Volume 39, No. 1

In this issue:

5th grade: tips for success
Middle school honors and updates
AHS marching season recap, jazz band events

Ames 5th Grade Bands

Band Demonstrations, Outdoor Tryouts, and Choosing Instruments!

Mrs. Todey and Mrs. Hauber visited all five elementary schools during the first few weeks of school to conduct instrument demonstrations for Ames fifth-grade students. Following the demonstrations, students completed a Google form to select their two favorite instruments. The following week, students had the opportunity to meet with Mrs. Hauber and Mrs. Todey outdoors to try out their selected instruments.

We were fortunate to have beautiful weather all week! It was wonderful to see the excitement as students encouraged each other while trying the instruments. Students were able to determine which instrument they produced the best sound on before making their final choice. This approach has proven to be highly effective in helping students achieve a good sound early in their lessons, leading to a successful and positive start to learning an instrument. Small group band lessons began in late September, followed by large group rehearsals in mid-October. We're excited for a fantastic year of making music!

Spring Elementary Band and Orchestra Concert Dates are set!

Fellows, Meeker, and Sawyer Band and Orchestra Concert

Monday, April 14th, 7:00 pm at Ames Middle School Auditorium

Edwards and Mitchell Band and Orchestra Concert

Tuesday, April 15th, 7:00 pm at Ames Middle School Auditorium

Tips to Help Your 5th Grade Band Student Succeed

The success of the band is directly related to the individual progress that is made by each student in the group. We would like to thank the students, parents, classroom teachers, and the administration for their continuous support of the instrumental music program. We would like to offer some helpful suggestions for you to continue to provide support to your student.

Your student's success on their chosen instrument is of great importance to them, to you the parent/guardian, and to us the instructors. At each lesson, your student writes what material to practice on their assignment journal (found in the band binder). We realize that many outside factors cause home practice to become a struggle at times. To make practice as productive and positive as possible, we would like to give you some helpful suggestions based on our experiences, first as students and then as teachers. We hope that the following suggestions will help you to help your student at home.

Provide your child with as good an instrument as possible. Help find a safe place to keep the instrument in your home.
Provide your child with a music stand. It will promote good posture and proper breath control.
Set aside a consistent, regular time and place in your home for practice. We recommend setting a goal of 15-20 minutes of practice daily (100-120 minutes of practice each week). Arrange the practice schedule free from interruptions by television, outdoor play, and family members.
Try using the online lesson book to help your student practice more effectively. Information regarding this online resource can be found inside the back cover of your student’s Tradition of Excellence lesson book.
Show an interest in your child's practice and study. Be generous in your praise and encouragement. Occasionally reward them for consistent practice. Encourage them to perform a five-minute recital for you! (Every time you listen, they will be better than the last time!)
Help your student to remember their instrument and music on lesson days. Emphasize punctuality and faithful attendance at lessons, rehearsals, and concerts. If there is a late start due to inclement weather, we WILL have lessons during the day, so students will need their instrument and music.
Expose your child to a broad variety of music and concerts. There are many classical, jazz, dance, and musical programs at C.Y. Stephens Auditorium. Our Ames5thband.org website has some great performances to check out too! Explore the list of professional musicians listed in the front of your student’s band binder.
Attend music concerts at Ames Middle School, Ames High School, and Iowa State University. The public school and college musicians at our schools in Ames can be great role models. ISU students perform several recitals and concerts at the Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall throughout the year. Ames Town & Gown concerts are free to all students K-12 (and free to university students with ID) - check out the concert schedule at www.amestownandgown.org.

Through our combined efforts, we feel that your student has an excellent chance to succeed on their instrument and enjoy many rewarding musical and social experiences!

Tascha Hauber
tascha.hauber@ames.k12.ia.us

Cheryl Todey
cheryl.todey@ames.k12.ia.us

Ames5thBand.org

November Band Checklist

With everyone in the routines of the school year, November is a great time to take stock of a few band-related items.

Does your student’s instrument have a name tag? A basic luggage tag works great. Also, music stores will often hand out free name tags.
Do you know your student’s instrument serial number? Should the need arise, this is the best way to positively identify your property.

