Dear YHS Band Parents and Students,
Welcome to quarter #2! As we turn the corner into the holiday season, concert season, and finish up our 23rd annual Citrus Sale, there is much information to share. Please save the dates and note the details. Thank you for your support!
CITRUS SALE FINAL WEEK – WE NEED EVERYONE’S HELP!
As a program, my philosophy for every rehearsal, performance, and activity is simple: show up, be positive, and try.
We can apply that exact same standard to our citrus fundraiser – which directly benefits every single student in our program. Because everyone in Band reaps the benefits of a successful sale, we rely on the effort of every single student and family to make it happen.
If you haven’t started selling yet, it is not too late! Sharing our link with just a few friends, relatives, or coworkers this week can make a huge difference.
- Order Deadline: Friday, November 13th
- Pick-Up Date: Friday, December 11th (2:30 PM – 6:30 PM at YHS)
- OR, have orders shipped directly to customers via USPS
YHS Band Citrus Sale Store Link = https://floridafruitstore.com/
Thank you to those who have already placed orders and shared the link.
Let’s finish strong and get 100% participation across the program!


WINTER CONCERT REMINDERS
Our YHS Band Winter Concert will take place Tuesday, December 8th at 7pm in the YHS auditorium. Students will be asked to arrive by 6:30pm (Jazz Band at 5:45pm) for sound check.
At YHS, we wear dressy black attire for concerts – we call it “Concert Black.” This was outlined in our Band Handbook from September.
· Top: Long-sleeved professional button-down black shirt or blouse with sleeves and an appropriate neckline
· Bottom: Long black dress pants or a black skirt that falls below the knee
· Shoes & Socks: Black dress shoes and solid black socks or tights (no white socks, please!)
VIDEO ASSESSMENT #1 – NEXT WEEK
· Details: Students will be recorded during their individual lessons to evaluate progress and readiness for our December concert. I will provide both verbal and written feedback.
· Preparation: Instructions will be covered in class and posted on Google Classroom and Dashboard. Guided practice sessions and 1-on-1 appointments are available for extra support.
· You should hear your student practicing at home: Consistent practice builds muscle memory, solidifies habits, and boosts musical independence.
EVENTS THIS WEEK:
TRI-TOWNS SYMPHONY PRACTICE SCHEDULE
For those involved in this honors ensemble, please be sure you are preparing your music. Ms. Ryan shared information on Classroom to help you. Please see Ms. Ryan or me if you need help!
GUIDED PRACTICE / JAZZ BAND SECTIONALS
Offered weekly and hosted by our YHS Band elders (thank you!). Students who lead or attend a session receive 1 point of extra credit. Sessions are held period 9, unless noted otherwise. I am also always available for help by appointment.
| Monday 11/9 | Bassoon p.9, JB Trombone, JB Sax |
| Tuesday 11/10 | Try the Trombone! |
| Wednesday 11/11 | Veterans Day |
| Thursday 11/12 | JB Rhythm |
| Friday 11/13 | JB Trumpet |
PERIOD “0” JAZZ JAM!
Please join me before school (from 7:10…or whenever you get off the bus… until the first bell) to practice improvising. Help yourself develop your skills and a plan for success!
JAZZ BAND REHEARSAL #8 – THURSDAY 11/12
Your assignment and feedback from our rehearsal are in your e-mail and posted on Dashboard. Can’t wait to hear your practice progress this week!
NOVEMBER LESSON SCHEDULE
See attached. Wind Ensemble students are group 1, Concert Band students are group 2.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
FREE YONKERS PHILHARMONIC CONCERT – SUNDAY 11/15
WESTCHESTER SYMPHONIC WINDS CONCERT – SUNDAY 11/22
Click here for info (I can get free tickets for students – just send me an e-mail!)
YHS BAND MERCH
Is now available for pre-order! Your YHS Band Officers have designed a comfy hoodie, t-shirt, sweatpants, and ¼ zip. Form attached and due by Friday 11/20.

Thank you, as always, for your support!
Musically Yours,
Ms. Kluga




