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MHS Students Perform at ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest

2/5/2023

On Saturday, MHS students performed at the ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) Solo and Ensemble Contest hosted by Northwood High School.

Students prepared pieces over the past couple months and performed as a soloist or part of a small ensemble (trio, quartet, etc.). Judges critiqued the performances using a rubric that includes nine categories and areas for comments. The scores are added up, and the students receive a rating of gold, silver, or bronze. Students enter the contest in different ability levels - Group V (easiest) through Group I (most difficult). If a soloist or ensemble earns a gold rating on a Group I piece, they qualify to perform at the state level at North Central High School on February 25th.

Special thanks to the following people for their help over the past couple months!
- Mrs. Marie Blunt for coming in to help rehearse small ensembles and soloists
- Mr. Bart Roberts for coming in to help rehearse small ensembles and soloists
- Mrs. Elaine Lange for serving as a piano accompanist for the soloists
- Mrs. Rebecca Wilson for serving as a piano accompanist for the soloists
- Mrs. Miriam Houck for serving as a piano accompanist for the soloists
- Mr. Eric Criss (Band Director at Northwood High School) for hosting the event

Here are the results...

Group I Clarinet Choir - Shyanne Vines, Mariah Avara, Carolyn Habel, Clara Witmer, Hunter Dunnuck, Emily Sipocz, Ava Raker, Max Ford - GOLD

Marissa Rowe - Group I Marimba Solo - GOLD - Headed to State

Cody Barnes - Group I Trumpet Solo - GOLD - Headed to State

Tylan Paczkowski - Group I Multi Tenor Solo - GOLD - Headed to State

CJ Stamm - Group I Flugelhorn Solo - GOLD - Headed to State

Carly Sanchez - Group I Flute Solo - GOLD - Headed to State

Elizabeth Childress - Group I Trumpet Solo - GOLD - Headed to State

Dylan Piazzoni - Group I Tenor Sax Solo - GOLD - Headed to State

Clara Witmer - Group I Clarinet Solo - GOLD - Headed to State

Skyler Wood - Group I Flute Solo - SILVER

Serenity Lombardo - Group I Flute Solo - SILVER

Group II Percussion Ensemble - Marissa Rowe, Tylan Paczkowski, Finn Bobos, Sebastian Van Skyhawk, Elena Norton - GOLD

Group II Mallet Ensemble - Marissa Rowe, Tylan Paczkowski, Elena Norton - GOLD

Group II Sax Trio - Levi Shudell, Adam Alexander, Donald Wolf - GOLD

Group II Woodwind Trio - Cole Darnell, Dylan Steadman, Max Ford - GOLD

Group II Trumpet Trio - Payton Krueger, Abrielle Flick, Koryn Flick - GOLD

Group II Brass Ensemble - Will Schalliol, Mason Isenhart, Jack Osborn, Caidyn Flory, Emberlynn Cloud, Cody Barnes - SILVER

Maggie Bradburn - Group II Clarinet Solo - GOLD - Perfect Score

Ellyn Gerndt - Group II Flute Solo - SILVER

Elena Norton - Group II Snare Solo - GOLD

Dylan Steadman - Group II Oboe Solo - GOLD

Tylan Paczkowski - Group II Snare Solo - GOLD

Group III Flute Trio - Isabella Fazio, Breanna Batton, Denise Tetzlaff - GOLD

Group III Clarinet Trio - Briella Buchmann, Zoe Bush, Mariah Avara - GOLD

Group III Brass Trio - Douglas Hill, Brook Way, Malcolm Hans - GOLD

Group III Trombone Quartet - Emberlynn Cloud, Douglas Hill, Jack Taylor, Jacob Stephens - GOLD

Group III Sax Quartet - Alex Rogers, Alex Morris, Damiano Bianco, Logan Hagler - SILVER

Group III Sax Quartet - Levi Shudell, Jason Evans, Olivia Leer, Ruthie Van de Voorde - SILVER

Holly Shine - Group III Alto Sax Solo - GOLD - Perfect Score

Vincent Lopez-Weglowski - Group III Tenor Sax Solo - GOLD

Brook Way - Group III Trumpet Solo - GOLD

Ellyn Gerndt - Group III Piccolo Solo - SILVER

Douglas Hill - Group III Trombone Solo - GOLD

Jack Taylor - Group III Trombone Solo - GOLD

Malcolm Hans - Group III Trumpet Solo - Gold

Kalie Maassel - Group III Snare Solo - GOLD

Angel Rivera - Group III Snare Solo - GOLD

Savannah Saylor - Group III Snare Solo - GOLD

Kerry Pontius - Group III Snare Solo - GOLD

Moriah Parker - Group III Snare Solo - GOLD

Jacob Stephens - Group III Tuba Solo - GOLD

Grammy Winning Music Educator Visits Mishawaka Bands

3/15/2022

Mickey Smith Jr.

