Jason Chapman

Introduction
The idea of creating a symphonic jazz orchestra may seem, according to who ask,
everything from sublime to ridiculous. However, it is my contention that such an ensemble may
have a significant impact on our students and on our school music programs. It is my hope, that
after reading this essay on the possibilities of such an ensemble, that a director may find the
impetus to try a symphonic jazz ensemble with their own students. The arrangement provided,
of Cole Porter’s classic Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye, may provide a source of music with which
to begin and a model for other pieces in the future. The analysis provided of the song and the
arrangement may also help a director organize and structure the rehearsals.… (más)

This book was quite enjoyable to read! This story follows Ted, Bo, and Diz as they venture out into the ocean and meet a family of polar bears and a baby seal! The illustrations in book greatly enhance the text and are quite engaging to young readers! For example, the illustration of the polar bears and seal seeing the friends in their boat was far more interesting than the text describing what was happening. I also appreciated how the author incorporated the issue of global warming by having the iceberg melt! Fortunately, Ted was able to find a solution to this problem of theirs. Overall, the main idea of this text is that it's the friends we meet along the way that make us appreciate our journey.… (más)