Acknowledgements

Bonnie Dodwell, program

Ricky & Carolyn Mitchell, Lynn Yanyo, picnic

Carol Parks, Barbara Hartsfield, Delal Makansi, awards
Volunteer Work Crew, early morning equipment set-up

Jeff and Scott Stanton, audio and video

Michael Hayes, Shannon Clark, and Tech Theatre Class,
technical and logistical assistance

Faculty, Staff, and Administration for their support

 

 

 

Awards Program

 

2005-2006 Year in Review

 

In this, our 9th year, we celebrate the class of 2006, the third graduating class to include members who have attended Cary Academy since the sixth grade. I am extremely proud of the extra effort shown by band students and families.  Cary Academy has made a name for itself among NC band programs through the success of individual band students at All-District, All-State, and Regional Jazz Band auditions.  Now we are working toward that same level of achievement for our band classes.

For the 2005-2006 school year, there were 100 students in Mr. Grush’s classes - 29 students in Upper School (US) Band, 16 students in US Jazz Band, 35 students in Middle School (MS) Band, 17 students in Beginning Band, and 3 music theory and composition students.  Clubs meeting once per week included the MS Jazz Band with 22 members, the new US Drumline Club with 8 members, and the US Tri-M Music Honor Society with 4 members.  16 students and parents participated in the Pep Band, performing at homecoming and a number of varsity basketball games.   9 students were selected to the All-District Band and 2 students were selected to the All-State Band.  New this year was the Band Group Lessons Program, funded in part by a generous grant from the PTAA.  Specialists worked with students on the nuances of each particular instrument.   In February, all band classes traveled to Campbell University for a day of workshops, culminated by an evening concert.  Each class participated in three concerts this year.

Again this year, US Band met 3 days per week to give students the opportunity to take a 2^nd elective (like Jazz Band) or to have 2 free periods to help with rigorous academic demands. In November, the US Band performed Variation Overture, “The Horses” Branle from Court Festival, Snakes, and Rondo from Third Suite.  At our performance at Campbell, we performed Tricycle and On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss.  We also collaborated with members of the Campbell Wind Ensemble to perform Incantation and Dance, one of the most challenging pieces the US Band has attempted in 9 years!

The US Jazz Band performed for Jazz on the Quad in October and played Kansas City, Song of the Rainforest, and I Got You (I Feel Good).  Patrick Kenna and Ben Vig performed Misty.  Rob Smithson and Josh Nardin performed Moose the Mooche and Ornitholgy by Charlie Parker and, along with faculty member Daniel Yaverbaum, Sojourn of Arjuna by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.  Adam Pederson, CA class of 2004, and friends performed All of Me, There Will Never Be Another You, Polka Dots and Moonbeams, and Billie’s Bounce. The grand finale was a jam session showcasing a number of students and our guests.  At our performance at Campbell, we performed Cute, Round Midnight, and Caravan.

Thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of student leaders, Tom Marty and Jake Hartsfield, the 05-06 edition of the Pep Band was bigger and better than ever.  Membership included US band and non-band students, parents, and MS band students as well. We had 4 rehearsals before school and played for 2 pep rallies and 7 games from December through February. 

MS Band students performed Pinnacle, Russian Folk Legend, Clouds, and Tongue Twisters in November.  At the concert at Campbell, we performed Devil Dance, A Childhood Hymn, and the Great Locomotive Chase.  To put this in perspective, A Childhood Hymn and The Great Locomotive Chase were also performed by the All-District MS Band in February and Pinnacle was performed by the All-State MS Band in April.

Beginning Band students played an in-class demonstration for parents in September. 
The program featured melodies using the 6 notes we had learned, as well as compositions written by members of the class!  In October, students visited a local music store to learn about and try playing different instruments.  Afterwards, many went on to Funwerks for an optional afternoon of fun.  In November, we performed Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Theme from William Tell Overture, Frere Jacques, Old MacDonald Had a Band, and Hard Rock Blues.  Our performance in February at Campbell was polished and showed exceptional improvement since those first weeks of school!  Selections included Prehistoric Suite and Name Those Tunes.

