Hi!  I'm Jennifer Walsdorf, the Assistant Band Director at Spring Branch MS.  This is my 7th year at SBMS and 20th year of teaching overall (all at the middle school level and all in TX).  I grew up in Naperville, Illinois and graduated from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (GO ILLINI).  My husband, Jeff, is also a teacher at SBMS and we have two great kids:  Meghann, age 8, who attends Wilchester Elementary and David, age 3 1/2, who attends the Zebra Zone childcare center, as well as two wacky dogs:  Snickers and Izzy.  I am a huge Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan!

I am responsible for teaching the Beginning Woodwind classes (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet and Saxophone) , Concert Band and assisting with the Symphonic Band. My main instrument is the clarinet.  I also have a 6th grade Advisory.  My conference period is from 12:50-1:40pm and my tutorials are on Thursdays after school from 3:40-4:30pm (other days may be scheduled by appointment).

In addition to my teaching duties, I am a  twelve -year member of the Houston Symphonic Band, one of Houston's best kept secrets and one of the premier adult community bands both in Texas and in the US.  Please feel free to check out our website  and come to our concerts!!

Concert Band:

Daily warmups #1 and #2

Concert Bb, F, Eb and C scales, #16-18 scale exercises

Solo and Ensemble material

 If you are unable to make your scheduled day, please reschedule a make-up, either in the morning or another afternoon

 Beginning Band Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone students:

You should be working daily on your headjoint/mouthpiece exercises, focusing on proper embouchure, taking a good breath, sustaining the pitch for 4 counts

**Clarinets and Alto Saxophones MUST have at least 4 working reeds in their case AT ALL TIMES...either purchase them by the box from a music store or bring $2/reed to purchase from school.  No reed= -20 pts. on your weekly grade...**

Book assignment:  p. 12/13--review; rhythms, p. 38

Scales, p.37  (Flute--Bb, F; Clarinet--Bb, F; Saxophones--G, D)

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 Items Of Note (Concert Bb):

Private lessons are available on all woodwind instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone) through SBISD.  Contact Mrs. Walsdorf for more information.

Clarinets and Alto Saxophones should have 4 working reeds in their case at all times.  Individual reeds can be purchased at school for $2.00 each; boxes can be purchased at any local music store (see links on the right of this page) or online (click on The Woodwind and The Brasswind link to the right).  Vandoren Traditional Reeds, strength 2 1/2 are recommended for Beginners; Advanced students may be using Vandoren Traditional Reeds, strength 3 or 3 1/2.  Music stores also have "reed keepers" to make reed maintenance easier.