December Newsletter Issue 3 Markham District High School What s Happening... Inside this issue: Rhythm of the Nations Commission Samuel Hazo Visits MDHS Elementary School Concerts Cold Cafeteria Concerts 3 Grade 9 Music Retreat Review Chapter s Night Gig Review Music Council Social 6 2 2 3 4-5 6 The Sounds of the Season It s that time of year again! The days are getting shorter and much colder but MDHS musicians are keeping their instruments warm in preparation for the annual Sounds of the Season winter concerts. Prepare yourself for two nights of musical festivities on December 3 rd and 4 th at 7:30 pm at Markham Theatre. On December 3 rd, enjoy the incredible musical talents of the Grade 9 Concert Band, Sisters of Song, Markham Music s small ensembles, the William Berczy Senior Band, Chamber Choir and the Grade 11 Wind Symphony. There will also be a special performance of Rhythm of the Nations by MDHS and William Berczy P.S. bands and choirs. On December 4 th, the Grade 10 Symphonic Band, Chamber Choir, Monday Morning Blues Band, Church Street Swing Machine, Third Stream and the Grade 12 Wind Symphony will be performing. Also included is a special performance of Hymn to Freedom by Oscar Peterson. Tickets are available through music classes at $12 each. Don t miss out on this wonderful festive event! Honk Your Horns for the Santa Claus Parade 6 Important Dates: The Sounds of the Season - December 3rd and 4th Elementary Schools Concert - December 16th
Page 2 Issue 3 Rhythm of the Nations Commission The MDHS Family of Schools had a great opportunity this school year to commission Mr. David Marlatt, a Canadian composer, a new piece of music that greatly reflects the cultural diversity of the Town of Markham. Mr. David Marlatt is a well known composer in the area of Toronto, arranging over 800 pieces of repertoire from the Baroque to the Romantic eras, a large suite of music from Handel s Messiah, Largo from New World Symphony and even Mahler s First Symphony. He is able to compose because of the education he received at University of Western, Ontario, Canada. In addition to composing, he was the Principal Cornet in the Whitby Brass Band and founded the trumpet ensemble Trumpets in Style. From a curriculum perspective, this commission can and will meet many of the provincially mandated expectations in a unique and exciting way. Both Mrs. Marg Clarke (MDHS Principal) and Mr. Kevin Merkley (York Region District School Board music consultant) are in support of this initiative. The piece is Rhythm of the Nations. This piece includes three movements, all reflecting a different cultural background. The three movements are Ipharadisi, featuring a South African influence, Shanta Rosa, with a south Asian influence, The Dragon King, written in a Chinese flavour. We hope to perform this piece with seven elementary schools around the area of MDHS. There is an elementary school concert planned for the 2 nd week of December on the Tuesday night. The night will be a gala event with students, parents, administrators and board representatives in attendance. This is truly a unique and exciting opportunity for the Markham school community to fully embrace the meaning of transitions while also recognizing the cultural diversity in the Markham area through music. Cold Cafeteria Concerts On Thursday November 20th, many small ensembles and Chamber Choir performed for the students and staff of MDHS in the Cold Cafeteria. The line up included a variety of ensembles. Mad Beats, a beat boxing duo formed at MDHS showed their stuff, while Chamber Choir charmed the hearts of many through their sweet melodies. The other performers included Opus One (the grade 9 jazz band), Monday Morning Blues Band (grade 10 and 11 jazz band), Church Street Swing Machine (grade 12 jazz band), and other various guitar and vocal duets and solos. The MDHS Music Department believes that music students should perform on a regular basis in order to work on skills such as starting together through a planned signal and improvisation, in jazz ensembles. This concert is a perfect way for our students to hone their skills. As well, it allows the non-music student population to see what the department is all about and enjoy some music during their lunch period. Thank you to all the ensembles who participated...it was a lunch time to remember!
