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Juan Vasquez, with the U.S. Navy Concert Band, introduces Courtland High percussion students to the bass drum.
John Schroeder helps Matthew Presser, a senior at Courtland High School, with trumpet techniques last week.
Stacy Loggins talks to Spotsylvania County band students about using the mallets. |
By KATHLEEN LEWIS
Courtland High School music students learned technique and style from the masters last Thursday.
The U.S. Navy Concert Band taught brass, percussion and woodwinds master classes before performing in the auditorium. All Spotsylvania County high school musicians were invited to attend the training and concert.
"I'm sure it's the best band this band has ever heard," said Kathleen Schoelwer, director of bands at Courtland High School.
She contacted the Navy Concert Band to ask if the group would do a concert at the school. They agreed and offered to teach master classes.
In a master class, the group watches while a teacher works with one student at a time.
First Class Musician Nathan Zgonc worked with Courtland High School junior Joshua Sweeten on trombone.
Zgonc was teaching the brass students how to get a bolder sound from the instrument.
The two took turns playing a piece of music. The 16-year-old held his trombone to his lips and blew into it.
Zgonc said, "More, more, more."
The tone from the student's instrument grew stronger with every attempt.
At the back of the room stood Joshua's father, Ensign Patrick Sweeten, associate conductor of the Navy Band. He also plays trombone.
"We're here to try to help the kids be better musicians," he said.
A member of the Navy Concert Band percussion section demonstrated the tone difference when he smacked a drum with a flat or rounded palm while students watched.
In another room, the Navy Concert Band woodwind instrumentalists answered questions and then played a selection for students.
The band's visit to Spotsylvania was part of its community outreach program.
Sweeten said the purpose is to share their talent with the students and inspire the school music directors. The band also hopes to interest students in a future audition for the Navy Band.
"These are the world's best musicians. Every day, I get to work with them. I'm very humbled," said Sweeten, who was appointed director of concert and ceremonial bands four months ago.
Schoelwer watched her students from the back of the room.
"I'm so glad to see how tuned in they are."
For more information on the Navy Band go to navyband
To reach KATHLEEN LEWIS:
Email: klewis@freelancestar.com
