OMS Band Updates 1/30/17
Hello everyone,
We hope the second semester is off to a great start for everyone. Here are the announcements for the OMS Bands.
Reassessment
As we have transitioned to a new semester, new cycle of music, and as we approach new concepts, it is a good idea to remind ourselves of perseverance necessary when learning new skills or increasing the difficulty level of skills we have previously attained. It is common for students to receive 2’s in band at the introduction stage of more difficult music and concepts. With that said, students who continue to get 2’s over the course of a cycle of music (from first rehearsal of music to the performance of the same music) are strongly encouraged to seek extra help and reassess before/after school. A sign-up sheet for extra help and reassessment is available on the band room door.
OMS Bands Winter Concert
Our next band concert is quickly approaching and will be here before we know it (17 days)! The OMS Bands Winter Concert is on Thursday, February 16 at 7:00 PM in the OHMS Auditorium. Students should dress nicely. 8th Grade students should be in the band room at 6:40 PM ready to play. 7th Grade students should be in the band room at 6:30 PM ready to play. 6th Grade students should be on the stage at 6:50 PM ready to play. All students are expected to stay for the entirety of the concert.
The concert will be streamed live at this link: http://thecube.com/e/709335.
IGSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest (7th/8th Grade Bands Only)
A permission slip and schedule for those participating in solo and ensemble contest on February 18 will be made available next week. As a reminder, this is an optional event for our 7th/8th grade students. Those students participating have already received music.
IGSMA Organizational Contest (7th/8th Grade Bands Only)
The 7th/8th Grade Bands will be traveling on Saturday, February 25 to Kingsley Jr. High in Normal for the Illinois Grade School Music Association’s State Qualifying Organizational Contest. At this event, both bands will perform (separately) in front of three adjudicators. Each adjudicator will judge the band in categories like Tone, Balance, Blend, Intonation, Rhythm, etc. Each category receives a score of a 1, 2, or 3. Scores are then tallied and fall into a range determining a rating of a Division 1 (Superior), Division 2 (Excellent), or Division 3 (Good). Organizations that receive a Division 1 at this contest will be asked to perform at the State Contest in April. This is an important event and our 7th/8th grade students are required to attend. Students who have conflicts should have their parents contact Mr. Brubaker ASAP.
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend this performance. In the past, this has usually been a free event. However, there may be a charge at the door. Specifics about this, contest schedule, and performance time will be released next week. Both the 7th/8th grade bands and the 7th/8th grade chorus will be performing. We will be in need of parental help and chaperones. More information will be available next week.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 16 – OMS Bands Winter Concert – OHMS Auditorium, 7:00 PM
Saturday, February 18 – IGSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest (*select 7th/8th grade students only) – Chiddix Jr. High (Normal)
Saturday, February 25 – IGSMA Organizational Contest (7th/8th grade bands only)– Kingsley Jr. High (Normal)
QotW
“Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel.” – Yo-Yo Ma
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email or call.
Kyle Brubaker
Director of Bands
Olympia Middle/High School