Straight from the Source: A look at the Glenbrook North band program from those who know it best
Editor's note: We asked Glenbrook North band co-directors Alex Baxmeyer and Dan Briggs to help us kick off a new-to-us feature - co-opted from our parent publication, the Daily Herald - called Straight from the Source. The occasional series gives a behind-the-scenes look at interesting people, places, organizations and situations from the best place possible: A firsthand account. Baxmeyer and Briggs not only graciously agreed to participate, they also enlisted the help of band members and a parent to talk about their experiences as part of the musical family. If you have any suggestions for a future Straight from the Source feature, email mshamie@dailyherald.com.
Zoe Lallas (Freshman flute player) and Nora Skiest (Sophomore flute player)
If we had to describe marching band in one word, it would be "home." As a freshman and sophomore who had never participated in marching band before, over the course of about three months, we were able to find our place in a community. We met through marching band at the end of August. Now, five months later, we are best friends and we have marching band to thank for that. While marching band is a commitment, it is a great learning experience where students get to meet lots of cool people (including us!) and get to have a lot of fun. The season starts with one week of band camp to learn music and marching fundamentals while getting closer with peers. Then throughout the rest of the season, we perform in competitions, at football games, and even march through the hallways. Marching band makes the transition to a new school so much easier and provides opportunities to encounter so many wonderful people.
Caroline Gau (Band parent, Band Parent Organization President)
We have been a dedicated band family, with all three boys having been involved in the program that has weathered challenges over recent years. What we love about band is the sense of community and pride the students demonstrate. They learn time management by juggling lessons, performances and a year-round schedule. Close friends have come from band who are kind, strong, and creative students who model leadership among their peers. What I have seen recently from the band directors is energy and support that filters down to all the ensembles, making a welcoming place to call home. Many days you will see kids hanging out in the band room during lunch in a safe, fun environment. When we moved to Northbrook in first grade, music had always been important to our family. We were pleasantly surprised that we landed in a band program that is award-winning with administrative support that we don't take for granted. We are grateful to the district for continuing to prioritize fine arts in Northbrook!
Jacob Radzienda (Senior flute player)
Transitioning into high school can be a difficult process, and being in band made my experience positive. Meeting good people, having a goal that everyone works toward, and having a place in the school where students feel they belong are just some of the great parts of sticking with band through high school. The band directors at GBN are astounding, and have been my home base of people I can go to. The other students in the band are all amazing people I can connect with and relate to. Band has provided an exceptional high school experience filled with achievement, friends, and fun.
Hayden Leven (Freshman trumpet player)
Jazz has always been a passion of mine. My grandfather introduced me to jazz by playing it whenever I was in the car. Even today, many years later, I listen to the same songs. In sixth grade, I was given the opportunity to join a jazz band and I immediately said yes. I progressed through my years playing trumpet and realized how much I love jazz. When I started at GBN, jazz band was something I immediately knew I was doing. Over the summer before my freshman year, I was worried because I had a ton of classes. However, not only is jazz in the morning but if band members want to join jazz, Mrs. Baxmeyer and Mr. Briggs will make it happen. Even with the many different opportunities that GBN provides, jazz was something that was automatic for me. Songs that I used to listen to have now become songs that I warm up with and play all the time. In comparison with concert band, jazz gives me more freedom to play around with the music and decide my own dynamics and style. GBN jazz gives me the chance to be independent and the opportunity to produce music that I love to listen to.
Co-Directors Alex Baxmeyer and Dan Briggs
When walking outside the band room at Glenbrook North High School, one can always hear myriad sounds: individuals practicing, full band rehearsals, or even just the sound of laughter as students enjoy spending time with each other. The band program at GBN is a vibrant group of diverse students involved in all aspects of their school and community. Being a member of the band provides students an opportunity to work on improving their musical skills while also bringing fun and joy not only to the performers themselves but also spreading that joy through the school and into the community of Northbrook.
Comprising four concert bands, two jazz bands, an extracurricular marching band, and an extracurricular pep band, the Glenbrook North Band program provides an opportunity for all students to find a place to belong. The program is led by its two directors, affectionately known as "B & B." The Freshmen Band allows the incoming ninth graders the chance to get to know students from other middle schools while continuing to develop foundational skills on their instruments.
