In this spectacular band newsletter we will now track the development and workings of the 8th grade band from 8th graders perspectives. This observation is completely unbiased and will be the cold hard truth no matter who it offends. With that said yesterday marks observation day 1 of observation. On the day of 9/4/17 the band experienced a lot of problems due to rhythmic issues of the low brass and low reeds. This was especially prominent in the piece Amaznioa. “The reason many of the low brass players are having issues is because of the extremely slow tempo!” states one first chair trombone player. Even though there were many issues the band did experience some growth that will hopefully be retained for day 2 of observation .
Day{2} The day of 9/5/17 was not a very happy one for the students of the 8th grade band. “There where lots and lots of stupid mistakes to day.” states a first trombone player. “Even though we’ve made our mistakes it’s what helps us grow as a band when we push through these mistakes.” stated the same first trombone player. The band did a full run of the piece though so that can be considered a small success for the band and all who the music finally clicked with even if it was only a few messily measures of one song, but progress is progress.
Tune in tomorrow for your daily update of the 8th grade band!!!!!!
( Tomorrows edition will also include some input from another trombone player so look forward to that!!!!!!!!!!!!! )
Day {3} The day of 9/6 was a seemingly good one from an outsiders point of view but is that how the band members feel about the “successes” of the day. “The band for sure showed growth especially in the low brass section.” states anonymous trombone player. ” Even with the obvious growth the class still had undeniable issues such as the constant talking in class.” stated the same anonymous trombone player. As we can see from the testimonies of some of the band students we can see there’s a constant growth happening with the band, even with the small obstacles that seem to continue to pop up.
Tune in next time for an exclusive on the 7th grade band told by a anonymous 8th grade trombone player.
Day {3.5} [ 7th grade band exclusive ] The 7th grade band similar to the 8th grade seems to have it’s share of problems. One of them due to the fact that many of the members of the band are *newbies which means they need to not only learn their instrument but for the most part also how to read music. Another problem that keeps rearing it’s ugly head with the 7th grade band is that they don’t have as much instrument diversity in sections. This causes total imbalance in the band this imbalance is the biggest obstacle in the bands way.
Day{4} If you have read any of the other reports about the progress of the 8th grade band then it is common knowledge to you that the band is on a steady incline that has slowly but surely picking up speed. Well that was not the case on Friday 9/6 the band made it’s biggest break through yet. The whole piece was ran and yes there were errors but they were less much apparent to anyone listening or playing. This on top of it being on a Friday made the band beyond happy, to the point of almost jumping up and down. The confirmation of a Christmas piece being replaced also happened on that Friday which was great news to many of the band members. Although the new piece is still unconfirmed the band has high hopes. Now we just have to see if they can keep that joy on the following rehearsal by retaining the knowledge and effort they put in the previous Friday.
Day {5} The fifth day of observation wasn’t such a great day for the band. The band tried hard but 7th period on a Monday either everyone’s already asleep or not paying attention to the instructor let alone the music. Not only was the band facing Monday blues but the saxophones were out doing a sectional ( practice for only one group of instruments ) which left a lack of woodwind sound by a good 45% minimum. The band was also missing a first trombone which also over all dampened the sound of the low brass. With this first trombone gone the low brass also found some of his struggles and imperfections in counting. Hopefully tomorrow brings out some progress and let’s hope the band has since shook it’s Monday blues. Tune in tomorrow for another update on the 8th grade band, but until next time I will leave you with some important questions. Will the band ever get to it’s goal?!!?! Will the absent first trombone ever be back??!!!? Will the trumpets sectional help them with their growth or will it all be in vain?!?!? Find out next time in the Band Ability News Letter !!!
Day { 6 } This the 6th and final day of my observation may have been the most difficult for the band. With the absence of a first trombone and the absence of a first saxophone the band was in an awkward imbalance. The band however did try to fix some little problems especially in the second trombone area. The second trombones were lacking a sound essential to the success of the band. Without this deep foreboding sound the band would not succeed in the slightest. The band director provoked the woodwinds and higher brass instruments with the statement “Don’t let the trombones push you with their sound you have to hold your own.” this statement may have went to the trombones heads and a possible rivalry seems to be brewing, but who doesn’t like a little friendly competition? If the competition does become a reality the woodwinds look to have the upper hand due to numbers, but you never know how the situation could turn out. Will the rivalry take off? Will the lack of first trombone for the rest of the week cause problems next?? Will the 8th grade ever break through the enormous wall they face and exceed the band before them??? Will we ever know the answers to these questions? Now you may be wondering wait weird journalist man how will we answer all of these unfulfilled questions? The answer is simple, become a mini journalist and get your own story!!!
{ Note from press } Inspiring quote at the end of news letter was a good thing right?