The MS Jazz Band performed Peter Gunn at Jazz on the Quad in October and Rock This Town at the band concert in February.  8th grade leadership has been the key to making the group sound better than ever!

It is amazing how far we have come since August, 1998.  We have performed in Festivals locally, as well as in such places as Williamsburg, Atlanta, Myrtle Beach, and at theme parks such as Carowinds and EPCOT.  We have participated in workshops at Disney World (2000 and 2004), coming home with videos featuring Cary Academy students playing the soundtrack.
We have performed concerts in the West Cary MS Auditorium, the SAS auditorium, the CA gym, our own auditorium, Meymandi Concert Hall, NCSU, Campbell, and now five Pops on the Quad concerts!  Thanks to the student musicians, their parents, our faculty, administration, and staff for all their support in making Cary Academy’s Band program all that it is today and all that it will be in the years to come.

2005-2006 Honor Band Participants

 

 

2005-2006 Band Event Descriptions

 

 

Music Camp (Summer 2005)

Emilie Chen

 

UNCG Band Camp was a great experience. There are several bands in camp with different skill levels, and you are placed in one based on your ability to play your instrument. You get to practice new music with different people and a different conductor, which changes the whole playing experience. Everyday you also have a class on music appreciation, where you explore different kinds of music. From personal experience, I suggest that you go with friends because there is a lot of leisure time for hanging out and there are several shops nearby. Even though you go there to learn things, you’ll have a great time.

 

Tri-M Music Honor Society (year-long US Club)

Rachel Parks

 

Although lacking in numbers, Tri-M Music Honor Society definitely isn’t lacking in skill. This club meets every Monday at 1:00 to talk about music, plan music related events, and generally have fun. This year we took a trip to the SAS Preschool and showed the kids how to play different types of instruments and led the kids in a little music jam session. Next year we hope to tackle some bigger events, such as a music trivia tournament, activities for March’s Music in Our Schools Month, and even going to watch the Symphony perform as a group. 

 

Drumline Club (year-long US club)

Mark Forest

 

The Drumline was started this year as a club. In band last year, we had played a STOMP style trashcan piece and this year, decided to start an actual drumline. Anyone who wanted to join could as long as they had some measure of drumming experience in some way or form. This year the members are myself, Dennis Gugger, Chris Wehner, Rob Mann, Kenny Thomson, Rohit Agarwal, Aaron Jones, and KeJuan Weaver. We get a lot done during the club and that is good. We should do this club again and I encourage whoever wants to learn drumline music, that has played drums in the past, should join.

 

Beginning Band In-Class Demonstration (September 23, 2005)

Brianna Gaddy

 

The beginning band in class demonstration was when parents of the students in band came and listened to their child play. Some pieces that we played were pieces we wrote ourselves. I did like the demonstration because after we played our instruments the parents tried getting a sound out of their child’s instrument. I liked that because the parents could see how difficult it is for us to learn to play. Also the parents saw that they aren’t making it any easier when they say that wasn’t the right note when their child tries hard to get the right sound out.

 

 

Beginning Band Trip to Music Store and Funwerks (September 28, 2005)

Simon Reynders

 

The event was the Trip to Brook Mays Music Store and then to Funwerks.  The class that was able to take this trip was the 6th grade band.  The thing I thought was cool about it was that we had the opportunity to learn things about many different instruments such as saxophone, piano, trumpet, the many different percussion instruments, and last but not least the guitar.  After about an hour at the music store, some students were able to go to Funwerks (not a requirement).  The options there were go-carts (some of us treated them like bumper cars), video games, and putt-putt.  I would recommend this trip entirely for the next 6th grade trip.

 

Jazz on the Quad (October 17, 2005)

Robert Thorstad

 

Jazz on The Quad is the annual fall jazz concert, where the Upper School and Middle School Jazz Bands team up with alumni to play great jazz outside on the quad. This year in addition to hearing Cary Academy’s jazz bands, listeners were treated to a performance by alumnus Adam Peterson’s jazz combo. The concert was capped off with a Blues jam session, where anyone who wanted to could play a 12-bar solo to the accompaniment of Adam’s group. Jazz on the Quad has become a great tradition at Cary Academy that gets better and more fun every year.

 

HS Regional Jazz Band Auditions (January 21, 2006)

Scott Stanton

 

The High School Regional Jazz band auditions were where students of high schools in the area had to demonstrate their ability in scales, sight reading, an improvised solo and a known song before judges.  If they scored high enough to be above a certain number of people on their instrument, then they could go to the regional jazz band.  Anyone who is in a jazz band class in high school is eligible to try out, and they must play one of the instruments listed.  This year’s auditions proved really difficult, in part because of the number of talented people trying out.  It does provide good experience with practicing, and the judges will tell you what you need to improve on.  I would recommend that other people try it, but be prepared for lots of practicing.

 

Group Lessons (January-April 2006)

Notes on practicing from John Ilika (NC Symphony principal trombone)

 

·      Practice regularly - every day if you can.  Even 15 minutes a day will make a big difference.

·      Take lessons and buy method books to work on specific technical needs. 

·      Practice high, low, fast, slow, loud and soft. 

·      Play technically challenging sections slowly at first and then gradually increase the tempo (speed) or work on one thing at a time.  For example: first work on the notes, then the rhythm, then the articulation.  Break big groups of notes into smaller sections that you can work on more easily. (Practicing the same thing over and over is boring and ineffective.  Identify the problem and fix the problem – don’t practice the problem!)

·      Use a metronome and tuner. 

·      Try practicing with your friends.

Remember that to sound good, you have to practice and work together.  Be patient, but demand more from yourself.

 

HS All-District Band (January 27-28, 2006)

Peter McNeill

 

This is where all of the practicing and lessons come to use. All-District is a unique chance you get to play with some of the best players around the district. I liked the fact that the conductors take new people and practice a total of around one and a half days and make the pieces of music sound outstanding. I have been to All-District twice and I have liked it both of the times I have been. I encourage everybody to at least try out because just auditioning in front of the judges lets you learn a lot. Even if you don't make it you will still enjoy going there with you friends and taking part in this event.

 

MS All-District Band (February 3-4, 2006)

Brandon Wilson

 

In January, 7th and 8th grade students went to audition for the All-District band.  Two 7th graders and five 8th graders made it into the band and participated in the All-District clinic and the final concert (held the first weekend of February, in Asheboro).  Although there were many hours of preparation of pieces before and during All-District band, playing in the band was most definitely worth the extra effort.  You have the opportunity to play with the top players from the central district and the band sounds phenomenal.  I would encourage everyone to consider auditioning for All-District Band.

 

Trip to Campbell (February 24, 2006)

Matt Hamm

 

The band class took a day of from school and traveled to Campbell to play our songs, and get help there from Dr. Wilson. The seventh and eight grade band went in the morning to Campbell while the High school band followed us around midday. I would recommend this again because we got a whole day off from school just to make noise, that is cool.

 

All-State Honors Band (April 21-23, 2005) Vann Mitchell   All-State Honors Band was held at UNCG at the end of April. The top players in the District bands throughout the state are eligible to audition for this ensemble. Once selected for All-State, students are given about one week to learn challenging music and then perform it after only a weekend of rehearsing. Both Benjamin Vig and I participated in this event. My director, Dr. Fraschillo, is currently the director at Southern Mississippi University. It was interesting having a conductor with Italian roots, because he spoke in Italian half the time, which was very unique. Not only was he Italian, but southern too! I enjoyed playing under a director with such knowledge and abilities as he demonstrated.  All-State Honors Band was a great experience.

