August 27, 2023 Newsletter
August 27, 2023
Director's Notes
We’ve had another great week! I’m very proud of all of our band students!
This Friday is a half day. Please plan to bring all band instruments for class!
Our calendar fundraiser deadline has been extended to Wednesday, September 6. Donations may be collected and turned in to the band box at any time. Thank you for your support!
Band shirts and hoodies should be coming in soon. These will be packaged up and sent home with students. We will be asking for some volunteers to help us sort them once we know when they will be ready!
6th Graders (Beginning Band):
Please be sure that your student a copy of their Red Tradition of Excellence Book 1 for their instrument (with their name on it).
Instrument nametags have been handed out in class. Please be sure your student has a nametag on their instrument as well! It really helps us keep up with everything. You may also want to put a “piece of flair” on the case to better distinguish it from others.
If your student has not been able to line up an instrument yet, please email me so I can assist you however possible.
7th/8th Grade: Our first Football Game will be Thursday, September 7! Don’t forget to get a flip folder and lyre for your instrument so you will be ready for football games! These are available at the local music stores. I highly recommend taking your instrument with you to be sure you get the correct lyre. See Reminders for Football Games.
7th/8th Graders will also need the Tradition of Excellence Book 2 (Blue) for their instrument. Thank you for being sure they have a copy ASAP (with their name on it).
Jazz Band (7th and 8th Grade) will kick off on Tuesdays after Labor Day! Our first rehearsal will be Tuesday, September 5 from 3:00-3:45. Students may still sign up to participate on our original Jazz Band Form. Please do so if you haven’t already so I am sure to have music ready for everyone! We will look at rehearsing 2 afternoons a week after Football Season finishes. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PL29uUoSoquaPGJzIWvik_s8hCalrBpzBbWQcDgVbu4/viewform?edit_requested=true
Be sure to check out our new band website! www.hcovemsband.org
Thank you!
Emily Parker, Director of Bands
This Week:
Monday (8/28) -
Tuesday (8/29) -
Wednesday (8/30) -
Thursday (8/31) -
Friday (9/1) - Half Day! Bring Instruments.
Next week:
Monday (9/4) - Labor Day
Tuesday (9/5) -
Wednesday (9/6) - Last Day for Pay-the-Date Fundraiser
Thursday (9/7) - Football Game: HCMS vs Williams Middle @ 6:30
Friday (9/8) -
Reminders:
7th/8th Grade Symphonic Uniforms. Parents please complete the following survey for your child(ren) by Sunday, August 27: 7th/8th Grade Symphonic Band Uniform. 8th Grade Parents—please make sure to have your child try on their old uniform prior to completing the survey.
Newsletter. With our band website now active, we will phase out the pdf version of the newsletter by mid-September. Please check to make sure you have no issues viewing the newsletter on the website.
Communications. Please send communications via school email (instead of social media platforms like Facebook Messenger) to help Ms. Parker stay organized and keep up with information and requests. She does her best to respond to emails within 48 hours (not including weekends). If you have not received a reply within that time, you are welcome to resend your message to assist her in seeing it more quickly. Thank you for your assistance with this matter!
Additional Opportunities for 7th/8th Grade Band Members:
All-State/District Honor Band. 7th and 8th Grade Band Students are eligible to try out for All-District (Best of Madison/Morgan/Limestone Counties) and All-State Band. Auditions are held in January. The scales, requirements and music are listed at: https://alaband.org/all-state-middle-school-audition-requirements/. Ms. Parker will also prepare packets and information later in the year, but this is a great way to get a head start on preparation. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for students considering All-State auditions - they are very competitive but a great learning opportunity! We will have help sessions available closer to audition time.
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!