tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756334772323054142024-03-05T05:07:54.397-08:00Bellevue School of MusicBellevue School of Music blog hosted by Robert H. Wilson on all things music related. Follow our students as they perform throughout the community in school recitals, festivals, local, state and national competitions. Music lessons are an invaluable part of our student's lives which shape their character and contribute to their future success.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738498916550290111noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-57338019540301836392015-09-17T07:36:00.000-07:002015-09-17T07:36:07.485-07:00Bellevue School of Music Announces 2015-2016 Recital DatesThis school calendar year, recitals will be on these dates:<br />
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<b>Fall </b>December 13<sup>th</sup> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1615854966" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">1-5:00PM</span></span><u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>Spring </b>June 12<sup>th</sup> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1615854968" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">1-5:00PM</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01846537228518553070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-82888600529336145952015-05-27T10:39:00.001-07:002015-05-27T11:20:20.088-07:00Bellevue School of Music Spring Recitals at Resonance<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Bellevue School of Music </span><span style="font-size: large;">Spring Student Recitals on Sunday, June 14th 2015 at Resonance</span></h2>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VYCrv68dUcQ" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bellevue School of Music is holding our Spring student recital at a brand new performance venue, Resonance at SOMA Towers, in downtown Bellevue. Performance is integral to developing students musical talents, performers of all ages and abilities will present their works.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Join our students in sharing their talents!</span></h2>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738498916550290111noreply@blogger.com0Bellevue, WA 98005, USA47.6150436 -122.171757747.5294201 -122.3331192 47.7006671 -122.0103962tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-34610405838561266022015-02-27T17:04:00.000-08:002015-02-27T17:04:54.049-08:00Pianist wins competition after breaking a wristRecently, we read an article about Sam Kinsey, a college junior, who broke his wrist while playing basketball. This was a huge challenge for Kinsey because he was a pianist. He was not allowed to touch a piano with his injured hand for a period of two months. This led him to explore piano literature written solely for the left hand.<br />
<br />
There is a lot of piano literature for one-handed play. There is even a guide, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Handed-Guide-Reference-Collection/dp/031331179X" target="_blank">One Handed: A Guide to Piano Music for One Hand</a>" which surveys over 2,100 individual piano pieces for either playing with the right or left hand alone.<br />
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Since most people are predominately right handed, the right hand and arm are injured more often than the left hand so 99% of all piano pieces written for a single hand are for the left hand.<br />
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Last month, according to <a href="http://music.usc.edu/sam-kinsey-wins-concerto-competition-with-one-hand/" target="_blank">USC's Thornton School of Music</a>, Kinsey won Grand Price at the 2014 Debut Concerto Competition playing Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand in D major.</div>
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One-handed piano music is not only for people with injuries. Actually, learning to play music written for a single hand can be fun and serve as a break from the usual routine and it can increase the technical ability of the hand which can help when playing music with two hands.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01846537228518553070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-61964933988813412562014-11-11T14:53:00.000-08:002014-11-11T14:54:33.305-08:00Playing an instrument: a brain workout!<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.0300006866455px;">"When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually </i><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.0300006866455px;"><i>play an instrument,</i></b><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.0300006866455px;">that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout."</i></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.0300006866455px;">This is a really great video showing how playing an instrument and studying music benefits your brain. It's based on neuroscience. </span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/R0JKCYZ8hng" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01846537228518553070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-80078426951232847922012-11-19T16:44:00.001-08:002013-04-05T12:34:30.450-07:00Puget Sound Student Music Festival Season is Upon Us!Here in the Puget Sound we are extremely fortunate to have strong support for music education, there are many great student music festivals available in which to participate. Listed beyond the break is information on three of the area's largest music festivals, but I urge you to ask your teacher about other opportunities and perform in as many as possible.<br />
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Music festivals serve as important goals for students to work toward; they motivate students, focusing energy into action through the heightened purpose of daily practice, and provide the opportunity for students to assess their progress beside their peers. By participating in music festivals, student's gain motivation which is an essential element to forging their musical ability. <br />
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Follow the links under each listing for details on eligibility and registration requirements:<br />
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Seattle Young Artist Music Festival</h3>
Online registration December 08, 2012 - January 16, 2013<br />
Festival: March 25-30 (Monday - Saturday) University of Washington School of Music<br />
<a href="http://www.syamf.org/" target="_blank">http://www.syamf.org/</a><br />
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<h3>
Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside</h3>
Registration: January 2 - March 4, 2013<br />
Festival: April 2, 2013 - April 6, 2013 Saint Andrews Lutheran Church, Bellevue<br />
<a href="http://pafenorthwest.org/" target="_blank">http://pafenorthwest.org</a><br />
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</h3>
<h3>
WMEA High School Solo and Ensemble Festival</h3>
This festival is the largest in the state and is produced by the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA). It begins as 22 Regional events throughout the state, sending the top performers in each division to the State Finals in Ellensburg, WA. Details and registration forms are available through your school ensemble directors, generally beginning in January.<br />
<a href="http://www.wmea.org/" target="_blank">http://www.wmea.org</a><br />
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Music festivals motivate students to stretch beyond their boundries, I strongly urge students and parents to get involved in as many as possible. <br />
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<a href="http://www.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/teachers_wilson.html">Robert H. Wilson, Director of Bellevue School of Music</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738498916550290111noreply@blogger.com0Bellevue School of Music 2237 140th Avenue Northeast, Bellevue, WA 98005, USA47.6300659 -122.153711147.627390899999995 -122.1586466 47.6327409 -122.1487756tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-48133119284011221402012-08-09T12:54:00.001-07:002012-08-09T12:57:11.387-07:00Behind Every Successful Music Student Is a Devoted Parent<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Behind
Every Successful Music Student</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Is a Devoted Parent:</strong></span></div>
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How to Guide Your Child on His Musical Journey</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
by Michelle Alten<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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Musical Notes For Parents: <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. Help your student stay
motivated by being positive and supportive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. Set a pattern with a
specific practice time and stay with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. Find a place and time for
your child to practice where she won’t disturb the family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4. Discuss with your
instructor an appropriate amount of time for your child to practice and let
your child know your expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5. Show your child that you
find music enjoyable and that it is a priority for your family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6.
When you hear your child making progress, let her know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your encouragement will go a long way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The day my child brought home his cello and played his first note, I was
elated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought that we might have a
future musician in the family was tantalizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But it didn’t take long to realize that there is a lot to helping a
young musician launch and stay committed to his musical experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Music students are not just born loving to
practice and ready to work hard at music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like every great musician, each successful music student has a devoted
parent behind the scenes helping him to reach his goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most of us assume that if a child chooses an instrument that he or she
will naturally want to practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
spoken with parents of enthusiastic and outstanding music students, as well as
parents of reluctant young musicians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
I learned is that neither group is eager to pull out their instrument and devote
time to practicing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids don’t like to
practice, and that’s that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the idea
of placing children in charge of making decisions about practicing is unlikely
to succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly another tactic is
needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Robert Wilson, owner and director of the Bellevue School of Music, has
suggestions for parents of young instrumentalists who wish to help their child
succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is important from the
beginning for parents to help their child establish a practice pattern,” <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wilson</st1:place></st1:city> explains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The family should choose a daily practice
time and stay with it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When children
know when they will practice each day, he points out, it is easier for them to
shift from other activities to playing their instrument.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a name='more'></a><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">“Parents also need to choose a place for students to practice that will
be the least disruptive to the family,” <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wilson</st1:place></st1:city>
explains. “This makes it easier for the
family to be supportive.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
Howard Klug, Professor of Clarinet at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Indiana</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
also points out the significant role parents can play in the education of young
musicians. “Parents don’t necessarily
need to know a lot about music,” Klug explains “But they need to provide a
supportive environment by encouraging students, setting aside a time of day and
place to practice, and putting them on a schedule.” Klug also suggests that parents ask their
child questions such as: What have you learned?
How is it going? When can you play for us? “This helps the child understand that the
family considers their music education valuable and important,” he explains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Parents often wonder whether their child is practicing enough. We’ve all heard stories about the amazing
child down the street who practices for two hours each day. Should we expect our seven year old to toot
away on his trumpet for hours? <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wilson</st1:place></st1:city> recommends talking
with your instructor and agreeing on an appropriate expectation. For a five year old this may mean merely ten
minutes a day, but by age ten the child may be expected to practice for a half
hour. Your instructor can help you to
set a realistic goal for your child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
How do you know if your child may be destined for a career in
music? The problem here is that most of
us don’t know if our child will someday want to play in a symphony, or become a
great soloist, director, teacher, or composer.
In most cases, it is too early to tell.
It is also true however that careers in music have become so competitive
that students need to prepare at an early age.
If there is a chance that your child may want to pursue this option,
there is no choice but to begin helping them to get ready now. For high school students this means revving
up their practice time to about two hours each day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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As a child continues with an instrument, his passion for playing will
have its peeks and valleys. Most of us
wonder along the way how to keep our child motivated. The attitude of parents and atmosphere at
home play a major role as to whether Johnny or Jennifer persist. Try to stay upbeat and supportive, even when
you have heard your child play a piece for the hundredth time and the saxophone
is blaring. “Repetition is a big part of
learning an instrument,” <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wilson</st1:place></st1:city>
explains. “Children need to be
encouraged even when the music is loud and an inconvenience.” Children also pick up on our comments about
the music they are playing. “It is
important to support the teacher’s music choices by expressing positive
feelings about the pieces of music your child is learning,” he adds. Just as children of readers learn to love to
read: children of music lovers learn to be aficionados of music. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
Finally, make sure that you and your child have realistic
expectations. “Learning an instrument is
really more about effort than talent,” <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wilson</st1:place></st1:city>
explains. “The more children work at it,
the more progress they will make.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wilson</st1:place></st1:city>
likes to tell of students whose efforts have helped them to reach their
goals. He recalls one student who came
to him when they were the last chair in their school orchestra. After studying with <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wilson</st1:place></st1:city> and working hard at playing, they
moved to first chair. Another student
was told at school that he had no talent.
