April 2006 Newsletter - OHS Music Boosters - Ottumwa High School Music - Ottumwa, Iowa

	12.01.06 \| New Website Launched

April 2006 Newsletter Highlights » Evans Music Boosters » OHS Instructors Report » Concert Etiquette » Performance Group Announcements » Thanks to Volunteers » Return to Newsletter Archives OHS Booster Meeting Minutes OHS Music Boosters met for the last time this school year on Monday, April 10, 2006. Co-President Peggy Curtis called the meeting to order. Seven members were present. Student Reports: Aaron Schuck reported that there will be a concert on Monday, April 17th for the symphonic band. The Jazz band gave its final performance today for the Rotary Club. Meistersingers are working on selections to be performed at the Pops Concert in May. Josh Martin and Corey Sharp reported for the Jazz Band. Today they performed at the Hotel Ottumwa for the Rotary Club. The selections chosen for the performance included: Limehouse Blues, Shiny Stockings, and Engine No. 9. These tunes had soloists Kevin McMillin, Josh Martin, Aaron Schuck, Ryan Tillus, Joel Curtis, and Kevin Mathias. This was our last performance, and concluded with Samba de los Iguanas to end a very successful OHS Jazz Band season! Secretary's report: Jane Triplett moved to approve the March minutes as they were printed in the March 2006 Musical Notes. Second by Barb Stanek, and the motion carried. Treasurer's Report: As of April 10th, the balance showed $46,851.78. It was noted that gift certificates had been purchased for Dr. Jacqueline Thompson, and Miriam Kenning. The Newsletter expenses for Feb & March 2006 had also been paid. Dennis Vasconez moved to accept the treasurer's report. Second by Jane Triplett, and the motion carried. Instructor's Reports: It was noted that Ms Easley had been absent from school with a bad back, so there was no current report from the orchestra. Mrs. Triplett mentioned that "Once Upon A Mattress" will be presented by the OHS Drama Dept. On April 28th - 30th. Solo and ensemble groups performed at Lincoln High School in Des Moines last weekend. She was proud of the students. The symphonic and concert bands will be performing on April 17th at 7:00 p.m. The bands are also preparing for State Large Group competition in Newton, Ia. On May 6th. Some of these selections will also be performed at the April 17th concert. Ms. DeBoer reported that Concert band is making great progress on their selections for the April 17th concert. Some of the music used for the concert will also be used for the State Large Group contest on May 6th, in Newton, Ia.. Color Guard will be having try-outs April llth-18th. Due to the orchestra rehearsal for the musical, the final audition will be held on Thursday, April 20th from 3:15 to 5:00 in the wooden gym. . Both Jazz I and II has been busy performing in the community. We hope to schedule a performance at each of the elementary schools next year. Jazz I also performed for the Rotary Club. Steve Miller helped make it possible and introduced them to the Rotarians. We hope this will become a yearly performance. Thank you to both bands on a great recent performance and super 2005-2006 Jazz Season - it has been fun! Mr. Vasconez reported that vocal students competed at the Solo and Ensemble contest at Lincoln High School. Meistersingers are preparing for the May 25th Pops Concert. He also mentioned the OHS musical coming up on April 28 thru 30. Old Business: There was none to report at this time. There was some discussion about upgrading the concession stand. New Business: Mr. Vasconez reported that next year Tracy Songer will be taking care of the Newsletter and Website. Shirley Reid will be in the Secretary position, and Betty Rae Potts will be the Vice President. He is waiting for people to get back to him on other positions. Camp scholarship applications are available from any music instructor, and are due back by May 5th, 2006. Ambassador of Music participants can fill out camp applications to receive a scholarship. This is also due May 5th, 2006 Scholarship amounts vary and are also determined by the number of requests received. Three to four chaperones are needed for Large Group contest on May 6th at Newton. Parents from each group are needed to cover homeroom. Mrs. Triplett will take care of finding the chaperones. Barb Stanek moved to waive a repayment of $400 loan to choir activity fund to pay for the show choir choreographer. Second by Mrs. Triplett, motion carried. Nominations and voting for the Booster of the the Year and Business of the year were completed, and will be announced at the May 25th Pops Concert. Mrs. Triplett discussed the $2000 that the Boosters donated to the OHS Activity fund this year to offset the cost of festivals, awards, registrations, etc. Pam Alexander moved that the Music Boosters donate a yearly fee of $2000 to the OHS Activity fund to be paid in September of each year for the current year. Second by Mrs. Triplett, and the motion carried. Pam Alexander moved that Boosters pay the