T.W.I.B.
"THIS WEEK IN BAND"
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May 27th Update
Week at a Glance
Thursday, 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Band Concert, 6:30 and 7:30 pm (details below)
Looking ahead
Monday, June 2nd, High School Graduation, 7 pm (required performance for 9th-11th grade.
Friday, June 6th, last day of school, 1/2 day for students.
July 27th-Pennfield High School Band Camp, 6 pm to 8:30 pm
July 28th-Pennfield High School Band Camp, 9 am to 8:30 pm
July 29th-Pennfield High School Band Camp, 9 am to 8:30 pm
July 30th-Pennfield High School Band Camp, 9 am to 8:30 pm
July 31st-Pennfield High School Band Camp, 1 pm to 6:30 pm
6th Grade Information for May 29th concert
6th Grade students should arrive to the high school at 6 pm and no later than 6:10 pm for their warm-up in the high school band room. Their instruments will already be there waiting for them. They should wear all black and avoid hoodies and shirts with writing on them. The concert will begin at 6:30 pm and last about 20-25 minutes. At the end of the concert, studetnts will be dismissed back to the band room to get their instrument cases and then they can leave with their family, or go into the auditorium to watch the 7:30 concert. Students should bring their instruments back to school on Friday.
7th and 8th grade Information for concert
7th grade students should report to the HS band room by 7 pm and no later than 7:10 pm. I recommend they not arrive too early because of the 6th grade concert and those items being in the band room. 8th Grade students will report to the HS choir room also at 7 pm. All students should wear all black and only black for this performance. 7th grade students will take their instruments home and bring them back to school on Friday.
HS Graduation
High School band members should report on Monday, June 2nd by 6:30 pm to the band room in preparation for graduation. Concert uniform is required. This performance is a large part of their exam grade.
May 4th Update
Week at a Glance
Looking ahead
May 15th-HS (grades 9-12) Spring Band Concert and Awards, 7 pm
May 19th-Pennfield Choir Concerts, 5 pm and 7 pm
May 23rd-1/2 day for students
May 29th-MS (grades 6-8) Spring Band Concert
June 2nd-Graduation (required performance for grades 9-11)
June 6th-last day of school (1/2 day for students)
July 27th-Pennfield High School Band Camp, 6 pm to 8:30 pm
July 28th-Pennfield High School Band Camp, 9 am to 8:30 pm
July 29th-Pennfield High School Band Camp, 9 am to 8:30 pm
July 30th-Pennfield High School Band Camp, 9 am to 8:30 pm
July 31st-Pennfield High School Band Camp, 1 pm to 6:30 pm
New Director of Bands
I'm pleased to formally announce that Mr. Jared Cavis, current Middle School Band and Choir teacher for Harper Creek has accepted the position to be the new Director of Bands at Pennfield. Mr. Cavis brings many years of experience and expertise in teaching high school and middle school ensembles to Pennfield. Welcome Mr. Cavis!
Spring Concerts this month
On Thursday, May 15th, the High School Symphonic Band will present their spring concert at 7 pm. Students should arrive by 6:30 for warm-up preparations and be dressed in their all black concert attire. Seniors have the option to go beyond the "all black" on this evening. In addition to the concert, awards will be presented to each student in each class, along with a few students' thoughts and well-wishes to Mr. Driver as he enters retirement.
On Thursday, May 29th, the 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Bands will present their spring concert selections. This concert will be in two separate sections. The 6th grade Band will report at 6 pm and perform at 6:30. The 7th and 8th Grade Bands will report at 7 pm and perform at 7:30 pm. 6th grade band students and families are encouraged to stay and listen to the 7th and 8th grade performances.
Fundraiser Wrap-Up
Thank you to all the students and families that participated in this season's fundraiser. We exceeded our goal of raising more than five thousand dollars. These funds will be used for much needed instrument maintenance and repairs this summer as well as for some new equipment purchases for each building.
April 20th Update
Week at a Glance
Tuesday-Fundraiser Delivery-see below for more information
Friday-1/2 day for students
Looking ahead
May 15th-HS (grades 9-12) Spring Band Concert and Awards, 7 pm
May 23rd-1/2 day for students
May 29th-MS (grades 6-8) Spring Band Concert
June 2nd-Graduation (required performance for grades 9-11)
June 6th-last day of school (1/2 day for students)
Fundraiser Delivery
The fundraiser items will be delivered to Pennfield during the day on Tuesday, April 22nd. Each student with orders should plan to pick them up in the Middle School Band Room or the High School Band Room at the end of the school day. The boxes are wrapped and have handles so they're easy to carry. Some could be heavy. Refer to this sheet to see how many boxes you are having to take home. The money is due by Tuesday, April 29th. Make checks payable to Pennfield Bands. **New this year: Money can be collected via credit or debit card. Instructions will be inside the fundraiser boxes. Thank you to all those who particpated in reaching our goal of $5000 raised.
