The Trumpeter, November 2014

November 2014 THE TRUMPETER BY LETEM PLAY

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Fall is an extremely musical time of year. Many school bands and orchestras are preparing the material for their fall concerts, working hard to overcome summers away from instruments and determine the dynamic of new groups. We wish all student musicians in Spokane luck as they navigate the waters of new music and new ensembles.

As always, we are working behind the scenes to improve our organization in many ways. We have experienced a massive influx of instrument applications this fall, and our Instrument Coordinator is busy collecting, repairing, and distributing instruments to those who deserve them most.

A huge focus of the Board’s work right now is LETEM Play Takes Spokane, our annual city-storming event that is taking place on December 6 from 9 am to 4 pm this year. Read on in this issue to find out the locations that you can visit to find out more about our organization from one of our knowledgeable Board members or donate.

Exciting news from across the country: Philip is currently working to establish a Board of Directors for the Chapel Hill branch of LETEM Play by collaborating with musically inclined University of North Carolina students. We are excited to monitor the progress of this branch, the first step in our long-term national expansion plan.

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The Trumpeter

What’s Inside

Event Calendar – 2

College Spotlight - 3

Announcement - 4

Stereotypes – 4

Concert Review – 5

Music Education - 6

Teacher Spotlight - 7

Math and Music - 8

Letter from the Founders

Volume 2, Issue 2


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If this is your first time reading our newsletter, thank you for subscribing – if receiving The Trumpeter is nothing new to you, thank you for being faithful to our organization. We wish everyone a happy November, and see you on December 6!

Katy Dolan & Philip Howard Executive Officers, LETEM Play

Whitworth Jazz Concert with Arturo Sandoval

Friday, November 7th at 8:00p.m. Cowles Auditorium Main Stage at

Whitworth University Tickets $20

Spokane String Quartet: 3 B’s Sunday, November 16th at 3:00 p.m. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox

Tickets $20

Motley Crue: The Final Tour with very special guest Alice

Cooper Saturday, November 22nd at 7:00

p.m. Spokane Arena

Tickets start at $20

Spokane Symphony_ Symphony with a Splash

Friday, November 7th at 5:00p.m. Martin Woldson Theater at The

Fox Tickets $25

Gaelic Storm Tuesday, November 18th at 8:00 p.m.

Bing Crosby Theater Tickets $25

Spokane Symphony Classics 4: Haydn and Dvorak

Saturday, November 22nd at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 23rd at 3:00

p.m. Martin Woldson Theatre at The Fox

Tickets start at $15

Brass Concert Monday, November 10th at 7:30

p.m. EWU Music Building Recital Hall

Free

Pearl Django Thursday, November 20th

Bing Corby Theater Tickets start at $20

Winter Jam 2014 Tour Spectacular Friday, November 14th at 7:00

p.m. Spokane Arena

Tickets $10

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Friday, November 21st at 8:00 p.m.

Spokane Arena Tickets start at $31

November Events Calendar Compiled by Ellie DeReu


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For many high school seniors, trying to find an affordable, local college can be difficult. And for those students who wish to find a good music program, whether they are music majors or not, it can be even more difficult. Fortunately, there is an option only 3 hours away from Spokane.

Pullman Washington is basically overrun with Washington State University and its activities, and its music program is a great option for kids who want to get away from home, but still be able to afford college. WSU has a Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Cougar Marching Band, Jazz Big Bands, as well as a variety of choirs and orchestras. On top of all those groups, they also have numerous brass, woodwind, string, vocal and percussion ensembles. Members of WSU groups can expect to perform at prestigious conferences and collaborate regularly with composers and performing artists. WSU also has a variety of choirs and orchestra groups.

The WSU Wind Ensemble has commissioned new music, as well as collaborated with composers on a regular basis. They have competitive auditions yearly, and love to encourage anyone to try out. Their Symphonic Band is open to all students wishing to be a part of music, and only hold auditions for chairs a few times a year. The best part of WSU’s band program is that you don’t have to be a music major to be a part of it. You can be anything from a Biochemistry to Marketing major and they will welcome you with open arms.

One of the most popular programs at WSU is the Cougar Marching Band. They perform at almost every football game, and never cease to entertain the audience. They start their “band camp” in August and continue all the way through until the football season comes to a close. They travel with the football team, and are one of the most well-known marching bands in the Pacific Northwest.

