Ames 5th Grade Band has a new website

We are very excited to announce that 5th grade band has a new website! Check it out! It includes:

• Information about instrument recommendations and supplies needed

• Instrument cleaning and care guidelines (including what the CDC says about your instrument and the coronavirus)

• Practice guidelines, access to Smart Music and links to find music online to play

• Music Advocacy articles and videos to educate on the many benefits of playing an instrument

• Music performances-some of the best performances for each instrument and various ensembles and genres

• Music theory and games to learn while having some fun

• The best part is that this is only the beginning. We will continue to add and improve what is available on the website.

http://ames5thband.org/

Why should I be in 6th Grade Band?

1. Students will continue to learn the skills needed to become independent musicians, skills they can use their entire life.

2. More performance opportunities: two concerts and the chance to prepare and present a small group performance for ensemble festival.

3. An instant social network for the transition to a new school.

4. The opportunity to play exciting music in a large band.

5. Be a part of a team where you NEVER sit on the bench!

6. The Ames Middle School band staff (Peter Thompson, Paul Tallman, and Ron Ferneau) is top notch!

6th Grade Bands combine for Fun Concert

This year, we tried something new for our 6th and 7th grade concert bands. Because of the challenges that come with having really large bands (a wonderful problem to have!), we split them into two separate groups. Doing so created the opportunity for higher performing groups, where each student’s contribution mattered more.

However, it’s still fun to play in a really large group, so in February, the 6th grade bands combined to perform a concert for their peers. We packed nearly 160 musicians on stage for the performance, which was the culmination of our “FUNdamentals” unit.

The finale tune was a special arrangement of “Second Line Blues” with "We Got That Fire." Second Line is a style of music, as well as a cultural phenomenon in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Second line parades feature a brass band, joined by everyone in the community following behind, dancing and celebrating. AMS 6th grade students learned about what second line means within the New Orleans culture, as well as new rhythms, some basic improvisation, and call and response.

How to prepare for next fall

As 6th graders prepare for next year, the most important thing is to simply play your instrument. Any music will help you improve.

If you really want to make the best use of your practice time, play your instrument’s warmup routine every day. Then, learn the C, F, and G major scales, and chromatic scale for your instrument.

For musical concepts, check what you know in this activity sheet.

7th graders preparing for next year can continue to use the resources on the lesson assignment pages when they play their instrument. Practicing several days per week will help you maintain the skills on your instrument.

Smartmusic will be free to use until June 30. Click here to get more information about signing up for SmartMusic, finding songs and using the program.

Outstanding Winter Season for AHS Jazz Bands

The jazz bands at AHS had a successful season this winter competing in several festivals. Jazz 1 placed 8th in their class and Jazz 2 placed 3rd in their class at the South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association Jazz Festival on December 14. Both bands participated at the Southeast Polk Jazz Festival on February 15 and ended up having a successful day. Jazz 1 placed 3rd in their class and Jazz 2 placed 1st in their class. This festival was a great opportunity for students to listen and engage with other bands as well as participate in master classes from professional jazz musicians from around the Des Moines area. The final performance for both bands was the Jazz Encounters Concert on February 20. Congratulations on a great season!

AHS musicians earn selection to SCIBA Honor Bands

Twelve AHS band students successfully auditioned for positions in the 2019-20 South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association Honor Band. Auditions were held on Thursday, December 5 at Des Moines Roosevelt. The selected students were supposed to rehearse at Ankeny High School on Saturday, January 11 and perform in a festival concert that evening. Unfortunately, due to weather, the event had to be cancelled. The guest directors for the honor band were Mr. Chris Sharp and Dr. John LaCongnata. The following Ames High students were selected:

2019-2020 Pep Band personnel

Concert Band attends the All-Iowa Concert Band Festival

On February 18 the Concert Band was able to travel to Gilbert for the All-Iowa Concert Band Festival. This is the third year that the event has been held and the first time that the Concert Band has participated. The day consists of a performance for comments from three outstanding clinicians, a clinic following the performance, and an opportunity to listen to other bands from around the state.

Ames Band Staff

Andrew Buttermore, Ames High School

Chris Ewan, Ames High School

Ron Ferneau, Ames Middle School

Nick Gardner, Ames High School

Tascha Hauber, Ames Elementary

Paul Tallman, Ames Middle School

Peter Thompson, Ames Middle School

Cheryl Todey, Ames Elementary