Tag Archives: music

“Jefferson Jams” Was a True Music Event for Fans of All Ages

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Booths were set up for sales of Jefferson Tee Shirts and other goodies. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Friday night was a great night for rock and roll in Burbank as students showed their musical side at Jefferson Elementary School in Burbank.

Student bands performed for friends and family who were also able to grab some snacks from the food trucks.

The Boosters put on the event to help raise funds for the school.

 

They were Rockin’ and Rollin’ at Jefferson’s Jams this past week. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

It was a packed house, well field, for Fiday night’s Jefferson Jams. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Funnel Cake was one of the food trucks that were on the playground supporting Jefferson Jams, held this past Friday evening. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

McKinley Elementary School Develops Character Through Music

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McKinley Elementary School musical performance is meant to be a fun assignment after state testing, but third- and fourth-grade students also learn about taking responsibility, accepting people from all walks of life and forgiving people who make mistakes. Teachers say students remember things from the plays that come up in the classroom.

 

By Joyce Rudolph
BurbankNBeyond

 

Three classes at McKinley Elementary School gave their parents and siblings a lesson in building positive traits with an after-school musical performance titled “Character Matters.”

Character Matters Cast. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

About 90 students, representing two fourth-grade classes and one third-grade class, took part in the production, said Cherie Wescott, who produced the musical along with Mr. Danielson, Mrs. D’Mello and Mrs. Fuentez.

“Every year we get together and do one of these at the end of the year,” she said. “We just find it is a nice way to wind things up for the kids and after all the hard work of state testing it gives them a little relaxation. It is something fun for them to do every year.”

The topic was combining favorite fairy tales with lessons on building good character.

The Princess and Frog played by: Victoria Valenzuela,Gemma Maginnis,Marion Hunter and Frog Prince Hamlet Murazan. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“We purchased this play from a company in Camarillo,” Wescott said. “We have a selection of these musical performances we have purchased from them. We did this one about four years ago. We try to do a different one each year.”

Wescott believes the youngsters take what they’ve learned from the plays and apply it to the classroom curriculum.

“In the past we did a play about the western movement and they will come back the next year when it’s part of the social studies curriculum and they say they remember when the same things were mentioned in the play,” she said.

The chorus of the song that runs through the entire production hits a poignant note.

“Character matters, you must care how you act. Character matters, as a matter of fact. Character matters, ’cause you are what you choose. Character matters, it’s one thing you can’t lose.”

In one skit, “Magic Mirrors,” three students~Robert McGraham, Kate Outwater and Troy Outwater ~ wear cardboard squares covered in a reflective material, in a take on the story of “Snow White.”

The final line says “Honesty is the fairest of all.”

Humpty Friends John Alajijian and Christopher Hawandjian. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

In another scene, Richard Solano plays Jack and Brandin Gustafson is the giant from “Jack and the Bean Stalk.”

“I learned that you don’t judge someone by how they look, but by asking them questions and finding out something about them,” Richard Solano said.

The final line is “Differences can be scary, but it’s cool.”

Parent Fran Martin said she was impressed with the acting. Her favorite scene was the one about Humpty Dumpty and his friends, she said.

“It was about taking responsibility and the little girl was blaming everyone but herself,” Martin said. “I thought that was really cute.”

Funny man Ed Helms Stops By Providencia Elementary for Laughs and a Lesson in Music

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The multi-talented, Ed Helms (The Office, The Hangover 1 & 2, and The Lorax) visited Providencia Elementary School this week to promote music programs within the local districts.

Lonesome Trio introduces our local kids to bluegrass music. (Photo by Deborah Dodge)

As an advisory board member of Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA ), Helms and
his band, “Lonesome Trio” were invited to perform for local Burbank children. The Providencia Elementary students were the recent winners of an online contest that involved 9 other schools
from surrounding areas, including other Burbank schools, Los Angeles and Compton Unified.
Lonesome Trio gave two performances and showed off their original bluegrass tunes. One performance was geared for the younger kids (K-2nd) and one for the older kids (3rd-5th).  Before the singing began, Helms introduced his band mates and explained which musical instruments they would be playing and what they were called.

(L-R) Jacob Tilov, Music Director Victoria Lanier, Ian Riggs, Principal Jennifer Culbertson. and Ed Helms (Photo by Deborah Dodge)

The first was Helms’ guitar, which all kids seemed very familiar with. The second was the soft-sounding, melodic mandolin, played by Jacob Tilove and the third and final instrument was the
deep-sounding bass, played by Ian Riggs. When Riggs walked out on stage with the giant, wooden bass the little K-2nd graders gasped and a sea of, “woahs” filled the air. The unexpected reaction from the kid-filled audience made the teachers and the trio chuckle a bit. It is all perspective; the bass was bigger than any child in the entire room. Picking up on their amazement and being the famous comedian he is, Helms quickly joked, “ After you play the bass, you can then take a nap in it”. His impromptu one-liners kept the young belly laughs rolling.

