Notes from the Music Staff April 2012

CUMBERLAND VALLEY SC HOOL DISTRICT

Through the Eyes of a Student

Rysa Thomas, Good Hope 8th Grade Student

One of the of it. Because the best students County Band also helped me happiest times in a person’s of each instrument were cho- to stay in balance. Basically in life is when they’re per- sen, there were a lot of people band, your goal is to sound forming. With the adrena- in my section. I learned to lis- down to the lowest sound in Thoughts from line pulsing through your ten and blend in with them. the band. If the lowest instru- Silver Spring veins you become worried This made me a much better ment is playing quietly, you Students: you’ll make a mistake, yet musician because not only did I have to play quietly. If you somehow you don’t! This learn what it was like to hear can hear the low sound, you’re year’s inaugural Middle my part all around me, I also in balance. I was so used to Music lets me express School Band Festival gave learned how to tune with them. only having me in my section , myself however I so I usually had to play louder me the same feeling. When Our conductor, Dr. William want. to keep in balance. County I was sitting on stage and Stowman, spent the first part of Band helped me to sound ….Kayla Koch playing the music I worked rehearsal not talking to us. We down to the lowest sound in hard to master, I felt a feel- had to use our ears to figure out the band, and now I can be in ing of excitement. The our parts as he played his trum- balance in any band I play! The best thing is any- County Band concert was pet.. It seemed as though this one of the must fun per- one can do it (music). would be very tough, but I County Band was an experi- You can be 3 or 93. formances I’ve ever experi- came to realize that my ear was ence I’ll never forget. The mu- enced and I’ll probably a lot more developed than I sic was incredibly fun, I ….Sophia Samowski never forget it. thought. In fact, playing by ear learned so much and I couldn’t Performing was amazing also helps you play in the right have asked for a better guest I know that I’d never key. If your ear is developed conductor. Not to mention, our but working our way up to be me, if I never ven- the performance was of enough to hear accidentals and performance was amazing! I equal enjoyment. I learned mistakes in pieces, you can stay never thought I could learn so tured into musical so much and have become in the right key and fix wrong much in two days, and yet I fields of creativity. a better musician because notes. did! ….Libby Walker

Symphonic Winds Musicians Excel at Festivals Scott Ainscough Another thing that Symphonic Winds was well by Cumberland Valley High Finally, Amanda Ryan and changed since I started represented this year at School. In further honors, Jennifer Dibert were selected taking (music) lessons is PMEA District 7, Region V two senior members of the to play in a nationally audi- that now I have the and All-State Festivals, with ensemble, Amanda Ryan tioned performing group at courage to go up on 17 students representing CV and Andrew Loose, were Carnegie Hall in new York stage and play in front in the District Band. Addi- accepted to participate in City! Congratulations to all of of people. tionally, 18 students repre- the PMEA All-State Band in these outstanding musicians! sented CV at the inaugural Lancaster, PA the weekend ….Alex Brouse Cumberland County Band of April 19-21, 2012. Festival, which was hosted

Notes from the Music Staff

Shaull Shark Shenanigans Tracee Zygmunt We sing! We dance! We play! All collaboration also yielded tuals, the students wrote the while, we are learning coded lyrics, motions that their own blues poems that music, math, reading, litera- went along with their song, led to many creative and ture, history and science. props and drawn detailed amazing vocal performances maps. Each group per- of the 12-bar blues. Orff SPOTLIGHT ON 5TH GRADE formed their song for the instruments, Boomwhackers The fifth graders recently rest of the class while being and keyboards provided the studied the story and song filmed using a Zoom Digi- fun accompaniment of the “Follow the Drinking Gourd”, tal/Audio Recorder that was blues progression. As an a song that is encoded with a obtained through an Eagle extension of these lessons, a “map” to help slaves escape Foundation Learning Grant. live Dixieland Band com- using the Underground Rail- Upon viewing all perform- prised of local professional road. They engaged in a ance videos, the fifth grad- musicians came to Shaull to group project called Escape from ers wrote evaluations of all perform for the fifth graders. Shaull! That allowed them to group performances based Not only was this fun, but create their own “escape” song. upon the group rubrics. historically educational as Don’t worry, it was a hypotheti- well. Using the influence of the cal escape plan. Their group slave work songs and spiri-