Mickey Smith Jr. is a seven-time Teacher of the Year and received the Grammy Music Educator Award in 2020. Now he is educating and entertaining band directors and students across the country. Here is his biography.

"EDUCA-TAINER Mickey Smith Jr. is a GRAMMY Music Educator Award Recipient that hails from a forgotten community in the Bayou State of Louisiana and now stands on phenomenal stages encouraging educators to SEE THE SOUND & KEEP ON GOING. Mickey is acclaimed international speaker, saxophonist, author, and master development coach for elementary and middle school band directors as well as a self-management-strategist for educators. Mickey is committed to encouraging and equipping all educators with the tools to Discover Their Sound of significance and Keep On Going with resilience to create a SOUND180 days of school. Smith specializes in motivational keynotes and transformative professional development training sessions for both corporate and educational clients who are ready to engage, educate, and elevate every audience member to excellence. Whether the message is being shared in a School District, a Conference, In-Person or Virtually, Smith believes that everyone has a "sound" (a significance) that has the power to resonate with others and create a shift in the thoughts and perspectives of our next and best. Mickey’s motivational mixture of music & message teaches people how to reach people with consistency, intention, and strategy."

Mr. Smith will be visiting each band class at Mishawaka High School and John Young Middle School next week. We can't wait to learn and be inspired by this world-class educator.

Mickey Smith Jr. playing his Cannonball tenor saxophone

Mickey Smith Jr. with Billie Eilish at the Grammys

Mickey Smith Jr. on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards

MHS Band Uses Music to Raise Awareness of Mental Health Issues

3/1/2022

Randall Standridge is a composer who has become very popular in the "band world." The Mishawaka High School bands have performed many of his works, including two at our last concert. Standridge was a former band director, so he always strives to make his music educational for the ensemble while also getting the students hooked with fun titles, catchy grooves, and interesting topics.

Here is what Standridge had to say about his new project.

"CONSORTIUM ANNOUNCEMENT:
(not) Alone, Grade 2.5, by Randall Standridge
A meditation on mental health for concert band

I would rarely say that the pieces I write are "important."

However, this one is.

As many of you are aware, I live with depression and anxiety. I have tried to use my platform to normalize discussions about mental health and to help start conversations about this issue. Here are some statistics you may or may not be aware of:

1 in 5 of adults in the US experience mental health issues each year.
1 in 6 youths in the US experience mental health issues each year.
90% of suicides worldwide are attributable to mental illness.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in the United States.
With statistics like this, it is shocking and frustrating that so many people are reluctant to acknowledge, discuss, and address these issues.

In 2021, I was asked to create a work for wind ensemble addressing mental illness. The resultant work, “unBroken”, is one of my favorite works I have ever created, both from an aesthetic and personal perspective. However, this work is very advanced (Grade 5), which limits its demographic for performers and, thus, audiences.

Those of us that teach or have taught middle school and high school know that there is a need to address this issue at younger ages, and to make such tools available to middle schools and developing high school ensembles.

With this in mind, I am proud to announce the unBroken Project.

The unBroken Project will consist of two components.

The first is to organize a Consortium of schools and organizations to support the creation of a Grade 2.5 work that addresses mental health. The work, tentatively titled “(not) Alone”, will pull themes from unBroken but place them in a work that is achievable for younger/developing ensembles. The membership fee for this Consortium will be $100, and will include pdfs of the score/parts, a video journal detailing the creation and meaning behind the work, the names of the member ensembles and directors included in the program notes, and a video introduction for the work.

