Juban Parc Jr High Band
Virtual Spring Concert
Thank you so much for coming to watch this virtual band concert! We have been working hard all year, and we are excited to have prepared some video recordings to share. Parents and guardians, please watch your child perform, and let them know that you're proud of them! I know we are all a little bummed that we weren't able to perform this concert live. Please don't let that keep you from celebrating your kid's hard work. I am very proud of all of my students, and they all deserve a HUGE pat on the back!
Things are looking up for next year, so our next performance will likely be live! Until then, please enjoy these videos of the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade band.
Our 8th graders voted on a Disney theme for this year's concert. We had a lot of fun working on this music, and I hope you enjoy watching these videos with your child.
Beginner Band
I am extremely proud of the work that these students have put in this year. They are well on their way to becoming outstanding musicians! In this video our beginner band performs Mickey Mouse March, the main theme from Star Wars, and The Lion Sleeps Tonight.
*These pieces will be conducted by Mr. Will (band director) and Ms. Prettelt (Student-teacher)
7th grade band
I have had an awesome time working with these 7th graders! I was really nervous starting the year, knowing that these students weren't able to have a full year of beginning band. They've all worked very hard to make up for lost time, and they did a great job learning this music. I believe that we are back on track, and ready to make great progress next year! In this video the 7th grade band performs The Bare Necessities, The Circle of Life, and The Avengers.
*These pieces will be conducted by Mr. Will (band director) and Ms. Prettelt (Student-teacher)
8th grade band
I am so thankful for this group of students. I know that it isn't easy to change band directors, and I want to thank this group for being so kind and understanding with me. There is a lot of talent in this group, and I'm looking forward to seeing many of these students perform with the DSHS band next year. In this video the 8th grade band performs Under the Sea, Colors of the Wind, and Friend Like Me.
*These pieces will be conducted by Mr. Will (band director) and Ms. Prettelt (Student-teacher)
8th Grade Awards
In a typical year, awards are passed out to 8th grade band members during the spring concert. This year, awards were given out during the school day. Please see images and descriptions below to learn more about the awards that were given out this year.
Asher D. holding his 8th Grade Musicianship Award.
This award is given out each year to one or two students who demonstrate amazing musical abilities daily. Asher has been great to work with this year. He always learns his parts quickly, and he adds musical details to what he does. He is a very talented kid!
Aidan H. holding his 8th Grade Musicianship Award
Aidan has impressed me every day since the school year started. He comes to class ready to get to work, and he never accepts anything less than superior performance. Aidan has served as an outstanding role model for his classmates, and he's taught me quite a bit too. His passion for music is inspiring, and I have no doubt that this guy is going places!
Halle H. holding her Bandsman of the Year Award
This award is given annually to a student who sets themselves apart as a strong musician and leader. Halle has been helping me every day since the school year started. When extra tutoring is needed, I know I can count on Halle to help her classmates. She is an outstanding musician, and a natural leader. I can't wait to see which company Halle is running in the future. She is bright, reliable, and very talented. I will really miss her next year!
Kaelani P. holding her Cassidy-Gilmore Award
This award is always given to a student who shows improvement throughout their time in the band program. Many musicians have the bad habit of becoming complacent. We practice until we can play our notes, and then we stop working. Kealani doesn't seem to have that problem at all. Every time I hear her I am impressed with her level of improvement. She just keeps getting better!
Gracie M. holding her Willis-Berthelot Award
Each year, this award is passed out to one or two students who constantly keep things positive and friendly. If this school year has taught us anything, it's that we have to let go of what we can't control, and choose to be happy and kind. I learned a lot from teaching Gracie this year. She is a great musician and an awesome person. Gracie, I really can't thank you enough for your positive attitude!
Levi R. holding his Willis-Berthelot Award
Simply put, Levi is the man. He comes in every day full of energy, ready to interact with his teacher and classmates in a positive way. Levi spent a good bit of time learning virtually this year. He didn't let that keep him from making an impression. This is why Levi was also given the Willis-Berthelot award. He doesn't sweat the small stuff, and he's a ton of fun to work with. 10/10 would teach again!
Amelia S holding her Battieste-Jarman-Verrett Award
Each year, this award is given out to a few students who play extremely well, and who do not demand a great deal of attention during class. Sometimes teachers get so busy "putting out fires" that quiet, well behaved students get overlooked.
I wanted to recognize Amelia with this award, because she is a very dedicated and reliable musician. She's the kind of musician who you can count on to get the job done. She doesn't talk about her skill, she just demonstrates it. I am really going to miss her next year!
Laura L holding her Battieste-Jarman-Verrett Award
Laura has also been given the Battieste-Jarman-Verrett Award. I'm not exaggerating when I say that 100% of the time, if I ask Laura to play her part, she plays it very well. Laura does not love to get attention, but her playing is just too good to ignore. I can't wait to see what wonderful things Laura accomplishes in the future!
Brooklyn C. holding her Battieste-Jarman-Verrett Award
Outstanding horn players are very hard to find. 8th graders who think like band directors are even harder to find. Brooklyn analyzes her music. She doesn't just want to do what I ask. She wants to understand why I asked in the first place. She often reads my mind, making adjustments to her playing before I'm able to ask. This is the mark of a future professional. Brooklyn is a great kid, and I'm very glad I had the opportunity to work with her this year.
4th Hour students holding their 8th Grade Awards
Every band member earns a trophy at the end of his or her 8th grade year. Trust me when I say, this year's 8th graders EARNED it! They have spent our year navigating around schedule changes, quarantines, cancelled performances, and even a new band director. These students rose to the occasion. This class is full of talented percussionists, and I'm very proud of the work that they've all put in. I am also very glad that so many of them are choosing to continue band in high school. I can't wait to see next year's drumline at DSHS!
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8th graders in 3rd hour holding their 8th Grade Awards
I wish these kids didn't have to grow up and go to high school. I've really enjoyed playing music with them each day. They have so many great questions, and so much potential. Thank yall for an awesome year!
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8th graders in 5th hour holding their 8th Grade Awards
I'm really going to miss my 6th hour next year. There is so much personality in this room, and so much talent too! These kids rarely sent me home without a funny story this year. Thank you all for working with me this year. I'll miss you next year!
Thank you!
I want to thank the JPJH faculty and staff for being so kind and welcoming, and for helping me keep the band on track throughout a very unique school year. I also want to thank parents and guardians for being flexible and patient throughout this year. Thank you for supporting your kids!
My student-teacher, Blakelynn Prettelt also deserves a huge thank you for all of her hard work this year. I was actually one of her band directors in Jr High, and I'm extremely proud of her. She has now graduated from LSU, and I'm sure she's going to be an outstanding band director. Thank you for all of your help this year!
Lastly, I want to say thank you to all of my students for an awesome school year!