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(9/5/2025) ➡ SPECIAL MESSAGE: HOUSE SOCIAL on MONDAY!
(9/5/2025) ➡ SPECIAL MESSAGE: HOUSE SOCIAL on MONDAY!
Dear Students and Parents,
We’re thrilled to officially announce the Opening-of-Year House Social happening this Monday, September 8! We’ve mentioned it before, but now it’s time to get hyped for an afternoon of fun, games, and house spirit to kick off the school year right!
Event Details:
When: Monday, right after school until 6:00 PM
Where: Kicks off in the upper (practice) gym, shifts to house common rooms (large classroom spaces) from 4:30–5:30 PM, and ends in the Main Gym from 5:30–6:00 PM
Pickup: Parents, please pick up your student at 6:00 PM out in the front of the school.
Important Info for Students Staying:
Students staying for the social must have a parent complete this Google Form (<-- CLICK HERE) to confirm you’re aware they’re staying and will be picked up at 6:00 PM.
Head to the upper (practice) gym right after school to join the fun!
Show your house pride by wearing your house colors on Monday!
This is going to be an awesome way to connect with your house, play games, and start the year with a bang. Let’s make it a day to remember!
Thank you for supporting the SVMS band program. We can’t wait for an incredible year!
James Hargreaves (j.hargreaves@comalisd.org)
Spencer Katz (spencer.katz@comalisd.org)
SVMS Band Directors
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"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~Berthold Auerbach
(8/24/2025) ➡ A Thrilling Start to the Year!
(8/24/2025) ➡ A Thrilling Start to the Year!
Dear SVMS Band Parents and Students,
What a fantastic first week, Mustang Band! Our 7th and 8th graders jumped right back into playing, dusting off their skills and tackling new music with enthusiasm. Meanwhile, our beginners nailed their first lessons on fundamentals, setting the stage for a year of musical growth. We’re incredibly proud of the strong foundation being built in every class!
Important Information
Important Information
Beginners
Beginners
Bring Instruments: If you have an instrument at home, bring it this week and store it in your band hall locker before 1st period—no need to carry it all day! (Portable music stands can stay home.)
School-Delivered Instruments: Instruments ordered through music stores will be distributed this week.
Next Steps: We’ll begin opening cases and making sounds next week, so ensure your instrument is ready.
Need an Instrument or Accessories? Please secure your supplies ASAP. Find details on what to get and where: https://bit.ly/svms-supply-list
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House Sorting Project
House Sorting Project
Last year, our band students pioneered the House Sorting Project, a fun and engaging way to build community and teamwork, inspired by the idea of school “houses”. It was such a hit that the entire school is now joining in! This week, all SVMS students will take an updated Sorting Quiz during advisory to determine their house: IMPACT 🦁, SERENADE 🦌, SPARK 🦅, or BRAVURA 🐉. Each house fosters a sense of belonging, encourages positive behavior, and sparks friendly competition.
Returning Band Students: If you were sorted into a house last year, you’ll stay in that house but are encouraged to retake the quiz for fun.
New Students: The quiz will place you in one of the four houses, shaping your experience in school-wide and band activities.
New Feature: To keep groups manageable for house meetings and events, each house is now divided into two “orders” (e.g., Impact Red/Impact Grey, Serenade Gold/Serenade Black, Spark Blue/Spark Silver, Bravura Green/Bravura White). This ensures everyone can connect more closely with their house-mates.
Earning Points: School-wide, students earn points for their house by demonstrating Safe, Respectful, or Responsible behavior across the school (in classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, etc.). In band, points come from consistent rehearsal habits—showing up prepared, ready to work, and eager to learn—and passing off playing skills.
Opening House Social: To kick off this year's fun, we’re hosting a House Social on Monday, September 8, 4:30–6:30 PM. This event will feature games and activities to help new and returning students bond with their house-mates and celebrate the start of the year.
Students: Want to lead? Talk to a band director about helping plan or organize the event!
Parents: Make the night unforgettable by donating decorations, food, snacks, or drinks. Contact us to contribute!
