum which totals 25% of each student's grade. If there are family conflicts, families must contact Mr. Barnard at least two weeks in advance of any event.

Sat., May 7th: Ethnic Festival Parade @ Percy Julian
All 7th/8th Grade Band students will participate as our Marching Band for this parade which will step off at 10 a.m. and should be completed no later than 11 a.m. All students should report to Julian at 9:15 a.m. (exact location TBA). Families, please check important events to help workout conflicts and notify Mr. Barnard ASAP.

Tues., May 17th: 7th/8th Grade Spring Awards Concert @ Brooks, 7 p.m.
Concert Band, Symphonic Band & Jazz Ensemble will be performing.

Thurs., May 19th: 6th Grade Spring Awards Concert @ Brooks, 7 p.m.
Cadet Band, Intermediate Band and Jazz Lab Band will be performing. Both Cadet and Intermediate Band will be performing as a combined group.

Mon., June 6th: 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony @ OPRFHS, 5 p.m.
This event will consist of a volunteer band of 6th/7th grade students from our band program and is not a required performance. Any student that is interested in performing should sign up on the volunteer sheet which will be available in Mid May.

JAZZ PROGRAM:

Jazz Lab Band: Rehearsal on Monday, 4/18, 8:00 - 8:50 a.m.

Jazz Ensemble: Rehearsal on Tuesday, 4/19, 8:00 - 8:50 a.m.

Brooks Bands, Week of April 11th - 15th

Congratulations to all of our students that participated on Friday's "Brooks Jazz Night". The event was a huge success and our students had a great experience working with our clinicians and performing to such a great audience. That you to all those parents that helped volunteer (18 parents all together) and families and band students that came out and supported their friends performing on the evening concert. The clinicians and the band were very impressed with the caliber of musicianship our students are already gaining and had a wonderful time working with them.

Also thank you to all of our sponsors, E.K. Blessing, Jupiter Band Instruments, Music & Arts, Conn-Selmer and Yamaha, who pitched in a total of $1,750 in grants in order to make this event possible!

PING's AFTERNOON OF JAZZ FUNDRAISER THIS SUNDAY, April 17th

PING is hosting their first annual AFTERNOON OF JAZZ, fundraiser to help support their funding and continue to help students and families that cannot afford band and orchestra instruments in order to participate in Oak Park/River Forest community music programs. The event will be from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald's Night Club, 6615 Roosevelt Rd., and will feature the following groups:

Beye School Jazz Band, Julian Jazz Ensemble, Brooks Jazz Ensemble, OPRF Jazz Combo and OPRF Jazz Ensemble

The Brooks Jazz Ensemble will perform a 20 minute set and members will need to be at Fitzgeralds at 2:15 p.m. Concert attire is Brooks Jazz t-shirts, black slacks, black dress shoes.

Tickets are $10 adults, $5 students and $25 families at the door.

D97 ETHNIC FESTIVAL AND PARADE, Saturday - May 7th @ Percy Julian.

This is a reminder to all 7th & 8th grade band families of our D97 Ethnic Festival and Parade on Saturday, May 7th. The event location has been changed to Percy Julian Middle School and the parade will start and end from PJMS. All 7th & 8th grade band students will need to be at Julian at 9:15 a.m. (specific location TBA) to warm up and line up for the parade (step off at 10 a.m.). Students should complete the parade no later than 11 a.m., families please check your calendars and let Mr. Barnard know immediately if there are any conflicts with important family occasions such as confirmations, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, or spring sports schedules.

This will also be the first year that the Multi-Cultural Department will not be able to provide t-shirts for us as in years past. It is part of the cost saving measures being made in the district. The dress for this performance will be jeans or shorts, gym shoes or closed toe street shoes. I am discussing with Mr. Sindelar how we should represent our school and will get back to everyone very soon.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Records:

Week 6 is due on Monday, April 11th

Music Theory:

6th Graders: Will work on lessons 18-20 out of the Alfred Book 1 workbook and complete Activity Worksheets 5-1 & 5-2 (due Friday 4/15).

7th/8th Graders: Due to combined marching band and spring concert repertoire, we are taking a break from the music theory curriculum. Please complete any missing music theory assignments.

3rd Trimester Portfolio Assessment:

Portfolio Assessments for 3rd trimester will be completed on during sectionals/lessons for 7th/8th graders next week (4/18 - 4/20) and on Wednesday, 4/20 in class for all 6th graders. The portfolio assessments are based on their organization of materials each student should have for class everyday and the use of their three ring binder as their organization tool. This assessment is 10% of each student's total band grade. Students need to have the following items in their binders:

1. All current sheet music on three rings, Marching Band Music (7th/8th Gr.) can be in side pockets.

2. Both Standards of Excellence Book and Alfred Essentials of Music Theory Book (with name labeled on them).

3. All current music theory homework worksheets and handouts (on three rings).

4. Practice Record (on three rings).

5. Have a three ring binder with their name and class labeled on the outside cover.

3rd Trimester Outside Concert Summaries:

Due no later than May 27th. All BRAVO music students are required to attend a live performance as an audience member and complete the concert observation form, with parent/guardian signature and a ticket stub or concert program attached. Students may use evening events at Brooks or other schools or events out in the community. A copy of the concert observation form may be downloaded on the upper right hand of the band blog.

