This Week's Newsletter

Director's Notes

Since we have so many things going on, we have divided our notes for Beginning and Symphonic Band.  Please be sure to read through your announcements! This is a busy time with lots of things coming up!  Remember - there is a secret word hidden in your band's information section!  The secret words are a little better hidden this week. Students who whisper the secret word to Ms. Parker on Monday receive a prize!

Beginning Band

• SOLO PROJECT Each year our Beginning Band members participate in the Solo Project.  We ask each of our beginning band students to perform a solo EITHER for their band class OR at Solo & Ensemble Festival on Saturday, April 5 at LIberty Middle School.  We will learn three solos (easy, medium, challenging) in class for them to choose from. There will be a form coming out soon where students can indicate their choice.  There is a $5 cost to perform for the judge (charged by the district organization).  Students may request AM/PM times and we will accommodate as much as we can.  I highly recommend playing for the judge if possible - it's a great opportunity for students to get feedback and have the chance to earn a medal on their instrument!   Beginning Band students also have the option (not required) to perform a duet/trio with friends at the Solo & Ensemble contest if they wish.  We have learned a duet/trio in class they could use.  Please watch for this form - coming soon! This week's secret word is "articulation."  Students may come whisper it to Ms. Parker at the end of class.

• FAIR-SHARE PAYMENTS We ask a $25 Fair Share fee for all Beginning Band students.  These funds are used for music, incentives, guest instructors/clinicians and our other expenses for band.  I'll be sending out an email reminder for those who have yet to turn in this payment.  Fair Share payments can be submitted via cash/check (HCMS Band)/MySchoolFees.  Thank you for your prompt assistance with this matter! 

• RENTAL PAYMENTS Spring Instrument Rental payments are due for students who are playing HCMS instruments. Payments can be made by cash, check (HCMS Bands) or money order.  Unfortunately, we cannot accept online payments for rentals at this time.  Please communicate if you would like a receipt for your payment and I'll be sure it is sent home with your student. Thank you for your prompt assistance with this matter!

• SUPPLIES Please be sure your student has all necessary items for band class, especially as we prepare for our big holiday concert.  Clarinet and Saxophone players must have at least 3 good reeds at all times.  Percussion (7th/8th Grade) must have a stick bag, yarn mallets, bell mallets, rubber mallets and drumsticks.  Items may be purchased through the band program if it helps you.  Please email Ms. Parker or Mr. Moran with questions.

• UPCOMING SPIRIT NIGHT Be sure to check out Five Guys-Jones Valley on Monday, February 17 for Spirit Night!  We greatly appreciate your support!

Symphonic Band

• RISING 9TH GRADE There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, February 18 at the Huntsville High School Band Room at 6:00 p.m. for all rising 9th grade students.  Any 8th grade student who is interested in learning about the HHS Band or band at the high school level should attend.  Families of students who know they are doing band, as well as students who are on the fence or not sure about it should come and learn more.  Students and parents are welcome to attend!  We highly encourage you to attend this meeting and learn more about the HHS Band program as you are making decisions for next year! Who should attend this meeting?

• SAVE THE DATE (SYMPHONIC BAND) Our 7th and 8th grade bands will be competing at Music Performance Assessment during the school day on either February 25!  We will need parent chaperone help for this event, which will last for the full school day.  Please email hcovemsband@gmail.com if you can help chaperone!   This will be a required event for our 7th and 8th grade band members and we will be sure they have time to make up any missed assignments.  We return by the end of the school day. 

• UNIFORMS  Please be sure that your student has all pieces of the correct concert uniform - ESPECIALLY black dress shoes!  Just like in sports, students who are not in full uniform will not be able to compete.  If you have questions/concerns or need assistance in any way, please contact Ms. Parker or the Band Parents.  

• FAIR-SHARE PAYMENTS We ask a $50 Fair Share fee for all Symphonic Band students.  These funds are used for music, incentives, guest instructors/clinicians and our other expenses for band.  I'll be sending out an email reminder for those who have yet to turn in this payment.  Fair Share payments can be submitted via cash/check (HCMS Band)/MySchoolFees.  Thank you for your prompt assistance with this matter! This week's secret word is "articulation."  Students may come whisper it to Ms. Parker at the end of class.

• RENTAL PAYMENTS Spring Instrument Rental payments are due for students who are playing HCMS instruments. Payments can be made by cash, check (HCMS Bands) or money order.  Unfortunately, we cannot accept online payments for rentals at this time.  Please communicate if you would like a receipt for your payment and I'll be sure it is sent home with your student. Thank you for your prompt assistance with this matter! 

• PERCUSSION PAYMENTS Our 7th/8th Grade Percussionists are asked to pay $100/year for percussion instruction and use of school percussion instruments.  These funds are used to help replace/purchase new equipment for percussion throughout the year.  I'll be sending out an email requesting your payment this week.  Payments can be made by cash, check (HCMS Bands) or money order.  Unfortunately, we cannot accept online payments for rentals at this time.  Thank you for your prompt assistance with this matter!

