May 12, 2024 Newsletter

Director's Notes

• WEEK-AT-A-GLANCE

  • Tuesday, May 14 - Jazz Band (3:00-3:45) 

  • Wednesday, May 15 - Combined Rehearsal during School - 7th and 8th Grade will combine during 1st Period and 6th Grade during 7th Period

  • Thursday, May 16 - Spring Concert (6:00) - Huntsville High School Auditorium

  • Friday, May 17 - Band Uniform Turn-In/School Instrument Return (if applicable) - No instruments will be needed in class from May 17-23 UNLESS you are returning school rental instruments.  

• SPRING CONCERT - THURSDAY, MAY 16 

  • WHO - All HCMS Band Students - This is a required event for all band students

  • WHERE - Huntsville High School Auditorium

  • WHEN - Call Time 5:30 p.m. - Concert Begins at 6:00 p.m.  We will have a cake reception in the Freshman Cafeteria following the concert

  • WHAT TO WEAR - Band Concert Uniform

    • Beginning Band - Black Band Shirt, Khaki Pants, Tennis Shoes

    • 7th/8th Grade Band - Concert Uniforms (Black Dress/Red Sash or Black Dress Shirt/Tux Pants - DRESS SHOES)

  • VOLUNTEERS - We are in need of a few volunteers to help cut the cake prior to the concert and for clean up afterwards. Please sign up at www.charmsoffice.com or email hcovemsband@gmail.com if you are able to assist.

• JAZZ BAND MEMBERS - Please be sure to make our last rehearsal on Tuesday. Our attendance has really been struggling this Spring and it is going to affect the music we will be able to perform.  

• FAIR SHARE PAYMENTS AND RENTAL PAYMENTS - Reminders have been sent via email about missing fair share payments and school rental Spring Payments.  Please help us collect these payments promptly so we can close our books for this year.  Fair Share may be paid via MySchoolFees, cash, check (HCMS Band) or money order.  Rental Payments must be cash, check (HCMS Band) or money order only.  

• UNIFORM COLLECTION - We will start collecting Symphonic Band Uniforms, Friday, May 17. All will need to be turned in no later than Monday, May 20. Please make sure all components are included in the hanging bag (i.e., TUX - coated steel hanger, black shirt, red tie & vest, tux pants or DRESS - coated steel hanger, necklace in bag, and dress). We need volunteers Friday and Monday morning (7:30 to 11:30) to help conduct uniform checks. Please sign up at www.charmsoffice.com or email hcovemsband@gmail.com if you are able. All uniforms will be dry-cleaned after collection, so there is no need to wash prior to turning them in.  We will notify you via email if there are missing or damaged items. 

• SUMMER RENTAL - If you are a 6th or 7th grader who is returning to band next year and will be using a school instrument, we ask for a Summer Rental Fee of $40.  It is CRUCIAL that students have access to an instrument over summer break.  Otherwise, they return in August and have to start over completely - falling behind to the point where it is very difficult to catch up.  

• RISING 9TH GRADE HHS BAND.  All important information about the Huntsville High School Band is available on the google drive. See information below for upcoming events (e.g., rookie camp, band camp).

Thank you! 

Emily Parker, Director of Bands

Reminders

• Rising 9th Graders - HHS Band Rookie Camp is from Tuesday, May 28 to Friday, May 31 from 8-12 in the HHS Band Room for those planning to be in MARCHING BAND!

• Rising 6th Graders.  Do you know any rising 6th graders who will be joining the band?  Have them check out our website for more information on instrument tryouts, performances, and all things HCMS band.

• 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!