Monday, April 26, 2010

Weekly Instrumental Update

Dear Instrumental Music Community,

Congratulations to all of the music ensembles for their recent successes in concerts.

The jazz groups performed at the fourth annual Jazzapolluza, on April 7th in the Jazz (Alumni) Lounge. Many thanks to all who were in attendance for making this event a success once again by sharing your food and great enthusiasm for jazz education.

The very next week on April 15th, the classical ensembles held their Spring Concert. The program that night featured lighter selections as well as some standard repertoire for band and orchestra. All the bands and the orchestra performed beautifully as the seniors were honored in their last concert at RB. This concert is sure to be remembered for years to come.

Last week, on April 21st the jazz ensemble was once again invited to open up for the world renowned Rob Parton Jazz Band at Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn IL. The Jazz Ensemble played for a standing room only crowd; many thanks to all in attendance for your loud cheers and encouragement!

Friday, the Marching Band performed at this year’s second spirit assembly. The band adds so much to these assemblies, thank you so much for your contributions to our school spirit!
On Sunday April 25th the Jazz Band was invited to open up for the Shout Section Big Band, the band of which Mr. Baum is a member. They too had a sold out crowd cheering them on as they played their high energy set! Thank you to all who came out in support!

Looking forward, Thursday night the Noodles and Company in LaGrange will be hosting a fundraiser for our band to purchase new marching band uniforms. Please bring the whole family out, 25% of the proceeds will be donated to the marching band! thank to Laura Passero for all of her efforts in setting this up!

Also on Thursday night, after everyone has gotten their noodles, those who are attending the bi-annual instrumental music trip will be having a meeting in the band room at 7:30 PM to discuss details of the trip to Cleveland. Please be sure to attend so that all of your questions can be answered.

Any senior interested in auditioning for the opportunity to perform at Senior Awards Night should prepare their selection for May 11th at 3:15 in the band room.

Chris Halline, Alex Krug, and Lee Tang were all featured in recitals this past weekend. Chris and Alex performed violin solos at the First Congregational Church of Western Springs for as part of their violin school’s senior recital. Lee played a Chopin Nocturne for his private lessons studio; he was also generous enough to share his music with the cadet band on Monday, thank you! Great job to all three!

Congratulations to Molly Chaney who was awarded first chair bass in the Blue Lake international Orchestra. This orchestra will provide Molly with the opportunity to tour through Europe for three weeks this summer!

As always, please keep us informed of all your musical achievements so that we may celebrate as a community.

Sincerely,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan
baumj@rbhs208.org mcolgank@rbhs208.org

Saturday, April 24, 2010

RBHS Choirs perform





Chamber Choir and Madrigals Visit Feeder Schools
The two advanced choirs of RBHS had a great day of touring and performing on Friday, April 23. They visited Komarek School and S.E. Gross Middle School. They performed concerts at both schools and were very well received. The junior high students were especially thrilled with the performance of "Don't Stop Believing" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water". The RB students were especially thrilled with the bus ride and their super deluxe annual luncheon at "Old Country Buffet"!

Madrigals Vocal Jazz Concert
The RBHS Madrigals a.k.a. "Vocal Jazz Ensemble" performed a concert of jazz standards on Tuesday, April 20. In addition to their usual ensemble work, many of the students performed solos and small ensembles of their own. The students learned wonderful songs like "I've Got the World on A String", "Cry Me A River", and "Agua de Beber". The Alumni Lounge was filled with parents, students and friends who enjoyed the concert as well as the wonderful refreshments!


Visitors from Minnesota!

The Concert Choir of Bertha-Hewitt High School visited RB on April 8. They were on a choir trip to Chicago and we made arrangements to have a "choir exchange" during their visit. We enjoyed hearing their repertoire and they enjoyed hearing the Madrigals perform.