OHS activity fund an additional $3000 to bring music department accounts out of the red, and to cover donations to the activity fund that had been omitted in years past. Second by Betty Rae Potts, and the motion carried. Pam Alexander commented that the music department might benefit from purchasing a trailer to use for show choir, festivals, Jazz competitions, etc. to haul uniforms, instruments, etc. Mrs. Triplett and Mr. Vasconez thought both band and vocal departments could use something like that. Mr. Vasconez would look into the cost for such a purchase. Mrs. Triplett moved to adjourn the meeting, second by Barb Stanek, the motion carried and the meeting was adjourned. Respectively submitted, Pam Alexander, acting secretary in Sandy Mottet's absence. TO TOP · RETURN TO NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES OHS Instructor's Reports Ms. Carlene Easley \| Orchestra Instructor The Ottumwa High School Orchestra has been doing a great job this year thanks to all the students and parents that have supported the program. As the 2006-2007 school year is coming to a close the Orchestra students are working toward three performances for the month of May. The first May performance will be on Wednesday, May 3rd for the annual Retiree Open House from 3:45-4:45 in the OHS Library. The following orchestra students will be performing for this event: Catherine Gardner, Rachel Doggett, Drew Readel, Mike Potts, Jacob Ridge, Heidi Ahmed, and Annie Lanzen. The next performance will be with all the orchestra students on Monday, May 22nd for the annual Spring Fest concert at OHS in the auditorium and our final May performance will be on May 28th for the OHS graduation ceremonies. I would also like to encourage any instrumental students that would like to sign up for summer music to do so. Elementary, Middle School, and High School students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn some new fun repertoire either in a private lesson setting or group/orchestra. The summer program will be June 6-30th with the "final" concert on June 30th. If you have any questions please feel free to call your instrumental music teacher. This has been an exciting year to say the least. I would like to wish the following seniors the best in all their future endeavors: Emily Anderson, Catherine Gardner, Nasheen Hakim, and Annie Lanzen. Also, two seniors that graduated mid-year are Amy Goode, and Amy McDonough. All these seniors added so much depth, responsibility, integrity and character to the orchestra that it will be hard to replace them. They are fine young adults and have been an asset to the orchestra program here at OHS. Thanks again y'all for everything you have done to help make this program all that it is!!! Good luck in the future!!!... and remember that the door is always open so if you want to come back and play with us next year we'd love to have you! Wow! It's hard to believe that another year is coming to an end and we've got a few weeks left before summer begins. I must say that my time here in Ottumwa has gone by far too fast and I could only begin to express my appreciation to everyone that has helped support and encourage me and the OHS Orchestra program this year. I'm afraid that none of my appreciations would ever be enough for what you All have done to make me feel welcome here in Ottumwa. Two memories that stand out in my mind at the beginning of the school year are the first Booster meeting we had and then, of course, THE Car Wash!!! Wow!!! What an experience! Then there are the multitude of people that have poured out their time and energy in support and encouragement…of course there are too many names to begin to mention (students, teachers, administrators, secretaries, janitors and many I'm sure that I don't even know); however, I would like to express my deepest and most sincere appreciation to Mr. Miller: With the proverbial passing of the baton how could I possibly even begin to express how you have helped?... my goodness, even before I got here you were working diligently to make my arrival the best and easiest transition I've ever had…thank you, thank you, thank you… and then there are the students… WOW!!!... What a GREAT, wonderful, fantastic group of students!!! They truly are the "cream of the crop". They have breathed a breath of fresh air and made an impression on my heart that I will not forget. They have been inspiring, diligent, hard working and sincere in all they have done. The integrity they bring to the classroom on a daily basis is quite impressive. These students will definitely be successful in all their endeavors in the future. This year has been the best of times and, at times, the worst of times (a February I will never forget)…. I Thank YOU ALL for ALL you have done to make this one of the easiest transition years I've ever had. I look forward to serving you many more years. With deepest sincerity, THANK YOU for a most eventful year!!! Ms. Pam DeBoer- Instrumental Music Concert Band: The concert band