From The Director

Fall 2011

I have just returned to my "normal" life after experiencing two days of school outreach sessions given by Foothills Brass Quintet. Tuesday was a full day of instruction and performance at Seeley Swan High School. I am aglow with the musical energy these fine teachers and musicians imparted to the students (and to the teachers and adult members of the public who were present). Two things I especially liked about the Foothills Brass approach to school outreach were: 1) how well-tailored their presentations were to the needs and abilities of the students, and 2) how well prepared the artists were to teach, period.  Fundamentals—especially posture and breath-control—formed the thrust of the teaching at the high school. It was practical, understandable advice clearly demonstrated and practiced with the students. The high school band showed excellent concentration. They clearly were learning from these artists. The students’ efforts in response showed proof of this.


Foothills Brass Informance. Photo © Seeley-Swan Pathfinder.For the general music classes and younger students on Monday the quintet was also highly approachable. They captivated the students' attention, intelligence, sense of fun, and imaginations. After seeing a demonstration of the lip buzz that produces the basic sound of a brass instrument, one middle school student asked something like, "What is really going on inside the trumpet?"  The reply was an unvarnished explanation of tube length and sound wave length and frequencies. Students in all the schools asked relevant, intelligent questions and received sensible in-depth answers. In the school-wide informances Foothills Brass excelled in demonstrating both the "building blocks" of music (such as tone, melody, harmony, and rhythm) and the elements of brass instrument playing in a stimulating manner. And they simply sounded fantastic!


Student participation during the Foothills Brass Informance. Photo © Seeley-Swan Pathfinder.On a different front, I am happy to report the successful conclusion of the fall business fundraising drive. Well over forty Seeley-Swan and regional businesses helped bring the total of business donations to over $7500. This compares very closely with last year's record level of business support. It is gratifying that area businesses contribute to this program while enduring an economy in which it is difficult to compete. Individual donations are also off to a great start, and season ticket sales are about equal with last year. I am hopeful that by January 2012 2 Valleys Stage will see its way clear to contract with outstanding artist-teachers whose appearances here can attract many concert goers from the region who are willing to travel to hear them, and who will offer outstanding experiences to our schools. Other short and long term goals are to improve seating, bring more families into the public concerts, extend the school outreach to other area schools, and restore a fifth school residency to the program. Thanks for listening.
- Scott Milner