WHS Concert Band April Newsletter
From the Desk of Ms. Girouard, Mr. Klein, and Mr. Thew
Spring is on the way!
With April break right on the horizon we are excited to bring you some updates about what the high school band has been up to, as well as some upcoming dates and concerts to keep an eye out for.
The Spring Concert is coming up quick ππΆππΆ
Students will be performing two works as a large ensemble - Brighton Beach and Mi Vecino as well as several other pieces in small ensembles. These small ensembles are student directed and the repertoire is also student selected.
What else is going on in the fine arts department?!
WHS Concert band to MICCA
On March 27th students traveled to Danvers High School to participate in the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors association festival. Students played three difficult pieces: March of the Belgian Parachutists, Hymn for Band, and Arabian Dances. Students received a silver rating and a productive coaching from Dr. David Neves, director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble. Bravo!
Jazz Band Advances to State Finals
After competing in the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education (MAJE) festival at Arlington High School, students in Jazz band advanced to the state finals for the first time in Watertown's history! Congratulations jazz students!!
Google Classroom for grades
Check google classroom, not powerschool, to see students' most recent grades!
Join us on remind!
This is a great way to stay updated about all things band. You can join using the link below.
Upcoming Events
4/10 Friends of Watertown Music Musicfest
5/7 Spring Band Concert5/12 Sing out Watertown
5/16 Watertown Porchfest
5/25 Memorial Day Parade
6/5 WHS Graduation
Miscellaneous!
Practicing
We recommend students play their instrument 3+ times a week for at least 100 minutes in total time throughout the week to build muscle memory and reinforce habits taught in class.
Private Lessons
Want to be get better, quicker? PRIVATE LESSONS are the way to go!
Here is a great resource for private lesson instructors in the area. Private lessons are the quickest way for your budding musician to grow!
You can also check out Powers Music School in Belmont (on Concord Street near Belmont Center).
Gift Items for the Band Student
Here are some ideas if you are thinking of getting your band student some quality goods.
Meet the Teachers!
Mr. Thew
Maxwell Thew, a Band Director, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Idaho and a Master's Degree in Music Education from the American Band College at Central Washington University. He has taught in Oregon for 4 years and in Massachusetts for 5 years. During his time in Oregon, he successfully led his groups to the OSAA state band for 2 years and jazz band for 2 years. He is recognized for his ability to facilitate rapid growth in the programs he oversees. His primary focus is on musicians of all levels to succeed and nurturing the development of well-rounded individuals.
Mr. Klein
Ms. Girouard
Lauren Girouard is a passionate music educator and performer in the Boston area who teaches percussion and band to grades 4-12 in Watertown. As an educator, she has served as the Percussion Teaching Assistant for music education at Boston University, where she is finishing up her Masterβs degree in Percussion Performance. She also earned her Bachelorβs degree in Music Education and Percussion Performance from Boston University in 2023. Lauren enjoys performing with a variety of ensembles around the area, including the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Boston Chamber Symphony, Du Bois Orchestra, and New England Brass Band.