~ June Issue ~
 

El Segundo Concert Band offers Summer Band Symposium
By Katherine Wittig

A new tradition begins as the El Segundo Concert Band puts a plan for a summer music program into motion. While music students in El Segundo have had the option to attend other summer music camps in southern California, this local program will extend the city’s own activities for both middle school and high school students. The music camp will be held from July 9 to July 26 on three afternoons each week and will provide a myriad of musical opportunities. Mr. Steven Fox, the founder and director of this program, believes the camp will help the school’s music program, stating, “It will better prepare students for their next year of music” and described it as “a bridge from year to year.”

While El Segundo High’s music program has been improving and growing in the past few years, the schools are still aware that more aid may be necessary in order to help all students achieve the California State Standards for Music Education. Students should be able to read, write, and perform rhythmic and melodic passages of music and they should be familiar with repertoire from several cultures. Composition and improvisation of basic patterns is also expected, along with a grade-appropriate understanding of music theory. These expectations and standards will be met by the Summer Band Symposium, and by providing additional support the ESCB hopes to also improve the Middle and High School Band programs during the academic year. Mr. Fox was motivated to bring about change due to a “noticeable breakdown in transition from music program to program” in the district.

The stated objective of the program, as printed in the its informational brochure, is “to help young musicians to go into their next school year prepared for the musical tasks required of them.” The symposium will achieve this through classes in performance, theory and composition, and weekly masterclasses. The band class offers students the chance to perform and develop techniques of playing and identifying pitches. To supplement this hands-on aspect of the program, a class in theory and composition will teach the basics of rhythm and notation, keyboard, and music history and terms. A third dimension of music education will be given through masterclasses from professional musicians working in Los Angeles.

To offer a professional range of musical styles and techniques, several special clinicians and guest performers will attend the program to share their knowledge and expertise with participating students. Two quintets are scheduled to attend, the Coast Brass ensemble and the Santa Monica Symphony Woodwind Quintet. Other performers will include flutist Glendy Chien, percussionist MB Gordy, and trumpet and jazz teacher James Ford. These musicians will help motivate and educate El Segundo’s music students to help them pursue music at a higher level.

El Segundo has always had pride in the varied and extensive educational pursuits offered to its youth, and this program will help broaden these opportunities. Participating students will grow as musicians, working on both individual skill and ensemble performance. Mr. Fox also hopes to continue this music camp in future years if students respond positively to this year’s program. Hopefully it will serve to supplement the schools’ music programs and increase and support El Segundo’s musical talent.