 

 

Senior Band Memories: Class of 2006

 

Josh Nardin

I first met Mr. Grush towards the end of my sophomore year. One day I was practicing bass at school and he happened to hear me. Immediately he suggested that I join the jazz band. Having played the electric bass for a number of years outside of the Cary Academy Band program, the concept of playing within the context of a school band was foreign to me. I was somewhat intimidated by the idea of joining an already solidified group of young musicians. But with the ceaseless encouragement of Mr. Grush, I decided to give jazz band a shot. My experience in the jazz band was inspirational. It was the first time that I realized how powerful the dynamics of an organized ensemble could be. And despite the frustrating rehearsal period leading up to a concert, I found that in the end it is infinitely rewarding to share the success of the band as the music comes together.  I thank Mr. Grush and my fellow band members for allowing me to have this experience.

 

Richard Samulski

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been four years. It’s harder to believe that I stayed in Band for all of them. With all of the extra work thrown at juniors and the lack of motivation for seniors it’s a surprise that anyone makes it all four years in band without dropping it for an extra study hall or a free period. I blame that partially on Mr. Grush. He’s always given me the time I need when I ask for it and while he can be a psycho around concert time he has good ideas. As I leave, I would like to give one last piece of advice that I think will improve the band: Find a way to make the students want to play and you will see an incredible improvement in the Cary Academy Band.

 

Rob Smithson

It’s difficult to imagine that I have been involved with band at Cary Academy for seven years now. Even stranger is the fact that I am the only member of the 6^th grade Band “Major” class from so long ago that still is involved with the band. I remember my first band experience, which happened even before my first day as a 6^th grade student. There was an instrument trial day, to see what instruments everyone wanted to be involved with after joining the band. Since I had the easiest time getting a sound out of the clarinet, this was the instrument I chose! I have come a long way since then. Trying out for All-District and All-State bands, going to band competitions, and simply watching the band improve from rehearsal to rehearsal have been some of my favorite memories from band. I think the most fun that I have had, though, is with the jazz band. Mr. Grush was a great help in getting me started on the saxophone, and I only regret the fact that I got involved with the jazz band program so late! I would like to thank Mr. Grush for all of his tireless commitment to the band and for his guidance and instruction over the past seven years.

 

Michael Weeks

These last five years in band have been quite an experience.  While I have never been the best at playing my clarinet I am happy that I am able to leave the program having met the people I have.  From my early years on I have met several people that I have been able to look up to both as a mentor and a friend.  I just hope that in the years to come I am able to take all that I have learned and all the experiences that I have had and turn them into something greater than they already are.

To the band class of 2006 from Mr. Grush. . .

 

Participating in the instrumental music program and putting up with me for this long does indeed deserve special recognition and some reminiscing!  I look back to 1999, when Rob began playing clarinet in Beginning Band.  In 2001, Michael became the first 8th grader to ever join the band without previous experience playing an instrument.  The next year Richard came to Cary Academy and joined Michael and Rob.  In 2003, Rob decided to branch out to playing the saxophone in addition to clarinet. Rob has been in band, orchestra, and/or jazz band for all of his 7 years at Cary Academy.  The three of you have played for a total of 16 years in the Cary Academy Band Program!  Wow!!!

 

Do you remember . . .

99-00   the Beginning Band in-class demonstration when you wrote your own music to perform?

99-00   first ever Superior rating earned by the MS Band at District Festival at Green Hope HS?

99-00   the Myrtle Beach Trip with MS chorus and orchestra?

00-01   the competition at Carowinds with MS orchestra?

01-02   the performance at Meymandi with the Raleigh Concert Band?

02-03   the first ever US Band trip to District Festival in Jacksonville, NC? (We got a II)

02-03   the first ever Superior ratings earned by US Band and Jazz Band at Busch Gardens?

03-04   District Festival in Shelby, NC (3 ½ hour bus trip!  We got a II)

03-04   the Disney Trip (remember the forks?!)

04-05  the performance at Meymandi with the Triangle Wind Ensemble

04-05   the Busch Gardens competition (US Jazz Band won the Grand Champion Award)

 

I am proud of your musical growth, but most proud of the exceptional young people you have become.  Without your amazing talent, dedication, and leadership, the Cary Academy Band Program would not have approached the level of success we have attained.  I admire each of you, am deeply grateful to you, and will dearly miss you.

