American Music

13th Annual Band on the Quad
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
6:00 PM
Cary Academy Quad
American Music
Star Spangled Banner (1814)
Cowboy Cattle Drive (2008)
Key/Smith
Timothy Loest
Star Spangled Banner - The poetry was written by Francis Scott Key as he watched the Fort McHenry
bombardment during the War of 1812. The music was written by John Stafford Smith for a British men’s social
club, the Anacreontic Society. “Anacreon in Heaven” was a popular tune in 19th century America.
Cowboy Cattle Drive depicts the romping sound of an Old West cattle drive as cowboys moved cattle across
miles of open range to new pastures and distant markets. Listen for the horse hooves, whip, and rattlesnake!
Beginning Band
Wipe Out (1963)
Surfaris/Sweeney
Created by the Surfaris in 1963, Wipe Out was written and recorded in one session as the B side of a completed
single. It reached as high as #2 on the US Hot 100 Billboard. Soloists: Luke Wilson, Gabe Lee, Will Snider.
Beginning and MS Band
Message on the Rock (2004)
Joplin! (2003)
Robert Sheldon
Joplin/Harnsbarger
Message on the Rock – “Freedom Rock” is near Des Moines, Iowa. It is similar to CA’s senior rock. In 2004,
artist Ray Sorensen painted it with battle scenes and quotes from our nation’s history and Robert Sheldon used it as
inspiration for this commissioned piece. Soloist: Ben Lipson. Narrator: 8th grade history teacher, David Snively.
Joplin! – A collection of Scott Joplin’s famous songs - The Entertainer and Maple Leaf Rag.
MS Band
Variations on a Shaker Melody (1958)
NCSU Fight Song/Caisson Song (1908)
Aaron Copland
Gruber/Simmons
Variations on a Shaker Melody – The melody is “Simple Gifts”. Copland arranged this piece from his Pullitzer
prize winning ballet, Appalachian Spring (1944), which became even more famous as an instrumental suite.
Soloists: Pranay Tankala, Andy Cooper, Varun Kasula
Fight Song – NC State’s Fight Song comes from the theme song of the U.S. Army – the Caisson Song. Cary
Academy’s founding athletic trainer, David McAllister, was an avid NCSU fan. We are performing the fight song
tonight as a tribute to him. We miss you coach Mac.
US Band with Guests
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13th Annual Band on the Quad
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
6:00 PM
Cary Academy Quad
American Music (continued)
Bandland Boogie (2000)
Andy Clark
This is a 12 bar blues shuffle that the trimester 2 jazz band performed in New York City.
Soloists: Ben Lipson, Brett Morachnick, Jackson Blaakman, Cedric Tucker, Gabe Lee, Zach Coman, Will Snider
MS Jazz Band
Autumn Leaves (1945)
Chameleon (1973)
Joseph Kosma
Herbie Hancock
Autumn Leaves is most famously sung by Nat King Cole as the title song of the 1956 movie.
Soloists - Josh Milligan, JJ Lee, Daniel Sheitman, Stuart Hunt, Ben Davalos-Martinez, Ian Brundige
Chameleon – Performed by Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters and Maynard Ferguson, Chameleon is a one of
the great funk tunes from the 70’s. Soloists: Andy Cooper, Trevor Scanlon, Nick Trombetta, Richard Van Vliet
US Jazz Combos
Birdland (1977)
In the Mood (1939)
Josef Zawinul
Joe Garland
Birdland, by Weather Report, pays homage to the famous New York Jazz club as well as to the club’s namesake,
saxophonist Charlie Parker (Bird). Soloists: Ian Brundige, Michael Crow, Ben Davalos-Martinez
In the Mood – Made famous by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, In the Mood is one of the most recognizable swing
tunes of the Big Band Era. Soloists: Andy Cooper, Damon Blair, Josh Milligan
US Jazz Band
Soul Man (1967)
Hayes and Porter/Holmes
Whether you know the Sam and Dave version, the Blues Brothers version, or both, Soul Man has an infectious
groove that we just love. Soloists: Matthew Glosson, Richard Van Vliet, Devon Witek, Ben Lipson,
Cedric Tucker, Austin Mangelsdorf, Daniel Sheitman, Michael Crow, Mr. Grush, Ben Davalos-Martinez,
Nick Trombetta, Will Snider, Trevor Scanlon, JJ Lee, Andy Cooper
US and MS Jazz Bands
The Stars and Stripes Forever (1896)
John Philip Sousa
Sousa’s most famous composition became the official march of the United States in 1987.
All Band Students and Guests
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13-14 Beginning Band Members
Flute
Anna Cheng
Preston Coates
Sarah Eichler
Anna Lane
Saxophone
Finn Kerns
Duncan McSorley
Saavan Yerramsetty
Clarinet
Rishi Goswami
John Kesler
Savannah Lu
Atticus Sauls
Taylor Weber
Colin Zhu
Trombone
Gavin Baker
Kenan Balkas
Cindy Li
Trumpet
Will King
Grant Scotto
Victor Taylor O
David White
Percussion
Jono Jenkens
O Officer
Beginning Band, by Kenan Balkas
At the beginning of 6 grade band, all the instruments seemed the same in how much fun they were
to play. Throughout the course of the year each instrument became more unique and fun in their
own way. Every day we students were very excited to play our instruments. It was challenging at
different points in the year because we were in different phases of learning how to play our
instruments. Overall the beginning band class has taught us more than just basics for how to play
our instruments, but also to have fun!
th
To the Beginning Band from Mr. Grush
What remarkable progress! Sounds started as painful, then became recognizable, and now have
become more polished and beautiful. You have developed skills in reading music, counting, keeping
a steady tempo, supporting a steady airflow, listening, tuning, matching sound, matching volume,
and matching style. I am very proud of you! We need you in band next year! Someone needs to
beat Kenan in the “get to band class first” sprint!
