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Metropolitan Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble
The Metropolitan Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble (MAYWE) was formed in 2003 to provide an outstanding wind band performance opportunity for talented young musicians in the greater Atlanta area. Now in its fifth year, the program has expanded to include a jazz ensemble, percussion ensemble, and bassoon choir. The MAYWE program enjoys a close affiliation with the Georgia State University School of Music who provides rehearsal and performance space and other support for the groups. Each MAYWE ensemble is conducted by a member of the Georgia State University School of Music artist faculty.
The MAYWE Wind Ensemble is comprised of 75 outstanding instrumentalists from more than 50 schools and 12 counties in the greater Atlanta area. Musicians travel from as far as 50 miles to participate. The ensemble presents three to four public concerts each season.
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West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South Symphonic Band
The High School South Symphonic Band is comprised of students in grades 9-12 who choose band as one of the many electives offered to students. They attend hour-long rehearsals four times per week during the school day and they receive academic credit for their efforts. Students also receive group music lessons once per week and have an opportunity to develop their talents while focusing on the unique aspects of their own instruments. The band performing for you this evening is a combined band, consisting of student musicians from the three distinct concert bands at South.
Concert bands at South have been recognized for musical excellence, and many individual players have participated in Regional, All-State, and All Eastern honors bands. This past year, 19 student musicians from South bands auditioned and participated in one or more of the NJMEA (New Jersey Music Educators Association) honors bands.
Band is a lifestyle for many students (and staff) at South, and in addition to concert bands, students can also choose to participate in a variety of musical activities, including two jazz ensembles, percussion ensemble, winter color guard, pit musical orchestra, symphony orchestra, or marching band. The "Pirate" Marching Band, an all-volunteer Group II Open USSBA (United States Scholastic Band Association) band, is the recipient of numerous accolades, including most recently the 2007 USSBA Group II Open New Jersey State Championship.
The South band directors are indebted to the many fine music teachers in our district, nurturing and encouraging our students who begin music lessons in the 5th grade. And we thank our administrations and Board of Education, who continue to support music as a vital component of our education program. We are also very grateful for the considerable efforts of our band parents and Boosters, who offer support and encouragement in school and in our school communities. And finally, we appreciate and respect the efforts of our students. We ask you to work hard to discover your as yet unknown potential. We ask you all to contribute to something greater than yourselves in order to bring music to others. We ask you to freely, without reservation, express the many emotions and messages of music with passion and joy. You have grown into fine young ladies and gentlemen who have come together through music. We are very proud of you and proud to be with you as fellow musicians! Bravo!
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Robert J. Ambrose
Founder and Music Director
Metropolitan Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble
I want to thank you for providing the wonderful opportunity for MAYWE to perform in Carnegie Hall last month. I know that the experience of performing in this world-class venue is something that will stay with these young musicians for the rest of their lives. I especially appreciated the individual touches that you provided and your willingness to speak with me directly when needed. That type of personal attention I see less and less these days.
If future travel brings us to New York, we will, of course, call on you again.
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ACFEA Tour Consultants is the