Sporting Hill Spotlight Deana Teeter Did You Music plays an important role What made you want to You can also do it whenever in the lives of many of our stu- start playing the guitar? I’ve you want to . Music is a lot of Know? dents. In this Student Spotlight, always been interested in gui- fun too. Miranda Smoker, a 5th grader tar. My uncle plays the guitar Approxi- How does being involved at Sporting Hill Elementary, and I have seen him play. Also mately 500 with music influence your shares her thoughts on music. at my old church, they had a life? Well, you get to meet a Cumberland live band that played and the What music activities do you lot of new people . Also, it is Valley guitar player was really good. participate in at school? I am in really energetic so it lets me elementary I thought “wow, I want to be the 5th grade chorus, a Sporting get my energy out. I also like like that someday”. students are Hill Singer and I play the baritone how when you are sad it involved in in band. Why do you like participat- brings you up and makes you ing in these activities? They happy. the fifth grade What music activities do you are really fun. Also, you get band and participate in outside of school? If you could share one rea- to meet a lot of new people I have taken guitar lessons for 5 son to participate in music, fourth and through music. fifth grade years. Sometimes I play guitar and what would it be? I think it’s orchestra bells at church. I also participate in What is your favorite part just a fun thing to do in your musicals with the Carlisle Theatre about being a musician? I free time. You can get up and programs. Company. I have done that for 2 like that you can always ex- play your guitar. Sometimes, I years. press your feelings with music. go in my room and just sing.

How Do You Get To Carnegie Hall?

Congratulations to Amanda Students are selected North America. Amanda and Ryan, Jennifer Dibert and Victo- through teacher recommen- Jennifer performed with the ria Bateman for being selected dation and a recorded audi- Honors Band and Victorian to participate in the American tion. Participation is limited sang with the Honors Choir. High School Honors Perform- to the highest rated high ance Series at Carnegie Hall. school performers across

Page 2 Notes from the Music Staff ~ April 2012

Recorders: Not Just For Kids Amy Kerker It is a common misconception recorder, and I hope to have 1. Use only a “whisper” of that the recorder is a child’s shared that love with them. air, do not blow into the instrument– something stu- instrument! It is my policy that I do not let dents learn to play in school, my students take their school- 2. Press firmly with the flat and nothing more. Believe it issued recorder home for vari- part of the finger to or not, the recorder is an an- ous reasons. However, some cover the hole entirely. cient instrument that dates students have expressed an back to medieval times. Be- 3. Left hand on top-always! interest in practicing at home, fore the rise in popularity of which is something I strongly 4. Separate the notes by the transverse flute, the re- support! If you choose to pur- gently making a “t” or corder was a popular solo in- chase a recorder for your child, “d” sound with the strument that was played by it is best to purchase a quality tongue the most highly trained musi- instrument, which are avail- cians. Today, it is used in 5. The recorder is an instru- able at most music stores for schools, mostly the upper ele- ment, not a toy. Always less than $10. I also insist on mentary grades. Studying the treat it with care. good technique while practic- recorder allows students a ing. This allows the student to With these guidelines in greater understanding of music Did You be more successful. By using mind, hopefully your child theory as well as a chance to these guidelines, you can help will have you humming Know? develop their musicianship ensure your child is practicing along in no time! skills. As my students know, I District-wide, correctly. love playing and teaching the CV music ensembles Guitar Ensemble Provides Entertainment for Their Peers boast an The 2011-12 edition of the CV of the IMC’s Friday Coffee- Students enrolled as a member Guitar Ensemble marks its house. The group also will of this group receive one elec- approximate 2nd year of existence and be performing as a part of the tive credit per year of partici- total marked growth in its players’ annual CV District Arts Festi- pation and further their musi- abilities. This year’s ensem- val. The CVGE performs a cianship through their mem- membership ble features 17 CVHS students varied repertoire including bership. The Guitar Ensemble of 3,420 of many ability levels. The classic rock, classical, jazz, class is taught by David Porter. group rehearses every day latin, and bluegrass styles. student and has performed as a part musicians.

