The Rave

Newsletter of the BronxvilleSchool

Performing Arts Department

April 2008

Instrument Selection

Performing Arts Department Faculty

Band

Janet Corvini, ES

Sharon Slote, MS/HS

Chorus

Dan Alexander, ES

Pamela Simpson, MS/HS

Drama

Peter Royal, MS/HS

Orchestra

Adele Hoffman, ES

Cathy Dillon, MS

Denise Lutter, MS/HS

Parent Volunteers

Rave Editor

Mary Anne Maher

Music Committees

High School

Joan Rudd

Vickie Manley

Middle School

Liz Lim-Dutton

Kate Huncke

Elementary School

Nancee Adams-Taylor

Pippa Colvin

Mary Landy

Drama Mamas

High School

Mary Massa

Mary Vonnegut

Middle School

Anne Churchill

Maggie Cooley

Dear Parents,

The U.S. Department of Education lists the arts as subjects that college-bound middle and high school students should take, stating "Many colleges view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens students' understanding and appreciation of the world around them.  It is also well known and widely recognized that the arts contribute significantly to children's intellectual development."*  For similar reasons, one year of Visual and Performing Arts at the High School level is mandated by the State of New York.

At Bronxville we begin instrument instruction as early as possible, strategically targeting the developing brain when it is most receptive to training.  Thus the annual ‘tryouts’ for the Band and Orchestra represent an opportunity to start your children on a path that can benefit them throughout their educational experiences and throughout their lives.

This is the time of year when third graders are given the opportunity to make an important decision: they will select their instruments for next year’s Band and Orchestra Program.  The process takes about six weeks to complete:

¯     We begin with a demonstration of the instruments offered at the school. 

¯     At the Recorder Concert, we give a description of the program

¯     Instrumental Music Fact Sheets are distributed, detailing the strengths needed to be successful on each instrument.

¯     Students and their parents fill out an Instrument Trial Form indicating their instrument preferences, two for band and two for orchestra.

¯     Each child is given the chance to try the instruments of their choice.

The trial is a moment of revelation for the kids as they realize that playing an instrument isn’t as easy as it looks.  The look of surprise at the pain of pressing un-calloused fingertips on metal strings may be initially discouraging; and it may even take a few lessons before they can make proper sounds from brass or woodwinds.  We emphasize that this will get easier with practice (practice, PRACTICE!).

Our goal is to match each student with an instrument that will provide a successful, comfortable and enjoyable experience.  We look at hand size, the shape of the face, lips and teeth, the length of the arms, rhythmic readiness, pattern retention, pitch, and fine /gross motor coordination.  We encourage the students to explore alternative instruments if their first choices are not a match.  If we feel it is needed, we bring parents into the final selection process. 

As a department, we are constantly realigning our resources to provide the best instruction in the best-sized groups of like instruments.  In addition, if a parent is interested in supplementing the school curriculum with private instruction and regular home practice, there is an excellent after-school lesson program here on campus, and there are many fine music schools offering private lessons in our community.

We are looking forward to making music with your children!

-Janet Corvini, ES Band Teacher

-Adele Hoffman, ES Orchestra Teacher

*(Getting Ready for College Early: A Handbook for Parents of Students in the Middle and Junior High School Years, U.S. Department of Education, 1997.)

Five Reasons to Play a Musical Instrument

By Espie Estrella

A wrong note played timidly is a wrong note. A wrong note played with authority is an interpretation.

-Unascribed

When everyone else has finished playing, you should not play any notes you have left.  If you have notes left over, please play them on the way home.

-Speaker wished to remain anonymous.

If there's one thing you should learn in your lifetime, it is how to play an instrument. Here are five reasons why:

      Playing a Musical Instrument Makes You Smarter
Many studies have been conducted on the effects of music to the brain.  Scientists say that children who are exposed to music or those who play an instrument do better in school than those who don't.  Recent research suggests exposure to music may benefit a child's reading age, IQ and the development of certain parts of the brain.  Adults can benefit from learning to play an instrument too because it helps the mind to be alert and active eventually helping to sharpen the memory.

      It Teaches Discipline
Learning to play an instrument is like learning to speak another language and it can be challenging at times.  One of the qualities music players possess is discipline.  You have to be disciplined in order to master playing your instrument.  You have to set time each day to practice, practice and practice some more.

      Playing a Musical Instrument Relieves Stress
We all have days when we are so stressed out and we just want to take a break from it all. Have you ever noticed that when you hear soft, soothing music you feel more relaxed? Playing an instrument can do that and more, especially if you're the one playing.  Music is one of life's simple joys, it helps calm the mind.

