Jeff Daniels, DMS Band/s End Year on a High Note …

 It was less than nine months ago (Sept. 2013) that Dedham Middle School Band/Music Teacher, Jeff Daniels, stood at his podium and stared out at a group of wide-eyed boys and girls in grades 6, 7 and 8.

 While some of these students had a couple of years` experience playing their instruments, many were new musicians with little knowledge beyond their Elementary School instruction. Mr. Daniels, a talented musician himself, knew that he had his work cut out for him.

 This year, the Dedham Middle School Band would feature 4 different groups of students, each with their own style of music.

 During the school year there was practice – before school, after school, and at times during school. Over the course of the year, Mr. Daniels arranged for different facets of the DMS Band to perform at various functions in school and around Town. Like anything else in life, the more these boys and girls practiced and played together in front of audiences, the more confident they became and the better they got.

 All of this hard work and dedication was building up to one final performance, a showcase of their talents, the Annual Dedham Middle School Spring Concert.

 On a recent Thursday evening, in front of a full house in the DMS Auditorium, the stage was set for the group to perform for family and friends. Jeff Daniels and his 16 piece Jazz Band opened the evening`s festivities, followed by the school`s 57 piece Concert Band. The audience was in awe! The DMS 10 piece Orchestra came to the stage next, and was followed by the 32 piece Symphonic Band.

 Throughout the near 2hr. performance, Mr. Daniels paused briefly to hand out trophies and certificates to various band members, recognizing their achievements over the year. The evening`s final honor – the 1st Annual Don Heald Award – was presented to 8th grade trumpeter, Jason Leonard.

 Don Heald was the beloved DMS Band Director for 11 years, before succumbing to ALS in January of 2013 at the age of 54. Heald was responsible for numerous improvements to the Dedham Middle School Band, including the addition of a string program and a full performing school orchestra.

 In 2006, when the Dedham Middle School was completed, Heald praised the Administration for granting his “wish list” for the new Music Program.

As the evening came to a close, Director Daniels called for a “combined group” of almost 100 students to the stage for a rendition of the always popular Fanfare and Fireworks. This was as fine a school concert as we have witnessed and our best wishes go out to all involved.

Story and Photos by: Joe Kilroy