USA TOUR REPORT
Tour to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Washington DC, Chicago
December 9th– 23rd, 2012
Wind Orchestra and Big Band have just returned from a wonderful two week tour of the USA. Sixty three band students, four staff and seven family members have enjoyed a wonderful experience together.
There were many highlights. For me I enjoyed the musical moments. There were as
follows:
The first opportunity came the day we arrived. It was a workshop for the Wind Orchestra with Disney Clinician Doug Strawn. Doug has been working as a professional musician with Disneyland since 1964. Doug led the band in a recording session. We were playing music not available outside Disneyland. After rehearsing the music the band would record the music to the film track. We were able to secure a DVD with our band playing to the Disney film.
Next day we were back at Disneyland but this time to perform a concert at California Adventure. A nice appreciative audience enjoyed the music we presented.
Esparanza High School in LA was our first school visit. We arrived as their Big Band were rehearsing. Out Big Band then enjoyed some time with guest musician Gordon Goodwin as he rehearsed the pieces we would play together at the concert. Gordon Goodwin is a huge name in the world of jazz – the James Morrison of the USA, an amazing musician. The Esparanza High School Big Band has a terrific reputation, having been selected to perform at the Ellington Festival in New York. They opened the concert and they did not disappoint. Their final piece was‘Anthropology’ (Parker) which included Goodwin as soloist. The Chatswood High Big
Band performed the second half of the concert. Tom Avgenicos (Trumpet) played ‘I
Remember Clifford’ and Jessica Gemmell sang ‘Almost Like Being in Love’ and ‘The
Lady is a Tramp’. Our last three pieces featured composer/ sax and pianist Gordon Goodwin. We commenced with 'When I Fall in Love’, a ballad featuring Gordon on tenor sax. Next was ‘Everlasting’. This piece gave Gordon an opportunity to showcase his brilliant piano skills. The
concert concluded with Gordon’s ‘That’s How We Roll’ allowing Andrew, Jordan,Tom and Gordon the opportunity to feature. This was a great way for Big Band to commence the tour. Students took the chance to purchase Gordon’s CD and receive a Big Phat Band poster.
On to Sacramento were we were hosted by students and families from the Rio Americano High School. We were given a fantastic welcome. That evening our Big Band along with the Rio Americano Big Band put on a concert at a Jazz Club- JB’s Lounge. The Rio Americano Big Band commenced the concert. They were fantastic, one of the best High School Big Bands I have
heard. This Band have been featured at the Ellington Festival in New York and are regular participants at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Our students were very impressed with the standard of their Band. We featured Jordan East with ‘Georgia’, along with Tom and Jessica. Our Band performed well and were well received. The evening ended with students from both bands jamming together.
Next morning the Big Band had a workshop with Dr Steve Roach, Head of Jazz Studies at the Sacramento State University. It was excellent! The Band sight read a chart from their library.
It was a blues piece and it gave a number of our students an opportunity to improvise. It was nice to hear some new students having a go at taking a solo. The session finished with the Band
playing‘Miami Spice’ by Lopez. Steve was very complimentary about the playing of the band and the talented students within the group.
Our next performance took place that night at the Rio Americano High School. Both Concert Bands were featured in an evening of music. The Rio Americano Concert Band performed under the direction of Max Keisner. They introduced us to some new repertoire. Our Wind Orchestra performed five of our pieces and played very well. Jordy conducted his own composition ‘Variations on St. Denio’, Josh Mann was featured playing ‘Morceau Symphonique’ and we finished with what turned out to be one of our favourite pieces on tour – ‘Danzas Cubanas’.
To our surprise we received a standing ovation. It was a tremendous feeling. The concert concluded with the combined bands playing ‘Salute to American Jazz’ and ‘King Cotton’.
Next stop was Washington DC and hosts Yorktown High School. This school had some serious music resources. The next musical event however was a concert by the ‘President’s Own Marines Brass Ensemble’. The Marines Band is acknowledged as one of the world’s premier
Concert Bands. This was a quality concert. It commenced with a fanfare by the trumpet section, followed by a trombone quartet. There was also a eupho/tuba quartet, a brass quintet and various combinations of brass instruments. The second half of the concert featured some beautiful Christmas arrangements. It was a lovely afternoon. At the conclusion of the concert
Colonel Michael Colburn, the Director of the Marines Band came out to welcome us, and then invited us to do a tour of the facilty. What a treat! The first part of the tour was like visiting the who’s who of America. There were photos of the Band performing for US Presidents and
photos showcasing some big name musicians who have performed with the Marines
Band. The next part of the tour had us walking through the library with the 160,000 music scores. There was also some John Philip Sousa memorabillia - photos, baton and
original scores to see.
