Springman Bands
Weekly Update #32
Welcome to May!
Please note that ALL band students have performance excerpts each week! Please see below for more info!
WEEK OF MAY 2nd SCHEDULE
Monday, May 2nd
- 6th grade band will rehearse at 7:25 AM
- 7th graders have lessons today!
- 8th graders have lessons today!
Tuesday, May 3rd
- 7th grade band will rehearse at 7:25 AM
- 7th graders have lessons today!
Wednesday, May 4th (May the "FOURTH" be with you!)
- 8th grade band will rehearse at 7:25 AM
- 6th graders have lessons today!
- Jazz Band will rehearse from 3-4 PM
Thursday, May 5th (HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!)
- 7th grade band will rehearse at 7:25 AM
- 6th graders have lessons today!
Friday, May 6th
- 6th grade band will rehearse at 7:25 AM
- 8th graders have lessons today!
Concert Alert!
WHAT: Spring Band Concert
WHERE: Springman West Gym
WHEN: Thursday, May 26th with students reporting at 6:30 PM!
8th Grade performance at the Orchestra Concert...
Students are to report IN CONCERT UNIFORM (Red polo, black pants, black socks/shoes) at 6:30 PM.
Assessment Update for Band Students
Assessments for this week:
- 6th Grade: Essential Elements Book 2 Pg. 7 #29 (76 bpm)
- 6th Grade Intermediate: Essential Elements Book 1 Pg. 24 #125 (100 bpm)
- 7th Grade: Essential Elements Book 2 Pg. 14 #68 (95 bpm)
- 7th Grade Intermediate: Essential Elements Book 1 Pg. 10 #45 (91 bpm)
- 8th Grade: Standard of Excellence Book 2 Pg. 21 #96 (82 bpm)
To wrap up the year, the band students are going to be performing a short excerpt each week along with the SmartMusic program. I am hoping this will improve their confidence and individual performance during their small group lessons.
As you can see in the video above, SmartMusic is neat because it gives the students a "performance percentage" based upon how they perform a piece. It also provides the students with a professional background recording/accompaniment. Notes that are played correctly are green and incorrect notes are red. In addition to the percentage, SmartMusic takes a recording so students can listen to what they sound like. Think along the lines of "Guitar Hero."
While I'm not requiring students to purchase a SmartMusic subscription, some of the band kids have expressed interest in having it at home. You can purchase a year-long subscription HERE for $40. I also have several computers at school that students are welcome to practice along with if they want to see me to set a "practice appointment."
In addition to having the excerpts students perform each week, SmartMusic also has several different types of music that range from full band pieces (some of which we are/have played!) to instrument-specific books. GBS also utilizes SmartMusic!
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Wildcat Jazz Band
In addition to our performances, students need to be present at the three V-Show Rehearsals. **Students MAY be released early, but should plan on staying the entire time**.
Rehearsals are:
- Friday, May 13th from 3-6 PM
- Tuesday, May 17th from 3-6 PM
- Wednesday, May 18th from 3-6 PM
Summer Music!
Why should you send your child to a summer music program? HERE is why!
While you're at it, take a look at some of the amazing summer programs offered HERE.
End of the Year BOC Trip!
Field trip permission slips will be sent out THIS WEEK!!!
In addition to the BOC grade, directors will be consulting with team teachers regarding all BOC student behavior. As always, please make sure you are making wise choices inside AND outside of rehearsal!