October 29, 2023 Newsletter
October 29, 2023
Director's Notes
Thank you all for your support throughout this very busy week! I am very proud of our students for doing such a great job supporting HCMS throughout football season and for their Halloween Concert! In addition, our beginners have already learned their first song for the Holiday Concert! Way to go, HCMS Band!
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, November 7 - Veteran’s Day Assembly (HCMS Gym) - 5:00 p.m. (7th/8th Grade Band members will perform)
Thursday, December 7 - Holiday Concert (HHS Auditorium) - 6:00 p.m.
(All bands will perform)
Due to the requests to avoid a conflict with Halloween, Hampton Cove Jazz will rehearse on Thursday, November 2 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 will occur from November 6-17 with delivery on Tuesday, December 12. Order forms and info will be sent home at the end of this week. 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 (10/30) -
Tuesday (10/31) -
Wednesday (11/1) -
Thursday (11/2) -
Friday (11/3) -
Next 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) -
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!