Hello Everyone,
I hope the first week of school has gone well for your children and that they are adjusting to Lakeview. I've seen many of them in the halls and I am anxious to get started soon. We had such a great year together last year and I look forward to continuing that here as Jr. High students. Thanks for being patient with the first couple weeks of school. Most of my morning time, afternoons, and some evenings right now are spent with the Marching Band, getting the advanced bands going, and assisting Mr. Ohlsen with the beginning band students. So here is the Concert Band info you need to know.
Concert Band's First Rehearsal
Our first rehearsal will be on Monday, September 19th from 7:15 to 7:45. We will rehearse every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning unless you hear from me. Please do not drop your child off before 7:00am because the doors to the school do not open until then. This is not such a problem now while the weather is warm however when it gets colder we do not want to have them standing outside for a long period of time.
As you and the students know, I will begin promptly at 7:15 so they should be in their seats ready to go. Students should be dropped off in the back parking lot of the building and enter through the center doors. They should drop off their books and backpacks in their locker and then report to the band room with their instrument to get set up for rehearsal. When dismissed from band they will have time to report back to their lockers to gather their materials for homebase and their morning classes.
Arriving Late
The mornings can be a hectic time on some days with siblings, weather, line at Starbucks, etc.... Hopefully everyone will be in a routine by our first rehearsal where late arrival will not occur. If your child arrives to school late and I have already begun rehearsal, they should come in late and get themselves involved right away. Some rehearsal is better than no rehearsal as long as it is not a habit.
Seeing Teachers in the morning
In some instances, students may need to see a teacher for assistance or teachers may request to see a student. Being that we have a very limited time together to rehearse, I usually ask students to try to arrange a time to see teachers on the days we do not have band in the morning or if possible during the study hall time since they do have it. That is not always possible so we have developed a plan that has worked well in the past.
Students will receive a sheet with 3 passes to use during the trimester to leave band early to see a teacher. These passes should be used if they are getting direct assistance with school work, making up a lab, test, or quiz due to absence, or for other related instances. It should not be used to drop cookies off for homebase, games in the IMC, sitting in the gym, etc..Since teachers are not available until 7:35, they should still come to rehearsal until it is time to leave to see the teacher they requested. Students will have me sign their sheet before rehearsal begins. The only time the passes are not goo are the week of a performance. I will explain this process with the Concert Band once we meet as a group
Band Lessons
I am currently working on the lesson schedule. It will work the same as it has since they started moving through the day on a rotating schedule. Lesson Schedules will be published by the end of next week on the music web page. Concert Band Students will have their lessons on either Wednesday or Friday. Students will receive a copy of their lesson schedule during band rehearsal.
What should they bring to rehearsal?
Of course their instrument. They should also bring their binder from last year (We will replace any binders that are in poor condition), lesson books, a pencil, and any other equipment like valve oil, slide oil, reeds, etc..
If your child needs any supplies, please let me know and I can get it to them before our first rehearsal and lesson. Let me know what your child needs and you can send cash or check at your convenience.
Please make sure your child has played their instrument a few times before the first rehearsal. It is always disappointing for a student to start on the first day and the instrument is not working. I know that the summer can promote a lack of routine and practicing may have fallen off a bit, however we will jump back on the horse and get moving again.
First Performance
The first performance for the concert band is Thursday, October 6th at 7:00pm in the Lakeview Gym. This is our annual Fall Concert. Yes, that is two months earlier than last year. We will have all of 8 rehearsals to put something together for this performance that will also feature the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. I am confident we will do it and sound great in the process. We like to hit the ground running.
Performance Uniform
Our performance uniform is the same as it was last year. Black Shoes, Black Crew Length Socks, Black Pants, and the Green Music Polo. If your child is in need of a new shirt please let me know and we will provide them with one. Please have your child try their shirt on soon so that we can make sure it will fit before the day of our performance.
That should be more than enough information to get us started. This should be a seamless transition from Prairieview to Lakeview as far as the band students are concerned. If you have any questions before band gets going or at any time, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Have a great day!
Mr. T
