Band E-News: March 26-30, 2018

We are sure everyone is ready for Spring Break. We should do our best to make meaningful progress this week so that a good foundation is ready upon our return. Please take a moment to review the weekly schedule and announcements below. There are several new items of interest.

See you soon, and in advance, enjoy a great break!

Band Schedule – March 26 – 30

Tuesday, March 27
Drum Major Training Session – 3:45-5:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 29
Jazz Band – 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
In Class
Symphonic Band – C Concert Scale test on Tuesday
Percussion Ensemble – Eb and Ab scale test on Monday
Wind Ensemble – Spring Concert sight-reading/scales
March Mania 2018!
Our musical exploration concludes this week. More information about this project is available here.
Individual Practicing
There are many resources on our website!
Band room can be used for before- and after-school practice. You must have transportation and check with Mr. Stanley in advance.

Announcements, Updates, Information

3rd Nine Weeks Report Cards
Each band student, regardless of grade, received the following information on his/her report card:
“Please continue to encourage individual practice outside of class and a high level of focus during class/rehearsals.”
#29 – “Needs to practice at home”
2018 Spring Trip
Saturday, May 12, 2018 – Reward Trip to Carowinds!
There is no performance associated with this trip, but certain requirements must be met. The spring trip packet is here. It will be distributed in hard copy during classes this week. Please do not print/return the attached form! Students will receive individualized copies that include fundraiser profits/balances due. The attached electronic version is FYI.
Commitment forms and deposits ($30) are due Monday, April 9 (Monday after Spring Break)
Seats are limited!
Please read the packet for more details and information!
Marching Band Preparation
Please review the calendar for information about marching band preparation 2018.
Drum Major trainings begin on Tuesday, March 27.
Drum Major candidates must be a rising 10th-12th grader and have at least one year of marching experience. HOWEVER, the training sessions are open to anyone who would like to attend. Conducting is a skill that only improves with practice and time. Experience now will translate to greater success during an actual audition in future years. Come out to learn more!
Drum Line clinics will begin AFTER spring break as Mr. Burrell is not available until then. The timeline for auditions will be adjusted from the original calendar. More information will be distributed.
Jazz Band
Thank you for improved attendance last week! Let it continue!
Reminder: One rehearsal for one hour per week enables this to be a flexible ensemble with fewer time commitments. HOWEVER, rehearsals and attendance are not flexible. If you are involved in jazz band, you have committed to these rehearsals. Please be sure you are communicating with Mr. Stanley about conflicts that may arise.
Individual Practice
Remember: rehearsal occurs in the band room. To be prepared for rehearsal, you must practice outside of class! This is your standing homework assignment for band. Increases in outside practice WILL help us improve.
Parents, please help our program grow in quality by encouraging practice at home and engaged rehearsals at school (this means no cell phones). It is not always easy to listen to a student practice, but creating the expectation and opportunity for this to occur regularly at home is an important show of support for your child’s musical education. Forced practice can result in hating music. However, encouragement is a healthy way to show students you support their efforts to improve natural abilities.