Rhythm is defined as "a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound". In music, rhythm is typically very uniform and set and there is not much lenience. The rhythms are divided up perfectly and mathematically with the tempo so they are extremely precise and always accurate. However, we as humans are not robots, so it is impossible to make everything we play mechanical and perfect with math. We can get pretty darn close, but in actuality our rhythms and what we play will never be absolutely in time and flawless. It is simply impossible. This is part of how we get rhythmic interpretation.
It becomes harder to play perfectly in time the more complicated the rhythms become. Half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, or basically any multiple of four not rhythms are typically easier to play in time. More difficulty comes with groupings of three or five or some other odd number. Since the rhythms are more complicated, it is easier to interpret them in more different ways. Although not everything is perfectly in time, there are multiple ways that can be correct.
Oftentimes musicians stretch or emphasize rhythms during solos. It is their time to shine, and it shows musicality if you do it correctly. Certain notes in a phrase are more important than others, so it makes sense to hold on to those a little longer than written. Doing such makes the piece more musical and that shows great skill and understanding of music.
In music, there is no right or wrong way to be musical or interpretive. The ability to improvise or slightly change things is what makes music interesting and beautiful.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Professional Musicians
Many young children dream of becoming professional sports players, firefighters, or astronauts when they grow up. But how often do you hear them saying they dream of becoming a professional musician? The answer is not very often. It is extremely hard to strive in the area of music. The truly gifted soar to fame and are asked to perform at every high class event, while the rest fight viciously for a lowly spot at the local bar. Despite the constant stress and struggles, somehow there are many people who are willing to accept the difficult lifestyle of becoming a musician.
There is no doubt money is a major issue. It is sometimes hard to get by as a musician because often times there is not a stable source of income. Landing a seat in a band or orchestra is ideal, but that does not always happen as planned. Players may jump around from gig to gig taking whatever they can get their hands on. Many college students aspiring to perform as an occupation are faced with a shocking realization somewhere along the way: it is going to be really, really hard to succeed. However, a simple solution to this problem can be found. Many professional musicians decide to also take up another job related to music. These could include becoming a band instructor, teaching private lessons, or working in an instrument repair business. By taking up another job, musicians are able to feel more secure regarding money. Unfortunately, having another job does not allow for as much freedom as some would like. Musicians are no longer able to completely devote themselves to performing and finding opportunities to play. Despite this, happiness can still be found through these other occupations. The truly dedicated also find time to perform no matter how busy they are.
Music has the capacity to bring joy to everyone, whether it be through performing or teaching. Performing for others creates a special and unique feeling of connection amongst the performer and the audience. They may have never met before and may not ever meet again, but there is still a connection between them because of the music. Similarly, a special bond is created between a teacher and student. Giving someone the tools and instruction to succeed is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. Knowing that you helped someone and shaped his or her life in some way feels great. Life as a professional musician can be very difficult, but it can also be pretty wonderful, if you choose to make it that way.
There is no doubt money is a major issue. It is sometimes hard to get by as a musician because often times there is not a stable source of income. Landing a seat in a band or orchestra is ideal, but that does not always happen as planned. Players may jump around from gig to gig taking whatever they can get their hands on. Many college students aspiring to perform as an occupation are faced with a shocking realization somewhere along the way: it is going to be really, really hard to succeed. However, a simple solution to this problem can be found. Many professional musicians decide to also take up another job related to music. These could include becoming a band instructor, teaching private lessons, or working in an instrument repair business. By taking up another job, musicians are able to feel more secure regarding money. Unfortunately, having another job does not allow for as much freedom as some would like. Musicians are no longer able to completely devote themselves to performing and finding opportunities to play. Despite this, happiness can still be found through these other occupations. The truly dedicated also find time to perform no matter how busy they are.
Music has the capacity to bring joy to everyone, whether it be through performing or teaching. Performing for others creates a special and unique feeling of connection amongst the performer and the audience. They may have never met before and may not ever meet again, but there is still a connection between them because of the music. Similarly, a special bond is created between a teacher and student. Giving someone the tools and instruction to succeed is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. Knowing that you helped someone and shaped his or her life in some way feels great. Life as a professional musician can be very difficult, but it can also be pretty wonderful, if you choose to make it that way.
