c e da r pa r k m i d d l e s c h o o l
sa xophone ENSemble The 65th Annual Midwest Clinic
Cedar Park Middle School Sa xo ph o n e E n s e m b le Manuel C. San Luis, conductor
The 65th Annual Midwest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Conference
Friday, December 16, 2011 4:00 p.m. McCormick Place West, Ballroom W190
Co n g r atu l ato ry Lette r s
Leander Independent School District 204 W. South Street P.O. Box 218 Leander, Texas 78646 (512) 570-0000
Board of Trustees Will Streit President
November 4, 2011
Pamela Waggoner Vice President Russell Bundy Secretary
To the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic:
Grace Barber-Jordan Member
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Cedar Park Middle School Band on behalf of all Leander ISD school board members for their selection to perform at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in December. We applaud the commitment and dedication it takes to become one of the outstanding bands solicited to perform at this prestigious event.
Don Hisle Member Aaron Johnson Member Lisa Mallory Member
ď ś Bret A. Champion, Ed.D. Superintendent
Congratulations to all the band students, parents and directors whose hard work, enthusiasm and leadership is so much appreciated. It is rewarding to see the success of Leander students. Congratulations again. Sincerely,
William Streit Leander ISD School Board President
www.leanderisd.org
Leander Independent School District 204 W. South Street P.O. Box 218 Leander, Texas 78646 (512) 570-0000
Board of Trustees Will Streit President
November 4, 2011
Pamela Waggoner Vice President Russell Bundy Secretary
To the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic:
Grace Barber-Jordan Member
Congratulations to the Cedar Park Middle School Band on their recent honor of being chosen to perform at this celebrated instrumental music education conference in Chicago in December.
Don Hisle Member Aaron Johnson Member Lisa Mallory Member
ď ś Bret A. Champion, Ed.D. Superintendent
The involvement in and dedication of students, parents and band directors to the LISD band program is truly amazing, and I commend these students for their commitment to achieve such a first-class band program. Wishing you a wonderful concert! Congratulations again. Respectfully,
Bret A. Champion
www.leanderisd.org
Prog r a m Chanson de la Grand’ Maman
Gabriel Pierné/Marcel Mule
Henri Constant Gabriel Pierné (1863 – 1937) was a French organist and composer. He was the organist at Saint Clotilde Basilica in Paris from 1890-1898, succeeding his teacher César Franck, and himself being succeeded by another distinguished Franck pupil, Charles Tournemire. Originally for piano, “Chanson de la Grand’ Maman” was arranged for saxophone quartet by Marcel Mule. Perhaps more than any other person, Marcel Mule has pioneered the development of the saxophone as a classical medium. In 1942, Marcel Mule became the second professor of saxophone in the history of the Paris Conservatory; the first had been Adolphe Sax himself, twenty-two years before. When Maitre Mule retired from his dual career as an artist and professor in 1968, there was virtually no performer or teacher of the classical saxophone in the world who had not been influenced by him. Largo and Finale
Antonín Dvořák/Joel Blahnik
Born and raised a Bohemian peasant, Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) never strayed far from his roots. Like the saying goes, you can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy. He loved simple pleasures, was enthralled by trains and far preferred a chat with manual laborers to learned discourse. This humble man brought Czech music to the world’s attention by showcasing its intrinsic appeal. He often is compared to Schubert, with whom he shared effortless melodies, spontaneous harmonies and a relaxed ease, but Schubert’s music wafted from Viennese taverns, while in Dvorak’s you could feel the fresh rustic breeze and smell the hale country air. Dvorak was lured to New York in 1892 with the promise of a fee twenty times his salary in Prague. That winter, he began work on his ninth symphony. The universality of Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony became his most cherished work. Despite its disputed sources, “The New World” somehow managed to embody and convey the American spirit. From the poignant and meditative Largo to the Finale, which pulses with the very type of brash idealistic enthusiasm that inspired Dvorák to create it — a deeply moving vision of a future filled with strength, resolve and dignity. Christmas Carols, Volume 2
