Dear YHS Band Parents and Students,
Here we are with a blizzard incoming, and it’s time for our weekly Band update! As we ‘round the corner into March, read on for your spring updates; there are many musical opportunities to experience and enjoy!
EVENTS THIS WEEK:
DAILY: BRING HEADPHONES TO CLASS
We will be using some of our class time to study your individual NYSSMA Solo. Please pack headphones for the next 6 weeks. Thanks!
FEBRUARY LESSON CALENDAR ATTACHED
FYI
THURSDAY 2/26: JAZZ BAND REHEARSAL ~ 6:50-8:30pm
Our music, recordings, and your assignment are posted on Dashboard. Happy practicing!
YHSWE BOSTON TRIP – RED SOX TICKETS?
If there are any family members out there who are interested in attending the Yankees vs. Red Sox game with us at Fenway the evening of Tuesday 4/21, please e-mail me ASAP. We are reserving our tickets this week. Tickets will be about $60 per person.
SEARCHING FOR SWING DANCE VIDEOS/PHOTOS, PLEASE?
I am looking for a video of Jazz Band set #1 and any photos/videos of the CB & WE from the front of the band stand. (I have some from the sides). Thank you!
YHS BAND SPRING DATE REMINDERS
Here we are in the final week of February…with sooo much snow…but spring will be here before we know it, and so will our fun performances and opportunities! Please mark your calendars.
3/26 (Thurs) @5pm Bandapalooza – District Band Festival – 2 CONCERTS!
4/20-22 (Mon-Wed) Wind Ensemble Festival Trip to Boston
4/27-5/1 (Mon-Fri) ’26-‘27 Wind Ensemble Auditions
5/9 (Sat) YHS Concert Band, Orchestra, Choir Festival Trip to Six Flags NJ
5/12 (Tues) @7pm YHS Spring Band Concert
5/25 (Mon) @10am Memorial Day Parade and Annual YHS Band BBQ
5/29 (Fri) Jazz Band performs at Relay for Life (Evening)
5/29-30 (Fri-Sat) Up-County NYSSMA Solo Festival @ Somers HS
BANDAPALOOZA XI
On Thursday, March 26th the YCSD Band Program will host our 11th Annual District Band Concert in the YHS Gym. All band students grades 5-12 will participate. There is a new two-concert format this year. Please see this letter from Dr. Hattar with important information.
Our goal is to create a safe, successful and inspiring experience for all YCSD Band students and their families; fostering positive relationships and allowing our youngest Band students and their parents to see the full progression of our Band program. Please contact me with any questions.
Parent and student volunteers will be needed to make this event a success. Look for an e-mail in the coming weeks with how you can help.
WIND ENSEMBLE BOSTON FESTIVAL – PAYMENT #2 DUE Friday 2/27
Itinerary details and paperwork for payment #2 will be distributed this week.
CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL & TRIP TO SIX FLAGS – FINAL PAYMENT DUE Friday 3/13
We are looking for parent chaperones to spend the day with us! If you are interested, please e-mail me. Itinerary details and paperwork for payment #2 will be distributed next week.
2026 NYSSMA SOLO FESTIVAL INFORMATION
NYSSMA information was reviewed in class before break. The NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) solo festival is a wonderful opportunity for your student to grow as a musician! To participate, students prepare scales (or rudiments for snare drummers), a solo and sight-reading. At the festival, students perform for a judge who will give them a score and comments.
This week, all YHS Band students will begin learning NYSSMA skills as part of their lesson homework. If your student is interested in participating in NYSSMA, or auditioning for Wind Ensemble, they will have the necessary tools to do so.
Additional information and forms are attached. The due date for NYSSMA forms and payments is FRIDAY, 3/13.
HONORS CREDIT AVAILABLE
In addition to the musical opportunity NYSSMA provides, students are able to receive honors credit for Concert Band or Wind Ensemble by earning a score of 95 or above on a level 6 solo/ensemble, or a score of 97 or above on a level 5 solo/ensemble.
WIND ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS – APPLICATION DUE 3/13
Auditions for the 2026-2027 Wind Ensemble will take place the last week of April. Students wishing to audition should review the audition information sheet (attached). I strongly suggest that interested students also participate in NYSSMA. The Wind Ensemble audition information sheet/permission slip is attached and is also available in the band room.
*Students currently in the ’25-’26 Wind Ensemble do not need to re-audition. Please fill out and return the attached form and be sure your guidance counselor adds Wind Ensemble to your class schedule.*
MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES
Flyers are attached for your review and listed below. Some interesting musical opportunities for our students!
· Summer Music Camps
· Jazz Forum – Westchester’s premier Jazz club, located in Tarrytown, NY. Free tickets for students – use the code STFREE at checkout to redeem the tickets at www.jazzforumarts.org/events.
I hope that your family enjoyed a healthy, fun, and relaxing winter break! Stay safe and warm in this latest storm! Please contact me with any questions and thank you for your help and support.
Always Musically Yours,
Ms. Kluga