Current Events!
Jazz Workshop Orchestra Wins Top DownBeat Magazine Award
The Jazz Workshop Orchestra has won the top honor of Best Large Jazz Ensemble – Performing Arts High School Category. This is a huge honor as many groups from arts schools across the country compete for this national honor. The award will be announced nationally in the June Issue – Student Music Award in DownBeat.
United States Army and Marine Bands Come to DSA Bands
SSG Amanda Jury of the US Army Band (left) and Maj. Burian of the “President’s Own” US Marine Band talk with students of both the Concert Band and Wind Ensemble earlier this semester. Topics included careers in military bands, support for advanced degrees and travel opportunities. It is always great having representatives from our great military bands come and visit!
Update to Hybrid Schedule 3/4/2021
I hope this communication finds you all healthy and looking forward to an eventful Spring. We are certainly looking forward to better days ahead that may bring us back and performing together soon!
At this point the Denver Public Schools has not changed its current ban on wind instruments in all schools in the district including DSA. Although this is the safest way to return for students, it will significantly interfere with the overall curricular effectiveness of what we can offer on March 15 when we go to the new hybrid schedule. The practicing artists and I have talked and realized the best option for students is a continuation with the robust remote program we have had so much success with this year. This will offer consistency in curriculum and stability in instruction. Whether your child chooses to go in person or stays at home they will have to have a computer to log into the Band classes as per normal this year to continue their curriculum. Again, if your student is planning on being in person at DSA they must have a computer to log into classes. DPS COVID mitigation rules requires that no student share any technology with another student. Because DSA Bands will be so effected by the ban on wind instruments we are still urging that band students stay at home. Even our percussion groups who were performing on the Arts Fridays will not be able to continue in those groups based on the organization of attending students by last name.
As Spring approaches, we hope we may see some leniency on the ban, especially playing outdoors. As always, the priority of the DPS and DSA Bands continues to be the health and well-being of our students and we all hope for better days soon.
Hybrid Rotation – We will follow the hybrid model below:Monday – Black Day Group A @ DSA Group B @ home for remoteTuesday – White Day Group A @ DSA Group B @ home for remoteWednesday – Black Day Group B @ DSA Group A @ home for remoteThursday – White Day Group B @ DSA Group A @ home for remoteFriday – Stripe Day Full remote schedule from home (No Arts Fridays)
Group A/B Identification – Because of the complexities of balancing classes to 17 and teacher loads to 136, families will not be able to select which group (A or B) they are a part of. We fully understand this will create carpool transportation challenges for some families. ● Groups are divided alphabetically. The alpha split will be:GROUP A GROUP BLast Names Last Names6th grade A – Lod Loe – Z7th grade A – Kob Koc – Z8th grade A – K L – Z9th grade A – Kir Kl – Z10th grade A – K L – Z11th grade A – Lej Lem – Z12th grade A – Leb Lei – Z
Bell Schedule for Hybrid Monday – Thursday – You will notice that we are moving to an 8:00 am start instead of 8:30 am.
