We will have our band concert tonight at 7:00PM as regularly scheduled. Call times are as follows:
CB 5:35
WE 5:45
SB 5:55
MAJ 6:10
TAJ 6:20
Please be on time ready to go!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snow Day and Band Concert
Dear Band Students:
As of 1:45PM on Wednesday, the band concert for Thursday, February 3 is on hold. School is out on Thursday because they still haven't been able to clear the fire lanes. There were 8' snow drifts piled against the front doors of the school, and just clearing the exits from the building has been very difficult.
So, here are our plans:
Plan A - If the district administration determines that after-school activities are canceled, we will have our concert on Monday, February 7 at 7:00PM. The call times will remain the same.
Plan B - If the district administration determines that after-school activities can take place, we will have our concert as scheduled on Thursday at 7:00PM with the same call times.
In either event, I will send out an email by 1:00 on Thursday. Please stay tuned, and keep practicing. I hope you are safe and warm and that you are enjoying your unexpected free time!
Sincerely,
Dr. Brame
As of 1:45PM on Wednesday, the band concert for Thursday, February 3 is on hold. School is out on Thursday because they still haven't been able to clear the fire lanes. There were 8' snow drifts piled against the front doors of the school, and just clearing the exits from the building has been very difficult.
So, here are our plans:
Plan A - If the district administration determines that after-school activities are canceled, we will have our concert on Monday, February 7 at 7:00PM. The call times will remain the same.
Plan B - If the district administration determines that after-school activities can take place, we will have our concert as scheduled on Thursday at 7:00PM with the same call times.
In either event, I will send out an email by 1:00 on Thursday. Please stay tuned, and keep practicing. I hope you are safe and warm and that you are enjoying your unexpected free time!
Sincerely,
Dr. Brame
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
DHS Jazz Band Featured in Journal Article
The DHS Jazz Band was featured in an article in Teaching Music, one of the journals of MENC: The National Association for Music Education. I spoke with the author about how we use composition in our program, with the students writing blues heads, modal pieces, and other works for the band to play. When you click on the link above, you can read the article and see some pictures of our students at work.
Friday, January 14, 2011
In Tribute to Dr. King
Every year as we get ready to commemorate Martin Luther King Day, I like to read a speech he gave at the opening of the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival. In his brief remarks, he spoke of the way the spirit of jazz paralleled the spirit of the civil rights movement. He also spoke eloquently about the universality of the blues and the role of jazz in African-American history. You can read the speech here.
Only it turns out that Dr. King never made a speech at the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival. Like many stories, its presence on the internet turned misinformation into fact. Further research by Bruce Jackson and David Demsey uncovered the truth: Dr. King was not in Germany at all during the festival, but the promoters had asked him to write introductory comments to be placed in the festival program, which he did. His now legendary "speech" appeared on page 3 of the booklet.
In any event, reading this speech is just one way we can celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and every other person who served our country in the struggle for civil rights. Another way is to listen to John Coltrane playing "Alabama." This was his musical response to the senseless and racist bombing of a Birmingham church in which four young black girls were killed. Coltrane patterned his opening "chant" after the cadence of Dr. King's speech at the girls' funeral.
So while you are home studying for finals, take a moment to remember why we have the day off to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to be thankful for those who struggled then and who struggle today to make our country truly free for all.
Only it turns out that Dr. King never made a speech at the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival. Like many stories, its presence on the internet turned misinformation into fact. Further research by Bruce Jackson and David Demsey uncovered the truth: Dr. King was not in Germany at all during the festival, but the promoters had asked him to write introductory comments to be placed in the festival program, which he did. His now legendary "speech" appeared on page 3 of the booklet.
In any event, reading this speech is just one way we can celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and every other person who served our country in the struggle for civil rights. Another way is to listen to John Coltrane playing "Alabama." This was his musical response to the senseless and racist bombing of a Birmingham church in which four young black girls were killed. Coltrane patterned his opening "chant" after the cadence of Dr. King's speech at the girls' funeral.
So while you are home studying for finals, take a moment to remember why we have the day off to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to be thankful for those who struggled then and who struggle today to make our country truly free for all.
Friday, January 7, 2011
CSO Plays Mahler
This week we've been discussing some of the important Jewish composers of the 19th century as part of our year-long look at Jewish music and musicians. We talked about Meyerbeer and Offenbach, and then we listened to the short 3rd movement of Mahler's 10th Symphony. Today I received an email from a former band parent who shared a link to a full-length PBS broadcast of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing Mahler's 7th Symphony. It was recorded live at Symphony Center downtown, with Maestro Pierre Boulez conducting. Unlike your typical YouTube video with questionable sound and fuzzy audio, this is the real deal. Check it out!
Watch the full episode. See more Great Performances.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Happy 2011!
Welcome to the new year, MMXI, one which boasts a number of musical anniversaries:
200th Birthday of Franz Liszt, one of classical music's first "rock stars." Besides being a brilliant composer for orchestra, he was a piano virtuoso who could play the most technically challenging pieces of the day. So popular were his electrifying performances that ladies would swoon in the aisles when he played a particularly showy passage.