We were now at the George Mason High School, in Washington, and performing with their Band and the Yorktown High School Concert Band. After listening to both bands it was our turn to perform. Both Jordan and Josh featured along with Jordy’s composition. We also played ‘Power and Glory’ and ‘El Camino Real’. Another standing ovation. Our band had performed well. To conclude the evening representative students from all three bands came together to play‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ by Sousa and ‘On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss’ by Holsinger
The next evening we visited the Bohemian Cavern Jazz Club to listen to the resident Big Band present a concert. They were tight and entertaining with some of their players big names in jazz here in Washington. A highlight of the concert was the performance of Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite – a piece in nine movements.
The last stop of the tour was Chicago, but we were saving the best ‘til last. After an early flight we went straight to DePaul University where we had a workshop with Dr Erica Neidlinger, the Director of the Wind Symphony. Erica worked with the band on Holsingers ‘On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss’. She was very complimentary of the bands playing, yet she gave us all lots of things to think about in her interpretation of the music. The session concluded with some time
spent on ‘King Cotton’ by Sousa.
Charles Vernon has been the bass trombone player with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for many years. He toured with that Orchestra to Australia in 1988. For our final performance of the tour we would have the opportunity to accompany him playing ‘Morceau Symphonique’ by Guilmant. Shortly after our workshop with Erica we spent time with Charles rehearsing his piece, and then listening to him play ‘I’m Getting Sentimental Over You’. What a player and what a
treat!
Our final concert was at Libertyville High School. We arrived at the school in time to rehearse with Conductor Dr Mike Fansler (Director of Bands at Western Illinois University). The Wind Orchestra had enjoyed immensely the opportunity to rehearse with Mike at a five day camp in Sydney earlier in the year. It was like we were continuing that experience. The band responded to Mike immediately as they prepared to play under his direction at the concert. The concert commenced with the four bands from Libertyville High School from their year 9 ensemble through to their top band. Each band presented two pieces. The Chatswood High School Wind
Orchestra would conclude the concert. We commenced with Dr Fansler conducting the band in a rousing rendition of ‘Power and Glory’ by Sousa. Next we gave a strong performance of ‘Danzas Cubanas’ by Sheldon. Next on the program was to be our guest trombonist Charles Vernon.
The band accompanied Mr Vernon on ‘Morceau Symphonique’ and it was a thrill to do so! A bass trombonist he may be; he certainly was no slouch on the tenor trombone.
What a huge sound! It was fantastic that so many young musicians were on hand to listen to this fabulous musician. To cap off our performance Dr Fansler conducted the band in ‘El Camino Real’ by Reed. The band played really well and it was a fitting conclusion to our performances on tour. The concert concluded with the combined bands playing ‘Sleigh Ride’ by Anderson. It was a great night and really nice to share with friends Dr Mike Fansler and his fiancé Abby.
To conclude our musical experiences in the USA we were able to attend the MidWest Clinic on the Wednesday and Thursday. We checked out the exhibits and some of us purchased some music gear and accessories. The Jazz Combo performed at the WASBE reception (sponsored by World Projects) and we attended concerts given by the United States Air Force Band, the Golden-Sail Symphonic Band of Bayi High School (China) and the Lone Star Wind Orchestra with guest
conductor Leonard Slatkin.
These then were the musical experiences we enjoyed but there were many other experiences we shared together in our time away. As I reflect on a wonderful tour I am so proud of our students. They were a terrific group of young people and they represented our school, their families and their countries with great distinction. It was a privilege to be with them. I will
look back on this experience in years to come with so many fond memories.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Chris, Phil and Ann from World Projects for the fantastic job they did as our travel agent. Chris put together a fantastic itinerary. Phil and Ann were just the best tour guides. Nothing was too much trouble. They took us to the best places, they seemed to know everything we wanted and they were always a step ahead in the organisation of the schedule for the next day. We could not have done without them! They were brilliant! I hope we get the opportunity to meet up with them again in the future.
Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Principal and staff of Chatswood High, parents and family members for the support they have given us over recent months as we have prepared for the tour. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.