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13-14 Middle School Band Members
Flute
Alex Bandong
Anna Chen +
Samuel Chow
Shaan Dhawan
Anna Ibrahim
Caroline Spancake
Trumpet
Matthew Cinoman
Chase Coley O
Michael Epperson
Ben Lipson O
Ryan Scott
Aditya Surana
Chris Toy
Tenor Sax
Brett Morachnick
Horn
Peyton Gozon
Percussion
Cameron Abernethy
Gabriel Lee
Curt Sherman
Will Snider
Chris Toy
Luke Wilson
Clarinet
Amy Chang
Haley Harris
Rohit Jain
Coleman Mitchell
Robert Schellenberger
Miriam Weathers
Trombone
Justin Stone
Cedric Tucker
Alto Sax
Jackson Blaakman
+ Guest
Baritone Sax
Nate McShane
Bass
Zach Coman
O Officer
MS Band, by Brett Morachnick (’18)
In Middle School Band we learn many skills that are then applied to a large range of music and scales. It is very
exciting by the end of your middle school years to achieve getting through a well-known, long and challenging song
(this year we ended with Stars and Stripes). I would highly recommend Middle School Band to anyone who is
passionate and/or wanting to learn more about playing instruments in a band. Even if you have no experience at all with
musical instruments, Middle School Band is a great experience.
To the MS Band from Mr. Grush
Brett superbly points out the greatest challenge we have had – playing Stars and Stripes. I would like to complement
each of you on your individual effort and how you have come together as a group. What we have done is not easy, but
it is exceedingly rewarding. We need rising 8th graders back next year to lead the MS band, and we need rising 9 th
graders in US Band and US Jazz Band to carry the torch left behind by our 7 graduating seniors! We need every
person, no matter how small (Seussical reference, not a commentary on Brett’s height).
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13-14 Upper School Band Members
Flute
Emma Astrike-Davis O
Jessica Jenkens
Drake Richards
Oboe
Hannah Scanlon
Clarinet
Andy Cooper
Elizabeth Hunt O
Jae Muth
Pranay Tankala
Alto Sax
Esra Balkas
Damon Blair
Trumpet
Will Buddendeck +
Varun Kasula
Jimmy McShane
Gerardo Perez +
Chris Sefton +
Horn
David Eastley +
Andrew Savage +
Ben Shafer +
Eric Smith +
Trombone
Andrew Hamrick
Caleb Norfleet
Patrick Schaefer
Paul Sinkez +
Euphonium
Danielle Fuhrman +
+
James Wagoner
+
Tuba
Matt Baker +
Danny Sharp
Bass
Andrew McClenney
Percussion
Matthew Glosson
Jack Pullen
Danny Sharp
+ Guest
O Officer
Tenor Sax
Andy Cooper
US Band, by Caleb Norfleet (‘17)
US band is the center of the music program here in the CA upper school. In this class we learn a variety of skills which
we utilize through playing a myriad of fun and challenging music. I would recommend US band to anyone who has
played an instrument previously and wants more experience or anyone who has never played music before and wants to
learn a new skill in a fun and exciting way.
To the US Band from Mr. Grush
While I am very proud of the individual growth, I am even more proud of our corporate effort to learn some challenging
band music. Playing in a small band is much more difficult than playing in a large band. We thank our guests for
helping to give us a larger band, but the real credit goes to the 20 people determined to be a band. Caleb, like many of
us, has put the Little Book of Talent to use!
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13-14 Middle School Jazz Band
(trimester 1 pictured)
Alto Sax
Jackson Blaakman
Nate McShane
Tenor Sax
Brett Morachnick
Horn
Peyton Gozon
Trumpet
Ben Lipson O
Grant Scotto
Victor Taylor
David White
Viola
Ben Swank
Trombone
Justin Stone
Cedric Tucker
Bass
Zach Coman
O Officer
Piano
Gabe Lee
Drums
Will Snider
MS Jazz Band, by Gabe Lee (’18)
I think the Jazz Band club has been sick. It has been a great time for myself and every other man that has participated.
We play good, fun music and get to even perform for the kids in the middle school. For me (Gabriel) personally, I have
enjoyed being assigned the role of piano this year because it has been cool to learn. Every year of Jazz Band we have
gone on a trip. And I think it has been fun given the fact I've been in jazz band since 6th grade! 6th grade! But this year
I traveled with my peers on by far the most radical jazz band trip of them all. My jazz band friends and I took a nice
journey up to the Big Apple. Or as some of you call it, New York. We got to meet world famous musicians and see the
sights too. So over all, Jazz Band is a jolly adventure.