Instead of quitting he took private lessons and put extra effort into
practicing. By the end of the year his
orchestra awarded him Most Improved Player.</span>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
Remember that for all its challenges, music education has many
rewards. “Children learn the importance
of making a commitment to something and staying with it,” <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wilson</st1:place></st1:city> points out. Children see for themselves the rewards of
their hard work. They learn that talent is
only a beginning in life and that it is effort that really determines how far
we can go. With all the ups and downs
that we all face, learning this kind of resilience is an invaluable lesson that
will help children all along the road of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738498916550290111noreply@blogger.com0Bellevue School of Music, 2237 140th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005, USA47.6303177 -122.15387147.6196167 -122.17361199999999 47.6410187 -122.13413tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-51115537492073691082012-07-10T16:01:00.003-07:002012-07-10T16:01:55.130-07:00The Audition<a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/articles/2012/06/boston-symphony-orchestra-audition/" target="_blank">The Audition</a> a wonderful article from Boston Magazine chronicling the audition process experience of Mike Tetreault, a percussionist auditioning for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Tetreault shares his dreams, the hours spent in preparation, the toll on his personal life--a must read for every aspiring artist!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738498916550290111noreply@blogger.com0Bellevue School of Music, 2237 140th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005, USA47.6303177 -122.15387147.6196167 -122.17404099999999 47.6410187 -122.133701tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-63656384219733232392012-06-29T12:45:00.000-07:002012-06-29T12:57:40.143-07:00What defines a successful music performance?--Bellevue School of Music<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With our spring Student Recital recently concluded and lessons
focused on reviewing performances, I’m reminded students need guidance to recognize
their accomplishments. Understandably some inexperienced students arrive at
their lesson with a gloomy face hounded by memories of nervousness and the
notes that got away; they view their nerves as a weakness and their errors as
failure. Nothing could be further from the truth. A student’s willingness to
accept the challenges of performance is itself a tremendous achievement and the
single most important prerequisite to developing their talent. The nervousness
and errors are essential components a student learns to manage through
experience.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/Bellevue-School-of-Music/Carlson-Theater-Spring-2012/23651684_xLnbr6#!i=1914197804&k=qMWhjkS&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Violin Student Bellevue School of Music Spring Recital 2012"><img alt="Violin Student Bellevue School of Music Spring Recital 2012" src="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/Bellevue-School-of-Music/Carlson-Theater-Spring-2012/i-qMWhjkS/0/S/Bellevue-School-of-Music-S.jpg" title="Violin Student Bellevue School of Music Spring Recital 2012" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Violin Student, Bellevue School of Music Spring Recital 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Just do it.” Breathtakingly simple yet astonishingly
insightful, the Nike slogan neatly sums up an axiom of success all musicians
must embrace; through frequent performance students gain confidence, forging nerves
into emotional intensity and honing concentration to a laser-like focus.
Students must seek every opportunity to perform, from social occasions with
friends and family to community events, each performance is an important step
in their evolution. Performing is a skill attained by doing, not through
preparation beyond the public eye. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nervousness is an indication a musician cares deeply about
their performance; caring motivates musicians to sit through hours of meticulous
practice, refining their technical skills and exploring the subtle complexities
of phrasing. Each time a student performs, their nerves become less distracting
and confidence grows; once a student matures, nerves are tamed to deliver energy
which elevates performance beyond the bounds of the practice room. Accomplished
musicians accept their nerves as a requisite element of performance; the
excitement inspires them to spontaneously transcend route recitation, creating
a higher-level collective experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While perfectly executing the notes is an important goal in
daily practice, in performance it is a distant second to communicating the
depth and breadth of human emotion—the supreme aspiration of<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>music. Mistakes are inevitable, try as
we might the perfect performance is virtually impossible. Students must learn
to accept human fallibility because fearing mistakes creates distraction at
every misstep; losing self-control, students become too distracted to
concentrate on their continuing performance, often delivering a series of
errors. An experienced performer accepts their momentary lapses with
unshakeable resolve, remaining focused in the moment, intent on delivering
their performance and confident in the knowledge they are serving the ultimate
purpose of communicating with their audience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Life would be easy if things were simply explained to us and
we instantly adopted their wisdom, as it is, overcoming human nature requires frequent
performance. Solely through performing will students gain the necessary skills to
transform their practice time into a powerful means of expression. Learning to accept
human fallibility and channeling their nerves into inspiration, students
discovers the successful performance is one in which the musician delivers
their best and guides listeners on an emotional odyssey.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/teachers_wilson.html" target="_blank">Robert H. Wilson<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738498916550290111noreply@blogger.com0Bellevue School of Music, 2237 140th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005, USA47.6303177 -122.15387147.6196167 -122.17361199999999 47.6410187 -122.13413tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-5418932963558728372012-06-15T10:34:00.000-07:002012-06-15T10:36:56.583-07:00What All Teachers Should Learn from Jazz-Band Teachers<strong>What All Teachers Should Learn from Jazz-Band Teachers</strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/memory-medic/201204/what-all-teachers-should-learn-jazz-band-teachers-1" target="_blank">An article</a> in Psychology Today by <a href="http://vetmed.tamu.edu/faculty/wklemm" target="_blank">William Klemm</a>, D.V.M., Ph.D., Professor of Neuroscience, Texas A&M University.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So in a nutshell, the reason jazz students do so well is because their learning environment is built around:<br />
