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Today's Tips |
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Dear Music Department Families:
Essential Information:
Master Schedule 2008-2009: See below. There are changes.
Listening Grade:
Students must attend one concert with live musicians each quarter for their listening grade. Students should turn in program, photo or some proof of attendance. First quarter ends October 24. Second quarter ends January 23. Some listening opportunities are listed at the end of the newsletter.
Tentative field trip: Friday December 5 (Jazz band, Orchestra and interested Cadet & Symphonic students). Free concert at Davies Hall by Lang-Lang (26-year old concert pianist) from 2-3:15. Our attendance is contingent upon having enough drivers (to and from the BART station), and chaperones. Please email Miss Whitfield right away if you can help: jwhitfield66@juno.com
Back to School Night
On Wednesday, September 24, the jazz band had their first performance at Back to School Night. Orchestra students played in the quad and hallways.
CSI: Strings
Case Should Include: Name tag that includes the name of the school as well as student name and contact info, pencil, rosin, extra set of strings, soft cloth, shoulder rest or rock stop. Some of these may need to be carried in a separate bag to avoid damage to the instrument. Optional: electronic tuner. See information below from the website: http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/stringaccessori_slab.htm
Having the proper accessories for a string instrument is crucial. They aid you in caring for the instrument, which can extend its life and ensure that it stays looking and sounding beautiful.
There are several things that you should automatically buy when you purchase your string instruments. They include:
Rosin
This is what helps the bow produce sound on the strings. It gives the bow a rough surface so that it can "grip" the strings. A bow with no rosin will produce very little, if any, sound (and a brand new bow shouldn't have any rosin on it). A lot of rosin that comes with instruments is very cheap. It tends to break easily and to be too sticky (don't mistake the stickiness as "bad" when it comes to bass rosin -- this should be stickier than all other kinds). Buy your own rosin from a local music shop. Ask for a recommendation on a good brand, and make sure the rosin is set in wood and for the correct instrument.
Extra set of strings
These are absolutely crucial. Many factors can affect your strings, including how new they are on the instrument, what brand they are, what the weather's like, and how often you use them. You should always have an extra set of strings in your case so that if one breaks, you can replace it. You should also replace the entire set of strings every year or so, because strings can get worn out even if they're not broken.
Soft cloth
You will need to clean your instrument frequently. White dust from the rosin will get on the fingerboard, the strings, and the body of the instrument when you play. Each time you finish playing, use the soft cloth to wipe all of the rosin off the instrument (make sure this cloth does not have any loops; they will get stuck on the strings and get torn. Washcloths are not good. Old t-shirts are). Keep this cloth folded and set over the playing surface of the instrument while it's in its case, to protect it.
Shoulder rest/rock stop
All violinists and violists need to own a proper shoulder rest. These can be purchased from a local music shop and come in many varieties. A "sponge" type is okay for beginners, but more advanced players will want to move up to a Kun or other similar design. Cellists and bassists need to own a rock stop. There are two major styles of these: free standing, and strap. The free standing ones are simply small circles that can be placed anywhere. They are not good on slippery floors, though, because they can slide, leading the instrument to slide, too. The strap rock stops are good because they are hooked onto a chair leg and will then be kept in place. They cannot be used for bassists; only cellists.
Electronic tuner
If you're not good at tuning the violin (and no one is as a beginner), an electronic tuner can be a big help. This will tell you what pitch you're playing and if it is flat or sharp. It also helps advanced players tune high notes or obscure fingerings.
Dampit [Ask Miss Whitfield for advice on this one.]
This is a small rubber device meant to keep your instrument humidified. Especially if you live in a dry climate, you should use one of these. Purchase the correct size for your instrument, and use them everyday when it's dry (typically winter time). Soak them in water and wring them out, then dry the outside of them (they contain a sponge in the center). Place them inside your instrument through the f-hole and leave one end sticking out. This will help prevent cracking.
[Additionally, there are some things string players may need, but should be kept at home.]
Metronome
All musicians must learn to play rhythmically correctly. A metronome is a device that helps you learn rhythms by playing a steady beat for you to follow. All music students should have one to practice with in order to develop a good sense of rhythm.
Isopropyl alcohol [Needs adult supervision. Don’t bring alcohol to school. Check with Miss Whitfield first to see if it’s necessary.]