To the MS Jazz Band from Mr. Grush
Each of you could select a club that requires no work on your own. Instead, you play in MS Jazz Band, which requires
a great deal of work. Thank you! A special shout out to our new 6th grade members this trimester!! Those of you who
went to New York, our recording session at Jazz at Lincoln Center was awesome . . . almost as good as our dynamic
announcer (Gabriel)!
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12-13 Upper School Jazz Band Members
(trimester 1 pictured)
Alto Sax
Damon Blair
Michael Crow
Jae Muth
Richard Van Vliet
Tenor Sax
Andy Cooper O
JJ Lee
Bari Sax
Austin Mangelsdorf
Trumpet
Ben Davalos-Martinez
Josh Milligan
Bass
Ian Brundige
Nick Trombetta O
Trombone
Kendall Bell
Daniel Sheitman
Guitar
Richard Van Vliet
Devon Witek
Piano/Vibes
Grace Gittelman
Matthew Glosson
Stuart Hunt
Trevor Scanlon
Danny Sharp
Devon Witek
Drums
Matthew Glosson
Trevor Scanlon
Richard Van Vliet
O
Officer
US Jazz Band, by Josh Milligan ('15)
It's the upbeat nature of the music and determination to perfect it for a concert that makes jazz band both rewarding and
fun. It's great to come into every class knowing that you'll enjoy playing the music. If you enjoy doing things like
soloing, improvisation, or other activities of the sorts, jazz band is a great way to let your inner musician shine and have
a great time doing it.
To the US Jazz Band from Mr. Grush
Each student has played big band and combo music this year and I wish we would have had even more time for both!
We had numerous guests such as the UNC Jazz Faculty Combo, Terry Blalock (sax and full band), Taylor Savage
(improvisation), Matt Murphy (drums), Stephen Riley (improvisation), and Kobey Watkins (drums). Plus the trio that
went to New York heard and met jazz greats such as Branford Marsalis and Joe Lovano. Tonight we have the locally
famous Ian, Ben, Michael, Damon, Andy, and Josh re-creating the original solos from Birdland and from In the Mood.
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13-14 Upper School Jazz Combo Members
(trimester 1 pictured)
Combo Four
Andy Cooper, tenor sax
Trevor Scanlon, piano/vibes
Nick Trombetta, bass
Richard Van Vliet, drums
Daniel and the Kidz
JJ Lee, soprano/tenor sax
Josh Milligan, trumpet
Daniel Sheitman, trombone
Grace Gittelman, piano
Stuart Hunt, piano
Ian Brundige, bass
Ben Davalos-Martinez, drums
US Jazz Combos, by Ben Davalos-Martinez (’15)
Jazz combo is the heart of creativity of the entire music program at Cary Academy.
Being in combo has allowed students to take whatever knowledge they have learned
about music and put it into their own original context. Absolutely everything in a
combo piece can be tailored to fit the creative ideas of every member in the group.
Through improvisation, solos, and duets, every student has a chance to use music as
the true expressive art form that it is. Combo is a challenge that reaps great rewards
not only intellectually, but artistically.
To the US Jazz Combos from Mr. Grush
What a musical gift to have had two combos in class this year and a 3 rd made up of
Jazz Band members not in combo class! You have chosen music and personalized it
masterfully. I have tried all year to teach myself to improvise and you express
yourselves in solos far better than me. I’ll keep trying, but I will never have the
power or the high range of our own Maynard Ferguson, Ben Davalos-Martinez!
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Awards Program
Certificate Symbols of Participation
Audition
Performance
This represents the
effort made by any
student who
auditioned to
participate in an
honor ensemble.
This represents the
effort made by any
student who
performed in an
honor ensemble.
Other
Ensemble
Jazz Band or
Combo
This represents a
student’s
participation in a
second music class
at Cary Academy.
This represents
membership in
either the Jazz Band
or Combo
New York
Trip
Officer
This represents a
student’s
participation in the
band trip to New
York
This represents a
student’s leadership
role in class.
Drumline
Club
Band Recital
This represents a
student’s
participation in the
recital at the
Glenaire Retirement
Community
This represents a
student’s
participation in US
Drumline Club
Seussical Pit
Orchestra
This represents a
student’s
participation in the
Seussical Pit
Orchestra
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Award Descriptions
Director's Award for Leadership
Students exhibit leadership in many ways. Some motivate those around them to work together to
stretch personal limits. Others lead by example, teaching those around them by being prepared and
playing their music as it is meant to be played. Still, others lead by demonstrating consistent effort
and excellence in their overall approach to playing music on their instruments. Students receiving
recognition for outstanding leadership have served as role models throughout the year by
demonstrating exceptional musicianship and effort.
Director’s Award for Improvement
Playing a musical instrument seems to come easier to some people than others. However,
determination and hard work consistently make the difference in a student’s musical growth. In
addition, seeking help from a teacher or friends and incorporating their advice into practice habits
yields further growth. Musical ability is less inherited than it is earned. Students receiving
recognition for outstanding improvement have shown an intense desire to better their playing,
exemplary effort, and have demonstrated a dramatic increase in their musical skills.