 

Josh,

When we first met, you were in the dark – literally.  Most every day you came up to the practice room next to the band room during lunch with Tony and Rob, turned the lights off and jammed in the dark.  When I interrupted one day, you responded for the group saying that you had to listen harder and could be more creative without having anything visual to distract you; I just thought you were trying to be cool.  Last year in Jazz Band you were so intimidated about sight-reading that you wanted to get copies of the music before everyone else so you could practice it ahead of time.  A year later, in Advanced Music Theory class, you are analyzing the harmony and form of Beethoven’s fifth Symphony!  I am astounded by your ability to learn and play music by ear, as you did with your Celtic reel project with Rob for Music Theory.  Although the new rotating schedule this year kept you from taking Jazz Band, you have still found ways to participate in Jazz on the Quad and tonight for Pops on the Quad.  In fact, you brought your own equipment on the day of the Jazz on the Quad and created drum loops for Sojourm of Arjuna when our plans to have a guest drummer changed at the last minute.  Josh you are the type of person who asks himself, “What can I do better?” and then finds a way to do it better. I admire that quality in you.   Future predictions - After tiring of trying to supplement your income by playing every instrument under the sun on Franklin Street, you get a 3rd shift job - testing shoes for a local retailer.  Your ceaseless pacing finally pays off!

 

Richard,     

Spring 2003.  It was after midnight.  All the other students had been picked up, the bus had left, and there we sat.  If you were not so engaging and entertaining, I would have been furious to be waiting outside the Upper School waiting for your ride home an hour after we got back to school from Busch Gardens.  Did you get to spend that kid of quality time with the swim coach after setting another school record at an away meet, or was I just special?  Evidently, your parents wanted to keep close tabs on you on our next trip, because your sister accompanied us to Disney World in 2004!  Seriously, you make me smile, Richard.   Thank you for continuing to play in band each of your years in the Upper School.  We could not have been as successful this year without your experience and leadership in the saxophone section.  Future Predictions - At your first class reunion, the yearbook staff will apologize for an omission from the 05-06 CA yearbook: you were voted “most likely to charm his way out of an assignment's late penalty.”

 

Rob,

Your creativity and inspiration were evident back when you were in Beginning Band.  Over the holiday break you decided to compose your own music to The Night Before Christmas, and you brought it to me proudly in January.  I will always cherish those pieces of notebook paper that you turned into music staff paper by drawing extra pencil lines between the printed blue lines!  In the following years, you added MS All-District, HS All-District, HS All-State Band and Orchestra, the NC All-State Band and Orchestra to your musical resume – not to mention teaching yourself to play saxophone!   As Jazz Band President this year, you approached me with ideas to encourage more 8th graders to continue playing in Upper School Band.  You have been named scholar-athlete of the year, set numerous school swimming records, and were captain of the swim team.  You have received a plethora of academic awards and scholarships, including being a Morehead finalist at UNC and Jefferson recipient at UVA.  You have achieved excellence in the Arts, Academics, and Athletics like no student I have ever known - Bravissimo!  Future predictions – Repulsed by the muzak in almost every doctor’s office, when you open your own practice, you will hire live musicians to play in your waiting room.  On slow days and during lunch, you’ll pull out your horn and jam . . . with the lights off.

 

Michael,

You are one of the few band students who started playing in the 8th grade.  Your classmates had a relatively easy time with an extra year of experience over the 7th graders while you struggled to keep up - yet you persisted.  In 9th grade, both you and your classmates were now the ones struggling to keep up with the juniors and seniors - yet you persisted.  Now as a senior, you have outlasted every classmate except one, and persisted in spite of college applications, advanced classes, all the rigors of being an upperclassman at Cary Academy, and even a broken finger suffered during wrestling this winter!  Michael, I admire your dedication as well as your laid back demeanor.  I could have learned a lot from you if I had not been so busy being “type A”!   Future predictions – You will finish law school, pass the bar, and become the only attorney in the country who specializes in school handbook law – defending students from wrongful detentions for not doing their homework.

 

Class of 2006 future plans