Does your clarinet or sax player have enough reeds? Do they need an upgrade in quality or strength?
Does your student need a mouthpiece upgrade? If your student is 7th grade or above and still playing on a beginner mouthpiece, it’s probably time to upgrade, especially for clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. Check out the AMS mouthpiece upgrade page.
Looking to go deeper? There’s nothing like taking private lessons to move to the next musical level. Your student’s instructor can recommend an excellent private teacher for your student.
Is your child's progress being limited by the quality of instrument they are currently using? Could an instrument upgrade spark a renewed interest in music? After 4-5 years in band, an instrument upgrade is definitely something to consider. Benefits include improved tone quality, additional keys and range of notes, and ease of playing.

Ames Middle School Bands

7th grade SCIBA honorees (L-R): Janelle Allman, Joceyln West, Samual Yao, George Logan

8th grade SCIBA honorees (seated, L-R): Rhea Rudrapatna, Sean Ashlock, Muyao Wu, Sophie Song; (standing) Masha Kovnir, Jonathan Payton, Alec O'Bryan, Lucas Dressler, Lyza Britten

SCIBA honors AMS students

On Tuesday, November 5th, thirteen Ames Middle School band students will participate in the South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association (SCIBA) Middle School Honor Band Festival at Ankeny Centennial High School. This annual event features students from over seventy school districts. During the day, students will rehearse with guest conductors, culminating in an evening concert.

Seventh-grade students are recommended by their individual instructors and then selected by a SCIBA committee. To ensure balanced instrumentation within each band, a limited number of students from each school are chosen. Representing AMS are Jocelyn West (clarinet), George Logan (trombone), Janelle Allman (baritone), and Samuel Yao (percussion).

Eighth-grade students are selected through live auditions, which took place in Waukee on Tuesday, October 1st. Those selected from AMS include Rhea Rudrapatna (flute), Sophie Song (flute), Muyao Wu (oboe), Lyza Britten (alto sax), Sean Ashlock (tenor sax), Masha Kovnir (trumpet), Jonathan Payton (trumpet), Lucas Dressler (trombone), and Alec O'Bryan (tuba).

Additionally, Rhea Rudrapatna, Jonathan Payton, Lucas Dressler, and Alec O’Bryan earned first or second chair on their instruments, securing their spots in the All-Iowa 8th Grade Honor Band, which will perform in May.

Congratulations to all AMS students selected for the SCIBA Honor Band Festival!

Sights from AMS Rehearsals

8th Grade Pep Band

Thank you for your support

For the third year, Blaze Pizza hosted AMS Band Fundraiser nights. Thank you to all who came out to support the band by enjoying some tasty food! AMS Bands will conduct a second fundraiser in February as ButterBraids make their return. These initiatives support the band by enabling instrument purchases and opportunities beyond our regular rehearsals and concerts.

8th grade band members give an early performance

On October 16, the 8th Grade Band A had the honor of hosting visitors from Ames' sister city, Koshu City, Japan. The band gave an informal performance of "...and Goodnight" by Chris Bernotas. Though performing ahead of schedule posed a challenge, the students rose to the occasion and played beautifully. A few of the visitors shared that they are also members of their school band. When asked about their rehearsal routine, they explained that they practice together for two hours every day after school.

8th graders travel to jazz workshop

AMS participated for the second time in the Middle School Jazz Combo Workshop. The event is sponsored by Jazz Educators of Iowa and hosted at Waukee Middle School. Three Ames eighth grade musicians were selected to participate: Hendrix Baumgartner (tenor sax), Archer Dean (bass), and Malachi Warren (drums). The students met for one hour of group instruction on their instrument, then were grouped in combos for the rest of the afternoon. The event culminated with an informal concert featuring each of the combos.

Upcoming AMS Band Performances

Thursday, November 14, 7pm - 7th and 8th grade Concert Bands

Thursday, December 12, 7pm - 6th grade Band, Orchestra, and Choir

For more info, including the complete AMS Band performance calendar, visit AMSbands.org

Ames High School Bands

AHS Marching Band Takes the Field

The Ames High School Marching Band had an incredible fall season, performing at all four home football games. The 10-12 grade band was joined by 9th grade band members for two of the games and the Homecoming parade. The combined 9-12 grade band capped off the season with a performance at the Marching Band Spectacular in the Harrison Barnes Gymnasium on October 21.

This year's repertoire featured music by iconic artists such as Kansas, Shakira, Madonna, The Jackson 5, and Stevie Wonder. The band also showcased drumline cadences, chants, and Ames High Loyalty.

