November 5, 2023 Newsletter
November 5, 2023
Director's Notes
Veteran’s Day Assembly - Tuesday, November 7 (5:00 p.m. - HCMS Gym)
WHO: 7th and 8th Grade Band Students
WHAT TO WEAR: Black band shirt/hoodie, khaki pants/shorts (pants preferred if possible), tennis shoes
WHERE: HCMS Gym
WHEN: Call Time is 4:30 p.m.
If your student is absolutely unable to get home and back to school by 4:30, they may sign up to stay afterschool at the link below. (Thank you for keeping this only to students who cannot possibly get home and back within that window.) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDnWMTdh1N6Gu9rfx_P4QrQBIpaqtIhCcY3ddMAkuxFpNL5A/viewform
Family and friends are welcome to attend - especially our veterans!
All-State/All-District Band. 7th/8th grade band students may choose to audition for the All-District (Madison/Morgan/Limestone County) and/or All State Band. The audition will be on Saturday, January 27 at Huntsville High School (Times To Be Assigned in January). Auditions include scales, two prepared pieces (available upon request) and sight reading.
The cost to audition is $20 and is due by Friday, November 17. Payments may be cash/check to HCMS Band.
Help sessions will occur for any students who would like assistance. As this is a terrific opportunity and a challenging audition, I highly encourage those who are planning to audition to look into private lessons as well.
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, November 7 - Veteran’s Day Assembly (HCMS Gym) - 5:00 p.m. (7th/8th Grade Band members will perform- Required Event for 7th/8th Grade Band)
Thursday, December 7 - Holiday Concert (HHS Auditorium) - 6:00 p.m.
(All bands will perform - Required Event for all students)
Hampton Cove Jazz will rehearse on Thursday, November 9 from 3:00-3:45
If you find that you have extra Halloween candy at your home, please feel free to send it to the band room! We appreciate donations to incentivize and reward our awesome students throughout the week!
Our Butter Braid Fundraiser has begun and will go through November 17. Full details are listed below. Order forms and info sheets went home with students on Thursday. Delivery will be on Tuesday, December 12. Thank you for your help with this fundraiser!
If you did not order a black band shirt or hoodie, we do have some extras available. Shirts are $15 (payable cash/check/MySchoolFees) and hoodies are $40 (payable cash/check to HCMS Band).
Be sure to check out our new band website! www.hcovemsband.org
Thank you!
Emily Parker, Director of Bands
This Week:
Monday (11/6) - Butter Braid Fundraiser Begins
Tuesday (11/7) - Veteran’s Day Assembly (HCMS Gym) - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday (11/8) -
Thursday (11/9) -
Friday (11/10) -
Next week:
Monday (11/13) -
Tuesday (11/14) -
Wednesday (11/15) -
Thursday (11/16) -
Friday (11/17) - Butter Braid Fundraiser Ends
Butter Braid Fundraiser
WHO: HCMS BAND (6th - 8th Grades)
WHAT: Butter Braid Frozen Pastry (Sold for $17 each)
Flavors: Cinnamon Roll (with Cream Cheese Icing), Caramel Roll (with Caramel Glaze), Apple, Cream Cheese, Strawberry & Cream Cheese, Blueberry & Cream Cheese, Bavarian Creme with Chocolate Icing, Four Cheese and Herb
Pastries come frozen. To bake, you set them out the night before and allow them to rise. Baking Instructions for each type of item are available at https://butterbraid.com/baking_directions.
WHEN: November 5-17 All Forms and Money are due by 3:00 on Friday, November 17
All sales items will be picked up by the seller on
December 12 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
in the HCMS Cafeteria.
December 12 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
in the HCMS Cafeteria.
WHY: We are hoping to apply these funds to new and improved band lockers for our 7th/8th grade band students. Our current lockers have many issues and we do not have enough for our growing program. We hope to raise funds to get new and improved lockers to help our students store their instruments during the day.
Butter Braids can be sold in person OR using the online store
(Set up your online store)Payment may be cash or check (made out to “HCMS Band.”)
Donations are also accepted - Please notate donations when you turn in payments.
Important!
If you choose to use the online store, please DO NOT write online orders on your order form as this duplicates orders.
Anyone who orders on the paper form can not pay for that order online. Only online store orders pay online.
Questions? Contact Michelle McGough (hairchef@comcast.net)
Thank you for your support of the HCMS Band!
Additional Opportunities for 7th/8th Grade Band Members:
All-State/District Honor Band. 7th and 8th Grade Band Students are eligible to try out for All-District (Best of Madison/Morgan/Limestone Counties) and All-State Band. Auditions are held in January. The scales, requirements and music are listed at: https://alaband.org/all-state-middle-school-audition-requirements/ . Ms. Parker will also prepare packets and information later in the year, but this is a great way to get a head start on preparation. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for students considering All-State auditions - they are very competitive but a great learning opportunity! We will have help sessions available closer to audition time.
Tuba Christmas. All tuba, euphonium, and baritone players are invited to join in the annual Rocket City Tuba Christmas. All levels of experience are welcome. Just show up for registration if you would like to play.
Location: First Baptist Church, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL (Entrance 7 off St. Clair Street)
Date: Sunday, December 3
Registration: 12:30 PM
Rehearsal: 1:00 PM
Concert: 3:00 PM
Participation Fee: $10 + $20 if you need the music
Guest Fee: Free
Bring a music stand, dress festively, and feel free to decorate your instrument.
Trombone Christmas. All trombone players are invited to play at the 5th annual Rocket City Trombone Christmas. All levels of experience are welcome.
Location: Stovehouse (practice may be at a different location)
Date: Saturday, December 16
Time: 9 AM to 3 PM
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/ More information will be updated as we get closer to the event. If you have any questions about Rocket City Trombone Christmas, feel free to reach out to Patrick at BYMCustomMusic@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!