Looking back to the inaugural Bands Festival (March, 2006)

   Our Band Directors, Jeff DuPertuis and Clyde Quick, conceived, designed and executed an outstanding music festival for Davis Junior High Bands.  The inaugural event was held at the DHS Instructional Performing Arts Building (IPAB).  Eight bands from Holmes, Emerson and Harper Junior High schools were given 30 minutes to warm-up and one hour on stage.   Each group played three rehearsed music selections and "site-read" one new selection.  Two judges then provided immediate feedback to the musicians with their constructive reviews.  The judges also served as guest conductors for each band and provided additional musical guidance.  The students also had the opportunity to listen and to critique the performances of other bands.  Finally, the students took part in short instrument clinics given by numerous local music teachers. 

    By all accounts, the Bands Festival was deemed a huge success.  Both band directors saw marked improvement in the students' enthusiasm and musicality when they returned to class the following Monday.  Mr. Quick also noted that it was "a joy to see everyone enjoying music together for a day and learning in the process".  It truly was a wonderful day of music.

    This event would not have been possible without the tremendous level of support from band parents.  The three Band Boosters organizations from Holmes, Emerson and Harper worked together to fund, organize, and host the day-long event.  With the help of 37 Harper parent volunteers and many more from the rest of the Davis School District (roughly 90 volunteers in total), instruments were transported and moved into place, signs were prepared and posted, snack food and lunch items were made available on site, and chairs and music stands were rearranged throughout the day to suit each performance group. 

Looking back to the 2nd Annual Davis Spring Music Festival (Saturday, March 24th, 2007):

    On Saturday, March 24th, 2007, seven Jr. High Bands and five orchestras from Davis and Napa participated in the day-long adjudicated music festival at the DHS Instructional Performing Arts Building (bands) and the Veteran's Memorial Theater (orchestras).  Each group had 30 minutes to warm up, 50 minutes on stage, and performed three rehearsed selections and one new piece in a sight-reading exercise.  Judges provided immediate feedback and constructive remarks.  This Festival format was created by Band Directors Jeff DuPertuis and Clyde Quick and is far superior to other music festivals. We enjoyed another impressive day of performances and our student musicians enjoyed an enriching educational experience.  In 2007, 45 Harper parents and an additional 70 parents from Holmes and Emerson graciously volunteered their time to help host this event.

    The three Band Boosters organizations divided the tasks into categories and organized their volunteers to work in shifts (In both 2006 and 2007, Harper Parents managed the 'Facilities' tasks and worked shifts of 1-2 hours each):

• Facilities:  set-up, tear-down, preparation of signage, flyers and Festival schedules.
• Food:  Lunch, drinks, and snacks made available for purchase
• Monitors:  door monitors, check-in, host judges, and general information (helping people know where they should be)

Looking ahead to the 3rd Annual Davis Spring Music Festival (Saturday, April 12th, 2008):

    Planning for the Spring 2008 event will begin in winter of the 2007-08 school year.  Your participation is certainly welcome and much needed in the planning stages or on the day of the event.  Let us know you're interested and contact us.  Get involved in the Music Festival - it's a pleasant and rewarding experience for all.