January 28, 2024 Newsletter

Director's Notes

Congratulations to all of our students who auditioned for All-State and District Honor Band on Saturday!  HCMS was very well-represented and our auditionees did a terrific job representing our program in a very challenging audition process.  Our area is highly competitive with over 800 students trying out for these auditions, and I couldn't be prouder of our students for taking on the challenge!

District Honor Band will be at Grissom High School on February 16 (evening) and February 17 (full day).  More information coming soon!

• School Instrument Rentals.  Spring Rental fees for HCMS school instruments are due February 1.  I'll be sending out reminders ASAP via email.  Thank you for your assistance in collecting these payments! 

Symphonic Band (7th/8th Grade) Updates

• Jazz Band will practice Tuesday, January 30 from 300-345

• The For the Love of Music Lock-In for 7th and 8th Grade will be moved to Tuesday, February 13 from 3:30-6:30 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 the MPA competition in late February.   This is a required event for 7/8 grade band members and it is incredibly important that we have great attendance so we can best prepare for competition.  Sorry for the change in schedule - thank you so much for your assistance!  

• Solo and Ensemble will be Saturday, April 6 at Liberty Middle School.  We will be sending home a sign-up sheet for participation in early February.  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 typically competes in this competition as well - please check your calendars so we can ensure we have enough participation to do so again this year! 

• Symphonic Band Uniforms are beginning to come in and be sorted.  We will issue these as soon as possible.  More information to come - but just wanted to let you know where we are in the process.  

• Scale Challenge. The 7th and 8th Grade Scale Challenge is up and running for this year!  Students are invited to pass off scales by memory.  

  • Those that pass off 6 scales by memory by March 1st get Krispy Kreme donuts before school one day. 

  • Those that pass off 9 scales by memory by April 1st get Bojangles chicken biscuits before school one day

  • Those that pass off 12 scales by memory by May 1st get pizza, a HCMS medal for their uniform and to sign the special HCMS Scale Club sign in the band room

  • Those that made the club last year are asked to pass off their scales again and then may play their Green Scales and Chromatic Scale for the next level!

Beginning Band (6th Grade) Updates

• 6th Grade Solo Project. Our Beginning Band members have started learning their first solos on their instruments!  We will be learning 3 solos in class and students will have the choice to perform either for a judge at Solo and Ensemble contest (Saturday, April 6) or for their band class.  Permission forms/sign-ups for performing for the judge will be sent home in early February.  I highly recommend going to play for a judge if at all possible - it is a great opportunity and a chance for students to get great feedback as well as earn a medal! 

• Beginning Band Karate. Our beginners are rocking on their band karate belts!  We are currently working on the purple belt song in class.  Students have the option to pass off "belt" songs in class to earn band karate belts and a medal (if they achieve black belt).  

Thank you! 

Emily Parker, Director of Bands

Reminders

• Rising 9th Grade Parent & Student Meeting. Students and parents should attend if you are planning to join band at Huntsville High, are considering joining, or want more information.

  • February 15th @ 6:00 pm in the Huntsville High School Band Room

• Huntsville High School Band is hosting the United States Navy Band on Tuesday, February 13th.  We have already distributed over 1000 free tickets and only have about 500 left.  This is a great family event and opportunity to hear some of the best musicians in the world perform.  I want to make sure your families have the opportunity to attend before tickets sale out.  To get your FREE tickets:  U.S. Navy Band Concert Band - Huntsville AL - 2024 National Tour Tickets in Huntsville, AL, United States (ticketleap.com) 

• 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!