EIU Honor Band

A whole van full of EPGHS students rode down to Charleston, IL with me for an honor band at Eastern Illinois University. It was a two hour drive which wasn't ideal, but the day was worth it. All the students were fantastic all day and really had a great time learning.

The festival had three bands, including a Wind Symphony comprised of only players who had made district or all-state. EPGHS had members in all groups and it was great to hear from all the students about their varying experiences. I learned a lot from listening about rehearsals, the forum with composer Andrew Boysen, Jr., and masterclasses.

The picture above is the Festival Grey Band performing on the stage of the Dvorak Concert Hall. The facilities were fantastic at the brand new Doudna Fine Arts Center. The students were lucky to play for a packed house. I even had to stand to hear the fine performances!

Thanks to the school and parents for allowing us to have this opportunity!
- Mr. F

IMEA Concert Festival

The EPGHS Bands Department is very proud of it's All-District Concert Participants!

Mark R.(Senior) is shown here performing with the IMEA District 3 Concert Band.

He is one of about 30 trumpeters












The full HS Concert Band is pictured to the left.

It featured over 100 students from many different HS in Central Illinois.

The festival guest conductor is Dr. David Vroman, Director of Instrumental Activities at Bradley University.

Two EPG Band members were chosen to sing with the District 3 Choir.

Harrison H.(Senior -Drum Major/Bassoonist/Tenor Saxophonist)
Chris S.(Sophomore- Bassist)

Congratulations to all who performed in these fantastic groups.

Christmas Tunes

As you can see the JH and 6th Grade Bands are filling the band room in Gridley with great music. In addition to building their musicianship, they are rehearsing for upcoming the Holiday Concert in Gridley. The concert will take place at 7:00PM on December 18th in the EPGJH Gym. It will feature creative arrangements of classic holiday tunes, including a piece called Santa at the Symphony that also features music of classical composers. You will get a great experience at this concert on the 18th.

The band's are working so hard and the progress is evident. They are sounding more mature every rehearsal. I couldn't be happier as they progress as musicians. It's also nice just to get to know them better as we work together to make music. Please come support the Fine Arts here at EPGJHS.

Some of the JH Band clarinets, trumpets, alto saxophones, and percussionists rehearsing in early December.

We spend rehearsal time practicing good technique while preparing Carol for Christmas.

Delaney and Seth are focused on playing the right notes as the trumpets work out some fast passages.

This JH group is starting to get into some tricky passages in harder music.













The flute section during the same rehearsal with flying fingers!

Carol for Christmas is based on theUkrainian Bell Carol. It has become one of the most recognizible Christmas songs and it frequently used in movies.

Jeff performs his part on alto saxophone.

The band rehearses two days a week in the band room in Gridley.

They will be performing at contest and possibly at ISU in the upcoming semester.

Recording Session

Hello All!
Sorry for the short notice, but tonight's recording session that was scheduled for 6-8 has been canclled due to road conditions. I had some students concerned with the weather. I it re-freezes tonight things could get dangerous, so we will just postpone.

Please check here or the bands board for updates. Have a safe night.