<ul>
<li>Passion</li>
<li>Personal ownership and accountability</li>
<li>Constructivism</li>
<li>Social interaction</li>
<li>High Expectations</li>
<li>Reward</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738498916550290111noreply@blogger.com02237 140th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005, USA47.6301694 -122.15373347.627494399999996 -122.1586685 47.6328444 -122.1487975tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-81891733984211790382012-06-05T13:40:00.000-07:002012-08-12T14:13:17.283-07:00What age should my child begin music lessons--Bellevue School of Music<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #365f91;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">What age should my child begin taking music lessons?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many parents wonder when is the right time for their child
to start music lessons. The answer depends on these questions: What do you want
from your child’s music lesson experience? Has your child expressed an interest
in a specific instrument, if so which one? The answers will
help you determine when to start.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/Bellevue-School-of-Music/Frye-Auditorium-Fall-2011/21443276_MDwrbQ#!i=1708750455&k=KCV2DNg&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Violin SoloBellevue School of Music, Fall Recital 2011"><img alt="Violin Solo Bellevue School of Music, Fall Recital 2011" src="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/Bellevue-School-of-Music/Frye-Auditorium-Fall-2011/i-KCV2DNg/3/S/Bellevue-School-of-Music-Fall-S.jpg" title="Violin Solo Bellevue School of Music, Fall Recital 2011" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Violin Student, Bellevue School of Music</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is never too early to begin learning; studies show that
early childhood music education is beneficial to developing brains and lays the
foundation for more formal music training later. Children begin learning as
soon as they are born; exposing them to music teaches them to hear tonal
organization and develop rhythm in much the same way that we begin teaching
them to speak through “baby talk”. You may purchase a set of recordings and age
appropriate activity books to sing and move with at home, or join a class with
other youngsters—either way your child will benefit from listening to music and
playing along.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At 5 years old children are typically ready to begin more
formal training on piano, violin or guitar (violin and guitar are built to
scale in small sizes). Children will begin to develop the skills necessary to
perform short songs on their instruments; they need to be focused enough to sit
most of the way through a 30-minute lesson and have enough control over their
fingers to follow the teacher’s instruction. It is necessary for a parent to
accompany their student and structure short practice sessions at home with the
teacher’s guidance. Some children are developmentally ready earlier; however 5
years old is a good starting point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At 6 years old children are ready to begin recorder lessons
which create an easy transition to other instruments in the woodwind family—flute,
clarinet, or saxophone. Children learn the language of music through
activities, playing simple songs and developing their coordination. Once these
skills are well on their way you may consider transitioning to another
instrument; I often begin by taking a few minutes from each lesson to introduce
the basic embouchure (mouth position) and then devote more time as the
student’s strength and skills progress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At 7 years old children are ready to begin flute lessons and
at 9 years of age they may begin saxophone, clarinet or trumpet. The wind instruments
require significant physical exertion and are more easily handled by older children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At 14 years old your young adult is ready for voice lessons.
I realize this seems puzzling to many parents, but there is legitimate concern
that children trained too early may develop </span><a href="http://www.voicemedicine.com/nodules.htm"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">vocal nodules</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> which can severely
damage their voice. It’s not unlike a ballerina dancing on pointe or a pitcher
throwing a fastball—their bodies need time to mature before they can handle the
exertion required. It’s important to note that children may sing on their own
or in choirs (though moderation is key), they simply need to wait until the teenage
voice changes and stabilizes before undertaking the rigors of formal voice
training.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The ages I’ve suggested are general guidelines, there are
numerous examples of children starting at earlier ages and becoming young
virtuosi (though I would caution against singing too much, too soon). If you
look into these exceptional youngster’s circumstances you will find they are
not pertinent to most family’s desire for their child’s music education and
should not be misinterpreted as a good indicator of when to begin music lessons.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If your child is younger than those ages I’ve recommended
and have expressed an interest in starting an instrument you may wish to have