After freshman year, students have the option to audition for either Wind Ensemble or Wind Symphony, or play in the non-audition Symphonic Band. The Wind Ensemble is the capstone instrumental group that students can participate in at GBN and traditionally performs at five concerts throughout the year. The ensemble plays college-level literature, and the pinnacle concert in the spring includes soloists selected to perform concertos. The Wind Symphony is the second auditioned ensemble which plays advanced high school literature and is a new addition to the GBN Band program this school year. Finally, the Symphonic Band performs literature appropriate for high school students and is a fantastic place for students to continue developing their skills. Each band gives the students an opportunity to be challenged yet successful and collaborate with peers who are at a similar level.
The GBN jazz program is split into two ensembles: Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab. Any student in the band program can elect to participate in this early bird rehearsal. The two ensembles run concurrently four days a week and on Fridays, students have an opportunity to participate in student-led jazz combos.
Students who are greener on their instruments, have never played jazz, or who are playing a second instrument typically perform in the Jazz Lab. In this group, students explore a variety of musical styles and develop their confidence as soloists.
In the Jazz Ensemble, students are expected to have a higher level of confidence as a soloist and a stronger reading ability as the literature is more challenging. Students are encouraged to audition for ILMEA District 7 Jazz in addition to the four concerts that the two jazz bands perform throughout the year. In the winter, the Jazz Lab wears ugly holiday sweaters and performs in the lobby before school begins. The Jazz Ensemble performs on the Holiday Assembly and in the lunchroom right before winter break, while facilitating Holiday Karaoke and other fun activities for the students of GBN.
Finally, the marching band, which includes the color guard, is an extracurricular opportunity for students to rehearse and perform in a high stakes environment throughout the summer and fall. Students are encouraged to join weekly rehearsals in June and July to begin learning the music for the field show. In August, the marching band attends a mandatory band camp, where all foundational skills are taught. At the end of the week, the students are able to perform most, if not all of the year's show. Additionally, the band participates in high energy team building activities directed by student leadership as well as fun activities in the evenings.
Throughout the season, the band rehearses twice a week and performs at all home football games. Additionally, the band attends three competitions throughout the state of Illinois, regularly placing at the top of their class. While not competing or performing at home football games, the GBN Marching Band has performed at local nursing homes to support Northbrook and its residents.
The color guard is its own separate entity. Any student at GBN can participate in the color guard; they do not have to be in the band program. However, they work directly with the winds, brass, and percussion in the marching band during the football and competition season to provide an additional visual enhancement to the performances through their use of flags, additional equipment, and dance. After the season concludes, they develop a performance for the annual Variety Show, followed by the Spring Assembly.
When the marching band season concludes, the students have an opportunity to perform in the GBN Pep Band. Similar to the marching band, any student in the band program can participate in the extracurricular pep band. Students play for a number of men's and women's basketball games and have performed at men's Northwestern basketball games. They've even been featured on ESPN and ESPNU for these events!
The variety of opportunities within the GBN Band program equips students with experiences that transform the way they learn and interact with others in addition to providing an interdisciplinary education. Band uniquely prepares students to enter the collegiate world as well-rounded learners. It provides an experience that encompasses critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and opportunities that surpass the walls of the classroom. The GBN Band program gives students an opportunity to improve their skills as musicians, learn a variety of musical styles, grow as a person, develop as a leader, collaborate with their peers, and find a home within the walls of Glenbrook North High School.
• Mrs. Baxmeyer is native to Illinois and studied at St. Olaf College and VanderCook College of Music. This is her 10th year of teaching and her third year at Glenbrook North. Flute is her principal instrument, despite begging her mom to play trumpet at age 9. She lives in Northbrook with her husband and their cockapoo, Tucker. In 2012, she ran Grandma's Marathon in Duluth and is proud to be half-Canadian.
• Mr. Briggs hails from the great state of Maryland and moved to Illinois in 2012. He has been teaching for 18 years and is completing his fourth year at Glenbrook North. Mr. Briggs is a brass guy, with primary instruments of trumpet and trombone. He lives in Downers Grove with his wife and his three children, Maria, Peter and Tommy. In his free time, Mr. Briggs enjoys kicking back and relaxing to EDM music with a nice drink of coffee mixed with Red Bull.