Director’s Award for Spirit
Students also display spirit in many ways: Energy… Interest… Positive Attitude... Some see what
needs to be done, often without being asked, and do it. Others are curious and always interested in
doing or learning something new or different about music. Still others have a demeanor and
enthusiasm about playing music and about life that is simply contagious. Students receiving
recognition for outstanding spirit have inspired and challenged us all to strive for excellence
throughout the year through their enthusiasm, service, and attitude.
John Philip Sousa Band Award
This national award is given to an Upper School student in recognition of outstanding achievement
and interest in band, for singular merit in loyalty and cooperation, and for displaying the high
qualities of conduct that school music requires.
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award
This national award is given to an Upper School student in recognition of outstanding achievement
and interest in jazz music. Exceptional ability in solo and ensemble playing are consistently
demonstrated by the recipient of this award.
Band Letter (first awarded in the 2004-2005 school year)
Upper school band students earn a band letter by being enrolled in a band class beyond the one unit
of credit required for graduation. Therefore, students enrolled in one band class per year earn band
letters during their third year. Students enrolled in both band and jazz band classes in their first
year earn band letters for enrolling in at least one band class during their 2nd year.
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Awards and Honors
Directors Awards 2013-14
Leadership
Emma Astrike-Davis
Samuel Chow
Shaan Dhawan
Rishi Goswami
Elizabeth Hunt
John Kesler
Ben Lipson
Duncan McSorley
Hannah Scanlon
Pranay Tankala
Miriam Weathers
Improvement
Gavin Baker
Alex Bandong
Michael Crow
Peyton Gozon
Haley Harris
Stuart Hunt
Anna Ibrahim
Will King
Jimmy McShane
Josh Milligan
Ryan Scott
Justin Stone
Saavan Yerramsetty
Spirit
Cameron Abernethy
Damon Blair
Anna Cheng
Sarah Eichler
Jono Jenkins
Jeonghun Lee
Nate McShane
Jae Muth
Danny Sharp
Chris Toy
Cedric Tucker
All-District Band
Ben Lipson
Will Snider
Pranay Tankala
All-Region Jazz Band
Andy Cooper
All-State Band
Pranay Tankala
Seussical Pit Orchestra
Jake Buchanan
Hannah Chow
Andy Cooper
Lizzie Davalos-Martinez
Andy Hunt
JJ Lee
Sydney Nguyen
Max Nunez
Jin Woo Ok
Sena Park
Julia Reich
Hannah Scanlon
Trevor Scanlon
Danny Sharp
Taylor Timinskas
Elisa Yazdani
NCAIS Honor Band
Emma Astrike-Davis
Esra Balkas
Kendall Bell
Damon Blair
Amy Chang
Samuel Chow
Andy Cooper
Ben Davalos-Martinez
Shaan Dhawan
Elizabeth Hunt
Ben Lipson
Jae Muth
Caleb Norfleet
Patrick Schaefer
Daniel Sheitman
Will Snider
Caroline Spancake
Christianna Swift
Richard Van Vliet
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Eastern Regional
All-State Orchestra
Hannah Scanlon
NC Governors School
Trevor Scanlon
Triangle Youth Brass
Band
Trevor Scanlon
Triangle Youth Jazz
Ensemble
Damon Blair
Andy Cooper
Triangle Youth Philharmonic
Hannah Scanlon
Virginia Tech and
UNCW Honor Bands
Jae Muth
A Brief History of the CA Band Program
Seventeen years ago, in the fall of 1997, Mr. Grush began developing the instrumental
music program. There were 10 students in the Upper School Orchestra, 32 students in two Middle
School (7th and 8th grade) classes and 25 students in the Beginning (6th grade) class. All
instrumental music classes were held in room 108 in the middle school, now a science lab.
In the spring of 1998, twenty students in grades 6-9 formed an after school Jazz Band Club.
Beginning in 98-99 rehearsals moved to twice a week before school at 7:00AM. Fall of 2000
marked the formation of MS Jazz Band - a club that met once per week for 45 minutes and was
open to all 6th - 8th grade students, regardless of their enrollment in Band class. US Jazz Band
became a class in fall of 2000, but still met before school twice per week until 2002. In 2001, Mr.
Qiao arrived to teach the orchestra classes and Mr. Grush focused on the Band and Jazz Band.
We began yearly themes in 08-09 with Kansas City Jazz, Island Music in 09-10, Movie Music in
10-11, World Music in 11-12, and Solos in 12-13.
For the 2013-14 school year, there are 21 Beginning Band students, 30 MS Band students,
20 US Band students, 18 US Jazz Band students, 10 US Jazz Combo Students, and many members
of the US Drumline Club, and MS Jazz Band Club. This year, our theme has been “American
Music”. Some of us even played at the band recital at the Glenaire Retirement Community.
