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Time:

Wednesday
December, 14, 2016
04:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Location:

Meeting Room W179

Clinician(s)

Darcy Williams

Darcy Williams

[email protected]
Jenna Yee

Jenna Yee

[email protected]
Alex Ortega

Alex Ortega

[email protected]

Teaching Rhythm Logically

Clinic Synopsis:

The right note at the wrong time is a wrong note. While tone is king, rhythm often takes a backseat. The clinicians will present the Stiles MS method of approaching rhythm in a logical sequence, emphasizing subdivision, and in isolation. This approach has developed students who can accurately perform and understand simple and complex rhythms. It is a fun and easy way to teach kids from week one. Videos included!

Darcy Williams - Biographical Information

Darcy Williams is the head band director at Stiles Middle School. Born to parents who met in their beginner trombone class, Darcy is 100% a product of the Texas music system. Her own musical education began in her father’s band hall in Harper, Texas where she spent her afternoons learning to play any instrument she could find in the storage closet while waiting to go home. In middle school and high school, she studied flute with Mr. Paige Brooke, a 36-year former flautist with the New York Philharmonic. Darcy received her Bachelor of Music in 2004 from West Texas A&M University where she studied with Gary Garner, Don Lefevre, Russ Teweleit, and Sally Turk. Darcy is in her 12th year of teaching. She began her teaching career at Burnet Middle School in Burnet, TX where she taught for 6 years. In 2009, her band won the Texas Outstanding Performance Series. After moving to Deerpark Middle School in Austin, TX her band was selected to perform at the Western International Band Clinic (WIBC) in 2011. Most recently, Darcy and associate director Jenna Yee opened Stiles Middle School in 2012. In July 2015 they placed 3rd in the TMEA CC Honor Band Contest. In December 2015 performed at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. In addition to directing Honors Band, Darcy teaches beginner flute, double reeds, clarinet, saxophone, and trombone as well as assisting with Symphonic and Concert Bands.

Jenna Yee - Biographical Information

Jenna Yee is in her ninth year of teaching. She began her teaching career at Clint Small Middle School in Austin ISD in 2007 before joining Darcy Williams at Deerpark Middle School in Round Rock ISD in 2010. She opened Stiles Middle School with Ms. Williams in 2012. Mrs. Yee earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Horn Performance from Ithaca College, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2007. During her time at Ithaca, she performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra, studying horn with Alex Shuhan and under the baton of Stephen Peterson, Jeff Grogan, and Jeffrey Meyer. She was Vice President of Mu Phi Epsilon and was inducted into the Pi Kappa Lambda and Phi Kappa Honors Societies. She was also named the only Presser Scholar in 2006. At Stiles Middle School, Mrs. Yee conducts the Symphonic Band, and assists with the Honors Band and Concert Band. She also teaches beginning trumpet, horn, tuba, and double reeds. The Stiles Symphonic Band earns consistent Superior ratings at the UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contest, and she continues to teach and perform on horn in the Austin area. Mrs. Yee is married to her college sweetheart, Chris. They have two sons, Noah and Ashton.

Alex Ortega - Biographical Information

Alex Ortega is in his third year of teaching and second year at Stiles Middle School. Before joining Leander ISD, he began his teaching career at Bailey Middle School in Austin ISD. Mr. Ortega earned a Bachelor of Music from Texas State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2013. While at Texas State, Alex was principal percussionist of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Orchestra, studying primarily with Genaro Gonzalez. He performed at CBDNA and TMEA with the Texas State Wind Ensemble. Alex continues to perform with Cedar Park Winds and subs with the Austin Symphony Orchestra Mr. Ortega directs the Concert Band and assists with the Honors and Symphonic Bands. His bands have consistently earned superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest. He teaches beginning percussion, euphonium, and trumpet. When not in the band hall, Mr. Ortega works with area drumlines. In July 2016 Mr. Ortega will marry his fiancee Christina.

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