Traditional/Harry Richards
II. He is Born, the Holy Child
III. O Christmas Tree David Barnes, conductor
On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss
David R. Holsinger/Darrell Anderson
Horatio G. Spafford, a Chicago Presbyterian layman and successful businessman, planned a European trip for his family in 1873. In November of that year, due to unexpected last minute business developments, he had to remain in Chicago; but he sent his wife and four daughters on ahead as scheduled aboard the S.S. Ville du Havre. He expected to follow in a few days. On November 22, the ship was struck by the Lochearn, an English vessel, and sank in twelve minutes. Several days later the survivors were finally landed at Cardiff, Wales, and Mrs. Spafford cabled her husband, “Saved Alone.” Shortly afterward Spafford left by ship to join his bereaved wife. It is speculated that on the sea near the area where it was thought his four daughters had drowned, Spafford penned this text with words so significantly describing his own personal grief, “When sorrows like sea billows roll….” It is noteworthy, however, that Spafford does not dwell on the theme of life’s sorrows and trials, but focuses attention in the third stanza on the redemptive work of Christ. Humanly speaking, it is amazing that one could experience such personal tragedy and sorrow as did Horatio Spafford and still be able to say with such convincing clarity, “It is well with my soul.” Hymnwriter Philip Paul Bliss was so impressed with the experience and expression of Spafford’s text that he shortly wrote the music for it, first published in 1876. Bliss was a prolific writer of gospel songs throughout his brief lifetime and in most cases, he wrote both the words and the music. This hymn is one of the few exceptions. There is speculation that this was perhaps the last gospel song written by Bliss. Bliss and his wife, Lucy, were killed in a train wreck in Ashtabula, Ohio, on December 29, 1876. Most sources mention that Bliss actually escaped from the flames at first, but was then killed when he went back into the train to try to rescue his wife. Neither body was ever found. As a postscript, Bliss’ trunk was salvaged from the wreckage, and in it, evangelist D. W. Whittle found an unfinished hymn, which began, “I know not what awaits me, God kindly veils my eyes….”
It Is Well With My Soul Horatio Spafford 1.
When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
4.
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life, Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
2.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
5.
But Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord! Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
3.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
6.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain: It is well, with my soul, It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Two Tangos Ernesto Nazareth/Russell Denwood I. Remando The tango is usually associated with Argentina, but this is by noted Brazilian tango composer, Ernesto Nazareth (1863-1934). Nazareth, who was strongly influenced by Chopin, was more interested in classical European music as a teenager, but his family could not afford to send him abroad to learn. The pianist then chose to focus on native Brazilian music and began performing to accompany films at a movie theater in Rio de Janeiro. Nazareth was noted for creatively combining diverse influences into his music, not only of Brazilian music but also from the music of Europe, Africa and ragtime. Many of his compositions remain part of the repertory today. Nazareth composed 88 tangos, 41 waltzes, 28 polkas and numerous sambas, galops, quadrilles, Schottisches, fox-trots, romances and other types of scores, totaling 211 complete compositions. The “Remando” (Rowing) is one of two movements from an arrangement for saxophone quartet by Russell Denwood. Britni Dunn, conductor
In Dulci Jubilo
Johann Sebastian Bach/Romare M. Bearden, Jr.
In Dulci Jubilo (“In sweet rejoicing”) is a traditional Christmas carol. In its original setting, the carol is a macaronic text of German and Latin dating from the Middle Ages. Subsequent translations into English, such as J.M. Neale’s arrangement “Good Christian Men, Rejoice” have increased its popularity, and Robert Pearsall’s 1837 translation is a mainstay of the Christmas Nine Lessons and Carols repertoire. J.S. Bach’s chorale prelude based on the tune (BWV 729) is also a traditional postlude for Christmas services.
