Saturday, August 14, 2010

Early Bird Jazz Band - 2010-2011 Sign-up General Information

Early Bird Jazz Band 2010-2011
Rob Birdwell, Music Director
http://earlybirdjazz.birdwellmusic.com/

General Information for the 2010-2011 Early Bird Jazz Band Season

Early Bird Jazz Band is a before-school music enrichment program open to students who meet the basic Musicianship Requirements (see below).  Rob Birdwell is the music director for the class - this year will mark his 8th season leading and directing this music program.  For more about Rob, visit BirdwellMusic.com.

Start Date:  Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 7:45am, Linus Pauling Middle School Band Room


Monthly Student Tuition:  $30 per month


Musicianship Requirements: One year (or equivalent) playing their primary instrument; some ability to read music; some experience playing in an organized group (band, orchestra, choir, rock band, private or self-study, etc.).

When and Where We Meet: Wednesday and Friday mornings, 7:45am to 8:45am - Linus Pauling Middle School Band Room.

Who Can Join?
Interested musicians should meet the basic Musicianship Requirements (see above).  Home-schooled students and students from other area middle schools are also welcome to play in the band.
Primary Instrumentation:

  • Trumpet, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trombone/Baritone/Euphonium/Tuba
  • Guitar, Bass*, Piano*, Drums*

Students playing or doubling on other instruments can and are encouraged to play them in the Early Bird Jazz Band - including: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Violin, Viola, Cello, French Horn, Mallets. However there will be times when the student needs to transpose an existing part for their instrument.

When we have multiple Pianists, Bassists, and/or Drummers parents will need to ensure their student has their own instrument to play in class as well as their own amp/cables, etc..  (There is only one drum set and one piano in the band room.  The bass amp can handle two players at once.)

Performances:  We will play at least two concerts during the year for parents, family and friends (Winter and Spring).  Additionally, we will play at the NAMS Jazz Festival (scheduled for Saturday January 29, 2011) and the LPMS 8th Grade Celebration (June 2011).  We will also perform a couple “Cafeteria Jams” during the year (at our regular morning time) for students, staff and family.
Scholarships:  For those who qualify, a limited number of reduced tuition or tuition scholarships are available.  Sibling discounts are also available.

For more information, contact Rob Birdwell