WINTER FESTIVAL HONORS BAND PLAYS ON!

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WINTER FESTIVAL HONORS BAND PLAYS ON!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Press Release

Largest Group In Band’s Seven Year History

Mt. Ephraim, NJ – January 16, 2010 – Susan Moore, band director from Audubon, could not believe her eyes. “There are over seventy kids signed up this year!” Seven years earlier she had contacted Mary Manion, from Mt. Ephraim, about combining selected 5^th & 6^th graders for an “honors” band. “Our schools are small and although the students have a great experience, they do not get practice performing in a large group or with a full instrumentation,” says Manion. So the Winter Festival Honors Band was begun and about thirty students participated that first year.

Fast forward to 2010 and the festival has grown to include students from not only Audubon and Mt. Ephraim and neighboring Brooklawn last year, but also Haddon Heights, directed by Jessica M. Horne- Green, Gloucester City directed by Lisa Schmitt and Oaklyn School directed by Lori Ludlum. “We were really happy to get Oaklyn involved this year, “said Moore. Not only do the kids learn, but the collegial atmosphere is helpful to the directors as well. “It’s a win-win for everyone!” said Manion.

The directors met to determine song selections and decide who would be invited to join from their 5^th and 6^th grade musicians. Candidates need to be reliable and able to learn music quickly. The instrumentation needs of the group are also considered. This year more students accepted than ever before. The Kershaw School in Mt. Ephraim has been the host of the festival since its inception. This year there were real concerns about whether or not all the interested students could fit on the stage. “We added another row and considered putting risers out front to accommodate the conductor’s podium, but ultimately we were able to squeeze everyone in,” said Manion.

The teachers come from a broad educational background and each contributes their own brand of talent to the program. Horne-Green chose the song “Tribal Drums” which featured the percussion section performing authentic African rhythms on instruments such as conga drums. Ludlum worked with the students on the delicate “Mozart Alleluia” which gave the students the feel of a classical work. Schmitt worked out the majestic “Heritage of Liberty” which was a traditional rendition of “America, The Beautiful.” Moore let the students “lay back” with a jazzy version of “Stray Cat Strut” and Manion had them revisit whimsical movie music with “Wonka’s Welcome Song.” Each director and each song was a contrast and a chance for new learning. The directors take turns playing back-up instruments with the kids while their colleagues conduct.

After two intense afternoon rehearsals over two weeks, it all came together for their parents in unforgettable Saturday afternoon concert. Congratulations to all the students who participated and to all the parents who came out to support their respective music programs!

“2010 Directors (L-R) Susan Moore, Audubon; Lori Ludlum, Oaklyn; Mary Manion, Mt. Ephraim;