The Trumpeter, January 2015

January 2015 THE TRUMPETER BY LETEM PLAY

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Happy 2015! As we enter a whole new year of exciting opportunities (and approach our 3rd birthday coming up in February!) we are mostly grateful for the faithful support of a core group of followers that has been with us since the very beginning. It was around this time three years ago that we were beginning to form the ideas and philosophies that would come to shape our organization from its founding and onward, and it’s absolutely amazing to look back and realize how far we’ve come.

For a quick year in review: in 2014 we generated approximately $5,100 in new revenue, collected 20 instruments, and distributed 10. We held approximately 10 clinics with organizations ranging from Valley Christian School in Spokane Valley to MAPS Mentoring in downtown Spokane to the North Idaho STEM Charter Academy in Rathdrum, Idaho. We held two successful LETEM Play Takes Spokane events, raising $600 between the two and, importantly, spreading the word to countless curious Spokanites. We also moved into a permanent office space in August of 2014, which was a huge step that cements our influence in the Eastern Washington area and enables us to more reliably serve children looking to get involved in the musical arts.

The biggest change, though, was undoubtedly our major transition in management. Our founders left the Spokane area for college, and our organization fell into the hands of our dedicated, accomplished Board of Directors composed of high school students from around the area. (Continued on Page 2)

The Trumpeter

What’s Inside

Event Calendar – 2

College Spotlight - 3

Music and the Community- 4

Concert Review– 5

Student Spotlight- 5

Scottish Metal- 6

DCI – 7

Music and College - 8

Letter from the Founders

Volume 2, Issue 4


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The last months of 2014 were the Directors’ first foray into running a fully functional 501(c)(3) organization, and they handled the struggles of transition gracefully while keeping the organization on trajectory to accomplish all the more in 2015.

We would personally like to thank the 9 students who stepped up to help us with our mission of making music more widely accessible in the Spokane area. Thanks to their reliable management, we have been able to focus on creating new branches of LETEM Play across the country (in Cambridge, MA and Chapel Hill, NC) and otherwise expand the organization to reach for the lofty national expansion goals that we set over the last year. Thanks to the work of our Board of Directors, who meet after school twice monthly and do more work outside of those meetings, our organization has continued to thrive in Spokane under our watchful gaze from the East Coast – we are so grateful for their passion and love for music.

We hope that everyone has a prosperous New Year – thank you for supporting us thus far, and we promise to continue making an impact in 2015!

Katy Dolan & Philip Howard

Executive Officers, LETEM Play

Randy Rogers Band with Stony Larue

Sunday, January 11 at 8:00 pm

Knitting Factory Concert House

Sixteen Strings – KPBX Kids’ Concert

Saturday, January 17 at 1:00 pm

The Bing Crosby Theater

Spokane Symphony: Classics 5: Debussy and Mahler

Saturday, January 24 at 8:00 pm, Sunday, January 25 at 3:00 pm

Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox

Spokane Symphony: Symphony With A Splash: A Midwinter’s

Friday

Friday, January 16 at 5:00 pm


CELLObration!

Sat. January 17 at 7:30 pm

EWU Music Building Recital Hall

Eric Church: The Outsiders World Tour with Special Guest Halestorm

Thurs. January 29 at 7:30 pm

Spokane Arena

(Continued on Page 3)

January Events Calendar Compiled by Ellie DeReu


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It’s hard to live in the Pacific Northwest and not know about the facilities at the University of Oregon. The Oregon Ducks are an incredibly well known group of students who attend school at a University overflowing with potential. The UO School of Music and Dance offers over 15 different undergraduate degrees, and presents almost 300 concerts and events every school year.

The UO has two orchestras, three concert bands, four athletic bands, ten different choirs, five brass ensembles, two guitar ensembles, a percussion ensemble, and five jazz ensembles. Out of these 33 variations of music ensembles, there are various levels of competitiveness to get in, making it accessible and ideal for all skill levels of students.

One of the most commonly recognized part of the UO music department is its 250 member marching band. As one of the most organized groups in the Pacific Northwest, it is hard not to be in awe at this group. They bring together melodies of classic pop songs and move so cleanly that they keep the audience’s attention, and even leave the audience wishing for more once it’s over.

At the University of Oregon, their goal is simple; provide a friendly, educational, and enjoyable experience to anyone who wishes to participate in music. No matter what your skill level or major, the Ducks are always willing to welcome you with open arms.

