Beginning of School Year    September 8, 2009

With the passing of Labor Day we are well into our school year.  We saw
all classes the first week of school, and it looks to be an excellent year.  We
were able to make some great progress on pieces for our first concert in
December, and I trust you will really enjoy what we will have to offer.

Over 130 students are performing in our high school instrumental program
this year. This fall will have a major Karl King/Richard Saucedo/Frank
Ticheli flavor for the concert bands.  I love all three of these composers
because they write strongly melodic music that the students enjoy.  King
 was director of the Fort Dodge, IA Municipal Band for 50 years.  He
 started in circus bands, and wrote many of the pieces that are so well
known in that idiom.  His music is direct – and exciting.  Both the Wind
Symphony and Symphony Band will be playing King marches this fall.
Richard Saucedo, a band director from Indiana, will be represented by
two pieces. These are “Theme and Tirade” (don’t you just LOVE that
name!) and “Pulsation.”  Saucedo is an excellent young composer who
writes great quality music.  In the past we have played his “Song and
Dance” and “Fanfare for the Third Planet.).”  

Frank Ticheli, another fine young composer, will have two of his pieces
performed.  These are “Abracadabra” (written for his son, who loves
magic tricks) and “American Elegy.”  The latter is a beautiful piece
written to commemorate the lives of the students and faculty who died
in the tragic massacre at Columbine, CO. in 1999.  One would think
that music on this subject matter would be depressing, but it isn’t.  This
is, instead, music of hope and affirmation.  

Last year was such a great one for us, and this year looks just as strong.
 ****************** On another subject… I have been honored to be
selected to conduct two festival groups this year.  First is the Southern
Maine Music Festival Jan. 22 and 23 at Noble High School.  I’ll be
conducting the jazz ensemble.  Since many of the state’s better jazz
ensembles are from this area, it should be a good band and a good time.
The next weekend is the Kennebec Valley Festival in Fairfield.  That
festival is the oldest in the state and has a great tradition.  I will be
working with the senior concert band.  I look at these opportunities as
a chance to spread the word about the Cape Elizabeth Music Department
to those around the state.  We are fortunate to have a program that is
strongly supported by the administration, guidance and the community.
The arts make Cape High School a special place to be.  Many of my
colleagues from around the state would love to change positions with us.
We are most appreciative of that support.