The band was fortunate to enjoy an unusually warm fall, ideal for both rehearsals and performances. A big thank you to everyone who donated water—much needed during those busy performances! Special thanks to the Band Boosters and parent volunteers who helped with uniforms and logistics on Friday nights. Your support is greatly appreciated!

We also extend our gratitude to Leslie Pease, Jeremy Allman, Destri Andorf, and Grant Olsen for capturing so many wonderful photos and videos throughout the marching season, preserving these memories for our students and their families.

Ames High School Band Welcomes New Director

The Ames High School Band welcomed Mr. Levi Dressler as a new assistant band director at the start of the school year. Mr. Dressler began his teaching career at Grinnell Middle School, where he taught 5th and 6th grade bands for seven years. He then moved to Grinnell High School, where he spent the last fourteen years teaching.

This fall at Ames High, Mr. Dressler has assisted with the 10-12 grade marching band, led the 9th grade marching band, taught lessons, directed Jazz 1, and managed the instrument inventory. With the conclusion of marching season, he has now taken on directing the Concert Band.

Mr. Dressler shared, “I am extremely excited to be part of the Ames High band program. I have really enjoyed the first couple of months and appreciate how welcoming Ames students, parents, and colleagues have been.”

AHS Jazz Bands Laying Down the Grooves

The Ames High Jazz Bands are off to a great start this school year. Jazz 1 began rehearsals in early September, while Jazz 2 started in mid-October. Both ensembles are looking forward to a full schedule of performances, including competitions and home concerts. Additionally, Jazz 1 will perform at Noce in Des Moines in mid-November.

Iowa Jazz Educator to Share Expertise with AHS Jazz Bands

On November 16, Wayne Page, a well-known and sought-after jazz clinician, educator, and performer in the state of Iowa, will provide clinics for both Jazz 1 and Jazz 2. Page will provide each jazz band with an hour and a half clinic that will help both the students and directors improve on jazz concepts and prepare for upcoming performances.

Jazz Performance Dates (dates with asterisk are for both Jazz 1 & Jazz 2)

Nov. 13 - Jazz 1 Performance at Noce - Des Moines - Night
*Nov. 16 - Jazz Clinic w/ Wayne Page - AHS - 9:00 a.m. - Noon
*Dec. 2 - Jazz Band Concert - Performing Arts Center - 6:00 p.m.
*Dec 14 - SCIBA Jazz Festival - Waukee High School - All Day
Jan. 17 - Triton Jazz Festival - Ft. Dodge – Daytime
*Feb. 13 - Jazz Encounters Concert - Performing Arts Center - 7:30 p.m.
*Feb. 15 - Southeast Polk Jazz Festival - SEP High School - All Day

AHS Musicians Earn Selection to Iowa All-State Ensembles

On October 26, thirty Ames High School band students traveled to Indianola High School to audition for All-State. Students selected will participate in the annual All-State Music Festival, held as part of the Iowa Music Educators Association conference at Iowa State University in Ames, from November 21-23. All students dedicated many hours of hard work preparing for the auditions.

Congratulations to the following students who were accepted into the 2024 Iowa All-State Band and Orchestra!

Carissa Andorf - Clarinet 1

Evan Buller - Trumpet 1

Bowen Flemming - Alto Saxophone (Alternate)

Sophia Kyveryga - Bassoon (Orchestra)

Claire Lu - Alto Saxophone 2

Helen Mao - Percussion (Orchestra)

Danylo Palasyuk - Alto Saxophone 2

Nathan Poag - Alto Saxophone 1

Sunney Que - Clarinet 2

Matthias Roettger - Clarinet 2

Noah Shin - Clarinet 3

Anika Shrotriya - Oboe (Orchestra)

Elias Thompson - Trombone (Orchestra)

Zane Wickencamp - Trombone 2

Mingzhe Wu - Clarinet 1

Sarah Yao - Percussion (Alternate)

For more on the Ames High Bands, including the full performance calendar, visit AmesBands.org.

Ames Band Staff

Andrew Buttermore, Ames High School

Levi Dressler, Ames High School

Tascha Hauber, Ames Elementary

Paul Tallman, Ames Middle School, 7th grade

Peter Thompson, Ames Middle School, 8th grade

Conner Tipping, Ames Middle School and Ames High School

Cheryl Todey, Ames Elementary

Report abuse