6th and 7th Grades
Period 1 – arts 8:00 am – 9:10 am 70 minutes
Period 2 9:15 am – 10:05 am 50 minutes
Period 3 10:10 am – 11:00 am 50 minutes
Period 4 11:05 am – 11:55 pm 50 minutes
Period 5 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm 50 minutes
8th through 12th Grades
Periods 1 or 2 8:00 am – 9:10 am 70 minutes
Periods 3 or 4 JWO 9:15 am – 10:25 am 70 minutes
Periods 5 or 6 10:30 am – 11:40 am 70 minutes
Periods 7 or 8 arts 11:45 am – 12:55 pm 70 minutes
Bell Schedule for Hybrid Fridays (fully remote)
6th and 7th GradesPeriod 1 arts 8:00 – 8:55 (55 minutes)
Period 2 9:00 – 9:40 (40 minutes)
Period 3 9:45 – 10:25 (40 minutes)
Break 10:25 – 10:40 (15 minutes)
Period 4 10:40 – 11:20 (40 minutes)
Period 5 11:25 – 12:05 (40 minutes)
8th through 12th Grades
Period 1 8:00 – 8:25 (25 minutes)
Period 2 8:30 – 8:55 (25 minutes)
Period 3 9:00 – 9:25 (25 minutes)
Period 4 9:30 – 9:55 (25 minutes)
Break 9:55 – 10:10 (15 minutes)
Period 5 10:10 – 10:35 (25 minutes)
Period 6 10:40 – 11:05 (25 minutes)
Period 7 11:10 – 11:35 (25 minutes)
Period 8 11:40 – 12:05 (25 minutes)
Arts Fridays
Arts Fridays started January 29th at DSA. Dr. Ed Breazeale is handling the in-person activities in the school while Mr. Hammond continues with the Performance Fridays online simultaneously. The class schedule is Concert Band at 8:30-9:45am and Wind Ensemble 10:15-11:30am. Mr Hammond ran a band parent meeting Thursday, January 28th and gave the following presentation:
Auditioning for the Denver School of the Arts Bands Department? Make sure you:
- Attend the MANDATORY Pre-Audition Meeting January 7th at 6pm on Zoom: link for preaudition meeting
- Check out this information video BEFORE the meeting: https://youtu.be/WKhbjO-izI8
- After the Pre-Audition Meeting on January 7 at 6pm go to this google form to upload your audition: Note: This form will not be available to accept responses until after the Pre-Audition Meeting!
Welcome to a whole new world! – Bands Department 2020-21
As you all know by now, virtual learning is a completely different animal from in-person. We all have to learn to adapt during this challenging time and I have had many, many hours of adaptation! We have spent many weeks thinking, conversing and then planning on an experience for you that does a number of things: 1) Offering a curriculum that will make you a better musician, 2) Offering an experience that will hopefully engage you – and keep you engaged, 3) Offering an experience that allows you to move outside your musical nature and apply thoughtfulness to who you are, what matters to you and where you are going. All these things mean different things to different students – what matters to a 6th grade student is wildly different than what matters to a senior.
The key to all this is diversity. We will try to offer as diverse a curriculum as possible without straying too far from our band roots and what makes us practice our instruments every day, what makes us love music and want to express ourselves better and better through music.
We start with the schedule of what our offerings will be:
As you can see, all band majors will see their respective Practicing Artists twice per week (green boxes) rather than once. These Mondays and Thursdays add consistency to the sectionals and increase specific instrument training. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are days that we will break the majors into Music Theory/Composition groups to help the students with these very essential skills. These blocks will also contain Ethnomusicology Studies, Listening Labs and Ear Training classes as well. Jazz Band meets Mondays and Wednesdays at the time indicated. Fridays will feature a chance for the students to hear performances but also to give performances to the class. I hope you are as excited as your teachers are to offer such a wide range of daily curriculum.
How and where we meet will be communicated through Schoology, our new platform for giving assignments, information and grading. We will start the synchronous learning on Google Meets.
2019-20 School Year in DSA Bands —————————————–
Essentially Ellington Virtual 25th Anniversary Festival
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4yle7kfw5gdjhkt/Denver.mp4?dl=0
2019-20 Overview
Think that this year was cut short as far as the success of the students and program? Think again! The students of the DSA Bands Department were motivated, mobilized and executed a phenomenal year of success even though the year was cut short at school because of the pandemic. Look below at the amazing awards locally, state-wide and nationally that the students were able to achieve this year. Congratulations to all the students, especially seniors!
Then, on Sunday, January 26th, Jeremy Most (above right, graduate from Band’s Department in 1998) and Emily King are nominated for two Grammys in the R&B category.
THE DENVER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS JAZZ WORKSHOP ORCHESTRA PICTURED AFTER THEIR TREMENDOUS PERFORMANCE AT JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER, NEW YORK CITY.
