Vintage Keyboards

Mental_Floss is a fascinating magazine and website that is chock-full of trivia and odd information. Recently I came across a blog posting on the site that highlights some vintage electric keyboards that we have mentioned at various times in Music Theory and Jazz Band. Since we're beginning to work on "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" in JB, we've been listening to a lot of Fender Rhodes piano parts. So, check out this and other cool 'boards here.

One keyboard they didn't mention is the Hohner Clavinet. When you play any electric keyboard or synthesizer today, you can find it immortalized with the patch setting "Funky Clavi." Its sound is unlike any other--you'll probably recognize it as the intro to Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," which you can watch him play on Sesame Street below:

I have very fond memories of the Fender Rhodes--I was in a 6-piece jazz rock band in high school called "Motel Six." Whenever we gigged, we borrowed the Rhodes from Glenbrook South HS (thanks, Mr. Pappas) and carted it off in Jim Grimson's mini-station wagon. Alexis Mitchell played everything from old standards to Blues Brothers using that keyboard (she had perfect pitch and photographic memory, and later taught Rahm Silverglade piano lessons--small world!).

Wednesday Morning Playlist

In the winter and early spring, my early morning runs are often indoors, around a .10 mile track at my health club. I'm always accompanied by my iPod, because the piped-in adult contemporary music is less than inspiring. Currently, I've got about 500 some-odd tracks to rotate through, mostly classic rock with a couple of worldbeat and jazz surprises to keep me interested. Lately, I've been playing a game in which I put the player on "shuffle," and every time I complete a lap, I bump it ahead to the next track. That way, I only hear 48 seconds of each tune, but I get to hear dozens of them over my run.

Today's playlist was particularly well varied. It made me think about all the sources I have to thank for my different tastes and discoveries in music. So, I've numbered the tracks and cross-referenced them below with a shout out to my influences.

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Long time, no blog...

Yes, I've been very behind in posting the goings-on of the DHS band program. Suffice to say, it's been quite busy around here. Highlights since my last post:

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Al Spriester Obituary

The obituary for former DHS Director of Bands Al Spriester can be found here. The DHS band will be involved in his memorial service on April 14. Details to be announced.

Jazz Band Goings-On

We've been very busy in our early bird Jazz Band class as of late. We are preparing for the "Night of Saxophone" concert on Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. In addition to our Supersax arrangement of Charlie Parker's "Au Privave," the students have chosen to tackle the bebop standard "Lady Bird" by Tadd Dameron. We're going to learn how to voice out an arrangement for our 8-part horn line.

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A Night of Saxophone

On Thursday, March 22, the Deerfield High School Bands will present a “Night of Saxophone,” featuring guest artist Susan Fancher. She will perform the Concerto for Soprano Saxophone by Michael Torke with the DHS Wind Ensemble. Deerfield High School is a member of a consortium of seven high schools and universities from around the country that commissioned a special band arrangement of the concerto. This performance will mark the Chicago-area premiere of the arrangement.

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Alfred Spriester, DHS Director of Bands

I am very sorry to share the news that former DHS Director of Bands Alfred Spriester has passed away. Here is a note from his daughter, Pam:

Gabriel has a new trumpet player in his heavenly orchestra today.

We are so sad to share the news, but Al Spriester had a date with an angel and died in the early morning hours of February 19, 2012. Since his wife Dorothy's passing in 2009 he had been living with his youngest son's family in Duluth, GA. He enjoyed the company and care of Bart, Mary, and the kids for the past three years watching his youngest grandsons and granddaughters grow up. He was 82 years old and cared for all his sons, daughters, and grandchildren who lived near and far. Now that he has been reunited with his life's love we hope he will also be reunited with his long lost grandfather and mother.

Dad will be cremated in GA with an impending service in Illinois. When we have further details of the arrangements, we will let you know through this email address.

You may email his daughter Pam at pambell405@gmail.com for additional information.

Peace to all,

The Family of Alfred Spriester (1929-2012)

Al was the band director at DHS from the very earliest days of the school's existence in the 1960s until his retirement in 1987. Under his direction, the program grew in size and stature, performing for the inauguration of Governor Dan Walker in 1973 and for a presidential visit from Ronald Reagan in the mid 1980s. His love for the marching band was evidenced by their many successful and award-winning performances at the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival. He brought numerous guest performers to solo with the band and took the students on band trips all over the country and Canada. Al mentored hundreds of students during his tenure, and I am grateful for the wonderful program that he created and I have had the honor of continuing.

Over the next week or so, I'll have more to share, including pictures from his years at DHS as well information about any services.