Ames Bands News - Spring 2023

Spring 2023

Volume 37, No. 2

In this issue:

Fifth Grade Band concert and final rehearsals info, moving on to 6th grade
Middle School Band: Outstanding administrator award, ensemble fest, jazz recap, spring concert
High School Band: Jazz band recap, Pep band, SCIBA, Band clinic, and more

Fifth grade band members combine for year-end concerts

As we begin to wrap up a successful year, it’s time to make arrangements for our year-end concerts. As we have done in the past, the five elementary school bands will combine into two larger bands that perform at the concert. The concerts will take place in the Ames Middle School Auditorium. Please bring family and friends to support your student in this important event.

Concert Attire
Students should wear nice clothes for the concert. Clothes that are appropriate for a wedding or religious service would be good for the concert. Please avoid sweats, shorts, and tennis shoes. Since we’ll be up on a stage, we suggest dress pants, long skirts, or long dresses.

Fellows and Meeker Combined Concert

Monday, April 17th at Ames Middle School Auditorium

Please drop off your student at 6:20pm

Concert begins at 7:00pm

Edwards, Mitchell, and Sawyer Combined Concert

Tuesday, April 18th at Ames Middle School Auditorium

Please drop off your student at 6:20pm

Concert begins at 7:00pm

Why should I be in 6th Grade Band?

1. Students have learned so much this year! In 6th grade they will continue to learn and build upon the skills needed to become independent musicians and responsible young adults. These are skills they can use their entire life.

2. There are more performance opportunities: two large band concerts and the chance to prepare and perform with a small group for Ensemble Festival.

3. FRIENDS! An instant social network for the transition to a new school. These are the friends that will continue to be in band together through their senior year of high school (and maybe beyond).

4. Opportunities to play exciting music in a large band. Better musicians can play more interesting music.

5. Be a part of a team where you NEVER sit on the bench! Every single musician is equally important. Band is the largest group project your student will be a part of.

6. The Ames Middle School band staff (Conner Tipping, Paul Tallman, and Peter Thompson) are top notch! They are amazing teachers and lots of fun, too.

Summer Band Lessons

Summer is a great time to keep playing your instrument! Find some fun music to play or work to get ahead in your lesson book. Get together with a friend to play duets or create your own music or band. Private lessons are a great way to excel on your instrument.

Contact your band teacher if you are interested in a list of private teachers.

Iowa Bandmasters names AMS principal as outstanding administrator

Each year the Iowa Bandmasters Association recognizes administrators who exhibit leadership traits that support the growth and success of band programs, students, directors, and school communities.

We are excited to announce that AMS lead principal Mr. Yonas Michael has been awarded the IBA 2023 Outstanding Administrator Award (Elementary/Middle School). Mr. Michael was nominated by the AMS band directors with an additional reference from associate principal Nicole Coronado.

“Mr. Michael is a leader who steadfastly supports teachers and students on a personal level. He frequently shares remarks that encourage and affirm us,” band directors wrote in their nomination letter. “We are assured that he always has our backs. He challenges us to meet the highest standards and supports us in our efforts.”

Ms. Coronado spoke of how Mr. Michael collaborates and takes the time to understand needs. “When Mr. Michael decided to change the master schedule, he made sure the band directors had a seat at the table when making scheduling decisions. The scheduling team found a way for students to have their lessons during an intervention period of the day, ensuring they have routine small group instruction without missing core instruction.”

While we will be sad to see him leave after this current school year, we are extremely grateful for the dedication Mr. Michael has shown to our band program, school, and community. Congratulations, Mr. Michael!

6th Grade Band performs FUNdamentals concert

For many years in February, the 6th grade band has performed for their classmates in a special concert held during the school day. This “FUNdamentals” Concert gives our students the chance to learn music in a number of different styles, including electronic music, movie themes, and classic rock and roll. Selections this year included "Cyberspace" (a piece for band and electronics), "Beauty and the Beast," and "Rock Around the Clock." Congratulations to our students on a successful performance!

7th & 8th Grade Concert Band Clinic

On Wednesday, April 19, Mr. Rich Thimmesch, former band director in the Ankeny School District, will visit AMS to work with the 7th and 8th grade concert bands. This clinic provides a clear goal for the bands to work towards as we prepare for our concert on May 4th. Mr. Thimmesch currently plays in the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble and is a member of the board. He has years of teaching experience and knowledge to share, and we look forward to having him work with our students.

Jazz Clinic and a successful year for AMS Jazz Bands

On Tuesday, January 10, Ames Middle School 7th and 8th grade jazz band members performed for parents and received clinician feedback. Guest clinicians included Mary Crandell and Deb Dunn, two band directors from Waukee Middle School, who specialize in jazz instruction. The clinicians shared helpful tips on articulation and worked specifically with the rhythm section. This was an opportunity for students to perform and receive feedback and instruction, both as a group and in like-instrument sectionals. Each section of the jazz band received instruction from an Iowa State University student. This experience was a chance for students to work intensely on their jazz music and receive several different suggestions for improvement. The clinicians had many good things to say about the AMS jazz students’ performances. The clinicians were also a great resource, sharing ideas that could be implemented in the future.