Upcoming Spring Concerts
The High School Symphonic Band will present their Spring Band Concert on Thursday, May 15th at 7 pm. Awards will also be presented as part of this concert. The 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Bands will present their concert on Thursday, May 29th, at 7 pm.
March 16th Update
Week at a Glance
Monday-fundraiser forms due
Tuesday-Parent-teacher conferences 3-6 pm, Mr. Driver at HS, click here to make an appointment (grades 8-12)
Wednesday-1/2 day for students
Wednesday-Parent teacher conferences 12-6 pm, Mr. Driver at MS, click here to make an appointment (grades 6-7)
Thursday-Blue Lake Representative visits Pennfield (all grades)
Looking ahead
March 28th-No School
March 31-Spring Break begins
Week of April 22nd-Fundraiser delivery
April 25th-1/2 day for students
May 15th-HS (grades 9-12) Spring Band Concert and Awards, 7 pm
May 23rd-1/2 day for students
May 29th-MS (grades 6-8) Spring Band Concert
June 2nd-Graduation (required performance for grades 9-11)
June 6th-last day of school (1/2 day for students)
Fundraiser Update
Forms are due Monday, March 17th. Remember to just turn in the forms and not the money. The delivery will be the week of April 14th. The exact day will be known about a week before. Students will need to pick up their orders on that day. Most items are refrigerated or frozen and need to be delivered right away. Do NOT put orders that people used a credit card to pay for on the sheet. This is very important!
Spring Concessions
The time is getting closer for spring sports to take place at Pennfield, and that means the amazing Band Boosters are ready to feed the hungry and thirsty sports fans! They could use your help. Please sign up for at least one shift this season. If everyone did this, nobody would have to work two shifts! Although, we have many dedicated volunteers that WANT to work more than one shift and in some cases, many more. Click this link to sign up! High School Band students can sign up too.
March 2nd Update
Week at a Glance
Tuesday-Cookie Dough Fundraiser Kick-off
Friday-End of Quarter 3
Looking ahead
March 17th-Cookie Dough orders due
March 18th- Parent-Teacher conferences, 3-6 pm
March 19th-1/2 day for students, parent-teacher conferences, 12-6 pm
March 28th-No School
March 31-Spring Break begins
Week of April 17th-Fundraiser delivery
April 25th-1/2 day for students
May 15th-HS (grades 9-12) Spring Band Concert and Awards, 7 pm
May 29th-MS (grades 6-8) Spring Band Concert
June 2nd-Graduation (required performance for grades 9-11)
Band Festival Recap
I'm very proud of the students and their performances this weekend at Band Festival in Charlotte. Each group performed their music and a very high level and I think the best they had ever played it. Our steady improvement this semester along with a LOT of improvement since the Pre-Festival concert was a joy for me to be a part of. I'll be sharing the recordings with students on their Google Classroom pages after we have read the judge's comment sheets and listened to the audio comments. The Band Boosters will be ordering medals for the students as well. Thank you Band Boosters!
Cookie Dough Fundraiser
We are starting our annual (since 2009) Cookie Dough fundraiser this week. Look for information to come home on Tuesday. Our goal this time is $5000 to purchase some new starting instruments for students including flutes, clarinets, trombones and trumpets. If everyone does their share, no one has to do a lot.
End of Quarter 3 this week!
It's hard to believe we're already at the end of Quarter 3. There are many students in 6th and 7th grade with missing quiz scores. These quizzes must be taken this week or those scored could become zeros in the gradebook. Quizzes can be taken during class, recorded at home, or taken during Pride time. Don't wait!
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
A representative from Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp will be here in Pennfield at our school on Tuesday, March 11th. Students can play a short part of their music and earn a scholarship to attend Blue Lake this summer. Playing for a schoarship doesn't obligate a student to attend camp at all. Besides Blue Lake, there are other camps in Michigan for Band students. Contact me if you're interested in my recommendations.
February 9th Update
Week at a Glance
Monday-Band Boosters Meeting, 6 pm, HS cafeteria. Information here
Friday-1/2 day for students
Looking ahead
February 19th-Pre-Festival Concert (grades 8-12) 7:00 pm
February 21st-Pep Band Performance
February 28th-8th Grade Band Festival Performance (see below)
March 1st-HS Band Festival Performance (see below)
May 15th- High School Spring Concert and Awards 7:00pm
May 29th- Spring Concert, Grades 6-8 7:00pm
June 2nd- High School Graduation (grades 9-11) 7:00 pm
Band Festival
The 8th Grade Band will attend Band Festival on Friday, February 28th and perform at 4:25 pm in Charlotte. The bus will leave from Pennfield at the end of the school day. Students must bring their concert black clothing to school on this day and will the opportunity to change during 7th hour. Our concert performance, along with the sight-reading portion of the festival are free and open to the public. Students are welcome to sign-out with their parents or guardians when we have received our rating. I would guess that would be about 5:30 pm or so. Charlotte will have food and drinks available for purchase and I encourage families to bring funds to support their band program.
