Home
Mr. Scott Chamberlain,
Supervisor of Music
schamberlain@cwcboe.org
RETRO-MEN | MADRIGAL SINGERS | WOMEN OF NOTE | CONCERT CHOIR | JAZZ BAND | PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE | STRING CONSORT | ORCHESTRA | BAND | PEP BAND |
Retro-men
Michael D'Andrea: Director
This ensemble is an extra-curricular ensemble that meets once a week and is directed by Mr. D'Andrea. Currently the group meets on Tuesday nights from 6:30-7:30. This ensemble gives the male members of the chorus an opportunity to showcase the sound of their developing voices. This year, the nine-member group is re-defining itself. Retro-men perform most of their work acapella in two, three, or four parts, usually consisting of Tenor, Baritone, and Bass. The Retro-Men sing music from various styles including traditional choral repertoire, classic songs from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and arrangements from current hits. This year, scheduled appearances include (but are not limited to) performing at the Dapper Dans of Harmony Winter Concert, the JCHS Winter Concert, the Music Marathon, and the All-District Chorus Concert.
JCHS Jazz Band
Paul Larson: Director
The JCHS Jazz Band is the most experienced Jazz ensemble in the district. The group practices on Monday nights and is conducted by Mr. Larsen. The ensemble performs at the "Music Marathon", the annual JCHS Music Dept. tour, the "Jazz Spectacular", and at the "Arts and Technology" show. Repertoire is selected from a wide array of styles and emphasis on improvisation is encouraged. This is an "extra-circular" ensemble that enjoys learning and performing music!
The Madrigal Singers Ensemble Elsie Timpson: Director
This is an auditioned ensemble, which specializes in the music of the Renaissance, as well as music from the 20th century. This ensemble performs in the community in full Renaissance costumes as well as utilizing jugglers, poets and a bit of acting. (We will post a picture soon…so keep tuning in).
Currently in rehearsal are Gloria Patri by Palestrina, In these Delightful Pleasant Groves by Henry Purcell, two Renaissance rounds… He that will an Alehouse Keep and Now We are Met… Carol of the Bells by Leontovich and Pat-a-Pan, arranged and accompanied on saxophone by Michael Mahadeen. Presently there are 24 members, who perform in 4 to 8 voice parts.
The Women Of Note Elsie Timpson: Director
The Women of Note derives their name from the famous jazz band of the U.S. Air force: The Airmen of Note. This ensemble specializes in music written and/or arranged for the woman's voice. Currently in rehearsal are Who can Sail, a lovely Finnish folk melody; Three Hungarian Folk Songs by Bela Bartok, and a complex 3-part jazz arrangement of Chattanooga Choo Choo. The repertoire of this ensemble varies widely from classic pieces through Doo Wop and Jazz standards.
The Concert Chorus is comprised of 113 members, who perform a wide variety of choral literature. Their first public performance was on October 24th…I know it’s early in the year, but they did a fine performance! Presently in rehearsal are: Hey For the Dancing, a Hungarian dancing song; Give me your Tired, Your Poor by Irving Berlin, arr. by XXXX;
Singabahambayo Thina, an African freedom song; Lord Let me Know Mine End. It Ain't Necessarily So by George and Ira Gershwin (from Porgy and Bess); Alleliua by William Boyce; Dark as a Dungeon by Merle Travis; and a new arrangement by Dr. Lou Iozzi of Ron Levy's piece for Soprano: When You are Old and Gray. They will also be rehearsing Billie Holiday's God Bless the Child, arranged by Anita Kerr. (We are waiting for delivery of the music!)
Quality concert band programs have been a long-standing tradition in James Caldwell High School. Over the years there has been a number of transformations in the scope and sequence of the program, which is contributed by either grade configuration or student enrollment. James Caldwell High School currently has two concert bands named the “White” and the “Blue” in reference to our school colors.
The “White” band is a cadet band primarily comprised of freshmen and sophomores. The “Blue” band takes on more of a wind ensemble setting and is usually reserved for juniors and seniors. Each band is unique in it’s own way and is clearly identifiable in its objectives. Our goal is to provide each ensemble with a variety of level appropriate repertoire that enables them to grow as musicians. Through this process, we hope that our students gain a deeper appreciation for the art, take pride in their product, and achieve their fullest potential as life-long learners.