JAZZ PROGRAM:

Jazz Ensemble: Rehearsals Tuesday & Thursday at 8:00 a.m.

Performance this Sunday @ Fitzgerald's for the PING Afternoon of Jazz Fundraiser. Please

be at Fitzgeralds no later than 2:15 p.m. and we should be done with our portion of the

afternoon no later than 3:30 p.m.

Jazz Lab Band: Rehearsal Friday at 8:00 a.m.

Brooks Bands, Week of April 4th - 8th

Brooks Jazz Night:

Remember not to forget to order your tickets for this year's Brooks Jazz Night, hosted by BRAVO!, on Friday, April 8th @ 7:00 p.m. in the GBMS Auditorium. Tickets are $5 students 16 yrs./under and $8 adults and can be purchased online through the band blog or by calling the BRAVO! Hotline at 708-524-5621.

This event is featuring our very own Brooks Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble with guest artists, Rob Parton and the Rob Parton Big Band. The day's events will start at 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. with free clinics from members of the Rob Parton Big Band: Rob Parton & Roger Ingram (trumpets), Mark Colby (saxophones), Tom Garling (Trombones) and Bob Rummage (Drumset/Rhythm Section). These clinics were made available through grants from E.K. Blessing, Jupiter Band Instruments, Conn-Selmer, Inc., Yamaha, and Music & Arts Center.

Music & Arts Center will also have an instrument display set up for students and their families to try out intermediate and professional level instruments in our Commons from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity for those students that are continuing through high school. There will be representatives there to help out and answer any questions families may have about these instruments.

Parent Volunteers: Thank you to all those parents that have offered to volunteer for this event! If there are any parents that would like to help out please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org

HOMEWORK:

Practice Records: Week 4 is due on Monday 4/4. Week 5 Practice Records will also be collected as extra credit. Even though we are coming on spring break, students need to remember that our jazz concert is the following week and the spring repertoire list is much more demanding with marching band with the 7/8 graders.

Music Theory:

6th Graders: Alfred Book 1: Unit 4 Ear Training and Unit 4 Review from Alfred Music Theory Bk 1.

7th/8th Graders: No music theory due to our marching band schedule.

Performance Assessments:

6th graders just finished up their scale testing and will receive this week material for our next performance assessment. Both of these assessments, along with other performance assessments will be used for band placements for the 2011-2012 school year.

All 7th/8th graders should of completed both their scale test and performance assessment prior to Spring Break. Any student that has not accomplished either assessment will need to make this up and can schedule a time after school on Mondays or Wednesdays. All performance assessments for 2010/2011 school year will be used as part of the overall assessments for next school year's band placements for the our 7th grade band students.

JAZZ PROGRAM:

Jazz Lab Band:

Monday & Friday rehearsals 8:00 - 8:50 a.m.

Jazz Ensemble:

Tuesday & Thursday rehearsals 8:00 - 8:50 a.m.

Brooks Jazz Night, Friday!

All jazz students are encouraged to wear their Brooks Jazz T-Shirts during the day!

2:45 p.m. All jazz ensemble members will need to report to the auditorium with instruments and music for a rehearsal clinic with Rob Parton, and other clinicians.

3:30 p.m. All Jazz Lab Band members will quietly come into the auditorium to watch the rest of the Jazz Ensemble clinic.

4:00 p.m. All jazz students will break into section specific clinics in the following rooms.

Trumpet Clinic w/ Rob Parton & Roger Ingram (Room D110)

Trombone Clinic w/Tom Garling (Room C105)

Saxophone Clinic w/ Mark Colby (Room D105)

Rhythm Section Clinic with Bob Rummage (Auditorium)

5:00 p.m. Dinner Break in the Commons

5:30 p.m. Music & Arts will have an instrument display with step up and professional model instruments for students to try out. All students need to have an adult with them if they would like to try out any instruments.

6:30 p.m. All jazz students report to D110 to warm up/tune up.

7:00 p.m. Concert starts with Jazz Lab Band followed by the Jazz Ensemble. All students and their families are encouraged to stick around and watch the Rob Parton Big Band perform on the second half of the concert. Members of the Jazz Ensemble will perform with the Rob Parton Big Band during the second half of the concert.

Brooks Bands, Week of 3/21 - 3/25

Brooks Jazz Night:

Remember not to forget to order your tickets for this year's Brooks Jazz Night, hosted by BRAVO!, on Friday, April 8th @ 7:00 p.m. in the GBMS Auditorium. Tickets are $5 students 16 yrs./under and $8 adults and can be purchased online through the band blog or by calling the BRAVO! Hotline at 708-524-5621.

