Friday evening was the Spring Jazz Showcase. 

With the addition of the HS Jazz Lab Band the decision was made to split the Jazz and Concert Band performances up.  This also allowed us the opportunity to include our newly formed DHS Alumni Big Band in the performance lineup for the Spring Jazz Showcase!

Our Alumni Big Band included the following performers
Cami Bonine 2017
Morgan Solomon 2018
Alyssa Phillips 2018
Colton Avis 2017
Ashley McFarland 2018
Orion Starwalt 2008
Hayley Neely 2017
Blair Starwalt 2009
Dylan White 2017
Hope Watts 2010
Darrell Boyer 2008
Josh Hill 2014
Jeffrey Russell 1978
Wyatt Hickman 2018
Luke Guzman 2016
Gavin Luther 2018

Thank you to all of the alumni that took time out of their busy lives to come and perform with us.  This group of musicians represents 40+ years of Jazz education at De Soto!

Each of the bands put on a wonderful performance.  

Special recognition was given to the following musicians.
Gavin Dunn-Most improved Jazz student
Eric Dimercurio-Improv MVP
Quincy Jones Award- Brandon Nunnally
Louis Armstrong-Ethan Brown

The Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter #8124 held their official induction of members Sunday.  We want to thank all of our friends and family that were in attendance.  

Both the Concert Band and the Symphonic Band performed solid performances.  The Symphonic Band began their set with a demonstration chorale that helped show our parents and community what goes into our performances.

Special student recognition went to:
Freshman MVP: Olivia Hartwell
Outstanding Sophomore: Faith Olds
Junior of the Year: Kylie Mitchell
Byron Munson Marching Award: Kaitlyn Podgornik
John Philip Sousa Award: Ethan Brown

Ethan Brown conducted the DHS Concert Band on their last piece, Rough Riders.  Ethan has helped in Concert Band as Mr. Boyer's teaching assistant.  

Mr. Anthony Brown conducted the DHS Symphonic Band on their piece, Big Four.  Mr. Brown was the winning bidder at the DHS Dessert Auction earning him the opportunity to conduct at the Spring Band concert.  

Kylie Mitchell conducting her piece, In the Dark.  Kylie was the winner of the 2019 Fountain City Composition Contest and her piece had its WORLD PREMIERE at our concert Sunday.    

The 2019 Fall Marching Show was revealed at the annual band banquet.  The Dragon Pride will be performing "The Fabric of Time" in the fall.  This show focuses on man's obsession with the concept of time.

Senior Band Cake provided by Mrs. Allen.  

Our top seller Hailey Propst was presented with a check for her Memphis trip deposit which will be paid by Mr. Boyer.  Thank you for your hard work with our Beef up the Band Fundraiser!

We have created this video to help get the word out about our Beef up the Band fundraiser!  Share this video to help spread the word!

The DHS Band members are selling raffle tickets for our annual Beef up the Band fundraiser.  This fundraiser is two separate raffles for a half beef.

Side 1-Unlimited Raffle – White Raffle Tickets - $5.00
We will be selling Side 1 raffle tickets for $5.00.  There is not a set amount of tickets that will be sold.
Side 2 -Reserve Raffle – Blue Raffle Tickets – $15.00
We will be selling Side 2 raffle tickets for $15.00.  There will only be 300 tickets sold for this ½ of beef.
What are we raising funds for?
New mallets and small percussion equipment ($500)
Senior Band Scholarships ($1500)
Guest artist for Jazz Fest ($1500-3000)
Band Trip 2020 Charter Buses ($10,000)
Clinicians for Concert Bands ($1000)
Marching Band Drill ($1600)
Color Guard Flags ($1200)
Color Guard Choreography ($500)

Over the past four years, our students have performed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, worked with professional composers, performed with a 3x Grammy nominated artist, learned from countless clinicians and the list goes on.  All of this has been accomplished through fundraising.
Money will help keep marching fees low, support our scholarship fund, and our guest artist fund for next year’s Jazz Fest.  This fundraiser allows us to continue providing our students with a top notch music education here at De Soto. If you would like to support music education, and get a chance to win approximately 200 pounds of beef, please consider purchasing a raffle ticket.  Raffle tickets can also be reserved online at www.desotobands.org

Would you like to continue supporting these top notch experiences in music education?
Sales Dates: 4/8/19-4/22/19
Drawing: Spring Band Concert, Sunday April 28th, 2019

The end of the year is approaching fast.  While we begin to look forward to what next year has in store for us, we should also pause and take a moment to reflect on where we have been.

