Embedded Files
Schedule change requests for 2nd semester will conclude on Friday, January 23rd. Schedule change request forms are located in the Counseling Office.
BAND NOTES - January 2026
BAND NOTES - January 2026
January 22nd - Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band - Pops Concert - 7pm, PHMS Gym - We will do a bake sale fundraiser in conjunction with this performance. If you’re willing to donate some individually wrapped goodies, please bring them to the concert. We will sell them during the concert for a free-will donation.
Solo & Ensemble Festival:
The Sioux Falls School District curriculum requires 7th and 8th grade students to learn and perform a solo or an ensemble. The PHMS Solo & Ensemble Festival is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th at PHMS. This will involve all 7th and 8th grade band students. Students have selected their group to perform with and music. We have begun preparing for this during class. Students should select a solo if they work with a private teacher. Ensembles require students to work together and will require practice in order to make the group the best it can be.
Information for 8th Grade Students
The High School Registration process will soon begin. 8th Grade band students should definitely try band in high school for at least one year. Many students who were indifferent about band in middle school become quite involved at the high school level. It is also a great way to earn the Fine Arts required credit. In addition, students will get a chance to take a major trip as part of the high school band. We strongly encourage you to register for band in high school!
High School Upper Band Auditions. Students do not need to audition to participate in high school band, they can just register for Freshman Band.
8th graders who are interested in auditioning for one of the top bands received the audition music in December and the auditions will take place mid-February. Please let us know if you have any questions or still need music.
PHMS Band Festival - April 21, 2026
Our PHMS Band Festival helps to make a fun transition for our incoming 5th graders. ALL 6-8th Grade band students and incoming 5th graders are going to put on a concert together in the LHS gymnasium. Our goal is to show the progression of 5th grade to 8th grade and generate excitement across all grade levels. Look for more details in future emails and newsletters.
CALENDAR
The “Band Events Calendar!” Attendance at school concerts is required. Mark your calendar now for these events!
BAND NOTES - December 2025
BAND NOTES - December 2025
Patrick Henry Middle School Band Concert Details
December 11, 2025 - PHMS Gym
(location change due to the LHS auditorium renovation timeline)
Friends and Family, please choose one of the two performances to attend. We will be hosting 2 performance options. With the location change, the gym will not hold all families for a single performance (especially for the 6th grade band). For the afternoon matinee performance, please enter through the front doors and check in with the office first. Students will be required to attend both performances.
Afternoon Matinee (during the students regular band class time, regular school clothes)
8th Grade (rehearse at 12:25, perform at 12:40, pack up at 1:00)
7th Grade (rehearse at 1:20, perform at 1:35, pack up at 1:55)
6th Grade (rehearse at 2:10, perform at 2:30, pack up at 2:50)
Evening Concert (concert dress)
6th Grade performance at 6:30 - Students report to the cafeteria at 6:20pm
7th Grade performance at 7:00pm - Students report to the bandroom at 6:50pm
8th Grade performance at 7:30pm - Students report to the cafeteria at 7:20pm
The concert dress is all black (including shoes!).
If you need help finding black attire, please contact one of the band directors and we will be able to assist. The afternoon matinee can be regular school appropriate clothing. The evening concert is dressed up black.
Middle School All-State Jazz Band Auditions
Audition recordings are due December 18th and the event is January 30-31, 2026 in Mitchell, SD. Audition Materials and info can be found here: All-State Jazz
DWU Honor Band
Here is an optional Honor Band opportunity at Dakota Wesleyan University. If your student would like to be nominated and is available on the date below, simply email to let us know and we will officially nominate them. (Being nominated does not guarantee acceptance). There is no cost, but transportation and food are on your own.
Dates for the honor bands are as follows:
Middle School - January 21, 2026
6 th Grade - February 4, 2026
https://dwu-honor-bands.weebly.com/
CALENDAR
The “Band Events Calendar!” Attendance at school concerts is required. Mark your calendar now for these events!
Gift Ideas/Stocking Stuffers for Band Students
Why Band Matters: Social and Creative Benefits for Your Child
Did you know that participating in band provides students with a powerful social and creative outlet? Research consistently shows that music ensembles like band help children develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills by working toward shared goals with their peers. According to a 2019 study from the Arts Education Partnership, students involved in band report a stronger sense of belonging at school and higher self-confidence.
Band is also a space where creativity thrives. By learning and performing music together, students have regular opportunities to express themselves, solve problems in real time, and think outside the box—skills that benefit them both in school and in life.
Encouraging your child to participate in band is not just about mastering an instrument; it’s about nurturing friendships, building confidence, and unlocking creativity.
BAND NOTES - November 2025
BAND NOTES - November 2025
Winter Concert Details (LOCATION CHANGE)
December 11th - ALL PHMS Band Students - Winter Band Concert at PHMS
6th Grade concert at 6:30 - Students should arrive at 6:15 and report to the PHMS Band Room
7th Grade concert at 7pm - Students should arrive at 6:50pm and report to the PHMS Cafeteria
8th Grade concert at 7:30pm - Students should arrive at 7:20pm and report to the PHMS Band Room
Concert Attire - Black from head to toe:
The concert dress is black top, pants, and shoes. We still have PHMS Music shirts available at school for $12. If you are unable to acquire the proper attire for concerts, please let us know. We have been collecting some clothing to give to students who need it. If you have a child that has outgrown black clothing and/or shoes, we would also take that as a donation to offer to a student. Just send your black clothing donation to school with your student and give it to Mrs. Gage.
Combined “Side By Side” Concert (8th Grade Only)
Throughout the city, 8th grade students get to perform a concert at the high school they will be attending! Here are the rehearsal and concert details for all 4 high schools: Combined Concerts! 8th graders are expected to attend one of the high school concerts. Concert dress for the concert is dressed up black.
November Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band Rehearsal Changes
There will be no Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band on November 13, 18, 19, 20, and 21. Instead, those students interested in trying out for All State Band are encouraged to come to the band room on these mornings before school to get help with their auditions and recordings.
Middle School All-State Band Auditions
We are hearing a lot of great practicing at school and are able to work with students a little bit during band time. In addition, they need to be working independently at home during the final stretch. Since there are 80+ students auditioning, it is important that they have a plan to record and are prepared. We are recording the auditions right now through the deadline of November 21st. If your student is auditioning, the audition fee is $15 and can be turned in to the band office anytime.
The following are options to record.
Students can record with their private lesson teacher.
You can also use a voice recorder app on your phone to record at home.
Before and after school times are available in the band room.
The following mornings from 7:30-8:40 am will take the place of Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band (November 13, 18, 19, 20, 21)
We will also have time to practice and record during Directed Studies times.
General Information about ASB can be found here.
Middle School All-State Jazz Band Auditions
Audition recordings are due December 18th and the event is January 30-31, 2026 in Mitchell, SD.
Audition Materials and info can be found here: All-State Jazz
Books and Materials;
Please make sure your student is prepared by having the appropriate book and materials for class. Every student needs a “TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE” method book (6th/7th grade is book 1, 8th grade is book 2). It is important that students have their own book so they can take it home for practice and to track his/her own progress. These books can be purchased online or at a local music store.
Other necessary supplies include:
Flutes: Cleaning cloth and rod
Oboe, Clarinets, Saxophones: at least 3 reeds (2.5 or harder depending on the level of the student), cleaning swab, neck strap (sax only)
French Horn, Trumpets, Baritone, Tuba: valve oil, straight mute (7th/8th grade trumpet only)
Trombone: Slide-O-Mix or Yamaha Slide Lubricant (please no slide oil)
Percussion: stick bag
SD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA/AUGUSTANA TROMBONE CHOIR -
The New York Philharmonic’s Principal Trombonist, Joseph Alessi (The best trombone player in the world!) is going to be playing with the SD Symphony on November 22nd. Students can get $10 tickets and adults who have never been to the symphony before can get 1 free ticket by contacting the Washington Pavilion box office. On November 20th, Joseph Alessi will also be performing with the Augustana Trombone Choir at Augustana College at 3pm and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 7:30pm. Here is the live link for those performances. Hope to see you there!
CALENDAR
The “Band Events Calendar!” Attendance at school concerts is required. Mark your calendar now for these events!
BAND NOTES - October 2025
BAND NOTES - October 2025
Extra Playing Opportunities!
Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble are ensembles that meet in the morning and are open to 7th and 8th grade students.
Wind Ensemble meets on Monday and Thursday mornings from 7:40-8:40 am. Here is a weekly schedule. We perform concert band music that is a little more challenging and focused around popular music. This is a great opportunity for students to play in a full band setting on a weekly basis.
7th Grade Jazz Band meets on Mondays during DS and Wednesday mornings from 7:40-8:40am. The first 7th Grade Jazz Band rehearsal will be on the morning of Oct. 15.
8th Grade Jazz Band meets on Tuesday mornings from 7:40-8:40am and Thursdays during DS. There are auditions for the rhythm section (Drumset, piano, guitar, bass, vibes) which are scheduled for the week of Oct 6-10. The first 8th grade Jazz Band rehearsal will be during DS on October 16th.
Students in these 3 groups perform a Pops Concert on January 22nd. Wind Ensemble and 8th Grade Jazz Band will tour our feeder elementaries on March 31st. If students are interested in these groups, you can email Mrs. Gage (Wind Ensemble) or Mr. Anderson (Jazz Band), or your student can sign up in the bandroom.
Combined “Side By Side” Concert (8th Grade Only)
Throughout the city, 8th grade students get to perform a concert at the high school they will be attending! Here are the rehearsal and concert details for all 4 high schools: Combined Concerts! 8th graders are expected to attend one of the high school concerts.
Middle School All-State Band Auditions
We have a record number of students working hard on the All-State Band audition material already! We are recording the auditions now through the deadline of November 21st. If your student is auditioning, the audition fee is $15 and can be turned in anytime. Those who are selected, prepare special music for an All-State concert in Mitchell on March 6th and 7th. Although we do have time during DS to work with students, it is important that students are working at home as well.