All-State
For most high school students involved in music, all-state is a huge deal. The All-State Band and Orchestras are composed of the best of the best players in the state. The competition is cutthroat. With all-state auditions right around the corner in less than a month, I think it is a good time to explain exactly what it takes to be a part of one of these outstanding ensembles.
There are three parts to the all-state audition: a solo, two etudes, and scales. Each year students are asked to choose a minute to minute and a half excerpt from a solo to perform for the judge. The solo is always performed first, so it is extremely important that it be very solid. It needs to be especially good because it is the first thing you will play when you walk into the room, so it serves as a first impression for the judge. No matter how good anything else sounds, if you walk in and play your solo poorly, the chances of getting selected are very low.
The next portion of the audition is the etudes. Each year two etudes are selected from a specific book for the all-state auditions. Typically there will be one fast and one slow etude chosen to give players a chance to show off both aspects of their playing. It is important for musicians to have the ability to play both technically and beautifully at different tempos.
The final section of the auditions is arguably the most important: scales. Scales are said to be the things that either make or break your audition. There are twelve major scales total that must be memorized and played at a certain tempo. However, you only play three scales in the audition. Each student walks in and picks up a card that has two scales written on it. These are the two scales that are performed in the audition. The third is the player's choice scale. Everyone is given the opportunity to play their favorite scale that they feel most comfortable with for the judge. If your choice scale is written on the card you select, however, you cannot play that scale again as your choice scale. This is why it is important to have a number two choice scale. Some instructors even say to have a third just in case both of your choice scales are written on the card you choose. The last scale performed in the audition is the chromatic scale. The chromatic scale consists of every note you are capable of playing on your instrument; from the lowest to the absolute highest and back down. In order to make it into all-state, your scales must be near perfect.
This is my third year auditioning for all-state and I feel more prepared than I ever have. I hope all my hard work pays off and I am given the opportunity to play in one of these outstanding all-state ensembles.
There are three parts to the all-state audition: a solo, two etudes, and scales. Each year students are asked to choose a minute to minute and a half excerpt from a solo to perform for the judge. The solo is always performed first, so it is extremely important that it be very solid. It needs to be especially good because it is the first thing you will play when you walk into the room, so it serves as a first impression for the judge. No matter how good anything else sounds, if you walk in and play your solo poorly, the chances of getting selected are very low.
The next portion of the audition is the etudes. Each year two etudes are selected from a specific book for the all-state auditions. Typically there will be one fast and one slow etude chosen to give players a chance to show off both aspects of their playing. It is important for musicians to have the ability to play both technically and beautifully at different tempos.
The final section of the auditions is arguably the most important: scales. Scales are said to be the things that either make or break your audition. There are twelve major scales total that must be memorized and played at a certain tempo. However, you only play three scales in the audition. Each student walks in and picks up a card that has two scales written on it. These are the two scales that are performed in the audition. The third is the player's choice scale. Everyone is given the opportunity to play their favorite scale that they feel most comfortable with for the judge. If your choice scale is written on the card you select, however, you cannot play that scale again as your choice scale. This is why it is important to have a number two choice scale. Some instructors even say to have a third just in case both of your choice scales are written on the card you choose. The last scale performed in the audition is the chromatic scale. The chromatic scale consists of every note you are capable of playing on your instrument; from the lowest to the absolute highest and back down. In order to make it into all-state, your scales must be near perfect.
This is my third year auditioning for all-state and I feel more prepared than I ever have. I hope all my hard work pays off and I am given the opportunity to play in one of these outstanding all-state ensembles.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Singing
The definition of diction is "the choice and use of words and phrases in speaking or writing". We have learned about this term a lot over the past semester in my AP Language and Composition class. However, this term has a slightly different meaning in music. In music, diction can be defined as "the pronunciation and enunciation of words in singing". Oftentimes, when singers are singing their lines they are told to use their diction to enunciate the words they are singing. This is especially stressed in show choir. During the concert choir season, the directors often tell their students to use 'show choir diction'.
