November 12, 2017

Post date: Nov 12, 2017 8:44:14 PM

Announcements:

• Please continue to keep Darius's family, friends, and the entire band family in your thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come. It was a very difficult day this past Friday. I am thankful to our administration for allowing us to grieve and cope as a "band family" like they did throughout the day. I'm not sure about the kids but I know I felt better at the end of the day on Friday than I did at the beginning of the day. Arrangements have not yet been finalized but I will let you know as soon as I know something.

• THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! to any of you who had any part of making our state weekend and this last week back a great one for these kids!!! You guys were rocking in the stands at state! A special THANK YOU goes out to our chaperones and pit crew for all of the tireless hours that you have spent with these kids over the last few months! We couldn't do what we do without your help!

• CONGRATULATIONS! to Libby Thetford, Kaley Taylor, Taylor Guinn, Mackenzie Eddlemon, Madelyn Powell, and Hannah Patterson for receiving college scholarship offers totaling more than $160,000 at Division I State to various universities! This just shows you that music will pay for itself if you stick with it.

• Fruit/Nut Sales began this past week! This is our 2nd largest fundraiser of the year behind our competition. Each student is asked to sell at least $100 worth of fruit/nuts or get $30 in donations. 25% of the profit will go towards your student's NYC Trip! There will prizes of $100/$75/$50 for the top 3 sellers. Orders + $$$ are due by NEXT MONDAY (20th). We hope that everyone will do his/her part to make this a successful fundraiser.

• Concert Band begins TOMORROW. Students will begin to be tested over the music that we cover in class as part of their grade for the nine weeks so be sure as we cover something in class they are practicing it at home. Their grade will also involve coming prepared with instrument, pencil, and music to class each day. Students will also receive their scale sheets tomorrow. Each student in marching band will be required to play a final exam which are their 12 major scales memorized the last week of school before Christmas Break. This grade makes up 20% of their grade for the ENTIRE semester and it also determines chair placement/part assignment for the spring concert band/parade band and also plays a role in part assignments for next fall! Guard members will create a 2-3 minute routine using 2 types of equipment minimum for their final exam. If they play an instrument and are in the guard they have a choice as to which one they would like to do for their final exam.

• Championship Shirt Orders + $$$ are due TOMORROW! Order form is attached to the email.

• Band Booster Meeting - TOMORROW NIGHT - 7:00 pm - Band Room - Come be a part!

• Mr. Congiardo will once again be offering private lessons beginning the week we return from Thanksgiving break. The lessons will begin at 1:30 and will run every half hour until every student is taught. Lesson times during the band class time will be reserved for students who have transportation issues. These will be available on a first come first served basis so get your contract (attached) in ASAP if you're interested. For more information on cost and why your student should take lessons see the attached information sheet from Mr. Congiardo. Return the 2nd page of the attached flyer by this Friday if you are interested in your child taking lessons this fall/winter season. Last year we had more students interested in taking lessons than Mr. Congiardo had time in the day to teach so get your contracts in ASAP! This is one of many ways that our ensemble will/can get better for next year!

• On Fridays during class we will begin preparing (which involves going outside) for the Dyer Christmas Parade. Students will need to dress accordingly for the weather each Friday. Students will also need proper marching shoes each Friday for band class time.

• Composite Pictures from this past Friday were postponed. I will let you know of the make-up date as soon as one is scheduled.

• There are many ways that your student can letter in band this year. Taking lessons from Mr. Congiardo is just one of those many ways. There will be sign up sheets posted on the band room window for jazz band (begins January 8th), brass ensemble, woodwind ensemble, low brass choir, UT Martin Honor Band, All-West TN Honor Band (auditions are January 13th at North Side HS), and percussion ensemble.

• At this point all band fees should be paid in full unless payment arrangements have been made! These amounts will be turned over to the office as a debt at Christmas Break if fees are not taken care of by then.

Upcoming Dates: