This fall, it’s back, but with a new look.
It’s the highly anticipated Aquinas Instrumental Music Program! Many changes
have taken place within the program this year, so read all about it!
THE
AQ WIND PROJECT
We
all know it stinks when, at the beginning of the year, we find out that we may
not be able to take all of the courses that we requested the previous year
because of scheduling issues. Solution: AQ Wind Project! This group is composed
of students interested in music but who cannot take band during the normal
school hours. They meet in the mornings, Tuesday and Thursday… at 7:00 am! That
is some admirable dedication! This group also has optional Fridays for Jazz
Ensemble students (see below). They perform nearly all their music with the
Concert Band students who take the course during the day, so it’s truly a
win-win. And I can think of nothing better than starting the day off with music!
THE
AQ JAZZ ENSEMBLE
This
group also meets bright and early in the morning, but they play tunes of a
different kind. Every Friday morning, the AQ Jazz Ensemble rehearses… well…
jazz! But that’s not all! They play a variety of music, from rock to pop to
funk, including opportunities for improvisation. Also, since a jazz band is not
your typical school band, it includes some more “unusual” instruments, like
string bass, electric guitar, or electric bass. If you think your instrument
doesn’t fit in a traditional setting, then come along to Jazz Ensemble! They’d
love to have you jam with them!
THE BAND FORMERLY KNOWN AS CONCERT
BAND: THE DYNAMICS
Okay,
technically they’re still referred to as Concert Band, but now they’ve got
another cool name too: The Dynamics! The students in this lively group are passionate
about instrumental music, and they’re ready to show the school what amazing
talent they have. Be sure to look out for them in the coming weeks, because
they’re planning on performing for the school at Monday Morning Kumbaya. The
Dynamics rehearse every day (period 4 this year), so they have plenty of time
to practice and refine their music, as well as participate in the occasional
“Snack Chat:” a day set aside to discuss important music theory concepts, learn
about significant events in instrumental music history, and, of course, share
snacks! Some students from this group also created a logo for the group
entirely out of musical symbols (see above!). If you are an enthusiastic and
DYNAMIC performer, then you’d love to be a part of this band!
Aquinas also has the Middle School Band,
which includes students who are brand new to their instruments. This gives them
an incredible opportunity to learn how to perform with other students as they
continue to develop their own skills. Many students from all the bands also
participate in the pep band, which plays at several home football games, and performs
at school-wide pep assemblies.
However, whichever band is performing,
they’re sure to have the energy to lift your spirits! Come out to hear these
bands play some extremely fantastic music at their semi-annual concerts.
Admission is free, so it’s easy to show your support! Who knows, after listening
to the bands, you might be inspired to dust off that old instrument you haven’t
touched since fourth grade, or learn a new one. It’s never too late to make
music a part of your life!
by: Maggie McAuliffe
by: Maggie McAuliffe
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