Current Events!

Dear Band Families,

We are in our final push for the year soliciting family donations to support our visiting artist program here in the DSA Bands Department. Below are some recent news articles/profiles about some of the Band’s Practicing Artists that work regularly at the school. In order to ensure quality artists are sustained in the department, make your donation today. Remember no donation is too small!

Long time percussion, ethnomusicology, jazz and overall music coach Dr. Greg Harris has been central to the success of DSA for close to 20 years now! Check out this profile of Harris: https://www.kuvo.org/greg-tanner-harris/

As brass, jazz and overall music coach at DSA, Anthony Zator has been crucial to the success of DSA Bands since 2009. Check out this profile of Zator : https://www.arapahoe-phil.org/outreach/community-outreach/master-classes/

Long time saxophone, jazz, classical coach, Dr. Grant Larson has been momentous in the success of the DSA Bands for close to 15 years now. Read the impressive bio here: https://grantlarsonmusic.com/about

DSA has major donors willing to make large contributions if we can raise our overall family participation rate. This is why a one-time donation of even five or ten dollars makes a real difference. If you have not yet made a donation of any amount, please consider doing so at this link:

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E201119&id=43

Thanks so much,

Dave Hammond, Director of Bands, DSA

**All State Band featured these great Denver School of the Arts Bands students from left Andrew Elwood, drums, Elias Haberberger, vibes and Gwendolyn Parney, Alto Sax.**

The ensembles are all sounding so great because of the hard work of all the students involved.

DSA Percussion Trip to PASIC Convention 2022!

The the DSA Percussion students went to Indianapolis, IN to attend the annual PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention). Students were treated to 3 full days of concerts, workshops and clinics by some of the world’s most renowned percussionists! Thanks to parent Joel Shutty and Percussion Practicing Artist Dr. Greg Harris for their help in giving the students an experience of a lifetime!

Back to School Presentation Slides

Back-to-School-2022 Download

DSA Bands Calendar – Fall Semester 2022

Date Time What Where

9/15 5:30-7:30pm Back to School DSA

9/23 1:35-3:10 Corey Christiansen Band Room

9/24 5:30-8:30 +DSA Block Party DSA South Campus

10/6 7pm +Jazz Symposium DSA Concert Hall

10/7 7pm +Jazz Symposium DSA Concert Hall

10/19-25 – various times ^Little Mermaid DSA Schomp Theater

10/26 7pm #Percussion Night DSA Concert Hall

10/27 7pm *Bands Showcase DSA Concert Hall

11/9-12 All Day Trip #PASIC Trip Indianapolis, IN

11/21-25 Thanksgiving Break

12/13 #Percussion Night DSA Concert Hall

12/14 7pm *Winter Concert 1 DSA Concert Hall

12/15 7pm *Winter Concert 2 DSA Concert Hall

12/17-22 Midwest Full Orch Chicago, IL

Participation in all performances is mandatory and an essential culmination of instruction. Please make all DSA Band rehearsals, activities, trips and performances a priority in your schedule.

* All Department Ensembles

+ All Jazz Workshop Students

^ All School Musical Pit Orchestra

# Percussion Ensembles

**End of the year concerts after a very successful year!**

Seniors of the the Denver School of the Arts Bands area are working hard to present amazing senior recitals. Please attend these great musician’s recitals!

Luke Fleener – April 6th, 4pm, DSA Concert Hall

Lazlo Torok – April 6th, 7pm, Dazzle at Bauer’s

Alina Scrivner – April 11th, 4pm, DSA Concert Hall

Jolie LeJeune – April 11, 6pm, DSA Concert Hall

Nat Kim – April 15th, 6:30pm, DSA Concert Hall

George Williams – April 18th, 4pm, DSA Concert Hall

Brandon Kennedy – April 18th, 6:30pm, DSA Concert Hall

Peyton Ray – April 19th, 4:45pm, DSA Concert Hall

George Frommell – April 20, 4pm DSA Concert Hall

Koki Renwick, April 20th, 7pm, Dazzle at Bauer’s

Luka Vezmar, April 21st, 4pm, DSA Concert Hall

Ben Giesen, April 27th, 6pm, Aurora People’s Building

JJ Mazza – April 28th, 7pm, Dazzle at Bauer’s

Samantha Reising – May 20th, 6pm, DSA Concert Hall

The DSA Concert Band performs in their clinic at the CBA Middle School Band Festival on March 11th.
The band received Superior scores for a truly artful performance.