Universities
Campbell University
Elon University
NC School of the Arts
NCSU
UNC
Performance Locations
In the Community
District MPA
Angus Barn
Asheboro, NC
Carmen’s Cuban Café
Durham, NC
Cary Senior Center
Hillsborough, NC
Meymandi Concert Hall Jacksonville, NC
NCSSM
Monroe, NC
Ravenscroft
Morrisville, NC
Raleigh School
Shelby, NC
SAS building V
Tarboro, NC
Other Festivals and
Performances
Atlanta, GA
Charlotte, NC
Myrtle Beach, SC
New Orleans, LA
Orlando, FL
Richmond, VA
Williamsburg, VA
Wilmington, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Honors and Awards
Jazz performances at the NC Music Educators Association Convention – November 10, 2008
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2 Grand Champion/Highest Score Awards
9 First Place Awards
5 Superior Ratings at District/Region MPA
77 Students in All-District Band
15 Students in All-Region Jazz Band
20 Students in All-State Honors Band
2 Students in All-State Jazz Band
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3 students in NC Governor's School
85 students in NCAIS Honor Band
34 students in CA Band for all 7 years
2 Performances at Meymandi Concert Hall
4 Videos with CA soundtracks from Disney
Over 330 pieces of music played in 17 years
Almost 110 performances in 17 years
Band Class of 2014 when they started at CA
Andy Cooper
07-08
Austin Mangelsdorf
07-08
Emma Astrike-Davis
09-10
Daniel Sheitman
07-08
Andrew Hamrick
09-10
Band Class of 2014 Seniors
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Devon Witek
07-08
Elizabeth Hunt
10-11
To the band class of 2014 from Mr. Grush . . .
Participating in the band music program and putting up with me for this long does indeed deserve special
recognition and some reminiscing! As 6th graders in 2007, Devon was playing trumpet, Andy and Austin
started on clarinet, and Daniel began playing trombone. Andrew joined us in 8th grade on trombone, and
Emma started playing flute. The band class of 2014 was complete when Elizabeth joined us playing clarinet.
Somewhere along the way Andy branched out to sax, Devon to guitar and piano, and Elizabeth to trumpet.
The 7 seniors have played for a total of 42 years in the Cary Academy Band Program! Phenomenal!!! I am
proud of your musical growth, but most proud of the exceptional young people you have become. Without
your amazing talent, dedication, and leadership, the Cary Academy Band Program would not have
approached the level of success we have attained. I admire each of you, am deeply grateful to you, and will
dearly miss you.
Do you remember . . .
07-08 the Beginning Band in-class demonstration when you wrote your own music to perform.
07-08 the trip to the music store
07-08 the Halloween Concert at the Cary Senior Center.
08-09 the NCMEA Convention – US and MS Jazz Bands performed for the state’s jazz teachers.
08-09 Kansas City Jazz – Cecil, Ramon, the CA Swing Dance Club, and the 30’s style outfits.
09-10 Island music - reggae with Mickey Mills and Panyelo; Salsa with Orcesta Gardel; the Salsa club
09-10 the Busch Gardens Competition – we won 9 awards!
10-11 the Disney trip – making a soundtrack for the Fantasia 2000 video (Donald Duck Noah’s Ark)
10-11 Movie Music – creating your own soundtrack to the youtube video of your choice
11-12 World Music – US Band composing music for the project re-runway fashion show or recital
11-12 the Dixie Classic – US Band and US Jazz combo earned superior ratings!
11-12 Combo’s trip to New Orleans – Preservation Hall, earning tips playing at the hotel restaurant
12-13 Flight of the Bumblebee (Andy, Elizabeth, Trevor, and Joseph)
12-13 Tons of combo gigs (Angus Barn, SAS, Raleigh School, Superior rating at Jazz MPA)
Senior Band Memories and Future Plans
Emma Astrike-Davis
University of North Carolina Chapel-Hill
Public Health
Mr. Grush, thanks for five wonderful years of band.
Throughout my time at CA our class has musically covered
the globe and physically covered the east coast. One of my
fondest band memories was going to the Dixie Classic four
years ago, in Williamsburg Virginia. It was my first band
festival and my first exposure to band beyond the walls of
Cary Academy, the experience was even sweeter when the
awards ceremony took place in the middle of Busch
Gardens. Mr. Grush does seem to have a knack for
planning band trips around theme parks!
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Andy Cooper
Duke University
Statistics
Being in Band and Jazz Band for the past seven years has a
been a fantastic experience. I have developed so much
musically thanks to all the rehearsals, guest artists, and
performances. Band has helped me make new friends, manage
extracurricular activities, and develop my creative potential.
Now I plan to continue music in college and play in the Jazz
Band at Duke University. I hope to continue playing music for
the rest of my life.
Andrew Hamrick
Rochester Institute of Technology
Computer Engineering
When I came to CA in 8th grade due to a schedule conflict, I
wasn't going to be able to take band. Mr. Grush stepped in and
did a private class with me during a time when I could. My
favorite part of band is the trips. Whether it be Mr. Grush,
Daniel Sheitman, and I going to a middle school all state jazz
workshop or going as a class to Bush Gardens, band trips have
always been enjoyable. Although I don't think there is anything
I'll miss more than Mr. Grush screaming at us when we mess up
a piece. Thank you, Mr. Grush, for a great five years.
Elizabeth Hunt
University of North Carolina Asheville
Biology/Classics, Math, or Marketing
The four years I have been in band at CA have been
wonderfully memorable. The first year was the Disney trip
which I still remember like it was yesterday. The next year
we played at the Dixie Classic Festival getting a superior
which was super fun. Last year we played Hunger Games
which was cool and I picked up the Trumpet which is a
decision that will last with me forever. NCAIS was
amazing all four years and each time I learned to be a better
musician as well as having fun along the way. Band trips in
general are just fun, they help give a little motivation to
learn the music ;). Thanks Mr. Grush for all the great
memories. We've played some amazing pieces.
