Wexler Grant Band
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the 2018-2019 Wexler Grant Band, the talented and enthusiastic group of young artists who musically represent grades 5-8 of Wexler Grant! We have a lot of musical talent here at Wexler, and my job is to harness and enhance it by providing dynamic instrumental lessons, rehearsals, and concerts with our students. My name is Jeff Jones. In addition to leading instrumental-music instruction at Wexler-Grant, I also teach at Truman School and at the University of Bridgeport. But let me provide you with a brief overview of our band program here at Wexler... This in-school, free program offers instruction in flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion (percussion = drums, bells, cymbals, etc.). I provide weekly group lessons and/or band rehearsals, divided into groups by student instrument and experience level. We perform for the public multiple times a year, sometimes in our auditorium, sometimes out and about. We also enjoy a thriving partnership with the Yale School of Music's Music-In-Schools Initiative. Through this partnership, students can take part in district-wide ensembles and events (band, choral, and strings), as well as enjoy the benefits of Yale's Teaching Artist program. Last year, flute Teaching Artist Helen Park began working with our flute students, and trumpet Teaching Artist Chloe Swindler began working with our brass (trumpet and trombone) students. Helen and Chloe were both graduate students at Yale and had so much to offer our Wexler students on their instruments. Our flute and brass students took part in 1-on-1 and small-group lessons with them. This year, I am happy to announce Chloe's return, and we are all awaiting the exciting news of the other Teaching Artists that will join us. These young professionals are so valuable to what we do, and we are honored by the work they are doing to build relationships with our student musicians. "S.T.E.P.S." Pep Rally A brand new musical ensemble has begun here featuring our talented 7th- and 8th-grade percussionists. Introducing...the Wexler Grant Drumline! The Drumline made its debut in our gymnasium on Tuesday, September 4th at our beginning-of-the-year pep rally, and they were fantastic! I'm very proud of them. They helped the school get excited to take S.T.E.P.S. toward success (Safe, Taught, Engaged, Prepared, Supportive), and they did so in an upbeat, fun-filled way! Check out the great pictures our new Art teacher, Ms. LeQuire, snapped! They will have their second performance about a month after their first. Please see the announcement below... NEW HAVEN COLUMBUS DAY PARADE, Sunday, Oct 7, 2018 The Wexler Grant Drumline, along with the Wexler Dancers (led by our brand new general-music teacher, Ms. Jaminda Blackmon) marched the streets of New Haven in the Columbus Day Parade on October 7th, and they were absolutely awesome! These students performed so well, representing Wexler in a very positive light. The mayors of New Haven and surrounding towns, NHPS Superintendent Dr. Carol D. Birks, and other distinguished panel guests applauded our kids enthusiastically, and I couldn't be prouder! Stay tuned for future performances, and please enjoy some photos taken by myself, Wexler Music Teacher Jaminda Blackmon, Wexler Special Education Teacher Dianne Stewart, and Wexler Art Teacher Rebecca LeQuire. I look forward to having an excellent year with our students and families! Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions, comments, or concerns. I'll answer all email in a timely fashion - [email protected] Sincerely, Jeff Jones Teacher of Instrumental Music Wexler-Grant Community School |
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