tpter1

I had to share this with you guys. I mentioned last week that the hs concert was going to be good. And that was my honest and best assessment of where we were going and what would happen: good. Not great, but not terrible and not mediocre, either.

These kids exceeded my wildest imagination last night. I am still floating; I was left near speechless and completely drained. The post concert din was near static and feverish. The final thump of the Epic of Gilgamesh sounded; the rehearsed blackout happened right as planned; the lights came back up and the kids recieved a standing ovation. Never in 15 years of doing this have I had a band recieve a standing ovation. I've had other bands that were actually better than this one; bet there was a connection between audience and performers that was missing from all other performances to this point. The kids put there whole being into their performance last night. They played the Dies Irae ending the piece as if it were meant for them, chimes and bells clanging as if to signify some unknown doom approaching, drums signaling and calling them to THEIR judgment. It was astounding. This was no longer about the death of a ruler; it was about them. At the end of 6 movements, they had all the moxy to pull that out.

I was absolutely drained and elated at the same time, as were they. What an experience; what a bunch of great kids.

Again...if any of you band directors out there are looking for a great piece to challenge your kids and yourself on next year, take a look/listen at this piece.

Manny Laureano

So, if the world is going to hell in a handbasket and kids today are supposed to be so bloody awful, why are so many of us that teach having such a great time with kids in music? If the world only read the postings of Glenn, Dave (Bandman), and myself I wonder what people's impressions of kids would be. But, no, that doesn't sell.

Yes, I know there are problems but I don't think the situation is nearly as bleak as all that. I think that's a great post, Glenn. It's encouraging and guys like you and Dave have my respect for doing it on a daily basis which is much tougher than what I do.

I'm only highlighting Glenn and Dave because of the frequency with which they post but I'm very aware that many of you here teach band and orchestra and I know you do a good job educating our youth as well. I hope posts like the above are as encouraging to you as they are to me. It's my mission to prove the naysayers wrong as well as to educate. When I develop half a brain and figure out how to get some of the MYS recordings hosted, I'll put up some clip links, I promise.

Congrats, Glenn... it sounds like a mammoth piece and your guys pulled it off. You have every right to be proud and happy. Great way to end the school year. What do you do for the rest of the season? Sightread like crazy?

ML

dlewis

Great comment Manny. My school concert is tonight

tpter1

Thanks, Manny. I don't know if I can tell you how much that means to me. The rest of the season is taken up with graduation band preparations. We have 3 weeks to rehearse, and I combine all kids in grades 6-11 for that; that way, we make a goodly noise for the seniors.

dlewis- I hope yours goes well tonight! Here's some good vibes.

Richard Oliver

Just wonderful Glenn! Your description is so apt, wish I were there. Way to go!!

Happy Day,

Richard

Derek Reaban

Glenn,

I had read your earlier post on the preparation for your concert. I’m glad it all came together so nicely! As I was reading your description of the music, I was thinking this might be something that the Wind Ensemble that I play in might want to program. We typically program pieces that are in the 5-6 range on that 1-6 scale for high school / college band music.

Glad you had such a great evening!

Vulgano Brother

Thanks for sharing that with us -- there is something magic about getting a conductor, group and audience into the same groove. It was not without just cause that Maslow said the two easiest ways of getting a peak experience are through music and sex. Hope you can continue to get your students to seek the musical route, especially if any one of them wants to date my daughter!

Eclipsehornplayer

Congrats Glenn!

I can tell by your posts the passion that you have for what you do!

I'm glad that it all came together for you; sounds as though you, the kids, and the audience all clicked that night!

Bravo Maestro!

tpter1

Thank you so much, all of you. We listened to the recording today. I also told them that was the first standing o a band of mine had recieved in all my 15 years doing this. The kids were so excited to know that. They talked about their mistakes- an early entrance here, a squeak there, a clam on another instance- and I mentioned jokingly, "well then, we'll have to take back the standing ovation". (Knowing the kids is a big consideration). I quickly pointed out that they got a standing ovation regardless of the small errors- and there's a lesson in that. What a great bunch of kids. I love 'em.

bandman

Congrats on ending the year well! I've not been around much as I've actually been exploring other opportunities -- but -- decided to stay in the band room!

It's great to be at the end of another year, and you and I both seem to have the same ending -- a group that played better than we expected! Kids seem to come through when it counts after having good leadership. The ability to pull through is not a mistake -- it's a result of sound teaching.

Congrats on a great job -- now go enjoy your summer vacation! You deserve the break!