THE DENVER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS JAZZ WORKSHOP ORCHESTRA PICTURED AFTER THEIR TREMENDOUS PERFORMANCE AT JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER, NEW YORK CITY.
Congratulations DSA Band Department 2019 Seniors!
The 2019 Seniors at the Bands Senior Dinner, May 14, 2019. (From top left: Giselle Florencio, Galen Metzger, Thutmose Toure, Farinaz Molei, Makayla French, Ben Fraterelli, Makenna Nolop, Camryn Honea, Natalie Joram, Adam Burton, Aleks Girshevich, Chris Ferrari, Sam Keedy, Jack Bendure and Azura DeHerrera.
DOWNBEAT AWARDS…
Superior With Distinction
The phrase “Superior With Distinction” means that all judges present gave the ensemble the top scores possible:
Superior With Distinction:
Band Composer Richard Saucedo master clinics the DSA Wind Ensemble after their performance at the CBA State Concert Band Festival where the ensemble received “Superior With Distinction” Scores (4/16/18)
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- The 2017 Vail Jazz All Stars including Tony Golden (second from right), Sam Keedy and Chris Ferrari (5th and 6th from right) take a final bow for the week.
September 8th DSA hosted Zimbabwean Mbira master Patience Munjeri in a master class that offered advice in music and in living life – a truly unique experience for DSA band students.
On September 13th DSA Percussionists and JWO members had the opportunity to meet and experience a master class with Percussive Arts Society’s “Best Percussionist in 2017”, Cuban born congero Pedrito Martinez and his band.
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- Pedrto Martinez and his band pose with DSA Band students and DSA percussion practicing artist Greg Harris.
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- Pedrito Martinez (center) and fellow band mate Jhair Sala (left) lay some serious instruction down on musicians of DSA and South.
On September 14th DSA hosted pianist Emmet Cohen and his band Russell Hall (Bass) and Kyle Poole (Drurms) to play for DSA students and to clinic the DSA JWO jazz combo.
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- Emmet Cohen (piano), Russell Hall (bass) and Kyle Poole (drums) perform with DSA students Chris Ferrari, Sam Keedy and Alec Streete.
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- Russell Hall gives students a personal harmony lesson after the master class.
Since the before the beginning school the DSA Pit Orchestra has worked tirelessly to rehearse then to perform 8 shows of “In the Heights”, this year’s All School Musical. The production was tremendous in that it focused on DSA’s students of color and also presented the pit with great opportunities to learn many styles such as mambo, reggaeton, merengue and salsa!
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- The DSA Pit Orchestra poses after closing night of “In the Heights”.
What is DSA Bands?
The DSA Pit Orchestra again performed 8 phenomenally professional Shrek shows elevating the all school musical to new heights. The show was featured at the DSA Gala on Saturday, September 22nd along with the DSA Wind Ensemble – both performed to rave reviews to a very knowledgeable, elite crowd. A big thank you going out to both groups for their continued commitment to excellence!
See a great article about DSA bassoonist Tatia Slouka from the Denver Post:
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/05/23/tatia-slouka-basoon/
See “Leave Them Wanting More” – a video about the Jazz Workshop Orchestra’s preparation for and the trip to New York for the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Festival and Competition in May of 2017.
See a video about the Jazz Workshop Orchestra and other schools deep in the teaching of jazz music from Rocky Mountain PBS’s “Arts District” show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApJBxxwdYSs&list=PLd1csdWoPwT6m6cDt8g1S9k8muZmJlFAW&index=1
The Jazz Workshop Orchestra poses on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York after winning second place at the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Festival and Competition in New York City.
The DSA Woodwind Quintet sets up to play at the Colorado Youth Leadership Awards Ceremony. The Mayor recognized the group at the event.
JWO2 plays Dazzle on 5/1/17. This will be the last performance of the bands at this Dazzle location.
The Jonathan Kreisberg trio plays for DSA students 5/1. DSA Alum Colin Stranahan ’05 was playing drums.