When young students sing, they do not always think about how their words sound to their audience. The students know the lyrics and the words they are singing, so they do not think about if their audience can understand them and what they are saying. Sometimes singers do not concentrate on pronunciation and it just sounds like they are singing mush. The words are not distinct or clear and it is impossible to decipher the lyrics. To avoid this the singers must be sure to always make sure they pronounce both the beginnings and the ends of their words. Perhaps the hardest words to do this with are words that end with the letter 't'. It is easy to simply run the middle of these words into the beginning of the next word without fully pronouncing the 't' sound. However, if you actually take the time to think about it, it is easy to make your words sound clear and crisp to the audience.
When young students sing, they do not always think about how their words sound to their audience. The students know the lyrics and the words they are singing, so they do not think about if their audience can understand them and what they are saying. Sometimes singers do not concentrate on pronunciation and it just sounds like they are singing mush. The words are not distinct or clear and it is impossible to decipher the lyrics. To avoid this the singers must be sure to always make sure they pronounce both the beginnings and the ends of their words. Perhaps the hardest words to do this with are words that end with the letter 't'. It is easy to simply run the middle of these words into the beginning of the next word without fully pronouncing the 't' sound. However, if you actually take the time to think about it, it is easy to make your words sound clear and crisp to the audience.
Composing Music
In music, an arrangement is a musical reconceptualization of a previously composed work. It may differ from the original work by means of reharmonization, melodic paraphrasing, orchestration, or development of the formal structure. Arranging differs from orchestration in that the latter process is limited to the assignment of notes to instruments for performance by an orchestra, concert band, or other musical ensemble. Arranging "involves adding compositional techniques, such as new thematic material for introductions, transitions, or modulations, and endings...Arranging is the art of giving an existing melody musical variety."
When arranging music, it is important to consider many elements such as instrumentation, balance, style, and much more. Oftentimes arrangements are of pieces that were written as solos for a single instrument and piano. When arranging such solos, the arranger must not only come up with other lines and melodies and harmonies, but he or she must also consider the instrumentation. If you write a part for too many instruments, the balance will be thrown off and the piece will not sound very sophisticated or good. Another important thing to consider when arranging a piece is style. Unless the arranger intends to change the style of the song drastically, he or she must pay very close attention to the articulations and styles the original composer used in the original piece. Keeping consistent articulations and tempos helps aid this process.
Overall, arranging is very hard work and it takes a lot of skill and time to master it. I hope to be able to learn how to compose and arrange music proficiently some day, but I still have a lot left to learn. :)
When arranging music, it is important to consider many elements such as instrumentation, balance, style, and much more. Oftentimes arrangements are of pieces that were written as solos for a single instrument and piano. When arranging such solos, the arranger must not only come up with other lines and melodies and harmonies, but he or she must also consider the instrumentation. If you write a part for too many instruments, the balance will be thrown off and the piece will not sound very sophisticated or good. Another important thing to consider when arranging a piece is style. Unless the arranger intends to change the style of the song drastically, he or she must pay very close attention to the articulations and styles the original composer used in the original piece. Keeping consistent articulations and tempos helps aid this process.
Overall, arranging is very hard work and it takes a lot of skill and time to master it. I hope to be able to learn how to compose and arrange music proficiently some day, but I still have a lot left to learn. :)
Oboe Reeds
Many woodwind instruments require the use of a reed, such as oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone. However, oboe reeds are far different than any of these other types. It is most similar to a bassoon reed because they are both classified as double reeds, but they are still not that much alike.
Oboe is a double reed instrument. This means that instead of just having one sliver of wood vibrating against a mouthpiece to make sound, there are two slivers of wood that are pressed up against each other. These two pieces of wood are made out of cane. Sound is produced when air pressure is applied to make these two pieces of wood vibrate against each other. The two pieces of can are held together by wrapping them with string around a tube that is connected to a piece of cork. The two pieces of cane are held together around the tube very carefully while they are wrapped and tied off with the string. The piece of cork on the end is then inserted into the top of the oboe and it is ready to be played.
There are three main parts of an oboe reed: the tip, the heart, and the back. The tip controls the vibration and response of the reed. The heart provides stability and control for the sound. Finally, the back controls the tone and sound the oboe produces. These three parts are very distinguished and the place to go when something is not working right. There are also more, less known parts that you can go to work on when something is not right, also. The rails are the parts on the very end of the sides of the reed that provide support and hold the two pieces of cane together. In the middle of the reed on both sides there is a thin layer of bark that is thicker than the rest. This is the spine. The spine also provides support and stability for the reed.
