University of Wisconsin-Washington County Music Department

05/12/2014

I just had my final Kindergarten Concert. I had no idea that they made special lyrics to the tune, "You Are My Sunshine":

"You are my sunshine, my Fair Park sunshine,
We learned a lot and had such fun,
We want to tell you how much we liked you,
You're a shining star for Fair Park!"

and then they all shouted, "Thank you Dr. Ackley."

Luckily, we rehearsed it in the same key as they learned it

When we finished the first time, their music teacher asked us to play it again. I was a little confused, but we had lots of time, so we did. When we finished, they presented me with a card that they all signed and it had a picture of a previous concert on it. They also gave me a copy of the lyrics to the song they just sang.

After I finished saying "thank you", a little girl raised her hand and asked if she could hug me! to say that I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. Thank you again, Fair Park Elementary School!

05/01/2014

It’s been fun and my privilege to give concerts here over the last 20 years. This Sunday’s concert, my last concert here, will have three of my arrangements for band: “Venus” and Saturn” from Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” and the “Dies irae” from Verdi’s “Requiem”. Each time we’ve played these, I have gotten many very positive reactions, including “You should publish these”. I’ve chosen these arrangements because they have been very popular with the university’s band and our audience.

The Washington County Youth Orchestra will perform first, also under my direction. The WCYO will perform the “Crown Imperial March” by William Walton, “The Unanswered Question” by Charles Ives, “the Symphonic Suite from “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” by Howard Shore, and the “Suite from Video Games Live” which has music from Halo, Bounty Hunter, Civilization IV, Bounty Hunter, and Kingdom Hearts. (Yes, you could say that, every Saturday morning, the youth orchestra gets together to play video games).

You should come and hear these compositions. The good news is this: IT’S FREE. Better news?: FREE REFRESHMENTS FOLLOWING THE CONCERT!

This Sunday, May 4th (no, we’re not playing any music from Star Wars. I couldn’t get the right arrangement)
3:00pm
UWWC Theater
Bring a date

04/13/2014

Uncanny!

01/28/2014

regarding tomorrow's rehearsal.

12/24/2013

We had our last saxtet and flutetet(?) performance of the year tonight, followed by pizza and beer. Both the performances and the social afterwards were fun. I have a great group of musicians! I can't wait until rehearsals start up again. Pix to follow.

11/30/2013

One week from today: The Washington County Youth Orchestra and Moraine Symphonic Band will have our holiday/fall concert. WCYO will play Ravel's Bolero, Percy Grainger's Irish Tune from County Derry, and a medley of Christmas tunes. The MSB will play Beethoven's Leonore Overture No. 3, Rimsky-Korsakov's Dance of the Tumblers, Rimsky-Korsakov's Procession of the Nobles, and Alfred Reed's Russian Christmas Music. It WILL be a great concert!

11/07/2013

This infographic discusses the importance of learning and teaching music along with the benefits that rise from music education.

10/01/2013

I finally took the time to get our Web site back up. Check out out http://wcyo.net .

09/29/2013

We had a fun and weird rehearsal this morning. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

09/19/2013

http://wichitasymphony.org/are-you-prepared/

This video has been produced to help prepare you for your concert-going experience. The activities included have been approved by the Maestro, but we recommend exercising caution as you attempt some of the more advanced maneuvers. We'd also ask that you please share this website and video with your…

09/13/2013

It is not too late to sign up for any of our music ensembles! We do have a variety from which to choose:
• MUS 070 Washington County Youth Orchestra. 1 credit. This is a full orchestra (strings plus woodwinds, brass, and percussion). We will be rehearsing Ravel’s “Bolero”, among other compositions. If you play a string instrument, you are welcome to audition for this group. We rehearse every Saturday morning, except the Saturday after Thanksgiving, from 9:30 to 11:30.
• MUS 071 Moraine Symphonic Band. 1 or 2 credits. This is a symphonic band/wind ensemble. No audition is required, but it would be advisable that you are comfortable playing somewhat difficult music. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:30, but we often get finished a little earlier.
• MUS 072 Moraine Chorus. 1 credit. This is a full chorus. Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30.
• MUS 074 Jazz Ensemble. 1 credit. This is a small combo style jazz group. If you want to strengthen your improvising chops, this is it. Meeting time will be determined later.

Again, it’s not too late to sign up, but the deadline is coming soon: Monday, September 16.
Playing in a music ensemble is a challenging, yet very rewarding experience. Studies have shown that musicians do better in school when they also have a music ensemble to play in.
If you are interested in participating, just reply to this e-mail and we can get the appropriate add number to you.

05/06/2013

The Washington County Youth Orchestra and the Moraine Symphonic Band had a great combined concert yesterday! I am always amazed, but not really surprised, by how well each person steps up. The music we played was difficult. I can go on and on about the quality of the musicians, but I won't. Great job!

MSB:
* Dies irae from Verdi Requiem (arranged by me)
* Ride of the Valkyries - Wagner
* Gotterdammerung suite - Wagner (with arrangements from Winterbottom, Whear, Moses-Tobani, and me)

WCYO:
* Also Sprach Zarathusatra (introduction) - R. Strauss (transcribed by me)
* Suite from Tannhauser (Pilgrim's March, Evening Song, and March. Arranged by Merle Isaac and me)
* Caro nome from Verdi's Rigoletto (Deanna Gibeau, soprano)
* Die Meistersinger overture - Wagner