The second component of the unBroken Project is that we will be offering “unBroken (Grade 5)” as a free rental to University/College, Military, and Community/Professional Wind Ensembles, as well as a limited number of select high school ensembles (for High School ensembles, there will be an application process, with details about performance dates, audience/community engagement, and past festival repertoire required.m). Our goal is to increase discussions about this issue within the band community and community at large. The piece is currently going through some minor revisions, but will be available very soon.

Thank you to everyone who has been so encouraging about my online discussions about mental health, and thank you to those of you who have also shared your stories.

This is how we change the world.

One conversation at a time.

And to those suffering in silence, know this and know it well...

You are not alone.

Peace Love and Music"

The Mishawaka High School Band students have chosen to join this consortium. Mr. Chamberlin had the idea for the students to help fund the project, one dollar per student. Everyone was able to help out by doing their part, no matter how big or small. The same idea can be used when helping our peers, friends, or family members through mental health issues. A little help can go a long way - listening to someone who needs a friend, smiling at someone in the hallway, performing a piece of music to spread the word and educate others.

The MHS Bands will combine for the annual May Festival of the Fine Arts on Friday, May 20th at 7:00pm in The Cave (MHS East Gym). They plan to perform this piece - (not) Alone. It will surely be a special evening.

MHS Commons Transformed into Mattress Showroom

2/16/2022

This Sunday, February 20th, Mishawaka High School Mattress Fundraiser from 10:00am - 5:00pm supporting the Music Department students traveling to Florida in 2023

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!

The commons area at MHS will be transformed into a mattress showroom with over 20 types of mattresses to choose from. These are quality name brand mattresses with discounted prices. Additional discounts for military, police, firefighters, and educators!

Therapedic, Beautyrest, memory foam, adjustable bases, premium pillows, sheets, and mattress protectors.. they've got it all!

The sales people on staff take care of all of the sales. All you do is think to yourself "who do I know who has talked about needing a mattress lately?" and invite them to the sale! If you mention a specific band, orchestra, or choir student during your purchase, that student will receive fundraising credit toward our Florida trip in 2023.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee - this company handles all of the warranty details

Financing Options Available - 0% same as cash

Products available in 3-5 weeks - free pick up or $50 home delivery

Click here to find the Facebook event page and share with everyone who might be interested!

Sunday - February 20th - 10:00am - 5:00pm - Mishawaka High School - Door L

Wonderful Student Performances at Solo and Ensemble

1/30/2022

ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest was back in-person and the MHS Band was well-represented!

Mr. Chamberlin and Mr. Roberts were very pleased with the student performances last Saturday at the ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) Solo and Ensemble Contest hosted by Northwood High School.

Students prepared pieces over the past couple months and performed as a soloist or part of a small ensemble (trio, quartet, etc.). Judges critiqued the performances using a rubric that includes nine categories and areas for comments. The scores are added up, and the students receive a rating of gold, silver, or bronze. Students enter the contest in different ability levels - Group V (easiest) through Group I (most difficult). If a soloist or ensemble earns a gold rating on a Group I piece, they qualify to perform at the state level at North Central High School on February 26th.

Special thanks to the following people for their help over the past couple months!
- Mr. Dennis Gamble for coming in to help rehearse small ensembles
- Mr. Bart Roberts for coming in to help rehearse small ensembles
- Mrs. Elaine Lange for serving as the piano accompanist for the soloists
- Mr. Eric Criss (Band Director at Northwood High School) for hosting the event

Here are the results...

Carley Sanchez - Group I Flute Solo - GOLD - Headed to State

Skyler Wood - Group I Flute Solo - GOLD - Headed to State

Group I Flute Trio - Carly Sanchez, Skyler Wood, Alyson Maassel - Gold - Headed to State

Hunter Flick - Group I Trumpet Solo - GOLD - Headed to State

Group I Trumpet Trio - Hunter Flick, Abrielle Flick, Koryn Flick - GOLD - Headed to State

Group I Clarinet Choir - Hayley McDougal, Hunter Dunnuck, Ava Raker, Clara Witmer, Max Ford, Charlie Styles, Briella Buchmann, Carolyn Habel, Mariah Avara, Shyanne Vines - GOLD

Group I Brass Quintet - Brendan Stephens, Hunter Cunningham-Gloster, Payton Krueger, Ethan Nelson, Will Schalliol - SILVER