This year our students have:

• Participated in numerous Honor Bands, both Concert and Jazz
• Earned numerous spots in District Concert and Jazz Bands; 1 student even earned a spot on the All State Jazz Roster (Go Caleb!)
• Learned to write bass lines, solos, and arrange music
• COMPOSED ORIGINAL MUSIC (for entry into our music contest)
  • AND received feedback on their compositions from a panel of professional composers!
• Worked with a 3x Grammy nominated professional musician!
• Received clinics from some distinguished music educators
• Performed in over 30 performances so far this year!
• Earned scholarships to continue playing their instruments in college
• Created their own student led performance groups!

Tri-M members have also:

• Donated numerous hours in support of the DHS Music programs
• Donated 15 boxes for Operation Christmas Child
• Hosted the 2nd Annual Fountain City Jazz Festival and the De Soto MS Band Festival​
• Created a Fine Arts Program featuring the programs at De Soto #73.

Events coming up
April 8-April 22nd
Beef up the Band Fundraiser- This fundraiser helps to keep our marching band fees low, supports our scholarship fund, and our guest artist fund for next year's Jazz Fest.  This fundraiser  allows us to continue providing our students with a top notch music education here at De Soto.  If you would like to support music education, and get a chance to win approximately 200 pounds of beef, please consider purchasing a raffle ticket.  Raffle tickets can be reserved online here.

Friday, April 26th
Spring Jazz Showcase featuring our Jazz Lab, Jazz Ensemble, and the Alumni Big Band

Sunday, April 28th
Spring Band Concert and Awards Dessert Banquet at 3pm in the DHS Auditorium, with Awards Banquet in the DHS Gymnasium.

As we begin to wind down this school year and begin another, I would like to say "Thank you" to everyone that has taken part in the De Soto Bands this year!  From our generous sponsors, parent volunteers, to clinicians, to guest artists, and most importantly our wonderful students, it has been an incredible journey making music with all of you this year.

The "March into the Arts" series kicked into high gear this past week.  

This past week, the DHS Symphonic Band hosted the West County HS Symphonic Band for a "Band Director Swap" and concert.  Each band performed for and received a clinic from the other school's band director.  With the Missouri State Large Ensemble Assessment coming up, this opportunity provided both bands with a new perspective and look at their music as well as valuable feedback to help improve each band as they continue on with their semester.

The West County Band students arrived in time to join our 7th Hour Jazz Lab students for some improvisation.  It was great to watch our students and West County students sharing their musical ideas together. 

That evening the West County and De Soto Symphonic Bands performed for friends and family.  We are incredibly thankful to the administrators at West County and De Soto that made this opportunity to make share music and ideas possible!

On Thursday, Maestro Gary Gackstatter came in and worked with both our Concert and Symphonic Bands. 

The DHS Symphonic Band is currently working on a piece by Percy Grainger and a piece by Mr. Gackstatter entitled "The People" from The Grouse Creek Symphony.  The band was complimented on their performance of the piece by Grainger.  It was exhilarating watching him work with the Symphonic Band and share with them his passion for music.  

"So this is my hope for The Grouse Creek Symphony: that through the music and art, we can deepen our appreciation for what’s in our own backyard. May we never take for granted the beauty of the land and sky, trees, water and people."-Gary Gackstatter

Mr. Gackstatter exudes passion and creativity and is an inspiration to all that he comes into contact with.  Mr. Gackstatter's work with our bands was insightful, engaging, inspiring, and it served as a musical revival for the bands and staff.

This year the De Soto Bands used fundraising money to commission 3x Grammy nominated artist Steve Wiest to write a piece for the DHS Jazz Ensemble and brought him in to perform as our guest artist for the Fountain City Jazz Fest.  Our Jazz students have been incredibly excited about this opportunity since the announcement was made in the fall.  

While here, Mr. Wiest rehearsed with the the Jazz Ensemble and spoke with the DHS Bands.  Students were able to ask questions and interact with Steve before the end of the day Friday.  Students gained a lot from their interactions with Mr. Wiest, both musically and personally.  Mr. Wiest said, "There are two types of people, the cats that wanna learn and those that know everything."

Friday evening Mr. Boyer and Mr. Wiest traveled to Jazz St. Louis to see the Funky Butt Brass Band.  The band invited Mr. Wiest up on stage during one of their pieces. 

On Saturday the Jazz Program did an incredible job running the Jazz Fest.  Our Jazz Ensemble students put in a 13.5 hour day working and performing at the festival.  

