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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.
Domino's Fundraiser
Domino's Fundraiser
Holy Moly everyone! I am incredibly pleased to announce that we raised $4,480! Thank you all so much for continuing to spread the word! This will help students to pay for upcoming trips and any supplies that we continue to use throughout the year, such as reeds and valve oil. Truly AMAZING!!!!!
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
8-12th Grade students have been working on spring concert music. They have had multiple playing assignments: Rampage due March 6th, Appalachian Air due March 14th, and Achilles Wrath due March 27th.
On Friday, April 10th, the 8-12th grade band will perform for a set of judges at Jefferson R7 High School. We will then have a master class clinic with one of the judges immediately following the performance. Students will have the chance to hear instant feedback about their performance and ways to improve upon their playing for the future. We will also watch a couple other bands perform. After the performances, we will head to Quonset bowling alley in Crystal City to have lunch and a fun celebration for all of their hard work. We will return to school with enough time to unload the equipment from the travel bus and students will ride their regularly scheduled transportation home at 2:40 pm. Anyone is welcome to meet us at Jefferson R7 for the performance, we will be performing the same songs that we will play at our Spring April 23rd concert. If attending the Jefferson R7 performance, it will take place in their schools auditorium, Performing Arts Center and is free to attend.
Students should wear concert black attire for the Jefferson R7 performance trip. That is an all black outfit so we can all be uniformed on stage.
Our spring concert date is Thursday, April 23rd at 6:30 pm in the Fieldhouse. Call time for students is 6:00 pm in the cafeteria.
4th hour- 8-12th grade combined Concert Band
4th hour- 8-12th grade combined Concert Band
8-12th Grade students have been working on spring concert music. They have had multiple playing assignments: Rampage due March 6th, Appalachian Air due March 14th, and Achilles Wrath due March 27th.
On Friday, April 10th, the 8-12th grade band will perform for a set of judges at Jefferson R7 High School. We will then have a master class clinic with one of the judges immediately following the performance. Students will have the chance to hear instant feedback about their performance and ways to improve upon their playing for the future. We will also watch a couple other bands perform. After the performances, we will head to Quonset bowling alley in Crystal City to have lunch and a fun celebration for all of their hard work. We will return to school with enough time to unload the equipment from the travel bus and students will ride their regularly scheduled transportation home at 2:40 pm. Anyone is welcome to meet us at Jefferson R7 for the performance, we will be performing the same songs that we will play at our Spring April 23rd concert. If attending the Jefferson R7 performance, it will take place in their schools auditorium, Performing Arts Center and is free to attend.
Students should wear concert black attire for the Jefferson R7 performance trip. That is an all black outfit so we can all be uniformed on stage.
Our spring concert date is Thursday, April 23rd at 6:30 pm in the Fieldhouse. Call time for students is 6:00 pm in the cafeteria.
6th hour- 6th and 7th grade combined Band
6th hour- 6th and 7th grade combined Band
6th and 7th grade students have been working on fundmentals in their Essential Elements method book. We have learned many new notes and rhythms in prepartion for their upcoming Spring concert. This week, we have started to learn a new piece of sheet music called Violento.
Students have a playing assignment: Violento measures 34-end due Friday, April 3rd in the Google Classroom.
Students will be recieving information soon about the Six Flags Performance Trip. This is a volunterry trip that allows students to perform on a stage within Six Flags for a set of judges. They will receive feedback from their performance. After the performance, they will be able to enjoy time in the park before returning back to school. The date of the performance is Friday, April 24th and will be an all day event.
Our spring concert date is Thursday, April 23rd at 6:30 pm in the Fieldhouse. Call time for students is 6:00 pm in the cafeteria.
7th hour- 6th, 7th, and 8th grade combined Band
7th hour- 6th, 7th, and 8th grade combined Band
6th and 7th grade students have been working on fundmentals in their Essential Elements method book. We have learned many new notes and rhythms in prepartion for their upcoming Spring concert. This week, we have started to learn a new piece of sheet music called Violento.
Students have a playing assignment: Violento measures 34-end due Friday, April 3rd in the Google Classroom.
Students will be recieving information soon about the Six Flags Performance Trip. This is a volunterry trip that allows students to perform on a stage within Six Flags for a set of judges. They will receive feedback from their performance. After the performance, they will be able to enjoy time in the park before returning back to school. The date of the performance is Friday, April 24th and will be an all day event.
Our spring concert date is Thursday, April 23rd at 6:30 pm in the Fieldhouse. Call time for students is 6:00 pm in the cafeteria.
SIUE Brass Day! Saturday, April 11th 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
SIUE Brass Day! Saturday, April 11th 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
If a student is interested and worried about the price, past band fundraiser money can help send a student to the SIUE Brass Day. Transportation will not be provided by the school but the registration fee can be covered. Reach out Ms. Porter if interested!
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.
https://www.palenmusic.com/collections/valleypark
Click Here to access the Palen Music online Store for 6th grade beginning band book.
https://www.palenmusic.com/products/essential-elements-for-band-book-1
instrument rental information fall 2023.pdfCalendar of Events 2025-2026 - Updated for Spring
Calendar of Events 2025-2026 - Updated for Spring
Calendar of Events Spring 2026 updated.pdfSchool Class Schedules for next year
School Class Schedules for next year
Students are starting to sit down with the counselors to choose classes for next year. I truly hope each and every student that is currently in band continues on within the program. I am always available to chat if you have any questions about classes or how to make a high school schedule work with the various requirements and elective options. It is very possible to take band all 4 years of high school and I love having each and every student apart of the program!
Music 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.
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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