Bailey Darnell - Group I Trombone Solo - SILVER

Marissa Rowe - Group I Snare Drum Solo - SILVER

Clara Witmer - Group II Clarinet Solo - GOLD

Group II Saxophone Quintet - Dylan Piazzoni, Brenna Dubé, Maggie Edel, Adam Alexander, Alex Rogers - GOLD

Elizabeth Childress - Group I Trumpet Solo - GOLD

Emily Garren - Group I Trumpet Solo - SILVER

Group II Trumpet Quartet - CJ Stamm, Cody Barnes, Abrielle Flick, Malayna Teeter - SILVER

Tylan Paczkowski - Group II Multi-Tenor Solo - GOLD

Group II Snare Drum Trio - Marissa Rowe, Isabelle Bradley, Elizabeth Ball - GOLD

Audrey Wandling - Group III Flute Solo - GOLD

Ellyn Gerndt - Group III Flute Solo - GOLD

Lacie Alan - Group III Flute Solo - GOLD

Hunter Dunnuck - Group III Clarinet Solo - GOLD

Group III Flute Trio - Lacie Alan, Ellyn Gerndt, Isabella Fazio - GOLD

Group III Woodwind Trio - Cole Darnell, Max Ford, Dylan Steadman - GOLD

Lilly St Clair - Group III French Horn Solo - SILVER

Elena Norton - Group III Drum Set Solo - GOLD

Special shout out to the John Young Middle School Band students who attended as well. Every single soloist and ensemble earned a gold rating!! The future is bright for the MHS Band Program.

Our next ISSMA events are Jazz Contest on March 5th and Organizational Contest on April 23rd.

Senior Spotlight - Lief Wezeman

5/26/2020

Lief Wezeman

Jazz Cello

Lief has participated in Jazz Band, Orchestra, and Robotics.

Favorite Band Memory

My favorite jazz memories are from jazz festivals like Western Michigan and IUSB where we got to jam and let jam. Three thumbs up.

Plans After High School

I plan on going to Purdue University (West Lafayette) for mechanical engineering and robotics.

Advice for Underclassmen

Just make sure you're having fun!

Senior Spotlight - Kaylee Kern

5/20/2020

Kaylee Kern

Piano

Kaylee has participated in Jazz Band, Bethel University Jazz Ensemble and Combo, Orchestra, Quiz Bowl, Academic Super Bowl, Mayor's Youth Advisory Council, and National Honor Society

Favorite Band Memory

I loved going to Florida! But my favorite jazz band memory is not of any one concert. It is that feeling of truly loving a performance and letting go. I loved the times when we had a "Buffalo Head" moment and completely gave way to the fun and energy of a gig.

Plans After High School

I will be attending the University of Notre Dame. Currently, I hope to go into aerospace engineering.

Advice for Underclassmen

Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. When I came into the high school, I never anticipated how much of my time would be invested in the music department. It has been the best part of high school by far. Being in the jazz band changed my life and opened so many doors for me. Trust the directors when they encourage and push you; they saw more possibility in me than I ever could. The only failure is not taking that leap and trying.

Senior Spotlight - Hunter Johns

5/18/2020

Hunter Johns

Saxophone

Hunter has participated in Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Musical Pit

Favorite Band Memory

Going to the band clinic at Disney

Plans After High School

Serve a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Afterwards I will go to BYU Idaho and study civil engineering. I will follow up with a further education to become an architect.

Advice for Underclassmen

Don’t procrastinate. It hurts mentally when you do. You’ll know what I mean if you continue to do it. Also attitude is everything. You must go in to your classes with a positive attitude or else you will have an awful time and experience in your classes. Not only that, but you won’t really learn anything in class with a bad attitude.

Senior Spotlight - Chloe Geschwender

5/16/2020

Chloe Geschwender

Clarinet

Chloe has participated in Marching Band, Concert Band, Pep Band, and Theatre

Favorite Band Memory

I have two favorite memories - Purdue Band Day and the Hobart Marching Invitational

Plans After High School

I plan to work with animals after I graduate

Advice for Underclassmen

Don't be afraid to stand up for people you care about and don't be afraid to ask questions

Senior Spotlight - Xavier Hartley

5/11/2020

Xavier Hartley

Percussion

Xavier has participated in Marching Band, Concert Band, Pep Band, and Jazz Band

Favorite Band Memory

Playing Tank at May Fest my freshman year

Plans After High School

Study music performance and education, specializing in percussion

Advice for Underclassmen

Please actually practice at home!

