Daily Archives: November 13, 2019

At next week’s band lesson, students will have their second video assessment.  Using the music for our upcoming Winter Concert, students will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate the musical concepts we have been studying so far this year: performing the correct notes and rhythms at a steady tempo with a metronome, playing with good posture, using dynamics, and using correct articulation. 

You should hear your student practicing at home (and you should hear improvement!).  Students are always welcome to practice during their free periods or after school.  If your student has questions, Ms. Kluga would love to help!  Please have them see her for an appointment.

PROFESSIONAL RECORDINGS OF OUR CONCERT MUSIC ARE POSTED ON THE STUDENT DASHBOARD. STUDENTS SHOULD USE THESE RECORDINGS TO HELP GUIDE THEIR PRACTICE.

During quarter #1 our YHS Band students clocked over 300 periods of peer tutoring/extra-help sessions!  Many thanks to our upperclassmen for your time and leadership – and congratulations to all involved on your dedication to the pursuit of excellence!

Many thanks to all band students who supported our Varsity Football team this season!  Our community appreciates your time, enthusiasm, and the spirit your music adds to our games! Congratulations to our Huskers on an awesome season, and to our awesome coach Mr. Rescigno on his 15-year career as one of YHS’s most inspiring role models and leaders for our students!

Four members of our band program represented YCSD this past week at the Westchester County School Music Association’s Area All State festival. Based on their spring 2019 NYSSMA scores, top music students from across Westchester are invited to participate in an honor band, orchestra, or choir.  These ensembles are open to 10^th-12^th graders only, rehearse with an esteemed college music educator, and present a concert at SUNY Purchase.  The concert took place this past Thursday.  Congratulations to these YHS Band members on this fantastic musical achievement!

Justin Chee, Clarinet (12)

Hannah Farley, Bassoon (12)

Swaroop Pujari, Alto Sax (12)

Rohan Subramani, Alto Sax (12)

Similar to NYSSMA, YHS Jazz Band students are eligible to audition for our Westchester All County Jazz Band.  Being selected is an elite musical honor and a fantastic opportunity to perform with some of Westchester’s most talented student jazz musicians!  Interested students should prepare a jazz NYSSMA solo, fill out an application and attend the audition.   You do not need to improvise to audition. Please see me for solo literature and an application.  The audition date is Saturday 1/11. Details are attached. The application is DUE to me by Friday, 12/13.

During the month of November, YHS Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Choir students will be collecting new and gently used shoes to help raise fund for their participation in Festival Disney.  Through a company called Funds2orgs, we will earn $.40 per pound of shoes, which are then used to support micro-enterprise vendors – small businesses in developing nations.

If you have pairs of new or gently worn shoes, please send them in with your student. We have a collection box in the band room. Thank you!

Additional information is attached. Please share with your friends!

Wed. 11/13                 2:20-3:15         Meeting with Mr. Childers

Thurs. 11/14                7:20-9:00         Rehearsal

Fri. 11/15                    2:30-9:30         BIRDLAND NYC TRIP

See the Jazz Band e-mail from 11/6 for more details.

The First Nighters monthly meeting is Thursday 11/14 at 7:00pm at Panera in Yorktown. Please consider attending and lending your support to this important organization.

This year, the Band Officers have designed cold-weather band apparel. The hoodies are gray, sport the YHS Band logo and will feature the student’s last name on the sleeve. Cost will be about $40, depending on how many are ordered. Please pre-order by this Friday 11/15, a sign-up sheet is available in the band room.