Celebrate the 4th of July with Music!

BBQ, Fireworks and Music all come to mind with the upcoming holiday of July 4th. Several events to commemorate this event take place each year. One that I would like to recommend is the 4th of July concert presented by the Boston Pops and Keith Lockhart. This is an outstanding presentation that attracts millions. Below is a news announcement advertising the event.

Rascal Flatts will expand their sound when they join conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra on the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, a TV special airing July 4 on CBS. Rascal Flatts will perform several of their hits with the orchestra during the live telecast from the Charles River Esplanade in Boston. The special will be hosted by Craig Ferguson, the Scottish-born late night talk show host who became a U.S. citizen earlier this year. ... In related news, Jerry Lee Lewis, Huey Lewis & the News and American Idol winner Taylor Hicks are among those performing on the PBS special, A Capitol Fourth. Actor Jimmy Smits will host the program live from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The July 4 telecast will also feature Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell, classical vocalists Hayley Westenra and Harolyn Blackwell and the National Symphony Orchestra.

July 4th Broadcast Information is listed as 8:00 pm – Local broadcast on WBZ-TV and 10:00 pm – National broadcast on CBS Network . However, times tend to vary on region so check your local broadcasting schedule.

To learn more about Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops by click here.

Enjoy!

One Chapter Ends... Another Begins...

Formerly known as the 2007-2008 ZEJH 8th Grade Band, these young musicians recently finished their first week as the newest members of the 2008-2009 Talladega High School Band, by participating in Freshman Band Week. With enthusiasm, pride and a bit of nervousness these students forged ahead to the next goal at hand. We are very proud to say that they are stepping up to their next task with great accomplishments behind them and we wish them luck as they start a whole new musical experience with the THS Bands. We know you will do well and hope that you continue to do your best, as well as create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you would like to see more pictures from Freshman band week, please click here.

Marching Band!

It's 90 degrees outside, everyone is staying inside at all costs, and what do bands do? Get out there and march and play so that they can present an entertaining show for each and every football game and practice until its perfect enough to take it to competition. Most of the time this entails standing in a position, responding to instructions as you move from position to position and somehow playing at the same time, then doing it over and over again until you have as perfect as possible.

Have you ever wondered how all of those little dots get on the paper, or how you are told where to go. Is it magic? Here is an interesting website that gives you a small and fun glimpse into the production side of the Marching Band Show process. Click here

Here you can watch shows that other people created, as well as create your own show. Its a fun way to try your hand at creating a marching band show and going wherever your imagination leads!

Enjoy!

Come OUT and SEE!

Spirit Drum and Bugle Corp is as close as it will ever be, right here in Talladega, Alabama. Spirit will be at Talladega High School all week Sunday, June 1, 2008 - Saturday, June 7, 2008.

Anyone who would like to come by and watch rehearsal is welcome to come at any time. The schedule changes daily but is based off of the following.

Morning Rehearsal: Marching
Lunch Break: around noon
Afternoon: Music Sectionals/Marching Sectionals
Dinner: around 6:00 p.m
Full Ensemble

Ever Wonder.....

Ever wonder what other music students your age are doing? While you have a little down time this summer check out the website From the Top . This site has recordings of classical music played by students your age and yes... younger. Be sure to scroll across the blue banner to explore different areas such as; fun factoids, polls, awards etc.

Also, did you know each year there is a young composers project? We know that someone writes the music that we play, but has it ever occurred to you that it could be someone your very own age. You can find information regarding the young composers project here as well. If you would like to try your hand at composing some music yourself, you can download finale notepad for free.