February 18, 2024 Newsletter
February 18, 2024
Director's Notes
The For the Love of Music lock-in was a huge success. Thanks to all our volunteers and clinicians. We couldn't have done it with out you.
Music Performance Assessment (MPA) Contest for 7th and 8th Grade will be Wednesday, February 28th. Our plan is to leave HCMS at 8:00 a.m. for Hartselle High School. Students should arrive in full concert uniform. Both our bands will perform at Hartselle that morning and we will go to Parkway Place Mall to grab lunch before returning to school at the end of the school day. I’ll be sending home a Field Trip Form and full schedule this week. To volunteer, please sign up in charms (see below).
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 have the opportunity to interface with the HHS Band leadership team to learn more about the band program.
7th/8th Grade Concert Uniforms. Uniforms have been distributed. PLEASE be sure to have your student try on their uniform this week! It is crucial that we make sure everyone is ready for our competition on February 28th! We will not have time to coordinate uniform issues on that day. If you need to make an exchange, please fill out the google form so we can verify we have the item available and coordinate pickup.
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!
Solo & Ensemble - All Grades. Solo & Ensemble permission slips have been distributed to all classes. Each event costs $5 per student involved. Forms and payments are due Wednesday, February 28th. 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!
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!
Jazz Band will practice Tuesday, February 20 from 300-345
Thank you!
Emily Parker, Director of Bands
This Week:
Monday (2/19) -
Tuesday (2/20) - Jazz Band Practice & HHS Band Rising 9th Grade Parent & Student Meeting
Wednesday (2/21) -
Thursday (2/22) -
Friday (2/23) -
Next week:
Monday (2/26) -
Tuesday (2/27) - Jazz Band Practice
Wednesday (2/28) - MPA for 7th/8th Graders
Thursday (2/29) -
Friday (3/1) -
Reminders
Volunteers Needed for MPA. We will need parent volunteers for MPA for our 7th & 8th graders on February 28. 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.
Important Dates for 8th Graders (Rising 9th Grade HHS Band)
Huntsville High Band Interest Meeting. February 20 @ 6:00 PM in HHS Band Room. For all parents & students considering, interested in, and 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!