This is used to clean the fingerboard and the strings if too much rosin gets on it. If you notice any rosin gumming up the strings, or the fingerboard or strings seem sticky to you, get out the alcohol and pour a little onto the CLOTH. Then, use the cloth to wipe the strings and the fingerboard. Make sure you get all the way around the strings (it's best to clean them one at a time, instead of wiping over the top of them), and don't let any of the alcohol get onto the body of the instrument -- it will ruin the finish!
Instrument Polish [Don’t bring polish to school.]
This is the way to keep the finish looking nice. Again, pour a small amount on your cloth and wipe all the wooden parts of the instrument. Follow the instructions of the bottle and don't get any of it on the strings. Let your instrument dry before sticking it back in its case after polishing. This should also clean any stickiness from rosin off the instrument.
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Stop! Before you tell your students to quit music and concentrate on studies that will get them ‘real’ jobs – consider this list of careers in the music industry. This is just the first fifth of the list. We’ll run a little each month. Or you can check the website for the full list.
http://www.cmeabaysection.org/occupations.html
Careers in the Field of Music
Talented young musicians are often told to get a degree in some other field besides music, so that they can get a job. Simply not true! There are many well-paying professional jobs for musicians who have the proper training and skills. Our thanks to Dennis Mauricio, Director of the Hilltop High School Music Technology program in Chula Vista, California for letting us post and update this list of occupations in the field
Broadcasting -- Television and Radio:
Program Director
Music Director
Disc Jockey
Video Jockey
Church Music
Minister of Music
Choir Director
Church Organist
Soloist, Singer
Cantor
Gospel Music (performance, recording)
Computer Technology
Music Software Designer
Music Hardware Designer
Multimedia Development -- Sound and Music
Web Page Design -- Audio and Music Integration
Conducting:
Symphony Orchestra Conductor/Music Director
Community Orchestra or Band
Music Director for Theater/Musicals
Youth Symphony
Choir Conductor
Opera Company Music Director
Ballet Company Music Director
Music Director/Conductor for Television Shows or Films
Music Director for Concert Artist
To be continued…
Pine Hollow Master Schedule 2008-2009
‘All Groups’ = 6th Grade Band, 7th/8th Grade Band, Jazz Band & Orchestra.
‘Concert Dress’ = Pine Hollow Polo Shirt, black pants (skirts ok for band), black socks and black dress shoes.
December 17, Wednesday, Winter Concert (All Groups). Report at 6:30 to the Pine Hollow Music room. Concert Dress. Program is 7:00 pm in the Pine Hollow gym.
January 10, Saturday, District Honor Band (selected Band students). Concert: Jan. 10, 4:00 or 4:30. Required rehearsal dates: Dec 1,8,15, Jan 5,8, at 3:45 – 6:00, and Saturday January 10 at Northgate from 12:30 – 2:00.
January 16 & 17 (Friday & Saturday): Bay Section Honor groups (selected band and orchestra students) More info to come.
January 21, Wednesday, Middle School Jazz Night. (Jazz Band) Concert dress. Report at 6:30 to Diablo View Middle school MU. Program at 7:00 pm at Diablo View.
NEW January 28 (tentative date), Wednesday, Pajama concert (Orchestra), 7-7:30 pm at Highlands MUR.
February 28, Saturday, District Honor Orchestra (selected Orchestra students). Concert is February 28, time TBD. Required rehearsal dates: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, & 27 at Pine Hollow.
March 6 & 7 (Friday & Saturday): CMEA Solo/Ensemble dates. (Selected band and orchestra students). Concert Dress.
March 10, Tuesday (change): Area Band Concert (6th grade band & 7/8th grade band). Report to Clayton Valley High School Gym at _______. Program at _________ in the Clayton Valley gym. Concert Dress.
March 30, Monday, Orchestra Festival (Orchestra). Report to (Location: TBA) at 7:00 pm. Program at 7:30. Concert Dress.
May 1, Friday: CMEA Large Groups (All Groups?) Need chaperones. Concert Dress.
May 6 (change), Wednesday, Open House. Groups: Orchestra is confirmed. Probably also Jazz Band. Report to Pine Hollow Music room at 6:15 pm. Program in the Pine Hollow MU 6:45 – 8:00. Concert Dress.
May 8, Friday, SF Symphony Field Trip, all day (All Groups). Chaperones will be needed. Concert Dress. Lunch Money. Details to come.
June 3, Wednesday, Spring Concert (All Groups). Report to Pine Hollow Music Room at 6:30. Concert Dress. Program at 7:00 pm in the Pine Hollow gym.
