Daily Archives: March 13, 2016

All students received a homework assignment due at this week’s lesson.  You should hear your students practicing at home.

CB Students:

• Memorize the C concert scale and arpeggio, in the pattern at quarter note = 100.
• Band Music: Lauda m. 1-34 AND Jurassic Park m. 1-23.
• Be able to play the correct notes and rhythms at a steady tempo.
• Write in the counting for the difficult rhythms.

WE Students:

• Memorize the C concert scale and arpeggio, in the pattern at quarter note = 100.
• Band Music: Shortcut Home m. 1-41 AND Star Wars m. 1-38.
• Be able to play the correct notes and rhythms at a steady tempo.
• Write in the counting for the difficult rhythms.

For interested band students, the yearbook staff will be taking club photos for Pep Band on Tuesday 3/15 at 2:30pm.

Please wear your YHS Band Polo shirt and report to the cafeteria by 2:25.

Did you have fun at our Swing Dance and are looking for more opportunities to dance?  On Saturday 3/19, dance instructor Bill Kline will be hosting a Swing Dance in Peekskill.  Open to all ages, no partner required.  Information can be found under documents.

The NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) solo festival is a wonderful opportunity for your student to grow as a musician, gain confidence, earn the full 5 extra credit points, and possibly be selected to perform in an ensemble with the best band students in all of Westchester. To participate, students prepare scales, a solo and sight-reading.  At the festival, students will perform for a judge who will give them a score and comments.  This quarter, all band students will be learning a NYSSMA solo as part of their lesson homework (so if they are interested in participating in NYSSMA, or auditioning for Wind Ensemble (see below), they will have the necessary tools to do so).

NYSSMA Festival Dates: Friday – Saturday May 20 – 21, 2016

Location: John Jay Middle School (Cross River)

NYSSMA Forms are attached and also available in the band room.  COMPLETED FORMS ARE DUE FRIDAY 4/1.

Auditions for the 2016-2017 Wind Ensemble will take place 4/25 – 4/29 (Monday- Friday).  Students wishing to audition should review the audition information sheet (attached) with you.  If your student is interested in auditioning, I strongly suggest that they also participate in NYSSMA.  The Wind Ensemble audition information sheet/permission slip is under documents and is also available in the band room.  FORMS ARE DUE FRIDAY 4/1.

A fantastic opportunity for your child to experience a week (or more!) of musical study, surrounded by college level teachers, enthusiastic counselors, and new band friends from other towns, counties, and states!  A huge variety of camps are available (both near and far!).  An informational handout can be found in documents.  Please contact Ms. Kluga with questions.