Gavin
Tour to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Washington DC, Chicago
December 9th– 23rd, 2012
Wind Orchestra and Big Band have just returned from a wonderful two week tour of the USA. Sixty three band students, four staff and seven family members have enjoyed a wonderful experience together.
There were many highlights. For me I enjoyed the musical moments. There were as
follows:
The first opportunity came the day we arrived. It was a workshop for the Wind Orchestra with Disney Clinician Doug Strawn. Doug has been working as a professional musician with Disneyland since 1964. Doug led the band in a recording session. We were playing music not available outside Disneyland. After rehearsing the music the band would record the music to the film track. We were able to secure a DVD with our band playing to the Disney film.
Next day we were back at Disneyland but this time to perform a concert at California Adventure. A nice appreciative audience enjoyed the music we presented.
Esparanza High School in LA was our first school visit. We arrived as their Big Band were rehearsing. Out Big Band then enjoyed some time with guest musician Gordon Goodwin as he rehearsed the pieces we would play together at the concert. Gordon Goodwin is a huge name in the world of jazz – the James Morrison of the USA, an amazing musician. The Esparanza High School Big Band has a terrific reputation, having been selected to perform at the Ellington Festival in New York. They opened the concert and they did not disappoint. Their final piece was‘Anthropology’ (Parker) which included Goodwin as soloist. The Chatswood High Big
Band performed the second half of the concert. Tom Avgenicos (Trumpet) played ‘I
Remember Clifford’ and Jessica Gemmell sang ‘Almost Like Being in Love’ and ‘The
Lady is a Tramp’. Our last three pieces featured composer/ sax and pianist Gordon Goodwin. We commenced with 'When I Fall in Love’, a ballad featuring Gordon on tenor sax. Next was ‘Everlasting’. This piece gave Gordon an opportunity to showcase his brilliant piano skills. The
concert concluded with Gordon’s ‘That’s How We Roll’ allowing Andrew, Jordan,Tom and Gordon the opportunity to feature. This was a great way for Big Band to commence the tour. Students took the chance to purchase Gordon’s CD and receive a Big Phat Band poster.
On to Sacramento were we were hosted by students and families from the Rio Americano High School. We were given a fantastic welcome. That evening our Big Band along with the Rio Americano Big Band put on a concert at a Jazz Club- JB’s Lounge. The Rio Americano Big Band commenced the concert. They were fantastic, one of the best High School Big Bands I have
heard. This Band have been featured at the Ellington Festival in New York and are regular participants at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Our students were very impressed with the standard of their Band. We featured Jordan East with ‘Georgia’, along with Tom and Jessica. Our Band performed well and were well received. The evening ended with students from both bands jamming together.
Next morning the Big Band had a workshop with Dr Steve Roach, Head of Jazz Studies at the Sacramento State University. It was excellent! The Band sight read a chart from their library.
It was a blues piece and it gave a number of our students an opportunity to improvise. It was nice to hear some new students having a go at taking a solo. The session finished with the Band
playing‘Miami Spice’ by Lopez. Steve was very complimentary about the playing of the band and the talented students within the group.
Our next performance took place that night at the Rio Americano High School. Both Concert Bands were featured in an evening of music. The Rio Americano Concert Band performed under the direction of Max Keisner. They introduced us to some new repertoire. Our Wind Orchestra performed five of our pieces and played very well. Jordy conducted his own composition ‘Variations on St. Denio’, Josh Mann was featured playing ‘Morceau Symphonique’ and we finished with what turned out to be one of our favourite pieces on tour – ‘Danzas Cubanas’.
To our surprise we received a standing ovation. It was a tremendous feeling. The concert concluded with the combined bands playing ‘Salute to American Jazz’ and ‘King Cotton’.
Next stop was Washington DC and hosts Yorktown High School. This school had some serious music resources. The next musical event however was a concert by the ‘President’s Own Marines Brass Ensemble’. The Marines Band is acknowledged as one of the world’s premier
Concert Bands. This was a quality concert. It commenced with a fanfare by the trumpet section, followed by a trombone quartet. There was also a eupho/tuba quartet, a brass quintet and various combinations of brass instruments. The second half of the concert featured some beautiful Christmas arrangements. It was a lovely afternoon. At the conclusion of the concert
Colonel Michael Colburn, the Director of the Marines Band came out to welcome us, and then invited us to do a tour of the facilty. What a treat! The first part of the tour was like visiting the who’s who of America. There were photos of the Band performing for US Presidents and
photos showcasing some big name musicians who have performed with the Marines
Band. The next part of the tour had us walking through the library with the 160,000 music scores. There was also some John Philip Sousa memorabillia - photos, baton and
original scores to see.