Being a smaller school, it was a huge accomplishment to win the online contest. Ten schools in total, vied for the honor to have Helms visit their school. (Photo by Deborah Dodge)

Riggs gave a sample of what a bass sounds like by playing a few funky low-notes, which got the kids all snapping as if they were tiny beatniks transported from the late 1950’s.

After the quick lesson on the names of instruments, Tilov, Riggs and Helms started out with a funny song about ‘being a family, eating Cheetos and fighting about the car’. The upbeat, acoustic song made the children clap, sway back and forth, sing and laugh.  After they finished performing three kid-friendly songs, Helms opened up the floor to some questions.

During the Q & period, Helms asked if any of them had seen, “The Lorax”. When a field of tiny hands shot up in the air, he then had them guessing which character he had played. The hint was to recite

The very well-mannered students wait their turn to ask Ed Helms questions about his career in music and acting. (Photo By Deborah Dodge)

one of his lines from the movie as, the “Once-ler”. The kids all cheered once they were able to put the voice with the face.

One gregarious 5th grader raised his hand and asked the inevitable and unavoidable question, “Was it fun being in, The Hangover”? Helms sheepishly admitted he had starred in the smash adult-comedy hit, and then replied in a very humorous manner by saying, “It’s a movie none of you should know about…” This time, the adults gave a knowing laugh as most shook their heads and smiled.

He continued to discuss how music in schools is so important to children and their development. Helms shared his advice by saying, “I love to play music as you’ve just heard and I think it’s very important. It’s something you all should

(L-R) Stan Carrizosa (Superintendent), Ed Helms, Peggy Flynn (Arts Coordinator) and Tom Kissinger (Director of Elementary Education) (Photo by Deborah Dodge)

foster, work on and try to get better at. Music is something you can take with you throughout your entire life.”

When asked about the music program and how Helms got involved, Victoria Lanier, the Executive Director of ETM-LA expressed, “Our mission is to promote and provide music education in disadvantaged schools as part of the core curriculum to enhance students’ academic achievement, and creative and overall development.  As an advisory Board Member of Education Through  Music-Los Angeles, Ed Helms is a huge advocate of music education for all children and champion of our mission. This visit is a part of the vital work we do to nurture our students’ development and achievement through music -

Jacob Tilov sits down as a 5 yr-old fan thanks him for visiting his school. (Photo by Deborah Dodge)

to provide quality yearlong, sequential and comprehensive music instruction to disadvantaged school as well as to inspire the children through special guest artist visits. Education Through Music-L conceived of the contest to decide which school would receive the visit, to get the school communities involved and engaged in their music programs, and to help spread the word about the mission of ensuring in-school music education for every child.”

In a world where budget cuts are unfortunately very common and music being one of the first programs to be eliminated, we as a community are thankful to ETM-LA for inviting Ed Helms and band mates, Jacob Tilove and Ian Riggs, to share their talent, time and words of wisdom with the students at Providencia Elementary School.

Film and TV and star, Ed Helms talks to our local students about the importance of music in schools. His quick-wit and improv expertise kept the kids' attention throughout the assembly.

Research has shown that music study enhances teamwork skills and discipline. In order for an orchestra to sound good, all players must work together harmoniously towards a single goal, the performance, and must commit to learning music, attending rehearsals, and practicing.  Perhaps these little minds from Providencia Elementary will soon pick up an instrument and explore the musician inside each of them. I know some have already started playing and let’s hope they continue to develop their own special musical talents.

There are many reasons for students to explore the world of music: Music study changes the brain and makes kids smarter, teaches them discipline, a sense of achievement, and it’s fun! Adults can benefit from learning to play an instrument too because it helps the mind to be alert and remain active eventually helping to sharpen the memory. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.

People can learn more about Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ programs by

visiting:
www.etmla.org
www.facebook.com/etmla (Facebook)
@ETMLosAngeles (Twitter)

You can also check out Ed Helms’ band at:
www.LonesomeTrio.com

Providencia Elementary School, ETM-LA and the very talented, Lonesome Trio pose for the camera. (Photo By Deborah Dodge)

Academy Award Winner Inspires Students at Burbank’s Providencia Elementary

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Michael Giacchino answers a question or two from students ( (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Academy Award-Winning Composer and Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA) Advisory Board Member Michael Giacchino went back to elementary school, joining a violin class — his first ever!

Giacchino  spent time on January 24, with the 4th and 5th graders at Burbank’s Providencia Elementary School, discussing his career writing music in Hollywood.  He hoped to inspire young music students to follow their dreams whatever they may be.

