Week two was very successful!  In 6th grade band we learned how to breathe correctly and form our embouchures and hand positions for the first 5 notes.  We will continue to put those notes together and work on note reading this next week but they are catching on so fast!  The 7th grade band has been working on dotted quarter note rhythms and reviewing many musical terms, played some group trios, and sightread some pieces of music.  This next week we plan on reviewing crossing the break for clarinets, lip slurs for brass, snare drum exercises, and continue review from last year.  The 8th grade band has been reviewing the cut time time signature last week and performing some marches as well as reviewing scales.  We also started working on music for the Bartlett High night on Sept. 11.  All 7th and 8th grade band students also received their All-West TN Band audition music last week and should start working on it.

This week there is parent orientation night on Tuesday for 6th grade and Thursday for 7th/8th grade at 6 pm. 

Our after school help sessions will start this week and will end at 4 pm and pick up in the back parking lot. Students may bring a snack from home or bring money for the concession stand to buy a snack.  Brass and percussion sectional will be Monday and woodwinds will be Wednesday and these are open to our 7th/8th grade more experienced students to help with the All-West music.  Tuesdays will be individual practice day where anyone can stay and practice and work with each other or older students can work with younger students. 

We need your t-shirt design ideas!  We know that our band t-shirt will be gray this year but need to come up with designs and vote this week because we have to get them done and back in time for the 8th graders Sept. 11 Bartlett High event.  Please submit ideas by Tuesday in class.

Thank you to all of those that have brought in copy paper, kleenex, ziplock bags, dry erase markers, pencils, etc...... Please make sure you are returning your signed forms and fees as soon as possible.  All band fees are due by 9/30 but please try to pay at least $40 of it by this week if possible because we are paying for our new Smart Music subscription codes.  Students should hopefully have that information by the end of this week on how to renew or activate Smart Music accounts.

As a reminder, please label all instruments, books, music, valve oil, sticks, etc..... There have already been several things left in the band room and when things are not labeled, it is hard to get back to students.

I hope everyone has a great week!  Practice hard!

 

Mrs. S.