• JAZZ BAND Our Horns and Hooves Jazz Band will meet as scheduled on Monday, February 10.  Since we will be out of school on Monday, February 17, we would like to rehearse that Thursday (February 20) instead for that week.  

• SAVE THE DATE (ALL BAND STUDENTS)  All band students (grades 6-8) have the exciting opportunity to perform at Solo & Ensemble Festival on Saturday, April 5 at Liberty Middle School.  Students may perform one solo (per instrument) and up to three ensembles (duets, trios, quartets) if they so choose!  We will be working on some options in our beginning band classes and have help sessions throughout the Spring.  Please consider this wonderful opportunity!  

• PLAYING TESTS Our 7/8 Grade Bands will be assigned several playing tests in Schoology over the next few weeks.  As we do not have a lot of additional scheduled performances this nine weeks, it is imperative students complete these tests to receive their grades!  Deadlines are included on the Week at a Glance section below. Thank you for your help with this matter! 

• UPCOMING SPIRIT NIGHT Be sure to check out Five Guys-Jones Valley on Monday, February 17 for Spirit Night!  We greatly appreciate your support!

Rising 9th Grade Information - Huntsville High School Band

Important Dates for 8th graders interested in being the Huntsville High Band

**All events take place in the Huntsville High School Band Room unless otherwise indicated**

**All events are required as a member of the HHS Band.  Please email stuart.tankesley@hsv-k12.org for school related conflicts.  We encourage you to attend if you are "on the fence" or unsure of your plans for next school year.**

**You will receive a band contract at the parent meeting in February and it will be due back at your concert audition in April**

I am a percussionist

Tuesday, February 18 6:00 pm - Parent and Student Informational Meeting   During February our 9th grade counselors begin to meet with 8th grade students and you will start entering course requests in late Feb/March.

Friday, March 7 - Concert Audition Music given out at middle schools and posted in our google drive.

Wednesday, April 9 - Concert Auditions for All Percussion 4:00 pm in the HHS Band room

Monday, May 5 Marching Percussion Placements 4:15-6:45 pm

Tuesday, May 6 Marching Percussion Placements 4:15-6:45 pm

Monday, May 12th Spring Training 4:15-6:45 pm.  Marching Fundamentals

Monday, May 19th Spring Training 4:15-6:45 pm.  Marching Fundamentals

Tuesday, May 20th Spring Training 4:15-6:45 pm.  Marching Fundamentals

Tuesday, May 20th 9th Grade parent meeting at 7:00 pm (students always welcome)

I am a Wind player - Brass or Woodwind instruments

Tuesday, February 18 6:00 pm - Parent and Student Informational Meeting   During February our 9th grade counselors begin to meet with 8th grade students and you will start entering course requests in late Feb/March.

Friday, March 7 - Concert Audition Music given out at middle schools and posted in our google drive.

Monday, April 7 - Concert Auditions for woodwinds  4:00 pm - Clarinets, 4:45 pm - Saxophones, 5:30 pm - Flutes, oboe, and bassoon

Tuesday, April 8 - Concert Auditions for Brass - 4:00 pm - Tuba/Euphonium 4:30 pm - Trombone  5:15 pm - Trumpet and French Horn

Tuesday, April 22 Spring Training -  4:15-6:00 pm. Music!

Tuesday, May 6 Spring Training 4:15-6:45pm. Marching Fundamentals

Monday, May 12th Spring Training 4:15-6:45 pm. Marching Fundamentals

Monday, May 19th Spring Training 4:15-6:45 pm.  Marching Fundamentals

Tuesday, May 20th Spring Training 4:15-6:45 pm.  Marching Fundamentals

Tuesday, May 20th Upcoming 9th Grade parent meeting at 7:00 pm (students always welcome)

I am a potential color guard member

April 21-25  Color Guard Auditions 4-6 Freshman Cafeteria

Tuesday, April 22 6:00 pm Parent/Student Meeting for potential new members

May 27-30 (Tues-Friday) Color Guard Camp 9 am - 4:00 pm

Tues, May 20th new member parent meeting at 7:00 pm (all new band members)

Summer Dates (required for all marching band members unless indicated otherwise)

July 9-11 Marching Percussion Camp (Marching Percussion Only)

July 14-18 Band Camp Week 1 - All Day

July 21-25 Band Camp Week 2 - All day

Friday, July 25th  Optional DCI Trip to MTSU (afternoon and evening)

Tuesday, July 29 Rehearsal  6-9 pm

Thursday, July 31 Rehearsal 6-9 pm 

Monday, August 4th First Day of School

Band Parent Meeting Slides