Eagle View Orchestras Excel in Skills Margeaux Sgrignoli Eagle View’s seventh and ful as we continue to grow The Eagle View Chamber Or- eight grade orchestra partici- as a group. chestra has also made strides pated in the Adams/ in string skills. Students sight The sixth grade orchestra Cumberland County Orches- read difficult music extremely has come a long way since tra Adjudication Festival on well. Fingers are getting much August! I am extremely April 13th. Held at New faster. The ensemble is di- proud of their perseverance Cumberland Middle School, verse in grade level as there as they learn new rhythms, the performance featured sev- are as many sixth graders as bowings, fingerings and eral area middle school or- eighth graders. It is a wonder- other techniques. Due to chestras. Eagle View students ful opportunity for students to their ambitious attitudes, the had the opportunity to listen play with others whom they students are playing chal- to other ensembles, perform would otherwise not see in lenging repertoire with tonal for them and be adjudicated rehearsals. and rhythmic accuracy as by a panel of judges. The well as musicality. judges’ feedback will be help-

Page 3 Notes from the Music Staff

To the Parents...Why General Music? Amanda Ainscough When I was in elementary instruments every week. They are all playing recorders. Buy school, I remember my general are learning so much and have two of them– one for each of music class consisting of sitting come to me very prepared with you– and a beginner book. desks and opening textbooks to musical experiences they must Duets can engender some “read” and “sing along”. Al- have picked up from home. serious quality time. Your most no one got excited for mu- child would love to teach you Still we need your help to rein- sic class, especially when com- what he/she already knows force their musical growth. pared with gym class! and to watch you practice How can you help your chil- and learn too! As a college student, my eyes dren? were opened to a musical world IF YOUR CHILD HAS AN IN- LISTEN TO MUSIC WITH THEM. where all grade school children TEREST IN PLAYING AN IN- Try to change up the genres. could learn to read, write and STRUMENT, CONTACT YOUR Tell them the history of the perform music using a variety MUSIC TEACHER. songs you love and the memo- of methods. Their energy and We all have a list of private ries behind them. One of my inhibition could be channeled lesson teachers and are more favorite things about music is into one of the deepest and than willing to help you find it’s conveyance of emotions. broadest art forms. This is why an outlet for your child’s crea- Music can teach us things, I chose to teach where and tivity and talents. change our minds, make us “MUSIC CAN what I do. think or tell our story for us in a SING,SING,SING. TEACH US Even with my less than active way we might not be able to Everyone can use his or her THINGS, early childhood musical experi- articulate. own instrument for FREE. ences, I managed to have a gift Encourage a healthy singing GO TO LIVE PERFORMANCES. CHANGE OUR in music. I attributed this gift to voice, especially for boys. We live in a culture of musical my mother who was never Never tell your child that MINDS, MAKE US perfection, where everything without a song playing in the someone can’t sing or that a can be altered for the perfect THINK OR TELL car, in the kitchen or in her person should not sing for mix or edit. Children need to head. Even in school, musical any reason. OUR STORY FOR understand what goes into pre- games still got passed around paring for a show and to hear Your children are getting lots US IN A WAY on the school bus and play- and see live music’s imperfec- of awesome musical experi- ground. WE MIGHT NOT tions. ences in school. Help them to At Cumberland Valley, students become an intelligent con- TRY LEARNING AN INSTRU- BE ABLE TO are privileged to have the sumer of the arts by MENT WITH THEM. means to become musically “practicing” music at home. ARTICULATE” The 3rd, 4th and 5th graders literate and to play and perform You will not regret it.

