ABOUT THE PROGRAM
From a recent study by Patricia Sheehan Campbell at the University of Washington:
7th and 8th Grade Concert Band AND the 6th Grade Band
These ensembles are geared to teaching and refining basic to advanced music concepts while preparing a wide variety of educational and fun music for performances.
Small Group Lessons
All band students are scheduled for one small group lesson each 5 day cycle. In lessons, we focus on the development and reinforcement of playing techniques and the understanding of musical concepts. The lessons will operate on a rotating schedule so the students will not miss the same class more than twice in the same marking period.
Jazz Band
Jazz Band is a large after school ensemble. Students in Jazz Band will learn the basics of jazz technique while performing a variety of jazz and rock standards. A typical jazz band consists of trumpets, saxophones, trombones, piano, guitar, bass and drums. However, all 6th-8th grade band students on all instruments as well as any guitarists or drummers not in the band, are welcome in Jazz Band. Participation is voluntary. Jazz Band will begin in late November or early December. Students need only to sign up to participate. The annual Jazz Cabaret is held in May with the Middle School and the High School Jazz Bands participating.
Other Band activities and Information
7th and 8th grade bands will perform in the Halloween and Memorial Day parades. Students are also given opportunities to perform in the community, at special events, and at selected festivals. Some school owned instruments are available for students to sign out and use free of charge. Instrument lockers and music stands are also readily available for student use.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Matthew A. Tiffany was born and raised in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York just outside of New York City. His NY upbringing has instilled in him a life long love of Sicilian style pizza, fresh bagels and the New York Giants.
Mr. T began playing the saxophone at age ten and was working professionally with local jazz and rock bands by age fourteen. After graduating high school he earned a Bachelors degree from West Chester University in Music Education and a Masters degree from the University of Toledo in Jazz Performance. Mr. T has performed live with such acts as the David Liebman Group, the Marilyn Manson Band, Jon Hendricks, Jazz Me, Ohio Intercollegiate Jazz All-Stars, the Gettysburg Big Band and many others.
Mr. T began working at big spring in 2005 as a substitute teacher and assumed the duties of middle school band director in 2008. As a member of the Big Spring Music Department he has directed or assisted with The Encore and Bravo Jazz Ensembles, Twilight and Gold Jazz Ensembles, Big Spring Marching Bulldogs, Elementary Summer Band, and the High School Musical and Pit Ensemble.
Mr. Tiffany currently lives in Carlisle with his wife Holly and faithful dog, Vader. Mr. T loves working for Big Spring and is proud to be a Bulldog!
From a recent study by Patricia Sheehan Campbell at the University of Washington:
- Teens believe that music is an integral part of American life, and that music reflects American culture and society
- Teens feel that playing music teaches self-discipline such as, “there are payoffs if you practice and stick with something
- Adolescents are generally committed to their instruments and their school ensembles because they love to be involved in these musical and social groups
7th and 8th Grade Concert Band AND the 6th Grade Band
These ensembles are geared to teaching and refining basic to advanced music concepts while preparing a wide variety of educational and fun music for performances.
Small Group Lessons
All band students are scheduled for one small group lesson each 5 day cycle. In lessons, we focus on the development and reinforcement of playing techniques and the understanding of musical concepts. The lessons will operate on a rotating schedule so the students will not miss the same class more than twice in the same marking period.
Jazz Band
Jazz Band is a large after school ensemble. Students in Jazz Band will learn the basics of jazz technique while performing a variety of jazz and rock standards. A typical jazz band consists of trumpets, saxophones, trombones, piano, guitar, bass and drums. However, all 6th-8th grade band students on all instruments as well as any guitarists or drummers not in the band, are welcome in Jazz Band. Participation is voluntary. Jazz Band will begin in late November or early December. Students need only to sign up to participate. The annual Jazz Cabaret is held in May with the Middle School and the High School Jazz Bands participating.
Other Band activities and Information
7th and 8th grade bands will perform in the Halloween and Memorial Day parades. Students are also given opportunities to perform in the community, at special events, and at selected festivals. Some school owned instruments are available for students to sign out and use free of charge. Instrument lockers and music stands are also readily available for student use.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Matthew A. Tiffany was born and raised in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York just outside of New York City. His NY upbringing has instilled in him a life long love of Sicilian style pizza, fresh bagels and the New York Giants.
Mr. T began playing the saxophone at age ten and was working professionally with local jazz and rock bands by age fourteen. After graduating high school he earned a Bachelors degree from West Chester University in Music Education and a Masters degree from the University of Toledo in Jazz Performance. Mr. T has performed live with such acts as the David Liebman Group, the Marilyn Manson Band, Jon Hendricks, Jazz Me, Ohio Intercollegiate Jazz All-Stars, the Gettysburg Big Band and many others.
Mr. T began working at big spring in 2005 as a substitute teacher and assumed the duties of middle school band director in 2008. As a member of the Big Spring Music Department he has directed or assisted with The Encore and Bravo Jazz Ensembles, Twilight and Gold Jazz Ensembles, Big Spring Marching Bulldogs, Elementary Summer Band, and the High School Musical and Pit Ensemble.
Mr. Tiffany currently lives in Carlisle with his wife Holly and faithful dog, Vader. Mr. T loves working for Big Spring and is proud to be a Bulldog!