webmaster

The Alliance for Safe Kids’ 1st annual Keeping the Dream is a youth-led community event celebrating character, kindness and thoughtful service.  ASK is collecting all forms of art, creative writing, music and dance performances to be shared VIRTUALLY during the event on January 17, and throughout the year. Students will be eligible to receive community service hours for time spent working on their submissions. A flyer with more info is attached. Submissions are due by 1/13.

Our next concert performance will be Saturday 2/12/22 at 7:00pm, in the YHS GYM.  The plan is to hold some form of our annual Swing Dance Concert.  More details to follow.

Was a great success!  Using a portion of the profit from this year’s Citrus Sale, we purchased over $200 worth of warm clothing, toiletries, toys and treats for our 10 year old student, Ardun.  Thank you so much to the families who sent in additional gifts! The students and Ms. Kluga are so grateful to have this opportunity to give back. A photo is attached.

Over 40 students attended our social gathering this past Friday.  Many thanks to the Tri-M student leaders for hosting and organizing this event, and special thanks to the First Nighters for so generously donating pizza. Students enjoyed snacks, the movie West Side Story, and time together. A photo is attached.

Our next rehearsal is Thursday 1/6 from 6:50-8:30.

The Band Officers are planning a skating outing at Bear Mountain on Sunday 1/9 for the 10:00am public skating session.  Students must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Everyone is responsible for paying for their own skating. (Parking is $10. Skate rentals are $5. Tickets for skaters and spectators are $5 each). All people entering the rink area need a ticket. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the band room after break. We hope you will join us!

An awesome opportunity for our awesome students! ASK’s 1st annual Keeping the Dream is a youth-led community event celebrating character, kindness and thoughtful service.  ASK is collecting all forms of art, creative writing, music and dance performances to be shared during the event on January 17, and virtually throughout the year. Students will be eligible to receive community service hours for time spent working on their submissions.  More info is attached.

Our YHS Band Winter Concert will begin at 7pm in the YHS auditorium. Students will be asked to arrive by 6:30. *Jazz Band students will be asked to arrive by 5:50 for our soundcheck*

Please save these dates:

·      Tuesday 12/7 – Band

·      Thursday 12/16 – Snow Date

The auditorium audience capacity is unlimited.  Masks are required. Each ensemble (Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Wind Ensemble) will perform from the stage area with 6′ distancing. Students who are not performing will be seated in the audience to support their peers.

A reminder of our concert dress requirements is listed below. We call it “Concert Black.” Photos are attached, FYI.

Ladies:

·      Black dress pants or long black skirt. Ladies, long means that your skirt falls below the knee.  (no black jeans/jeggings/tights/yoga pants)

·      Black Blouse– longish sleeves (no sleeveless shirts or spaghetti straps)

·      Black Dress Shoes

·      Jazz Band students will also wear a “crazy” tie

Gentlemen:

·      Black Dress Pants (no black jeans/track pants/sweat pants)

·      Black, Button-Down, Long Sleeved Shirt

·      Black Socks and black dress shoes

·      Jazz Band students will also wear a “crazy” tie

Our remaining rehearsals before the winter concert are listed below. Please mark your calendars. If you have an immovable conflict please let me know so we can make a plan.

Thursday 12/2: 7-8:30

Monday 12/6: 7-8:30pm (Dress Rehearsal)

Your practice plan is listed on Dashboard – please make time to work towards our listed goals.  Be sure to keep all of our songs on your playlist to keep them fresh.  Happy practicing!

Offered weekly and hosted by our junior and senior band members. 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.

Again this year, the YHS Band program is sponsoring a needy child for the holidays.  His name is Arden and he is 10 years old. Using part of the funds we have raised through our tag sale and citrus sale, the Band Officers will purchase items from his list to Santa.  If you are interested in donating additional items, please contact me. Arden wears a size 4 children’s shoe, and size 12-14 shirt/pants.  We are interested in all clothing items (pj’s, outfits, socks, and shoes), and a few toys. Arden particularly likes airplanes. All items are needed by Monday 12/6. 

The First Nighters is a parent group whose mission is to support our YCSD Performing Arts programs.  Their sponsorship form is attached.

For those interested, the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra is presenting their winter concert on Sunday, December 5^th.  The WCYO is a wonderful youth orchestra that is always looking for new members. Advance tickets are available here: https://wctyo.org/concert-tickets/ or at the door ($20 for adults / $10 for students and seniors). Doors open at 3:30. Concert starts at 4PM. Flyer attached.

The Hudson Valley Youth Jazz Orchestra is an excellent student ensemble and is holding virtual auditions for their 2022 season. For more information visit www.bridgeartsandeducation.org/hvyjo