June 8, Monday, 7th Grade Awards (Groups: Orchestra confirmed. Band groups TBD.) Program during 2nd period. At Pine Hollow. Report to Music room at ________. Concert Dress.
June 8, Monday, 6th Grade Awards (Groups: Orchestra confirmed. Band groups TBD.) Program during 3rd period. At Pine Hollow. Report to Music room at _______. Concert Dress.
June 8, Monday, 8th Grade Awards (Groups: TBD) Program at 7:00 PM. At Pine Hollow. Report to Music room at _________). Concert Dress.
June 10, Wednesday, Promotion. (Groups: TBD) Program at 9:00 am in the Pine Hollow Gym. Report at ________ to the Pine Hollow Music Room. 6th/7th Graders = concert dress. 8th graders = slacks and dress shirt for boys, dress or skirt & blouse for girls. Dress shoes and socks for all.
Opportunities for Listening Grades:
November 19 – Clayton Valley Jazz band will join other local high schools for the Mt. Diablo Jazz Festival at DVC from 4:00 – 9:00. Performing Arts Center at DVC. No charge. High school groups start at 4:00. Honor Jazz band plays at 7:30. (Bring 8 quarters just in case you have to pay for parking…)
December 11, Clayton Valley High School Concert, evening, in the CV Multi-use room.
December 15, Monday, Ayers Winter Concert at 7:00 PM in the Ayers MUR.
December 18, Highlands Winter Concert in the Highlands MUR.
Check here for DVC concerts:
http://dev.dvc.edu/org/info/calendars/calendar.htm
Usually $7 - $16.
DVC Music Dept events poster: (Great reminder!)
http://www.dvc.edu/whatsnew/pdfs/musicFA08.pdf
Check here for Diablo Symphony Concerts in Walnut Creek:
http://www.lesherartscenter.org/onstagenow/0809diablosymphony
Walnut Creek Concert Band
No concerts 1st quarter. http://www.walnutcreekband.org/
For 2nd Quarter:
November 11, Veterans Day Ceremony, 10:00 am at Walnut Creek Civic Park. Free.
November 28, Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6:00 pm, Walnut Creek Civic Park. Free.
December 2, Annual Holiday Concert, 7:30 pm Regional Center for the Arts, Hofmann Theater. $15.00
Also check our local high schools for many free & fun concerts!
Clayton Valley Instrumental Music Program:
http://www.claytonbands.org/
Northgate Instrumental Music Program:
http://www.northgatehs-pfc.com/nimb.html
Concord High School Bands:
http://www.concordminutemenbands.com/
3rd quarter:
February 28, Clayton Valley Pasta Feed fundraiser. CV bands will play throughout the event.
March 9, Monday, Area Band Festival at Clayton Valley High. Diablo View Middle will play.
Shopping for Your Young Musician:
Students can always use reeds, rosin, music pencils strings & drum sticks, but parents might consider moving to the next level as their students become more serious. A metronome is great for practice at home and usually required by private teachers. An electronic tuner can be used at home, with friends and even to help tune-up at school. Practicing at home can be very difficult without a stand. You can buy a collapsible music stand at C&L Music in Concord. They also have lots of small accessories and fun things. If students like movies, consider buying the movie songbook that includes the CD to play along.
Practice Tips:
Have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish with your practicing at all times and gear your practice towards these goals. Keep both short and long term goals (example: play two bars with correct rhythm, and play with the San Francisco Symphony).
Did you know that music exercises both sides of the brain?
Keep the brand and serial number of your instrument at home where it can easily be found, for identification purposes.
Local Concerts:
Lots of music events at Clayton Valley High School
Check their website: http://www.claytonbands.org/
Highlands Elementary
http://www.schoolnotes.com/94521/highlandsmusic.html
http://www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/highlands/index.htm
Ayers Elementary:
http://www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/ayers/index.htm
Silverwood Elementary:
http://www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/silverwood/
Website with links to many local & bay area concerts:
http://www.cphsmusic.com/Pages/07-08MusicInTheCommunity.html
Honor jazz band
http://www.generationsinjazz.org/
Our Music Teachers Are:
Whitfield, Joffria - 6th,7th, 8th - Strings - whitfieldj@mdusd.k12.ca.us or jwhitfield66@juno.com 
Jaquez, Magic - Jazz Band & Drama - jaquezm@mdusd.k12.ca.us
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