is making great progress on their selections for the April 17th concert. "Toccata" by Frank Erickson and "Urban Dances" by Eric Morales will be performed by the concert band. At least on of these pieces will become a contest selection for May 6th State Contest. The group has really begun to address key musical ideas in each of these pieces - this is exciting to hear in rehearsals! In addition, the sax ensemble and the brass quintet will perform on this concert. The concert band has been rehearsing in small groups and will perform for a clinician at the end of April. Several of these groups will also have the opportunity to perform at Pennsylvania Place too. Color Guard: The next event for color guard will be Try-Outs to be held April 11-18th. Practices will be held at Evans in the mornings and OHS in the afternoon. Due to orchestra rehearsal for the musical, the final audition will be held on Thursday, April 20th from 3:15 -5:00 p.m. in the wooden gym. We look forward to selecting new members for the 2006-07 Color Guard. Jazz Band: Both Jazz I and II have been busy performing in the community. Jazz II performed for the students at Eisenhower Elementary on March 30 and for the students at Horace Mann on March 31st. The elementary students were GREAT audiences and cheered the band on! We hope to schedule a performance in each of the elementaries next year - it is a wonderful way to showcase our OHS Jazz Bands and to introduce instruments to the elementary students. Jazz I provided the entertainment for the April 10th Rotary luncheon/meeting. Steve Miller helped make it possible for the band to perform and introduced them to the Rotarians. We hope this will also become a yearly performance. Thank you to both bands on a great recent performances and for a super 2005-06 Jazz Season - it has been fun! Mrs. Jane Triplett- Instrumental Music Saturday, April 8, was State Solo & Ensemble Festival at Des Moines Lincoln High School. We had a very good day of performances! Please note the list of participants and events in this newsletter. Monday, May 22 is our last concert of the year at 7 p.m. in the OHS Auditorium. We usually call this the Springfest Concert, which will include the OHS Concert Band, Symphonic Band and the Ottumwa High School Symphony Orchestra. Please note that all Concert Band members will have Symphonic Band auditions May 17-26. This will be held during their regular lessons unless they take privately, then we will set up separate times: They need to prepare: 1) a prepared piece of their choice (for percussion this means something for mallets, snare drum and timpani) 2) memorize all the major scales (full range of their instrument) and 3)sight-reading. Thanks to Boosters' ongoing support to Ottumwa High School music students. You make such a difference to our programs! Mr. Dennis Vasconez- Vocal Music Greetings from the vocal department! Spring is here and we are still very active here at OHS. On Saturday, April 8th many different OHS vocal students participating in the State Solo and Small Ensemble contest at Des Moines Lincoln high school. We received four division I ratings, ten division II ratings and one division III ratings. The students that received a division I rating are Catherine Gardner (vocal solo), Tayna Gardner (vocal solo), Rachael Ehrenhard (vocal solo), and Nausheen Hakim, Natalie Berto, Catherine Gardner, Holly Gleich, Theresa Rabbass, Alicia Carlo, Chase Kelly, Kevin McMillian, Aaron Schuck (Mixed Ensemble. I was very pleased with how everybody performed on that day. Currently all four concert choirs are working on music for the annual pops concert on Thursday, May 25 at 7:00 PM in the OHS auditorium. Also, many students have been working on the OHS musical "Once Upon A Mattress". Performances will be on April 28 & 29 at 7:30 PM and April 30 at 3:00PM in the OHS auditorium. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. For reservations please call 683-4444 ext. 306. TO TOP · RETURN TO NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES We Count on Volunteers! Thank You from the OHS Music Boosters As another year quickly comes to an end, we want to take this time to thank all of you that have volunteered, encouraged and supported the Music Boosters throughout the year. This organization cannot be successful without ALL of you! We would especially would like to thank the officers who have been helpful and made this organization function so well. Cathey Gardner and Peggy Curtis, Co-Presidents; Pam Alexander, Vice President; Sandy Mottet, Secretary, Barb Stanek, Treasurer and Mary Jo Blumer, Newsletter/Website.. Thanks to the dedicated music faculty at OHS, Mrs. Triplett, Ms. DeBoer, Mr. Vasconez and Ms. Easley, for their encouragement and support. Their job does not end at 3:30PM ! Give them all a hand !!!! Please help make the new officers for the 2006-2007 year and help support them whenever possible. You are a member of the OHS Music Boosters if you have a student participating in Vocal Music, Orchestra, Band