Shepherd’s Hey Percy Aldridge Grainger/Gary Bricault The son of an architect in Brighton, Victoria, Australia, Percy Grainger (1882-1961) was a precocious pianist, and the proceeds of a series of concerts, given at the age of twelve, enabled him to go and study at Frankfurt for six years, after which he began his European career as a concert pianist, settling in London in 1901. He came to the U. S. in 1915 and enlisted as an army bandsman at the outbreak of World War I. He became a United States citizen in 1919. It was during his stay in England that he became passionately involved in collecting and arranging folk songs and country dances. It has been related that “Percy never had the slightest hesitation in pumping anybody he came across. He would go up to a man ploughing and ask him if he knew any songs and as often as not the man would stand for a minute or two and sing him a song in the most natural way in the world.” Grainger’s works retain something of the original flavor of British folk songs and their singers by strict observance of peculiarities of performance, such as varying beat lengths and the use of “primitive” techniques such as parallelism. In Shepherd’s Hey, the word ‘Hey’ denotes a particular figure in Morris Dancing. Morris Dances are still danced by teams of ‘Morris Men’ decked out with bells and quaint ornaments to the music of the fiddle or ‘the pipe and tabor’ (a sort of drum and fife) in several agricultural districts in England. The tune of Shepherd’s Hey is similar to the North English air The Keel Row that is very widely found throughout England. The ‘hey’ involves the interweaving of generally two lines of dancers, which may be symbolized by the use by Grainger of two parallel lines of music at the opening of the composition, rather than a simple statement of a theme that then moves into variants.
Le Carnaval de Venise
Jules Demersseman/Fred Hemke and Rami El-Farrah
The variations on “The Carnival of Venice” are surrounded by endless ambiguities, deriving exclusively from Paganini’s congenital obsession with disorder. He originally called the works “Variations on the Neapolitan song or ‘mamma, mamma cara” and announced them as such on a poster, but later changed this to the more appropriate Carnival of Venice. What the link is between Naples and Venice remains unclear, even from a musical viewpoint. The theme in question was actually a counter-dance made popular in France by a musician of Italian origins, a certain Cifolelli. The highly catchy tune soon became popular in Germany, where it was known under the title “Mein Hut hat drei Ecken” (“My Three-Cornered Hat”), eventually being played on barrel organs. A series of theme and variations have been written for piano, and this arrangement for virtuosic soprano saxophone and saxophone ensemble is derived from that rendition. BillyJon McPhail, soprano saxophone
St. Louis Blues
William Chistopher Handy/Les Sabina
“St. Louis Blues” is an American popular song composed by W. C. Handy in the blues style. It remains a fundamental part of jazz musicians’ repertoire. It was also one of the first blues songs to succeed as a pop song. It has been performed by numerous musicians of all styles from Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith to Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Guy Lombardo, and the Boston Pops Orchestra. It has been called “the jazzman’s Hamlet”. Published in September 1914 by Handy’s own company, it later gained such popularity that it inspired the dance step the “Foxtrot”. Handy said he had been inspired by a chance meeting with a woman on the streets of St. Louis distraught over her husband’s absence, who lamented, “Ma man’s got a heart like a rock cast in de sea”, a key line of the song. Details of the story vary but agree on the meeting and the phrase. Writing about the first time “St Louis Blues” was played (1914),[8] Handy notes that “The one-step and other dances had been done to the tempo of Memphis Blues... When St Louis Blues was written the tango was in vogue. I tricked the dancers by arranging a tango introduction, breaking abruptly into a low-down blues. My eyes swept the floor anxiously, then suddenly I saw lightening strike. The dancers seemed electrified. Something within them came suddenly to life. An instinct that wanted so much to live, to fling its arms to spread joy, took them by the heels.”