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Austin Mangelsdorf
Marquette University
Biomedical Engineering
First, I'd like to thank Mr. Grush for seven great years of
MS and US band. Looking back on myself as a 6th grader,
I would’ve never guessed how much my playing would
improve over my time here at CA and I have you to thank
for that. My favorite memory from band would have to be
the 7th grade trip to Winston Salem as that was my first
ever experience playing outside of CA. I don’t really have
anything to leave behind except the school bari sax which I
leave to anyone willing and able to carry it.
Daniel Sheitman
University of North Carolina Chapel-Hill
Undecided
It's hard to believe that seven years have gone by since my
first encounter with the CA Band. During my initial tours of
the school, before I even officially enrolled, I had the
opportunity to watch CA's 10th Anniversary concert.
Amazed by the performance and fascinated by the music, I
knew at once what my arts elective would be. Through
various ups and downs, dozens of performances, hundreds
of classes and several state lines, it has truly been one of the
most rewarding decisions I have ever made. Enormous
thanks go out to Mr. Grush and all of my peers for making
it happen. I am happy to have been part of the story.
Devon Witek
THE University of North Carolina Chapel-Hill
International Business/German
Being involved in the band program at CA over the past 7 years
has been one of the most valuable things I've ever done. Mr.
Grush's expertise, not only in music itself, but also in instructing
is unparalleled. Thank you, Mr. Grush, for always keeping me
engaged and interested in jazz. Without Mr. Grush, I wouldn’t
have anyone to boast about the Patriots’ success to, and more
importantly, would have no reason to make fun of the Steelers.
Nick Trombetta, that’s your job next year. Thank you for being
the one to put up with me and my bandwagon football insults,
and thank you for a great 7 years.
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Mr. Grush’s memories of seniors and future predictions
Emma,
For your first years of band you talked to me in your flute-like, high-pitched, “polite” voice.
At some point you got comfortable enough with me and I’ve gotten your normal voice ever since.
You are a truly remarkable person - CEO of your own non-profit Art for Hospice, runner in the
Boston Marathon to benefit childhood obesity, Morehead-Cain scholar at UNC studying public
health – I sincerely admire your servant’s heart.
Future Prediction: Emma creates an international movement combining running and Art for
Hospice. Instead of the goal being how fast you complete the race, the goal is running to as many
sites as possible and creating artwork for the people there.
Andy,
You are the latest in the line of outstanding Cary Academy saxophone players and the most
accomplished. You have been the cornerstone of our Band, Jazz Band, and Combo as well as the
Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble and the All-Region Jazz Band. Your work ethic and passion for
music are unparalleled. You must practice ALL the time, because you never return my emails!
Future Prediction: After graduating from the university of the four letter word (D-U-K-E), Andy is
hired at SAS. His first project is a study of unreturned emails at Cary Academy from 2007-2014.
He finds that 83% are his.
Andrew,
I remember meeting you before school started in 2009 when you joined us. You were so
enthusiastic about playing trombone, band, and music in general. It was my pleasure to have a one
person class with you when your 8th grade schedule did not work out to be in band. That year you
made both the All-Region Jazz Band and the All-State Jazz Band with Daniel Sheitman. Since
then, you have grown from a scrawny 8th grader into a championship swimmer.
Future Prediction: Andrew invents a hydro-suit with aero-activation used to train future Olympic
swimmers. It is basically a high-tech version of a child’s inflatable swim ring!
Elizabeth,
I am sad to be losing the chief laugher at my lame jokes. You have been self-less, playing clarinet
and learning to play trumpet as we have needed you. Although you have professed to not liking to
practice, you have played in NCAIS for four years, taken on playing Flight of the Bumblebee on
clarinet, and challenged yourself to play the trumpet solo in Dixieland Jazz Funeral. Your actions
bespeak a passion for music. Plus you are a published novelist 3 times over with a 4th on the way!
Future Prediction: Since Elizabeth has absolutely no idea what to major in, she stays as an
undergrad for 14 years. Through this time she continues writing novels and one hits the New York
Times best-seller list. It is called: The Seven Princesses are Highly Effective People.
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Mr. Grush’s memories of seniors and future predictions (continued)
Austin,
One of the first things I remember about you was that goofy “duck walk” you showed us on the
beginning band trip. I know you are a big Cardinals fan. . . I despise the Cardinals for beating the
Pirates last year! You have been the foundation of the Jazz Band sax section for 4 years. I believe
you were the last CA sax player to take lessons from Cecil Johnson. He was a great teacher.
Future Prediction: Austin “engineers” all kinds of strange and interesting mutated creatures. He
opens a real life “Jurassic Park” except with his creations instead of dinosaurs. The most amazing
thing about the creatures is not how they look, but that each different one walks like a duck.
Daniel,
I am tickled that our 10th anniversary concert made such an impression on you as a rising 6th grader.
In your 7 years as part of the CA Band program you have carried and expanded that tradition.
Band, Jazz Band, Combo – you have done it all. I always enjoy your jazz solos because I wish I
could play as well. You, along with Andrew Hamrick, are still one of only two people from CA to
make the All-State Jazz Band.
