Dozens of Hamilton School District students took part in the annual Middle Level Band Festival March 16 at Silver Spring Intermediate School. This event helps young musicians grow their talents, giving sixth and seventh graders the opportunity to work with professional musicians and older band members from both Templeton Middle School and Hamilton High School.
“It was a fun-filled day of music and learning,” explains Silver Spring Intermediate Band Director Megan Jakubowski. “It was amazing to see students become more confident in themselves throughout the day as they worked on music.”
Students had the opportunity to work with Scott Corley from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts. Dr. Corley serves as an Assistant Director of University Bands and Music Director of the UWM Youth Wind & Percussion Ensembles program. Jakubowski explains why this was such an important opportunity for the young musicians. “The large group rehearsals and performances with Dr. Corley gave students a different perspective on working together as an ensemble. They learned how to better watch the conductor, listen to themselves and their section, and see why their part is important in any piece,” says Jakubowski.
“Many thanks to Dr. Corley and all of the sectional teachers for providing masterful teaching and helping to build the confidence in our students,” she adds.