February 11, 2024 Newsletter

Director's Notes

We have a lot going on this week and upcoming, so please take the time to note them in your calendar.

Symphonic Band (7th/8th Grade) Updates

• 7th/8th Grade Lock-In. The For the Music Lock-In for 7th and 8th Grade will be this Tuesday, February 13 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at HCMS.  We will be bringing in guest clinicians to work with our band students in full band and sections to prepare for competition in late February. Please note the time change - we will be done by 5:00, as the Honors Fair/Registration Meetings are also at HCMS that evening.   This is a required event for 7th/8th grade band members and it is incredibly important that we have great attendance so we can best prepare for competition.  Pizza will be provided afterschool for our 7th and 8th graders.  We could still use some volunteer help - please sign up through Charms!

• 3rd/5th Period Band Students (7th and 8th Grade). We have been trying to gather our 3rd and 5th period band students together on Tuesday/Thursday mornings from 7:30-7:50 for a little extra practice as we are combining those two classes for competition.  This is not required but if at all possible, we would greatly appreciate if your students could be there during this time to help us prepare as best we can!  Thank you!

• 7th/8th Grade Concert Uniforms. Our new concert uniforms have arrived and have been sorted/organized by a phenomenal team of parent volunteers!  We have sent home information about how to temporary hem the pants/dress and with a uniform agreement to be signed by students/parents.  The white sheets in the uniform packet are for you to keep - please bring the pink sheet when you pick up your uniform.
  
  We are asking for $25 from our 7th Grade students to cover the rental/cleaning of these uniforms.  These payments may be made via cash/check or on My School Fees.  (8th Grade will be exempt from these payments this year as they had already purchased the old concert uniforms.)  Uniforms will be available for pick-up at our Band Lock-in on February 13 from 4:00 to 5:30 on the back patio of the school. Feel free to drive around the back to pickup if you are not staying for the Honors Fair. Dresses/pants will need to be temporary hemmed before our MPA contest, which will be February 27-29 (still waiting to hear our assigned date from the District organization).  

• Rising 9th Grade HHS Band Meeting. Rescheduled to Tuesday, February 20th at 6:00 p.m. in the Huntsville High School Band Room.  8th grade students and families please plan to attend this meeting so you can get all the information and answer any questions about being part of the high school band program.  Students will get an opportunity to meet with the HHS Band Leadership Team to learn more about the band program.

• Solo & Ensemble. Solo and Ensemble will be Saturday, April 6 at Liberty Middle School.  We will be sending home a sign-up sheet for participation this week.  Students may perform one solo per instrument and compete in up to four events total (solos, duets, trios, quartets).  Students may combine with other HCMS band students to prepare music and compete.  This is an optional activity but a great opportunity for our students!   Our Jazz Band will also compete in this competition - please check your calendars so we can ensure we have enough participation to do so again this year!

• Jazz Band will practice Thursday, February 15 from 300-345

All Students

• School Instrument Rentals. Spring Rental fees for HCMS school instruments are due February 1. Checks may be made out to "HCMS Band" and brought to the Band Box in the Band Room.  Thank you for your assistance with this matter!

Thank you! 

Emily Parker, Director of Bands

Reminders

• Volunteers Needed for 7th/8th Grade Lock-in.  We will need parent volunteers to assist during the For the Love of Music Lockin for the 7th & 8th graders on February 13.  To volunteer please go to: www.charmsoffice.com 

• Spring Concert Date Change.  In order to prevent a conflict with the Athletic Banquet, the Spring Concert will be moved to May 16 at 6:00 (call time 5:30) in the Huntsville High School Auditorium. The Spring Concert is a requirement for all band students.

• 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!