AMS Jazz Concert

On Wednesday, April 5, the AMS jazz bands performed on the 7/8 Jazz Bands & Select Choir Concert. This was the final concert for the 7th and 8th grade jazz bands for the year. Both ensembles prepared a variety of repertoire and featured several student soloists. This performance was a culmination of the work both ensembles did to gain a better understanding of different jazz styles and skills needed to be more successful improvisers.

AMS students named to Middles & Music Honor Band

7th grade honor band members (above) Khloe Graham, Danylo Palasyuk, and Nolan Castleberry.

The following students were chosen to attend the Middles and Music Honor Band, hosted by South Hamilton High School in Jewell. Seventh grade students selected: Nolan Castleberry, trumpet; Khloe Graham, clarinet; Zoey Johnson, horn; Grace Lake, flute; and Danylo Palasyuk, alto sax. Eighth grade students selected: Leah Geisinger, flute; and Lucy Stegemöller, horn; The honor band was to take place on Saturday, January 28th. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to inclement weather.

7th grade honor band members (below): Grace Lake and Zoey Johnson; and 8th grade honor band members (right): Lucy Stegemöller and Leah Geisinger.

AMS Spring Band Concert

On Thursday, May 4, the AMS Bands will present their Spring Concert at 7pm in the AMS Auditorium. Admission is $5 for adults (max of $10 per family), and students are admitted for free. This concert will feature the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade concert bands and give everyone the chance to hear how our students progress from year to year. We are looking forward to a phenomenal night of music!

How to prepare for next fall

As 6th graders work toward next year, the most important thing for continued improvement is to simply keep playing your instrument. The more days you play, the more you will improve by building your range and endurance. This will help support your ability to play with better tone quality, and you’ll feel more confident on your instrument - which leads to greater levels of enjoyment!

If you really want to make the best use of your practice time, play through the components on your instrument’s assignment page. This would include your instrument routine, major scales, chromatic scale and music from your lesson book. Practicing consistently throughout the summer will maintain your skills, so you will be prepared for the fall.

For 8th graders going into high school, preparation for marching band is key. Watch for an email from AHS with the marching band music. You may also need to obtain a lyre for holding your music as you march. Any practicing you do over the summer will help you feel more confident as you begin fall band rehearsals.

Sights from AMS Band Ensemble Festival

Photo credits: Susanne Johnson, Rebecca Reisinger, Dave Rogotzke

Ames Bands welcome ISU student teacher

Hello, my name is Kyle Grossnickle. I am a senior in music education at Iowa State University and a student teacher at Ames High School and Ames Middle School. I am a bass trombonist and have performed at the International Trombone Festival, and I’m an alum of the Cyclone Marching Band. I am preparing to be a music educator, and all the music staff at Ames has been incredibly helpful to my growth. I am thankful to learn from fantastic teachers and students in the Ames school district.

Ames High Jazz 1 & 2 recap

This winter, both jazz bands at Ames High traveled throughout central Iowa to compete at competitions as well as Des Moines venues. On January 13th, Jazz 1 traveled to Ft. Dodge for the Triton Jazz Festival, where they placed 2nd out of 11 bands. On February 11th, both jazz bands traveled to Southeast Polk High School for the SEP Jazz Festival. Both bands had an extremely successful day with Jazz 2 placing 2nd along with receiving outstanding saxophone, trombone, and trumpet section awards. Jazz 1 placed 1st along with receiving outstanding saxophone and trombone section awards. Jazz 1 finished out their regular season with a performance at Noce Jazz Club in Des Moines. The band played during the Des Moines Big Band's intermission and got to hear some incredible music.

For the second time in school history, Jazz 1 was selected as a wildcard band to perform at the Iowa Jazz Championships. The competition was on April 4th and the band played at 8:00 AM. They also were able to hear some of the top bands in the state at the end of the day. Congratulations to both bands on a successful season!

Ten AHS students earn positions in SCIBA Honor Band

Ten AHS band students successfully auditioned for positions in the 2023 South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association Honor Band. Auditions were held on Thursday, December 1 at Roosevelt High School. The students rehearsed at Ankeny High School on Saturday, January 7, with a festival concert that evening. The guest directors for the honor band were Ms. Carrie Backman & Ms. Cathryn Leibinger. The following Ames High students were selected:

9-10 Band

Anika Shrotriya – Oboe – 2nd Chair

Steven Huang – Clarinet – 1st Chair

Laura Chen - Clarinet - 5th Chair

Elio Viatori - Alto Saxophone - 2nd Chair

Elias Thompson - Trombone - 2nd Chair

Helen Mao - Percussion - 3rd Chair

Sarah Yao - Percussion - 6th Chair

Christian Gallt - Percussion - 7th Chair

11-12 Band

Lindy Chen - Oboe - 1st Chair

Emily Kibbe - French Horn - 1st Chair

AHS concert bands clinic day with college professor

On April 19, Dr. Cory Near from Luther College will come and work with all three concert bands at Ames High. Dr. Near will have sixty minutes to work with each band on the music they will perform for their spring concert.