Concert band is a full year elective course offered at our high school and is better known by its registration name, Music Performance. Music Performance is the final component in our comprehensive winds and percussion program in the Caldwell-West Caldwell Schools. Students are given the opportunity to play a wind or percussion instrument as early as fourth grade. We even have a small percentage whom elect to begin either in the middle school or high school. Each band has over sixty members and performs concurrently at a variety of venues throughout the year. One of our highlights is the annual Winter Concert held each December in the James Caldwell High School auditorium. Each year, we sell a CD recording of the concert. Another highlight is the annual Bands and Woodwind Ensembles concert held in the same location in early May. Many of our students elect to tour with the ensembles each year to areas like Boston, Toronto, Montreal, Washington D.C., and Williamsburg VA. In April 2003, the groups are designated to perform at Epcot Center in Walt Disney World.
Both ensembles rehearse each day but at different times. Our students are dedicated in the program and collectively work hard towards making good music. Working with both groups is both fun and rewarding. They somehow manage in stay active in our music department while remaining involved in a variety of activities. We are extremely proud of them and their accomplishments.
The
JCHS Orchestras
Nate Lienhard: DirectorThere is a long-standing tradition in the Caldwell/West Caldwell School District. That tradition is the Caldwell/West Caldwell string program. Currently there are approximately 200 strings students in the elementary school, 40 in the middle school, and 51 in the high school. We offer violin lessons in 1st grade, and the other string instruments in 3rd grade.
This is the third year working with the orchestras and we have had some great experiences. In March of 2002 we went to Boston and had a workshop with the Assistant Conductor of the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall. In October of 2002, we hosted the Shanghai Quartet. (You can see their web site at: s h a n g h a i q u a r t e t . c o m.) It was a wonderful performance, which truly inspired the students in the music department. In the spring of 2003, the JCHS Orchestra will be performing at Epcot Center in Walt Disney World and have also been invited to play at Universal Studios theme park, in Florida.
James Caldwell High School has two main groups, the String Orchestra and the Symphony Orchestra. The string orchestra is made up of violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. The Symphony Orchestra is made up of woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. These groups study music by Mozart, Beethoven, Hindemith, Copland, Holst, Ellington, and Barber. Some of the major works performed have been; The Red Pony Suite, The Russian Sailors Dance, “Jupiter” from the Planets, St. Paul’s Suite, Adagio for Strings, and Finlandia to name a few.
The String Orchestra rehearses everyday but Thursday, when the Symphony Orchestra rehearses. We are very proud of the growth these groups have shown in a very short time. The students have worked very hard and should feel proud of their accomplishments.
The String Consort Nate Lienhard: Director
The newly formed string consort is in its second year. This is a conductorless group that primarily performs chamber music. The main goal of this group is to improve listening and watching skills. The group will perform several times in a number of different venues.
Pep-Band
Andrew Burrows: DirectorThe James Caldwell High School Pep-Band plays an integral part in both the Music Department and Athletic Department. The Pep-Band attends all Pep-Rallies and Varsity Football Games, providing music and spirit for all. The repertoire performed consist of a variety of styles; from Motown, to Classic Rock, to Popular Music, and of course traditional football fight songs. The Pep-Band is perhaps most famous for their inspiring JCHS theme song, The War Chant.
The James Caldwell High School Percussion Ensemble is a performing chamber group that explores and performs the various aspects of the world of percussion. The ensemble gives percussion students the opportunity to learn and experience all the various families of percussion instruments; the wood family: xylophones, marimbas, woodblocks, temple blocks, etc, the skin family: drums, timpani, etc, and the metal family: cymbals, triangles, etc. Over the years, the Percussion Ensemble has become a well known chamber ensemble within the JCHS Music Department due to their performances that provide the audience with an experience that is not only musically exciting, but visually as well.
GO TO TOP OF PAGE
This site was last updated 09/12/07