So whether or not you’re looking to be a music major, WSU is a great college for anyone seeking to keep music in their life, but still have an affordable college tuition.

College Spotlight: Washington State University By Caitlin Shirley


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On December 6th, from 9-4 all across the Spokane area will be the annual LETEM Play Takes Spokane Event. Every member of our Board of Directors will be hosting a booth at different Walgreens and other stores around Spokane to get the word out and collect donations. This will be the third time we’ve hosted this event, and we are more than excited to get the word out about LETEM and help our community!

Current Locations:

Walgreens at Pines and Sprague

Walgreens on Appleway , Liber ty Lake

Walgreens at Sprague and Sul l ivan

Walgreens on Grand Boulevard , South Hil l

River Park Square

More locations will be posted on our Facebook page, but please come to one of our booths and help support us during this event!

Ask anyone in band or orchestra about the characteristics of an instrument and you'll get one of two responses: either a description of the sound the instrument produces, or a description of the stereotypical musician who plays that instrument. A classic example is the trumpet. The trumpet is loud, proud, and the star of the show. Could this be a description of the instrument or the musician? As a clarinet player myself, the answer is both. Clarinets will tell you that our instrument requires a master intellect and knowledge of a variety of fingerings, as well as the dexterity to play 16th notes at a quick tempo. But if you ask anyone else in the band, they'll point out that you can't hear us 90% of the time, so who cares what we do?

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LETEM Play Announcements

Instrument Stereotypes by Andrew Matheison


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The jokes go on to the rest of the instruments. Low brass players are portrayed as mischievous, with minds that have taken to a permanent residence in the gutter. Violins are the trumpets of the string section: A higher chair placement typically means a higher level of musicianship, and a bigger ego. I don't know of any stereotypes in choirs, but I do know that the band makes fun of their reenactments of "Glee" episodes every day with the schools piano. And all I need to say for drummers is that Animal, from the Muppets, plays percussion for a reason.

Ultimately, the music stereotypes are made possible by band kids not taking the jokes seriously (even when a musician actually does fit the mold for that instrument). The lighthearted nature of the comparison usually leads to a "right-back-at-you" response. At the end of the day, the whole band relies on everyone in the group in order to succeed.

Well, except for us clarinets. We're perfect.

Recently, I attended the Shriner's Children's Hospital benefit concert, "Giving Rocks", that was held at The Hop in downtown Spokane. Featuring in the performances were 5 local metal bands, all about giving back to Spokane through their passion for music. One of the groups that caught my attention was Thirion X, composed of four musicians who truly love what they do. After performing an amazing set, each member was drenched in sweat and wore a smile on their faces. In the weeks following, the band traveled to a competition in California, where they acquired some awesome experiences. Being in a band takes lot of dedication and commitment; it's difficult to find a group of people that fit together musically. These four had an awesome stage presence that captivated the small crowd. If the opportunity is ever presented, I would highly recommend them- they are one of Spokane's most promising local bands.

Concert Review: Shriner’s Children’s Hospital Benefit Concert

by Jessica Todd


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A thank you card received from a child, showing his gratitude for the clarinet given to him.

Front of the envelope. “Thank you Trevor.” Inside of the card, “Thank you for the clarinet! I am so, Trevor. It means a lot to me.”

I got a call one Tuesday afternoon and a man answered to say he wanted to apply for an instrument. I directed him to our online application center through LETEM’s website, but it was easier to continue with the phone application. Being that this was not an ordinary application I was a little hesitant, but not too long after and a few questions later, we had completed the application process. His young son was eager to play the clarinet for the first time in his elementary school band. As usual, I set up a time and place to meet the man and his family so that I could drop off their instrument. Only a few days later I made my way up to north Spokane, to find that their whole family was earnestly waiting outside of their home for me to arrive. Once I got out of the car, the family of six and I greeted each other for the first time in person. Excited to give them the instrument, I had the man sign an agreement form and we exchanged the document for his little boy’s very first clarinet. With a smile on my face, I walked away from the situation feeling like I was able to make a positive impact. After all, this was the first time I had ever delivered an instrument to a student!

