Scheduling Update

April and May are quickly approaching and with them come numerous performances for the SFMMS Band. Mr. Wagner, Mr. White, and the students have been working hard learning music that we will play for our elementary tour on April 26th and 27th. In order to go on the tour, students must have qualified to be a member of the All Star Band and attend at least four of the six rehearsals listed on the paper that they received in class on Friday.

We also have our competition in San Antonio scheduled for Saturday May 5th. All students attending the elementary tour may go on this trip if they attend four or five after-school rehearsals during the week following the tour from April 30th through May 4th. The total cost for the trip is $100, which includes meals, charter bus, contest fees, and Fiesta Texas admission.

Final payments for these accounts should be turned in by April 17th. It's easy to remember because this is both TAKS day for the students and tax day for the adults. We get two extra days this year!

We also have our Solo & Ensemble contest scheduled on Saturday May 12th. It will be held in the morning at Del Rio Middle School. The solo performance will be part of the final exam grade in band. Students who do not attend the contest will be expected to perform their solo for the class on May 18th.

Also, mark May 17th on your calendars, as this will be our final band concert at Del Rio Middle School. All students are expected to perform at the concert, regardless of academic eligibility. This concert will be another part of the final exam grade.

As always, the calendar on the SFMMS Band Website includes all of these events.

Band Update

Well, we are definitely still alive here at San Felipe Memorial Middle School. We have had a lot of hard work so far this semester and are excited about some of the things that we have planned for the remainder of the school year.

Two weeks ago, Mr. White and Mr. Wagner both went to the Texas Music Educators Association convention in San Antonio. While we were there, we picked up a copy of a book entitled, “How to Make First Chair” that thoroughly addresses practice issues and gives extremely helpful advice on how to successfully learn to play any instrument better. We were so impacted by the book, that we are implementing many of the concepts discussed in the book into our classes. “How To Make First Chair” is required reading material for many exemplary band programs throughout the state. It is easy to read, and even has tests available for students to earn AR points for their reading classes. We are encouraging all of our students to order the book. The list price for the book is $16.95 each, but if we are able to get 30 students who are interested in purchasing it, the cost can be as low as $12.95 each.

We are quickly approaching spring break. This means that the counselors from Del Rio Middle School will soon be coming to talk to the students about seventh grade. We encourage every student in band to continue in band into seventh grade and experience some more of the fun experiences that band brings. As they get to seventh grade, there are a lot more performances and competitions that are available. We have spoken with each of the students individually and tried to answer some of the questions that they may have about seventh grade electives. If you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to ask us and we will answer the ones we do know and do our best to find an answer for those questions we are unsure about.

Spring Break also brings practice incentives. The students will get Spring Break Practice Packets next week. Be looking for those.

Another item we want to bring to your attention is that the Glenn Miller Orchestra will be performing a big band concert at the Paul Poag Theater on Thursday March 8^th beginning at 8:00pm. This is a great opportunity for you and your child to go hear great musicians playing woodwind and brass instruments.

Preparation is under way for our All Star Band trip to San Antonio on May 5^th. We still have room for a few more parents to go with us. In order to compete with us, students must have earned 100 All Star points and have their balance paid in full by Tuesday April 17^th. More information will continue to come as we get closer to the departure.

Again, thanks for everything that you do to support the students of the SFMMS Band. We could not do what we do without the ongoing support of parents.