may 2012 band calendar

Internet Sites for Listening to Band Pieces

Finding band pieces can be a bit tricky if you don’t put in specific information. You can usually find something by putting in the title, arranger or composer, and the word “listen”. Whenever possible, I recommend using sites that demonstrate the piece such as JW Pepper and Stanton’s. Although these are sites that sell music, you do not have to pay anything to listen to the pieces. You don’t have to download anything either. If you go onto youtube, you may get a poor quality recording or a weak performance but if you dig, there are some good versions out there. Once you have found the pieces, add them to your favourites and it will take only seconds to find them next time. Enjoy playing along or just listen…it will help a lot!

Stanton’s Listening Lab

http://listeninglab.stantons.com/

Put in the title and composer or arranger in the search bar and if the piece is there, it will come right up.

J.W. Pepper

http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/welcome.jsp

Again, put the title and composer or arranger in the search bar. To make it faster, also check “band” from the product category drop down menu.

Sheet Music Plus

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com

This site doesn’t have as many listening links but is still worth a try. Make sure you put the title and composer/arranger or you may get a bunch of guitar or piano books.

Youtube

Check for words like “honour band” or “all star band” in the titles and that may bring you to a good quality performance. When you do your search, use the title and composer/arranger or you may get the wrong versions of the piece. Here’s a good one for

Cimarron Overture performed by an honour band.

Cimarron Overture (Jr. band)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvtwcghfEqQ&feature=related

Senior Band

The WEJ Senior Band is open to all grade 8 students willing to consistently attend rehearsals and to practice their music regularly. Grade 7’s who demonstrate a high level of playing and who are members of the Jr. Band will be invited to join the Sr. Band throughout the year. The Senior Band trip to Toronto will take place during the first week of June.

Junior Band

The WEJ Junior Band is open to all grade 7 students. Grade 8’s who are new to their instrument are also encouraged to join. Grade 8’s are invited to become “peer tutors”, attending all rehearsals and leading sectionals.

Jazz Band

Members of the Senior Band will be invited to join the Jazz Band. This high-level ensemble consists of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums. Auditions may be held if there are too many players for the positions available.

Small Ensembles

Various small groups will be formed throughout the year. These will include the Percussion Ensemble led by Mr. David Cronkite. Rehearsals will take place during nutrition breaks.