Senior Spotlight - Emily Schierbaum

5/9/2020

Emily Schierbaum

Saxophone

Emily has participated in Marching Band and Concert Band

Favorite Band Memory

Everything about the Florida Trip!

Plans After High School

Study at IUSB

Advice for Underclassmen

Learn common sense, be respectful, and learn to love, not hate :)

Senior Spotlight - Jordyn Bobos

5/1/2020

Jordyn Bobos

Clarinet

Jordyn has participated in Concert Band, Dance Team, Drama, Basketball, Student Council, and Champions Together

Favorite Band Memory

DISNEY WITH THE BAND!!! Also, when I squeaked really REALLY bad during my solo my sophomore year winter concert : )

Plans After High School

Attending Taylor University to major in Orphans and Vulnerable Children

Advice for Underclassmen

Have fun and cherish every moment you get with these people and in band! It does go by faster than you realize, so just enjoy it all!!

Senior Spotlight - Kyle Thompson

4/22/2020

Kyle Thompson

Trumpet, Tuba

Kyle has participated in Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Pep Band, and Stage Crew. Kyle is also a very skilled artist!

Favorite Band Memory

Watching the fireworks at Disney World with my friends

Plans After High School

Going to IUSB to study graphic design

Advice for Underclassmen

It's OK if you don't know what you're doing. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Senior Spotlight - Clarice Alexander

4/20/2020

Clarice Alexander

Clarinet

Clarice has performed with the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, and orchestra pit. She has also been on the stage with the drama department. Clarice served as a section leader and drum major in Marching Band.

Favorite Band Memory

My favorite memory was getting to march down Main Street in Walt Disney World. Not only did we get the once in a life time opportunity to showcase our hard work from the year to thousands of people, but we got to experience Disney world with all of our friends. That’s something that most people will likely never get again.

Plans After High School

I plan to attend The University of Massachusetts in Boston to study Psychology.

Advice for Underclassmen

Live in the moment, don’t take any of it for granted. I’m sure you all have heard it a billion times, but time really does fly by.. so don’t waste it worrying about anything other than what’s going on now. You never know when it all can be taken away.

Senior Spotlight - Dalton Dodson

4/16/2020

Dalton Dodson

Bass, Guitar, Saxophone, Tuba

Dalton has been a dedicated member of the band and orchestra programs. He served the band as a drum major for two years. He played bass in the Jazz Ensemble and in the orchestra pit for musicals. Dalton could also be seen acting on stage in theatre productions.

Favorite Band Memory

Joe Furfaro "blacking out" and soloing for a ridiculous 15 minutes on Red Clay at Band Slam

Plans After High School

Study Film and Video Game scoring at Berklee College of Music

Advice for Underclassmen

Practice and then practice some more. When it comes to anything (drama over leadership positions or chair placement; auditions for a higher band or collegiate level ensembles; gratification in your own playing and performance) practicing will be your only saving grace. And sometimes, there is more to music than practicing an instrument. Actively participating in virtues like discipline, selflessness, work ethic, leadership, and empathy will take you much farther than being able to play scales fast (although, this surely helps too.)

Senior Spotlight - Alex Biesbrouck

4/14/2020

Alex Biesbrouck

Trumpet

Alex has been a dedicated member of the Jazz Band and Pep Band. He was also involved in the "Miles Per Gallon Car Class."

Favorite Band Memory

Watching the football team beat Penn on their home turf and playing in front of 40,000 people at Purdue Band Day

Plans After High School

Attend Purdue University Fort Wayne and major in mechanical engineering

Advice for Underclassmen

Make as memories as possible because they are priceless and lifelong

This Sunday, February 20th, Mishawaka High School Mattress Fundraiser from 10:00am - 5:00pm supporting the Music Department students traveling to Florida in 2023

ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest was back in-person and the MHS Band was well-represented!

Lief Wezeman Jazz Cello

Kaylee Kern Piano

Hunter Johns Saxophone

Chloe GeschwenderClarinet

Xavier Hartley Percussion

Emily Schierbaum Saxophone

Jordyn Bobos Clarinet

Kyle Thompson Trumpet, Tuba

Clarice Alexander Clarinet

Dalton Dodson Bass, Guitar, Saxophone, Tuba