Mokena Meteor Music

November 23 - 29, 2018

What is happening in the music department?

I will be sending a Newsletter similar to this every week (usually on Fridays).


Please be sure to read it in its entirety as I often update sections each week.


We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. We are so thankful for all of you.

Important Information

Big picture

Help Support the Music Boosters by Shopping Online!

Christmas is coming! This is a great way to support our music programs without any cost to you! Any time you are shopping via Amazon, please consider using Amazon Smile for your purchases. Go to www.amazonsmile.com. You can select the Mokena Music Boosters to receive a donation on your behalf just by making your regular Amazon purchase through them. It doesn't cost you anything and helps the Music Boosters fund our programs. This is available year round. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Bussean.
Big picture

Private Music Lessons

It is not required that Mokena music students take private lessons. It is true, however, that the vast majority of students who do not take private lessons tend to have improper playing habits, and never reach their full potential as musicians. SECTIONALS ARE NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR PRIVATE LESSONS. There are still many benefits of private instruction over full band rehearsal and small group sectionals. If you are interested in getting your child private lessons on their instrument, please visit the following link: https://www.mokenameteormusic159.org/uploads/2/3/4/4/23449316/private_lessons.pdf


If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Bussean or Ms. Beekman

MUSIC BOOSTER MEETING

Come out on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 7:00 PM to the monthly Music Booster Meeting held at Mokena Junior High School in the Library. Music Booster meetings are open meetings that anyone can attend. Come see what our Boosters are all about and how you can help support your child's music education. I look forward to seeing you there!

Hamilton!

Big picture

The final amount is due THIS Wednesday, November 28. You can check your balance due in Charms.



Here are the trip details:

  • When? Tuesday, January 8th
  • Time? We will depart from MJH after 3pm, head downtown for dinner, and then see the 7:30 performance of Hamilton. We should arrive back at MJH around 11pm
  • Who? All MJH Choir and Band students are invited to register - up to 105 students may attend
  • Apparel? Students are expected to dress nicely to attend this performance
  • Cost? The cost of the trip will be approximately $150 - it may go up or down slightly depending on bus and gas prices, but it should stay near $150. This includes transportation, dinner, and the ticket price for the show. Students can use fundraised IBA money to pay for this trip!


Students can pay one of four ways:


1) IBA Transfer if you have money in your account. You may combine this payment with other forms.


2) Cash - Please put it in an envelope clearly marked


3) Check - Please make your check payable to the Mokena Music Boosters


4) Paypal via your Charms account. Please note that there is a $2 convenience fee.


If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Bussean.

Big picture

Tonal Energy App - Highly Recommended

TonalEnergy Tuner is an all-inclusive, easy to use application designed for individual practice and/or large ensemble rehearsals that aides musicians to improve sound quality and intonation.


Tuning, volume, articulation, release, duration, and steadiness are the key elements of developing a beautiful tone quality. TonalEnergy Tuner is the first multi-purpose application that allows users of all ages to understand and improve every aspect of their sound.

This app is especially useful to young brass players who struggle to find the correct partial. Oftentimes they think they are playing the correct pitch, when in fact, they are not. This can be very frustrating. This app can help students learn where the correct partial is and to hear when they are not matching the correct pitch.


In addition to its tuner capabilities, it has a built in metronome to keep students rehearsing with a steady beat!


We highly recommend that all students in our band program invest in this application if they have access to a device. It is well worth the $3.99 it costs. This is much more inexpensive than a separate metronome and tuner device.

Check Your Charms Account Balances

You will be receiving monthly Charms statements on or about the first of every month. Please check your balances in Charms at any time by logging into your child's account. If money is due, please pay one of four ways:


  1. Cash (in an envelope clearly marked)
  2. Check made payable to the Mokena Music Boosters - write who and what it is for in the memo line
  3. Paypal via the Paypal button on your Charms account
  4. IBA Transfer - please complete the online transfer form: https://goo.gl/forms/MOZFB8jurkbF7ByR2


If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Bussean

Facebook Page

Did you know that we have Facebook page? We do! Please search Mokena Meteor Music Department and request access. All posts must be approved first. We post information about what is happening in the department, Dine and Earn information, fundraising information, etc.
Big picture

November/December, 2018

12/12/18 - Early Dismissal - NO SECTIONALS

12/18/18 - Winter Concert at MJHS

...................Beginning Band and Cadet Band - 6:00

...................Concert/Symphonic Bands and Choir - 7:30

12/21/18 - Last Day before Winter Break

12/22/18 - 1/7/19 - WINTER BREAK - NO SCHOOL

Mokena Meteor Music Department

Mokena Meteor Music Department

19815 Kirkstone Way, Mokena, IL, USA busseank@mokena159.org (708) 342-4870 mokenameteormusic159.org