We all know that business is never finished. There’s always something more you can do to make it better. That being said, I was once again at this families’ home to take care of some business, but while I was up there, their son handed me a lovely thank you card expressing his gratitude for the instrument we lent them. Upon receiving this card, I realized once again why I am so passionate about LETEM Play. I love being such an important part of

this organization’s operation. I truly believe that all of the children who receive instruments are grateful and willing to learn about the true essence of music. I am beyond excited that I am able to deliver that meaning to the children of Spokane. This is not something you can explain, it is something you have to live for.

The Essence of Music Education by Trevor Burgess


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It is my privilege to present James Layman as LETEM Play’s October teacher spotlight. James’ background and foundation as a musician and music teacher spring from his education in music and his experience. James attended Central Valley High School, and Graduated in 2003. There, he was Drum Major in the marching band, and played clarinet and bass clarinet. He went on to attend Eastern Washington University to study music. He additionally earned a minor in psychology. He expanded his musical talents in college by singing in the Symphonic and Concert Choirs, and playing Trumpet, Saxophone, and Bass Clarinet in Marching Band, Jazz Band and Concert Ensembles. Not only was he involved in his college music programs, but he also served as Drum Major for Spokane Thunder Drum and Bugle Corps from 2005 to 2006.

James is currently an Associate Band Director at Gonzaga Prep. His job includes co-directing the Diocese Honor Band. But he doesn’t stop there. He is a middle school and elementary band director at St. Aloysius and All Saints Catholic Schools. Last but not least, he is the Marching Band/Pep Band Director at Mt. Spokane High School. Because he gets to work with grades 5 through 12, James loves his jobs. He says this about his work,

“Watching kids exper i ence the beauty o f musi c and the amazing opportuni t i e s and f r i endships that s t em from be ing invo lved in musi c i s a g i f t and a b less ing .”

On the side of his work, he writes marching band shows for schools across the country. In 2012 he received the KZZU Teacher of the week award. Because music is so important to James he says “Music has given me everything. I have been able to combine two of my passions, music and teaching, and transform that into a ‘job.’ Music has also served as an escape for me, and now that I get to be surrounded by it every day, I could not ask for anything more.” Thank you, Mr. Layman for all that you do in and out of the classroom-- for inspiring kids to love and appreciate music and the blessings it brings.

Teacher Spotlight: James Layman by Sara Keenan


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The majority of the time I’ve spent in school, I've been told that music helps students to excel in their classes. However, despite the claims, I never really believed it; but there is now evidence to support that claim. A recent study conducted in California found that tapping out a beat may help children learn difficult fractions and concepts. An innovative curriculum, used in a California school called “Academic Music”, uses rhythm to teach fractions. Students in this music-based program scored significantly higher on math tests than their peers who received traditional instruction. "Academic Music" is a hands-on curriculum that uses music notation, clapping, drumming and singing to introduce third grade students to fractions. The program addresses one of the most difficult and important topics in the elementary math curriculum.

The program has shown tangible results at an elementary school in the San Francisco Bay area. This study, created by Susan Courey the assistant professor of special education at SFSU, consisted of 67 students. Half of the students participated in a six-week “Academic Music” curriculum, while the rest of the students received regular math instruction. Students in the music-based program scored 50 percent higher on a fraction test taken at the end of the study, than the students in the regular math class.

Significant strides were also made by students who had previously struggled with academics. The researchers compared the test scores of lower-performing students in both groups and found that those who were taught the music curriculum scored 40 percent higher on the final fractions test. The study found that the students who started out with less fraction knowledge achieved final test scores similar to their higher-achieving peers. Lower-performing students might find it hard to grasp the idea of fractions from a diagram or textbook, but when music and multiple ways of learning were added, fractions became incredibly easier for the students. By clapping and drumming rhythms, students learn the time value of musical notes. Students then learn to add and subtract fractions by completing work sheets in which they draw musical notes on sheet music, ensuring the notes add up to four beats in each bar or measure.

For the longest time I’ve heard "music is every subject in one", now here's the evidence for the claim. This study proves, even in the smallest amount, the importance of music on the mind in a normal school environment. Music allows us to break down fractions, foreign languages, literature, and even physics. And now kids like me finally have a defense when our math teacher yells at us to stop tapping on our desk.

The Mathematics of Music by Matthew Peterson


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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, November 2014

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