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- DSA Jazz Workshop Orchestra poses after the Essentially Ellington Clinic with Walter Blanding 4/13/17.
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- Part of the DSA Percussion Ensemble poses with renowned percussionist Nate Werth (Snarky Puppy) after the show at Dazzle (4/12/17).
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- The Fareed Haque/Tony Monoco Trio plays for the band students at DSA (4/18/17).
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- Dr. David Kish works with the Wind Ensemble after their performance at CSU’s Griffin Hall.
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- The Wind Ensemble celebrates on the ride home after the performance.
Members of the DSA Brass Quintet perform in Master class under the watchful eye of the famed Canadian Brass at the University of Colorado at Boulder 1/29/17.
The Jazz Workshop Orchestra poses for the official picture at the 70th Annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Festival, 12/16/16.
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- DSA Jazz Workshop Orchestra winds up their set at the 70th Annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL Friday, December 16th.
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- Students of the Jazz Workshop Orchestra brave the cold to see Chris Potter at The Jazz Showcase in Chicago.
DSA students Abby Davidson, Jenna Pizer and Tatia Slouka performed in the finals of a National Chamber Music Competition at New England Conservatory, Boston.
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- Renowned trumpeter and jazz educator Ron Miles plays with the Jazz Workshop Orchestra.
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- UNLV Flute Professor Jennifer Grimm performs for the Chamber class.
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- The DSA Pit Orchestra readies for another great show when performing “The Producers”. The show was great and the Pit was fabulous!
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- DSA JWO jazz Combo plays the Vail Jazz Festival.
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- DSA alum Katie Glassman plays Vail Jazz Festival after DSA kids. She is an amazing jazz player/singer.
Highlights from the 2015-16 year!
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- Learning about the civil rights events in New Orleans.
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- Jazz Clinic at Loyola College with Gordon Lowell, Jazz Studies Director.
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- Composer Julie Giroux shows the DSA Wind Ensemble the bookmarks she worked from to compose her symphony.
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- Delfeayo Marsalis pauses in the street to take a selfie with the students after performing at the French Quarter Festival.
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- Dr. Serena Weren, Director of Bands at Loyola University works with the Concert Band in clinic.works with the
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- Director of Jazz at Lusher Charter School, Kent Jordan works with a mix of DSA and Lusher students on a jam tune.
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- DSA saxophonist Rico Jones sits in at Snug Harbor under the watchful eye of band leader Delfeayo Marsalis. DSA students: Julian Archer, Erik Ondrejko and Gabe Rupe sat in to rave applause.
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- DSA students sit in with a guitar playing unicorn during French Quarter Fest.
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- DSA students listen as a guide talkes about Mardi Gras Indians in Louis Armstrong Park.
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- DSA students play african drums and dance in Congo Square.
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- Seniors of the DSA Bands Department after a very beautiful Senior Dinner at Commander’s Palace.
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- DSA JWO II plays the WWII Museum.
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- DSA and NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts) play together in the finale of the concert there.
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- The poster for the gig at NOCCA.
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- Students enjoy a river cruise in the swamp lands.
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- All 127 DSA Band people count fingers and toes after saying hi to the aligators of Louisiana.
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- DSA Band students play dress up at Mardi Gras Worls while learning about the tradition.
DSA Wind Ensemble Collaborates with Augustana Symphonic Band 2/25/16
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- Dr. James Lambrecht, Director of the Augustana Symphonic Band works with the DSA Wind Ensemble before the concert.
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- Members of the Augustana Symphonic Band work with DSA Band students in sectional before the concert.
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- Dr. James Lambrecht conducts the Augustana College Symphonic Band in Concert.
Top DSA Band Students Perform at the 2016 Concerto Concert
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- Eli Castro performs at the Concerto Concert 2/26/16.
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- Gabrielle Costache performs at the Concerto Concert 2/26/16.
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- Tatia Slouka performs at the Concerto Concert 2/26/16.
