Students at IMS performed a band concert on May 20th at JFK high school. These concerts are performed every year and are always at this high school. Two 8th graders had some insight on band from their past experiences.
Sai Sharan Nendranbakam, a bass clarinet player, was the first student interviewed. He says that is the instrument he chose because of its ability to play low notes, and because he was strong enough to actually carry it around. Trumpet or flute were othe options at the start, but he opted for the clarinet.
Mr V. Is the band teacher at IMS, and 8th graders will not get another chance to perform with him again. Nendranbakam said he will miss Mr. V. very much and that he has taught him many things about life. Every 8th grade band member is sad to have to leave the IMS band.
Preparation is very easy for him for concerts. He said that he finds the material very simple. He never was nervous on or off the stage. Concerts and performances have always been simple for him.
“When you’re practicing with your instrument you always start off slow. You’re never going to get far if you just put it at 120 tempo and expect to play perfectly,” Nendranbakam said. He thinks that the best instrument for newcoming band members is saxophone because it is easy to learn.
Angel Jigashi was another 8th grader interviewed. He played both alto and baritone saxophone. George Michael’s song Careless Whisper was his original inspiration to start playing.. Jigashi is already in the JFK band and he currently does marching band. He plays the keyboard marimba for the band.
Mr. V. is a huge part in these students’ lives and learning. Mr. V. helped these kids from knowing almost nothing about band to performing in front of entire audiences of families and peers in the auditorium of JFKMHS. Since students are in 8th grade now they will be leaving Mr. V. behind. Jigashi stated that it was “bittersweet” to leave Mr.V.
“Sometimes it may feel like you don’t need to practice but you need to keep consistent with your practice always,” Jigashi said. He went on to say, “If you stay focused you will rise to the top of the ranks by the end of the year”.
For any band newcomers, you must practice and be consistent. This is what will allow you to become the best musician you can be. Jigashi added that more people should join the marching band.
He and some of his friends played a piece from Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It went well, besides some minor imperfections. It was slightly challenging for the group to keep tempo and hit all the notes, but otherwise, there were no problems.
