November 10, 2013

Post date: Nov 12, 2013 4:12:54 AM

  • Announcements

  • CONGRATULATIONS to Logan Bates, Patrick Hill and Maggie Watson for receiving scholarship offers totaling more than $120,000 last week at state! This shows if a student applies himself/herself that band can pay your way through college! Way to go to these seniors for taking it to the next level regardless of their major in college!

  • Thanks to all the parents who helped with either food or serving at the after-state party this past Tuesday. The students always enjoy this and it would not be possible without your help!

  • Fruit/Nut sales began this past Tuesday! Each student is asked to sell at least $60 in product or get $30 in donations. All orders + money are due NO LATER THANNEXT MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH!!! All students going on the Disney Trip will get to put 25% of the profit into their trip accounts for the trip. There will be money for the top 3 sellers: 1st place - $100, 2nd place - $75, and 3rd place - $50. These awards will be given at the Christmas Concert on December 15th. Some great people to ask are our alumni! They will either buy or know someone who used to buy from them. This is one of our biggest fundraisers for the year (other than the contest) and we need EVERYONE to do his/her part!

  • If your student hasn't started practicing for All-West, it's NOT TOO LATE! Each student will begin lessons with me in December. All-West is one of the top performing ensembles that a student can audition for during his/her high school band career! A copy of the music and recordings can be found athttp://www.wtsboa.com/members_only/detail_pages/all_west_band_music.php. A sign-up sheet will be posted soon for students who are interested in auditioning. The audition process only costs $7 and is open to anyone in grades 7-12. It's a great opportunity that you don't want your student to miss out on but they need to start practicing soon so they will be ready for the auditions in January!

  • If you have a student who is a brass player then please read....We have a highly qualified brass instructor who comes to GC every Tuesday during class and stays after school to teach brass students individual lessons. You will find that ~75% of students who make All-West or get full tuition based music scholarships are students who have taken private lessons. Mr. Hoekstra still has a few spots open! THE FIRST LESSON IS FREE so it's worth a try! After that a 30 minute lesson is only $15. Contact Mr. Hoekstra on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ghmusicTN) or via email at

  • john.hoekstra.89@facebook.com to get your student involved in taking lessons. I took lessons as a high school student and as a result went to college on a full tuition band scholarship! The money is well worth it if your student will apply themselves.If you have a student who is a woodwind player you need to contact Ms. Evans or Mr. Brockman ASAP about setting up lesson times. They are both highly qualified in the WW area and are great resources for your student and our band program.

  • Percussionists: By poplar demand Tico is continuing lessons! If your child is trying out for All-West or just wants to get better as a percussionist contact Tico to get started in or to continue taking lessons!

  • I cannot express the importance of private lessons! If at all possible have your student take private lessons! It will not only make them a better musician but it will make our entire band program better!

  • BAND BOOSTER MEETING - TOMORROW NIGHT - 7:00 PM - BAND ROOM

  • All band fees should be paid in full at this point unless payment arrangements have been made. Take care of these debts ASAP before they are turned over to the office!

  • Ask your student if they have an IOU in the reed, stick, valve, oil drawer. If so these also need to be taken care ASAP before they are given over to the office as a debt!

  • Concert Band begins this week! My policy is if we cover it in class then it's fair game for a playing test the next day so make sure after students get their music onTuesday that they are practicing each night so their rehearsal grade doesn't suffer.

  • Students will get scale sheets on Tuesday! Their 12 major scales MEMORIZED will be their Final Exam in band beginning on Monday, December 16th! This will not only count as their final exam grade but will also determine their chair placement for the spring and their part assignment for next fall's field show! It's never too early to start practicing!

  • Upcoming Dates:

  • Friday, November 15th - 4th Disney Trip Payment is due to Thomas Tours

  • Monday, November 18th - Fruit/Nut Orders are due!

  • Saturday, December 7th - Dyer Christmas Parade - 5:00 pm - Line up at 4:00. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY!

  • Sunday, December 15th - County Wide Christmas Concert! 2:00 pm - Students will have to be there at 1:15. Attendance is MANDATORY!