Welcome to the Dobson Band Program!


Dobson Bands is a special organization where good things happen.  I appreciate those who have set the bar of excellence, creating an impressive tradition for the Dobson Band Program.  Similarly, I am grateful and humbled by our current students and parents who continue to raise the bar for all to be proud!

With sincere regard,

Jon A. Gomez
Dobson, Instrumental Music

 

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Dobson Band’s Guiding Philosophy
• Be one whose decisions in life reflect a high level of character and integrity.
• Be one who possesses a strong work ethic and strives to help others succeed.
• Be one who demonstrates self-motivation as well as self-discipline.
• Be one who pursues music with great passion and in doing so...be proud to be Dobson!

Dobson Bands Mission Statement
The mission of the Dobson Bands, in partnership with the school community, is to offer our students opportunities to further develop and mature musically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally by providing a wide range of musically related experiences in a productive setting. While at Dobson, students will pursue appropriate goals, recognize their individuality and respect that of others, flourish in a group setting, and assume responsibility for their personal behavior. Throughout the learning process, parents are encouraged to provide the supervision and support necessary for students to achieve success. In working together, it is our staff’s hope that students will pursue their adult lives with an increased aesthetical awareness of the musical art form, and as such, be able to gain and contribute from an ever-changing society.

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 Quotes About the Dobson Bands

From Colonel Arnold Gabriel • United States Air Force Band, Director (retired)

"...all selections were performed superbly which is a credit to music education in Mesa. There was great intensity, clarity, confidence, flexibility, and eye contact in all of your selections; excellent dynamic contrasts and styles was indicative of the composers’ intent... Great job! Congratulations to everyone who made your trip to the National Concert Band Festival, especially to the conductors!!

From Professor Ray E. Cramer • Indiana University, Director of Bands

“I just want to express my appreciation to all of you for your outstanding performance. The group played with care, focus, maturity and musical sensitivity! CONGRATULATIONS! The program was beautifully performed and I enjoyed the literature very much, especially the Welcher and Daugherty. Difficult music, but well prepared and conducted with focus and sensitivity. Thank you young folks for your hard work, dedication to excellence and love of music making. Your lives will be forever changed and BETTER for what you have become as musicians. Thank You!”

From Dr. Harry Begian • University of Illinois, Emeritus Director of Bands

“Congratulations to the conductors and the band - you are an excellent display of musical teamwork and musical display. This is a very mature group of players who have been well taught by very good conductors! Bravo to you all!"

From Dr. Craig Kirchoff • University of Minnesota School of Music, Director of Bands

"Dobson gives a very convincing presentation - Great care with dynamics, especially in the Daugherty. This is a virtuosic ensemble.  Thank you for your musical presentation. BRAVO."

From Professor Ray E. Cramer • Indiana University, Director of Bands

“I just want to express my appreciation to all of you for your outstanding performance. The group played with care, focus, maturity and musical sensitivity! CONGRATULATIONS! The program was beautifully performed and I enjoyed the literature very much, especially the Welcher and Daugherty. Difficult music, but well prepared and conducted with focus and sensitivity. Thank you young folks for your hard work, dedication to excellence and love of music making. Your lives will be forever changed and BETTER for what you have become as musicians. Thank You!”

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Honors and Accolades received by the Dobson Bands

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Bands of America National Concert Band Festival, Indianapolis, IN
2007
Manhattan Concert Productions Debut Performance at Carnegie Hall, New York
2005
Arizona Music Educators Association Conference, Honors Concert
2005
Bands of America National Concert Band Festival, Indianapolis, IN
2004
Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade, Phoenix, AZ
2003
Arizona Music Educators Association Conference, Honors Concert
2002
National Festival of the States at the Kennedy Center at Washington DC
2000
Arizona Music Educators Association Conference, Honors Concert
2000
Arizona Music Educators Association Conference, Honors Concert
1996
World of Music Festival, Sweepstakes Winner Dobson Performing Arts Department, San Diego, CA  
1990
Music Educators National Conference, Honors Concert
1998
World of Music Festival, First Place - Concert Band Division, Anaheim, CA
1988
Arizona Music Educators' Conference, Honors Concert
1987
Music Educators National Conference Performance, Anaheim CA
1986
Arizona School Administrators Conference, Mesa, AZ
1986
World of Music Festival, "First Place-Concert Band Division," San Diego, CA
1984
 
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Have received twenty-four Superior with Distinction ratings at the Arizona Band Orchestra Directors Association Area Concert Festivals since 1981
Have received seventeen Superior with Distinction ratings at the Arizona Band Orchestra Directors Association State Concert Festivals since 1981
Have received twenty “Superior” or “Superior with Distinction” ratings at the ABODA State Marching Festivals since 1981
Have received nineteen “Superior” ratings at the ASU Band Day Festivals since 1981
Have received fifteen “Superior” ratings at the U of A Band Day Festivals since 1981
Nine-time recipient of University of Arizona Milton B. Nunamaker Marching Band Award of Distinction since 1981
Arizona Alliance for Arts in Education Conference, Phoenix, AZ, Clinic Performance (1986)
Governor of Arizona Inauguration Ceremony, Phoenix, AZ; only group selected to perform (1983)

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