More details: https://bit.ly/SVHouseSorting
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8th Grade Band Extravaganza
8th Grade Band Extravaganza
Get ready for an unforgettable day on September 26! Our 8th grade band students will participate in the Comal County Fair Parade, where they’ll march alongside the SVHS Ranger Band through downtown New Braunfels. This is a unique opportunity to connect with high school musicians and experience the excitement of a parade. Afterward, students will head to SVHS for a fun-filled afternoon of food provided by the band boosters, games, and bonding with the Ranger Band. Then, our 8th graders will get to perform with the high school band at the football game that night, showcasing our students’ talents under the Friday night lights.
Schedule: Arrive at SVMS ~8:00 AM for parade prep, return to SVHS ~1:00 PM for activities (TBD), and stay for the halftime performance, with pickup around 8:30 PM.
Action Items:
Mark your calendar for this all-day event.
Purchase a Camelbak-type hydration pack to keep your child comfortable during the parade.
More details will be shared soon, so stay tuned!
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Sectionals
Sectionals
Starting next week, we’re launching Instrument Masterclasses (aka sectionals) for all Wind Ensemble (2nd period, Top Band) students. These required morning practices, held 7:20–8:05 AM once per week, are key to elevating our skills to the next level. We’ve scheduled them to avoid conflicts with athletic practices where possible. If a conflict arises, please work with coaches to find a solution or contact us in advance to arrange an alternate time for your child to join us.
Check the full schedule and details: https://bit.ly/svbandsectionals
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Registration Fees
Registration Fees
If you missed back-to-school registration, please make sure you have submitted your band fees:
$80 Band Fee (all students): Covers the cost of a band t-shirt, new rehearsal book, sheet music throughout the year, band room supplies/equipment, and the cleaning of UIL uniforms for advanced students.
$80 School-Instrument Usage Fee (only for students using school-owned instruments: Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Tenor/Bari Sax, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion, 7th/8th grade Trombones): Covers part of the annual cleaning costs.
Payment Options: Contact the SVMS front office for details on paying with a credit card or avoid fees by paying us directly with cash/check/money order. For cash/check, please place the payment in an envelope labeled "For SVMS Band" and your child’s first and last name. You can drop it off at the front office, or have your child bring it to us in the band hall.
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Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Band Fundraiser: Kicks off THIS FRIDAY! Details coming home this week.
Opening House Social: Monday, September 8 (volunteers and donations needed).
Open House: Monday, September 15. Stop by and say hi! See where all the magic happens!
8th Grade Band Extravaganza: September 26.
7th/8th Grade Band Concert: Tuesday, October 14, 6:30 PM in the SVMS Cafeteria. Doors open at 6:00 PM; students should arrive in the band hall by 5:45 PM wearing their band shirt and blue jeans.
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Stay Connected
Stay Connected
Join our Remind for real-time updates:
All Students: https://www.remind.com/join/svmsbands
8th grade only: https://www.remind.com/join/svband8
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Thank you for encouraging your child’s passion for music. Band teaches resilience, teamwork, and lifelong learning, and we’re excited to partner with you to make this year amazing. Reach out with any questions!
James Hargreaves (j.hargreaves@comalisd.org)
Spencer Katz (spencer.katz@comalisd.org)
SVMS Band Directors
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"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~Berthold Auerbach
(8/11/2025) ➡ Mustangs set the standard! Let the fun begin!
(8/11/2025) ➡ Mustangs set the standard! Let the fun begin!
To all SVMS Band parents and students,
To all SVMS Band parents and students,
A new school year is upon us once again! We've got some awesome new things planned for this year and we can't wait to let you in on the news!
FIRST THINGS FIRST: Back-to-School Registration/Orientation
FIRST THINGS FIRST: Back-to-School Registration/Orientation
Back-to-school Registration/Orientation is happening TOMORROW and WEDNESDAY. Before you come to SVMS, we need EVERYONE to:
READ the new SVMS Band Handbook. We made some changes from last year that we think you will like.
Fill out an ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM for the SVMS BAND (It's FINALLY a Google Form this year! No more paper forms—for now!)
If using a school-owned instrument, complete a CISD Equipment Usage Agreement and bring it with you to registration.
