Monday, December 2, 2024
Dallas Brass, a quintet known for its patriotic, classical, and modern music, recently visited the East Meadow School District, where they conducted a workshop for eighth-grade band members, introducing them to the world of professional musicianship. The workshop took place during the day at W.T. Clarke Middle School last month, followed by an evening concert that invited parents and community members to witness the students’ hard work.
“Dallas Brass is a world-renowned chamber music group, and they run summer workshops for professional musicians, students, college musicians,” said Jessica Shenker, chair of Woodland Middle School’s music department. “Some local Long Island music teachers, including some teachers on our staff, have attended workshops in the past.”
Shenker explained that Dallas Brass was visiting Farmingdale School District earlier in the month, so East Meadow saw a great opportunity to bring the ensemble to their own students.
“We hopped on board,” Shenker told the Herald. “We really wanted to give an opportunity to the middle school band programs. This is a way to highlight the eighth-grade band from both sides of the district.”
Founded by Michael Levine in 1983, Dallas Brass is a five-piece ensemble, including one percussionist. Based in Texas, the group tours nationwide. For the East Meadow performance, ensemble members played one piece each with Woodland and Clarke students, in addition to a separate piece they performed.
W.T. Clarke Middle School’s eighth grade band performed “Buckaroo Barn Dance,” arranged by Chris Sharp and Michael Levine, under the direction of Michelle Cozzi. Woodland Middle School’s eighth grade band performed “Star Wars” by John Williams, arranged by Jack Gale, under the direction of John Marshall. At the conclusion of the concert, students and families received posters for autographs.
The program was made possible by Shenker; Woodland teachers Marshall and Samuel Pollenz; Clarke’s music chair Michelle Shmuel; teachers Michelle Cozzi, Nicole Rode, and Molly Tittler-Ingoglia; and the district’s director of music and art, Kelly Nixon.
Woodland’s band boasts 110 members, while Clarke’s has just over 50.
Despite Dallas Brass’s busy touring schedule, Levine told the Herald ahead of the concert that the group’s true passion is working with students. “All of the members of the group are band kids,” he said. “We all went through school band, and that’s why we’re doing what we do today — because we fell in love with it. So we want to do whatever we can to inspire kids and encourage them to keep going.”.
Rather than pushing students to become professional musicians, Levine said their message is more about lifelong enjoyment.
“The message is that your instrument can be your friend for life,” Levine said. “You can play in community groups or church groups or start your own little ensembles. You can have this as a lifelong hobby. It doesn’t have to end after high school or college. It can stay with you forever.”