Best known for his exciting scores for major box office hits and top TV shows like
Mission Impossible IV”, “The Incredibles”,  and “UP” (for which he won an Academy Award in 2009), Giacchino is also a devoted educator. He currently sits on the Advisory Board for Education Through Music-LA, a non-profit program dedicated to promoting the integration of music into the curriculum of Los Angeles-area elementary and middle schools with low-income student poopulations.

Michael Giacchino directs Bobby Shulgold while students at Burbank’s Providencia Elementary School listen intently. ( Photo by Ross A. Benson)

 

Education Through Music-LA partnered with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation and Burbank Unified Arts for All to provide instrumental music education to students at Providencia Elementary this year.

With the help of clips from his acclaimed Disney/Pixar films “Up” and “Cars 2″, Giacchino playfully shared what it takes to make movie magic happen. On his role as a composer, Giacchino shared how important communication is.

“It’s so important to be clear about what you’re feeling,” said Giacchino,  ”Music is a guide for your emotions. I have to tailor my music to fit the scene perfectly.”

He presented two versions of a cue from “Up” and engaged the students in a discussion about which musical arrangement truly expressed the meaning behind the scene. Giacchino also invited studio flutist Bobby Shugold to play cues from “Up” as the students commented on what feelings they experienced when the music was played differently each time.

All Michael Giacchino had to say was tjat he worked with Salena and the girls were all ears at Providencia Elementary School ( Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Students were captivated and inspired, as well as curious, about all aspects of Giacchino’s life. When asked, “Do you hang out with celebrities?”  Giacchino joked, “Yeah…Tom Cruise is waiting in the car. I’ve worked with a lot of people who are probably considered celebrities, but when I’m with them, we’re just people making a movie…we don’t really think of it that way.”

Another student inquired, “How do you come up with all that music?” Giacchino laughed, “They made me! The trick is, always make sure the job you take is something that will inspire you.”

Every student at Providencia Elementary School receives weekly music education throughout the school year through the ETM-LA program. “This type of program would not be possible in this fiscal climate without incredible partners”, said Burbank Unified School Distict Arts Coordinator Peggy Flynn. Providencia principal Jennifer Culbertson added, “The entire Providencia community is so grateful to Burbank Arts For All, VH1 Save the Music Foundation, and Education Through Music-LA, for this amazing music program.  Our students will not soon forget the time they spent with Mr. Giacchino — and neither will I.”

Clips from some of Michael Giacchino movie work had the full attention of 4th and 5th graders at Providencia Elementary School. ( Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Giacchino has long been an advocate for the importance of music in a child’s education. Executive Director of ETM-LA, Victoria Lanier shared, “We are grateful to Michael for championing our mission. All kids out there deserve to have music be a real and lasting part of their development and lives.” On a recent Good Morning America interview, Giacchinol asserted, “Music and art aren’t these frivolous extras that you get by going to school. They’re a necessity. They’re actually as big a part of learning as math and science.” From the smiles and joy on the kids’ faces, Giacchino’s visit was an inspiration to the kids at Providencia. Mission accomplished.

Michael Giacchino, Academy Award-Winning Composer, poses with future award winners at Burbank’s Providencia Elementary School ( Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Capacity Crowd Enjoys “Burroughs on Broadway”

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Photso By Ross A. Benson

 

      Members of the John Burroughs High School’s Powerhouse, Sound Sensations, Sound Waves and Decibels, preformed “Burroughs On Broadway” Friday and Saturday evenings to capacity crowds.  Members preformed to numbers from Mary Poppins, Chicago,  Hairspray and In The Heights where students wowed the crowd and preformed to a technically stuffed show. The final performance will be on Sunday at 2:00pm and there are still tickets available. This event is one of the  Burroughs Vocal Music Association’s major fundraisers for the year.


Live at Saint Rocke!

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By: Brittney Victoria Edwards
BurbankNBeyond

Gorgeous Got A Gun opening the night of music at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, CA on June 24, 2011 (Photo By Steven J. Lynch)

This past Friday, Saint Rocke at 142 Pacific Coast Hwy in Hermosa Beach opened its doors to the public to come be entertained by three remarkable bands; Gorgeous Got a Gun, Back Pocket Memory, and Goodnight Noises. The Saint Rocke to many southern Californians has gone unnoticed and deserves some huge credit for its magnificence. This venue has been voted the “Number One live music venue for the South Bay” for the past three years. According to their website, it is the only live music venue in the USA to be streaming LIVE VIDEO in high-def and on the Internet.

One of the several nooks and lounge areas surrounding the main floor of Saint Rocke (Photo By Steven J. Lynch)

This way no matter where a person was in the large venue they could watch the show. I will attest to this statement, by saying how awed I was at the flat screen televisions spread throughout the place. If you didn’t want to watch the show from the front of the stage, it was perfectly easy to watch it clearly from one of the flat screens in the several fireplace nooks around the venue.

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