Conductors Manuel San Luis
Manuel San Luis has been with the Leander ISD band programs since 1994. He has been at Cedar Park Middle School in the Leander ISD since 1995. Prior to coming to Leander ISD, he was the middle school head band director at Copperas Cove Junior High, middle school. head director at Eldorado Middle School and assistant director in Mercedes, Texas. He received his bachelor’s degree in music education with honors in 1983 at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas where he was part of the University Honors Program and studied under the late James Sudduth, John Stansberry, and Dr. David Pino. While at the university, he was the recipient of the Minnie Stevens Piper Academic Scholarship, Woods Kone-Phi Mu Alpha Music Performance Scholarship, Archie Gurschendorf Band Scholarship, Davidson Family Foundation Scholarship, Southwest Texas State University Departmental Scholarship, and Highest Scholastic Honors in Music Departmental Award. Collegiate memberships included: The University Honors Program, the Teacher Preparatory Program, the University Dean’s List, the National Dean’s List, Golden Key National Honor Society, Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity (Vice-President, 1982). Post-graduate work was done at the Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois, where he studied under the late John Paynter, H. Robert Reynolds, Mark Camphouse, and Charles Meghini.
Mr. San Luis has had numerous, consistent U.I.L. Sweepstakes bands under his direction, and has had a top ten Class C Middle School Texas State Honor Band Finalist when he was at Eldorado Middle School. In 2004, the Cedar Park Symphonic Band under his direction was a T.M.E.A. Texas State CCC Honor Band finalist. His bands have received over a decade’s worth of unanimous first division ratings, Best In Class and Overall Outstanding Band honors at state festivals around Texas. In 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011, the Symphonic Band was named a national winner in the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors. The Cedar Park Middle School Symphonic Band was also invited to perform at The Midwest Clinic in 2007, and was the lone recipient of the Sousa Foundation Sudler Cup in 2008 . Mr. San Luis has been nominated for the Disney American Teachers Award, and he is a four- year member of Who’s Who Among American Teachers. Mr. San Luis is also a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Music Adjudicators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, the Texas Federation of Teachers, and is an active judge for U.I.L. and Solo & Ensemble contests throughout the state. He currently holds the office of treasurer for the Texas Music Educator’s Association Region 26 Middle School Band division. He considers himself honored and privileged to have had many great mentors and band directors as strong influences during his career. Among his many blessings, is the love and support from his mother, Evelyn San Luis, father, Fortunato San Luis, brothers Roberto and Ramon, sister-in-law Denise, and nieces Jessica, Natalie, and nephews Jacob and Jimmy. Above all, he considers his students as his greatest inspiration.
David Barnes
David Barnes has been an Associate Director of Bands at Cedar Park Middle School since 2003. He is the conductor of Concert Band One, and he teaches beginning brass classes. David graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance, and he pursued post-graduate studies at Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois, earning a Master’s Degree in Music Performance in 2000. David’s primary musical influences include Michael Mulcahy, David Jackson, Michael Haithcock, Jeffrey Grogan and the late Frederick Fennell. While teaching at Cedar Park Middle School, David’s bands have consistently earned top ratings for their classifications at both U.I.L. Concert and Sightreading Competitions and Music Festivals across the state of Texas. David is married to his lifelong friend, Jennifer Barnes, and is the father of three amazing sons, James, Lowell and Korben.
Britni Dunn
Britni Dunn is an associate band director at Cedar Park Middle School. She is currently in her second year of teaching and is the director of the 7th- and 8th-Grade Concert Band II. She also teaches the 6th-Grade beginner flute, oboe, bassoon, and French horn classes, while assisting with the Symphonic Band and Concert Band I. She graduated with a music education degree from Texas State University at San Marcos in May of 2010. While there she was a member of the Wind Ensemble playing principal clarinet for three years under the direction of Dr. Rodney Schueller. She was a member of the Bobcat Marching Band for three years, acting as clarinet section leader in 2007, and she was one of the Texas State Bobcat Marching Band Drum Majors in 2008 under the direction of Dr. Caroline Beatty. Britni is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda music honor society and received the Presser Foundation Scholarship for the Texas State School of Music. In 2009, the Texas Bandmasters Association recognized her as the recipient of the Malcolm Helm Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Britni would like to thank her family, siblings Brian and Briana, and especially her parents, Barry and Audry Dunn, for everything she has achieved, because without their continual love and support she would not be where she is today.
