April 28, 2024 Newsletter

Director's Notes

• Week at a Glance

  • Tuesday, April 30 - Jazz Band (3:00-3:45)

  • Thursday, May 2 - Becoming-A-Bull Night

• Congratulations to Joshua Hutcherson and Braden Taylor for being selected for the All State Honor Band! 

• Becoming-A-Bull Ensembles.  Thursday, May 2 is Becoming-a-Bull night and we will have a few small band ensembles playing.  I will send out an email with more information later this week for students participating. 

• Save the Date. The Spring Concert will be Thursday, May 16!  This will be a required performance for all band students.  Please be sure you’ve marked the date!

• 7th & 8th Grade Uniform Turn-in. All uniforms must be turned in by Monday, May 20.  Students may start bringing their uniforms back on Friday, May 17 (i.e., the day after the concert). Please make sure all components are included in the hanging bag to include the steel hanger and the necklace with necklace bag and dress or ties with the tux shirt, pants, and vest. We will notify you of any missing items/associated charges 

• Rising 9th Grade HHS Band. Be sure to check out the information below regarding upcoming Auditions.  All important information about the Huntsville High School Band is available on the google drive. See information below for upcoming events (e.g., auditions, rookie camp, band camp).

Thank you! 

Emily Parker, Director of Bands

Reminders

• HHS Band Audition/Placements for 24-25 are coming up soon for any 8th grader planning to continue on with band in High School!  Audition music was sent out after spring break to each middle school director and can also be found by clicking here!  All students in band must complete a placement audition in order to be in a performing band class.  

  • We stagger times to prevent you from having to wait too long to audition.  If you cannot come on your assigned time/date, please email Mr. Tankesley at stuart.tankesley@hsv-k12.org and we will find a time that works.  Auditions must take place sometime during the week of May 6-10!

    • Monday, May 6 Woodwind Auditions 4:00 pm at HHS Band Room. 

      • Saxophones 4:00 pm

      • Flutes - 4:30 pm

      • Clarinets, bassoon, oboe - 5:00pm

    • Tuesday, May 7 Brass Auditions 4:00 pm at HHS Band Room. 

      • Trombones - 4:00 

      • Trumpets - 4:30

      • Horns/euphoniums/tubas - 5:00 pm 

    • Wednesday, May 8 Make-up Auditions at 4:00 pm HHS Band Room (email director at stuart.tankesley@hsv-k12.org)

    • Thursday, May 9 Concert Percussion Auditions 4:00 pm at HHS Band Room - ALL percussion! 

    • Friday, May 10 Marching Percussion Auditions 4:00 - 8:00 pm HHS Band Room.  All percussion students who want to be in the marching band must attend both Friday and Saturday to have a spot in the show.

    • Saturday, May 11  Marching Percussion Auditions 8:30 am - 12:30 pm HHS Band Room.  All percussion students who want to be in the marching band must attend both Friday and Saturday to have a spot in the show.

  • After auditions, the next big event is Rookie Camp from Tuesday, May 28 to Friday, May 31 from 8-12 in the HHS Band Room for those planning to be in MARCHING BAND!

• Rising 6th Graders.  Do you know any rising 6th graders who will be joining the band?  Have them check out our website for more information on instrument tryouts, performances, and all things HCMS band.

• 2024-2025 HCMS Band Parent Association Board. 6th & 7th Grade Parents are you interested in becoming a bigger part of the amazing HCMS Band?  Many of our current board members are parents of 8th graders so we will have several positions opening up. These positions have different skill sets and varying levels of commitment.  A listing of our current board members and their responsibilities can be found here.  If you are interested or considering volunteering, please send an email to hcovemsband@gmail.com. 

Reminders for Daily Band Class Success:

• All Band Members: 

  • Ensure your name is on all band instruments, books and supplies. With so many coming in and out of the room each day, it really helps to be sure everyone keeps up with their things!

  • Add Flair to your instrument case to make it easier to find!

  • Don't forget your pencil and band folder.

  • Beginning Band: bring your Red Tradition of Excellence Book 1 daily (Available at all local music stores and on Amazon) 

  • Symphonic Band (7th/8th Grade): bring your Blue Tradition of Excellence Book 2 daily (Available at local music stores and on Amazon)

• Clarinet / Sax Players: Have at least 3 good reeds (strength 2.5) with you

• Percussionists: Bring your drumsticks, yarn mallets, rubber mallets, bell (hard) mallets  and stick bag

Contact Ms. Parker with questions!