2008/2009 Ellis Emerald Auditions!

Audition Clinic Week: August 12-15, 2008

Auditions: August 16, 2008

Visit the Ellis Emerald blog for more detailed information. (click here)

Attention all 1st year Band Students! (For 7th grade and 8th grade Beginners)

Just a reminder that Instrument purchase day is set for Tuesday, August 5, 2008 in the ZEJH Lunchroom at 6:00. Gadsden Music Company will be present with several options available for purchase of both new and used instruments. They also provide us with weekly service by coming to the ZEJH bandroom and performing needed repairs.

Bring your check book...they offer a rent-to-own payment plan that starts by paying the first months payment that night. There are also discounts available for those that would like to pay the full amount for their instrument on this night.

Supplies will also be available such as; reeds, oils, cleaning kits, folding stands, etc. Each Saxophone and clarinet player will be required to keep a box of reeds in his or her case. The brand of reeds you should purchase are Vandoren, strength 3.

The following are additional items that students will need to purchase:

• The book that we will use this year is Standard of Excellence (enhanced), book 1. If you have already purchased Essential Elements 2000 keep it and bring it to the first day of class to exchange it for the book we will be using.
• Clarinet and Saxophone players will need to purchase a Rovner Ligature. This would be a good night to do so, as well as a box of Vandoren Reeds.
• Brass players that did not purchase an instrument from Gadsden Music, should make sure that they have the correct mouthpiece. Instruments from Gadsden Music come equipped with the correct mouthpiece. (see Ms. Todd for assistance.)

As far as the band fee and uniform fee is concerned, this may be payed on this night or when school starts.

Please feel free to contact Ms. Todd with any question by clicking here or calling the ZEJH bandroom (315-5677).

Another Drum Corp Opportunity right here in Talladega!

We have been very fortunate this year to have two great opportunities very close and convenient for everyone. In June we were honored to host Spirit Drum and Bugle Corp on our campus for an entire week and on Sunday, July 28, 2008, the 6 time national champions, Santa Clara Vanguard will be on our campus for the day. If you would like to learn more about the corp before their arrival click here.

Santa Clara Vanguard will travel from a performance in Atalanta, GA on July 26, 2008, and will rehearse on our campus in preparation for the Drum Corp show scheduled at Jacksonville State University on Sunday, July 27, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. For more information about Drum Corp or for any scheduling and ticket information click here.

Times of arrival and depart for Santa Clara Vanguard will be announced as soon as we have the information available.

Have a Great 4th of July!!!

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.