or Color Guard at OHS. TO TOP · RETURN TO NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES Performance Group Announcements OTTUMWA HIGH SCHOOL BAND Results from State Solo and Ensemble Festival On Saturday, April 8, Ottumwa High School band, choir and orchestra students traveled to Des Moines Lincoln High School to participate in the State Solo and Ensemble Festival. Des Moines Dowling, Newton and Southeast Polk High School were also a part of this particular site. Ratings were given to each event as I (superior), II (excellent), III (good) and IV (fair). Below are the band results of this festival: Solos & Ensembles receiving a I (superior) rating: » Liz Hoium, flute » Grady Guenther, trumpet » Craig Blumer, euphonium » Kevin McMillin, trombone » Low Brass Quartet (Aaron Schuck, Craig Blumer, Kevin McMillin, Theresa Rabbass) » Woodwind Duet (Sarah Mottet, Katie Young) » Brass Sextet (Grady Guenther, Keith Reid, Issac Campbell, Kevin McMillin, Craig Blumer, Aaron Schuck) » Flute Trio (Liz Hoium, Krystal Thomas, Shawna Manning) » Flute Choir (Liz Hoium, Krystal Thomas, Shawna Manning, Emily Reinier, Morgan Pilcher, Rachel Beadel, Jennifer Hart, Austin Pettinger) Solos & Ensembles receiving II (excellent) rating: » Aaron Schuck, tuba » Shawna Manning, flute » Sarah Mottet, clarinet » Jennifer Hart, flute » Brass Duet (Aaron Schuck, Ian Logan) Solos & Ensembles receiving III (good) ratings: » Katie Young, clarinet » Shad Manning, clarinet » Rachel Beadel, flute TO TOP · RETURN TO NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES Just a Note about Concert Etiquette Please respect student musicians and the other members of the audience by observing these courtesies: » Turn off all cell phone, audible pagers, personal CD players and radios before entering the auditorium. » Please remove hats. » To avoid glare and distractions for the performers on stage, please, no flash photography during musical selections. » Enter and leave the auditorium only between musical selections. If possible, stay to enjoy the entire performance. Respect the audience attending the performance. » Do not allow younger children and students to play in the aisles or rows of seats during the performances at OHS or Evans Middle School. » Respect the students and their teachers who have worked so hard. TO TOP · RETURN TO NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES Evans Middle School Music Boosters Minutes The Evans Middle School Booster meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by president Annette Farrell. There were 5 members in attendance. Old Business: Seventy sweatshirts will be ordered for future uniforms. Drum majors will have white sweatshirts with red bulldogs. Anyone interested in buying old uniforms, can purchase one for $10. Patty Babb - Orchestra: Solo day was very successful this year with two students earning I++. I don't recall that happening in the 23 years I've been teaching. Everyone was prepared and confident in their performances and many students made it to that "next level." I was proud of everyone's performances. The orchestra is currently working on selections for All City that will take place on Friday, April 21st, at 7:30 p.m. Along with music for the All City concert, the orchestra is preparing for its final concert of the year. The date for that concert has been changed to May 16th, which is a Tuesday. I have invited three 6th grade students to join the middle school orchestra this semester. They are quite advanced and will benefit from the challenge middle school music presents. They are Emily Kubbe, cello, Seton; Matt Martin, oboe, Eisenhower; and Jackie Williams, violin, Pickwick. Following that last concert, all string students renting school-owned instruments need to turn them in for cleaning, a change of strings, plus any necessary repairs. This should give me ample time to get them back in the hands of the student before the school year is finished. Summer large group forms will be coming out soon, but I can tell you now that both the band and orchestra will begin Tuesday, June 6th, and will run each Tuesday and Thursday through June 29th. Cost for the summer large group program will be $25. Ed Ackerman - Band: Band learning lab will go into effect after midterm for those with less than a 70% for a grade. Jazz Band attendance is getting better and they are getting five new tunes ready for the Pops Concert. For next year, band students will each need a lyre, flip folder, black shoes from music store (same as used by high school marching band), black dress pants, and black socks. Evans Band Dates: April 24 and 28 and May 1, 8, and 15 - Jazz Band practice 7:15 a.m.; May 5 and 12 - Concert Band practice 7:15 a.m.; May 16 - Spring Pops Concert 7:00p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 6:03p.m. The next meeting is May 2 at 5:30 p.m. This will be the last meeting of '05 -'06. Respectfully Submitted, Lynda Field TO TOP · RETURN TO NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