Performers BillyJon McPhail
Acclaimed saxophonist BillyJon McPhail lends his talents to many distinguished projects. Hailed for his “rich sound and extremely high level of playing” (New York Concert Review), Mr. McPhail has performed in every conceivable musical setting. Performances have brought him to such notable venues as Merkin Hall and Festival Hill at Round Top, and he is consistently sought after as one of central Texas’ prominent performers and teachers. Mr. McPhail has collaborated and performed with such conductors and musicians as Mitch Miller, Jerry F. Junkin, David Effron, Peter Bay, Dan Welcher and Donald Grantham. He has also performed with the San Antonio Symphony, Victoria Symphony, Brevard Music Festival Symphony Orchestra, as well as multiple chamber ensembles and bands. His solo performances have included The Cedar Park Winds, and The Victoria College band, as well as the Cedar Park and Canyon Ridge Middle School bands. Mr. McPhail was invited to join The ELISION Saxophone Quartet in the 2000 season, with which he has toured across the globe to China and all over the U.S sharing his passion for music and the saxophone with widely varied audiences. He also co-founded CapitalSAX, an Austin based saxophone ensemble performing both public and private functions.
Formally educated at The University of Texas at Austin, Mr. McPhail received his Bachelor’s Degree in Saxophone Performance in 2001, where he studied from world-renowned saxophonist Harvey Pittel. His willingness and desire to share his talents while encouraging growth and participation in the field of music education have led Mr. McPhail to several teaching positions in both the public and private sectors. Mr. McPhail is a freelance saxophonist in Austin, Texas, and maintains a distinguished studio of more than 60 private students, and he has shared his musical experience with the Leander, Austin, Lake Travis, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Victoria and Bloomington Independent School Districts. He also served as the Adjunct Saxophone Instructor for Temple College. Mr. McPhail is often invited to lead master classes as well as adjudicate for school districts across Texas. Alex Savage is a 7th-grade alto saxophone player. His parents are Joe and Renee Savage. His brother, Ryan, is an 8thgrade trombone player at CPMS and his sister, Julianne, is a 3rdgrader at Deer Creek Elementary. In addition to playing the saxophone, Alex enjoys playing in a tennis league and on his school’s lacrosse team.
Alex Savage
Being a part of the saxophone ensemble and representing CPMS at the Midwest Clinic means so much to Alex because he has enjoyed the challenge of learning difficult music, and has especially enjoyed spending time getting to know this great group of young musicians. Alex is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association 2011 All-District Band. Chris Burleson, 7th-grade bari sax player, is the son of Gary and Lee Burleson. He has a brother named Travis, who is 27. Chris enjoys playing football and basketball and hanging out with friends. His favorite teams are The University of Texas Longhorns and the Michigan State Spartans. “Being invited to play at the Midwest Clinic is a huge honor,” says Chris. “I am proud to represent my fellow saxophone players across the nation, and I am very thankful for this opportunity!”
Chris Burleson
Drew K. Summers, Jr., 8th-grade tenor saxophone, is the son of Kim and Drew Summers. He has a younger brother, Jason. His hobbies include playing tennis, video games, and listening to music. He has participated in the school’s “Destination Imagination” group, NJHS and FCA. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association 2011 All-District and All-Region Band. Drew attends Bethany United Methodist Church and volunteers with “Bags of Grace.” “Playing in the Midwest Saxophone Ensemble has allowed me to improve my playing techniques and has given me a deeper understanding of music theory,” Drew says. “It has also given me a chance to strengthen the relationships with everyone in the group and has made me value hard work and dedication towards a common goal.”