Spokane Symphony: SuperPops 4: Movie Music Spectacular

Saturday, January 31 at 8:00 pm


College Spotlight: University of Oregon by Caitlin Shirley


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How does a community maintain an identity? What motivates its members to work together, to struggle for common goals? Although it may seem that the majority of opinions and ideals developed in a community are done through words in magazines, newspapers, and other similar venues, in reality, many deep-seated community bonds are forged through the senses. These bonds are created and renewed by experiencing sights, scents, tastes, tactile sensations, and sounds. Artists, cooks, dancers, and musicians know this, but their appeal to the senses often doesn’t even require the utterance of single word.

The repetitive, structured, often danced-with sounds of music are found in almost every society - along with language. There is something completely natural about music, but deeply cultural as well. Like language, there are many forms of music. Unlike language, however, music does not require "understanding." People may be moved by music that is in a language that has no meaning to them. Even so, one performance has the ability to touch an entire crowd for hundreds of unique reasons.

Although music is popularly associated with entertainment, it is rarely "just" entertainment. Music can move people. And because it can move them deeply, members of communities around the world use music to create a cultural identity that allows a community to live within the music itself.

Whether people recognize it or not, music is in every part of our lives. From the everyday interactions with people we've known for years, to the people we’ve just met, music helps us create and sustain relationships with other like-minded people within our community. Music has the innate ability to bring people from all walks of life to one collective goal. I have played gigs with war vets, accountants, teachers, college students, and even some of the greats. We were all there for the soul reason of our love to play. As we go into this New Year I implore you to think of the music you've heard, seen, and maybe even played in the last year. This year maybe try to branch out into more forms of music and hopefully you’ll meet some new people along the way.

How Music Moves the Community by Matthew Peterson


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To help celebrate the holiday spirit, the Coeur d’Alene Symphony put on a fantastic performance at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center, in Coeur d’Alene. To begin the show the Orchestra featured Karen Hoatson in the Violin Concerto written by Brahms. Following the intermission the Orchestra played some favorite holiday arrangements by Mannheim Steamroller. The Symphony performed this same show on two different dates, once on December 4th, and again on the 6th. I enjoyed attending this concert for many reasons. For starters, the opening piece was just exceptional and the crowd participation made the experience really enjoyable. Second of all, there is just simply something about participating in holiday music that brings joy to yourself and everyone around. Before this concert I had never been to a Coeur d’Alene symphony concert before. Although this first exposure was

a Christmas sing along concert, the experience was still beyond my expectations. I would encourage anyone who is interested in listening to Symphonies, to attend a Coeur d’Alene Symphony concert, you will not be disappointed.

I am pleased to introduce this month’s student spotlight, Cassady Graham! She is both musically and academically accomplished. Like many other music students, Cassady Graham, a senior at Mt. Spokane High School, began her involvement in music by joining elementary band in the fifth grade. Clarinet was her instrument of choice as she progressed her way through elementary band. Recognizing that the tenor saxophone is much like the clarinet, she aspired to become proficient on this instrument and play in the Mountainside Middle School Jazz Band. She did so, and was advanced to the top Jazz band in 8th grade. During middle school she was awarded for being most dedicated, and for her musicianship. Cassady has continued to play both instruments in high school. She played in Jazz II for her first two years of high school, and advanced to Jazz I her Junior year and has remained there. Cassady is also a member of her High Schools Wind Ensemble. Along with . . . (Continued on Page 6)

Student Spotlight: Cassady Graham by Sara Keenan

Concert Review: Coeur d’Alene Christmas Concert by Trevor Burgess


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all these groups, she has participated in marching band since her sophomore year. She developed her skills and musicality by studying privately with Mike Smith. Cassady was awarded the Arion Award for great musicianship in her Junior year. This participation and dedication in music is reflected in her many Solo and Ensemble performances. She has received various high marks, and has qualified for first alternate at state. Not only is Cassady

an accomplished musician, but she is also a significantly dedicated student. Music has helped her in her learning. She says that “when learning is difficult, music has taught me to be persistent in overcoming the challenges I face.” Her current GPA is a 4.0 and she is an AP Scholar. She is currently serving as Secretary and Treasurer for Mt. Spokane High School’s National Honors Society. Due to her many achievements and hard work, she has received an academic scholarship from Eastern Washington University. However, she is still applying to schools, and has not made her final decision as to where she will attend. Wherever she decides to carry out her future endeavors, her plan is to become a speech language pathologist by obtaining her master’s degree. The idea of playing music in college still appeals to her. It has certainly been a huge part of her life. “Music has impacted my life in a way that is hard to put to words. It is one of those things when you listen and see other amazing musicians and when see how passionate they are about it, you begin to realize how

important music is in your own life and I can hardly imagine what my life would look like if I hadn’t done it…” She believes that music has played a large role in shaping who she is today. When asked, Cassady gave this statement to sum up how she feels about music: “Music is about self-expression; it’s about opening yourself up in song and sharing that experience with others”.

