Hello everyone! Here are some notes about upcoming events in the band world.
First of all, thank you to the students in the Pep Bands who helped out this past week on Thursday and Friday. I heard that Friday went a bit late – so sorry. But thanks for cheering the team on! This week the only game is on Friday. It is the Black Pep Band. We will be joined by our 6th grade Honor Band students so please encourage them and help them along the way. This event is a lot of fun for them but a bit overwhelming. Your kind smiles and helpfulness mean a LOT to them!
All band students received an envelope of Pancake Breakfast tickets last Friday. We need EVERY student to sell all ten tickets and then return the envelope with the appropriate amount of cash or checks enclosed. ALL money or tickets will be returned IN THE PROVIDED ENVELOPE on Friday, February 3.
Enclosed in the envelope is a schedule of the day’s activities. This fundraiser/concert is Saturday, February 18. It is a required concert like always.
Pancake Breakfast Schedule
9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. Serving Line Open
9:00a.m. – Jazz Lab Band
9:30a.m. – 6th Grade Honor Band
10:00a.m. – Symphonic Band
10:30a.m. – Overland Express
11:00a.m. – Wind Ensemble
Parents, there are sign-ups on Signup Genius for you as we need your help. The required service is set-up, clean-up, selling tickets, pouring drinks, overseeing the sausage table, and more. Students will sign up in the front of the band room. Parents, check your email or get with Dr. Thomas for the signup link.
Wind Ensemble – The demo recordings of some of our pieces are now posted in Canvas. Please begin listening to these and other recordings.
Solo and Ensemble Festival – That event is coming up on late March and early April. It is open to any student as a soloist and groups of three or more taking an ensemble. NOW is the time to select your music and begin taking it to your lessons or coming to Mr. Hupe or Dr. Thomas for help. If you are taking private lessons – you SHOULD take a solo to contest – that is a natural outgrowth of all of your work! You should show it off! We will have a Recital Night with judges to give you feedback on Monday, April 3. Regional S&E is Saturday, April 15. If you receive a Superior rating you may go on to the State S&E on Saturday, April 29. You MUST have originals for yourself, your accompanist AND the judge. Copies are not allowed and will cause you to be disqualified.
BIG FUNDRAISER
Our newest and upcoming fundraiser is called SNAP. It is an online fundraiser – NO Product to sell. This is GREAT for extended family who always wants to help, but can’t purchase “stuff” or you can’t get “stuff” to them. The proceeds are going to go towards the purchase of an equipment trailer for the band. Please begin collecting 15-20 email addresses of friends and family that we can share this information with. SM Northwest Band did this in the fall and raised about $15,000. More details will be coming. We need EVERYONE on board with providing email addresses – please. This will also help with end-of-the-year expenses, next year’s marching band show, and more, but the BIG thrust is the trailer. Seniors and senior parents – this could be part of your legacy – we need you too!
Lettering Worksheet – This year we are tracking everyone’s lettering points using a Google Sheet. In the past couple of years, letters were awarded to anyone who just showed up at all the performances. We are now returning to our normal mode of operation. Letters are earned by going above and beyond the required concerts. Some examples of how to earn letter points are: taking lessons, playing in B-Ball pep band, serving at the Pancake Breakfast (student sign-up sheet is in the band room), playing in pit orchestra, taking a solo or ensemble to contest, and more.
I hope you have a great week. I am SO enjoying concert band rehearsals with everyone – inside and warm. 😊
Remember to sign up next year for Marching Band first semester and whichever ensemble you are in currently (Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble) for the second semester. If you have potential schedule conflicts, please visit with Dr. Thomas or Mr. Hupe. Oftentimes there are workarounds. We WANT every person back. EACH of you makes band fun and exciting. We’re not the same without you! Visit with Mr. Hupe about Jazz band. We will have some openings in OE for next year and Jazz Lab is always open if you want to play jazz or learn a Jazz instrument.
Be safe and stay warm!