Drew Summers
Justin Lovelace, 8th-grade alto saxophone, is the son of Greg and Amy Lovelace and has a brother, Tyler, and a sister, Lydia. As well as playing saxophone, Justin plays football, baseball, wrestles, and loves to read. Justin made the Texas Music Educators Association All-District Band in 2010, and he qualified for State and Grand National honors in the 7th-Grade Duke Talent Search. He is a member of the Junior National Honor Society. Justin is honored to go to something as prestigious as the Midwest Clinic. He is excited to see musicians from all over the world perform and learn from the experience. Tate Farmer, 8th-grade alto saxophone, is supported by his loving family — his mother Heather Farmer, his father Bo Farmer, and his younger brother Marshal. Tate’s hobbies include reading, writing, spending time with family, and playing with his pets Saxon and Gigi.
Justin Lovelace
Tate excels academically and received state recognition for his MS ACT score. He is beginning his volunteer work in the area involving literacy as part of his entrance into the National
Honor Society. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association 2011 All-District and All-Region Band. Tate is grateful to have the experience of performing at the prestigious Midwest Conference. Not only has this opportunity helped to expand his musical knowledge, it has allowed him to see a new and exciting city. He is also learning dedication and responsibility from preparing this large amount of music. “I am extremely thankful to have all of my incredible band directors at CPMS, who are always giving 110% to make me a better musician and person,” Tate says. In addition, Tate would like to thank his family and the community of Cedar Park for all their support! Travis Schwartz, 8th grade, plays the alto and soprano saxophones. His parents are Christy and Michael Schwartz, and he has an older brother named Austin Schwartz. He likes to play saxophone, play football, and volunteer. He plays in the football team at Cedar Park Middle School and is in the National Junior Honor Society. He’s gone to many mission trips and helps with Mobile Loaves and Fishes. Travis is a member of 2011 Texas Music Educators Association All-District Band and is first chair in this year’s All-Region Band. He has loved band since 6th grade, and it has not only helped him find something he loves to do, but it also has shown him how to work hard like he has never done before. Trent Thompson, 8th-grade tenor saxophone player, is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, and has lived in Cedar Park for over two and a half years. His parents are Tom and Tammy Thompson. He has two brothers: Trevor, 16, a member of the Cedar Park High School drumline; and Trey, 5, who also says he might be a drummer one day. He has one sister, Tyra, 12, who plays clarinet in 6th grade.
Tate Farmer
Travis Schwartz
Trent plays tenor sax, and he also plays alto. He began playing in the 5th grade back in Louisiana and was inspired to play saxophone by growing up listening to New Orleans jazz. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators 2011 All-District and All-Region Band. Trent’s hobbies include reading, writing and archery. His interests also include screenwriting and filmmaking. Trent is thrilled to be going to Chicago with the Saxophone Ensemble and looks forward to doing his very best to represent Cedar Park Middle School. Ty Douglas Marwitz, 8th-grade bari sax player, 14 years old, is the son of Doug and Melanie Marwitz. He has one older sister, Meagan, who is 17 years old. Ty is a student leader in his church and recently went on his first mission trip. He is currently working on his Star rank in Boy Scout Troop 271. He plays football and enjoys riding his dirt bike and hunting with his dad, uncle and cousin. In addition to the Bari-Sax, Ty enjoys playing guitar, both acoustic and electric, and drums. He is honored to represent Cedar Park Middle School at the Midwest Clinic and feels lucky to be part of this great ensemble group. He was a member of the 2010 All-District Band. “Looking back on this experience, being in the Cedar Park Middle School band and going to the Midwest Clinic has helped me in many ways,” says Ty. “I have become more responsible and have become a better leader. I have also become much better friends with the other saxophonists.”