Over the years, some pretty strange music genres have emerged, and with an ever-growing audience to fuel innovation in the music world, it's no surprise Scottish Pirate Metal has found its way into the music scene.

Upon hearing of its existence, I wasn't really sure what to expect. But a few Wikipedia articles later, I started to get the basic idea of what these metal pirates are all about. One of the most popular bands of this growing genera, call themselves Alestorm. It's easy to identify the musical influences that the band has cultivated in their music. Scottish Pirate Metal is a quirky combination of the upbeat style of metal, and orchestral sounds commonly found in folk music. Although it might not be your style, it's clear the artists involved have an intense love for pirate culture. Every song and music video is laden with pirate references and authentic-looking pirate high fashion.

(Continued on Page 7)

Scottish Pirate Metal Music by Jessica Todd


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Truthfully, the task to find something stranger than this genre would be a hard one, but even so the sound has developed a fan base. Not only are the most successful bands touring their respective countries, but a quick Google search will reveal the rising popularity of the genre through articles describing the new found art form.

So, the next time you tune into your favorite radio station, don't be surprised if you hear a Jack Sparrow-like voice singing the tale of his favorite tavern- Scottish Pirate Metal may be hitting the mainstream much sooner than we think.

If you marched in your high school marching band and you want to continue your marching career, you

need to look into something called a Drum Corps. Training camps for individual drum corps are right around the corner, and corps' are looking for new members to perform with them. Now is the time to act!

First, let me give you a little idea what a Drum Corps is. Drum Corps’ are groups of High School to College age students who learn a show for one to two months, not unlike Marching Band. What is different, however, is the level of commitment, intensity, and skill found within each Corps. The brass line, color guard, and percussion section are all under the age of 22, competing for the title of the best Corps in America. In August all of the top Corps’ will perform to earn a place in finals. If they make it to finals, they compete in front of thousands of people in Indianapolis a competition know as Drum Corps International.

How do you get involved? You can either go the route of local open class corps', like Spokane Thunder, Eruption Drum and Bugle Corps, and The Columbians in the Tri-Cities. These Corps will often be done touring somewhere in the middle of July, as they are Open Class Corps', and tend to have lower costs. Or, to experience a full tour and travel across the country, you can audition for Corps’ such as The Cascades located in Seattle, or The Oregon Crusaders located in Portland Oregon. (Continued on Page 8)

Drum Corps International by Billy Elliott


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I marched the Oregon Crusaders this last summer and I can say first hand that whether you march an Open class corps, or a World class one, you will have the time of your life. You will enjoy friendships that last a life time, and truly changing people’s lives with your music. Don't hesitate to get involved, because the sooner you apply, the more likely you are to find a Corps that is right for you!

As a high school student on the verge of leaping into college and the "real world", I regularly evaluate how my education will affect my career options. Specifically, what use will a certain major have towards an actual job? Because of the abundance of jobs that deal with math, science, communications, and technology, majors that focus on our "extracurricular" subjects seem a bit narrow. But a closer look at these majors reveals a plethora of viable careers. What does a major in music allow you to do?

Well, obviously, a lot of career openings involve playing music. Whether in a city Symphony, an accompanist for a solo musician, a soloist performing at personal gigs, a composer, conductor, pit orchestra member, music majors are the route to getting there. While these jobs require lots of skill in performing and can be competitive, they still provide a viable way to sustain life through music.

Music also has a technological aspect that creates a market for jobs. Understanding the programming that makes music files, online music videos, and music apps work is closely tied to a music major. In addition to working for major existing companies, a music major could prove handy for taking a risk and starting a new app or music software.

There's even more options in the industry surrounding modern music. For every famous performer who puts a song on the radio, there are countless producers, songwriters, and agents making ends meet. When someone goes on a tour, the arrangements of locations of performances as well as travel and food are handled by people who understand business as well as music.

In conclusion, don't count out music as a potential point of career interest. Musicians are essential to many aspects of American entertainment, and the options for intelligent and skilled individuals are countless.

Music and College: Furthering Music Education by Andrew Matheison


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Thanks for Reading The Trumpeter!

Who are we? LETEM Play is a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Spokane, Washington that is committed to making music accessible for low-income students in our

community. We are 100% youth led, and in two years have had a $25,000 impact in our community. We accept instrument/monetary

donations at any time, and would love to partner with your organization to start a music program there.

Tell us how we’re doing or find out more at:

To request distribution of The Trumpeter to your email address, social media site, or office, email [email protected].

Have a suggestion? Story idea? Letter to the editor? Something musically awesome that we should be aware of? Email our Newsletter Coordinator

at [email protected] – we’d love to hear your input.

www.letem.org

@letem_play

/justletemplay

The Trumpeter, January 2015

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