September 24, 2023 Newsletter
September 24, 2023
Director's Notes
This has been a terrific first quarter for the HCMS Band! Please take note of the upcoming events and news for this week!
FOOTBALL GAME. Our next football game will be this Tuesday, September 26. Please remember this is a required event for our 7th and 8th grade band students. We also invite our 6th Grade Band students to join us for this game as well! It is a great way to see what is in store for you in 7th and 8th grade band and to have a lot of fun!
WHO: 6th (if you would like to attend), 7th and 8th Grade Band Students
WHAT TO WEAR: Band T-shirt/Hoodie, Khaki Shorts/Pants, Tennis Shoes
WHAT TO BRING: Instrument (please leave case in car), flip folder with music, lyre, bottle of water (6th grade will not need flip folder/lyre)
WHERE: Milton Frank Stadium
WHEN: Call Time is 6:00 p.m. - We meet by the Front Gate near the main entry.
Additional Info
We will not be taking a bus to these games. We ask parents to transport their children to Milton Frank Stadium and home afterwards.
Parents - Please sign up to chaperone in Charms. Find our calendar and click the yellow hand icon to sign up. Chaperones will be given free entry to the game.
Parents who would like to attend the game will need to purchase tickets online. (I’d recommend doing this ahead of time!) GoFan
Please remember that Milton Frank has a clear bag policy for all guests!
The game should last until about 8:30 - depending on when we get started. Students may bring phones to text you before the 4th quarter. (Please plan to be in the vicinity for pick-up around 8:30 so we can get all students home in a timely manner.)
Percussion students will get their equipment off of the band trailer when they arrive and are responsible for loading it back up when we leave. Percussion will need to stay until we are sure everything has been loaded up.
Our 6th Grade students will be playing a few songs with us in the stands! All 6th grade band students are welcome to join us. We ask that you remain for the full game if you choose to participate!
Due to the Tuesday football game, we will have Jazz Band on WEDNESDAY, September 27 this week from 3:00-3:45. Thank you for your flexibility as we try to fit in everything!
This Friday (September 29) is an e-Learning day. I will be off work that day and unavailable to host a Google Meet. I am asking all students to please spend that time allotted for their fine arts elective to get in some practice time – and for 7th/8th graders to make up any missing grades! Our 6th grade students will be making up any missing assignments during class this week. 7th/8th grade have two playing tests due in Schoology this quarter - Bb Major Scale and Chromatic (due this Wednesday.)
MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT AT HHS - Thank you to all who participated in Middle School Night! Our own HHS Band was chosen as Band of the Week – You can see some familiar faces here: https://whnt.com/sports/football-friday/band-of-the-week/band-of-the-week-huntsville-panthers/
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 (9/25) - SPIRIT NIGHT - Mellow Mushroom
Tuesday (9/26) - Football Game: HCMS vs McNair Middle - 6th GRADE NIGHT
Wednesday (9/27) -
Thursday (9/28) -
Friday (9/29) -
Next week:
Monday (10/2) - Fall Break
Tuesday (10/3) - Fall Break
Wednesday (10/4) - Fall Break
Thursday (10/5) - Fall Break
Friday (10/6) - Fall Break
Reminders:
Fundraiser. The start of the Butterbraid Fundraiser has been delayed. More information to come.
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.
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!