Dear YHS Band Parents and Students,
Happy Halloween week! Here is the latest from the YHS Band Room…
HOMECOMING THANKS!
Thank you to all who helped make Friday’s Homecoming event a success for our students! (Especially with back-to-back weekend events!) Your donations of time, logistics wizardry, and treats are so appreciated! Our students treasure these YHS Band traditions, and it was wonderful to see them having fun and enjoying social time together. It was also so special to have some alumni return (Class of ’25, ’15, ’16, ’17) to perform with us – our current students really enjoyed speaking with them and making connections.
VIDEO ASSESSMENT #1
Next week, students will experience their first video assessment of the year. I will film each student individually at their lesson and offer verbal and written feedback. Instructions on how to prepare for this assignment will be reviewed in class and available on Classroom and Dashboard.
This is week #7 of our school year together. Finding 15 minutes of practice a day (so far) means 12+ hours of personal practice for your student. They should feel like they have established a good practice habit, are improving their muscle memory, and are better able to answer their own musical questions.
The video assessment will allow me to help gauge their progress.
If you student would like help preparing, there are many guided practice sessions available this week. I am also available by appointment.
EVENTS THIS WEEK:
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 10/27 | Flute with Mia |
| Tuesday 10/28 | JB Trumpet, JB Trombone, Sax with Miles, Percussion with Ava |
| Wednesday 10/29 | Clarinet with Michael |
| Thursday 10/30 | JB Rhythm, JB Sax with Sam/Zoe/Miles |
| Friday 10/31 | Trumpet with Devin and Ryan, JB Sax p.10 |
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 IS TUESDAY 10/28
Music, recordings, and HW are all available on Dashboard. Please arrive by 6:50 so we can be warmed up and tuned to start promptly at 7:00. Thanks!
YHS BAND HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST
Such a fun tradition! Our 22nd annual costume contest will take place in class on Friday, October 31st. Winners in each class will receive half of Ms. Kluga’s citrus order. (Extra points if your costume is home-made, or in any way musical.) Looking forward to celebrating this fun day with you!
PEP BAND ON HALLOWEEN?
The varsity football team has their first playoff game this Friday 10/31 (Halloween!) at home. The game starts at 6:30pm.
I am NOT able to be there due to family Halloween commitments at home. But, I’d like to gauge if there are enough of you able/wanting to play. If so, I will figure out how to make Pep Band happen!
Please complete this form with your availability. CHECK WITH YOUR FAMILY FIRST TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE REALLY AVAILABLE TO PERFORM. Make special note of the information below:
WHAT: Perform at the Huskers’ home football game
WHEN: Friday, October 31st 2025 (HALLOWEEN!)
WHERE: Home at YHS
WEAR: A Costume!
TIME: Report at 5:30pm sharp. Game begins at 6:30pm.
*I will be back in touch based on your responses.
NOVEMBER LESSON SCHEDULE
Is attached, FYI.
CITRUS SALE ~ RUNS FROM 10/1 – 11/5
Thank you for participating our sale – which benefits everyone! And, thank you for remembering to place your order on the websites below.
YHS Concert Band online store: https://shop.floridaindianrivergroves.com/ecommerce/837673
YHS Wind Ensemble online store: https://shop.floridaindianrivergroves.com/ecommerce/498649
Ordering info is attached, and is available on Dashboard and Google Classroom. If you or anyone you know is interested in supporting our groups, please share our information.
PLEASE SAVE THESE DATES!
1. Wednesday, November 5th is the order deadline for truck delivery to YHS
2. Sunday, December 13th is the order deadline for USPS mail-order delivery to your home/customers’ homes (shipping fees apply)
**Your orders MUST be entered on-line by the above dates. The grove will not accept late orders.**
3. Thursday, December 11th is FRUIT DELIVERY DAY
In-person pre-orders will be delivered by truck on Thursday, December 11th. Students are responsible for picking up their entire in-person pre-order and delivering to their customers. Pick-up hours are 2:30 – 6:30pm at YHS. Parent and student volunteers will be needed all day (7am-7pm) to help unload and sort our orders. Please save the date!
APPLYING TO MUSIC SCHOOLS PRESENTATION – 11/9/25
Is your student interested in studying music in college? This informative online presentation is being hosted by The Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music, and Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. The link to register is here.
OUR SPRING BAND CONCERT DATE IS TUESDAY 5/12/26!
Please mark your calendars.
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.
LOCAL MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES
Westchester Symphonic Winds Concert Sunday 11/9 at 3pm Tarrytown Music Hall
This is an excellent professional wind ensemble, and this particular concert features a trumpet soloist. Free tickets are available for students. E-mail me for more info.
ITHACA COLLEGE WOODWIND DAY 11/15/25
Opportunities for lessons and ensembles at Hoff Barthelson Music School
https://www.westchesteryouthwinds.org
Thank you for your support! Wishing everyone a fun and safe Halloween!
Musically Yours,
Ms. Kluga