Bloomington High School North, Nikean, 2010, Page 21

Description:	.M?--jlccording to Norths curricu-I lum guide, Symphonic Bandis only for grades 10 through12, but the band classes_ hold try-outs for underclassmen to take the class. Bydoing this, it allows students*/ to be placed into a classbased on their personal playing ability.This was freshman Matthew Munroes ticketinto Symphonic Band.During January of Munroes eighth grade yearhe had his tryout. Munroe stated that he wasnervous the day of his tryouts and that he toldhimself, Youll probably be in Wind Ensembleand thats ok.After playing a song that he had prepared for acompetition, one movement of a sonata, Munroes thoughts changed.After playing my solo, Ms. Stockhouse told methat she wanted me to be in Symphonic Bandand to learn how to play the bassoon from firstbassoon, Adam Nichols, Munroe said.Not only did Munroe make Symphonic Band,the highest level of Concert band, but he alsomade Jazz III, or Intermediate Jazz Band. InJazz III, Munroe plays the saxophone, which hehas been playing for five years.In Symphonic Band, Munroe plays the bassoon,which he has only played for a year and a half.Ive played the bassoon since the end of seventh grade, Munroe said.Munroe thinks that playing the bassoon is funand challenging. He said that playing the bassoon really makes him concentrate and thinkabout what notes he is playing.Im often tired because it takes a lot of work toget a good sound, Munroe said.There are two musical pieces that stand out toMunroe. Those pieces are Yiddish Dances andBlue Shades.The way they sound is just really cool, Munroe said.He is the only freshman in Symphonic Band.Munroe said he doesnt feel weird or like heshouldnt be in there. It helps that the group justplays music most of the time, and he doesnt feelout of place.I think I fit in pretty well in terms of playingability, Munroe said.Even though Munroe isnt able to practice asoften as he would like to, he said that when hedoes practice, he practices for an hour to anhour and a half.Munroe said his favorite part of performing isplaying the different pieces.I normally only play my favorite pieces.While playing solos and ensembles, Munroeused to become very nervous but he has sincegotten better at that.I like music. Its a lot of fun, Munroe said. It isjust something I really like to do.Bii Ghnstareshmanewunroe
Source:	http://cdm17129.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/hs-bloomnorth/id/6243
Collection:	Bloomington High School North

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