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Follow the link below to view the Elementary Band Perform at the Relay for Life
http://southseneca.com/davis.htm
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South Seneca Fifth Grade Band Members Learn from the Experts
The South Seneca Fifth Grade Band students enjoyed
the couple’s generosity during master classes held at the elementary
school by both of these great musicians.
On June 2, a very hot and humid day, the
fifth grade band members split into two groups to enjoy time with Ms.
Campbell, a flutist and Mr. Unland, a tuba player.
The woodwind students enjoyed hearing Ms.
Campbell demonstrate world class flute playing and were able to ask many
questions about her career in music. Ms. Campbell had written several
easy arrangements of pieces the students already knew.
The students were able to play
Dona Nobis Pacem and
Beauty and the Beast
with Ms. Campbell as they learned the fine art of chamber music.
Mr. Unland performed his tuba for the brass and
percussion students and explained how brass instruments are simply long
metal tubes with mouthpieces attached.
Mr. Unland brought several lengths of
plastic tubing which he was able to “play” by attaching his mouthpiece.
He distributed the tubes to students
allowing them to experiment with trying to make a good sound.
Mr. Unland also brought music he had
arranged for the students to play together on their band instruments.
The students had a great time and the two
artists have committed to returning to the elementary school for another
session very soon. |
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Lions, Tigers & Bears, Oh My and A Lot of Talent!
Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My! The elementary gym was transformed into a
jungle paradise complete with plants, greenery, African art and décor.
All 92 elementary band students wowed the audience as well as several middle
and high school students from the South Seneca Middle-High School.
After a warm welcome by mistress of ceremonies, Brenda Eastman dressed as an
explorer on an African safari, the South Seneca Elementary Jazz Band
presented an enthusiastic version of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" led by
director, Rebecca Root Davis. The Elementary Swing Chorus performed "Hakuna
Matata" directed by Diane Dersch. Every fourth and fifth grade band
student performed in small groups and the fifth grade band presented the
grand finale in a performance of "African Portrait", a medley of authentic
African songs. The band musicians counted to ten in Swahili in this
final tribute to Africa.
The African decorations were beautifully created by a committee chaired by
Paul McPherson. A life-sized cardboard elephant created by Joan Hendrix
greeted the very enthusiastic audience. With the assistance of the new
elementary art teacher, Sara Whiting, every fourth and fifth grade student
created a colorful African mask and all were hung on the gym walls during
the presentation. The South Seneca Elementary Band students worked
diligently to perform beautifully for the hundreds of audience members.
Every band family baked a dessert and the coffee, tea and the dessert
committee, chaired by Nancy Snyder did an admirable job of preparing and
serving the refreshments throughout the Coffee House. Many products
were donated by area businesses in order to ensure the success of the event.
Thank you to all who donated! And thank you to the raffle committee
chaired by Patti Waid.
The Coffee House was originated eight years ago to raise money for musical
instruments to be loaned on a yearly basis to children whose parents do not
have enough money to purchase or rent an instrument. More than 85% of the
fourth and fifth grade students participate in the band program at the
elementary school, thus many instruments are needed. This year's
Coffee House raised over $2050! Becky Davis, Elementary band teacher
and producer of the Coffee House believes “that every child who is
interested deserves the chance to participate in band, and thanks to the
diligent efforts of the many devoted and determined parents and guardians of
our South Seneca Elementary Band students, every child will!” |
A Tuba Christmas Video
Music Highlights
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Area Tuba and Baritone Students Receive Exciting Christmas Gift Bright and early in the morning of Saturday, December 19 eight students from the South Seneca Central School District boarded a school bus to take them to the ultimate tuba/baritone experience: the 36th annual Tuba Christmas Celebration in Rochester! More than 250 tuba and baritone players from all over New York State participated in the event. The youngest player was 8 years old and the oldest was over 90. The students from South Seneca came from one of the farthest away locations in order to attend. One person came from California! After a two hour rehearsal at Hochstein Music School, the performers were all ready for the well attended concert. So many people attended that some had to stand in the back of the hall to listen to and sing along with the concert of Christmas carols. A standing ovation by the audience rewarded the hard working musicians for their efforts. South Seneca students attending Tuba Christmas were Dylan Stiles, Jordan Arnold, Shayla Coyle, Brett Wright, Connor Austin, Dillon Stevens, Dakota Dawson and Shane Wilkins. Mrs. Rebecca Root Davis accompanied the students on the trip and even performed on her tuba alongside her students.
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