Today is June 14th, a Monday. It's hot out and the summer vibes are setting in. Here in W214 I feel a return to some normalcy as I complete the familiar tasks of inventory, cleaning the room, filing music from this year, and organizing music for next year. If there was a light at the end of the tunnel, it shines brightly in our room.
I see that I neglected to write a State of the Department for 2020. It was probably because I could not bring myself to write, or maybe I was too busy keeping my own children occupied or maybe I was exhausted from looking at a screen so much. Either way, I am happy to be typing today to share about our year.
I would like to start by thanking and offering my appreciation to our 28 seniors. You have been through a lot and it means a lot to our program that you made the commitment to stay engaged with instrumental music for four years. We will miss! I hope that you all remember to pack your instrument in the fall wherever life takes and that you try to get back to see us in our concerts in the future. Your purple handprints are a constant, visual reminder of the time and energy you invested in the bands and orchestras here at Southwest.
A common theme this school year has been problem solving. The first problem we had to solve was how to facilitate a class over Google Meet and Google Classroom. For the first three quarters, we developed a solid routine of a full class warm up with small group sectionals while students worked asynchronously on practice or recording assignments. Weirdly, through these many small group Google Meet sessions, I actually felt like I got to know students more as musicians, learners and humans. I am excited to work this in to our routine in some capacity going forward. Student feedback data revealed that these small group lessons were the most engaging and impactful way of learning throughout the pandemic.
Once we figured out how to use Google Meet we focused on how to use Soundtrap. I created 49 tutorial videos to help students learn how to record themselves and I felt like especially during quarter two, students were less focused on learning new music and more focused on learning recording engineering skills. The process was painful for some and super enjoyable for others. Personally, I really found it enjoyable to record a five part clarinet ensemble to use as a demonstration model for students. Because of the way the class flowed, I played more this year than any other and I look forward to continuing to play with students in class.
Finally, we had to figure out how to create and share out virtual concerts. I am very proud that our students were able to produce three virtual concert performances. Having these performances provided practice targets for students and a semblance of the normal rhythm of the school year. I hope that you enjoyed viewing them as well - you're welcome to continue watching, but we will take them down from YouTube due to copyright in a few months. Until then ... Quarter 4 Concert - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoMPkupPi9ECBNhgqAyFNVqh-jKpK95Au Semester One and Quarter 3 Concerts - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoMPkupPi9EB22KmhSDbq3wm3fHEyXPeE
As always, we really appreciate the support of our donors. In particular, I would like to thank and acknowledge the Harris Family for their generous donation of our new Steinway Grand Piano. It will be used for years to come! Through the support of our Performing Arts Boosters, this year we purchased two new euphoniums, four really nice violins, one new viola and several new printed works for the ensembles to perform. I want to also thank the district office for helping us to access Title IV Federal Funds to purchase new Sousaphones, a new tuba, two new cello bows, and two new bass clarinets.
Finally, I am pleased to announce an amazing partnership next year with the Minnesota Orchestra. Throughout the year, we will be visited by members of the Orchestra in anticipation of the main event, a performance by the Minnesota Orchestra here on OUR STAGE in March 2022. It will be simply amazing.
As we head into summer I pivot my energy towards the Summer JAM Camp where I look forward to being on faculty for the first time and finishing our attic. After using it during the pandemic, my wife and I decided to finish it to create a project room for us and a playroom for our kids. We'll enjoy several weeks at the cabin in Boulder Junction, WI and celebrate our 1`5th wedding anniversary as well.
I wish you all the best and I thank you for yet another spectacular year in Instrumental Music. Please enjoy the pictures below that celebrate our year together.
With great appreciation, Reid Wixson June 14, 2021
Ear Protection is a must when doing construction work!
Orchestra member Josie Spanier giving the Commencement Address!
So many YouTube tutorial videos produced.
A gorgeous sunny day at the MN State Fair
Soundtrap. So. Much. Soundtrap.
Whoa ... look who's coming to SW in 2021-22! The Minnesota Orchestra!
2019-2020 Calendar
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