This Week's Newsletter

Director's Notes

Happy New Year and Welcome Back!  I hope everyone has had a wonderful and relaxing holiday break.  Looking forward to another great semester with the HCMS Band! 

Thank you! 

Emily Parker, Director of Bands

Beginning Band

SAVE THE DATE Please save the date Monday, February 9 for our first-ever HCMS Fine Arts NIght!  All of our band/choir/art students will be involved in this special celebration of the arts!  

MATERIALS Please ensure that your student has their black band binder, red Tradition of Excellence Book and at least 3 good reeds (clarinet/saxophone players only).  

WEEKLY MYSTERY PRIZE CHALLENGE We will be starting the weekly mystery prize challenge in each beginning band class very soon!  Students have the option to complete each week's challenge and be entered to win the mystery prize.  Winning students will be posted on our private HCMS Band Parents Facebook page!

Symphonic Band

JAZZ BAND Due to the Teacher Work Day on Monday, there will be no Jazz Band this week. We will resume on Monday, January 12.  We will start with all Jazz Band members from 3-3:45 and just 8th Grade from 3:45-4:00 to prepare for our trip to Montgomery.  Thanks so much for your flexibility! 

CALENDAR CHANGES All Band Students will be performing on Monday, February 9 for our first-ever HCMS Band Fine Arts Night.   We will be cancelling our Lock-In on Thursday, February 5 to accommodate this change. In an effort to better prepare for our Music Performance Assessment contest in February, I would like to have small afterschool rehearsals with sections to help prepare music more quickly and efficiently.  Each student will only have one session to attend - based on their instrument and class period. We will start with Flute/Clarinet/Sax the week of January 12 and follow up with brass and percussion after that point.   Thank you for your flexibility on this - just want to be sure we are as prepared as possible!  

ALL-STATE HELP SESSIONS Each Wednesday in January will be an optional All-State help session for students who are trying out.  I highly encourage those students auditioning to take advantage of these as much as possible to prepare for their auditions. 

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!

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!