Youth In Music: Marching Band Events

12/28/2024

Happy Holidays from YIM and the Bluecoats!

12/28/2024

We need more Kelly's!!!

A few years ago, Kelly Truby made a promise to her 5th-grade students: If every single one of them joined the band that year, she would also sign up and learn to play a new musical instrument. The students took her up on the challenge, and Kelly spent the year learning the trumpet.

The next year, she offered the same deal and learned the French horn. In year three, it was the clarinet. Next came the euphonium, then the trombone.

Now, after several years, Kelly has learned so many instruments that she's started circling back. Despite not considering herself musically gifted, Kelly has embraced the challenge year after year.

“I give it my best effort,” she says. “I’m always in there with the beginners, doing my best. One year they even had me try the flute, but I couldn’t get any sound out of it!”

Kelly’s motivation goes beyond just learning new instruments.

“Music fires all parts of the brain,” she explains. “The reason I do this is because if 5th graders aren’t given the opportunity to play, they may never discover the gifts God has given them. If joining the band myself and learning an instrument encourages them to find out what gifts they’ve been given, that’s all right by me.”

Steve Smith, Trinity’s new 5th-grade teacher, has joined Kelly in issuing the same challenge to students – with the same result of 100% participation. While Kelly might not have a natural musical talent, Steve is a seasoned musician with experience on the clarinet, trumpet, and piano.

This year, one student was adamant about not joining the band. But with a little positive peer pressure, he came around—and now he’s playing two instruments and even taking private lessons.

“He’s wired for it,” Kelly says with a smile.

As for Kelly’s favorite instrument?

"The trumpet," she says. "It only has three buttons!"

12/11/2024

Amazing music and educators being showcased at Midwest. Please support these sessions next week!

One week from today! We are PROUD of our Minnesota Presenters! See you there! 💙💙💙

12/10/2024

Prior to Monday night's board meeting, ISD 196 recognized the Rosemount High School Marching Band for winning its 17th Minnesota state title at the Youth in Music (YIM) Championships in October. Drum Majors (L-R) Bella Huss, Neha Chetty, Paige Babcock, and Sophie Eriksen-Schultz proudly represented the RHSMB!

YIM was also special for another 196 high school: the board honored Eastview, which took 2nd Place, its highest finish ever. Congrats to both schools! District 196 Community Education Eastview High School

12/10/2024

Outstanding experience for your concert band/wind ensemble! Sign up today.

🚨High School Band Directors: we have had a spot become available on Saturday, March 8, 2025 for our Concert Band Festival: A Music for Affiliate Regional Music Festival. Our UMN Bands Faculty along with Professor Emeritus Craig Kirchhoff will serve as Clinicians for this fantastic, educational event. To register visit: https://z.umn.edu/concertbandfestival

Learn more about Music for All's Affiliate Festivals here: https://festival.musicforall.org/affiliate/

12/09/2024

OK Go. A very unique pop band that creates "one take" performance art. What us recorded and presented is NOT edited. They are full takes. This ine involves The Notre Dame Marching Band.

12/06/2024

Chalamet was in town to promote his upcoming role as Bob Dylan. Fun!

12/03/2024

Local musician, Cory Wong, doing a clinic with U of Mn Jazz Bands!

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for band students and band parents!

11/25/2024

11/25/2024

All potential future music educator's should sign up for this amazing experience at MMEA February 12-14.

Do you have a student interested in pursuing a career in Music Education? Encourage them to register for the Minnesota Future Music Educators program! MFME will be held on Thursday February 13th at the MMEA Midwinter Convention. Registered students will attend sessions focusing on what they should consider doing now to prepare for a career as a music educator, as well as what they can expect from this career choice. This program is open to current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Visit our website to learn more! https://mmea.org/events/mfme/

11/21/2024

Tips on rehearsing without your instrument.

Mental practice means using your head and concentrating on the parts you play on your instrument, but without actually using your instrument.

11/20/2024

Summer DCI Schedule is out. Where are you going to see some drum corps?

COPY

11/20/2024

Good idea? Bad idea! Just fun!