The High School Band will attend Band Festival on Saturday, March 1st and perform at 9:25 am. Students will report to school by 7:50 am, dressed in their concert black. Please read the paragraph above concerning the 8th Grade Festival performance as this applies to the HS band as well. HS band students will return to the HS around 11:30 am.
Retirement Announcement
You have probably heard by now that I intend to retire at the end of this school year. My career at Pennfield begain in the fall of 2004 and it's been a wonderful experience to lead the students all these years and be a part of the Pennfield community. The time has come for me to move on and pass the baton to the next person. Administration has asked me to be involved in hiring the next director and I promise I will do all I can to make sure the Pennfield Band program has the best leader possible.
January 5th Update
Welcome to 2025! I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow and getting started on new music for this semester. Here is the schedule for the rest of the school year.
Jan 14 Pep Band Performance 5:30pm
February 7 Pep Band Performance 5:30pm
February 19 Pre-Festival Concert (grades 8-12) 7:00pm
February 21 Pep Band Performance 5:30pm
Feb 28/Mar 1 Festival Performance (grades 8-12) TBA
May 15 High School Spring Concert and Awards 7:00pm
May 29 Spring Concert, Grades 6-8 7:00pm
June 2 High School Graduation (grades 8-11) 7:00 pm
Pep Band Performances
High School students must attend 3 out of the 5 scheduled Pep Band performances for full credit during this quarter. Exceptions are made for students who are winter athletes and have conflicting game schedules.
Festival Performances February 28th or March 1st
I've requested February 28th and March 1st as our dates for Festival in Charlotte. HS Band and 8th grade Band will be attending festival this spring. Either HS or 8th grade will perform on the 28th and the other group will perform on the 1st. 7th Grade Band will be hosting some clinicians this winter and spring. The actual Festival performance schedule will be released near the end of this month.
December 8th Update
Week at a Glance
Thursday, Butterbraids delivered (see below for details)
Friday, 1/2 day for students
Friday, Pep Band, HS Band, report time 5:30 pm
Looking ahead
Tuesday, December 17th, 6th Grade/High School Band Concert, 7 pm, PHS Auditorium
Thursday, December 19th, End of 2nd quarter/1st semester
Friday, December 20th, no school for students
**All the events for 2025 that have been scheduled are on this Calendar page.
Butterbraid Sale/Delivery
Big thank you to the students and families that participated in the Butterbraid sale this year. Sales topped $8000 which equates to a $3200 profit for the Band program. These funds will be used for much needed repairs on some school instruments. Butterbraids will be delivered this Thursday to school. Students will need to pick them up in each building's band room before leaving school for the day. They need to be delivered or returned to a freezer immediately. Students with online sales will be notified with a paper indicating their sales. Students will receive their original order form back. We cannot store Butterbraids that aren't picked up on Thursday.
Pep Band (HS students only)
Our first Pep Band performance will be this Friday, December 13th. This will be optional for HS students as this date has just been announced. Students should wear Pennfield gear if they have any or last year's green shirt. Report to the Band room by 5:30 pm for some rehearsal and we are usually done with Pep band by about 8:15-8:30. Students can go back to the game or go home at this time. A full Pep Band performance calendar for January and February will be announced this week.
6th Grade Band/High School Band Concert
On Tuesday, December 17th, the 6th grade band and the High School Symphonic Band will present their December concert beginning at 7 pm. All students must wear all black and only black for their uniform. 6th grade students will report to the HS band room by 6:30 pm to warm-up. HS band students will meet in the choir room by 6:45. The 6th grade Band performs first, followed by the HS Band, and then the 6th grade Band will join the HS band for a special combined piece! This concert is a required part of a student's grade for the 2nd quarter. Students who are unexcused from the concert will have their 2nd quarter grade lowered by one letter grade.
Instrument supplies and Maintenance
The upcoming holiday break is a great time to get maintenance or repairs done on instruments. Meyer Music will pick up and repair instruments that are under rental contract. Kiefer's Music in Battle Creek is the Pennfield Band's choice for supplies and repairs in town. Kiefer's (corner of 20th St and Territorial) is offering 10 percent off supplies from now until Christmas. Just give them the code: Pennfield is number one!
November 17th Update
Week at a Glance
Wednesday, 7th and 8th Grade Band Concert, PHS auditorium, 7 pm
Saturday, Battle Creek Christmas Parade, Downtown BC, student report time: 4:30
Looking ahead
December 2nd, Butterbraid orders due
December 12th, Butterbraid delivery
December 13th, 1/2 day for students
Tuesday, December 17th, 6th grade and High School Band Concert, 7 pm
Friday, December 20th, No school for students
**All the events for 2025 that have been scheduled are on this Calendar page.
7th/8th Grade Band Concert
7th and 8th Grade Band students must report to the High School Band Room (7th grade) or High School Choir Room (8th Grade) by 6:30 pm for Wednesday's concert. The uniform is all black and only black for shirts, pants and shoes. Avoid shirts with writing and hoodies. The concert will begin at 7 and there is no admission charge. It will last about 30 minutes.