The DSA Wind Ensemble performed March 1st at Grandview HS for CBA regional competition. All judges gave the ensemble Superior scores. The band moves on to finals at UNC’s Griffin Hall on April 19th.

CMEA Trip 2022 – Concert Band

Parents of Concert Band student must fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/mr1YcsQeZ7c3kQXy6

Concert Program for Band Showcase, Thursday, October 28, 7pm, Schomp Theater, Denver School of the Arts

Denver School of the Arts Wind Ensemble

Cortége/Enigma – David Gilligham and Dennis Fisher

Blessed Are They (from a German Requiem) – Johannes Brahms, Arr. by Barbara Buehlman

Arabesque – Samuel Hazo

Denver School of the Arts Percussion Ensembles

Middle School: Strange Meeting – Bill Frisell

High School: Butterfly – Herbie Hancock, Arr. by Gretchen Parlato

Denver School of the Arts Concert Band

Phoenix Overture – Benjamin Yeo, Arr. by Dr. Grant Larson, Percussion Arr. by MS Perc. Ens.

The Advocate – Gene Milford

Across Illuminated Skies – Oscar Ban

Personnel – Concert Band

Flutes: Camila Mejias-Camacho, Maximillian Kutner, Kira Freeman

Oboe: Izzy Jackson

Clarinets: Sophie Glanz, Avery Rains, Alex Till, Carlos Garcia, Liat Mercado-Renner, Toby Reyes-Giacomazzi

Alto Saxes: Khairoh Johnson, Natalie Moilanen, Cameron Goldberg

Tenor Sax: Guillermo Luna

Trumpets: Jack Eikenberry, Eli Mercado-Renner, Emily Rojas, Squirrel Mundt

French Horn: Sophia Connolly

Trombone: Keahn Grundy – Baritone: Drake Miller

Percussion: Elias Haberberger, Damian Reyes, Rama Nonino, Matthew Koback, Quinn Reilly, Izyaah Dubose, Ella Jackson, Hector Shutty

Personnel – Wind Ensemble

Flutes: Nathanael Kim, Peyton Ray, Ian Klute, Simone Graczyk, Allie Reed

Oboes: Alina Scrivner, Luka Vezmar, Nolan Ottele, Elizabeth Parsons

Clarinets: Wyn Parney, George Williams, Kadi McCann, Robin Kelley, Nicholas Merz

Bass Clarinets: Oran Bradley, Scarlett Strickland

Bassoons: Andrew Mazurek, Wren Nelson, Bluma Oginsky

Alto Saxophone: Gabby Pappas, Brandon Kennedy, Benjamin Giesen, Quintin Shimonek, Isaac Spotted Elk

Tenor Saxophones: Luke Fleener, Atticus Fretz, Solomon Krumholz, Sosy Kokozian, Jacob Reimer

Baritone Saxophone: Thomas Romano

French Horn: George Frommell, Jolie LeJeune, Thomas Piercy, Finn Moore, EricaPruitt

Trumpet: Koki Renwick, Jonas Gilbert, Hailey Burton, Owen McCormick, MaKenna Bartos, Zacary Grana

Trombones: Samantha Reising, Ben Hann, Luke Miller, Kaden Power, James Turretini, Liam McDermott, Sammy Fraterelli

Baritones: Amir Belen, Jimari Day

Tubas: Soleil Schafluetzel, Sonja Pruitt

Percussion: Lazlo Torok, Declan Scully, JJ Mazza, Andrew Elwood, Gabe Daily, Saule Buettner, Wyatt Carr, Kieran Osborn, Gabriel Thomas-Hill, Kian White

2021-22 DSA Bands Practicing Artists:

Flutes: Cathy Peterson and Michael Williams, Oboes: Miriam Kapner

Clarinets: Elsbeth Williams, Bassoons: Roger Soren, Saxophones: Dr. Grant Larson,

French Horns: Teresa Harvey, Trumpets: Anthony Zator, Low Brass: Adam Bartczak

Percussion: Dr. Greg Harris, Dr. Ed Breazeale, Piano: Stu McKaskie

DSA Music Faculty:

Enrique Lasansky, Rich Serianni, Mitchell Alpaugh, Meaghan Quigley, Ryan Garrison

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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.

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!

Its a big week for DSA Bands! *BOTH* Wind Ensemble and Concert Band will play at the Colorado Music Educators Associations convention in Colorado Springs, CO on Friday, January 24. The Wind Ensemble plays at 11am in the International North (tickets available for parents through Mr. Hammond). The Concert Band performs as part of the Middle School Full Orchestra at 2:30pm in the same room (tickets available through Dr. Lasansky).
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.