The reed is one of, if not the most, important parts of the oboe. Without it, there is no way to produce a sound. It controls the pitch, tone, volume, and many other things. The reed is very complex and difficult to understand, but I hope I made it a bit easier!
There are three main parts of an oboe reed: the tip, the heart, and the back. The tip controls the vibration and response of the reed. The heart provides stability and control for the sound. Finally, the back controls the tone and sound the oboe produces. These three parts are very distinguished and the place to go when something is not working right. There are also more, less known parts that you can go to work on when something is not right, also. The rails are the parts on the very end of the sides of the reed that provide support and hold the two pieces of cane together. In the middle of the reed on both sides there is a thin layer of bark that is thicker than the rest. This is the spine. The spine also provides support and stability for the reed.
The reed is one of, if not the most, important parts of the oboe. Without it, there is no way to produce a sound. It controls the pitch, tone, volume, and many other things. The reed is very complex and difficult to understand, but I hope I made it a bit easier!
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Honor Bands
Honor bands are a large part of the concert band season. These select bands range from informal to very prestigious. Many students apply and only the very best from each school are chosen to participate. Students from many different high schools are selected as a part of these honor bands. In order to participate in an honor band, you have to fill out an application and compete for a certain number of spots in the ensemble. If selected, a set of music is sent to the director and he or she will pass it out to the students. This usually happens around a month to a month and a half before the actual honor band takes place. The students are to practice and prepare the music ahead of time before they come to the honor band. Once at the actual honor band, auditions are held for each instrument to determine their chair placement. For younger students, such as sixth and maybe seventh grade, they usually just sit the students alphabetically. However, once you get older you are required to participate in the auditions. During the auditions, you are usually asked to play a short section of each piece you received in your folder. If there are solos, the judges typically ask you to play the solo section of the piece. The judge then determines the order of chair placement, seating the best players at the top of the section. Then, the day commences.
Honor bands are extremely taxing on all players. You will be playing your instrument upwards of around eight hours a day. Most students are not accustomed to playing their instruments this long and they will fatigue very easily. It is important to take frequent breaks and not over-do it. It is not the end of the world if you lay out on a few sections throughout the day to save your chops for the concert.
At single day honor bands, the students simply come in the morning, have their auditions, and rehearse all day to perform a concert that night. There is often a lunch provided, but dinner mostly happens after the concert. Some of the more prestigious honor bands last multiple days over the weekend. Students usually leave school around half way through the day on Thursday and arrive that night. They then rehearse all of Friday and Saturday and have a concert Saturday afternoon or evening. These honor bands are especially fun because you get to stay overnight at a hotel with all the other students attending the honor band from your school.
Many students are afraid to try out for honor bands because they are worried about getting in or they do not think it will be fun. I love honor bands and I suggest that everyone try some out some time!
Honor bands are extremely taxing on all players. You will be playing your instrument upwards of around eight hours a day. Most students are not accustomed to playing their instruments this long and they will fatigue very easily. It is important to take frequent breaks and not over-do it. It is not the end of the world if you lay out on a few sections throughout the day to save your chops for the concert.
At single day honor bands, the students simply come in the morning, have their auditions, and rehearse all day to perform a concert that night. There is often a lunch provided, but dinner mostly happens after the concert. Some of the more prestigious honor bands last multiple days over the weekend. Students usually leave school around half way through the day on Thursday and arrive that night. They then rehearse all of Friday and Saturday and have a concert Saturday afternoon or evening. These honor bands are especially fun because you get to stay overnight at a hotel with all the other students attending the honor band from your school.
Many students are afraid to try out for honor bands because they are worried about getting in or they do not think it will be fun. I love honor bands and I suggest that everyone try some out some time!
Band Room
The band hall is a very special place for many high school students involved in band. It is not just a hall to the musicians, it is like a second home. Countless hours have been spent in that hall during lunch, before and after competitions, with friends, and many other times. Memories are made in this place every day. Band is considered to be your second family, so it is only fitting that the family needs a home.