a competent instructor assess them; each child possesses unique abilities and an individual assessment is the best way to gauge their readiness.</span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/teachers_wilson.html" target="_blank">Robert H. Wilson, Bellevue School of Music</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738498916550290111noreply@blogger.com0Bellevue School of Music, 2237 140th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005, USA47.6303177 -122.15387147.6196167 -122.17361199999999 47.6410187 -122.13413tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-24303596876735865672012-03-22T14:01:00.000-07:002012-03-25T12:03:04.791-07:00Competition Day, North American Saxophone Alliance Young Artist Competition at ASU—Bellevue School of MusicCompetition day, Saturday March 17th, has come and gone. I had wished to report a fairytale ending for Andrew Nelson, but because this is real life the hero in our story isn’t always victorious—these are the terms we accept in the pursuit of our dreams.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/MusicFestivalsandCompetitions/Saxophone-Alliance/22017661_r6kqK5#!i=1756820516&k=NqVx3Zr&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Andrew Nelson, RehearsalFinalist in the North American Saxophone AllianceYoung Artist Competition 2012Gammage Auditorium, Arizona State University"><img alt="Andrew Nelson, Rehearsal Finalist in the North American Saxophone Alliance Young Artist Competition 2012 Gammage Auditorium, Arizona State University" src="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/MusicFestivalsandCompetitions/Saxophone-Alliance/i-NqVx3Zr/1/S/Andrew-Nelson-Rehearsal-S.jpg" title="Andrew Nelson, Rehearsal Finalist in the North American Saxophone Alliance Young Artist Competition 2012 Gammage Auditorium, Arizona State University" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Nelson rehearsing Friday March 16, 2012<br />
Herberger Institute of the Arts School of Music<br />
Arizona State University<br />
Bellevue School of Music</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Seven of the nation’s brightest high school saxophonists arrived on the campus of Arizona State University, each deserving to have their hopes fulfilled, their months and years of preparation validated, but with three prizes it was inevitable some would come away empty handed. Truly there were no losers here as each faced the challenge with tremendous skill and grace, exhibiting the finest traits of human character. The level of performance was uniformly brilliant leaving the judges to assess the quantity and quality of fleeting lapses.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/MusicFestivalsandCompetitions/Saxophone-Alliance/22017661_r6kqK5#!i=1756727517&k=8b3ZWns&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Andrew NelsonFinalist in the North American Saxophone AllianceYoung Artist Competition 2012Gammage Auditorium, Arizona State University"><img alt="Andrew NelsonFinalist in the North American Saxophone AllianceYoung Artist Competition 2012Gammage Auditorium, Arizona State University" src="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/MusicFestivalsandCompetitions/Saxophone-Alliance/i-8b3ZWns/3/S/Andrew-Nelson-Finalist-North-S.jpg" title="Andrew NelsonFinalist in the North American Saxophone AllianceYoung Artist Competition 2012Gammage Auditorium, Arizona State University" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Nelson Gammage Auditorium Saturday March 17, 2012<br />
NASA Young Artist Competition Finals<br />
Arizona State University<br />
Bellevue School of Music</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When Andrew’s time came he took the stage with remarkable poise and character that only years of experience can give you. With each performance comes the prospect that things may not go well but this day Andrew truly excelled. Performing in front of your peers and for some of the nations’ leading professionals can be a daunting proposition, though today Andrew’s training and maturity came to fruition as he delivered his best performance to date. Andrew performed the most difficult literature of the day with fearless virtuosity and passion, an accomplishment he can be very proud of!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="312" scrolling="no" src="http://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/1757127185_P9LxcJ6?width=425&height=312" width="425"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Andrew Nelson performing in the NASA Young Artist Competition</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Concerto by Alexander Glazounov (the compulsory piece)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Renewing the Myth by Marilyn Shrude</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bellevue School of Music</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The value in facing the challenge of performance at the NASA Young Artist Competition is immeasurable. Preparing for such an event inspires a monumental effort which raises one’s ability to new heights. The experience of testing your skill on the national stage expands the boundaries and forges a new mindset in which all things are possible; a once young and inexperienced teenager becomes a seasoned performer capable of advancing to a professional playing career. With Andrew’s high school tenure almost over, his remaining performances will be met under a different light, with a newly tempered confidence and greatly advanced facility.<br />
<br />
Long after the dream of winning has faded the value of the lessons learned carries on. While it is human nature to want to triumph, gain the prize, be validated for our hard won ability, the true benefit of competition is in learning to overcome our nature and discover competitions’ immense legacies. By repeatedly accepting the challenge you become energized and your learning curve skyrockets, by performing under the variety of circumstance your focus and resolve become unshakable. Andrew’s character has been re-forged by each event, writing the road map for future success in whatever endeavor he chooses. The lessons of this competition and those before it have shaped Andrew into the artist he is today and have already begun shaping his tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/teachers_wilson.htm" target="_blank">Robert H. Wilson, Bellevue School of Music</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738498916550290111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-34863172995946591652012-03-17T01:21:00.000-07:002012-03-25T12:05:47.993-07:00The trip to ASU--Bellevue School of MusicFive AM Friday, March 16th, the alarm wakens me in time to finish preparing for the flight to Phoenix; it’s the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference weekend and things are already in full swing at Arizona State University. Professional Saxophonists, College Professors and students are gathering for a wide range of events held every two years by the nation’s premier saxophone organization. Featured are five competitions for ages fifteen through twenty-six, showcasing the artistry of performers from High Schools and Universities throughout the nation. I’m attending the conference and coaching my private saxophone student Andrew Nelson, Andrew is a finalist in this years’ Young Artist Classical Saxophone Solo Competition to be held on Saturday afternoon March 17th at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts School of Music. As luck would have it the Nelsons are sitting across the aisle from me as I type.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2od-B7hnkVZwlKd5jnFCITUVH2s5vDtRWLhEs2S6SedJS7okZzBA2sylj-yzurHP4KrPvjrbdlFNinMGF_HIYNeOIp6r-HlzdqWqOns9pWbsqAUC6X3iSmaZ6A8Vqm-4HK9YKbge7hQ/s1600/PHX+Plane.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2od-B7hnkVZwlKd5jnFCITUVH2s5vDtRWLhEs2S6SedJS7okZzBA2sylj-yzurHP4KrPvjrbdlFNinMGF_HIYNeOIp6r-HlzdqWqOns9pWbsqAUC6X3iSmaZ6A8Vqm-4HK9YKbge7hQ/s320/PHX+Plane.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
