T.W.I.B.

"THIS WEEK IN BAND"

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Remember to use the Calendar tab at the top to keep track of all the dates and times for Pennfield Bands.  Add this Google Calendar to your own phone and never miss a performance or rehearsal time.

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:

 

www.SupportMyFundraiser.org 

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:

 

www.SupportMyFundraiser.org 

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:

 ​​​​​​​Secondary Uniforms:

Food:

 General Items:


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?