Work Hard, Play Hard!

This year I took on a new challenge in my career, a percussion ensemble. Having been a percussionist for the last 16 years it is truly part of my core. I've wanted to create an ensemble for the last 4 years of my career, but it never felt right until I had enough time truly learning my students and knowing with confidence their level of musical ability. In September, I invited representatives from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade to push themselves to a level of musical repertoire and ensemble not reached in the general lessons. These students accepted the invitation and have blossomed tremendously into incredible young musicians and even more than the musical aspects, have developed accountability and leadership skills that reach beyond the ensemble itself. It is with excitement I plan for the next year with these students and see the next step of this group: mentoring the new invitees and truly building feeling of student ownership!

Here's some of the highlights:

Friday rehearsal for Brisa Cambiando. Check out that focus! 

Practice makes perfect!

I took some old advice from my 8th/9th grade band director for this one. She would always have us sing and pat through our parts on the bus right before we got to contest to help get us in the right performance mindset. I love seeing so much focused concentration from them - its a testament to how much they've really grown since September. 

Work Hard, Play Hard! (End of year party at JumpStreet)

This past week we gave our spring concert during the End of Year Awards Assembly. Performances can make you nervous, but the kiddos came up with their own way to shake out the nerves! 

All I can really do is snicker...

and record it! 

After all the rehearsals, parties, and antics to break up our nerves....I couldn't be more proud of these kids and what they've accomplished. 

Spring Rondo

Brisa Cambiando

Love these kids to death. Can't wait to see how they continue to grow next year!