Greater Southwest Music Festival
Amarillo, TX May 8th, 2004
They Did It Again !
For the second
Saturday in a row, the Clayton High School Wind Ensemble crossed the
border to do battle against Texas band judges, who have a reputation of
being difficult and demanding. And, for the second time, the 37 piece
hometown group received a first-division rating.
You might recall that in last week's article, the award was referred to as Sweepstakes. That was because the Dumas festival included Sight-Reading, where the band has to perform a piece of music at first sight--a piece of music which they have never before seen.The May 8th, 2004 Greater Southwest Music Festival (GSWMF) in Amarillo did not include Sight-Reading. The GSWMF is a three-day performance-only event, each day being booked with dozens of area bands, orchestras, choirs, solos and ensembles in all school classifications.
In both the Dumas and Amarillo festivals, the Clayton Wind Ensemble received the highest possible ratings: 1st division is superior; 2nd division is excellent; 3rd division is good; 4th is fair; and 5th is poor.
Band Director Jerry Phillips takes pride in the students who comprise the C.H.S. Wind Ensemble. They are the same students who make up the marching band and the basketball pep band; however, concert season is the band's time to tackle serious, difficult pieces, and to show what the instrumental music program in public schools is all about.
It is Mr. Phillips' hope that all of Clayton will turn out for next week's concerts: 5th, 6th, and 7th grade bands on Monday, May 17, followed by the CHS Wind Ensemble on Tuesday, May 18, with music from "The Pirates of the Caribbean." Both concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. at Wood Auditorium and are being held in conjunction with the CHS Art Department's Spring Show. Doors will be open at 6:00 p.m each night for early viewing of artwork.
You will notice Mr. Phillips sporting a new look these days. On the way to Amarillo, he and the band members made a pact---if they could get another 1st division rating, he would agree to have his ear pierced. Needless to say, Mr. Phillips has yet another hole in his head. He said his initial embarrassment over the earring has quickly turned to pride, due to the significance it holds as a 'badge-of-honor' between him and his award-winning group. What sinister events lurk behind next year's awards for Mr. Phillips? Only the band members know.
If you've enjoyed the marching band and the pep band, please attend the May 18th, free concert and demonstrate your support of these great students during their finest season. It's the band event of the year. They will simply "blow you away."
........Union County Leader...May 12, 2004
You might recall that in last week's article, the award was referred to as Sweepstakes. That was because the Dumas festival included Sight-Reading, where the band has to perform a piece of music at first sight--a piece of music which they have never before seen.The May 8th, 2004 Greater Southwest Music Festival (GSWMF) in Amarillo did not include Sight-Reading. The GSWMF is a three-day performance-only event, each day being booked with dozens of area bands, orchestras, choirs, solos and ensembles in all school classifications.
In both the Dumas and Amarillo festivals, the Clayton Wind Ensemble received the highest possible ratings: 1st division is superior; 2nd division is excellent; 3rd division is good; 4th is fair; and 5th is poor.
Band Director Jerry Phillips takes pride in the students who comprise the C.H.S. Wind Ensemble. They are the same students who make up the marching band and the basketball pep band; however, concert season is the band's time to tackle serious, difficult pieces, and to show what the instrumental music program in public schools is all about.
It is Mr. Phillips' hope that all of Clayton will turn out for next week's concerts: 5th, 6th, and 7th grade bands on Monday, May 17, followed by the CHS Wind Ensemble on Tuesday, May 18, with music from "The Pirates of the Caribbean." Both concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. at Wood Auditorium and are being held in conjunction with the CHS Art Department's Spring Show. Doors will be open at 6:00 p.m each night for early viewing of artwork.
You will notice Mr. Phillips sporting a new look these days. On the way to Amarillo, he and the band members made a pact---if they could get another 1st division rating, he would agree to have his ear pierced. Needless to say, Mr. Phillips has yet another hole in his head. He said his initial embarrassment over the earring has quickly turned to pride, due to the significance it holds as a 'badge-of-honor' between him and his award-winning group. What sinister events lurk behind next year's awards for Mr. Phillips? Only the band members know.
If you've enjoyed the marching band and the pep band, please attend the May 18th, free concert and demonstrate your support of these great students during their finest season. It's the band event of the year. They will simply "blow you away."
........Union County Leader...May 12, 2004