Meet the Orchestra Jennifer Anderson Since the spring of 1999, Cum- of the orchestra, and the job of experience many years ago berland Valley High School Or- the conductor. impacted their decision to chestra students have shared Over the past 13 years, hun- include music their knowledge and love for dreds of children have at- as part of their music with young children in a tended their first orchestra per- lives! The date fun and age-appropriate way. formance in CV’s own Per- for this year’s Each year, the High School Or- forming Arts Center. In fact, program is chestra program offers a Field several current High School May 14th. Trip experience, free of charge Orchestra students attended to area preschools and kinder- the program when they were gartens. The orchestra covers young! One can only hope topics such as the Instrument that their “meet the orchestra” Families, the varying sounds

Page 4 Notes from the Music Staff ~ April 2012

Marching Band Experiences Banner Year David Porter The CV Marching Band had its for the 2012 season. It isn’t too Membership is open to all most successful season to date late to join, either! HS students and select 8th in the fall of 2011! The band graders that already play or In an effort to recruit more stu- competed 7 times throughout wish to learn to play a dents, high school students will the season, placed 1st in their wind or percussion in- now receive academic credit for division at 6 of 7 competitions strument. Students may participating in marching band and even took home the also seek membership in either as an instrumentalist or award for High Woodwind our color guard section. member of the color guard. For score at the annual Atlantic These students learn to every season a student partici- Coast Championships in Her- dance, move and spin pates he/she will receive .25 shey, PA. The band also took flag, mock rifle and mock elective credit. Over 4 years home several other high score saber to contribute this adds up to 1 elective credit, awards at other competitions, greatly to the visual as- which could potentially allow a including High Music, High pect of the field produc- student to have an extra study Visual, High Color Guard, High tion. For more informa- all or take another course of Percussion and Best Color tion, please email the interest. Students just need to Guard across all divisions. It director, Mr. David Porter see their guidance counselor has truly been a banner year or visit the band’s web- and say “please add marching for the CVMB and we are al- site: band to my schedule.” ready in full preparation mode www.cvhs-band.org

Telling a Story With Music, Language and Art Jennifer Burkett The Gute Hoffnung Orchester play with specific articulations, Hunter’s Chorus when the (The Good Hope Eighth Grade dynamics, new positions and donkey meets an old hound Orchestra) demonstrates the keys. These classics are intri- by the side of the road. Soon strong connection between cately woven into the telling of the donkey and the hound are language learning and music. the famous Grimm’s fairy tale. met by the beautiful, mellow Frau Hoffman’s third year The re-telling of this classic is tones of Jonathan Burn’s vi- German students are invited shown on the auditorium’s ola as he represents an old to a reading of Die Bremer huge front screen with text cat who can no Stadtmusikanten (The Musi- written in German and narra- longer catch mice. cians of Bremen). Ms. McKin- tive art work. Added to the The plucking of Lau- ney’s eighth grade chorus sight and sound of the presen- ren Rohde’s violin students also attend due to tation is the dramatic reading, imitates the sound of a their strong interest in music performed more than read, by rooster as he pecks a tin roof- and the fact that they are of- Good Hope’s own Mrs. Ba- top. He joins the other three ten called upon to sing in for- boian. Mrs. Baboian’s ani- animals and together this eign languages. mated reading in German com- quartet travels to Bremen. bined with the mood of each Thirty-five eighth grade or- piece of music and a transla- At the end of the story, four chestra students fill the stage tion sheet, aid the audience in retired animals decide to steps of Good Hope’s audito- understanding the story. It is spend their last and best days rium playing music by the in many ways like attending making music. Rather than best Germany has to offer: an opera. being tossed away as old Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and useless, the musicians Wagner, Mozart, Strauss, Isabella Rivera plays her bass bring joy and delight to peo- Mahler and Handel. These slowly as an old donkey de- ple from all over the country- pieces come directly from cides to run away from home side. Their music lasts a life eighth grade method books in to become a town musician. time. which students are taught to A cellist, Eric Garpich, plays Page 5 Notes from the Music Staff