Other performing arts and sports activities also have hallways in the school that are considered their own. For example, the hallway that leads to the main and west gyms is often referred to as the sports hallway. In this hallway, there are the gyms of course, but there are also meeting rooms for the teams' debriefs. It also leads to the weight room and multiple other small, miscillaneous rooms that are used for sports teams. Students involved in sports use these rooms and hallways quite often during the season, but they do not hang out there much any other time. It is not as special to them as the band hallway is to band students. Similarly, there is a small hallway near the cafeteria that leads to the orchestra and choir rooms. It is most commonly referred to as the choir hallway. More students hang out here throughout the day, but there are still not many because it does not have a lot of space. Most choir and orchestra students prefer to sit in the choir room or somewhere else throughout the school.
Clearly, the students involved in other activities do not care for their hallways as much as the band students do. The band hallway is much more important to band students because it is not just a hallway, it truly is like a second home.
Other performing arts and sports activities also have hallways in the school that are considered their own. For example, the hallway that leads to the main and west gyms is often referred to as the sports hallway. In this hallway, there are the gyms of course, but there are also meeting rooms for the teams' debriefs. It also leads to the weight room and multiple other small, miscillaneous rooms that are used for sports teams. Students involved in sports use these rooms and hallways quite often during the season, but they do not hang out there much any other time. It is not as special to them as the band hallway is to band students. Similarly, there is a small hallway near the cafeteria that leads to the orchestra and choir rooms. It is most commonly referred to as the choir hallway. More students hang out here throughout the day, but there are still not many because it does not have a lot of space. Most choir and orchestra students prefer to sit in the choir room or somewhere else throughout the school.
Clearly, the students involved in other activities do not care for their hallways as much as the band students do. The band hallway is much more important to band students because it is not just a hallway, it truly is like a second home.
Woodwind Reeds
In my previous post, I explained the workings and mechanics of an oboe reed. This time around I will be discussing saxophone and clarinet reeds. Unlike oboes and bassoons, saxophone and clarinet reeds are single-reed instruments. The reeds for these two instruments are much more similar to each other than to any other reeds. The way they are designed makes it easier to change between the two instruments since they are fairly similar. Many saxophone players can also play clarinet very well and many clarinet players are able to play saxophone.
Instead of just relying on the reed alone to produce vibrations, the single reed is placed in a mouthpiece that holds it in tightly. This is done by placing the reed against the mouthpiece and then sliding a piece of metal called a ligature around both the reed and the mouthpiece. The ligature is then tightened and it holds the two pieces together. Sound is created when the player blows air into the mouthpiece and the reed rubs against it, producing vibrations that make sound. Much less air pressure is required to play clarinet and saxophone than oboe or bassoon. It is easier to get the reed to vibrate against a mouthpiece, so you do not need to blow as hard to make a sound.
Unlike oboe reeds, you do not adjust saxophone or clarinet reeds at all with your own tools. The reeds are bought in a store in packages and you can simply pull a reed out and start playing without any adjustment. Due to this, these reeds also last much longer than oboe reeds. Students have claimed to have used the same reed for the entire marching season in past years. In my opinion, this is an absolutely gross habit and I do not recommend doing the same. When buying packages of reeds, there are many different strengths you can choose from. The strengths range from one to five in half increments. The lower the strength, the softer the reed will be. The higher the strength, the harder the reed will be. Generally younger students start out on softer reeds and build their way up to harder ones as they mature as a player.
The top section of saxophone and clarinet reeds are similar to oboe reeds. The top section contains a tip, a heart, a set of rails, and a shoulder. The shoulder is equivalent to the back on oboe reeds. This is the entirety of an oboe reed. However, this is only the top section of a saxophone/clarinet reed and it has a whole second part below that. The majority of the bottom section is plain bark that has been untouched and left on the reed. This is called the stock. At the very bottom of the reed, there is a short edge called the heel of the reed.
While many reeds are fairly unalike, saxophone and clarinet reeds are extremely similar in mechanism. They are also complex and interesting to analyze.
Instead of just relying on the reed alone to produce vibrations, the single reed is placed in a mouthpiece that holds it in tightly. This is done by placing the reed against the mouthpiece and then sliding a piece of metal called a ligature around both the reed and the mouthpiece. The ligature is then tightened and it holds the two pieces together. Sound is created when the player blows air into the mouthpiece and the reed rubs against it, producing vibrations that make sound. Much less air pressure is required to play clarinet and saxophone than oboe or bassoon. It is easier to get the reed to vibrate against a mouthpiece, so you do not need to blow as hard to make a sound.