April 2006 Newsletter

Highlights
» Evans Music Boosters
» OHS Instructors Report
» Concert Etiquette
» Performance Group Announcements
» Thanks to Volunteers
» Return to Newsletter Archives

OHS Booster Meeting Minutes

OHS Music Boosters met for the last time this school year on Monday, April 10, 2006.

Co-President Peggy Curtis called the meeting to order. Seven members were present.

Student Reports: Aaron Schuck reported that there will be a concert on Monday, April 17th for the symphonic band. The Jazz band gave its final performance today for the Rotary Club. Meistersingers are working on selections to be performed at the Pops Concert in May. Josh Martin and Corey Sharp reported for the Jazz Band. Today they performed at the Hotel Ottumwa for the Rotary Club. The selections chosen for the performance included: Limehouse Blues, Shiny Stockings, and Engine No. 9. These tunes had soloists Kevin McMillin, Josh Martin, Aaron Schuck, Ryan Tillus, Joel Curtis, and Kevin Mathias. This was our last performance, and concluded with Samba de los Iguanas to end a very successful OHS Jazz Band season!

Secretary's report: Jane Triplett moved to approve the March minutes as they were printed in the March 2006 Musical Notes. Second by Barb Stanek, and the motion carried.

Treasurer's Report: As of April 10th, the balance showed $46,851.78. It was noted that gift certificates had been purchased for Dr. Jacqueline Thompson, and Miriam Kenning. The Newsletter expenses for Feb & March 2006 had also been paid. Dennis Vasconez moved to accept the treasurer's report. Second by Jane Triplett, and the motion carried.

Instructor's Reports: It was noted that Ms Easley had been absent from school with a bad back, so there was no current report from the orchestra.

Mrs. Triplett mentioned that "Once Upon A Mattress" will be presented by the OHS Drama Dept. On April 28th - 30th. Solo and ensemble groups performed at Lincoln High School in Des Moines last weekend. She was proud of the students. The symphonic and concert bands will be performing on April 17th at 7:00 p.m. The bands are also preparing for State Large Group competition in Newton, Ia. On May 6th. Some of these selections will also be performed at the April 17th concert.

Ms. DeBoer reported that Concert band is making great progress on their selections for the April 17th concert. Some of the music used for the concert will also be used for the State Large Group contest on May 6th, in Newton, Ia.. Color Guard will be having try-outs April llth-18th. Due to the orchestra rehearsal for the musical, the final audition will be held on Thursday, April 20th from 3:15 to 5:00 in the wooden gym. . Both Jazz I and II has been busy performing in the community. We hope to schedule a performance at each of the elementary schools next year. Jazz I also performed for the Rotary Club. Steve Miller helped make it possible and introduced them to the Rotarians. We hope this will become a yearly performance. Thank you to both bands on a great recent performance and super 2005-2006 Jazz Season - it has been fun!

Mr. Vasconez reported that vocal students competed at the Solo and Ensemble contest at Lincoln High School. Meistersingers are preparing for the May 25th Pops Concert. He also mentioned the OHS musical coming up on April 28 thru 30.

Old Business: There was none to report at this time. There was some discussion about upgrading the concession stand.

New Business: Mr. Vasconez reported that next year Tracy Songer will be taking care of the Newsletter and Website. Shirley Reid will be in the Secretary position, and Betty Rae Potts will be the Vice President. He is waiting for people to get back to him on other positions. Camp scholarship applications are available from any music instructor, and are due back by May 5th, 2006. Ambassador of Music participants can fill out camp applications to receive a scholarship. This is also due May 5th, 2006 Scholarship amounts vary and are also determined by the number of requests received.

Three to four chaperones are needed for Large Group contest on May 6th at Newton. Parents from each group are needed to cover homeroom. Mrs. Triplett will take care of finding the chaperones. Barb Stanek moved to waive a repayment of $400 loan to choir activity fund to pay for the show choir choreographer. Second by Mrs. Triplett, motion carried.

Nominations and voting for the Booster of the the Year and Business of the year were completed, and will be announced at the May 25th Pops Concert. Mrs. Triplett discussed the $2000 that the Boosters donated to the OHS Activity fund this year to offset the cost of festivals, awards, registrations, etc. Pam Alexander moved that the Music Boosters donate a yearly fee of $2000 to the OHS Activity fund to be paid in September of each year for the current year. Second by Mrs. Triplett, and the motion carried.

