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Read through the newsletter for updates on student progress each week. Don't forget to add important dates to your family calendars so you do not miss out on any upcoming performances of students.
Basketball Games - Pep Band
Basketball Games - Pep Band
Basketball season is starting and 8-12th grade students are required to attend the four basketball games as outlined in the calendar of events. Our first game is on Friday, December 12th. Call time for students is 4:10 pm. They are welcome to stay after school in the band room. I will be ordering pizza for students who stay directly after school. The estimated end time of the final game should be around 7:40 pm.
Band students to perform at Valley Park Tree Lighting ceremony: Saturday, December 6th
Band students to perform at Valley Park Tree Lighting ceremony: Saturday, December 6th
We are thrilled to announce a wonderful opportunity for our students to participate in; the City of Valley Park Tree Lighting Ceremony! The mayor has specifically requested the talents of our Band and Choir students to help celebrate this inaugural event, and we believe it will be a memorable performance.
The ceremony will take place immediately following the Valley Park Christmas Parade and will conclude at Old City Hall in downtown Valley Park.
This is a voluntary event. However, as this is the city's first-ever tree lighting ceremony, we would love to have as many of our talented band students perform as possible to make this a truly spectacular and memorable community occasion!
This performance event is for 8-12th grade band students, but we invite any and all families to attend and watch the parade and tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, December 6th.
Students should be practicing their instrument outside of class.
Students should be practicing their instrument outside of class.
Even if it's for just 5 minutes.
Even if it's for just 5 minutes.
Practicing their instrument outside of class is beneficial because it helps reinforce what we've learned in class, builds muscle memory, and allows students to focus on troublesome spots at their own pace.
Consistent practice strengthens your technique, increases confidence, and makes it easier to keep up with new material in class. It also gives you the chance to focus on challenging sections, experiment with your sound, and develop a deeper connection to the music. This is especially important for wind and brass players, because your embouchure—the way you shape and use the muscles of your face and mouth—is like any other muscle in your body. Just like an athlete trains specific muscle groups to improve strength and endurance, musicians need to exercise their embouchure regularly. Practicing outside of class helps build stamina, flexibility, and control, making it easier to produce a clear, steady tone and play for longer periods of time without tiring out.
3rd Hour- Symphonic Band
3rd Hour- Symphonic Band
Students in 3rd hour are working on preparing music for their winter concert in January. They now have three new pieces of music to work on.
Playing assignment reminders:
Byzantine Dances m. 70-end AND Across the Alaskan Snow m 94-111 due on Thursday, Nov 20
4th hour- 8-12th grade combined Concert Band
4th hour- 8-12th grade combined Concert Band
Students in 4th hour are working on preparing music for their winter concert in January. They now have two new pieces of music to work on.
Playing assignment reminders:
Byzantine Dances m. 70-end AND Across the Alaskan Snow m 94-111 due on Thursday, Nov 20
6th hour- 6th and 7th grade combined Band
6th hour- 6th and 7th grade combined Band
6th and 7th grade students are working on preparing music for their winter concert in January. They have the song, Dies Irae, Season's Sounding Fanfare, and Roof Riff that they can continue to work on outside of class.
Playing assignment reminders:
First Winter Suite: Season's Sounding Fanfare Movement 1 due on Tuesday, Nov 25 in the Google Classroom.
First Winter Suite: Roof Riffs Movement 2 due on Thursday, December 11th
7th hour- 6th, 7th, and 8th grade combined Band
7th hour- 6th, 7th, and 8th grade combined Band
6th and 7th grade students are working on preparing music for their winter concert in January. They have the song, Dies Irae, Season's Sounding Fanfare, and Roof Riff that they can continue to work on outside of class. 8th grade students are working with our A Plus mentor on their concert music as well.
Playing assignment reminders:
First Winter Suite: Season's Sounding Fanfare Movement 1 due on Tuesday, Nov 25 in the Google Classroom.
First Winter Suite: Roof Riffs Movement 2 due on Thursday, December 11th
1st hour - 6th grade digital skills
1st hour - 6th grade digital skills
Digital skills students are learning about some of the advanced features in Google Docs.
Students needing instruments for Band
Students needing instruments for Band
Students who are in need of an instrument for band have received the letter that is attached below. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Click Here to access the Palen Rental Instrument Site. You can choose a free home delivery of instrument or free ship to store.
https://www.palenmusic.com/pages/musical-instrument-rental-rent-your-instrument-online
Click Here to access the Valley Park online Store for instrument supplies such as reeds, valve oil, flip folders, instrument brushes/cleaning supplies.
instrument rental information fall 2023.pdfMusic Website Information
Music Website Information
CLICK HERE to access the official Valley Park Band Website. General information is provided on the website for the public, whereas weekly updates will be provided in this newsletter only to families of VP band students.
Calendar of Events 2025-2026
Calendar of Events 2025-2026
Google Classroom Assignment Calendars for each class
Google Classroom Assignment Calendars for each class
Contact Ms. Porter if you have any questions. lporter@vpschools.org
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