Christmas Parade (HS Band)
High School Band members should report to the HS Band by 4:15 pm this Saturday and be dressed and ready to go by 4:30 pm. All students will travel to and from the parade on the bus, unless other arrangements have been made with Mr. Driver. The students will return to the High School on the bus and need to picked up by 7:15-7:30 pm. For those that are going to watch the parade, it begins at the Federal Center at 5:45 pm and ends just past the WK Kellogg Foundation. The Pennfield Band is event #76 out of 137 parade entries.
Butterbraid Sale 2024
This past Wednesday we kicked off our Butterbraid sale for Band students. This sale will fund some special instrument purchases and some instrument repair work. Students can take orders on their paper form or online at our Butterbraid store. Paper order forms and money is due to Mr. Driver on or before December 2nd. The Butterbraids will arrive to school on December 12th.
November 4th Update
Week at a Glance
Tuesday, November 5th, Election day 2024, please vote if eligible!
Wednesday, November 6th-Popcorn fundraiser delivery, items sent home with students on Thursday the 7th
Looking ahead
Wednesday, November 13th, Butterbraid sale begins
Friday, November 15th, 1/2 day of school
Friday, November 15th, Follies, 7 pm
Wednesday, November 20th, 7th and 8th Grade Band Concert, 7 pm
Saturday, November 23rd, Battle Creek Christmas Parade
Tuesday, December 17th, 6th grade and High School Band Concert, 7 pm
**All the events for 2025 that have been scheduled are on this Calendar page.
6th Grade/High School Band Winter Concert
The 6th grade band and the High School Band will present their concert on Tuesday, December 17th at 7 pm. This is a change from the earlier listed date of December 19th. Students will wear all black and only black for this concert for their uniform. Please start to plan now for this special evening!
October 27th Update
Week at a Glance
Monday, Marching Band Showcase, student report time: 6:15 pm, performance 7 pm
Monday, 2:50 pm - 5:50 pm, Mr. Driver holds make-up parent-teacher conferences (see below)
Tuesday, 2:50 pm - 5:50 pm, Mr. Driver holds make-up parent-teacher conferences
Looking ahead
Wednesday, November 13th, Butterbraid sale begins
Friday, November 15th, 1/2 day of school
Wednesday, November 20th, 7th and 8th Grade Band Concert, 7 pm
Saturday, November 23rd, Battle Creek Christmas Parade
**All the events for 2025 that have been scheduled are on this Calendar page.
Make-up Parent-teacher conferences
Mr. Driver will hold make-up parent teacher conference times on Monday and Tuesday, October 28th and 29th. These can be in person or virtual. The times are 2:50 pm to 5:50 pm each day. Please email Mr. Driver if you'd like to have a conference about your student's band progress.
HS Band
Congratulations to the High School Marching Band for earning a 2nd Division rating at Marching Band Festival on October 19th. The students put on a great show for an enthusiastic audience. Links to the video of the performance have been emailed to students and families. The Marching Band will perform their entire show and honor our senior class on Monday, October 28th at 7 pm at Pennfield Stadium. Admission is free. Spread the word and invite your friends and family!
8th Grade Band
Students will have their first concert on Wednesday, November 20th at 7 pm in the HS auditorium. Students must wear all black clothing and only black. Student report time is 6:30 pm.
7th Grade Band
Students will have their first concert on Wednesday, November 20th at 7 pm in the HS auditorium. Students must wear all black clothing and only black. Student report time is 6:30 pm.
6th Grade Band
Students continue work on their beginning tone production and first few notes. They're encouraged to bring their instrument home a few times a week to practice.
Concession Stand Workers
On behalf of all the Band students, a HUGE thank you if you worked in the concession stand this season. You provide such a service to the students and we are grateful!
October 13th Update
Week at a Glance
Monday, Evening Marching Rehearsal (the last one) 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Thursday, Concession Stand event for JV Football
Saturday, MSBOA Marching Band Festival for HS Band, see below for details
Looking ahead
Monday, October 21st, Last day for Fundraiser
Monday, October 28th, Marching Band Showcase and Senior night, 7 pm, Pennfield Stadium
Friday, November 15th, 1/2 day of school
Wednesday, November 20th, 7th and 8th Grade Band Concert, 7 pm
Saturday, November 23rd, Battle Creek Christmas Parade
HS Band
It's Festival week! The students have worked hard in warm weather and now (thankfully) fall, chilly weather to prepare for their MSBOA Marching Band Festival performance this Saturday evening at Jackson Northwest HS. Students should arrive to the HS between 5:15 and 5:30 on Saturday and be dressed and ready by 5:45 pm. Gloves will be distributed before our departure. Our performance time is at 8 pm sharp but the actual festival begins at 4 pm with many other bands performing. The admission charge is $5 and it's cash only. Click the calendar link for the address.
