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Beginner Band
Beginner Band is offered to students in all grades. Beginner Band will focus on learning about what music consists of and how it all relates to learning an instrument. Students will learn how to read different rhythms, learn how to read music in both the treble and bass clef staffs, and learn the fundamental techniques of the instrument that they play. Students and Ms. Bowker will decide upon which instrument will be best fitting for each student. This instrument will be assigned to the student for the duration of the 2019-2020 school year. Students will also learn about different musical genres, along with famous composers and how they influenced the music we listen to today. Beginner Band meets every day for 55 minutes during the school day. The Beginner Band will perform at the Winter Concert in December and at the Spring Concert in May. In addition to these, they will also play at other various events throughout the school year. More information will be sent home when these are decided upon, including specific dates and times.
Advanced 7th and 8th Grade Bands
The Advanced Bands are offered to students in the 7th and 8th grade. Advanced Band will continue to focus on developing skills and techniques on their instrument, along with playing more advanced literature from all different genres. Students will continue to learn about different musical genres, along with famous composers and how they influenced the music we listen to today. Students will be assigned an instrument for the duration of the 2019-2020 school year. Advanced Band meets every day for 55 minutes during the school day. The Advanced Bands will perform at the Winter Concert in December and at the Spring Concert in May. In addition to these, they will also play at other various events throughout the school year. More information will be sent home when these are decided upon, including specific dates and times. It is highly recommended and encouraged that students take private music lessons to enhance their skills and abilities.
Upcoming Performances
School building is closed through remainder of year. Virtual learning until June 19.
Following are Canceled due to Covid-19.
Thursday, April 16th
Westfield State University
7th/8th Grade Students will be performing at Westfield and receiving a band clinic from the college band professor. They will be receiving feedback to help improve their skills.
Leaving school around 11:45am and arriving at Westfield by 12:30pm. Will leave Westfield by 2:15pm with an arrival back to school around 3pm.
Wear band shirts.
Thursday, May 21st
Spring Concert. All Bands. Starts at 6pm in the Chestnut Middle School Auditorium. Arrive between 5:30-5:45pm and go to the band room.
Wear concert white and black clothes.
Kiley-TAG Band Concert
Thursday, June 4th
8th Graders Only
Starts at 6pm in the Chestnut Middle School Auditorium. Students are staying after school for a rehearsal and dinner.
Wear band shirt, black pants/skirt and black shoes.
ABOUT MS. BOWKER
I have been a musician for over 20 years! I graduated from Westfield State University with a degree in Music Education. After teaching general music for a few years, I returned to school to pursue my graduate degree in Music Conducting from the University of New Hampshire. Not only do I teach band at Chestnut TAG, but I also am on staff for a local high school's marching band. I am an active musician currently performing in the Northern CT and Western MA area.
The philosophy of the Chestnut TAG Band Program is to create well-rounded individuals through playing music. Band should be a fun learning experience where the students grow as individuals and learn to be responsible people. Every student is given the right to succeed and it is my role as the teacher to give the students this opportunity through the band program and to help them with anything they need help with. It is my role as a music educator to introduce students to music, helping them to understand and appreciate the joy that it brings to people all over the world. It is an international language that speaks to all in one way or another. The students are expected to put their best effort forth in class and to never give up on anything they are doing. The students and I need to always be respectful of each other.
CONTACT MS. BOWKER
Chestnut Talented and Gifted Middle School
355 Plainfield Street, Springfield MA 01104
bowkera@springfieldpublicschools.com
School Phone: 413-750-2333
Email is my preferred method of communication. I will respond within one day. If a meeting is requested, please email me to set up a date and time.