The news that a record number of students qualified for the TPSMEA (Texas Private School Music Educators Association) competition last weekend was music to the ears of the band director Donavon Putnam. The 22 Jesuit Band members, who auditioned against other private school students across the state, held their own in their performance.
The TPSMEA, an elite group of private school students from all over Texas, delivers a rigorous practice schedule on the first day before a concert. The program also teaches band members about the history of the TPSMEA, about performing in a band, and the program’s expectations as the band expands over the next year. While the TPSMEA has a lot to offer and gives students motivation to play in a collegiate-level band, it can be a little intimidating at first.
During the TPSMEA concert, Brendan Celii ’12, a saxophonist, said that the song selection was full of interesting numbers such as “Undertone.” “It was alternated between 7/8 and 4/4,” Celii said about the song, “which is unique from what we usually do.” Celii looks forward to his years after the TPSMEA, saying: “If I make it into Rice I would like to play in the MOB, which is the Marching Owl Band.”
One would think it is hard to get people from different bands to gel and make great music, but doing so is actually quite easy. Brendan said that students were able to work together easily. This, in turn, made the concert flow excellently and sound fantastic. Notes and songs that the students didn’t hit during practice were hit well during the performance, proving their ability to successfully play together.
Putnam, who attended the concert, was pleased by the overall performance. “The band performed great; not just our students, but everyone there.”
Mr. Putnam also said that he has high hopes for the coming year. “We really look forward for next year,” said Putnam, “to expand not only the band but also the orchestra.” The outlook for orchestra and band members trying out for All-State Orchestra and All-State Jazz is very exciting for everyone in the Band program. If the reader would like more information about the All-State concerts or the Jesuit Band, follow the link below.
Link: (www.tpsmea.org)
To learn more about the band or to attend a concert, the reader should see the band site listed below.
Link to band site: (http://www.jesuitcp.org/page.aspx?pid=866)
Link to E. Thayne Tolle scholarship: http://www.tpsmea.org/ScholarshipPage/TolleScholarship.htm