Future Prediction: Daniel jumps whole hog into the UNC Athletic Bands, marching in the fall and
Pep Bands in the spring. He even buys a special trombone that is lighter to carry and does not get
so cold outside. It is a called a Pbone (plastic trombone) and he gets one that is Carolina blue!
Devon,
I still remember the video you made a few years ago - kicking field goals all over campus then
drawing in the goal posts on the video. You have played trumpet, piano, guitar, and now bass drum
in your storied career. I’ve especially enjoyed hearing the jazz standards you learn on your own on
piano. Now, if I just could have gotten you to practice our Jazz Band music as much!
Future Prediction: Devin graduates from UNC and goes on to work in the front office for an NFL
expansion team in Berlin, the Versagerpatrioten. It pains him doubly that his team never beats the
Steelers and that the team name translates in English to “failing Patriots”.
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2013-14 Band Event Reflections
Workshops with Dr. Rodney Winther (November 2014)
Anna Ibrahim (’19)
Our Middle School band got the wonderful opportunity to work with Dr. Winther, retired band director from
Ithaca College and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Before our first concert, he came to work with us
on our music that we were preparing to play for the concert. All afternoon he taught us skills and techniques
that helped us become significantly better at the pieces we were playing, and he taught us techniques and
skills to become better musicians. We all learned wonderful tips and our Middle School Band thanks Dr.
Winther for improving our music and for helping us create beautiful sounds of music.
The Little Book of Talent, by Daniel Coyle
Jono Jenkens (’20)
The Little Book of Talent taught all of the band students tips and tricks for learning to play an instrument.
Everyone used them to learn faster and put them in Progress Journals. Most of the things that we did at first
to help us learn music was from The Little Book of Talent. The most commonly used tip was to break the
music into chunks. This was found to be the most helpful because very few of the instruments were able to
switch fingers fast enough to play large pieces of music.
US Drumline Club
Trevor Scanlon (‘13)
Drum Line is an energetic and fantastic upper school club. We play music that challenges everyone’s skill
level. You can also join drum line without any previous experience playing any sort of drums. Examples of
events that we play at are the beginning of the year celebrations, the variety show, and homecoming.
New York City Trip (March 2014)
Matthew Glosson (’17)
The band trip to New York City was a great experience for many reasons. Seeing some of the greatest jazz
musicians in the world as well as even meeting some of them was inspirational as well as extremely fun.
Performing at Jazz at Lincoln Center was also fantastic. Overall, the trip was a great experience that I would
recommend to any band student for its great musical experiences as well as to see the city.
9-11 memorial
Central Park ice skating rink
Matthew and Mr. Shy
Clarinet Trio recording session
Jazz Trio recording session
MS Jazz recording session
Lion King on Broadway
Fieldston – Tom Christensen
Carnegie Deli
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Music Camp (Summer 2013)
Damon Blair (‘17)
Over the summer, Cary Academy Band students attended various music camp programs such as UNC
Chapel Hill Jazz Camp or UNCG Summer Music Camp. In these camps, we learned a variety of music
skills that we would be able to share with the school band.
Theme for the year: American Music
Michael Epperson (‘19)
This year a lot of our music was based on America. MS band played Stars and Stripes Forever, Washington
Post, Message on the Rock, Etowah, Joplin, and Tongue Twisters. It was good to play this music because we
knew some of the tunes and it was related to history a little. Overall I think that it was fun because you could
learn some American tunes and play some of the ones you already know.
Beginning Band In-Class Demonstration (January 2014)
Savannah Lu (‘20)
With excitement bubbling inside you it is hard to wait for all the audience to arrive. Parents and teachers
were invited and as the first concert since the start of band, everyone is determined to play well. Student
compositions were played along with a few other songs. Then, it was time to let the parents try our
instruments. As the room was filled with screeches and squawks (made by the parents), the teachers left the
band room. After the demonstration, we had refreshments. Overall, this demonstration was an exciting
experience and was a time to show our progress.
Jazz on the Quad, UNC Faculty Jazz Combo
(October 2013)
Kendall Bell (’15)
The UNC Faculty Jazz Combo visited the Jazz Bands in class and
were able to provide valuable insight by means of demonstration as
well as varied strategies especially on soloing, style, and the
entertainment value of the piece. Their support during the concert
was appreciated as well.
NCAIS Honor Band (October 2013)
Esra Balkas (‘17)
Looking for an easy-going vacation and a few days off school? Probably not exactly the words I would
describe NCAIS honor band with, but hey playing music for 8 hours a day could be your paradise. Overall,
NCAIS honor band is a very enriching experience and a good way to play plenty of amazing band pieces
with a large, dedicated group of young musicians either in middle school or in high school. And “NCAIS”
you were wondering (pun “Ntended”), yes it is a lot of fun and completely worth the intense pre-concert
preparation clinic hosted by a different college each year.
Winter Band Concert (November 2013)
Aditya Surana (‘19)
During the winter band concert, the different Cary Academy bands performed songs that they had been
practicing for months beforehand. Everyone worked very hard and it was worth it because everyone sounded
great. The Winter Band concert was the first concert of the year. The Middle and Upper School Band
performed. Beginning Band (6th graders) did not perform in this concert but many of them attended to see
how Band concerts go. Everyone played amazing and I think everyone had a great time.