Pam Alexander moved that Boosters pay the OHS activity fund an additional $3000 to bring music department accounts out of the red, and to cover donations to the activity fund that had been omitted in years past. Second by Betty Rae Potts, and the motion carried.

Pam Alexander commented that the music department might benefit from purchasing a trailer to use for show choir, festivals, Jazz competitions, etc. to haul uniforms, instruments, etc. Mrs. Triplett and Mr. Vasconez thought both band and vocal departments could use something like that. Mr. Vasconez would look into the cost for such a purchase.

Mrs. Triplett moved to adjourn the meeting, second by Barb Stanek, the motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectively submitted, Pam Alexander, acting secretary in Sandy Mottet's absence.

TO TOP · RETURN TO NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

OHS Instructor's Reports

Ms. Carlene Easley | Orchestra Instructor
The Ottumwa High School Orchestra has been doing a great job this year thanks to all the students and parents that have supported the program. As the 2006-2007 school year is coming to a close the Orchestra students are working toward three performances for the month of May. The first May performance will be on Wednesday, May 3rd for the annual Retiree Open House from 3:45-4:45 in the OHS Library. The following orchestra students will be performing for this event: Catherine Gardner, Rachel Doggett, Drew Readel, Mike Potts, Jacob Ridge, Heidi Ahmed, and Annie Lanzen. The next performance will be with all the orchestra students on Monday, May 22nd for the annual Spring Fest concert at OHS in the auditorium and our final May performance will be on May 28th for the OHS graduation ceremonies.

I would also like to encourage any instrumental students that would like to sign up for summer music to do so. Elementary, Middle School, and High School students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn some new fun repertoire either in a private lesson setting or group/orchestra. The summer program will be June 6-30th with the "final" concert on June 30th. If you have any questions please feel free to call your instrumental music teacher.

This has been an exciting year to say the least. I would like to wish the following seniors the best in all their future endeavors: Emily Anderson, Catherine Gardner, Nasheen Hakim, and Annie Lanzen. Also, two seniors that graduated mid-year are Amy Goode, and Amy McDonough. All these seniors added so much depth, responsibility, integrity and character to the orchestra that it will be hard to replace them. They are fine young adults and have been an asset to the orchestra program here at OHS. Thanks again y'all for everything you have done to help make this program all that it is!!! Good luck in the future!!!... and remember that the door is always open so if you want to come back and play with us next year we'd love to have you!

Wow! It's hard to believe that another year is coming to an end and we've got a few weeks left before summer begins. I must say that my time here in Ottumwa has gone by far too fast and I could only begin to express my appreciation to everyone that has helped support and encourage me and the OHS Orchestra program this year. I'm afraid that none of my appreciations would ever be enough for what you All have done to make me feel welcome here in Ottumwa. Two memories that stand out in my mind at the beginning of the school year are the first Booster meeting we had and then, of course, THE Car Wash!!! Wow!!! What an experience! Then there are the multitude of people that have poured out their time and energy in support and encouragement…of course there are too many names to begin to mention (students, teachers, administrators, secretaries, janitors and many I'm sure that I don't even know); however, I would like to express my deepest and most sincere appreciation to Mr. Miller: With the proverbial passing of the baton how could I possibly even begin to express how you have helped?... my goodness, even before I got here you were working diligently to make my arrival the best and easiest transition I've ever had…thank you, thank you, thank you… and then there are the students… WOW!!!... What a GREAT, wonderful, fantastic group of students!!! They truly are the "cream of the crop". They have breathed a breath of fresh air and made an impression on my heart that I will not forget. They have been inspiring, diligent, hard working and sincere in all they have done. The integrity they bring to the classroom on a daily basis is quite impressive. These students will definitely be successful in all their endeavors in the future. This year has been the best of times and, at times, the worst of times (a February I will never forget)…. I Thank YOU ALL for ALL you have done to make this one of the easiest transition years I've ever had. I look forward to serving you many more years. With deepest sincerity, THANK YOU for a most eventful year!!!

