This Week's Newsletter

Director's Notes

It's hard to believe it's almost time for Fall Break!  We have a busy week in the HCMS Band Room this week!  Please take note of the following important info!

FOOTBALL GAME TUESDAY Our next required football game for 7th/8th grade band will be this Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at Milton Frank Stadium.  I realize the early time is a challenge - please do the best you can to get there near 4:15.  We will plan to to straight in to the stadium - if you are running a bit late, just tell them you are with the band at the front gate and they will let you through to join us.  We will be on the Home Side.  More details below!

NO INSTRUMENTS ON FRIDAY All instruments will go home on Thursday afternoon and will not be needed in class on Friday.  More details to come!

GREAT NEWS!  We are the proud recipients of an HCMS PTA Grant of $1500 toward the purchase of MakeMusic software subscriptions for our entire band program!  This program will be available through Canvas for all band students and provides incredible opportunities for practicing at home that make it FUN!  Students can play along with their own part of the music/lines in the book, record themselves and be graded on their progress and have access to thousands of songs to play along with and read for fun!  We are so grateful to the PTA for making this possible and will be launching it in class this week!  

MORE GREAT NEWS!!!  Our 7th and 8th graders will have the option to attend our first Spring Band Trip to Pigeon Forge this April (24-25)!  They will be performing in front of Dollywood and enjoying a day at the park as well as several other local attractions!  We will get details out ASAP and start sign-ups soon!  We are also working on fundraising options for those would like them. Please stay tuned!  

GENERAL REMINDERS Just some friendly reminders to help with planning and communication throughout the year! These were discussed in the band handbook as well as our fall band parent meeting, but just putting here to be of help!

• Required Events:  Per our band handbook, we ask for at least one week's notice of potential conflicts for any required band events.  We totally understand emergencies occur and work to be as fair as possible in all cases for all students.  In cases of conflict with other events, our procedure is that a performance/game trumps a practice.  If it is a conflict between a performance/game, we work to ensure the student is where they are most needed.  Ms. Parker is more than happy to speak to/coordinate with other coaches when necessary and helpful.  It just helps us greatly to have time to take care of everything before the actual event so we know who all will be present and ensure that all musical assignments are covered for a performance.  Please contact Ms. Parker with any questions.  Thank you to those who have already been so helpful with communication!

• Instrument Repairs: Thank you to all who are quickly acting on getting instrument repairs to the shop as they arise!  It is greatly appreciated!  We have road representatives from Gadsden Music and Southeastern Musical Services who come out once a week to help us with minor repairs and assist if possible.  Students can list instrument issues on the yellow clipboard by the band office if they need theirs checked/repaired.  If an instrument requires going to the shop, please email Ms. Parker and let her know which shop and an estimated time window.  It greatly helps us plan for your student while they are out of an instrument, provide help/loaners if possible and we can also assist in checking on the status and encouraging them to return it as quickly as possible.

• Emails: Please allow 48 hours (school days) for an email response.  If you have not received a response in that time, please feel free to resend your email.  More than likely, Ms. Parker is working on researching a solution to your question - but she will get back with you ASAP.  Thanks so much for your help with this!

FALL BREAK There will be no newsletter over Fall Break.  Have a safe week and enjoy! 

Beginning Band (6th Grade)

• FALL BREAK BINGO Our beginning band members have the option to participate in Fall Break Band Bingo.  Special bingo cards with musical/playing challenges will be given out this week.  Students can complete the squares for a bingo/black-out on their Bingo board for a special treat when we return! 

• CLARINET/SAXOPHONE PLAYERS  Please help us make sure your students have 3 good reeds for their instrument at all times.  We will be rotating through to have three playable reeds all the time.  As they break/wear out over time, we need to be sure they are replaced so students always have a back-up option ready.  

• BAND T-SHIRT ORDER Band T-Shirts have been distributed.  If you did not receive a shirt or did not order one, we have plenty of extra.  Please contact Ms. Parker (emily.parker@hsv-k12.org) or send in $16 (checks to HCMS Band).    

Symphonic Band (7th/8th Grade)

• FOOTBALL GAME THIS TUESDAY Our next required game will be Tuesday, September 30 at 4:30.  I completely understand the 4:30 games are a challenge and we have worked hard to limit the required number of those games this year.  Please do the best you can to get there near 4:15!

  • WHO - HCMS BAND 7TH/8TH GRADE MEMBERS (Parents and Teachers who play are also invited to join us!  Please wear any HCMS or red/black/gold attire for the game.  Let Ms. Parker know via email if you need music or any other assistance prior to Tuesday!)

  • WHEN - Tuesday, September 30th (4:15 call time - Please do the best you can!)  The game should last until about 6:00-6:15.  

  • WHAT TO WEAR - Black Band Shirt, Khaki Shorts/Pants, Tennis Shoes (Parent Band - HCMS attire or red/black/gold)

  • WHERE - Milton Frank Stadium

• 8TH GRADE NIGHT - HHS BAND Our 8th Grade Band members are invited to join the HHS Band for 8th Grade Night on Friday, October 17!  Dinner will be provided as they join their sections for the game and in the stands.  This is a phenomenal opportunity and we highly encourage all 8th Graders to sign up!  You can register at this link:  https://forms.gle/jFFWnEsvogdvSfiu8 

• CONCERT UNIFORMS Most of our concert uniforms have been distributed this week.  Remaining uniforms will be sent home upon receipt of the signed rental uniform paperwork and/or payment of $25 rental fee (cash/check/MySchoolFees).  Please encourage your student to try on all parts of their uniform and double check that they fit correctly.  Contact Ms. Parker if you need an alternate size.  Please remember any alterations must be temporary - no cutting of fabric.  Guidelines are posted below. 

• GRADES Grades are being updated as possible.  Thanks so much for your patience!  

• TEXT ALERTS (7th/8th Grade Band) If you would like to sign up for text alerts through Remind, send a text to the number 81010 with the message @hcmsband25.  I'll keep you posted about our estimated time to finish the games.  

• JAZZ BAND Jazz Band Rehearsal will be Monday and last from 3-4.  Due to our extremely limited rehearsal time, students missing two or more Jazz Band rehearsals may be asked to sit out at those particular concerts. 

• BLUE TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE BOOK- We will be using the Tradition of Excellence Book 2 (Blue) in class this year for warm-ups and playing tests.  It is available at our local music stores and on Amazon.  We can also purchase these through the band ($13 for woodwinds/brass, $16/percussion) if you send in payment (cash/check to HCMS Band).  Please help us have these books in class after Labor Day.  

Thank you! 

Emily Parker, Director of Bands