      Sense of Achievement
If you're a beginner learning to play your first piece, it can be frustrating.  But once you've mastered it, the satisfaction you'll feel is priceless.  Never mind if it's just a simple piece, believe me you'll never forget the first piece you've mastered.  You are one more step closer to achieving your goal.  That is certainly something to be proud of.

      Playing a Musical Instrument is Fun
Sure it can be a lot of hard work, but there is no denying playing an instrument is fun.  Once you get better at it, opportunities will arise for you to share your newly learned skill with your family and friends.  You may also consider playing professionally in the future. Playing a music instrument opens up excellent possibilities that will surely enrich your life.

Noteworthy

Congratulations!

9^th Grade Cellist Kay Kulason won a seat at the AllCountyIntermediate Orchestra.

Senior Stephen Malinowski has been accepted at the Berklee College of Music in Bostonto study piano performance with an interest in music production.

Kudos to 2007 graduate Evan Gogel for earning a spot in Yale’s Baker’s Dozen and bringing them to Bronxville for a special concert and choral workshop.

The High School Chorus will sing at the April 10^th Annual Community Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration at St. Joseph’s Church.

7^th grade Pianist Ilhan Gokhan will represent the Bronxville School at

Concordia’s Chamber Music Festival and Piano Master Class on May 2^nd.

 The Sixth Grade Chorus will sing at Voices United! - KONY’s annual Children’s Choral Festival in New York City on April 16^th.

Come Hear!

Bye Bye Birdie

Middle School Play

Thurs. May 8, 5pm; Fri. May 9, 7pm; Sat. May 10, 7pm - HS Auditorium

BYE BYE BIRDIE tells the story of a rock and roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army.  The singer, Conrad Birdie, an Elvis Presley type, has a pompadour and thick sideburns; he wears gaudy gold costumes and speaks in a rugged voice.  Albert Peterson, his agent, is a very pleasant mild mannered young man.  Albert's faithful secretary Rose Alvarez keeps him and Birdie moving forward in the world.  Rosie concocts one final national publicity plan before Conrad's induction:  Conrad will bid a typical American teen-age girl goodbye with an all-American kiss. Kim MacAfee in Sweet Apple, Ohio wins the honor. It is decided that Birdie will give his One Last Kiss on the Ed Sullivan show.

BYE BYE BIRDIE is a satire done with the fondest affection.  It gives an insight into the everyday life in the ‘60’s.  It is tops in imagination and frivolity; a show that will be enjoyed by the cast as much as the audience.

“We Love You, Conrad!”

Tell your friends, neighbors and relatives:  Senior Citizens are invited to attend the dress rehearsal of the Middle School Musical free of charge!  Just go to the High School Auditorium on Wed. May 7^th at 4:30pm, take a seat anywhere and enjoy.

Senior Special

The Performing Arts Department was thrilled to learn that due to the professionalism of their production, and the outstanding behavior of the Bronxville students on last summer’s trip to the Edinburgh Theatre Festival, the Bronxville School has been invited to return to the Scotland Festival as representatives of the American High School Theatre Festival in the future.  “This is an honor.” says Drama teacher Peter Royal.  “The AHSTF rule is re-consideration every other year, but they have indicated flexibility with that.  Given the enormous amount of time, financing and fund-raising involved in this trip, we’ll have to save up our resources; but it’s good to know that at least once in every High School-er’s term this trip can be open to them.”

Return to The Fringe

“Westchester Summer Music Camp in White Plains is amazing.  In six weeks you can grow more as a musician than you do during a full year at school.”  - Stephen Corvini, Gr. 12

“TADA (NYC) is a lot of fun and does lots of games and productions that focus on what your child can do best!”  -Isabel Cervantes, Gr. 7

“French Woods Festival in New York's Catskills (Hancock, NY) is an amazing summer program for performers of all ages.”  -Kyra Toomre, Gr. 10

“I have attended the Lucy Mostes Summer Theater workshop (NYC) for years and I love it every time!”  -Morgan Firestein, Gr. 11

“Inspiration Point Vocal Camp, the youth branch of Opera in the Ozarks, Eureka Springs, Ark., encourages a broad range of great musicianship training.”  -Thomas Dawson, Gr. 10

“I spent 5 weeks at Berklee School of Music in Boston with musicians from 16 years old to adults from all over the world.  Great for someone wanting to be a professional musician or to attend music college.”  -Stephen Malinowski, Gr. 12

“Cap 21 (NYU's Tisch School of the Arts) is a fantastic experience for HS students who are really serious about their art and want to be in music or drama.”  -Martin Bonventre, Gr. 11

“The summer before 8th grade I went to Interlochen Arts Camp. I still remember it even now that I am a senior!”  -Kelly O'Connell, Gr.12

How to Spend Your Summer Vacation

Here’s what several Bronxville students have to recommend about the summer Performing Arts activities they enjoyed last summer – off the beaten track of local opportunities (see below).

