MSBOA (Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association) is a group that helps students learn music in Michigan schools. They are not trying to make money, but instead, they want to spread the love for playing instruments and help kids get better at it. They organize special classes where band teachers, instructors, and students can learn from famous music experts. MSBOA also makes sure there are exciting competitions for marching bands, festivals where concert bands perform, and events where students can show off their skills by playing solos or in small groups.

At the Band Festival, your ensemble gets to perform a set of three songs, and some of them must be from a specific list. This festival happens at the district level from the end of February to mid-March. Three judges, plus one judge for sight-reading, will listen to your group's performance and give feedback. They rate the bands on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 is the highest rating possible. If your ensemble earns a 1 rating overall, you qualify for the State Band Festival. If you receive a 1 or 2 rating at either the District or State Festival, you'll get a certificate, and you can buy plaques to display at your school. The 7th grade and 8th grade band will all take part in the district band festival. 

It's really important for both you and our music group to take part in the solo/ensemble program. This program happens all over the state and gives you a chance to perform alone or with a small group in front of a judge who knows a lot about music. The judge will give you feedback by talking to you, giving you some quick tips, writing down comments, and giving you a rating from 1 to 5. It's like having a special teacher just for your instrument!

This program is a great opportunity for you to get important feedback about your performance from someone other than me, your band director. It's valuable to hear different perspectives! We want all of you to try performing a solo and be part of a group. To get ready, you'll need to practice on your own time, maybe with your private lesson instructor. Before the contest, I'll listen to each of your solos at least twice and each group performance at least four times to make sure you're well-prepared. I'll also be here after school to help you practice in the weeks leading up to the event.

The rules that apply to behavior in our school also apply during our band class, rehearsals, performances, and trips. If a student breaks these rules, they will face consequences from the school, just like in any other situation. It's important to follow the rules and behave properly.

When we go on band trips, the same code of conduct applies. If a student misbehaves and breaks the rules during a trip, their parents may be asked to bring them back home at their own expense. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience, so it's important to follow the rules even when we're away from school.

On all trips, students must follow the usual rules for riding the bus. Unless the director gives special permission, everyone should ride the bus provided by the school. It's important for everyone's safety and organization. When we go to events, all students must ride the transportation provided by the school.

However, on special occasions, students can go home with their parents after an event if they have filled out a "RIDE HOME RELEASE" form before we leave. This way, we can ensure that everyone is accounted for and safe.

Fundraising is an important part of making sure we can give you the best possible experiences in our band. It's like a necessary thing we have to do, even though it can be a bit challenging. Without everyone's help, including all the students and parents, we wouldn't have enough money to cover the costs for all our programs.

Throughout the school year, we'll be involved in different activities to raise money.  It's important to remember that fundraising plays a big role in our band, so please try to support these efforts as much as you can.

If anyone wants to give a financial contribution to the band or donate an instrument for other students to use, you can reach out to one of the officers, and they'll be happy to help. Remember, it's expected that all students participate in the fundraising activities of the band. Let's work together to make our band even better!