This Week's Newsletter

Director's Notes

Congratulations to our 7th and 8th Grade Bands on their fantastic performances at Music Performance Assessment!  Both bands received straight superior ratings (the best you can achieve) and perfect scores in Sight Reading!  We were the only middle school in Huntsville City Schools to achieve this prestigious honor!  I am so incredibly proud of our students, not only for their musical achievements, but their professionalism and excellent behavior throughout the day.  Special thanks to all of our parents who chaperoned and helped keep the day running smoothly.  We will have some special celebrations coming soon!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful and relaxing Spring Break next week!  

Beginning Band

SOLO PROJECT Each year our Beginning Band students learn several solos in band class.  Each student has the choice to perform their solo for their band class OR for a judge at Solo & Ensemble contest.  Solo & Ensemble will be Saturday, April 11 at Liberty Middle School.  Those who sign up for Solo & Ensemble contest can request a time (morning/afternoon).  Students who receive a Superior rating at Solo & Ensemble will be given a medal.  Students also have the option to perform a duet/trio with any other band students if they would like to do so.  We will continue to work on this music in class and there will be additional opportunities for morning/afternoon practice for students who would like it.  Permission Forms have been sent home and can also be found HERE.  Please turn in Permission Slips by Friday, March 13.   

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 Horns & Hooves Jazz Band will meet on Monday (March 9) from 3-4.  Our 8th Grade Jazz Band will meet this Thursday, March 12. I apologize for an additional rehearsal during the week - but we want to be sure we have all of our music prepared for our performance in Montgomery in March.  Please do your best to attend.  8th Grade Jazz Band - Our performance at the Alabama State Capitol will be Thursday, March 26. Permission slips will be sent home this week.  There is a cost of $16 to cover lunch.  If any parents would like to chaperone, please contact Ms. Parker! We have plenty of room on the bus!

SOLO & ENSEMBLE  Solo & Ensemble will be Saturday, April 11 at Liberty Middle School.  Those who sign up for Solo & Ensemble contest can request a time (morning/afternoon).  Students who receive a Superior rating at Solo & Ensemble will be given a medal.  Students can participate in up to four events (solo (one per instrument), duet, trio, quartet).  This is an optional event for 7th and 8th Grade students but a highy recommended option!  Permission Slips will be sent home Monday and are also available HERE.  Permission slips are due Friday, March 13.  

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. More details to come!  

IMPORTANT FOR ALL CURRENT 7TH AND 8TH GRADE BAND STUDENTS The Huntsville High School Band will announce their next international trip (Spring 2028) on March 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the Huntsville High Band Room.  7th and 8th Grade students continuing in the HHS Band program will be eligible to attend.  

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

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).  

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!