The flight has begun unremarkably (which is how I prefer it), we quickly ascended through the clouds and are cruising comfortably with blue sky visible out the cabin window. The flight gives me time to reflect on our musical journey together and the amazing transformation Andrew has undergone. He came to me a young and eager teen, and has developed into a confident young artist about to perform in his first national solo competition. Andrew’s abilities have matured from those early days of searching for the notes on his instrument to command of its’ highest extremes, from awkward finger movements to smooth and sure technique capable of shaping the most challenging musical phrase, his tone transformed into a rich and resonant voice able to express the grandest aspirations of the human spirit and the most delicate of human frailties. This performance marks Andrew’s official entrance onto the national stage and the end of his musical adolescence.<br />
<br />
The flight, now most of the way over, draws a parallel to the student/mentor relationship that Andrew and I share. Through minor turbulence and blue skies we are about to bring our musical journey to its conclusion. Our time together has been rich and rewarding as we’ve navigated the challenges students face and overcame them together. With tremendous pride I reflect on Andrew’s rapid development, rising through the levels of musical literature from early high school pieces to graduate level material. Andrew’s growth has been rapid, I’m glad to have had the opportunity to guide him on his journey and take part in this seminal moment.<br />
<br />
Though there are competitions awaiting Andrew upon his return, our roles have already begun the shift from student/teacher to colleagues in the endless pursuit of musical artistry. This weekend underscores Andrew’s arrival as a young artist and the maturity he has achieved. Saturday’s performance is upon us, the fruition of his dedication and hard work, I'm looking forward to it with tremendous admiration and excitement .<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/teachers_wilson.htm" target="_blank">Robert H. Wilson, Bellevue School of Music</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738498916550290111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-6076479431808466122012-03-06T14:04:00.000-08:002012-03-25T12:07:37.523-07:00Andrew Nelson Finalist in National Saxophone Competition--Bellevue School of MusicIt is my great pleasure to work with many bright young students, you never know what direction their interests will lead them or to what level of performance they aspire. Andrew Nelson began his lessons just prior to entering his freshman year at Interlake High School, with an intense desire to learn. As with all incoming intermediate students there was an adjustment period in which we reshape their tone and finger technique. (My teaching is predominately pedagogical, relying on a precise physical concept and an incremental series of exercises with specific goals.) Andrew immersed himself with great relish, soon hearing and feeling the results as notes he struggled to play started to come with ease, his fingers relaxed and became more accurate. By spring Andrew had developed significantly and received his first accolade in winning the Eastshore Solo and Ensemble, Solo Division--a feat he recently repeated for the fourth and final time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/Bellevue-School-of-Music/Frye-Auditorium-Fall-2011/21443276_MDwrbQ#!i=1708802435&k=Hs8fBkN&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Alto Saxophone Solo Bellevue School of Music, Fall Recital 2011"><img alt="Alto Saxophone SoloBellevue School of Music, Fall Recital 2011" src="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/Bellevue-School-of-Music/Frye-Auditorium-Fall-2011/i-Hs8fBkN/3/S/Bellevue-School-of-Music-Fall-S.jpg" title="Alto Saxophone Solo Bellevue School of Music, Fall Recital 2011" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Nelson<br />
Bellevue School of Music Fall Recital 2011<br />
Frye Auditorium</td></tr>
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Without a doubt Andrew's willingness to risk disappointment is a fundamental element of his success; a student waiting until they are "ready" to perform misses the point entirely, <em>performing is an essential part of the musical journey</em>. Recitals, festivals and competitions are all an important part of studying music though students often resist performing due to fear of failure. It's natural for parents, teachers and students to want to succeed--be the best at the recital, win the ribbon at the festival--but it's necessary to temper human nature by reframing the measure of success. We must nurture our students into welcoming these challenges with an eye toward the higher goal of mastering performance: forging their desire to do well into motivation to practice, teaching them to accept that performances are imperfect, shifting their focus away from short term goals and toward embracing the overall journey. Andrew's musical development is a testament to his ability to weather the challenges of performance, he's been able to look past minor setbacks and learn from them to achieve a very high level of artistry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a and="" ensemble="" festival?="" href="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/Bellevue-School-of-Music/Bellevue-School-of-Music-Warm/21501803_dPkDW4#!i=1714047520&k=dHrBdfw&lb=1&s=A" prior="" recital="" solo="" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Andrew Nelson" to="" up?="" warm=""><img alt="Andrew Nelson" and="" ensemble="" festival?="" prior="" recital="" solo="" src="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/Bellevue-School-of-Music/Bellevue-School-of-Music-Warm/i-dHrBdfw/3/S/Bellevue-School-of-Music-Warm-S.jpg" title="Andrew Nelson" to="" up?="" warm="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Nelson<br />
"Warm-up" Recital<br />
Preparation for the Eastshore Solo and Ensemble Festival 2012</td></tr>
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Andrew, now a senior, was chosen as a finalist in the North American Saxophone Alliance's (NASA) Young Artist Competition to be held at Arizona State University (ASU) this March 17th in Tempe, Arizona. The competition is one of dozens of events, presentations and performances offered at the NASA Biennial National Conference over four days. Andrew is performing the Glazounov Concerto along with six other finalists (the compulsory selection) and Marilyn Shrude's "Renewing the Myth". There is a winners concert on Sunday, March 18th featuring the top performers from each of five competitions at the conference. Andrew's parents and I will attend, listening with great admiration to all of the wonderful young artists.<br />