Audition Materials and info can be found here: Middle School All-State Band
Middle School All-State Jazz Band Auditions
Last year we had more students in All-State Jazz Band than any other school in the state! Auditions recordings are due December 18th and the event is January 30-31, 2026 in Mitchell, SD.
Audition Materials and info can be found here: All-State Jazz
Books and Materials;
Please make sure your student is prepared by having the appropriate book and materials for class. Every student needs a “TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE” method book (6th/7th grade is book 1, 8th grade is book 2). It is important that students have their own book so they can take it home for practice and to track his/her own progress. These books can be purchased online or at a local music store.
Other necessary supplies include:
Flutes: Cleaning cloth and rod
Oboe, Clarinets, Saxophones: at least 3 reeds (2.5 or harder depending on the level of the student), cleaning swab, neck strap (sax only)
French Horn, Trumpets, Baritone, Tuba: valve oil, straight mute (7th/8th grade trumpet only)
Trombone: Slide-O-Mix or Yamaha Slide Lubricant (please no slide oil)
Percussion: stick bag
Black Concert Clothes (accepting donations):
The concert dress is black top, pants, and shoes. We still have PHMS Music shirts available at school for $12. If you are unable to acquire the proper attire for concerts, please let us know. We have been collecting clothing to give to students who need it. If you have a child that has outgrown black clothing and/or shoes, we would also take that as a donation to offer to a student. Just send your black clothing donation to school with your student and give it to Mrs. Gage.
CALENDAR
The “Band Events Calendar!” Attendance at school concerts is required. Mark your calendar now for these events!
BAND NOTES - September 2025
BAND NOTES - September 2025
PHMS Band September News
Welcome to Band at Patrick Henry!
NEW BAND BOOKS!
Every student needs a “TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE” method book. It is important that students have their own book so they can take it home for practice and to track his/her own progress. 6th and 7th graders need book 1 (red). 8th graders will need book 2 (blue). These books can be purchased online or at a local music store.
SHIRT ORDER is due by Wednesday 9/3
All students and families have the option to purchase a music shirt at https://patrickhenrymusic2025.itemorder.com/shop/home/. For regular band concerts, students may wear either the PHMS music shirts or all black. Students in extra performing ensembles (marching band, jazz band, wind ensemble) should plan to purchase a shirt for all performances.
7th and 8th GRADE OPPORTUNITY
On November 6, 2025, a select middle school concert band comprised of students from Sioux Falls area middle schools and junior high schools will perform a concert at the Washington Pavilion with the Augustana University band ensembles. Attached are dates/times, and more information. If your student is interested and available for the rehearsals and concert, please let us know and we can nominate them.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS
If your student is using a school owned instrument, please make sure you fill out the “Usage Contract” that has been sent home with your student. You can send the usage fee to school with your student in a marked envelope.
PERCUSSION ONLY
Percussionists will again be expected to have their own "stick bag" with basic sticks and mallets. Please refer to the letter exclusively for percussionists. Please procure a stick bag with the appropriate sticks by September 8th.
PRIVATE LESSON LIST
Students in the Sioux Falls School District do not get individual music lessons during the school day. Students have band every other day in large, like-instrument classes. Private lessons outside of school are recommended. For students who struggle, it is helpful for them to catch up and better understand their instrument. For students who need a challenge, a private teacher is the best way to push them forward and help with audition material for Middle School All-State Band. If you are interested in private lessons, here is a list of reputable teachers in the area.
MARCHING BAND
The Patrick Henry Panther Marching Band is open to all band students, grades 6-8. Rehearsals will be before school on Mondays and Thursdays at 7:40am, beginning August 25th. We will have three performances: Friday, Sept 19 before school in front of PHMS, at the Lincoln High School Homecoming Football game on Friday, Sept 19, and then we will perform at the Sioux Falls "Festival of Bands" parade on Saturday, Oct. 4 in the morning.
Sign up using this link: PHMS Marching Band sign-up.
There is no cost to participate other than purchasing a Patrick Henry Music Department T-shirt which students will wear for performances in all the music groups throughout their middle school career.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ALL STATE BAND
Auditioning for All State Band is extremely beneficial and highly recommended for students as they improve immensely by going through the process. Auditions involve practicing and performing selected scales and etudes specific to their instrument. We record the auditions at PHMS in November and early December, and those who are selected prepare special music for an All-State concert in Mitchell on the first Saturday in March. Patrick Henry has been one of the top schools in the state for placing students in All-State Band, and we highly encourage students to give it a try! We can get you the music at school or you can find it here.
CALENDAR
The “Band Events Calendar!” Attendance at school concerts is required. Mark your calendar now for these events!
BAND NOTES - August 2025
BAND NOTES - August 2025
2025 PHMS Marching Band!
Get hyped! The PHMS Panther Marching Band is open to all band students, grades 6-8. We will march in the Festival of Bands parade on Saturday, October 4th. Other performances TBD.
Here’s the sheet music: Malaguena
Stay tuned for more info soon!
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