This event is featuring our very own Brooks Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble with guest artists, Rob Parton and the Rob Parton Big Band. The day's events will start at 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. with free clinics from members of the Rob Parton Big Band: Rob Parton & Roger Ingram (trumpets), Mark Colby (saxophones), Tom Garling (Trombones) and Bob Rummage (Drumset/Rhythm Section). These clinics were made available through grants from E.K. Blessing, Jupiter Band Instruments, Conn-Selmer, Inc., and Music & Arts Center.

Music & Arts Center will also have an instrument display set up for students and their families to try out intermediate and professional level instruments in our Commons from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity for those students that are continuing through high school. There will be representatives there to help out and answer any questions families may have about these instruments.

Parent Volunteers: We are still looking for parent volunteers to help out with ticket sales at the door (6:15 - 7:15 p.m.), help serving food (4:30 - 6:00 p.m.), and help supervising the individual clinic sites (3:45 - 5:15 p.m.). Please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org if you can help out or have any questions.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Records: Week 3 is due on Monday, 3/21. Week 4 Practice Records will be collected on Monday, April 4th, Week 5 will be collected as an extra credit assignment. Even though we are coming on spring break, students need to remember that our jazz concert is the following week and the spring repertoire list is much more demanding with marching band with the 7/8 graders.

Music Theory:

6th Graders: Alfred Book 1: Lessons 17-18, Activity Worksheet 4-2 due on Friday 3/25.

7th/8th Graders: Rhythm Worksheets 19 (Concert Band) and 23 (Symphonic Band) are due on Monday 3/21. This is extended from last week due to our Literacy Week schedule.

Performance Assessments:

6th graders just finished up their scale testing and will receive this week material for our next performance assessment. Both of these assessments, along with other performance assessments will be used for band placements for the 2011-2012 school year.

7th/8th graders need to make sure they have accomplished their major scale test and this past week's seating test assessment. Since last week's schedule disrupted our lesson schedules students will be able to make these assessments up this week during their lessons. All performance assessments needed to be completed by 3/25 for seating placements. All performance assessments this school year will be used for 7th graders for band placements for the 2011-2012 school year. There will be another performance assessment prior to recommendations will be made for the upcoming school year.

JAZZ PROGRAM:

Jazz Lab Band:

Monday & Friday rehearsals 8:00 - 8:50 a.m.

Jazz Ensemble:

Tuesday & Thursday rehearsals 8:00 - 8:50 a.m.

Don't forget to order your tickets for Brooks Jazz Night, Friday April 8th!

BROOKS JAZZ NIGHT, Friday, April 8th @ 7:00 p.m.

BRAVO, will be hosting their annual "Brooks Jazz Night" on Friday, April 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the GBMS Auditorium, featuring the Gwendolyn Brooks Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble with guest artists, Rob Parton and the Rob Parton Big Band. The event will also include featured performances of members of the Rob Parton Big Band with the Brooks Jazz Ensemble as well as a featured performance of Brooks students with the Rob Parton Big Band on the second half of the concert.

Prior to the evening concert, there are free clinics from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Students will be working with trumpeters- Rob Parton and Roger Ingram, saxophonist- Mark Colby, Trombonist- Tom Garling and Drummer- Bob Rummage, made possible through grants from E.K. Blessing, Jupiter Band Instruments, Conn-Selmer, Inc., and Music & Arts Center. The clinics are free and open to the public.

The Rob Parton Big Band (RPBB), a 19 piece jazz ensemble celebrates and represents the best of the big band tradition with a modern and original sound. Through the creative arrangers within the band the vast historical repertoire available today and the plethora of modern writers around the country, the band prides itself on hard swinging virtuoso ensemble playing comprised of Chicago’s finest musicians. Many of the musicians in the band are considered brilliant jazz improvisers and lead groups of their own.

Members of the RPBB have performed, toured and recorded with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Jazz greats such as Maynard Ferguson, Diana Krall, Buddy Rich, Harry Connick, Doc Severinson, Woody Herman, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme’, and can be seen in the movie “Public Enemies.” Parton has performed all over the country as both lead trumpet and trumpet soloist. He has performed with the Chicago Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Ravinia Festival Orchestra and with the MusicNow ensemble featuring new music of the Chicago Symphony.

In May of 2009, Parton made the decision to break up the long established JAZZTECH Big Band in order to regroup and begin the process of creating a new band with a different focus and personnel. Rob Parton has earned national and international accolades for his seven critically acclaimed compact discs’ on the Sea Breeze Jazz label. The Rob Parton Big Band first CD released 2010!

Tickets for the concert are $5 students 16 yrs./under and $8 adults and may be purchased online at www/brooksbands.blogspot.com or by calling the BRAVO Hotline at 708-524-5621.