The festival included a Masterclass from our guest artist where he dropped some serious knowledge and laughs on our students and the participating bands.  After the Wiest Masterclass, Dr. Joseph Jefferson, from SEMO, led an incredible clinic on practice sessions and improving as a musician.  The clinic had to be moved to the DHS Band room due to the high number of attendees!  His clinic packet can be found here.

After the Dr. Jefferson clinic, the DHS trombones received a private lesson from Mr. Wiest.  This was a special opportunity for our trombone student to sit and chat with a professional trombonist and learn from a true master.

The DHS Jazz Ensemble wrapped up the Fountain City Jazz Fest with a concert with Steve Wiest.  The band performed an hour long set that included multiple solos from students and Mr. Wiest.  We want to thank everyone that attended the evening concert.  The money raised will be used to support our DHS Band scholarships. 

Things went well yesterday. Our students earning an Exemplary and Outstanding will be performing at our Fine Arts night on March 29th. We hope you can join us!

Exemplary
Ethan Brown- Marimba Solo (4th Year in a row!)
Caroline Kidwell- Flute Solo

Outstanding
Kaleb Brown- Trombone Solo
Percussion Quintet
Tim Russell-Trombone Solo
Trombone Quartet
Sophie Harris- Flute Solo
Flute Trio
Sax Quartet

Satisfactory
DHS Percussion Ensemble
Clarinet Trio
Victoria Avis- Trumpet Solo
Hannah Rinker Lugo- Clarinet Solo

We hope that you will take time to celebrate the arts with us in March.  The De Soto Bands and the Fine Arts Department are working on numerous artistic events that are open to the community.  From the beginning of the month to the end, there are a plethora of events that will be taking place on or near campus.  From the Spring Musical to multiple music festivals and performances, there is certain to be a performance for everyone to enjoy.  Please read on for a highlight of some of our upcoming events.  For a complete listing of Band Events that are occurring click here.

We invite you to take part and March into the Arts!

Eight students were named to the Jefferson County HS Honor Band.  These will represent DHS in Herculaneum on March 16th when they meet for rehearsal and an evening performance of the 2019 Jefferson County Honor Band.  We are proud of these students for their accomplishments and are sure that they will represent DHS well.  

Sophie Harris-Flute
Miranda Manning-Clarinet
Hannah Rinker Lugo- Clarinet
Marybeth Sansoucie- Clarinet
Jonathan Gowan- Tenor Sax
Lacy Mueller- Horn
Kylie Mitchell- Baritone
Caleb Smith- Tuba

The month of March will be another busy one for the De Soto Bands.  Look below at the calendar for the month of March.  Our calendar can also be accessed via the CHARMS app on your mobile devices!
March 1, 2019 - Spring PLA and Jazz Ensemble Audition material posted
March 1, 2019 - Leadership packets posted 
March 1, 2019 - DHS Band and Tri-M Scholarship Application posted
March 7, 2019 - Flute Masterclass offered @North County 
March 9, 2019 - District Solo and Ensemble @ Festus
March 11, 2019 - Drumline Auditions
March 12, 2019 - Leadership Team Interviews
March 12, 2019 - Jazz Rhythm Section Masterclass @North County
March 16, 2019 - Jefferson County HS Honor Band @ Herculaneum
March 18, 2019 - West County/DHS Combined Concert @6:30pm
March 23, 2019 - Fountain City Jazz Festival
March 25, 2019 - Jazz Band Auditions
March 26, 2019 - Jazz Band Auditions
March 29, 2019 - Solo and Ensemble Recital and Fine Arts Night
March 30, 2019 - Middle School Festival

The Jazz Bands have been working hard developing skills and style this year.  From learning how to write bass lines and improvise to learning how to read chord changes and transcribe, students have been deep in developing an understanding of Jazz.  

February 2nd marked the official start of our Jazz season.  The ensemble had a wonderful performance and won 1st place in Division 4! It was an excellent day of jazz education and planning for the future as the ensemble had the chance to tour the Missouri State campus. They saw the buildings, classrooms, and programs that the University offers.

In addition to learning about college life, the band was able to sit in on a clinic with Dr. Will Campbell who is the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of North Carolina.  Dr. Campbell lead the clinic and then played with the Missouri State University Jazz Studies Band 1. It was an excellent concert and clinic.