100th Birthday of Alan Hovhaness, an American composer who was greatly influenced by the music of his Armenian heritage as well as music from India, Japan, and Korea. He wrote 67 symphonies (that's a lot for a 20th century composer) and a piece for orchestra that featured recordings of whale songs.
100th Birthday of Robert Johnson, legendary bluesman who allegedly sold his soul to the devil to become a great guitarist. He wrote a number of standards, including "Sweet Home Chicago."
100th Birthday of Mahalia Jackson, gospel singing legend. She took the bluesy style of Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith and applied it to the gospel songs of Thomas Dorsey to create a deep, soulful blend.
100th Anniversary of the Second Suite in F for Military Band, by Gustav Holst. This year, both SB and WE are studying the music of Holst, and this is the piece the SB is playing. It is one of the cornerstones of band repertoire, and a wonderfully fun and challenging piece that we will be playing on February 3 at our Winter Concert.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Final Holiday Music Posting - The Kwanzaa Playlist!
Today is the third day of Kwanzaa. This seven-day celebration of African culture is a chance for people of African descent throughout the diaspora to reaffirm their communal ties and to celebrate their culture. Although I am white, I have spent years studying African-American music, so I humbly offer this list to anyone who would like to know more about the contributions made by blacks to our national quilt. Happy listening!
Scott Joplin, "Maple Leaf Rag"
One of the first African-American composers and the King of Ragtime
Muddy Waters, "I Be's Troubled"
America's greatest bluesman (in my opinion), as recorded when he was a sharecropper in Mississippi, before he became a Chicago legend
"Lift Every Voice and Sing"
This is the African-American National Anthem, written by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson. Read more here.
Duke Ellington, "Ko-Ko"
One of America's greatest composers and songwriters, this is an example of his wonderful band at the height of its residence in Harlem at the Cotton Club.
William Grant Still, "Afro-American Symphony"
Known as the "Dean of African American Composers," he combined 20th century classical techniques with the folksongs and blues of his heritage.
Billie Holiday, "Strange Fruit"
A controversial song about the practice of lynching by one of the great vocalists in jazz history.
John Coltrane, "A Love Supreme"
Jazz tenor saxophonist makes his most personal spiritual statement with his quartet.
Little Richard, "Good Golly Miss Molly"
Over-the-top-performer at his most rambunctious--a classic of early rock.
Stevie Wonder, "Fingertips, Pt. II"
The first of many #1 hits for "Little" Stevie Wonder which made him the most famous 12-year old in the country.
Ray Charles, "Hit the Road Jack"
Bluesy, soulful, and gritty--a true American original
James Brown, "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag"
The Godfather of Soul whose band was always killing--he defined what a live performance could be.
George Clinton, "P Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)"
Another unique performer who, along with Sly and the Family Stone, set the standard for funk music.
Prince, "When Doves Cry"
A combination of Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, and Sly Stone who was all over the airwaves in the 1980s.
Public Enemy, "Fight the Power"
When other rappers were advocating random acts of violence, PE was calling for blacks to work for positive change.
And this barely scratches the surface--I haven't mentioned Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Gil Scott Heron, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Chuck Berry, Buddy Guy...It's a start anyway. So to all of our African-American students and their families, have a blessed Kwanzaa!
Scott Joplin, "Maple Leaf Rag"
One of the first African-American composers and the King of Ragtime
Muddy Waters, "I Be's Troubled"
America's greatest bluesman (in my opinion), as recorded when he was a sharecropper in Mississippi, before he became a Chicago legend
"Lift Every Voice and Sing"
This is the African-American National Anthem, written by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson. Read more here.
Duke Ellington, "Ko-Ko"
One of America's greatest composers and songwriters, this is an example of his wonderful band at the height of its residence in Harlem at the Cotton Club.
William Grant Still, "Afro-American Symphony"
Known as the "Dean of African American Composers," he combined 20th century classical techniques with the folksongs and blues of his heritage.
Billie Holiday, "Strange Fruit"
A controversial song about the practice of lynching by one of the great vocalists in jazz history.
John Coltrane, "A Love Supreme"
Jazz tenor saxophonist makes his most personal spiritual statement with his quartet.
Little Richard, "Good Golly Miss Molly"
Over-the-top-performer at his most rambunctious--a classic of early rock.
Stevie Wonder, "Fingertips, Pt. II"
The first of many #1 hits for "Little" Stevie Wonder which made him the most famous 12-year old in the country.
Ray Charles, "Hit the Road Jack"
Bluesy, soulful, and gritty--a true American original
James Brown, "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag"
The Godfather of Soul whose band was always killing--he defined what a live performance could be.
George Clinton, "P Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)"
Another unique performer who, along with Sly and the Family Stone, set the standard for funk music.
Prince, "When Doves Cry"
A combination of Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, and Sly Stone who was all over the airwaves in the 1980s.
Public Enemy, "Fight the Power"
When other rappers were advocating random acts of violence, PE was calling for blacks to work for positive change.
And this barely scratches the surface--I haven't mentioned Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Gil Scott Heron, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Chuck Berry, Buddy Guy...It's a start anyway. So to all of our African-American students and their families, have a blessed Kwanzaa!
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