GO to the REGISTRATION INFO page of our website for all the relevant documents and links.
There is also a calendar of events for the year you can print and hang on your fridge, a materials list for the first day of school, and more!
SVMS Back-to-School Registration / Orientation / Schedule Pick-Up
SVMS Back-to-School Registration / Orientation / Schedule Pick-Up
Incoming 6th graders: TOMORROW, TUESDAY, August 12 from 8:30am-11:30am or 2:00pm-5:00pm.
Incoming 7th/8th graders: THIS WEDNESDAY, August 13 from 8:30am-11:30am or 2:00pm-5:00pm.
Please try to come at some point on one of the days listed above and say hello to your band directors (and other teachers too!). You will also have an opportunity to pay all your school fees at one time in one place, pick up your child's schedule, and tour the campus.
Ensure you fill out our SVMS Band Online Registration Form before you come to registration. This will help limit confusion around band fees and documents on the day of.
Sign up for our REMIND groups:
Sign up for our REMIND groups:
All students and parents: https://www.remind.com/join/svmsbands -OR- TEXT @svmsbands to 81010
8th-grade students and parents only: https://www.remind.com/join/svband8 -OR- TEXT @svband8 to 81010
SECOND THINGS SECOND: Incoming Beginning Band Students
SECOND THINGS SECOND: Incoming Beginning Band Students
Incoming Beginning Band Students ... WE CAN'T WAIT TO MAKE MUSIC WITH YOU!
But we can't do that if you don't have an instrument.
To get an instrument, follow these steps:
If you already know what instrument you will be playing this year, go to the Beginning-Band Page on our website to find our instrument supply letter.
If you missed the interviews or haven't received a confirmation email or phone call with your child's instrument placement, LET US KNOW!
We want to help your child get set and READY to ROCK this school year! Let us know your child's instrument preferences by filling out the Google form here: http://bit.ly/Join-The-Band. (Just ignore the questions about picking an interview. Those were back in April...)
Beginners will NOT need an instrument the first week of school. Don't wait to order one though. You will need it secured by the second week. We start playing on the third week of school. LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED HELP WITH THIS. We are happy to help guide you through this new endeavor. 😁
NOW, THE AWESOME STUFF:
NOW, THE AWESOME STUFF:
Last year, we piloted a new practice incentive program called the "House Sorting Project" (also called the "Four Houses of the SVMS Mustang Band"). If you were a part of that experiment last year, THANK YOU! It was so successful, that ALL of SVMS will be participating in it this year!
That's right, this year ALL students (and Teachers and Staff) will be sorted into one of four unique teams or "houses" that will act as a sort of family for them this school year. These families will extend beyond their clubs, grade levels, and class periods and help link students to the wider SVMS community. It is our hope that this link will provide our younger students with peer mentors who can help them throughout the year AND provide our older students with opportunities for leadership and growth.
The four houses are called Impact, Serenade, Spark, and Bravura. Each house has an associated mascot and coat of arms, as well as specific personality characteristics common to members of that house.
After the first day of school, students will take the House Sorting Quiz (with their school Gmail account) during their advisory period. This is a personality-style google form that will sort the students into their house. Results of the quiz will be released about a week later. Students who were already in a house last year will not need to take the quiz again as they will remain in their house as elders and leaders who will guide the culture and traditions of their house.
All the other details about this exciting project can be found on the "Four Houses" page of our website.
Parents, if you have any questions about this program, please do not hesitate to reach out. This is a fun new tradition for our band program and we welcome any thoughts or insights you might have.
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We are truly excited about all the fun this year has in store. The longer we teach, the more we understand that each new year is an adventure; with new faces to match with names, new personalities to mix with old, and new musical frontiers to explore. We look forward to going on this journey with you and your child and we can't wait to discover where the music will take us next!
If you run into any questions or concerns as we get this new year started, please feel free to reach out.
Thanks again,
James Hargreaves (j.hargreaves@comalisd.org)
Spencer Katz (spencer.katz@comalisd.org)
SVMS Band Directors
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"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~Berthold Auerbach
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