DSA Middle School Band students pose with other students from DPS Schools at the Denver Citywide Honor Band event on Saturday, 2/20.
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- On a recent trip to the Percussive Arts Society convention in San Antonio, TX Gabby Costache and Rocco Williams share a moment testing hand drums.
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- While at the same moment Adam Burton, Aleks Girshevich and Julian Archer check out cool drum sets at the same convention. Travel is such an important element in the life of a student musician!
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- The French Horn section of the DSA Concert Band before the Winter Show dress to impress and then played a beautiful concert.
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- DSA Alumnus Carly Meyers (’06) impresses as she improvises a few choruses. Carly now lives in New Orleans, works as a professional musician and is helping with ideas for the band trip in April!
Mr. Hammond and the Denver School of the Arts congratulates the following Band students for their representation in the following All State Ensembles. We are very proud of you!
2016 American Composers Network Honorable Mention
Zach Bahn
DSA Band Students: CU Honor Band
Jenna Pizer, Erik Ondrejko, Alison Orthel
DSA Band Students: 2016 All State Symphonic Band
Callie Nellis, Josh Bogen, Jenna Pizer, Carson Hann (alt.), Erik Ondrejko,
John Bickle, Alison Orthel
DSA Band Students: 2016 All State Orchestra
Philharmonic Orchestra: Caroline (Callie) Nellis, Eli Castro
Symphonic Orchestra: Tatia Slouka, Allison Orthel
DSA Band Students: All State Jazz Bands
Rico Jones, Christopher Ferrari, Erik Ondrejko, Liam Hughes-Butler,
Gabe Rupe, Julian Archer
All American Jazz Band
Rico Jones, Erik Ondrejko
Next Generation Jazz Band
Erik Ondrejko
DSA Bands News…
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- Dr. Scott Muntefering from Wartburg College works with the Concert Band on 10/30. He also worked with the Wind Ensemble.
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- A DSA Combo performs at an accreditation reception at Emily Griffith Technical College.
Jazz Symposium 2015 with Visiting Artist Greg Osby
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- The Artist Concert featuring Greg Osby, Josh Quinlan, Eric Gunnison, Ken Walker and Ed Breazeale.
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- Osby plays with DSA jazz students.
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- Osby plays with DSA jazz students.
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- DSA jazz students jam on the last tune of the Symposium Combo night.
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- Symposium guest artist Greg Osby shares at the free saxophone clinic.
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- Directors in a post concert pic. From left, Jamie Harrings, Grant Larson, Greg Harris, Greg Osby and Dave Hammond.
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- Dave Hammond with Symposium guest artist Greg Osby.
DSA Bands Rock the Colorado Symphony 5K
DSA Bands showed up for business on Saturday’s (9/19) 5K race to benefit the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. DSA Bands won the “Largest Group” award and Emily Hanson won the 3rd overall female winner in the race. Many DSA students came in top places in their age group but all had a great time at the event! Thanks to all that showed up!
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- DSA Band students, parents and practicing artist Greg Harris pose after the race.
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- 3rd fastest overall female, DSA Band student Emily Hanson with Bands Director Dave Hammond.
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- Band students pose at the finish line with student teacher Jamie Harrings.
DSA Jazz Workshop Orchestra featured in the Stapleton Front Porch: http://frontporchstapleton.com/article/dsa-jazz-band-play-five-points-jazz-festival-may-16/
DSA Band student Obediah Oakley tells why music is central to his life on the DPS Foundation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Yh9O8U5-kE&feature=youtu.be
DSA Band student Rico Jones performs in the Grammy Band: http://blogs.denverpost.com/theden/2015/02/07/denver-school-arts-rico-jones-grammys/
DSA BAND AND ORCHESTRA STUDENTS ON NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO’S “FROM THE TOP” CLARINETIST SCOTT CHIU FEATURED!
http://www.fromthetop.org/show/denver-co-302/
http://majoringinmusic.com/teen-musicians-performing-on-npr-radio/