The Impact of Covid-19 on Junior High and Middle School Band Programs

Introduction The purpose of this post will be to share data that I collected last fall from junior high/middle school band directors to examine recruitment and retention of students in band programs in the age of Covid-19. I have already shared the data from the survey completed with Elementary Band Directors.  Before presenting the questions, and data, I must stress […]

New Music for 2021-22

I hope the summer has been good to you, and you are approaching a sense of normalcy as your school year approaches. As you consider what your groups will study and perform this year, it is my pleasure to share several new works that may be of interest to you and your ensembles. There is a great deal of variety […]

As Moonlight Falls

I am delighted to share the recording of “As Moonlight Falls” (available from Wingert-Jones this summer). This lyric work has a lot to offer musically for developing tone, phrasing, and expression in young bands (Grade 2). I am especially proud of the beautiful moments within it, and it is certainly a change of pace for my writing at this level. […]

President’s Day, Washington, and Billings

President’s Day (as it became known in after the 1971 Uniform Monday Holiday Act) was first established in 1885 to recognize the birthday of the first President of the United States, George Washington (History.com editors, 2010). While the bill was being considered by Congress, it was proposed that Washington’s Birthday be renamed President’s Day as a way to pay tribute […]

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