How Do Our Students Feel About Music Education? Caroline Ashby, Silver Spring Student Has music impacted my life? tion! As you probably have watch music related movies. Absolutely, in many good figured out music is every- That’s right movies! Some ways, both inside and outside where, from on the streets, people in our school love mu- of school. I’ll start outside of on your television, even in sic so much that they play in school. I play guitar and your heart! Music can be in band or orchestra. In band sometimes it is really hard, but your heart because of your and orchestra we can be with I will always love playing it imagination and your heat friends while playing music. because it is so much fun! I sounds like a drum beat. Look at that, a perfect combi- love how all instruments are Music is found in other nation of friends and music! so hard to play; it kinda gives places too! Like the rain, I hope I’ve shown you music you a challenge in your life! I when you snap, when birds is everywhere. Whether you would HATE it if somebody sing, when the wind is play an instrument, take a got rid of music! blowing and many other walk and listen to nature, or places! Another way music impacted if you just like it because you my life is say you are on vaca- Now let’s go to my school. can hear it on Youtube or tion, you hear a song, and My class has music about television, I’m pretty sure I then if you hear that song every week. In music class speak for all when I say again, it will bring your fun we sing songs, do vocal les- “Music Rocks!” memories back from that vaca- sons, and even sometimes

Concerts Feature CV’s Youngest Instrumental Musicians The highlight of the fifth grade The combined fifth grade Watch for the date of the Mu- instrumental music program is bands will have approxi- sic Assembly scheduled in the opportunity to perform in mately 220 members. your child’s building. You the Elementary Instrumental will receive a letter with this WATCH for Neil Ostrander will conduct Music Concert. This program date. This gives the fifth the fifth grade band with information will take place on Tuesday, grade students a chance to Alicia Shemon and Tracee from your June 5 at 7:00 PM in the Per- perform for their classmates. Zygmunt assisting. Lynn child’s music forming Arts Center of CV High More importantly, it is the Sten directs the orchestra School. All fifth grade string only performance opportunity teacher with Amanda Ainscough, students from all seven schools for students enrolled in the concerning Deana Teeter and Jennifer are combined to form one or- beginning fourth grade string Burkett assisting. the summer chestra of nearly 100 players. program. lesson program for Concert Band Hosts Guest Clinician David Porter students who The CV Concert Band is com- tion of the Sergei Rachman- the Concert Band auditioned play band or prised of students in grades 10- inoff piece, “Bogoroditse for and were accepted into string 12 that play a brass, woodwind Devo”. Dr Genevro visited the Symphonic Winds. They instruments! or percussion instrument. The us on a couple of occasions are: Meghan Glaviano (Flute), Concert Band performs three and provided valuable in- Michelle Angert (Clarinet), times annually, in a fall, winter, sight into how we could im- Jessie Takahashi (Alto Sax), and a spring concert. This year, porvie our performance of Mattingly Griffiths (Tenor the band was very excited tow the piece and our musician- Sax) and Tyler Rafferty rok with guest clinician, Dr. Brad- ship in genera1. (Trumpet). ley Genevro from Messiah Col- This year, five members of Congratulations! lege in rehearsing his transcrip-

Page 6 Notes from the Music Staff ~ April 2012

Good Hope Students Show Community Pride Christie McKinney Good Hope students have viewed the United States may render the military salute in been showing their school Code of Conduct, passed by the manner provided for indi- and community pride in the a Congressional Resolution viduals in uniform; and mornings at school. Students and signed by President C. All other persons present from across all three grades Herbert Hoover, detailing the should face the flag and have volunteered to sing the proper etiquette during the stand at attention with their National Anthem as part of singing of the National An- right hand over the heart, and the Star Spangled Citizen pro- them. Code 36, section 301 men not in uniform, if applica- ject. Each singer volunteers states: ble, should remove their head- for a specific morning, and DURING A RENDITION dress with their right hand and before the Pledge to the Flag, WHEN THE FLAG IS DIS- hold it at the left shoulder, the sings the National Anthem for PLAYED: hand being over the heart. all of Good Hope. Not only is it a way to encourage good A. Individuals in uniform WHEN THE FLAG IS NOT DIS- citizenship among our stu- should give the military sa- PLAYED: dents, it also provides an- lute at the first note of the Did You All present should face toward other musical outlet for these anthem and maintain that the music and act in the same Know? accomplished and brave sing- position until the last note: manner they would if the flag ers. There have been over 50 40 % of B. Members of the Armed were displayed. volunteer singers so far. Forces and veterans who are http://uscode.house.gov/ CVHS The entire school has re- present but not in uniform students are involved in some way Swing Along With CV’s Jazz Bands with Did you know there are three tween 3 & 5 times per season The band membership is open to curricular jazz bands at CV? The CVHS and Jazz Band III performs any CV student who auditions. music Jazz Bands each rehearse 2or 3 times. Performances With the exception of vocalists ensembles, once a week between 75 min- range in nature from school (Jazz I and Jazz II) no audition- utes and 2 hours each week. functions to community ing student will be cut. The pur- electives and “Jazz Band” season runs events to adjudication festi- pose for auditions is to find the extra- from December through the vals. Each band performs most appropriate band for each curricular end of the school year. Jazz music in a variety of styles student musician. The director of and music Band I performs approxi- including, swing, latin, bal- Jazz I & III is Mr. Scott Ainscough related mately 10 times each season. lads, standards, shuffle bleus, and the director of Jazz II is Mr. Jazz Band II performs be- funk and jazz rock. David Porter. activities.

