Students in the advanced band and string orchestra at McAuliffe Middle School in Los Alamitos recently performed in their final music festival concerts of the 2014-15 school year, where both groups achieved the highest ratings for their performances and the ability to sight-read music they had never previously seen.
Adjudicators were local music professionals, all of whom gave very positive feedback. “Their success in festival performances as well as with school and all-district concerts is a testament to their hard work and dedication as developing musicians – I am so proud of our student musicians,” said Music Director Melissa Palmer. Festival selections included “Amadeus” (orchestra) and an inspiring piece called “African Dreams” (advanced band). As students prepare for their final concert of the school year, Mrs. Palmer is holding auditions for new and returning students wish to play in the string orchestra, intermediate band, or advanced band. Returning students will audition during their class time at school.
Incoming 6th graders are encouraged to attend auditions on Wednesday, April 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the school in Room 73, where students can pick up audition requirements. Appointments are not required and are held on a first come, first serve basis. Students will be required to play a song excerpt from Mrs. Palmer’s selection, a piece that they feel demonstrates their greatest skill, and to know certain Major Scales. Copies of Mrs. Palmer’s selections are now available in Room 73. For more information, please contact Mrs. Palmer at mpalmer@losal.org,,
The final instrumental music concert of the season is scheduled for May 8 at 7 p.m. at the McAuliffe Middle School Sacket Center. The McAuliffe string orchestra, bands (beginning through advanced), and the award-winning jazz band will all perform. Mrs. Palmer and Jazz Band Music Director Mr. Wackerman have the groups rehearsing some great new music that will showcase the advancement all groups have made through this school year.
The benefits of music education on developing both performance and academic excellence have been widely published, and the programs offered through the Los Alamitos Unified School District (LAUSD) and the Youth Center Music Program helps students realize these benefits. LAUSD music directors continuously look for opportunities for the instrumental music groups to perform outside of annual school concerts. These opportunities have included music festivals, competitions, and participation in the community arts program at Knott’s Berry Farm.
With all groups represented in these opportunities, the number of students performing is more than 200. In an era where music programs in public schools are working with under funding and class scheduling constraints, continued support of school music programs from the LAUSD remains strong. It is greatly appreciated among students, parents and instructors alike.
Along with district support, parents volunteerism is essential to keeping all LAUSD music programs strong. Their volunteerism begins at home when they share their own appreciation of music, ensure that there is a quiet place and regular time to practice, and provide private lessons, if possible. Music requires tremendous dedication from student performers and those who support them, but one of the easiest ways anyone can support music students is to attend their concerts.
Admission proceeds from the concerts directly benefit school music programs by offsetting the cost of maintenance and procurement of school-owned instruments, purchase of sheet music, transportation fees to performance venues, performance venue fees, and many other needs.
