This Week's Newsletter

Director's Notes

6th Grade Testing Begins This Week!  Our 2nd and 3rd Period students will NOT need instruments on Monday or Tuesday this week.  All other classes please bring instruments daily so we do not fall behind on our concert preparations!

Friday (4/3) is a Half Day for students.  No instruments will be needed on this day.  With the shortened schedule, we just don't have enough time to rehearse. 

There will be a Spring Trip Information Meeting on Thursday, April 2 in the HCMS Band Room at 6:00 p.m.  If you have a student attending, please do your best to attend as we are providing very important information as we finalize our trip preparations.  

Beginning Band

SOLO PROJECT Solo Project performance times will be distributed later this week. I'll provide all of the information you need for the event.  I'm very proud of our students who are participating!  

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).  

MAKE MUSIC Thanks to a generous grant from the HCMS PTA and our Fair Share donations, we have access to a new software called Make Music!  This software includes our Tradition of Excellence book, several of our songs we are currently preparing as well as HUNDREDS of other fun songs to explore.  Students can listen to and play along with their individual part or the band recording as they practice.  We will be ensuring everyone is signed up this week - please encourage your student to utilize this excellent practice tool at home!  

Symphonic Band

JAZZ BAND Our full Jazz Band will practice on Monday from 3-4.  Thank you for your patience as we navigated our 8th Grade jazz performance in Montgomery.  I'm so proud of our students for representing our program so well in the Capitol Tunes program!

SOLO & ENSEMBLE  Performance Times will be distributed later this week.  I'll provide all necessary information you need.  

SPRING TRIP  We will have a Spring Trip meeting on Thursday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m.  We will be going over packing lists, final reminders and all other details before our trip on April 24.  Please make plans to attend!  

SPRING TRIP T-SHIRTS  We will be getting a trip shirt to wear for our Saturday at Dollywood.  This helps us keep up with each other easier in the park and allows us to be in "uniform" for our performance.  The cost will be $10.  Payment can be made via cash/check or on MySchoolFees.  (No need to provide shirt size - it was included on your paperwork.) Chaperone shirts will be provided.  

RISING 9TH GRADERS All information for joining the Huntsville High School Band is available HERE.  The next event coming up will be band  auditions April 7-9 in the Huntsville High Band Room.  All future band students must complete the audition.  Audition music will be sent out on Tuesday, March 10. 

Tuesday, April 7 - Saxophones 4:00 pm, Flute – 4:30 pm, Clarinet, Bassoon, Oboe – 5:00 pm

Wednesday, April 8th - Trombone – 4:00 pm; Trumpet – 4:30 pm; Euphonium, Tuba, French Horn – 5:00 pm

Thursday, April 9th Percussion Auditions

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!