To read more about Dr. Near, click here.

Students celebrate hard work at Solo/Ensemble Contest

The high school Band, Orchestra and Vocal Departments participated in the Solo/ Ensemble Contest on Saturday, March 4, at Ames High School. A special commendation to each student who prepared music for the contest and who improved their own personal performance skills. The following students/groups received Division I (Superior), Division II (Excellent), and Division III (Good). No Division IV or V ratings were earned.

Division I (Superior) Ratings

Ensembles: Symphonic Band Percussion Ensemble, Clarinet Choir

Saxophone Quartet: Nathan Poag, Bowen Flemming, Elio Viatori & David Kaminski

Saxophone Duet: Nathan Poag & Bowen Flemming

Alto Sax Solo: Nathan Poag, Bowen Flemming & Maxim Kovalenko

Flute Solo: Rebekah Buchwald

Flute Duet: Jenny Park & Kritika Sharma

Oboe Solo: Anika Shrotriya

Bassoon Solo: Sophia Kyveryga

Clarinet Duet: Laura Chen & Claire Wang

Clarinet Quartet: Hannah Song, Carissa Andorf, Brianna Byrne & Mick Wu

Clarinet Solo: Josie Mowrer, Brianna Byrne, Hannah Song, Mick Wu, Carissa Andorf

Horn Solo: Anleah Walker & Emily Kibbe

Horn Duet: Anleah Walker & Emily Kibbe

Trombone Solo: Allie Enyart

Tuba Solo: Johanna Sulc

Snare Solo: Sawyer Chopskie & Sarah Yao

Snare/Tenor Duet: Cody Brink & Tommy Chinery
Marimba Solo: Sawyer Chopskie, Helen Mao & Sarah Yao

Division II (Excellent) Ratings

Flute Solo: Lauren Risdal

Clarinet Solo: Karina Scott & Matthias Roettger

Trumpet Solo: Evan Buller & Ivy Almquist

Trombone Solo: Abby Johnson

Low Brass Trio: Allie Enyart, David Hauber & Jared Hutson

Snare Solo: Erik Anderson

Snare Duet: Eliza & Zachary Loecke

Marimba Solo: Solomon Strosahl

Division III (Good) Ratings

Flute Solo: Kade Robinson

Flute Duet: Isabel Smelser & Helena Appau

Flute Quartet: Jenny Park, Kritika Sharma, Siri Amuluru & Lauren Risdal
Clarinet Solo: Linnea Abele

Pep Band cheers on AHS basketball teams

The 2022-2023 AHS Pep Band had a full schedule this season, with appearances at several home basketball games and the Boys State Tournament. A wide variety of up-tempo, spirited music makes this a popular organization at Ames High. Thanks to the students for their efforts!

(Photo credit: Akshay Sarda)

Piccolo/Flute: Alina Markutsya, David Lee, Mary Greenfield, Mia Suzuki, Lindy Chen, Jesse Yates, Julia Bennett

Clarinet: Josie Mowrer, Brianna Byrne, Karina Scott, Lily Lupardus, Bryce Sorenson, Abi Stearns

Alto Sax: Maxim Kovalenko, Garrett Galvin

Trumpet: Evan Buller, Kate Reisinger, Maggie Webber, Will Geisler, Caleb Sheldon, James Haila, Noah Gaar, Lucas Haila

Mellophone: Jessie Ask, Emily Kibbe, Micaela Sulc

Trombone: Allie Enyart, Elias Thompson, Lyra Hascall, Will Williams, Logan Simmons, Connor Johnson, Jackson Reiter, Abigail Johnson, Elijah Sheldon, Caleb Vis, Aidan Krueger

Baritone: David Hauber

Sousaphone: Jared Hutson, Johanna Sulc, Miles Peterson, Torin Chinery, Cade Taylor, Caleb Dierks

Electric Bass: Sawyer Chopskie

Drum Set: Cody Brink, Davison Juhnke

Concert bands prepare for their final performances

The Ames High Concert Bands are working hard, preparing for their final concerts of the year. The Spring Concert will be held on Monday, May 1 at 6:30 at the Ames High Performing Arts Center. The Pops Concert, which will feature the Band, Choir & Orchestra will be on May 22 at 6:30 PM in the Harrison Barnes Gymnasium at Ames High. Come on out and support all these students' hard work! (Photo credit: Akshay Sarda)

Students, continue your musical growth this summer!

Click here for a list of summer music camp opportunities.

Marching Band Camp Dates

August Drumline Workshop – Tuesday, August 8; Thursday, August 10; & Friday, August 11: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Leadership Meeting – Wednesday, August 9: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Marching Band Workshop – Monday-Friday, August 14-18: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Ames Band Staff

Andrew Buttermore, Ames High School

Nick Gardner, 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

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