LINDBERGH HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

The jazz program in the Lindbergh School District has flourished over the last fifteen years. Consisting of five jazz bands from middle school through high school, jazz is very accessible to any student that is interested in participating. Currently, approximately eighty students are enrolled in the middle school jazz program and seventy students in the high school program. The majority of jazz students begin their jazz training the summer before seventh grade in the Summer Band Program. In the summer jazz band, students learn swing, latin and rock styles. The rhythm section rehearses independently from the wind players, and learn to play together as a unit. Seventh and eighth grade students are also eligible to enroll in a separate improvisation and theory class. This class is separated into three sections according to experience. Summer Band is a four week program that meets daily for one-and-a-half hours per session. During the last week, students perform in combos and full jazz band at the Summer Band Concert. Once the school year commences, at the middle school level the eighty piece Truman/Sperreng Jazz Band begins rehearsing in October one morning a week at Sperreng Middle School. Truman students are shuttled to their school prior to the start of school. The Jazz Band performs at the Winter and Spring concerts. Members of the Jazz Band are eligible to audition for the Jazz Ensemble. The Jazz Ensemble rehearses two mornings a week, and hold sectionals other mornings. This band competes at festivals throughout the midwest and performs at district and community events. Lindbergh High School offers three jazz bands- Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab and Jazz Band. The Jazz Ensemble and meets fifth period daily while the Jazz Lab and Jazz Band meet at “zero hour,” 6:40 a.m. Students receive academic credit for Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab. All bands are created through an audition process that encourages participation regardless of the students’ experience in this genre. Jazz Ensemble auditions take place in February while Jazz Lab/Band auditions are held in September. With a comprehensive study of styles and history, all bands have the opportunity to participate in festivals, concerts and the creation of combos. Recent highlights of the Lindbergh Jazz Ensemble include performances at the 2007 and 2011 Missouri Music Educators Association Conferences as well as the 2009 National School Board Association Conference in San Diego, for an audience exceeding 8000 educators and administrators from around the country. The band was also selected to perform at the Tournament of Roses Director’s Breakfast in December 2010.

LINDBERGH HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Conductor's Bio

David Wyss is the Director of Bands at Lindbergh High School. He began his teaching career as an assistant director at Pattonville High School in 2001. A graduate of St. Charles West High School, Mr. Wyss was a student of Bob Spiegleman, Jeff Fuchs, and Terry Martinez as well as Ken Drury at Jefferson Middle School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2000 and his Master’s degree from Southwest Baptist University in 2009. The Lindbergh Band Program has a tradition of excellence dating all the way back to the 1970's under the direction of Lowell Bruner when they were known mainly for their outstanding symphonic program. In 1993, Bob Spiegelman began his 18 years as Director of Bands at LHS, where he catapulted the program into a balanced band program known for excellence in symphonic, jazz and marching band as well as attracting a large number of students to participate in band. Wyss started teaching in 2001 and came to LHS in 2006 mainly due to the appeal of teaching with his high school band director (Bob) and his brother, Brian, who is the Middle School Director of Bands. Bob became sick with cancer and passed away in March 2011. Wyss took over as Director of Bands following Bob’s passing and is currently in his fourth year in that role. The Lindbergh Band Program continues to thrive due to the tireless effort, talent and care of a very dedicated staff- Brian Wyss, Dan Arana, Jeremy McMahon, Chelsea Silvermintz, Tim Linsenbardt, Alec Patton, Jamie Hutson, Sheryl Silverberg. At Lindbergh, Mr. Wyss directs the Symphonic Band, the “Spirit of St. Louis” Marching Band, and the Jazz Ensemble. Additionally, he assists with the Freshman Band and three sections of middle school band. Mr. Wyss is a member of NAfME, MMEA, MOAJE, MBA and NEA. He is very grateful for the love and support of his family. He resides in Fenton with his wife, Molly, and daughters, Emma and Avery.