Early Bird Jazz Tunes

After 2017 I just became too busy to teach in the mornings.  Still, the music goes on and I continue teaching privately - and of course gigging, recording, writing songs, and composing/arranging!

I may re-start the program at some point in the future but for now my mornings are my own!

Meanwhile, if you have a jazz band and want access to some charts for young groups, checkout my offerings here:

https://www.birdwellmusic.com/articles/jazz-band-charts-for-high-school-and-middle-school/

Rob Birdwell

Mystery Way

Written for the Early Bird Jazz Band (2013 crew)

Read more about this track on Rob's home page!

Early Bird Jazz Band 2012-2013 Starts October 2

We'll start the 10th season of Early Bird Jazz Band (well, my 10th season at least) promptly at 8am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 in the Linus Pauling Middle School band room.

Things for students to bring:

• instrument & equipment (reeds, cables, sticks/brushes, tuner)
• a pencil

Note that rhythm section players (drums/bass/guitar/piano) should typically arrive by 7:45am to get setup.

I will be handing out new folders with sign-up materials that need to get home to parents and signed.

We probably will NOT meet on October 9 or 11 because I will be in CHINA for a gig that week!

I'm looking forward to a fun and musical year - I truly enjoy the opportunity to work with the EBJB students!

More information to come - the main things for you and your student to consider:

1. Have they played their instrument for about a year and are interested in additional playing/performing opportunities?  Definitely try out Early Bird Jazz Band!
2. #1 above is true but they attend a different middle school (or home school) and can get a ride with a parent or family member to their school:   Definitely try out Early Bird Jazz Band!
3. My student was in Early Bird Jazz Band last year and is a returning LPMS student:  Yes, see you soon in EBJB! 

As always, if you have any questions or comments, contact me!

Rob Birdwell

Valley Youth Summer Band Camp

The Valley Youth Summer Band Camp is a summer enrichment music "camp" right here in Corvallis. Middle and High School musicians are encouraged to register and participate - it's fun!

• 4 rehearsals in the evening
• 4 noon-time performances all in the Corvallis area!

For the latest information and registration details for the Valley Youth Band Camp, see the following links:

1. Valley Youth Summer Band Camp main page - contact Julie Duffy for more information
2. Music director Rob Birdwell's Valley Youth Band Camp page

Early Bird Jazz Band Spring Concert 2012

A FREE concert at Linus Pauling Middle School, featuring the Early Bird Jazz Band (music director Rob Birdwell).

Monday June 4, 7pm

Caravan as performed by Valaida Snow

More information about Valaida Snow and her life.

Early Bird Jazz Band 2011-2012

The Early Bird Jazz band will meet in the Linus Pauling Middle School Band Room every Tuesday and Thursday at 8am.  Our first session will begin Tuesday, October 4 (8am).  Please do your best to help your student arrive a few minutes early so that they are ready to play right around our class start time.

The fee is $30 per month (October through June) -  please pay by check monthly, quarterly or in full, to Rob Birdwell.   Scholarships are available for those who qualify - please contact me if you have questions.  I will be providing a variety of materials (music, studies, exercises).  Each student will have their own Early Bird Jazz folder, which will contain these materials and it is the student's responsibility to maintain the folder contents and bring their music to class.

It is the responsibility of the parent/family supply their student with a suitable instrument for Early Bird Jazz Band.  Standard instrumentation for this group is Trumpet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trombone, Piano, Bass, Guitar, Drums.  Other acceptable instruments may include Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Violin, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and Tuba, but students playing these instruments are encouraged to take up one of the other doubles (e.g., Tenor Sax, Bass).  Students who play Piano (portable keyboard), Bass/Guitar (with amps and cable) and Drums may need to bring and store their own equipment to the school in order to participate. There is currently only one piano and one drum set in the band room - taking turns is not a desirable strategy as this will limit the student’s ability to actively participate in class.

I look forward to working with your student and having a great year making music!

Rob Birdwell