Trent Thompson
Ty Marwitz
About Leander ISD
The Leander Independent School District, located approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Austin, Texas, encompasses 200 square miles and has campuses sited within the cities of Leander, Cedar Park and Austin, Texas. This dynamic school district is one of the fastest growing school districts in Texas, serves an enrollment of over 32,000 students with 37 campuses and auxiliary facilities, while maintaining standards of excellence throughout the system. The district has 23 elementary schools, seven middle schools, five high schools and two alternative schools. LISD boasts the best area average for college enrollment. According to Texas Monthly magazine, LISD schools rank among the best in the state, with the high schools in the top five percent. The Leander ISD Vision is that every student is encouraged, supported and challenged to achieve the highest levels of knowledge, skills and character. Every LISD graduate is prepared with the knowledge, academic foundation and life skills to be a productive learner, an effective communicator and a responsible citizen in order to be successful in an ever-changing world.
About Cedar Park Middle School
Cedar Park Middle School is part of the Leander Independent School District, just a few miles northwest of Austin, Texas. CPMS opened in 1995 with approximately 1,400 seventh and eighth graders. With the opening of a second middle school in 1996, CPMS became a sixth, seventh, and eighth grade middle school with a little over 1,250 students. Today, Cedar Park Middle School serves approximately 1,350 students. Cedar Park Middle School is a special place to work and learn. Striving for excellence, CPMS can boast that we are a recognized school. Cedar Park Middle School offers many accelerated or advanced classes with a majority of our students maintaining the A/B honor roll status. We have many activities outside of our excellent academic programs. Additional activities consist of Cheerleading, Drill Team, National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, Learning Festival, Yearbook/Journalism, Leadership, Athletics, Theater, Art, Band and Choir. Cedar Park Middle School is also an active member of the No Place For Hate program. In this program, our students promote a culture of kindness and caring while bringing awareness to the issue of bullying in schools today. At Cedar Park Middle School, parents are an active part of our school culture and interact with the school frequently and in a variety of activities. We have a large and active parent-volunteer program and PTA. CPMS parents bring valuable insight and a unique perspective, which serves to improve home-school relationships, student behaviors and academic achievement. Parents, businesses, and community leaders come together with teachers and administrators to develop a collective vision and purpose for our school and set goals to improve our school and the excellence we maintain. Leander ISD Administration Dr. Bret A. Champion, Superintendent Monta Akin, Assistant Superintendent, Instruction Karie Lynn McSpadden, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources Ellen Skoviera, Assistant Superintendent, Business Operations Dick Ellis, Director of School and Community Relations Peter Warshaw, Fine Arts Director Cedar Park Middle School Administration Sandra Stewart, Principal Amanda Langseth, Sixth Grade Principal Tom Crossway, Seventh Grade Principal Shona Aberegg, Eighth Grade Principal Shelley Bryson, Principal’s Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Hector, Assistant Principal’s Administrative Assistant Rhonda Fuston, Bookkeeper Leander ISD Board of Trustees Will Streit, President Pamela Waggoner, Vice President Russell Bundy, Secretary Grace Barber-Jordan Don Hisle Aaron Johnson Lisa Mallory
Thanks to Our Family of Band Directors in Leander ISD for their support and Guidance: Cedar Park High School: Steve Wessels, Bob Chreste, Evan Vandoren and Roland Chavez Leander High School: Nils Gundersen, Laura Cross, Robert Selaiden and Juan Carrera Rouse High School: Lee Crochet, Art Jimenez and Brittany Brown Vandegrift High School: Jeremy Spicer, Mike Howard and Paul Pape Vista Ridge High School: Bryan Christian, Kyle Ruschhaupt and Hector Gil