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)

: 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.

: Pedrto Martinez and his band pose with DSA Band students and DSA percussion practicing artist Greg Harris.

: 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.

: Emmet Cohen (piano), Russell Hall (bass) and Kyle Poole (drums) perform with DSA students Chris Ferrari, Sam Keedy and Alec Streete.

: 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!

: 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.

: DSA Jazz Workshop Orchestra poses after the Essentially Ellington Clinic with Walter Blanding 4/13/17.

: Part of the DSA Percussion Ensemble poses with renowned percussionist Nate Werth (Snarky Puppy) after the show at Dazzle (4/12/17).

: The Fareed Haque/Tony Monoco Trio plays for the band students at DSA (4/18/17).

: Dr. David Kish works with the Wind Ensemble after their performance at CSU’s Griffin Hall.

: 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.

: DSA Jazz Workshop Orchestra winds up their set at the 70th Annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL Friday, December 16th.

: 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.

: Renowned trumpeter and jazz educator Ron Miles plays with the Jazz Workshop Orchestra.

: UNLV Flute Professor Jennifer Grimm performs for the Chamber class.

: The DSA Pit Orchestra readies for another great show when performing “The Producers”. The show was great and the Pit was fabulous!

: DSA JWO jazz Combo plays the Vail Jazz Festival.

: DSA alum Katie Glassman plays Vail Jazz Festival after DSA kids. She is an amazing jazz player/singer.

Highlights from the 2015-16 year!

: Learning about the civil rights events in New Orleans.

: Jazz Clinic at Loyola College with Gordon Lowell, Jazz Studies Director.

: Composer Julie Giroux shows the DSA Wind Ensemble the bookmarks she worked from to compose her symphony.

: Delfeayo Marsalis pauses in the street to take a selfie with the students after performing at the French Quarter Festival.

: Dr. Serena Weren, Director of Bands at Loyola University works with the Concert Band in clinic.works with the

: Director of Jazz at Lusher Charter School, Kent Jordan works with a mix of DSA and Lusher students on a jam tune.

: 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.

: DSA students sit in with a guitar playing unicorn during French Quarter Fest.

: DSA students listen as a guide talkes about Mardi Gras Indians in Louis Armstrong Park.

: DSA students play african drums and dance in Congo Square.

: Seniors of the DSA Bands Department after a very beautiful Senior Dinner at Commander’s Palace.

: DSA JWO II plays the WWII Museum.

: DSA and NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts) play together in the finale of the concert there.

: The poster for the gig at NOCCA.

: Students enjoy a river cruise in the swamp lands.

: All 127 DSA Band people count fingers and toes after saying hi to the aligators of Louisiana.

: 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

: Dr. James Lambrecht, Director of the Augustana Symphonic Band works with the DSA Wind Ensemble before the concert.

: Members of the Augustana Symphonic Band work with DSA Band students in sectional before the concert.

: Dr. James Lambrecht conducts the Augustana College Symphonic Band in Concert.

Top DSA Band Students Perform at the 2016 Concerto Concert

: Eli Castro performs at the Concerto Concert 2/26/16.

: Gabrielle Costache performs at the Concerto Concert 2/26/16.

: 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.

: 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.

: 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!

: The French Horn section of the DSA Concert Band before the Winter Show dress to impress and then played a beautiful concert.

: 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…

: Dr. Scott Muntefering from Wartburg College works with the Concert Band on 10/30. He also worked with the Wind Ensemble.

: A DSA Combo performs at an accreditation reception at Emily Griffith Technical College.

Jazz Symposium 2015 with Visiting Artist Greg Osby

: The Artist Concert featuring Greg Osby, Josh Quinlan, Eric Gunnison, Ken Walker and Ed Breazeale.

: Osby plays with DSA jazz students.

: Osby plays with DSA jazz students.

: DSA jazz students jam on the last tune of the Symposium Combo night.

: Symposium guest artist Greg Osby shares at the free saxophone clinic.

: Directors in a post concert pic. From left, Jamie Harrings, Grant Larson, Greg Harris, Greg Osby and Dave Hammond.

: 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!

: DSA Band students, parents and practicing artist Greg Harris pose after the race.

: 3rd fastest overall female, DSA Band student Emily Hanson with Bands Director Dave Hammond.

: 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/