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All-District Band Auditions (January 2014)
Ben Lipson (’18)
Trying out for All-District Band is challenging. It takes a lot of practice beforehand to be successful. When
you arrive, you walk into a big warm-up room at a school, usually a cafeteria, gym, etc. Then, when your
number is called up, you are escorted to the audition rooms. In different rooms, you audition in different
ways. The three ways that you audition is playing most major scales on your instrument, playing a solo that
you had prepared beforehand, and sight-reading a piece of music given to you. Whether you make it or not,
the preparation can really help you improve the playing of your instrument.
All-Region Jazz Band Auditions (January 2014)
JJ Lee (’16)
The All-Region Jazz Band Auditions were difficult as usual since you're competing against some of the best
high school jazz players in the area to be part of one of the best jazz bands in the central region. In the end,
the experience and the effort put into preparation is what counts, because whether or not you made it, you
always improve preparing for the audition, even if you didn't do as well as you wanted.
MS All-District Band Clinic (February 2014)
Will Snider (’18)
All District was really cool and a great experience to learn from and have fun
in the process. All district is the district honor band that consists of a number
of very talented musicians of all different instruments. I was one of the 7
percussionist, 4 of which being in my group of snare. Over the course of one
day we put together 4 songs to a very professional and somewhat mastery
level, along with practicing 2 extra pieces. It was hours of hard work but it
paid off. It was a fun and exciting experience that took a lot of hard work to
get to, but in the end it was worth it and I’ll definitely be auditioning
throughout high school as I would advise everyone to as well… even the
audition is a learning experience.
Seussical Pit Orchestra (February 2014)
Hannah Scanlon (’17)
The Seussical Pit Orchestra was a unique opportunity to play music in a different venue. A group of
musicians met after school to rehearse the music and eventually accompany the cast. We opened up the pit
for the first time in many years and about 20 of us squeezed down there. The show took a lot of time and
dedication but in the end it came together very well and was a big hit!
HS All-District and All-State Band Clinics (February, May 2014)
Pranay Tankala ('17)
The All District Honor Band Clinic was held at the Performing Arts
Center of Asheboro High School, Asheboro, NC. I was 2nd chair of the
Wind Ensemble for 9th and 10th graders. I had a great time seeing friends
I’d made from previous band events. We had an outstanding conductor,
Mr. Phillip Riggs, the bandmaster from the NC School of Science and
Math. After an intense day of practice with an amazing symphonic band,
we performed in a recital for families, friends and members of the Central
District band community. It was a great experience from start to finish.
The All State Honor Band Clinic was held at UNC-Chapel Hill in
early May. Winners from the 6 band districts took part in the 3 day
clinic. I was 5th chair of the High School All State Honor Band. I had a
great time learning and performing wonderful, challenging musical pieces
with the band. The clinic culminated in a concert performance on Sunday,
May 4th at the Memorial Hall Auditorium, UNC Chapel Hill.
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UNCW and Virginia Tech Honor Bands
(December 2013/February 2014)
Jae Muth ('17)
The UNCW and Virginia Tech Honor Bands both involved a lot of
work, long rehearsals, and worn-out reeds, but in the end, were a lot
of fun. They tend to give you a better idea of the different music
departments at different universities, and what their strengths and
weaknesses are—the UNCW Honor Band had a bunch of interesting
music students directing people where to go, but the Virginia Tech
Woodwind Faculty were amazing both technically and artistically. If
you want to participate in honor bands, keep in mind smaller ones at
different universities—All-District and All-State aren’t the only ones!
Band Recital at Glenaire (February 2014)
Anna Cheng (’20)
You'll get to play for the residents at Glenaire. There's an awesome stage and a really big piano (depending
on your version of big and the stage is not that awesome, but whatever.) You will be able to play your piece
that you picked, and hear all the other pieces, and it's really great. :)
All-Region Jazz Band Clinic/All-State Jazz Band Auditions
(February/March 2013)
Andy Cooper (’14)
The All-Region Jazz Band Clinic was held at Panther Creek
High School this year, and featured two high school bands and
one middle school band. I had made the All-Region Jazz Band
last year, and this year the clinic was just as fun and worthwhile.
Our guest conductor was Matt Owens, a professor of Jazz
Studies at Furman University. He was an excellent teacher who
gave great tips about playing the saxophone and about playing in
a big band in general. We practiced as a group all day Friday,
and on Saturday we performed a concert. Our conductor picked
very cool music for us to play, and we sounded great.
All-State Jazz auditions were a couple of weeks after the AllRegion clinic. There were many really talented musicians from
all around the state at the auditions, and included people
auditioning for the concert band and people auditioning for the
jazz band. It was fun seeing people I had met last year at the
auditions and talking with them.
Beginning Band Trip to the Music Store (May 2014)
Cindy Li (’20)
What we are going to get to do is to see instruments such as ukulele, drums, electric guitars, and band
instruments that are better built and are more professional quality. While there, we can get all the items
needed for our instruments. We'll get to try playing and checking them out as well. It's going to be too cool!
The trip to the music store lets us see other brands and types of the same instruments and lets you get the
things you need. We'll get to play the different instruments as well. Can't wait!
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