Congratulations Class of 2009

With the passing of another graduation the EPGHS Bands lose another talented group of seniors. They may go onto to bigger and better adventures, but we know part of them will always be here at El Paso-Gridley whether they like it or not.

This years group graduated 11 hard working band members. During the ceremony they joined the EPGHS Wind Symphony for one last performance of "October". It was a bittersweet moment for some of us, but overall I think many of the seniors were just happy that they don't have to play Pomp and Circumstance ever again! (Except those of course who are planning on playing in college ensembles you just wait...)

I'll leave you with a poem by Joanne Fuchs

Your diploma means a future without boundaries,
A world that's full of energy and fun.
So as you reach for all life has to offer,
Remember that you're second to no one.

Pursue your goals, yet keep your loved ones close,
As you utilize your talent and ambition.
Let your friends and family give you their support,
And you'll master every challenging transition.

And always know you can achieve
The things you really want, if you believe.

Congratulations Band Seniors of 2009

Thanks for making this an outstanding year filled with music and a few trophies!
You will never be forgotten!

5th Grade Rental Night 2009

It's that time of year that we start thinking about Summer vacation. However as parents and students settle in to their summer routines please start thinking about participating in instrumental music next year.

5th grade information nights will take place two evenings for your convenience. Please stop by anytime to talk to the band director and the music store representatives to get these exciting new 5th grade band members signed up to be part of something great at EPG. Beginning Band can be an exciting new outlet for your student's creativity!

Kidder Music will be here on Tuesday, September 8th from 3:30-6:00PM
The Music Shoppe will be here on WednesdaySeptember 9th from 3:30-6:00PM

Both stores have a fantastic reputation and can provide you with quality instruments to help your students succeed within your budget. Do not let cost keep your child from participating in this worthwhile experience! They can also repair/test family instruments to make sure they are in working condition. They both have store in Bloomington/Normal and come by the school regularly to take care of your investment.

Jazz Showcase 2009

Gridley IL isn't usually a place you think of a jazz hotspot, but it sure was on April 17th. The candles were lit, the lights were low and the place looked ready for an evening of quality entertainment thanks to a great team of parent volunteers.(Thank you so much!)

The EPGHS Jazz Band took the stage for two sets that evening, providing our patrons with music to enjoy while they tasted the delicious desserts(again, thank you parents). There were even some couples caught...dancing! The venue really was quite fitting and most guests even dressed up for a night on the town.

Jazz Showcase is a great opportunity for the students to get a taste of what being in a real big band is like for musicians. We had to put together a dance book of varying styles, rehearse the tunes, and work with guest vocalists. Thank you to our girls group and choir teacher John Shaffer for preparing "As Time Goes By" and to Senior Harrison Hakes for singing Gerswin's famous showtune, "They Can't Take That Away From Me."

The students really enjoyed playing this set including such classics as Miller's "In the Mood" and Basie's "Jumpin' at the Woodside". We also performed more contemporary music such as "A Child is Born" written by Thad Jones and a burnin' Latin tune entitled "The Tiger of San Pedro." The music kept the crowd going for two hours and the standing ovation for our encore was more than we could have hoped for from those in attendance.

We're very proud of the performance and look forward to doing more things like this. The students really worked hard for this and it paid off. We are also happy to donate all proceeds to the EPG Music Boosters who support music of all kinds within our school system.

Photos from the evening courtesy of Tyson Joye Photography will be up as soon as my connection speeds up.