Music Program Changing

Community High Teachers Andrews (Left), And Brown

Music Program Changing

TUESDAY FEB 25 1974

Under the direction of musicians Dwight Andrews and Marcellus Brown, small ensembles, rather than a large Community High School band, will be the focus of the school’s instrumental music program this semester.

Andrews and Brown, both 22, are graduate students in the U-M School of Music and members of “Ars Nova,” a jazz group.

The two, who are hoping to complete their masters degrees in instrumental performance by the end of the summer, each teach half-time at Community. They replace the late Suzanne Tyra, performing arts teacher, who died Dec. 21.

“We’re trying to build the instrumental program around the needs of the school,” Andrews said during a recent interview in the school’s music and practice room.

During the interview students plunked out tunes on the piano, another played a dulcimer and others came to talk about music.

‘“It’s not the most mind resting atmosphere,” Andrews admitted.

Included in the school’s music program this semester are classes in music theory, beginning piano, pop and Afro-American music and small ensembles.

Several contemporary rock ensembles have been organized and the teachers are trying to start a chamber music group if they can find the musicians.

The teachers have already begun to write music for ensembles with a predominance of guitars or drums, instruments most commonly played at Community.

The ensembles will provide Community with its own groups to give concerts, Brown said.

About 40 students are enrolled in some part of the music program. Brown and Andrews stress working with class groups rather than independent study because students come in contact with the teachers more often in the class structure.

One problem with independent study is if the student develops a bad habit, he may practice it for a week before it is discovered, Brown said.

Music theory and ear training are important parts of the program, according to Andrews. Many students can play profusely but they can’t hear properly because they haven’t been trained, he says.

In the group Ars Nova, Andrews plays saxophone, alto, tenor and soprano, as well as the flute.. Brown plays trumpet and flugelhorn in the group. However, both have bachelors degrees in music education from the U-M and can teach any instrument.

Both have played with the U-M Marching Band and they both play in the U-M symphony and Jazz bands. In December Brown played a trumpet solo with the U-M wind ensemble.

Brown is also teaching a black music appreciation course at Huron High School for mostly non-music majors.