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For more information:<br />
<a href="http://www.saxalliance.org/" target="_blank">North American Saxophone Association--NASA</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bellevuereporter.com/lifestyle/137063178.html" target="_blank">Feature Article on Andrew Nelson</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/teachers_wilson.htm">Private Saxophone Lessons with Robert H. Wilson</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738498916550290111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-72501102749690593162012-02-25T16:00:00.000-08:002012-03-25T12:10:21.903-07:00All-State Wind Ensemble 2012The All-State Wind Ensemble 2012, held on Monday February 20th in Yakima, featured sixty-three of the states' finest high school musicians under the direction of Marcellus Brown and is the premier All-State honor band. Of the four saxophonists chosen to perform, two were my students: Andrew Nelson 1st Chair Alto and Soprano saxophones, and Benjamin Zobel Baritone saxophone.<br />
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Although the concert began at 3:00 the journey began at 8:30 in Kirkland with my wife Jennifer and I gathering cold weather clothing in case we got stuck driving through the pass, dog toys and snacks for Koby our Bernese Mountain Dog mix, and of course our morning lattes as we wouldn't be able to function otherwise.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVxpz89mwzaLjRPJ7378dbN_7WpFAYz0TIzUXBN-LOj-4Jm48_4zjHLmgseJot644SX6wA3Rj0sffShHFwdzxdZ7_5HZioVU1KpuLaKPJzFB7XO1eDLuQ1kV7UsxdZrwUIPQiKpd9jFc/s1600/A+good+one-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVxpz89mwzaLjRPJ7378dbN_7WpFAYz0TIzUXBN-LOj-4Jm48_4zjHLmgseJot644SX6wA3Rj0sffShHFwdzxdZ7_5HZioVU1KpuLaKPJzFB7XO1eDLuQ1kV7UsxdZrwUIPQiKpd9jFc/s400/A+good+one-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Tonic :)</td></tr>
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We left at 10:30 since the trip to Yakima offers a spectacular scenic drive and photo opportunity via Canyon Road off of I-90 just west of the I-82 interchange (Canyon Road follows along Yakima River and takes only slightly longer than the interstate). Jennifer and I enjoy every opportunity to travel through there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wPKhy9mFwEoCNJDwQ5OfydJmsAollFCpmVun3xRDbOETMSXafVKrhk3YpN4VteguULKYoQV8mp4zjFrJuiTG-qrQeYUEIGkVT1y31xPpLSFNZXr-2wqcC_kGkUKv5iffkeJjYlVfIpM/s1600/Canyon-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wPKhy9mFwEoCNJDwQ5OfydJmsAollFCpmVun3xRDbOETMSXafVKrhk3YpN4VteguULKYoQV8mp4zjFrJuiTG-qrQeYUEIGkVT1y31xPpLSFNZXr-2wqcC_kGkUKv5iffkeJjYlVfIpM/s400/Canyon-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yakima River</td></tr>
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The river hosts the best trout fishing in the state and fly fishermen are abundant (catch and release only)--we passed many, I didn't take their pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNWblFORV8QTBXxlgHgWgmjk6sHLAPDb9_qAqAflpyod4sezzVNs8lxumob7SDAr29K7Bipq4uypV9dp4wfSGRoTIqThqNUzL5xh6VYtVUEZYSIQrIDlWpAyoEm5MTFz5ppjnqUyFIIo/s1600/Canyon-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNWblFORV8QTBXxlgHgWgmjk6sHLAPDb9_qAqAflpyod4sezzVNs8lxumob7SDAr29K7Bipq4uypV9dp4wfSGRoTIqThqNUzL5xh6VYtVUEZYSIQrIDlWpAyoEm5MTFz5ppjnqUyFIIo/s400/Canyon-8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canyon Road</td></tr>
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The road itself is good and generally traffic is light.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8H4J0YDFPIPjUeMLZbhNLLSCPu-xFptfC5sLmQQuNwG34D2kRf1VgB_itKBjpsZuYv5AYR_5Yd242Fosgb2sVhj3ami8GyO_BLLVLBLwAvhYjE8ObP4ARRMYxWhX2N_XeBd_CK8rMCw/s1600/Canyon-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8H4J0YDFPIPjUeMLZbhNLLSCPu-xFptfC5sLmQQuNwG34D2kRf1VgB_itKBjpsZuYv5AYR_5Yd242Fosgb2sVhj3ami8GyO_BLLVLBLwAvhYjE8ObP4ARRMYxWhX2N_XeBd_CK8rMCw/s400/Canyon-11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canyonside accented by basalt rubble in B&W</td></tr>
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The magnitude of the canyon is lost a little in this picture due to the posted size--note the pine just right of center in the foreground for scale.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_SXSPfZpbsxQknRh6-ywicoxPlAPuKKCuO_w6FzE0ybyHA9PEvPTQ76OtOkUjhUDsyeniVkeVZZXufA5IazQVVtMF63RoGmCf2lzHu2VZM-Fyaykxvhkt0lOM8LEobsdU0Tf5aMGnCY/s1600/Canyon-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_SXSPfZpbsxQknRh6-ywicoxPlAPuKKCuO_w6FzE0ybyHA9PEvPTQ76OtOkUjhUDsyeniVkeVZZXufA5IazQVVtMF63RoGmCf2lzHu2VZM-Fyaykxvhkt0lOM8LEobsdU0Tf5aMGnCY/s400/Canyon-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koby overwhelmed by tough choices...<br />
Sniff, mark the territory or chase the ball?</td></tr>
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There are several camping/picnicking/rest areas along the river; Koby is committed to claim several of them as his very own.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDKXwJrALo3gqCzgoAZWYtCU5SYWxas4QinLN0FifQMmrSZKHxv9yY77Vk7SCfG1uAqH8U0S5pGdf4vjgQ8zIpOl3uyddloE7XLpRWiM8ewsuTeFJ6mjLkalMdEFrd6yci_GW-KDgIT0/s1600/Canyon-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDKXwJrALo3gqCzgoAZWYtCU5SYWxas4QinLN0FifQMmrSZKHxv9yY77Vk7SCfG1uAqH8U0S5pGdf4vjgQ8zIpOl3uyddloE7XLpRWiM8ewsuTeFJ6mjLkalMdEFrd6yci_GW-KDgIT0/s400/Canyon-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columnar basalt formations</td></tr>
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The Columbia River Basalt Group is a unique geologic feature which shaped much of the area and is on vivid display throughout the canyon.<br />
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...on to Yakima and the Sundome. <br />
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All three All-State band ensembles were arranged together on the floor to minimize set-up (and time) between performances; the Wind Ensemble was on the left end canted toward the center, presenting an unusual viewing angle.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/All-State-All-Northwest-and/All-State-Wind-Ensemble-2012/21568426_wKrcRJ#!i=1720381939&k=VXBJ6WT&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Andrew Nelson 1st Chair Soprano/Alto Saxophone All-State Wind Ensemble 2012 Yakima, WA"><img alt="Andrew Nelson 1st Chair Soprano/Alto Saxophone All-State Wind Ensemble 2012 Yakima, WA" src="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/All-State-All-Northwest-and/All-State-Wind-Ensemble-2012/i-VXBJ6WT/1/S/Andrew-Nelson-All-State-2012-3-S.jpg" title="Andrew Nelson 1st Chair Soprano/Alto Saxophone All-State Wind Ensemble 2012 Yakima, WA" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Nelson<br />
