iPad Withdrawal

As iPads get returned for their summer check-up, I am hearing of students suffering from iPad withdrawal. You will get through this. 

Here are a few suggestions for dealing with this scary affliction:

• Talk to your family- they are the people you've been largely ignoring while staring at your iPad screen.
• Go outside- It is a large space with often fun activities.
• practice your instrument- For the most part, these do not have to be plugged in, charged up, or returned during the summer for upgrades.
• meditate
• singing the blues- This truly American art form was custom-made for dealing with separation anxiety. for example...

Returned my iPad and I'm feeling lowdown
I said I returned my iPad and I'm felling lowdown
Perhaps I'll meditate to reverse my frown

On the bright side, I have been told that by mid-July, you may be able to reconnect with your iPad friend. Watch for updates...

Summer PEP coming in August!

For those looking for the ultimate music experience, the wait is over! (At least it will be once the dates I am about to mention get here.)

Summer PEP will meet August 13-15 from 9am-12noon. That is Tuesday August 13th, Wednesday August 14th and Thursday August 15th.

We will be meeting in the band room at GHS.

GHS PEP! is a unique performance opportunity for students in grades 7-12. We seek instrumentalists of all types and abilities to help make our group an enthusiastic and energetic ensemble. If you play bass, guitar, drums, keyboards, this is your opportunity to integrate with more traditional band instruments to form a group that plays original arrangements of current hits, classic songs, and novelty songs that will make you laugh. It is always a good time and always a good time to join.

Be sure to get in touch with me if you are interested in getting involved.

Grafton Music: The Week That Was

I had the good fortune of seeing and hearing all of the grade 4-8 student musicians throughout the district this past week. For the first time, Grafton High School hosted all of the district Spring Concerts. The students were thrilled to perform in the state-of-the-art facility at GHS. The sound was wonderful and the lighting added just the right touch, giving each young performer the proper setting to showcase their talents. It was also a treat to see the wonderful music directors throughout the district each guiding their students and our program in a positive direction.
We now have approximately 400 students participating in our band program district-wide. I repeat, almost 400 students! It speaks to the tremendous responsibility of the high school program to be the leader in this continued growth. We must continue to inspire so others will aspire to bigger and better things.
Last week was a week that inspired me. Let's continue to be our best.

End of the year survey for GHS Band Students

Band students are asked to complete this brief survey about the their experience with the program this year.

Thank you Graduation Band!

Thanks again to the band students who provided a polished, elegant, air to the wonderful graduation proceedings this past Friday at the Hanover Theater. The opportunity to perform at this world-class hall has been a tremendous experience over the years. I will attempt to add some photos and video to this post in future updates.