Ms. Pam DeBoer- Instrumental Music
Concert Band: The concert band is making great progress on their selections for the April 17th concert. "Toccata" by Frank Erickson and "Urban Dances" by Eric Morales will be performed by the concert band. At least on of these pieces will become a contest selection for May 6th State Contest. The group has really begun to address key musical ideas in each of these pieces - this is exciting to hear in rehearsals! In addition, the sax ensemble and the brass quintet will perform on this concert. The concert band has been rehearsing in small groups and will perform for a clinician at the end of April. Several of these groups will also have the opportunity to perform at Pennsylvania Place too.

Color Guard: The next event for color guard will be Try-Outs to be held April 11-18th. Practices will be held at Evans in the mornings and OHS in the afternoon. Due to orchestra rehearsal for the musical, the
final audition will be held on Thursday, April 20th from 3:15 -5:00 p.m. in the wooden gym. We look forward to selecting new members for the 2006-07 Color Guard.

Jazz Band: Both Jazz I and II have been busy performing in the community. Jazz II performed for the students at Eisenhower Elementary on March 30 and for the students at Horace Mann on March 31st. The elementary students were GREAT audiences and cheered the band on! We hope to schedule a performance in each of the elementaries next year - it is a wonderful way to showcase our OHS Jazz Bands and to introduce instruments to the elementary students. Jazz I provided the entertainment for the April 10th Rotary luncheon/meeting. Steve Miller helped make it possible for the band to perform and introduced them to the Rotarians. We hope this will also become a yearly performance. Thank you to both bands on a great recent performances and for a super 2005-06 Jazz Season - it has been fun!

Mrs. Jane Triplett- Instrumental Music
Saturday, April 8, was State Solo & Ensemble Festival at Des Moines Lincoln High School. We had a very good day of performances! Please note the list of participants and events in this newsletter.

Monday, May 22 is our last concert of the year at 7 p.m. in the OHS Auditorium. We usually call this the Springfest Concert, which will include the OHS Concert Band, Symphonic Band and the Ottumwa High School Symphony Orchestra.

Please note that all Concert Band members will have Symphonic Band auditions May 17-26. This will be held during their regular lessons unless they take privately, then we will set up separate times:

They need to prepare: 1) a prepared piece of their choice (for percussion this means something for mallets, snare drum and timpani) 2) memorize all the major scales (full range of their instrument) and 3)sight-reading.

Thanks to Boosters' ongoing support to Ottumwa High School music students. You make such a difference to our programs!

Mr. Dennis Vasconez- Vocal Music
Greetings from the vocal department! Spring is here and we are still very active here at OHS. On Saturday, April 8th many different OHS vocal students participating in the State Solo and Small Ensemble contest at Des Moines Lincoln high school. We received four division I ratings, ten division II ratings and one division III ratings. The students that received a division I rating are Catherine Gardner (vocal solo), Tayna Gardner (vocal solo), Rachael Ehrenhard (vocal solo), and Nausheen Hakim, Natalie Berto, Catherine Gardner, Holly Gleich, Theresa Rabbass, Alicia Carlo, Chase Kelly, Kevin McMillian, Aaron Schuck (Mixed Ensemble. I was very pleased with how everybody performed on that day. Currently all four concert choirs are working on music for the annual pops concert on Thursday, May 25 at 7:00 PM in the OHS auditorium. Also, many students have been working on the OHS musical "Once Upon A Mattress". Performances will be on April 28 & 29 at 7:30 PM and April 30 at 3:00PM in the OHS auditorium. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. For reservations please call 683-4444 ext. 306.

TO TOP · RETURN TO NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

We Count on Volunteers!

Thank You from the OHS Music Boosters

As another year quickly comes to an end, we want to take this time to thank all of you that have volunteered, encouraged and supported the Music Boosters throughout the year. This organization cannot be successful without ALL of you!

We would especially would like to thank the officers who have been helpful and made this organization function so well. Cathey Gardner and Peggy Curtis, Co-Presidents; Pam Alexander, Vice President; Sandy Mottet, Secretary, Barb Stanek, Treasurer and Mary Jo Blumer, Newsletter/Website..

Thanks to the dedicated music faculty at OHS, Mrs. Triplett, Ms. DeBoer, Mr. Vasconez and Ms. Easley, for their encouragement and support. Their job does not end at 3:30PM ! Give them all a hand !!!!

Please help make the new officers for the 2006-2007 year and help support them whenever possible. You are a member of the OHS Music Boosters if you have a student participating in Vocal Music, Orchestra, Band or Color Guard at OHS.

