How Still Is Your Neighborhood?

Ants scurry on topsoil under a grass canopy. White blood cells attack an unwanted virus. Dust forms a cobweb. A cloud evaporates to nothing.

Machinations occur all around, every instant - without a thought, nod or query from anyone.

I have similar musings when I shut off my studio's lights for the evening and head home.

At any given moment, several dozen students may be practicing at home, refining their skills or preparing for a performance, like unseen cogs in machines.

I imagine my students all over the village and surrounding areas, their combined noise like a factory's din during the Industrial Revolution, producing a myriad of metallic and thumping reverberations; the machines unsynchronized.

Figuratively, a chaotic wall of noise from which order and victory eventually will arise.

But - have you heard even the tiniest peep?
 

The Gears Of Learning Are Turning

The finishing touches are almost in place for the second Wondersound Recital Series concert on March 9. Performances will include saxophone, violin, piano, guitar and, of course, percussion.

For the percussionists, first up will be Jackson Schambow, 1st grade, playing some wicked grooves and fills from his study book. Even at his young age, Jackson brings it! He'll be followed by Gracie Vraney, 5th grade, performing the snare drum solo, "Tongue Twister." The song incorporates intriguing rhythm variations, as the title suggests.

Brandon Lucas, 5th grade, will perform a tasty drum set solo from his lesson material. Smoooth grooves. Next up is a Wondersound recital first: Henry Schuelke, 6th grade, will play a marimba solo accompanied by his dad, Jeff, on piano. Based on their rehearsal, they sound awesome together!

Morgan Banaszak, 6th grade, will play a marimba solo called "The Bullfighter," which is reminiscent of Spanish bullfighting music. After this percussion performance, Noelle Brasch, 7th grade, will play a beautiful four-mallet marimba composition, "Bourree in A Minor," by J.S. Bach.

Andrew Roberts, 8th grade, will play a snappy snare drum solo, "Give The Drummer Some." It includes some funky snare drum rim and head work. Soon after, Jory Vance, 8th grade, will perform a complex, three-part snare solo composed by renowned percussionist Garwood Whaley.

Jacob Roberts, junior, will play an incredibly challenging solo, J.S. Bach's "Violin Concerto in A Minor" - as adapted for xylophone. Many, many scale runs and fast rhythmic patterns mark the beauty within the composition. Following this fine performance will be Shawn Durkin, senior, performing a complex, articulate drum set solo, "Men In Black." Four-way limb independence is a must to pull this rocker off.

Solo and Ensemble Competition

Around this time every year, young musicians participate in Solo and Ensemble Competition. Most school districts offer this event as part of the school band program. Read more about the competition here.

The competition for the schools listed below will be held on March 16.

Again, several of my students are entered. These, listed below, will be performing a Class A rated composition, the highest difficulty level possible.

Nickolas Fricano, junior, Hamilton High School: parade drum duet, "Risky Business." Nicholas' duet partner is a senior.

Jory Vance, 8th grade, Longfellow Middle School: three selected snare solos from Garwood Whaley's recital book (played as three movments, performance March 2nd).

Jacob Roberts, junior, Menomonee Falls High School: xylophone solo, "Bach's Concerto in A Minor," and timpani solo, "Sonata."

Maryellen Pawley, sophmore, Falls: three selected snare solos from Garwood Whaley's recital book (played as three movments).

Charlie Paddock, sophmore, Falls: four-mallet marimba solo, "Suite Mexicana," and timpani solo, "Suite for Timpani."

Shawn Durkin, senior, Falls: drum set solo, "Men in Black."

Tanner Frey, 8th grade, Falls: marimba duet with sister Meredith, senior, "The Galloping Comedians."

Tony Thorn, freshman, Falls: timpani solo, "Sonata."

Thomas Kirchberger, 8th grade, Falls: three selected snare solos from Garwood Whaley's recital book (played as three movments).

Ryan Brasfield, sophmore, Falls: drum set solo, "Peart at Heart."

The Neighborhood's Not As Still As You Thought!

The list of Solo and Ensemble participants goes on and on, with some performing the less difficult "B" and "C" compositions. Even so, many of these performers are demonstrating excellent musicianship and technique. Keep in mind, I've written only about my percussion students. Musicians playing all the other band instrument categories will compete at the Solo and Ensemble program, as well!

Next year, you are sure to see many new names from my studio listed in the class "A" category, as they'll definitely be ready to make that jump.

"Machinations occur all around, every instant - without a thought, nod or query from anyone."

I'm so proud of my student participants for all of the unseen work they do - those whose names I've listed, as well as those I've not included this time around.

C'mon ... share in the pride! Send some encouragement to these fine young artists by commenting in the section right below this story. Thanks - they'll love it!!

"Break a leg," all!

Interested in percussion lessons? Or, just curious about my studio? Please contact me via my studio's Facebook page. You'll find much to explore - including all of my past blog posts. Hit the "like" button to let me know you've visited. Thanks - I appreciate you! 

My studio can also be followed on Twitter: @JimKubeDrums.