8th Grade Band
Congratulations to our 8th grade band members on their performance during the homecoming parade and the football game. You all sounded amazing and I hope you enjoyed the small taste of how exciting Friday nights are and the performance the marching band. This week we'll get back to our concert preparations for November 20th. Students who received a green band shirt are allowed to keep it and wear it as they'd like.
Parent-teacher Conferences
I am unavailable this week for conferences. I'm happy to discuss a student's progress or grade via email or phone/text any time.
Special out of town trip
As mentioned above, I am not available this week for confernences as I will be out of town on a special trip Tuesday through Friday. Mrs. Driver and I are travelling to Fort Jackson, South Carolina to attend the graduation ceremony of our daughter, Sabrina, from US Army's Basic Training. It's a very exciting time for her and our family and we are so proud to have a United States Soldier named Driver! The students will see different teachers for subs during their band classes and have some assignments to complete. Mr. Bowen will lead marching band rehearsals in the afternoon.
Reminder about the current fundraiser
With it being homecoming this past week, many students didn't have a chance to register for the fall fundraiser. Please see below and register and send this out via social media or email/texts.
We are partnering this season with The Goodies Factory (Poppin' Popcorn) for a fall fundraiser. Band students in grades 8th thru 12th are invited to participate and help the Band earn funds for special instrument and equipment purchases this year. All orders are submitted and paid for online. Customers have the option to have their items delivered directly to their home (shipping fees apply) or the orders will be delivered to school in a few weeks and then distributed by the students who took the orders. There are many great items available!
Please join our fundraiser by clicking the link below:
Group ID 124259
Click under seller the Blue Join
Go to Seller/Student register. Once you’re registered, you’ll be able to login and start selling by simply posting a link to your facebook page, logging in from your mobile device to send text messages to family & friends, or you can also send your fundraiser link via email. All orders are shipped directly to the customer! Shipped to home order will ship right away. Prizes: Popcorn Prize. Thank you in advance for all of your continued support and help in making this fundraiser a success. Good luck and have fun!
October 6th Update
Week at a Glance (Homecoming)
Monday, Evening Marching Rehearsal, 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Monday, Fundraiser Kick-off (grades 8-12 only)
Friday, 1/2 day for students
Friday, Homecoming Parade (HS Marching Band and 8th Grade Band members who want to march), report to Band room by 4:20 pm
Friday, Home Football Game for HS Marching Band and 8th Grade Band members, report time 5:30 or right after the parade.
Friday, concession stand help needed. Please consider helping as this will be a VERY busy game! click here to sign up
Looking ahead
Wednesday, October 16th, 1/2 day of school,
Saturday, October 19th, Marching Band Festival, Details below, Jackson Northwest HS
Monday, October 21st, Last day for Fundraiser
Monday, October 28th, Marching Band Showcase and Senior night, 7 pm, Pennfield Stadium
Friday, November 15th, 1/2 day of school
Wednesday, November 20th, 7th and 8th Grade Band Concert, 7 pm
Saturday, November 23rd, Battle Creek Christmas Parade
Parent-Teacher Conferences this month
I will be unavailable for this month's conferences in both buildings. I'm happy to schedule a phone call, or communicate via email if you have questions or concerns about your child's progress or behavior in Band class. My email is driverb@pennfield.net, you may also text me at 701-428-1183.
6th Grade Band
6th Grade Band students have been busy in their music theory books and playing their instruments this past week. On Monday or Tuesday, they will play their first playing quiz in class. It's line #9 from their chapter 1 paper. I'm so proud of their fast progress on their instruments so far!
7th Grade Band
7th Grade Band students continue to work on scales and tone exercises, as well as their 2 (so far) concert pieces for November 20th. If students have done poorly on earlier playing quizzes, those can be retaken for a higher grade before the quarter ends on October 18th.
8th Grade Band
8th Grade Band students learned some marching basics this week and did great! They also received their music for the performance coming up this Friday. 8th Grade band students are invited to march with the HS band for the homecoming parade, but it's not required. If they choose not to march in the parade, they should report to the band room by 5:30 pm on Friday. They will receive a Pennfield Band long sleeve t-shirt to wear and can wear shorts or pants depending on the weather. Here's the schedule for 8th graders that evening:
5:30 pm - Report to Band Room
6:30 pm - March with HS Band to stadium and perform pre-game ceremony
7:45 (ish) pm-Perform on the field during halftime of the football game
8:00 pm - Return back to the HS band room for pick up or to drop off their instrument and return to the game.