Four Points Middle School: Christopher Yee and Jessica Gonzales Henry Middle School: Robert Herrings, Ryan Straten and Rachel Lynn Leander Middle School: Cathy Teltschik, Andrew Straight and Kimberly Beene Running Brushy Middle School: Edward Pagliai, Van Robison and Erin Knight Wiley Middle School: Garland Chiasson, Jennifer Arnold and Karen Kachelmeier
Canyon Ridge Middle School: Amy Allison, Carter Matschek and Stephanie Lee Leander ISD past performers at The Midwest Clinic: 2007 – Cedar Park Middle School Symphonic Band, Cedar Park, Texas Manuel C. San Luis, director 2010 – Henry Middle School Band, Cedar Park, Texas Robert Herrings, Director
The 2010-2011 Cedar Park Middle School Saxophone Ensemble Keller Northcutt, Kevin Vu, Conner Walsh, Drew Cook, Kevin Lee, Rebecca Stewart and Sabrina Lee Midwest Clinic submission selections: Our Town, by Aaron Copland and “Queen of the Night Aria,” from The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
MY PERSONAL THANKS To the Cedar Park Middle School Saxophone Ensemble of 2010-2011: My heartfelt thanks to you for working hard and striving for excellence throughout your years in middle school. Your high level of musicianship, dedication and commitment opened the door to our invitation to perform at the Midwest Clinic. We honor you with this concert. To the Saxophone Ensemble of 2011-2012: Travis, Tate, Justin, Alex, Trent, Drew, Ty and Chris — Thank you for your undying patience, tireless hours and hard work in preparation for this performance. You are amazing young men who serve as shining examples of purposeful work, and I applaud each one of you. All of you worked like loving brothers, and for us adults, you are inspirational reminders of honorable human possibilities and I am grateful beyond words to have you as my students and to share this wonderful experience with you. To the families of the Cedar Park Middle School Saxophone Ensemble: We shared a vision together as advocates for these young people and embracing their journey towards excellence. Your countless showing of support, sacrifice and flexibility brightly and deeply displays your love for your child and the craft and passion involved with producing the quality musical work that is presented today. To Lauren Szabo and Tammy Thompson: For always being there to our rescue, and for your benevolence and service to the kids and the band program. To David Barnes and Britni Dunn: I am extremely blessed with very proficient co-workers who are my “old faithful” and my good friends. You lighten my load daily with your diligence, foresight, intelligence, and enthusiasm. To Billy McPhail: Thanks for believing in the kids and taking them to a higher ground and moving them forward. Your expertise, generosity and kindness is invaluable and appreciated. And, I am honored to call you my friend.
To Jennifer Barnes and Ernie Welch: For such amazing, captivating and professional photos. To Harvey Pittel, Professor of Saxophone, University of Texas; Todd Oxford, Assistant Professor of Saxophone, Texas State University; Robert Herrings: For seeing the possibilities in these students, and for affirming their talents. To Alyson Keller, Liberty High School, and Andy Sealy, Hebron High School: I am grateful for your guidance, experience and patience as I planned for this performance. To Robin Wilson: We are so incredibly fortunate to have you design our beautiful program. Your work is top-notch! To Robert Herrings: Your ever-present passionate belief in the positive power of music always inspires and uplifts the students and teachers you are around. You are a blessing to many. To Steve Wessels, Bob Chreste, Evan Vandoren, Roland Chavez and the Cedar Park High School Band Boosters: Thank you for supplying the classy tuxes for the boys, and for being the trail-blazer band directors that you are. You offer such luminous possibilities for the students who move on to high school. To Sheila Olenich and Rhonda Fuston: Your help and knowledge in this ever-changing world is incredible and invaluable. To “the gang” — Amy Allison, Chris Yee, Jessica Gonzales, Carter Matschek, Stephanie Lee, Ryan Straten, Jenna Yee, Rachel Lynn and Cara Vernon: Time and distance cannot put limits on unconditional friendships.
To Mom, Dad, Roberto, Ramon, Denise, Jessica, Jacob, Natalie and Jimmy: I am nothing without you, my family. My heart is filled with gratitude to have you in my life.
“I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me.”
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