Unlike oboe reeds, you do not adjust saxophone or clarinet reeds at all with your own tools. The reeds are bought in a store in packages and you can simply pull a reed out and start playing without any adjustment. Due to this, these reeds also last much longer than oboe reeds. Students have claimed to have used the same reed for the entire marching season in past years. In my opinion, this is an absolutely gross habit and I do not recommend doing the same. When buying packages of reeds, there are many different strengths you can choose from. The strengths range from one to five in half increments. The lower the strength, the softer the reed will be. The higher the strength, the harder the reed will be. Generally younger students start out on softer reeds and build their way up to harder ones as they mature as a player.
The top section of saxophone and clarinet reeds are similar to oboe reeds. The top section contains a tip, a heart, a set of rails, and a shoulder. The shoulder is equivalent to the back on oboe reeds. This is the entirety of an oboe reed. However, this is only the top section of a saxophone/clarinet reed and it has a whole second part below that. The majority of the bottom section is plain bark that has been untouched and left on the reed. This is called the stock. At the very bottom of the reed, there is a short edge called the heel of the reed.
While many reeds are fairly unalike, saxophone and clarinet reeds are extremely similar in mechanism. They are also complex and interesting to analyze.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Basketball Games
Pep band is something that almost every high school musician will have to go through, even if they do not want to. While some people enjoy playing the popular tunes to pump up the student section and the sports teams, most students find pep band extremely boring and do not like it at all.
During marching season, the band is usually required to perform their halftime show at all the home football games. In addition to playing at halftime, the band is also required to sit in a designated area that is blocked off. Here, they perform short tunes that are intended to energize the student section and the football players. The songs range from around thirty seconds to a little over one minute. The referees do not allow the bands to play while the game is going on, so usually these songs are only played during timeouts, in between quarters, or if a touchdown is scored. At my school, we play the school fight song every time our football team scores a touchdown.
Pep band can be fun for those who enjoy watching the game and hanging out with their friends in band. However, this is usually not the case. Many students do not like watching football or do not care about it. Even if they did not mind it, most people would prefer to sit with the student section because it is more entertaining. I personally do not mind playing in pep band because I like sitting and hanging out with my band friends, but I certainly understand why others would not be pleased. Some nights it is very cold or very hot and it is simply miserable sitting outside for a long period of time. It is also difficult to watch the game if your team is losing and getting pounded pretty badly. The pep band tunes are meant to help encourage them to keep on playing hard and give them spirit, but sometimes this just does not work.
Overall, it does not matter if you like pep band or not. You will have to participate in it either way in order to receive a good grade for band. In these cases all you can do is try to make the best of the situation and have as much fun as you can. :)
During marching season, the band is usually required to perform their halftime show at all the home football games. In addition to playing at halftime, the band is also required to sit in a designated area that is blocked off. Here, they perform short tunes that are intended to energize the student section and the football players. The songs range from around thirty seconds to a little over one minute. The referees do not allow the bands to play while the game is going on, so usually these songs are only played during timeouts, in between quarters, or if a touchdown is scored. At my school, we play the school fight song every time our football team scores a touchdown.
Pep band can be fun for those who enjoy watching the game and hanging out with their friends in band. However, this is usually not the case. Many students do not like watching football or do not care about it. Even if they did not mind it, most people would prefer to sit with the student section because it is more entertaining. I personally do not mind playing in pep band because I like sitting and hanging out with my band friends, but I certainly understand why others would not be pleased. Some nights it is very cold or very hot and it is simply miserable sitting outside for a long period of time. It is also difficult to watch the game if your team is losing and getting pounded pretty badly. The pep band tunes are meant to help encourage them to keep on playing hard and give them spirit, but sometimes this just does not work.
Overall, it does not matter if you like pep band or not. You will have to participate in it either way in order to receive a good grade for band. In these cases all you can do is try to make the best of the situation and have as much fun as you can. :)
Show Choir
The Kennedy High School Show Choir Premiere Concert took place this week, and it was a very big event. Show Choir is a very popular activity in my school and in schools around the area, so it is quite competitive. At the premiere concert the show choirs do exactly what the name suggests; they perform their full shows for the first time for an audience.