Issue 3 Page 3 Samuel Hazo Visits MDHS Samuel Hazo is a very well-known and highly respected composer and music teacher. His compositions have been used by professional, university and public schools levels, as well as on television, radio and stage. They have been performed at the Music Educator s National Conference, the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Convention, and the National Honour Band of America. Ensembles around the world, such as the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra and the Birmingham Symphonic Winds, have performed his compositions. He has experience as a music teacher at every grade level, from kindergarten level through to university level. He has even been named as a Teacher of Distinction on two occasions by the Pennsylvania Teachers Excellence Foundation. Grade 11 and 12 MDHS music students had the unique opportunity of working with Samuel Hazo on November 19 th. Mr. Hazo worked with the Grade 11 Wind Symphony on his composition Across the Halfpipe, and with the Grade 12 Wind Symphony on another of his compositions entitled Ride. Both sessions were extremely enjoyable and informative. Thanks to Mr. Hazo for coming in! Elementary School Concerts Markham District High School music department invites all to come and experience the concert that brings area schools together for a night of truly celebratory music. On Thursday December 16th, the elementary area school bands and the Grade 11 Wind Symphony will come together and perform in a combined concert the commission piece of Rhythm of the Nations. The elementary area schools include Boxwood Public School, E.T. Crowle Public School, Reesor Park Public School and William Armstrong Public School. Over the past few weeks, senior music students have been attending the band rehearsals at a few of the public schools to assist in the learning process. This opportunity has helped to bridge the gap between high school and elementary school students, making wonderful impressions that can last a life time.
Page 4 Issue 3 Grade 9 Music Retreat Review...by Grade 9 Students Read some thoughts from the grade 9 music students about their experiences from the Grade 9 Music Retreat It was fun to spend an evening with my friends watching the Music Council talent show. I liked the food and talking to new friends. Gloria Kevin I liked the game of Clue and the ability to get to know new people. As well, it was fun to watch the Music Council talent show. Coleman I enjoyed going away to do just music-ish stuff for two days. It was awesome and music packed. Music = life. Tracy Night was crazy at the boys area and the drumist was cool. Brendan I really liked the social aspect of the retreat and the games. They were awesome! I wish we did it every year. Can t wait for Washington! Robin
Issue 3 Page 5 I enjoyed the professionals performances. Anson The TorQ concert was awesome. The boys second floor was crazy fun! Brandon I liked the little games played at lunch (spelling things with your butt). Erin I liked the sectionals because I learned a lot but I didn t really like the food. I like the games and the food and the sleep. I liked the Blues Clues game. Stephanie Andrew Sujan I like that we got to see professional drummers. Blair I liked the fact you got two days off school to practice and hang out with your band buddies. Andrea I really enjoyed the talent show and the professional performances that were done at the Music Retreat! Jazz The master session helped me a lot. I found that band sessions cool. Benton I really enjoyed the TorQ performance, because I thought they had a really great expression while playing their instruments. Bryan Food was great! Loved the hand tapping game. It was a great way to make more friends. Maranatha My favourite part of the retreat were the opportunities provided for socializing via games and activities. Brian
Markham District High School Music Council Social 89 Church Street Markham Ontario L3P 2M3 (905) 294 1663 ext. 1103 www.mdhsmusic.com After an amazing time bonding with each other on the Grade 9 Music Retreat, the members of Music Council are more than ready for their annual Christmas Social. Though the location of this year s social has yet to be decided (but will probably take place in a basement somewhere), there is no doubt that it will be overflowing with food, fun, and mmmarvelous mmmusic! (No band pieces, though. We re not that keen.) This is a special time where the members of Music Council can meet in a more relaxed environment and have some good old fun. We play as hard as we work! Chapter s Night Gig Review The Music Department took over the back section of the Chapters, located at 16th Avenue and Woodbine. The turn out for this annual event was outstanding, including parents and family members of the ensembles members. The line up included Opus One (Grade 9 Jazz Band), Senior Brass, Junior Flutes, Clarinet Quartet (small ensembles), Monday Morning Blues Band (Grade 10 and 11 Jazz Band), Chamber Choir, Trombone Quartet, Senior Flutes (small ensembles), Go (Jazz Combo), Third Stream (Jazz Choir) and Church Street Swing Machine (Grade 12 Jazz Band). Chapters gave a portion of their profit from Markham Supporters that night, 10%, to the school which will help to aid instrument purchases and bus costs. Thank you to all the supporters of Markham Music for coming out and hearing us show our stuff, while supporting the continuing of this amazing department. Honk Your Horns for the Santa Claus Parade Christmas spirit is in the air in the Music Department and we let it out by participating in the Town of Markham s annual Santa Clause Parade! This year s parade was held on Saturday, November 29 and some of our snow-loving musicians represented Markham Music in this festive event. 15-20 coat-wearing, Santa-hat-toting, hobo-gloved individuals took their places atop a float, playing Christmas carols for all to sing to. In previous years, Markham District High School has been named the Best Band in the Parade, standing out from the numerous other bands. Mr. Ross Jull conducted on this day and our players sight read the carols. They were truly encouraged (especially after they started getting cold) by everyone who came out (especially those with a band sweater over their coats) and showed your support for Markham Music!