UIL 2013

It is now the day after UIL Concert/Sight Reading 2013 for the Dulles Middle School Bands.  Both bands performed well and represented themselves with class and musicianship.

As a musician/artist it is always a challenge to create a work and then display/perform that work in public.  It is a particularly anxious experience when you know you will be judged by other professionals.  The most rewarding part of being a musician is sharing your enthusiasm for music with those you care about.  By far, it is easy to say that this year's groups have no issues sharing their joy of music and band.  The fresh passion they bring to learning to play continues to fuel my passion for teaching and improving.  As many before me have said, the teachers learn best from their students.  Thank you to the students of the Dulles Middle School Band program for teaching me on a daily basis new ways to think and feel.

Although it may seem as though our journey for this year is beginning to come to an end, it is not.  We will continue to refine our skills and competition music for the many upcoming performances.  Most importantly we will share our passion for music.  We will end strong and continue a legacy of excellence.

Congratulations on an exciting UIL 2013.

Post Spring Break 2013....

As we begin the end of the 2012-2013 school year, I am reminded daily how great a place Dulles Middle School is to work.  We had a great Solo/Ensemble contest in February.  Our Beginning Band classes are further along than any year prior, and just recently the competing bands performed stunningly at the FBISD Festival.  More importantly, while Mr. Slusser was out on paternity leave, the students and parents of the DMS Bands stepped up like never before.  Thank you to everyone who continues to support our band program and its students.  2012-2013 Bands are definitely leaving a strong legacy of duty, honor, and stick-to-itness.

We have many upcoming performances.  I know many musical memories will be made at each one.  I wake up with a renewed vigor each day thanks to the enthusiasm and passion the students and families bring to our program.  Be on the lookout for more regular Blog updates....

2012 Wrap Up....Onto 2013!

Hello Blog Readers!

To those that find this post - what are you doing?!  You bunch of band nerds :)  I'll quickly summarize our time after the 2012 Gobble, Gobble....

Record number of DMS Band students made the Region 13 All Region Band.  Christy Pham represented us well as 1st chair Clarinet!  The Honor Band went on a fun filled day of elementary concerts and Gatti-town hi jinx.  The entire band gathered to celebrate a successful fall fundraiser and all the bands performed some fun Holiday Concerts for friends, family, and community at the end of December.  In the mix of all of that we had Eddie Green and Dr. Gary Garner work with our band students.  Not only two incredible musician/mentors but THE pioneers of band in Texas - true legends. It was a wonderful close to a great 1st semester.

The holiday break was much needed after such a busy 1st semester.  We have all returned for the spring semester.  Solo/Ensemble is upon us in another week.  We have already had another visit from Mr. Green and We were very happy to welcome back Ms. Cindy Lansford from the DFW area to work with students for two days.  Visits from such mentors continually reminds me of how fortunate I am to do what I do and to know the folks I know.  Dulles Middle School Band is a unique place - I am truly grateful.

After our Solo/Ensemble Contest, we will move our focus to UIL for the competing bands.  Both groups have begun preparation of the music.  We are really challenging the students this year and know they will surpass our expectations...

It's always a great day to be a Viking!