HS Band
The schedule for October 19th and Band festival has been released. We perform at 8 pm at Jackson NW High School. Student report time will be 5:30 pm at school. Here is the schedule for that evening:
5:15 pm-- Arrival at School and uniform check-out, load truck
5:45 pm-- Call up and uniform inspection in the band room
7:00 pm-- Buses arrive at Jackson Northwest
7:20 pm-- Pennfield band goes to warm up
8:00 pm--Pennfield band performs
8:20 pm-- Load truck and instruments back to bus
8:30 pm-- Buses leave Jackson Northwest
9:30 pm-- Buses arrive in Pennfield
Find more information on Band Festival here Students will receive a printout of this page.
Fall Fundraiser for 8th-12 Grade Band students
We are partnering this season with The Goodies Factory (Poppin' Popcorn) for a fall fundraiser. Band students in grades 8th thru 12th are invited to participate and help the Band earn funds for special instrument and equipment purchases this year. All orders are submitted and paid for online. Customers have the option to have their items delivered directly to their home (shipping fees apply) or the orders will be delivered to school in a few weeks and then distributed by the students who took the orders. There are many great items available!
Please join our fundraiser by clicking the link below:
Group ID 124259
Click under seller the Blue Join
Go to Seller/Student register. Once you’re registered, you’ll be able to login and start selling by simply posting a link to your facebook page, logging in from your mobile device to send text messages to family & friends, or you can also send your fundraiser link via email. All orders are shipped directly to the customer! Shipped to home order will ship right away. Prizes: Popcorn Prize. Thank you in advance for all of your continued support and help in making this fundraiser a success. Good luck and have fun!
September 29th Update
Week at a Glance
Monday, Evening Marching Rehearsal, 6pm to 8:30pm
Thursday-JV Football game, Concession stand help needed, click here to sign up
Looking ahead
Monday, October 7th, Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
Friday, October 11th, 1/2 day for students
Friday, October 11th, Homecoming Parade (See below for details)
Friday, October 11th, Homecoming Football Game and performance, with 8th graders
Saturday, October 19th, Marching Band Festival, time TBA, Jackson Northwest HS
Monday, October 28th, Marching Band Showcase and Senior night, 7 pm, Pennfield Stadium
Wednesday, November 20th, 7th and 8th Grade Band Concert, 7 pm
Saturday, November 23rd, Battle Creek Christmas Parade
6th Grade Band
6th grade band students continue to work on their first few notes, as well as efficient assembly and disassembly of their instruments. Students are encouraged to take their instruments home a few days per week and practice what we work on in class. Students earn points for class when they participate fully and are engaged. Playing quiz assessments will begin soon.
7th Grade Band
7th grade band students are encouraged to bring their instrument home a few days a week to work on what we are doing in class. We have had two scale quizzes so far. Those grades are or will be available soon in PowerSchool.
8th Grade Band
8th grade band students will participate with the High School Marching Band as part of the homecoming parade on October 11th. Report time will be 4:30 at the HS band room. Students will be given a green long sleeve Pennfield Bands shirt. They should wear comfortable shoes that they can march in. Later that evening they'll perform during the pre-game and at halftime of the Football game. They are expected to stay for the entire and can be picked up at the HS Band room about 9:15 pm.
HS Marching Band
Monday evening rehearsals are crucial to the success of the band. Students should make every effort to attend. Students earn points for being present at rehearsals and remaining engaged. If a student needs to make up points for missing a rehearsal, they may do so in 30 minute increments after school. 5 points can be earned each day. I anticpate hearing about our Marching Festival schedule later this week for October 19th.
September 22nd Update
Week at a Glance
Monday-Evening Marching Rehearsal, 6pm-8:30pm
Thursday-JV Football game, Concession stand help needed, click here to sign up
Looking ahead
Monday, September 23rd, Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
Monday, September 30th, Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
Monday, October 7th, Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
Friday, October 11th, 1/2 day for students
Friday, October 11th, Homecoming Parade (tentative) 4:45 pm (8th graders too)
Friday, October 11th, Homecoming Football Game and performance, with 8th graders
Saturday, October 19th, Marching Band Festival, time TBA, Jackson Northwest HS
Monday, October 28th, Marching Band Showcase and Senior night, 7 pm, Pennfield Stadium
Wednesday, November 20th, 7th and 8th Grade Band Concert, 7 pm
Saturday, November 23rd, Battle Creek Christmas Parade
September 15th Update
Week at a Glance
Monday-Evening Marching Band Rehearsal, 6pm-8:30pm
Friday-Home Football Game, Marching Band performance, Report time 5:30 pm
Friday-Concession Stand help needed, click here to sign up, and bring a friend!