1st Chair Alto/Soprano Saxophone<br />
All-State Wind Ensemble 2012</td></tr>
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This is Andrew Nelson's senior year and the second year he has been chosen to participate in All-State; last year Andrew was 1st Chair Alto Saxophone in the All-Northwest Band which is held in odd numbered years.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/All-State-All-Northwest-and/All-State-Wind-Ensemble-2012/21568426_wKrcRJ#!i=1720382654&k=GDM3CXV&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Benjamin Zobel Baritone Saxophone All-State Wind Ensemble 2012 Yakima, WA"><img alt="Benjamin Zobel Baritone Saxophone All-State Wind Ensemble 2012 Yakima, WA" src="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/All-State-All-Northwest-and/All-State-Wind-Ensemble-2012/i-GDM3CXV/1/S/Benjamin-Zobel-All-State-2012-S.jpg" title="Benjamin Zobel Baritone Saxophone All-State Wind Ensemble 2012 Yakima, WA" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benjamin Zobel<br />
Bartitone Saxophone<br />
All-State Wind Ensemble 2012</td></tr>
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Benjamin Zobel is a junior this year and it's his first year participating in All-State--way to start at the top! Benjamin is interested in pursuing a career in jazz performance and audio engineering.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/All-State-All-Northwest-and/All-State-Wind-Ensemble-2012/21568426_wKrcRJ#!i=1720383169&k=6MNXXnB&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Marcellus Brown All-State Wind Ensemble 2012 Conductor"><img alt="Marcellus Brown All-State Wind Ensemble 2012 Conductor" height="212" src="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/All-State-All-Northwest-and/All-State-Wind-Ensemble-2012/i-6MNXXnB/1/S/Marcellus-Brown-All-State-Wind-S.jpg" title="Marcellus Brown All-State Wind Ensemble 2012 Conductor" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcellus Brown<br />
Conductor<br />
All-State Wind Ensemble 2012</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mr. Brown's sincerity and warmth were evident in his demeanor, working with him was a wonderful opportunity for all the students involved.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/All-State-All-Northwest-and/All-State-Wind-Ensemble-2012/21568426_wKrcRJ#!i=1720383595&k=tG7wZJd&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Foreground left to right: Jennifer Wilson, Scott Nelson and Mark Zobel Judi Nelson is just barely visible behind Jennifer"><img alt="Foreground left to right: Jennifer Wilson, Scott Nelson and Mark Zobel Judi Nelson is just barely visible behind Jennifer" height="212" src="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/All-State-All-Northwest-and/All-State-Wind-Ensemble-2012/i-tG7wZJd/1/S/Parents-All-State-2012-S.jpg" title="Foreground left to right: Jennifer Wilson, Scott Nelson and Mark Zobel Judi Nelson is just barely visible behind Jennifer" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foreground: Jennifer Wilson, Scott Nelson and Mark Zobel<br />
Judi Nelson is behind Jennifer</td></tr>
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It's gratifying to see parents involved and supporting their son or daughter's music education; parental support is essential to a student's development. Congratulations to both the Nelsons and the Zobels!<br />
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All-State performances showcase the highest achievements of individual students and display the finest qualities of our states' public music education system. As always it was a pleasure hearing them perform.<br />
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For more information:<br />
<a href="http://www.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/teachers_wilson.htm">Private Saxophone Lessons with Robert H. Wilson</a><br />
<a href="http://www.wmea.org/" target="_blank">Washington Music Educators Association</a><br />
<a href="http://www.menc.org/" target="_blank">National Association for Music Education</a> (formerly MENC)<br />
<a href="http://music.boisestate.edu/studio-faculty/prof-marcellus-brown/" target="_blank">Marcellus Brown--Boise State University</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/site_info.php?siteid=251" target="_blank">Canyon Road off I-90 to Yakima</a><br />
<a href="http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/ColumbiaPlateau/description_columbia_plateau.html" target="_blank">Columbia River Basalt Group</a><br />
<a href="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/All-State-All-Northwest-and/All-State-Wind-Ensemble-2012/21568426_wKrcRJ#!i=1720381673&k=z2pTFfv" target="_blank">Performance Pictures</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738498916550290111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175633477232305414.post-79432335095164673772012-02-19T21:58:00.000-08:002012-03-05T10:00:14.677-08:00Bellevue School of Music Welcome!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/MusicFestivalsandCompetitions/Eastshore-Solo-and-Ensemble/21499905_NDsxDH#!i=1714010534&k=TBqNJFf&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Andrew Nelson Alto Saxophone 1st Place Soprano/Alto Saxophone Solo Eastshore Solo and Ensemble 2012"><img alt="Andrew Nelson Alto Saxophone1st Place Soprano/Alto Saxophone SoloEastshore Solo and Ensemble 2012" height="256" src="http://photos.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/MusicFestivalsandCompetitions/Eastshore-Solo-and-Ensemble/i-TBqNJFf/0/S/Eastshore-Solo-and-Ensemble-S.jpg" title="Andrew Nelson Alto Saxophone 1st Place Soprano/Alto Saxophone Solo Eastshore Solo and Ensemble 2012" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Nelson<br />
1st Place Eastshore Solo and Ensemble Festival 2012</td></tr>
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Welcome to the <a href="http://www.bellevueschoolofmusic.com/" target="_blank">Bellevue School of Music</a> blog hosted by Robert H. Wilson! Here you will find a variety of posts on all things music and student related: view pictures of events that shape the musical lives of our students, read up on techniques to improve your performance, find recommended books to help you along your musical journey, stay current with school performances and more. Join the blog and ask me questions on a topic that interests you.<br />
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I look forward to sharing my experiences and hope you'll enjoy our journey together in search of musical excellence.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738498916550290111noreply@blogger.com0Bellevue, WA 98005, USA47.6150436 -122.171757747.5722281 -122.2507217 47.6578591 -122.0927937