In a little more than 2 weeks, after-school practices will begin for all middle school band students—from beginning 6th graders to 8th grade instrumentalists. It is important for you—my students and parents—to take seriously your attendance to these after-school practices. During our 3-4:15pm sessions, we will be doing the following:
ü We will combine the two 6th grade classes for the Intermediate Band and the 7th and 8th grade classes for the Advanced Band. The classes of each group meet separately through the school week.
ü We will work on forming a balanced, controlled, blended band sound.
ü We will work on playing music that progresses toward students of each instrument playing music different from most others in the band ensemble.
ü We will create a concert with quality music that represents a wide variety of styles, moods, and tastes.
The practices of each group are listed below. These are the established times that we have to prepare as combined groups for the upcoming Middle School Band Concerts (noted below).
Intermediate Band (6th Grade): Mon or Thurs Advanced Band (7th & 8th Grade): Tues
October 6, 16, 23, & 30 October 7, 14, 21, 28
November 3, 13, & 17 November 11, 18, 25
Performance: Monday, Nov. 24, 8:00p December 2
Performance: Monday, Dec. 8, 7:00p
Please make arrangements that your child can attend all of the practices of his/her band. Any student absence represents a hole in the team that will necessarily affect the rehearsal of others and slow the progress of the whole band. Please be reminded that attendance to these practices is required (as part of their band class) and graded (20% of their marking period grade); 3 absences from the 7/8 practices scheduled above will result in that student not participating in the concert; an alternative research assignment will be given to make up the grade points he/she will miss for not performing.
Make sure that your student(s) are practicing regularly. After-school sessions must be REHEARSALS, where we focus on coordinating and balancing the students and interpreting the music beyond the notes. Rehearsal time is too limited and valuable to work only fingers and rhythms; they must practice this at home so that they are prepared for great rehearsals after school. Most students are still finding and developing their best tone (which may only be their best at the age of 25); at home, make sure they are creating pleasant, controlled, full-bodied tones.
A Reminder About Uniforms
If you have not done so, already, find black slacks (avoid denim—which is seldom black), black socks, and black shoes (dress shoes, undecorated, simple style) to complete the band uniform they will don for the upcoming
concerts. If you have any questions, please contact me or have your student bring the clothes in for approval.
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me at (410)677-5170 or cboltz@wcboe.org.
Sign and detach this slip. Please return it to Mr. Boltz by Monday, Oct. 1, 2008
I have received this letter reminding us and explaining about after-school band practices from Oct.-Dec. 2008.
Student’s Name: ________________________________ Date: _______________
Parent Name and Signature: ____________________________ ________________________________
Parent Email [so that my records can be checked]: ____________________________________________