Post date: Jan 3, 2015 9:16:22 PM
Announcements:
Here's to hoping that each of you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Mr. Tate spoke with Gina Sims last night and Shane was ON HIS WAY HOME! Thanks for all of the positive thoughts and prayers that you all have sent their way over the last week!
School starts back THIS MONDAY! It is a half day and no meals will be served. Each student will receive a new copy of his/her spring semester schedule in the gym on Monday morning. We will NOT play in Concert Band on Monday.
We will begin playing Tuesday! All students will be expected to have his/her horn at school! Grades for concert band are based on being prepared for class each day (music, pencil, etc.), random playing tests (PRACTICE), attendance at rehearsals and attendance at performances.
Attached is the spring calendar for concert band members along with parade band rehearsal dates for non concert band members. Remember any student NOT in concert band and not involved in a MAJOR spring sport MUST return for ALL parade band rehearsals and both parades in order to attend the band banquet!
All-West lessons will continue with Mr. Tate this Tuesday and Thursday!
University of Memphis Honor Band Applications are due Wednesday, January 7th! This honor band will be held February 5-7. Acceptance = lettering credit opportunity. Note: only one (1) lettering credit can be obtained by one being accepted into an honor band... I.e. If your student was accepted into the UT Martin Honor he/she can not apply (if they get accepted) and earn another lettering credit for the Memphis Honor Band Clinic.
Mr. Congiardo will continue his lessons on Thursday! Remember any of his students who are trying out for All-West are asked to send him a recording of their All-West music via email (fcongiardo@hotmail.com) no later than THIS MONDAY!
If your student is in the Concert Band they are to be commended for registering for the class. This is where the student gets to mature as a musician hence the reason our fall marching band is so successful because of the large percentage of students who choose to do both bands and one of the main reasons Mr. Tate takes ~90% of his student leadership from the students who choose to participate in both bands. If your student was registered for and completes both semesters in band he/she is eligible to "letter in band". Lettering is awarded at the band banquet in May. Lettering is a way to show dedication above and beyond the "normal" requirements and looks really good on a college scholarship application (band or not) so the more years a student letters the better it looks on the application. In order to letter a student must be a part of BOTH concert and marching bands, maintain a passing grade in band at all times, not miss any rehearsals for an unexcused reason, maintain a good attitude, and meet at least three (3) of the criteria that are attached to this email. Each student is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to find something (if not band) to letter in during his/her high school career! All lettering criteria for band is due NO LATER THAN APRIL 15TH!
Percussion Ensemble is an opportunity for students (not just percussionists) to earn lettering credit. The percussion ensemble begins rehearsalTHIS THURSDAY. Rehearsal dates/times are listed on the band's website calendar (http://gchsmarchingpioneers.org) but a more specific rehearsal schedule is available on the band room table. In order to receive lettering credit a student may not miss more than two (2) percussion ensemble rehearsals! Contact Tico for more information.
Jazz Band is another opportunity for students to earn lettering credit. The jazz band will have its first rehearsal on Monday, January 12th from 3-4:30 in the band room. Rehearsal dates for the jazz band can be found on the band's website as well. In order to receive lettering credit a student may not miss more than two (2) jazz band rehearsals! Contact Mr. Brockman for more information.
All dates listed on the spring calendar and summer rehearsal/camp dates (for those planning summer trips) have been posted to the band's website calendar. Check these out so you can plan!
Let's have a great spring semester!