Looking ahead
Monday, September 23rd, Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
Monday, September 30th, Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
Monday, October 7th, Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
Friday, October 11th, 1/2 day for students
Friday, October 11th, Homecoming Parade (tentative) 4:45 pm (8th graders too)
Friday, October 11th, Homecoming Football Game and performance, with 8th graders
Saturday, October 19th, Marching Band Festival, time TBA, Jackson Northwest HS
Monday, October 28th, Marching Band Showcase and Senior night, 7 pm, Pennfield Stadium
Wednesday, November 20th, 7th and 8th Grade Band Concert, 7 pm
Saturday, November 23rd, Battle Creek Christmas Parade
6th Grade Band
We will continue this week with introductory lessons with our instruments. We will work on proper assembly, first note production, and disassembly. Students need to have instruments everyday in class to avoid falling behind. See last week's TWiB for information on how to get an instrument.
7th Grade Band
No new updates this week
8th Grade Band
We discussed the 8th graders taking part in the Homecoming performance of the marching band. This may include a short parade (with the HS band) down Pennfield Road on Friday, October 11th.
HS Marching Band
This week we will begin learning the marching drill to 25 or 6 to 4. It's crucial that all students attend Monday evening rehearsal. This is when we our best and most thorough work on our music and marching. We will plan to wear our full uniforms this week Friday at the game and includes ALL white marching shoes and at least calf-length black socks for everyone. Report time is 5:30 pm sharp and we will be staying for the entire game.
September 8th Update
Week at a Glance
Monday-Evening marching band rehearsal, 6pm-8:30 pm
Friday-1/2 day for students
Friday-Home Football Game, marching band performance, report time 5:30 pm for students, see below for details
Friday-Concession Stand Help needed, click here to sign up, and bring a friend!
Looking ahead
Monday-September 16th, Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
Friday-September 20th, Home Football Game, Marching band performance
6th Grade Band
We hope to get our instruments out this week and begin to play them. That will depend on getting a majority of students with instruments in their hands. Meyer Music will be delivering the latest round of rental instruments to us on Tuesday morning. Visit the 6th grade band page of this website for information on how to get an instrument. Email Mr. Driver (driverb@pennfield.net) if you need help.
7th Grade Band
Please put Wednesday, November 20th on your calendar for our first concert of this year. The concert will be at the high school and students must wear all black (same as last year). The concert will begin at 7 pm.
8th Grade Band
8th Grade Band students will perform with the HS Marching Band on Friday October 11th as part of the homecoming festivities. More information to come. Also, we will perform on November 20th at 7 pm in the HS auditorium.
High School Marching Band
We will perform at the home football game this Friday in our uniforms. Students must have white shoes for marching. These need to be ALL WHITE and only WHITE. Report time is 5:30 pm sharp. Students will stay for the entire game and will be done and back to the band room at about 9:15 pm.
September 2nd Update
Week at a Glance
Monday-No School for Labor Day
Thursday-Concession Stand help needed for JV game. Sign up here, be sure to scroll to the date of September 5th. HS students are welcome to sign up and help.
Looking Ahead
Monday, September 9th, Monday night rehearsal, 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Friday, September 13th, 1/2 day for students
Friday, September 13th, Home Football Game, report time 5:30 pm, full uniforms to be worn
6th Grade Band
We started working in our Music Theory workbooks this past week and will continue for a few more days while more students get their instruments. The sooner we get instruments in the hands of students, the sooner we get to PLAY them! Refer to this page if you have questions on getting an instrument.
7th Grade Band
The 7th grade band was able to get their instruments out on Thursday and play a few notes together. These first few weeks of Band will be a review of what we learned (or were supposed to have learned) last year. Students are encouraged to take their instruments home a few times per week and practice them.
8th Grade Band
The 8th grade band hasn't missed a beat (see what I did there) and we are rolling right into getting better as an ensemble. Most 8th grade students will get a band locker to use for their instrument which is in the band hallway. They are only to keep their instrument and music in this locker. No food or drinks or anyting that might attract bugs or critters!
HS Band
We had a successful first performance at the football game the other night. Congratulations to the students who performed in their first game! No Monday night rehearsal this week but we will have a rehearsal on Monday, September 9th. These rehearsals are required as part of a student's grade. Every effort must be made to attend. If transportation is a problem, contact Mr. Driver for help.
Our next performance is Friday, September 13th at a home football game. Band students must have ALL white and ONLY white shoes for marching. We have some previously worn marching shoes available and students are welcome to ask to look for their size. We will be wearing our full uniforms for the game on the 13th!
Special Mid-Week TWiB (Marching Band Game Details)
Please read the following information for the football game this Thursday.
Report Time:
5 pm if you need a Band Camp (green) shirt
5:30 pm attendance in the Band room
Secondary Uniforms:
Black or Dark Shorts, Green Band Camp Shirts, athletic shoes to march
Food:
Students can visit the concession stand after halftime
General Items:
We will be coming back to the Band room and dismissing after halftime. Students may go home or return to watch the game.
