Post date: Sep 10, 2018 11:15:38 PM

IN THIS ISSUE

• MESSAGE FROM MR. MCFADDEN - BAND AND ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK

• BAND BOOSTERS MEETING

• WELCOME INCOMING GRANT BAND FAMILIES

MESSAGE FROM MR. MCFADDEN - BAND AND ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK

Hello Band & Orchestra Families,

This has been an exciting start to the school year! I’m thrilled with the vibe and potential for all the ensembles this year and I’m looking forward to working with all of your students this year. I’m reaching out to you so that we can establish lines of communication and expectations for your family this year. With a large program with many opportunities for performance and learning, communication between you and I is essential for our success. I will be using a variety of methods to send you information this year including Synergy, our website, mailing list, and Facebook. If any of your email addresses change in the future, please be sure to edit these programs.

Your student should be coming to you (or already has) to walk you through their first assignment – the handbook contract. They will direct you to our website (grantband.org) which is host to a variety of information including a calendar, handbook, forms, booster info, honor band/orch info, scholarships, and more. Here is a walkthrough of what your student should be covering with you in greater detail:

1. On the homepage, you’ll find a blue button titled “Join Our E-mail List.” Please sign up everyone in your family. We send out newsletters nearly every week with information on upcoming events as well as current events and recognitions of our students. This is a different mailer than the General Grant Bulletin. There is also a button to reach our Facebook page as well as a Donate button if you are feeling generous.

2. Calendar: Our website also has a calendar of all events this year. Please add it to your google calendar by clicking the “+GoogleCalender” icon on the bottom right. Not all events are required for every band so see the notes field for specifics. I am also currently building a list of all performances that will exist on one piece of paper and will post it in the forms section when it is finished.

3. Handbook: Find the pdf at the bottom of this page. If you need a hard copy, please let me know. This document in incredibly important and outlines student expectations, fundraising info, grading policy, concert attire, and more. Everyone needs to read this–there have been updates and changes from last year’s.

4. Forms: This is where we keep various items including fundraising forms, concert reviews, practice logs, etc. A new item I’d like to highlight is the Conflict Form. Please fill this out ANY time your student will miss a rehearsal or for the rare instance that they have to miss a performance. This way there is no question on if I was told and I can keep all that information in one place. It helps me plan rehearsals and performances so I can best teach your student.

5. Contacts/Band Council/Boosters: Here are various contacts and info for some of our program leaders. All families are a part of our booster program because we all want our students to succeed. The Boosters meet the third Tuesday of each month during the school year and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. It takes a whole village for us to be successful. Location of meeting changes depending on host, and this information will be included in our newsletter.

6. Honor Band Info: Your students should audition for these wonderful music opportunities! I went into detail in class about what they need to do. If they have questions, please see me.

7. Scholarships: It is my goal that every student in our program can pursue music to a high level. Sometimes along the way, finance becomes an issue. Please talk to me if you need support for instrument rental, uniform, honor group audition/attendance costs, solo/ensemble performance, etc. I want to help, but cannot if you don’t reach out.

I understand that there is a lot of information to go over, but it is incredibly important for your student and family to understand. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

BAND BOOSTERS MEETING  - ALL PARENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WELCOME!

Our first meeting of the year will be on, Tuesday, September 18th at 6:30 PM at MaryBeth Hernandez's house - 3040 NE 37th Ave.

Everyone is welcome to attend, we would especially love to meet new families!

The Grant Band Boosters are a friendly and fun group of parents who meet monthly, along with Mr. McFadden, to support the band program. We would love to have YOUR support. Your help improves the quality of the music experience for our students at Grant. Please consider joining us for a meeting or two to see what it’s all about.

We have some board positions open this school year:

• President-Elect, As President-Elect, you would attend monthly meetings and prepare to assume the duties of booster president the following year. Contact MaryBeth Hernandez to learn more.

• Sweet Sound of Jazz Planning Team. This team is a group of about 10 parents who work together to plan this fabulous fundraiser event which typically takes place in February. Contact Kelly McCollum to learn more. 

• PTA Liaison This parent will attend monthly Grant PTA meetings as a Grant Band representative and report back to us what you learn. It's a pretty easy way to volunteer, but super helpful! Please contact MaryBeth Hernandez if you are interested. 

INCOMING GRANT BAND FAMILIES

We're excited to welcome all of the new families to Grant Band! The Band Boosters put together some helpful information for new families joining us next year. Please pass this information along to any parents of incoming freshman band students