SJBODA News

Rowan University’s Concert Band

Over the past decade, the Rowan University Concert Band has established itself as one of the premiere bands in the South Jersey area. Comprised primarily of University music majors, the ensemble also boasts non-majors, former music educators, community members, and high school-aged students. The Concert Band at Rowan University performs four concerts each year, representing the very best music of the wind band repertoire. For more information about joining the Rowan University Concert Band, please contact Vincent Du Beau, Director of the Concert Band, at dubeau@rowan.edu.

Please note: New this year, in conjunction with the Rowan University Community Music School (Rowan Prep), anyone interested in performing with the Rowan University Concert Band that is not a registered university student must register with Rowan Prep for a fee. For information about Rowan Prep, please contact Regina Di Medio Marrazza at dimedio@rowan.edu.

Rowan Prep (Rowan University Community Music School)

Rowan Prep was launched in the fall of 2010 and they offer private music lessons and chamber music instruction for students of all ages. If you are interested please check out the website at www.rowan.edu/colleges/fpa/rowanprep/.

Bugles Across America

"All gave some. Some gave all." This is the description of our military veterans. There are over 1000 military funerals each day nation wide. With approximately 500 buglers in the military, there is a great need to "fill in the gaps" to help fulfill the bill passed by Congress that every veteran shall have "Taps" played at their funeral. When a bugler is not present, a CD is played in the absence of a bugler. Many feel that's not good enough, and a "live" rendition of "Taps" is more appropriate. What a great service a student can make to honor a veteran and their family. Join Bugles Across America and use your musical ability to honor a veteran and their family. Bugle, trumpet, or cornet are the instuments of choice for these missions, however, if there are multiple instrumentalists, then trombone, baritone, or tuba can be played in an "echo" style with the bugle, trumpet, or cornet. If your students want to know how they can "Make a difference," this is it! Check out their website at www.buglesacrossamerica.org to join for free.

Rowan Youth Orchestra was first created in 1984, the Rowan University Youth Orchestra (RYO) is sponsored by the University's College of Performing Arts. Our purpose is to provide an opportunity for exceptional young musicians to expand their horizons and perform a musical repertoire beyond what is often found within their school environment.

RYO is a full orchestra including all the major string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Orchestra members come from middle schools and high schools throughout New Jersey's Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, and Salem counties.

Each year, the orchestra schedules at least two concerts at Rowan University's concert hall to showcase its musicians' talents. There are also opportunities to travel outside the local area and perform for other audiences. Auditions are held each September and January following the Region III Band and Orchestra guidelines.

E. Warren Gardner has been the conductor and music director of RYO since 1993. A 1975 graduate of Glassboro State College (now Rowan University), Mr. Gardner is employed by the Pennsville, NJ School District as Supervisor of Related Arts. Mr. Gardner holds a Masters Degree from Beaver College, (now Arcadia University), Glenside, PA. He has held positions as the Assistant String Coordinator of the Region III Orchestra (Southern NJ) and regional representative (Procedures Committee) of the NJ All-State Orchestra. He spent seven years as the Librarian for the NJ All-State Orchestra. Warren and Linda, his wife of 33 years have three children – Jennifer, Daniel and Andrew. They all reside in Glassboro, NJ. For more information and audition requirements for RYO, contact Mr. Gardner at 856-881-8273, maestrogardner@yahoo.com or visit the RYO website: www.rowanyouthorchestra.com.