OMS Band Updates 9/14/15

Hello everyone,

Here are this week’s announcements.

6th Grade Band, 7th/8th Grade Band

Fall Fundraiser

Fundraiser orders and money are due Tuesday, September 15. If you are unable to turn it in by then, please contact Mr. Brubaker or Mrs. A-M.

Playing Tests

Two weeks ago, we started our playing pre-tests. Our post-tests are quickly approaching. 8th Grade will test this week. 7th Grade will test next week (9/21/15). 6th Grade will test in two weeks (9/28/15). Why test? This is a way to give individual feedback to students to make them better musicians on the individual level. This also allows for a fair and honest assessment of their skills as an individual rather than with a full group. With the exception of a few 6th grade students, all post-tests for all students (6th/7th/8th) should remain the same as the pre-test. Students should be working on the following:

8th Grade: Select etudes from lesson books

7th Grade: Exercise #8 from Book 2

6th Grade: Depending on pre-test – Exercise 12, 18, 36, or 48 from Book 1

Students are graded on tone quality, rhythm, pitch/technique, posture, dynamics, phrasing/sticking, note accuracy, and articulation.

Extra Help/Band Success Club

Students who are struggling with their instruments and/or music are strongly encouraged to come in before or after school once a week for a private lesson. We wish for all students to be successful and know that sometimes what we do in class may not be enough to help. While we have reached out to specific families, this opportunity is open to anyone who would like the extra help.

Music Advocacy Corner

Each week we would like to highlight a website or material concerning why music matters. The first resource is the website/blog The Music Parents’ Guide. This site has numerous articles explaining how you as parents can support the music programs in the schools as well as giving advice on how your students can be successful in the music program.

QotW

“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others remains, and is immortal.” – Albert Pike

7th/8th Grade Band

Extracurricular Rehearsal

Our next evening rehearsal will be Monday, September 21 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. We will have a very special guest with us this evening, Mr. Frank Payton. Mr. Payton is a retired band director from Parkside Jr. High in Normal, IL. He now supervises student teachers for ISU’s School of Music. This past January, Mr. Payton was honored by the Illinois Music Education Association with the Mary Hoffman Award of Excellence in Music Education. Mr. Payton is a friend of the Olympia Band Program and is volunteering his time to work with our students. That is why attendance at this rehearsal is critical. He will work with our students as we prepare for our concert.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email or call.

Thank you,

Kyle Brubaker

Director of Bands

Olympia Middle/High School