SP East Band Updates

On Monday, February 19, composer Omar Thomas and conductor Scott Teeple spent the day at SP East working with the Concert Bands and Wind Ensembles from both East and West. The time was enlightening and exciting. Mr. Thomas and Mr. Teeple helped students discover a deeper connection to their music with a richer expressive spirit and soulfulness. We have all been changed for the better from our time on Monday and we are very grateful for the gift of musicianship given by Mr. Thomas and Mr. Teeple.

Thank you to the Sun Prairie Education Foundation and the Sun Prairie Band Boosters for their financial support of Mr. Thomas's visit.

March 4-7 composer Marie Douglas will visit Sun Prairie to work with combined band on her music.

The combined wind ensembles will study "Big City Lights" by Marie Douglas

The combined concert bands will study "Big Mad" and "I Am Enough" by Marie Douglas. The combined concert bands will perform a Young Peoples' concert for Sun Prairie Elementary students with Ms. Douglas on Thursday, March 7.

"Atlanta bred composer Marie Douglas mixes and layers genres and textures as a means to inject unprecedented relate-ability and excitement into music for concert stages. Marie got her start in the artistic and culturally rich streets in the inner city of Atlanta. Her style reflects that relationship and proximity to "The Culture" and the unique perspective that it affords her."

To learn more about Marie Douglas please visit her website https://www.marieadouglas.com/

February, March and April bring a variety of clinicians, guest artists, and collaborating ensembles to Sun Prairie. From a full slate of clinicians at our jazz festival to Omar Thomas, Marie Douglas, John Stewart and Scott Teeple - along with collaborating ensembles like the UW-Madison Wind Ensemble, the UW-Eau Claire Wind Symphony, and the United States Air Force Bands, Sun Prairie band students have a wealth of exciting musical opportunities on the horizon.

These Google Docs are available to help keep track of events and clinic times over the next several months.

SP East Band Calendar & Dates

Concert Band - Clinic Times & Schedules

Wind Ensemble - Clinic Times & Schedules

Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) have extend the opportunity of FREE tickets to all SPASD music teachers, students, and families on their concert series this upcoming weekend, March 2nd & 3rd, at SP West High School. https://wysomusic.org/concerts-events/

Tickets can be picked up at SP West 30 minutes before concerts begin.

Any questions - please reach out to Susan Gardels, WYSO Director of Development & Communication, susan@wysomusic.org.

The UW Eau Claire Wind Symphony and their conductor John Stewart will visit Sun Prairie while on tour March 6. The Eau Claire Wind Symphony will join the combined concert bands from East and West working with composer Marie Douglas and performing for the concert bands. The wind ensembles from East and West will have the same opportunity to work with Eau Claire and Marie Douglas after school on March 6. We are looking forward to a rich environment of music making and learning on this day!

Our next band concert is March 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the East Performing Arts Center. This concert will bring guest composer and conductor, Scott Teeple, to Sun Prairie to work with all of the high school bands in the district. The wind ensembles and concert bands from across town will join forces and combine for this concert. East & West back together!

The Bernie Powers Band Foundation H.E.A.R. (Helping support Equitable Access and Representation) Scholarship promotes equitable access and representation to music education and enrichment activities for groups including but not limited to African American, Latinx, Native American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and LGBTQIA+ students.

Learn more and find application here

A $500 scholarship awarded to a graduating high school senior that meet the following criteria:

• participated in the Sun Prairie Band program for a least one full year
• participated in high school and or community clubs & organizations
• plans to attend a four year university, technical/vocational school or short term career train course

Learn more and find application here

• A $200 scholarship awarded to one or more student(s) in grades 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 that meet the following criteria:

  
  

  • is a current percussion student and/or
  • is a current Sound of Sun Prairie member who has participated in school and/or community clubs or organizations

  
  

  
  

  Learn more and find application here

eff Bogosh Summer Jazz Camp Scholarship

A $500 scholarship awarded to a current jazz ensemble member in grade 8, 9, 10 or 11 that meet the following criteria:

• participated in the Sun Prairie Jazz program for at least one full year and
• participated in high school or community clubs or organizations and
• plans to attend a jazz summer camp

Learn more and find application here

A $300 scholarship awarded to a graduating high school senior that meet the following criteria:

• participated in the Sun Prairie Band program for at least one full year and
• participated in high school or community clubs or organizations and
• plans to attend a four year university or college majoring in Music Education

Learn more and find application here