“Sounds” Like Fun! - A Collaborative Project Joan Ostrander On April 17, the 3rd graders After the instruments were These children would then have extension into other subject at Hampden Elementary be- brought to school, our art the opportunity to write about areas. The children are able gan to discover the science teacher, Mrs. Kovach guided their original musical instru- to see the grown-ups’ exam- of sound and how it relates the children in creating vis- ments in computer class with ple that working together is to music. We visited centers ual representations of their Mr. Hemperly by creating a both productive and enjoy- to help us to draw some in- instruments using various Wiki. able. In addition, this kind teresting conclusions about media. of instruction helps the stu- There are so many benefits that music and sound. The stu- dents to see the joy in each In physical education with can be gained from a project dents were then asked to subject area, all the while Miss Clark, the children were like the one described here. Al- invent a musical instrument making connections that are placed in groups and asked though this could very well be a of their own at home using both natural and meaning- to create an “instrument” stand alone music project, the their creativity as well as ful. using their bodies as pieces students’ knowledge is broad- their newly acquired knowl- of the instrument itself. ened and enhanced through its edge. Page 7 CUMBERLAND VALLEY MUSIC DEPARTMENT

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Cumberland Valley Music Department is to encourage knowl- edge and appreciation of music, which engages the minds and enriches the lives of all students. Through active participation in a variety of musical experiences, students are encouraged to strive for musical excellence and to become life-long participants, intelligent consumers and active patrons and advocates for the arts.

We thank you for your support of Cumberland Valley Music Education and encourage you to continue to advocate for continued quality music programs for future generations of children.

Amanda Ryan Wins Concerto Competition

Recently, Amanda Ryan, clarinetist with the will perform her audition piece, Mozart’s CV HS Symphonic Winds, won the Concert Concerto for Clarinet with the Youth Sym- Competition through the Harrisburg Sym- phony during their Mother’s Day perform- phony Youth Orchestra. Amanda has per- ance on May 13th at Derry Township High formed with the Harrisburg Youth Orchestra School. Amanda plans to major in biology for the past two years. This year she is the in college and minor in music perform- principal clarinetist with the orchestra. She ance.

CONGRATULATIONS! The following students proudly represented CV at Music Festivals In 2012

PMEA DISTRICT 7 PMEA DISTRICT 7 PMEA DISTRICT 7 PMEA REGION V BAND CHORUS ORCHESTRA CHORUS Eden Klepper Susannah Woodruff Brian Chung Tim Lupia Amanda Ryan Victoria Bateman Nicholas Choi PMEA REGION IV-V Jennifer Dibert Samantha Lee Lauren Dalbey ORCHESTRA Shannon Weir Madrid Vinarski Da-Kyung Jung Teressa Chambers Tim Lupia Geneva Rowader Lauren Dalbey Andrew Loose Max Wright Meredith Schmehl Brian Chung Mike Kauffman Doug Nieweld Andrew Loose PMEA ALL-STATE BAND Curtis Balz Dalton Kern PMEA REGION V Alec Jones Andrew Loose PMEA DISTRICT 7 BAND Shayla Burnham Amanda Ryan JAZZ BAND Scott Breen Andrew Loose Aaron Keister Mike Kauffman Amanda Ryan Dalton Kern Lane Miller Curtis Balz Ian Mooney Kyle Rohde

Danny Tosiano

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