Bandstand S2E3: Dr. Frank Zimmerer and Antioch High's invitation to 2025 FestiBand!

DONATE HERE Summary The episode features an interview with Dr. Frank Zimmerer, the director of bands at Antioch High School, who discusses the band's upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic for the 2025 FestiBand! International Band Festival. The trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the students to collaborate with student musicians and experience the vibrant musical culture of the Dominican Republic. Dr. Zimmerer also talks about the challenges of funding the trip and the importance of speaking Spanish in connecting with the students and their families. The episode ends with a call for donations to support the band's trip. The conversation covers various topics related to the band program at Antioch High School, including the diverse student population, the different ensembles, the schedule changes, and the community involvement. The second part of the conversation focuses on jazz education and the importance of listening to jazz music, experimenting with improvisation, and supporting every student. The conversation ends with a discussion on the role of educators in creating pathways for students to become lovers and supporters of the arts. Keywords Antioch High School, FestiBand Festival, Dominican Republic, collaboration, musical culture, funding, Spanish, donations, band program, Antioch High School, diverse student population, ensembles, schedule changes, community involvement, jazz education, listening to jazz music, improvisation, supporting students, pathways for students, lovers of the arts Takeaways Antioch High School's band is preparing for a trip to the Dominican Republic for the Festi Band Festival, where they will collaborate with student musicians and experience the vibrant musical culture of the country. The band is facing challenges in funding the trip and is seeking donations to make it possible. Speaking Spanish is important for connecting with the students and their families, many of whom are English language learners. The band program at AHS is providing life-changing experiences for students and is helping them explore their cultural roots through music. AHS has a diverse student population, with students from various countries and backgrounds. The band program at AHS consists of three ensembles: a freshman band, a symphonic band, and a wind ensemble. The recent schedule change allows for more band practice time, which is beneficial for students who may not have the opportunity to practice at home. The band program at AHS is supported by a team of dedicated directors and administrators. Jazz education is important for all music educators, as jazz is the foundation of American music. Listening to jazz music and experimenting with improvisation can help students become more comfortable with jazz. Educators should support every student and create opportunities for them to explore and participate in music. Community involvement and exposure to different types of music can help create a love and appreciation for the arts. Teaching in an urban area or Title One school should not be feared, as students are students regardless of their background or circumstances. Titles Supporting Antioch High School Band's Trip: Donate Today Antioch High School Band's Journey to the Dominican Republic Supporting Every Student The Importance of Jazz Education Sound Bites "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate with student musicians and share in a vibrant musical culture." "We are title one and we do have, for lack of better terms, nothing. We remain optimistic." "Speaking Spanish is important and it means a lot to the students and their parents." "We have about 160 total people, total students in the band program. We have three feeder middle schools. All those middle schools are Singleton directors." "Don't judge a book by its cover. That's for sure." "If you talk about jazz, if you make it known, if you involve your kids with that, you may open up a can of worms for a kid to do it themselves."