Letter from the Director I don’t know about you, but I love movie music. As a lifelong band student hearing the orchestral music of a soundtrack, using many of the same instruments that we play in band everyday, and the way it shapes the emotion of a scene is so exciting. Even when I hear instrumental music that was not used in a movie I imagine what might be happening if the music was accompanying a dramatic scene. Music expresses what mere words cannot. It is such a powerful tool!
Jonathan Maerkl Director of Bands
Top Gun, and more.
As you listen to the concert tonight we hope you have some nostalgia as you hear some tunes from some well known films. Every ensemble is playing at least one piece from a movie. The concert includes music from Star Wars, The Incredibles, The Lion King, How to Train Your Dragon, Elf,
As you listen to the selections that are not from movies we hope they bring a smile to your face and maybe even a scene to your mind. Pay close attention to American Big Top where at least seven American themes are mixed together in a unique Charles Iveslike style. I tell the kids “It’s like you put America and Circus these together in a blender.” It is a raucous good time! We also want to celebrate the musical creativity and growth of our students. The Winter Drumline will be performing some cadences that they composed themselves. The Exploratory Band will be demonstrating their growth to play music with three or more independent parts as they play Independentia March and Follow The Leader. The Jazz Band will be closing out it’s portion of the show with a hot Latin tune called Pass The Hot Sauce that will include several soloists. Also, as is our usual custom, the students who earned Superior at FBA State Solo and Ensemble will be performing their solos for us. Speaking of FBA and Superior ratings, it has been another banner year for our band program. The Jazz Ensemble earned an overall Superior rating at district for a third year in a row! The Wind Ensemble earned a Straight Superior for the second time in school history and second year in a row! The Stallion Brigade Marching band earned a Straight Superior for the first time ever! To God be the Glory for how he has guided us and blessed our efforts! So, I hope that tonight you enjoy the selections and also celebrate the talent and growth demonstrated by our incredible Providence instrumental musicians! Special thanks to Granzow Lymphedema & Lipedema Center for supporting this year’s concert. It is due to wonderful sponsors like them that we can provide our students with the highest quality instruments/equipment, music, and instruction. Thank you! Musically, Jonathan Maerkl Director of Bands, Providence School of Jacksonville “Play skillfully” -Psalm 33:3