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What’s the Score?

Articulation – Will your woodwinds be able to Logistics – Is there a time limit on your performance?
articulate; will brass or flutes need to work on multiple How much equipment will percussionists have to move? Do
tonguing? you even have all the equipment necessary (synthesizers,
Transparency – How exposed is the piece? Is the exotic percussion – beware)?
harmonic language too thick/foreign for your group to This is the process we go through. Don’t think that this
understand? means you can only play something you’re good at. In fact,
Length – Is it long enough that your students won’t get you have to know that line where you push your students
bored? Is it short enough that they won’t be out of chops just hard enough to flourish and learn. You need to know
by the end? how many new skills you will need to teach because a
Movements – How many times do you need to start new skill should be practiced every day. At the end of the
a piece from silence? This can be challenging for young day, it is important that you pick music you and your kids
groups and groups looking for that “perfect” recording. will enjoy learning through practice and performance.
Fingerings – Where does the music fall on the Why waste time beating away at a piece for months, when
instruments? Do you have access to someone who can give neither you nor your students enjoy the piece? It’s your
you alternate fingerings? turn to give the kids the kinds of positive experiences you
Ornaments – How much time will you have to devote received from your time as a performer (which led you to
to learning new styles of grace notes? become a music educator).
Solos – Does it fit your list?
Quality – Is it a good vehicle to teach your students The last thing:
about music, or is it redundant? I said redundant. Your students should not be the only one learning from
New Piece? – Are you comfortable making stylistic these experiences; we all must never stop learning.
choices on your own, or do you need a reference?

Gloria Ramirez is in her 37th year of teaching, currently as the Director of Bands at Langham Creek High School in the Cypress Independent School
District. Prior to coming to the Cy Fair District, Ms. Ramirez taught in the Humble and Spring Independent School Districts. Ms. Ramirez’s concert
ensembles are consistent UIL Sweepstakes recipients and have been recognized as “Best in Class” at various festivals. Her groups have advanced in the
TMEA Honor Band competition numerous times at both the high school and middle school levels. In 2007 Ms. Ramirez received the Leadership and
Achievement Award as Co-Director of the Class AAAAA TMEA State Honor Band. Her bands have been selected as a National Wind Band Winner as
well as a Commended Winner on several occasions. Ms. Ramirez’ ensembles have performed at The Midwest Clinic, Music for All National Festival,
Carnegie Hall and Symphony Hall in Chicago, Illinois. The Lobo Marching Band was awarded the John Philip Sousa Sudler Shield award for excellence
in marching in 2007 and the marching band recently earned its 28th consecutive 1st division rating at the UIL Marching Contest. Ms. Ramirez is listed
in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers”, Teacher of the Year, and Nominated for the 2016 Music Educator of the Year. She is an active clinician and
adjudicator throughout the United States having presented several clinics at The Midwest Clinic, Texas Bandmasters Association Convention/Clinic and
CODA in Norman, Oklahoma.
Alex Denton is in his 5th year of teaching at Langham Creek High School in Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. He has consistently
received straight 1s in UIL performances. Mr. Denton marched with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2008-2010, serving as horn sergeant in
his final year.
Marshall Thomas is in his 4th year as Assistant Director and Director of Percussion at Langham Creek. He is a graduate of the University of Houston.
Under his direction the Langham Creek Symphonic band has earned consistent 1st divisions at UIL contest. The Langham Creek Percussion Ensemble has
earned superior ratings at several local festivals and most recently performed at the Sandy Feldstein National Percussion Festival as part of the Music
for All National Festival. Marshall is a proud educational endorser of Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets.

Bandmasters Review • December 2017 23 Texas Bandmasters Association