This Week's Newsletter

Director's Notes

Congratulations to all of our band students for a terrific Holiday Concert!  I am very proud of all of their progress this semester, and I am looking forward to some great new music when we return in January!  

JAZZ BAND 8th Grade Jazz Band members will practice Monday, December 15 from 3-4.  We will be reading through music for our performance in Montgomery in March.  Apologies to 7th grade - we are limited to 25 students for the trip as the performance space cannot accommodate more, .

NO INSTRUMENTS THURSDAY/FRIDAY Students will need to bring instruments Monday-Wednesday this week. We are on an altered schedule on Thursday (PBIS Celebration) and Friday (Half Day) and will not need instruments those days.  Please ensure that all instruments are taken home for the holiday break! 

GIFT IDEAS In case you're looking for ideas or stocking stuffers, I've listed some potential music gift ideas (compiled by a colleague) below.  You can also look through another fellow band director's Amazon list for potential ideas: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mrs.allen.81?ccs_id=92b4d0fe-2910-43a0-84ab-53203333794c  

BLUE TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE BOOK Our 7th/8th grade band will be using the Tradition of Excellence Book 2 (Blue) in and playing tests when we return in January.  We still have several students who do not have a copy.  Please take care of securing one over the break! 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).  

I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing Holiday Break! Thank you for your support of the HCMS Bands!

Thank you! 

Emily Parker, Director of Bands

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: Be sure you have lined up an instrument AND the red Tradition of Excellence Book 1 for your instrument (Available at 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!