February 1st-18th

February is a busy month for Pioneer choirs.

On Tuesday, February 1st I visited Castillero Middle School early in the morning to meet David Finch, the choir teacher there. My classes at Pioneer start after noon most days, so I could stay for about three of his classes.

I took an opportunity to observe his students, the repertoire he chooses, and how he teaches. In order to provide continuity of education between middle school and high school, it is best to understand the training students have before they reach high school and join my classes. He was also very helpful to me with advice and answering questions. As a result of this visit, Varsity Singers were invited to perform at Castillero on Feb 15th.

February 3rd was the boosters meeting, with a wonderful new president, a band parent, and well attended by band and choir parents alike. Mr. McCoy and I continue to collect payments from our students for the Anaheim trip to contract for buses, hotel rooms, entertainment passes, etc.

Varsity Singers, Mustang Chorale, and Women's Choir teamed up to perform a Valentine Concert on Thursday, February 10th, which was "Short and Sweet" and went very well. We have DVDs ($20) and CDs ($10) of the concert in case anyone wants to order them.

I attended Lincoln High School's "Java and Jazz" fundraising choral performance on Friday, February 11th, which was very enjoyable. The theme was tie-dye, rainbow, songs of the 70's mostly and it was in their very nice black box theatre (which is the biggest black box theatre I've ever seen).

A small group of Varsity Singers sang the national anthem at home wrestling meets Feb 1st and 15th, but now wrestling season is almost over with the final tournaments this upcoming weekend.

And as soon as our Valentine concert ended, Varsity Singers and Mustang Chorale started learning new music for the Spring concert on May 24th. I have some beautiful pieces chosen for them and am really excited about the Spring repertoire, which will have a nature theme. Women's Choir started today learning "Button Up Your Overcoat," which was originally composed in 1928. Mr. Peterson, who teaches English at Pioneer, enlisted any arts teachers who wanted to incorporate Great Gatsby-era curriculum to participate in a Gatsby party in May:

Mr. Peterson:
This year I would like to hold a Gatsby Party with my 11th graders in May. It's a tradition I enjoyed for several years at a previous school, and it was always memorable for students. I ask students to build a persona for themselves based on their analysis of a passage from the book. They portray this character at a glamorous social event, dressed in 1920s costume. They also complete a written analysis and practice their speaking standards as well during the event.

The Gatsby Party is terrific not only because it brings students closer to a classic text, but because it is a chance to celebrate the very snazzy arts of the Jazz Age. Here is where I am asking for your help. I would love to invite your participation in any possible way with this event through music, performance, visual art and design. In the past, jazz musicians and the choir have enlivened the Gatsby party as background music and as featured performances. We have had 1920s dance performances and even efforts to teach the crowd a few steps. I would love to feature Pioneer Performing Arts and add our stunning visual and design arts as well.

I am searching for the perfect song for Varsity Singers to learn from that era this spring.

And...last, but not least for the first two weeks of February, Varsity Singers is performing at SJSU's Invitational Choral Festival Friday evening, February 18th. The evening concert starts at 7:30 and admission is free. Parking is in the 7th street garage which is at the police station. Other local high schools and community colleges will be performing at SJSU Friday as well, so we will have opportunities to watch and hear them, perform ourselves, aaaaaaand receive constructive feedback from Dr. Rodney Eichenberger, who is a very-well-respected choral director and teacher. My friend Clem Cano will play piano for Varsity Singers to sing The Seal Lullaby. Attire is formal.

Then a week of winter break for the students and preparation for me. I may go to Oregon to visit my mother for part of the week. That's all for now.