Friday February 26 and Saturday February 27, 2010
Nut Tree Airport - 301 County Airport Road - COPART Hangar
Ticket Info:
Adults - $30
Under 18 - $20
Veterans, Active Military, and Seniors - $20
Dinner Catered by: Chef To Go Catering
Meal includes: Chicken, Tri-Tip, Herb Rissoto
vegetable medley, salad, bread
cake and beverage
Background Information:
The music department at Willis Jepson Middle School serves about one
quarter of the school’s population, with over 180 students in the
program. It includes three bands and two orchestras comprised of many
students who began their musical experience at the elementary level.
The Jepson music teachers provide an enthusiastic introduction to music
to 5th and 6th graders at the north side elementary schools. This
program provides the beginning base for students to learn the mechanics
and techniques of their instruments. Elementary classes are large, and
only offered twice a week, so there are a limited number of instruments
that can be taught: flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, and
cello. This continuity of teaching provides students with at least one
familiar face when they transition to middle school.
At Jepson, our musicians are given the chance to spread their wings.
Secondary instruments, such as oboe, bassoon, saxophone, French
horn, baritone, tuba, and string bass are made available to the students.
Much of the music budget goes into acquiring and maintaining these
essential “color” instruments that make the Jepson groups sound so rich
and full. Students are also able to audition for two jazz bands and any
number of small ensembles. It’s a wonderful place for them to grow as
musicians, with the caring, professional support of the music staff.
Patty Phillips, Department Chair and woodwind specialist, runs the Wind
Ensemble, Jepson’s premier band of eighth graders. In addition to the
performances attended by all Jepson’s music groups, the Wind Ensemble
does a December performance with the North side’s sixth grade band
students, performs at the USO show, and takes a “tour” each spring to
several area elementary schools for an exciting concert which entices the
younger students to join the music program.
Mrs. Phillips conducts the seventh grade Concert Band and Symphonic
Band. John Phillips conducts the two string classes: seventh grade
Beginning Orchestra and the eighth grade Advanced Orchestra.
Students will perform several times through the year, including the
Winter Showcase (December), the Spring Concert (April), the Fiesta Days
Parade (May) and the end-of-year Patio Concert (May)
Our annual USO-style dinner show (February) is the department’s
biggest fundraiser of the year. Money raised through this much-
anticipated event is used to fund the jazz program (it is not supported by
the school district), purchase new instruments and new music, pay for
busses for the Wind Ensemble tour, and provide other needed supplies
for the students. Although the jazz groups and Wind Ensemble are
highlighted during this program, all students in the music department are
encouraged to be involved as performers, tech support, or as food
servers. In addition to enhancing their performing skills on their chosen
instruments, students learn about the era of World War II, acquire new
skills in public speaking and performing, and get a glimpse of all the
intricacies of creating an entertaining show for a paying audience. When
this show was originally conceived seven years ago, the teachers wanted
for the students to appreciate and honor the people who have given their
time and their lives to keep us all free. This continues to be a mainstay
of the philosophy for putting on this show.
For the seventh year, Jepson Middle School will present their USO-style
dinner show and fundraiser on Friday February 26 and Saturday February
27, 2010.
The USO-style dinner show involves approximately 100 middle school
students who perform music, skits, and monologues related to the 1940s
and the USO programs. Throughout the evening, students perform their
acts while guests enjoy a catered meal served by students. A dance floor
is available for guests to dance to great music like “In the Mood’, “Sing
Sing Sing’ and “Fly Me To The Moon”. It is a lively evening full of
entertainment, history and joy exuded by many veterans who attend this
special event. Past memories are shared and new memories are made. It
is a chance for young people to share in a piece of important history as
well as honor those who have served and protected our country.
This year the USO style dinner show will take place in the COPART
Hangar at the Nut Tree Airport. Guests will be dining with a view of not
only a wonderfully entertaining 1940’s style show, but also a 1943
Consolidated Vultee BT-13B military aircraft, straight out of World War II
(owner Duncan Miller).
The Jepson USO-Style Dinner Show provides students with opportunities
for growth as performers and is chock-full of music, humor, and
moments that will touch your heart. It is the department’s biggest
fundraiser of the year, funding instrument purchase and repair, the
purchase of new music, and making it possible for students to study jazz
techniques and go on field trips.
For more information, to make a donation, or to purchase tickets, please
contact Janet Dosker, Jepson Music Boosters President, at 707-330-7130
or jdosker@vacavilleusd.org.
| ----------------------------------------Todd Productions---------------------------------------- |
| Willis Jepson Middle School Music Department Annual USO Style Dinner Show |