TO TOP · RETURN TO NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

Performance Group Announcements

OTTUMWA HIGH SCHOOL BAND Results from State Solo and Ensemble Festival

On Saturday, April 8, Ottumwa High School band, choir and orchestra students traveled to Des Moines Lincoln High School to participate in the State Solo and Ensemble Festival. Des Moines Dowling, Newton and Southeast Polk High School were also a part of this particular site. Ratings were given to each event as I (superior), II (excellent), III (good) and IV (fair). Below are the band results of this festival:

Solos & Ensembles receiving a I (superior) rating:
» Liz Hoium, flute
» Grady Guenther, trumpet
» Craig Blumer, euphonium
» Kevin McMillin, trombone
» Low Brass Quartet (Aaron Schuck, Craig Blumer, Kevin McMillin, Theresa Rabbass)
» Woodwind Duet (Sarah Mottet, Katie Young)
» Brass Sextet (Grady Guenther, Keith Reid, Issac Campbell, Kevin McMillin, Craig Blumer, Aaron Schuck)
» Flute Trio (Liz Hoium, Krystal Thomas, Shawna Manning)
» Flute Choir (Liz Hoium, Krystal Thomas, Shawna Manning, Emily Reinier, Morgan Pilcher, Rachel Beadel, Jennifer Hart, Austin Pettinger)

Solos & Ensembles receiving II (excellent) rating:
» Aaron Schuck, tuba
» Shawna Manning, flute
» Sarah Mottet, clarinet
» Jennifer Hart, flute
» Brass Duet (Aaron Schuck, Ian Logan)

Solos & Ensembles receiving III (good) ratings:
» Katie Young, clarinet
» Shad Manning, clarinet
» Rachel Beadel, flute

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Just a Note about Concert Etiquette

Please respect student musicians and the other members of the audience by observing these courtesies:

» Turn off all cell phone, audible pagers, personal CD players and radios before entering the auditorium.
» Please remove hats.
» To avoid glare and distractions for the performers on stage, please, no flash photography during musical selections.
» Enter and leave the auditorium only between musical selections. If possible, stay to enjoy the entire performance. Respect the audience attending the performance.
» Do not allow younger children and students to play in the aisles or rows of seats during the performances at OHS or Evans Middle School.
» Respect the students and their teachers who have worked so hard.

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Evans Middle School Music Boosters Minutes

The Evans Middle School Booster meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by president Annette Farrell. There were 5 members in attendance.

Old Business: Seventy sweatshirts will be ordered for future uniforms. Drum majors will have white sweatshirts with red bulldogs. Anyone interested in buying old uniforms, can purchase one for $10.

Patty Babb - Orchestra: Solo day was very successful this year with two students earning I++. I don't recall that happening in the 23 years I've been teaching. Everyone was prepared and confident in their performances and many students made it to that "next level." I was proud of everyone's performances.

The orchestra is currently working on selections for All City that will take place on Friday, April 21st, at 7:30 p.m. Along with music for the All City concert, the orchestra is preparing for its final concert of the year. The date for that concert has been changed to May 16th, which is a Tuesday. I have invited three 6th grade students to join the middle school orchestra this semester. They are quite advanced and will benefit from the challenge middle school music presents. They are Emily Kubbe, cello, Seton; Matt Martin, oboe, Eisenhower; and Jackie Williams, violin, Pickwick. Following that last concert, all string students renting school-owned instruments need to turn them in for cleaning, a change of strings, plus any necessary repairs. This should give me ample time to get them back in the hands of the student before the school year is finished.

Summer large group forms will be coming out soon, but I can tell you now that both the band and orchestra will begin Tuesday, June 6th, and will run each Tuesday and Thursday through June 29th. Cost for the summer large group program will be $25.

Ed Ackerman - Band: Band learning lab will go into effect after midterm for those with less than a 70% for a grade.

Jazz Band attendance is getting better and they are getting five new tunes ready for the Pops Concert.

For next year, band students will each need a lyre, flip folder, black shoes from music store (same as used by high school marching band), black dress pants, and black socks.

Evans Band Dates: April 24 and 28 and May 1, 8, and 15 - Jazz Band practice 7:15 a.m.; May 5 and 12 - Concert Band practice 7:15 a.m.; May 16 - Spring Pops Concert 7:00p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:03p.m.

The next meeting is May 2 at 5:30 p.m. This will be the last meeting of '05 -'06.

Respectfully Submitted,
Lynda Field

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