We were now at the George Mason High School, in Washington, and performing with their Band and the Yorktown High School Concert Band. After listening to both bands it was our turn to perform. Both Jordan and Josh featured along with Jordy’s composition. We also played ‘Power and Glory’ and ‘El Camino Real’. Another standing ovation. Our band had performed well. To conclude the evening representative students from all three bands came together to play‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ by Sousa and ‘On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss’ by Holsinger
The next evening we visited the Bohemian Cavern Jazz Club to listen to the resident Big Band present a concert. They were tight and entertaining with some of their players big names in jazz here in Washington. A highlight of the concert was the performance of Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite – a piece in nine movements.
The last stop of the tour was Chicago, but we were saving the best ‘til last. After an early flight we went straight to DePaul University where we had a workshop with Dr Erica Neidlinger, the Director of the Wind Symphony. Erica worked with the band on Holsingers ‘On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss’. She was very complimentary of the bands playing, yet she gave us all lots of things to think about in her interpretation of the music. The session concluded with some time
spent on ‘King Cotton’ by Sousa.
Charles Vernon has been the bass trombone player with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for many years. He toured with that Orchestra to Australia in 1988. For our final performance of the tour we would have the opportunity to accompany him playing ‘Morceau Symphonique’ by Guilmant. Shortly after our workshop with Erica we spent time with Charles rehearsing his piece, and then listening to him play ‘I’m Getting Sentimental Over You’. What a player and what a
treat!
Our final concert was at Libertyville High School. We arrived at the school in time to rehearse with Conductor Dr Mike Fansler (Director of Bands at Western Illinois University). The Wind Orchestra had enjoyed immensely the opportunity to rehearse with Mike at a five day camp in Sydney earlier in the year. It was like we were continuing that experience. The band responded to Mike immediately as they prepared to play under his direction at the concert. The concert commenced with the four bands from Libertyville High School from their year 9 ensemble through to their top band. Each band presented two pieces. The Chatswood High School Wind
Orchestra would conclude the concert. We commenced with Dr Fansler conducting the band in a rousing rendition of ‘Power and Glory’ by Sousa. Next we gave a strong performance of ‘Danzas Cubanas’ by Sheldon. Next on the program was to be our guest trombonist Charles Vernon.
The band accompanied Mr Vernon on ‘Morceau Symphonique’ and it was a thrill to do so! A bass trombonist he may be; he certainly was no slouch on the tenor trombone.
What a huge sound! It was fantastic that so many young musicians were on hand to listen to this fabulous musician. To cap off our performance Dr Fansler conducted the band in ‘El Camino Real’ by Reed. The band played really well and it was a fitting conclusion to our performances on tour. The concert concluded with the combined bands playing ‘Sleigh Ride’ by Anderson. It was a great night and really nice to share with friends Dr Mike Fansler and his fiancé Abby.
To conclude our musical experiences in the USA we were able to attend the MidWest Clinic on the Wednesday and Thursday. We checked out the exhibits and some of us purchased some music gear and accessories. The Jazz Combo performed at the WASBE reception (sponsored by World Projects) and we attended concerts given by the United States Air Force Band, the Golden-Sail Symphonic Band of Bayi High School (China) and the Lone Star Wind Orchestra with guest
conductor Leonard Slatkin.
These then were the musical experiences we enjoyed but there were many other experiences we shared together in our time away. As I reflect on a wonderful tour I am so proud of our students. They were a terrific group of young people and they represented our school, their families and their countries with great distinction. It was a privilege to be with them. I will
look back on this experience in years to come with so many fond memories.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Chris, Phil and Ann from World Projects for the fantastic job they did as our travel agent. Chris put together a fantastic itinerary. Phil and Ann were just the best tour guides. Nothing was too much trouble. They took us to the best places, they seemed to know everything we wanted and they were always a step ahead in the organisation of the schedule for the next day. We could not have done without them! They were brilliant! I hope we get the opportunity to meet up with them again in the future.
Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Principal and staff of Chatswood High, parents and family members for the support they have given us over recent months as we have prepared for the tour. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.
Gavin