There are three show choirs at my school: Chaunteurs, Protege, and Happiness. Chaunteurs is the freshmen-only show choir, so no older participants are members of that choir. In preparation for the year, middle schools hold auditions for this show choir as a chance for current eighth graders to seize a spot and begin rehearsing over the summer. Directors from Kennedy go to each of the feeder middle schools and have auditions. The auditions generally have two parts: a singing portion and a dancing portion. If the prospect eighth grader demonstrates the required skill level, he or she is awarded a spot in Chaunteurs. Many students audition, but not everyone makes the cut. The directors have to choose their choir using students from multiple middle schools, so the chances are slimmer.
Protege is the second show choir at my school. This group mainly consists of sophomores, but there are a few juniors sprinkled in the mix as well. I have never heard of a senior being in Protege, but that does not mean it is not impossible. Again, freshmen in Chaunteurs have to audition for the following year in order to secure a spot in Protege. Just because you made it into Chaunteurs does not guarantee you a spot in Protege for next year. In addition to the sophomores, the directors have to account for some juniors in the group as well. The auditions run basically the same as they did the previous year and students are selected for the middle show choir group.
Happiness is the top show choir at Kennedy. Every incoming freshmen dreams of becoming a member of this group some day. This choir consists of juniors and seniors. Very rarely, there is an outstanding sophomore who is placed in this group as well. Happiness has been ranked the number one show choir in the nation multiple times and consistently achieves great success. Members of this show choir are easily recognizable by their famous yellow jackets. Happiness members wear their gaudy bright jackets whenever they have a performance later that night or a competition on the weekend.
All three show choirs began rehearsing in the summer and they have been learning and perfecting their show for many months now. The premiere concert was the first time all three groups performed their whole show for an audience. Competition season is right around the corner, so that will be the next set of performances the groups will be gearing up for!
All three show choirs began rehearsing in the summer and they have been learning and perfecting their show for many months now. The premiere concert was the first time all three groups performed their whole show for an audience. Competition season is right around the corner, so that will be the next set of performances the groups will be gearing up for!
Dance
I recently viewed a video that illustrated cartoon birds dancing to a classical overture and I was highly amused by it. Typically I associate dancing with more modern, hip-hop music. However, this video opened my eyes and made me remember that dancing is not exclusive and it can be done using any kind of music.
Dictionary.com defines dancing as "to move one's feet or body, or both, rhythmically in a pattern of steps, especially to the accompaniment of music". I think this is an excellent definition. Dancing can be done with or without music, but I personally find it more effective with music. Dancing, just like music, is an art. It can be used to express actions or emotions that are difficult to express using other forms of communication. While it can be used to express, dancing can also be more informal and it can be performed simply for the pleasure or enjoyment of oneself or others.
As in the video of the birds dancing to the classical overture, dancing can be used to help illustrate music. Music stimulates the auditory senses and systems of the brain. Dancing adds another element to this and stimulates the visual senses and system of the brain as well. Engaging multiple areas of the brain is much more exciting and beneficial than just stimulating one or two. I believe this is why many people enjoy going to see ballets or other types of dancing shows or performances. I enjoy going to see performances like those as well because they are very entertaining and they do indeed stimulate many areas of my brain.
I would like to recommend that everyone consider going to a dancing performance or show sometime soon. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it!
Dictionary.com defines dancing as "to move one's feet or body, or both, rhythmically in a pattern of steps, especially to the accompaniment of music". I think this is an excellent definition. Dancing can be done with or without music, but I personally find it more effective with music. Dancing, just like music, is an art. It can be used to express actions or emotions that are difficult to express using other forms of communication. While it can be used to express, dancing can also be more informal and it can be performed simply for the pleasure or enjoyment of oneself or others.
As in the video of the birds dancing to the classical overture, dancing can be used to help illustrate music. Music stimulates the auditory senses and systems of the brain. Dancing adds another element to this and stimulates the visual senses and system of the brain as well. Engaging multiple areas of the brain is much more exciting and beneficial than just stimulating one or two. I believe this is why many people enjoy going to see ballets or other types of dancing shows or performances. I enjoy going to see performances like those as well because they are very entertaining and they do indeed stimulate many areas of my brain.
I would like to recommend that everyone consider going to a dancing performance or show sometime soon. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it!
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