This Week's Newsletter

Director's Notes

Congratulations to our 7th and 8th Grade Bands!  They did a fantastic job at Music Performance Assessment!  Our Red Band (5th Period) received a rating of Excellent on stage and a Superior in Sight Reading - and our Gold Band (4th Period) received a Superior on stage and a Superior in Sight Reading!  These are the top scores you can receive and our students all did such a fantastic job!   Moreover, one of our buses was very delayed in arriving and our students were able to alter plans on the spot and regroup right in time to walk straight in and begin the competition.  We couldn't be prouder of their professionalism, deportment and character - in addition to their musicianship!  Thank you to all of the parents who volunteered to chaperone and make this day possible! 

Spring Break is next week!  Hope everyone has a safe and relaxing break!

Beginning Band

• SOLO PROJECT With so many interruptions/events these last few weeks, we will extend the Solo Project deadline to this Wednesday, March 5 at 3:00 p.m.  This is the last time we can accept registrations for the Solo Project.  Any students who do not bring their form will be playing their solo for the class.  Additional forms are included below!

• FRIDAY, MARCH 7 Friday is a half day and our schedule will not allow ample time to play in class.  We will do alternate assignments on that day - No instruments on Friday.  However, all instruments must go home for the break on Thursday, March 6!  The secret word is "fermata." Students may whisper it to Ms. Parker at the end of class on Monday to earn a prize. 

• BAND KARATE Our Band Karate program is in full swing for beginning band!  Students have the opportunity to play selected songs from their music book to earn leveled karate belts.  Students earning the black belt will earn a medal at the Spring Concert.  Students may play in class OR submit videos on Schoology. Videos will be graded on Thursdays and belts awarded the following day.  Please help us encourage our students to take advantage of this great opportunity! 

• 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. 

Symphonic Band

• Solo & Ensemble 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!  They can combine with friends on any instrument from any band class. We will opening the band room for help sessions throughout the Spring.  Please consider this wonderful opportunity!   Forms have been handed out in class and are posted below.  Due to multiple interruptions/events the last few weeks, we have extended the deadline to this Wednesday, March 5 at 3:00 p.m. The secret word is "fermata."  Students may whisper it to Ms. Parker at the end of class on Monday to earn a prize. 

• FRIDAY, MARCH 7 Friday is a half day and our schedule will not allow ample time to play in class.  We will do alternate assignments on that day - No instruments on Friday.  However, all instruments must go home for the break on Thursday, March 6!  The secret word is "fermata." Students may whisper it to Ms. Parker at the end of class on Monday to earn a prize. 

• JAZZ BAND  We will resume our typical schedule of Monday rehearsals from 3-4 for Jazz from now on. Permission slips have also been sent home about the Jazz Band participating in Solo & Ensemble competition on Saturday, April 5.  Please return those forms Monday at rehearsal. Thank you so much for your flexibility! Please contact Mr. Moran with any questions/concerns regarding Jazz Band - stephen.moran@hsv-k12.org.  

• SCALE CLUB Our 7th/8th grade band members have the opportunity to pass off scales for prizes.  Those that pass off 6 scales by April 1 earn donuts, 9 scales by April 15 earn a breakfast biscuit and 12 scales earn a pizza party and a HCMS Scale Club medal for their uniform.  Scales can be passed off for Ms. Parker/Mr. Moran in class or submitted via Schoology.  Please help us encourage students to participate in this challenge!

• 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! 

• 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!

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