Concession stand help is still needed. Sign-up here and bring a friend! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4FA8A722A0FB6-48650367-concessions?useFullSite=true#/
August 25th Update
Week at a Glance
Monday-First day of school, 1/2 day for students, MS dismissal 10:55 am, HS dismissal 11:00 am
Monday-Marching Band Rehearsal, 6 pm to 8:30 pm, meet and then pick-up in the HS band room.
Thursday-Home Football Game, Marching Band report 5:30 pm, Concession volunteers needed (see below)
Friday-No School for students
Here is the Fall Marching Band Calendar
6th Grade Band
6th Grade Band students should continue to work on getting their instrument for Band this week. Refer to this page to review the options and recommendations. When a students has their instrument, they can bring it to the band room for safe-keeping until we start using them after Labor Day. Contact Mr. Driver if you have any questions or need help.
7th and 8th Grade Band
We will begin using instruments on Tuesday! There are many 8th grade students who left their instrument in the Middle School Band room. These need to be retrieved and brought to the High School for class. Monday's 1/2 day is a great day to do this as teachers and staff will be in the building all Monday afternoon.
HS Marching Band
Students in Marching Band must attend our Monday evening rehearsals as part of their grade. The only excused absences would be for illness, including a parent call or email, or a sporting contest for Pennfield. Tomorrow (Monday the 26th) is our first evening rehearsal from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. We will start, and most importantly, end on time. There will not be rehearsal on Labor Day. Also, this is GAME WEEK with our first game performance on Thursday evening, August 29th. Our uniform for this game will be our green Band Camp shirt and shorts (black or khaki colored). It's going to be hot. Students also will be dismissed from this game at halftime so watch the game with their family or their friends. For ALL other varsity games, it is expected that marching band students stay until the game is over. Report time for students this week is 5:30 pm.
Concession Stand Help URGENTLY needed this week
The Pennfield Band Boosters are asking for your help, especially this week, in the concession stand at the varsity game. It's one of the busiest games of the year and an opportunity to earn a lot of money for the Band program. Please use this link (signupgenius) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4FA8A722A0FB6-48650367-concessions?useFullSite=true#/ While you're there, you can sign up for many future events! Thank you for helping support our Band program with your time!
August 18th Update
Week at a Glance
Monday-Band Seniors meet at 5 pm in the Band room to get uniforms for pictures
Monday-6 pm to 8:30 pm Marching Band Rehearsal, meet in Band room
Wednesday-Middle School Open House/Beginning Band Rental Meeting, 4 pm to 5:30 pm, MS Band Room
Looking ahead
Monday, August 26th-First Day of School, 1/2 day for students
Monday, August 26th-Marching Band Rehearsal, 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Thursday, August 29th-Home Football Game, HS Band report time, 5:30 pm
July 15th Update
Can you believe that we have had 6 weeks of summer already?? Wow, the time is really going by quickly. We have had a great summer so far at the Driver home filled with a lot of outdoor time, good food, and time with friends and family. I hope you have had a wonderful summer so far as well.
We are getting closer to July 28th and the start of Marching Band Camp! I'm excited to see you all and get to work on this year's show. The music for this year's show is from my favorite group of all time: Chicago. Juniors and Seniors will remember Saturday in the Park from a couple of years ago which was by Chicago. This year's songs are Make me Smile, Hard to Say I'm Sorry/Get Away, and 25 or 6 to 4. Yes, you'll notice it's 3 songs this year and they're going to be great!
I have completed the Fall 2024 Marching Band Calendar which you can print, memorize, hang on the fridge, etc. I'll print a bunch of these for camp as well. If you like the digital route, you can find the same information on the Pennfield Bands calendar page which is where you'll find any updates on times if and/or when they occur. The Marching Band Camp schedule is part of the above linked calendar but here's the quick version:
Sunday, July 28th, 6 pm to 9 pm
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (July 29-31) 9 am to 8 pm
Thursday, August 1st, 2 pm to 6 pm with the performance at 5:30 at the stadium
Now is a great time to start "getting in shape" for camp. Get outside and get a little exercise between now and the start of camp. I know it's hot, but take a walk each day, and stretch and get moving. I don't want camp and our marching time to be the first time you've used your leg muscles all summer! You'll thank me for this later. :)
Also, where is your instrument? I have a feeling it's already at school which is fine but show up early the first day to find it and make sure it's working. If you have it with you, bring it! Here's the camp information page I sent home with you before we left for summer. It shows a list of things to bring/have for camp.
Band Camp payment is due when we start camp on the 28th. It's 75 dollars per student. Contact me directly via email (driverb@pennfield.net) if there is any difficulty with this cost. Don't let the cost keep you from camp! We'll work something out.
Marching students need their own pair of LONG black socks and ALL WHITE shoes for marching. These items will be necessary when we have our uniforms on for the first time at the 2nd home game in September.
Start talking to each other about camp! Remind each other and post about it! We want everyone at camp so we can get the music and show learned faster and better! It's going to be another great year! Band, Are you Ready?
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