Spring Swing – a fundraiser by the NU Jazz Band on May 7 – YubaNet

Nevada Union’s new band manager, Tim Newkirk, aims to energize the program offerings and inspire kids to fall in love with music.

“Music gives kids a way to explore their creative side and feel like they’ve done something artistic after a long day of homework, studying and physical education,” he said. he stated excitedly.

Since Newkirk took over the prestigious instrumental music program last August after longtime principal Ken Carter retired at the end of the 20-21 school year, he has conducted two stellar concerts and overseen Pep rallies. Band to motivate NU football and basketball fans and players. Games.

He likes to incorporate the competitive element into the experience and has led the kids in a slew of weekend competitions against other Northern California high schools for Fall Marching Band, Winter Percussion and Drum Major.

The award-winning jazz and symphonic bands recently traveled to Disneyland to participate in the World Strides Heritage Festival where they were awarded silver. Senior drummer Josiah Haines was recognized at the awards ceremony as a soloist.

“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Newkirk admitted. “I love all the community support and the fact that kids can see what it’s like to perform in a real dance hall.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. Jitterbug Inc dance classes begin at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served and a silent auction will be held. Proceeds from the event raise funds for the instrumental music program. The event ends at 9:00 p.m.

In preparation, Newkirk revealed the kids are working on stamina in order to be ready for the 2 hour set.

“I want them to know that they can do almost anything with their music if they put their minds to it and put in the work,” acknowledged Newkirk, who himself works an average of 70 to 80 hours a week. In addition to teaching both high school and middle school in Seven Hills, he plans all of the music and logistics for performances and competitions. In his opinion, these types of experiences help children fall in love with music and grow as musicians.

This commitment seems to be bearing fruit. Approximately 60 talented high school musicians immerse themselves in at least one, and more often, multiple music programs each year at Nevada Union High School. Upper class members also participate in the band council which promotes leadership and empowerment skills.

“The band was one of Ana’s most rewarding experiences at Nevada Union. Even during the pandemic, it gave her a community that cared about music the way she does,” said parent Kim Sagebiel. ‘Ana Sagebiel senior who was the jazz band’s pianist through her four years of high school as well as an active member of the marching band, winter percussion and band council.’The band has been such an anchor for her .”

Next year, Newkirk hopes to expand the program and attract more students by hiring additional staff to train the drummers, marching band and launch Color Guard. He wants to address the loss of skill development learning caused by the Covid-19 pandemic by hosting clinics this summer with musicians from the Nevada County Concert Band who can work one-on-one with students on instruments. specific. His plans are to reinvigorate the symphony and jazz band’s annual trip to Hawaii and start an advanced guitar class that will plant the seeds for a new competitive guitar ensemble.

Looking back, Newkirk can’t remember a time when he fell in love with music. “I had no choice, the music chose me,” he said candidly. “I was this little kid walking around singing songs.”

His love for jazz blossomed while in high school in the Marino Valley where he also participated in marching bands and winter drumming. Newkirk attended Riverside Community College, which confirmed his decision to teach music. He earned a BA in Music Education from Cal State Los Angeles.