December 10, 2023 Newsletter
December 10, 2023
Director's Notes
Congratulations to all of our HCMS Band students for a terrific performance at their Holiday Concert last week! Our beginners did a fantastic job at their first concert - and I am so proud of our Jazz and Symphonic Bands for tackling such challenging programs (in addition to all of their other performances this Fall)!
ButterBraid orders will come in on Tuesday, December 12. They will be available for pick-up from the Cafeteria from 3-5 p.m. If you placed paper OR online orders, please be sure to come by during that window so that you can pick up your orders. We do not have adequate storage to keep orders left behind or sufficient time to get them to you with the holiday break quickly approaching. Thank you for your help with this!
Hampton Cove Jazz will rehearse on Tuesday, December 12.
Our HCMS Jazz Band will perform pre-show music for the Living Christmas Tree at First Baptist Church (600 Governors Drive) on Thursday, December 14.
We will meet in the Sanctuary of First Baptist at 5:45 on Thursday.
Please wear your black band shirt/hoodie and khaki pants. (Feel free to wear a long sleeved white/black shirt under your band Tshirts if needed.)
Please leave cases in your car and just bring in your instrument and music.
I have not heard from any students that they can NOT attend so at this moment I am assuming we will all be present. If for any reason that is not the case, please let me know by Monday so that we can be sure all parts are covered appropriately!
We will play from about 6:30-7:00.
We will be playing in class Monday-Thursday of this week. All instruments will go home for the holiday break on Thursday.
Thank you!
Emily Parker, Director of Bands
This Week:
Monday (12/11) -
Tuesday (12/12) - Butter Braid Orders Pickup
Wednesday (12/13) -
Thursday (12/14) -
Friday (12/15) -
Next week:
Monday (12/18) - Holiday Break
Tuesday (12/19) - Holiday Break
Wednesday (12/20) - Holiday Break
Thursday (12/21) - Holiday Break
Friday (12/22) - Holiday Break
Additional Opportunities for 7th/8th Grade Band Members:
Trombone Christmas. All trombone players are invited to play at the 5th annual Rocket City Trombone Christmas. All levels of experience are welcome.
Date: Saturday, December 16
Rehearsal Time: 9 AM
Rehearsal Location: Musicology School of Music
Performance Time: 2 PM
Performance Location: Stovehouse
Facebook Page: Rocket City Trombone Christmas
Be sure to register at www.RocketCityTromboneChristmas.com and buy a book (if you don't have one) at http://trombonechristmas.org/store/music-books/. Weekly Rehearsals have begun from 2-4 on Saturdays every week, but check time of day changes on the event page on FACEBOOK.
If you have any questions about Rocket City Trombone Christmas, feel free to reach out to Patrick at BYMCustomMusic@gmail.com.
Important Dates for 8th Graders (Rising 9th Grade HHS Band)
Huntsville High Band Interest Meeting. February 15 @ 6:00 PM in HHS Band Room. For all those planning to be in the HHS Band
Color Guard Auditions. April 29-May 3, 4:00 to 6:00 PM @ Huntsville High School. For all interested in being in Color Guard
Concert Band Auditions. May 6 - 10, After School @ Huntsville High School. Required audition for placement for all band students
Marching Percussion Auditions. May 10-11, Friday: 4-8 & Saturday: 8:30-12:30 @ Huntsville High School. Required for all percussion in marching band
Rookie Camp. May 28-31, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, @ Huntsville High School. Required for new members, leadership team, Color Guard Camp
Make-up Rookie Camp. July 10-12, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM @ Huntsville High School. New members that did not attend Rookie Camp
Marching Percussion Camp. July 10-12, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM @ Huntsville High School. Required for percussion in marching band
Band Camp Week #1. July 15-19, All Day @ Huntsville High School. Required for all marching band students
Band Camp Week #2. July 22-26, All Day @ Huntsville High School. Required for all marching band students. Band Camp on July 26th will dismiss at noon.
DCI in Murfreesboro (Optional). July 26, Afternoon/Evening, Meet at HHS and ride bus to Murfreesboro. Additional Cost.
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!