This week, the Jazz Ensemble began work on our piece that we commissioned our Fountain City Jazz Fest guest artist, Mr. Steve Wiest, to compose.  This piece will be unveiled at its WORLD PREMIER at the Jazz Fest on March 23rd.  We hope that you can come see what Mr. Wiest and the band can do.

Coming up next for the Jazz Program:
February 23rd, 2019- University of Central Missouri Jazz Festival  
March 23rd, 2019- Fountain City Jazz Fest
April 26th, 2019- Spring Jazz Concert

District Solo and Ensemble preparation is well under way with students working on their music before and after school.  Students wishing to take a Solo or Small Ensemble should set up a time to meet with Mr. Boyer.  

Students earning a 1 at District Band Solo and Ensemble will be able to play at our recital evening March 29th, 2019.  This year, this evening will include all of the top Fine Arts students at De Soto with performances and displays from our DHS band, choir, drama, and art students.​

Six original student compositions were entered into the 2019 Fountain City Music Composition Contest! Students received feedback from 3 professional composers so that they can continue to improve their music writing.

This year, congratulations goes out to winner Kylie Mitchell! Kylie will work with Mr. Boyer to edit and further improve her piece for its world premiere performance at the Spring Band Concert in April! 

A huge thanks goes out to our judges for the 2019 Composition Festival.  This year our student composers received feedback from three professional composers from across the Midwest.  

​Judges Bios
Mark J. Connor (b. 1971) is a composer, conductor, and educator whose main focus is writing for concert band, with works appearing on several state lists. His band music has enjoyed performances at several state music educator conferences, including TMEA, and his music is published by RWS Music Company, Grand Mesa Music, and Alry Publications.
 
Other highlights include performances of his chamber music at the Eastern Music Festival, Carnegie Hall (Weill Recital Hall), the Taliesin Art Centre (Wales), the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (Ireland). He has had orchestral works performed by the Jacksonville Symphony as part of their Fresh Ink program and the North State Symphony. Mark has been commissioned by, or won awards from, the Jacksonville Symphony, the Eppes String Quartet, the Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet, Composers and Schools in Concert, and the Commission Project. He is also active as an arranger for a wide range of ensembles and genres including works for groups as diverse as guitar ensembles, brass quintet, saxophone trio, and jazz combos.

Mark has been an educator for over 20 years and has taught students at ages ranging from fourth grade through postgraduate. He is currently the band teacher at the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School. Prior to his current position, he was a Visiting Assistant Professor at Webster University and Western Carolina University, an instructor at McKendree University, and an adjunct professor at Maryville University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Florida State University, and Florida A & M University. From 1997 to 2001 Mark was the director of bands and teacher at Palma High School in Salinas, California. 

Mark is the host of Everything Band, a podcast that features interviews with leaders in the concert band, wind ensemble, and marching arts
communities. 


Derek Limback is currently the band director at St. James Missouri where he teaches grades 6-12 instrumental music.  He holds a BS in Music Education and a Masters in Music Composition from Missouri State University.  He has also studied at the University of Texas-Austin and the University of Central Missouri.  Mr. Limback began his professional teaching career as the band director at Warsaw Missouri before returning to MSU for graduate studies.  After beginning his teaching career at St. James he also was the Director of Jazz Studies at Missouri S&T in Rolla.
He is an active performer, clinician, and composer.  His main areas of interest are instrumental composition, jazz composition and performance, and teaching music.  Mr. Limback has written music for various schools and universities in Missouri and has had music performed in Arkansas, Texas, and Kansas.  In his spare time he likes to golf, fly fish, hunt arrowheads, and spend time with his family.


Greg Weis is a doctoral student at the University of Northern Colorado. Greg's compositions and arrangements have been performed in concerts and Jazz festivals in numerous cities around the United States, including Denver, St. Louis, Kansas City, New Orleans, Chicago, Las Vegas, Des Moines, and New York City. His big band music is regularly performed by the DownBeat Award-winning University of Northern Colorado Jazz Lab Band I. His arrangements and compositions have also been performed by Randy Brecker, Dave Pietro, Antonio Hart, Paul McKee, Greg Gisbert, Bob Sheppard, Jim White, Clay Jenkins, Tanya Darby, Benny Golson, the Missouri State University Jazz Studies Ensemble, the Airmen of Note, the Colorado Jazz Orchestra, and numerous high school jazz bands.  He has been recognized with awards and honors from the Jazz Education Network, the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers, the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers, and the New York Youth Symphony. His compositions are also featured on the debut album for the All Angles Orchestra, a jazz chamber ensemble that infuses classical musicians with jazz musicians.

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