The TCHS band took some time out to watch Barack Obama’s inauguration speech yesterday. This is unrelated to band except for the fact that prior to the speech, there was one of the most amazingly beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. It was arrranged especially for the occasion by John Williams, composer of fantastic movie soundtracks for “Star Wars”, “Indiana Jones”, “Jaws”, the “Olympic Theme”, “Harry Potter”, and almost any other recognizeable movie music you can think of. It featured a quartet of cello (Yo-Yo Ma), violin (Itzhak Perlman), clarinet (Anthony McGill), and piano (Gabriela Montero). It was incredible. I would normally put something like this in my director’s blog, but it was so good I wanted everyone to see it.

On Saturday, December 6th, the Sixth Grade Band got to work with Doug Pelt, an elementary band director in the northern suburbs of Chicago. (and one of Mr. Schoenbach’s best friends) He worked with the band on their music for their upcoming Christmas concert, helping bring out the subtleties of the music and giving them a fresh point of view. The kids were very receptive and attentive. Our concert is Monday, December15th.

For more pictures, see the “pictures” link in the sixth grade band page.