CrestwoodMusicCenter: www.crestwoodmusic.com or (914)l 961-3497

 Concordia Conservatory:  www.concordia-ny.edu or (914) 395-4507 – “I had fun at the Concordia Summer Theater Camp. We learned games that helped you act and then we put on a musical.  -Kailey Winston, Gr.6   “Me, too.  We wrote our own show -- Thursday Night Live!”  -Allison Cane, Gr. 7

Hoff-BarthelsonMusicSchool: Scarsdale, hb@hbms.org  or (914) 723 1169

Music Conservatory of Westchester: White Plains, musicconservatory.org or (914) 761 3900

PelhamArtsCenter: Info@ pelhamartcenter.org or (914)-738-2525

Local CampFavorites

Ask the Concert Mistress

“Applause should be an emotional response to the music, rather than a regulated social duty.”

-Emanuel Ax

 Dear Concert Mistress,

I’m almost ashamed to admit that I don’t know much about classical music, and I don’t want to look uneducated, but…  When should I clap?

(Signed) Curious and Yellow

Dear Curious,

There’s nothing to be yellow about.  This is the number-one scary question!  No one wants to clap in the ‘wrong’ place.  But it's simpler than you may think, and quite logical on the whole.

At the beginning of the concert, the Concert Master or mistress will come onstage.  The audience claps as a welcome, and as a sign of appreciation to all the musicians.

After the orchestra or band tunes, the conductor (and possibly a soloist) will come onstage. Everyone claps to welcome them, too.  This is a good moment to make sure your program is open, so you can see the names of the pieces that will be played and their order.

Then everything settles down and the music begins.  Just listen and enjoy!  The audience doesn't usually applaud again until the end of the piece.  (Nor do they move around, use cell phones, crinkle candy wrappers or whisper loudly.  I know you didn’t ask about that, but just thought I’d throw it in.)

In most classical concerts, unlike jazz or pop, the audience does not applaud during the music, but waits until the end of each piece.  This can be a little tricky.  Many pieces seem to end several times because they have several parts, or ‘movements’.  These are listed in your program.

In general, musicians and your fellow listeners prefer not to hear applause during the pauses between these movements, so they can concentrate on the progress from one movement to the next.  Symphonies and concertos have a momentum that builds from the beginning to the end, through all their movements, and applause can ‘break the mood’, especially when a movement ends quietly.  Sometimes, though, the audience just can't restrain itself, and you'll hear a smattering of applause - or a lot of it - during the pause before the next movement.  It's perfectly OK to join in if you enjoyed the music, too.  (By the way, disregard anyone who shushes you for applauding between movements:  It's only in the last 50 years or so that audiences stopped applauding between movements, so you have music history on your side!)

What if you lose track, and aren't sure whether the piece is truly over?  One clue is to watch the conductor.  Usually, s/he won't relax between movements, but keep hands raised; and the attention of the musicians will remain on the conductor.  If in any doubt, it's always safe to wait and follow what the rest of the audience does.

At the end of the piece, it's time to let yourself go and let the musicians know how you felt about their playing.  Many pieces end "big", and you won't have any doubt of what to do when.  Some end very quietly, and then you'll see the conductor keep hands raised for a few seconds at the end, to ‘hold the mood’.  Then the hands will drop, someone will clap or yell ‘Bravo!’ and that's your cue.  There's no need to restrain yourself.  If you enjoyed what you heard, you can yell ‘Bravo!’ too.  And I hope you do.

-The Concert Mistress

What is a Concert Master?

The Concert Master or Mistress is the leader of the first violin section of a symphony orchestra.  Any violin solo in an orchestral work is played by the Concert Master (except in the case of a concerto, in which case guest soloists may be heard).  The Concert Master makes decisions regarding bowing and other technical details of violin playing for the violins, and sometimes all of the string players; and is in charge of leading the orchestra in tuning before concerts and rehearsals and other technical aspects of orchestra management.

The Concert Master in a standard wind band is the first-chair clarinet, and leads the ensemble's tuning. The first-chair clarinet Concert Master will, in common practice, play all solos for their instrument.  In the absence of a clarinet, such as a jazz band or big band, the first trumpet player will lead.  Often the lead flautist will receive similar responsibilities to the clarinet concertmaster, depending on several factors such as age, skill and time spent in the ensemble.