WELCOME TO THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR! We are so excited to make music with your children again this year.

Once the school year starts, I will try to sent out a Newsletter every Friday. Sometimes things get in the way and I am late, but I will try to get a Newsletter out every week. Please read these Newsletters in their entirety as I often make changes to information.

For the MIS Band Students, please be aware that much of the information contained in the Newsletters applies to MJH Music events. However, oftentimes I will include important information for MIS Music groups as well.

Most retuning families have paid their music department fees - thank you. If you have not yet paid your child's Music Department fees, please be advised that your child is NOT fully registered for Band and will be unable to participate until all fees are paid in full. This includes Beginning Band. Please send in your payment PRIOR to the first day so your child is able to participate.

Choir enrollment is still open and will continue through the beginning of the school year.

Please be aware that there is information about the first day of band, a special request for 7/8 grade band students and itineraries for the LWMB Step Up event (this Saturday) and the Frankfort Fall Fest Parade (Sunday, September 1). Both of these events are MANDATORY for all 6/7/8 grade band students.

I'm really looking forward to this year!

7th and 8th Grade Band students should bring their instrument to school on the first day (August 21). They can bring them to the band room when they arrive (remember there is no rehearsal on the first day). We will be performing the Mokena Fight Song at the Back to School Assembly. I will make sure everyone has Mokena Fight in their band locker. Since the 6th Grade band students have not learned the song yet, they do not need to bring their instrument this first day.

All 6/7/8 Grade Band students will have their first rehearsal of the school year on Thursday, August 22. Band meets Monday - Friday from 7:00 - 7:30 am. We will combine all 6/7/8 grade students together in the band room until AFTER the Frankfort Fall Festival Parade. At that time,. students will be split into two bands (Concert and Symphonic Band) based on their playing assessment which is due by August 28. Students should not arrive before 6:40 am due to supervision.

NO INSTRUMENTS ARE NEEDED THE FIRST DAY. We will be going over procedures and expectations and getting their band lockers.

Sectionals will being on August 26 - a copy of the schedule for the first week will be handed out on the 22nd. As always, students are responsible for letting their teacher know about their Sectional time IN ADVANCE. A full semester Sectional schedule will be handed out to students once they are placed into their respective band classes.

All 5th Grade Cadet Band Students will start band on Tuesday, September 3 (after Labor Day). Sectionals for these students will begin later that week (a schedule will be handed out the first day). Band at MIS is 7:50 - 8:20 every morning (Monday - Friday) at MIS. Cadet band students may be dropped off at MIS no earlier than 7:35.

The Beginning Band Students will start on Tuesday, September 3 as well. Same times as the Cadet Students. Students in Beginning Band will start on a staggered schedule by instrument over the first several weeks. This allows for the director to spend focused time with each section before they all meet together as a band. The schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, September 3 - Flutes ONLY

Wednesday, September 4 - Oboes/Clarinets ONLY

Thursday, September 5 - Saxophones ONLY

Friday, September 6 - Trumpets ONLY

Monday, September 9 - French Horns ONLY

Tuesday, September 10 - Trombones/Baritones ONLY

Wednesday, September 11 - Percussion ONLY

Thursday, September 12 - Brass ONLY (Trumpets, French Horns, Trombones, Baritones)

Friday, September 13 - Woodwinds ONLY (Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets, Saxophones)

Monday, September 16 - Percussion ONLY

Tuesday, September 17 - Brass ONLY

Wednesday, September 18 - Woodwind ONLY

Thursday, September 19 -Percussion ONLY

Friday, September 20 - Brass ONLY

Monday, September 23 - Woodwind ONLY

Tuesday, September 24 - Percussion ONLY

Wednesday, September 25 - Brass ONLY

Thursday, September 26 - Woodwind ONLY

Friday, September 27 - Percussion ONLY

Monday, September 30 - FULL BAND!!

While the District puts out a school supply list, the Band program is not included in that list. So what supplies does your child need for participation in the band program? Here is a list of suggested supplies by grade level:

Beginners:

Instrument

Book (Methods of Success Book 1)

Flutes - Cleaning Cloth

Clarinets - Reeds, cork grease, cleaning swab

Saxophones - Reeds, cork grease, cleaning swab

Trumpets - Valve oil, slide grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

French Horn - Rotor Oil, slide grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Trombone - Slide Grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Baritone - Valve oil, slide grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Percussion - Bell Mallets, Drum Sticks

Cadets:

Instrument

Book (Methods of Success Book 2)

Flutes - Cleaning Cloth

Clarinets - Reeds, cork grease, cleaning swab

Saxophones - Reeds, cork grease, cleaning swab

Trumpets - Valve oil, slide grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

French Horn - Rotor Oil, slide grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Trombone - Slide Grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Baritone - Valve oil, slide grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Percussion - Practice Pad, Bell Mallets, Yarn Mallets, Drum Sticks

Concert Band:

Instrument

Books (Methods of Success Book 2 & Habits for a Successful Middle School Musician)

Flutes - Cleaning Cloth

Clarinets - Reeds, cork grease, cleaning swab

Saxophones - Reeds, cork grease, cleaning swab

Trumpets - Valve oil, slide grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

French Horn - Rotor Oil, slide grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Trombone - Slide Grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Baritone - Valve oil, slide grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Percussion - Practice Pad, Bell Mallets, Yarn Mallets, Drum Sticks, Stick Bag

All Wind Students should have a lyre and flip folder for parades

Symphonic Band:

Instrument

Books (Habits for a Successful Middle School Musician)

Flutes - Cleaning Cloth

Clarinets - Reeds, cork grease, cleaning swab

Saxophones - Reeds, cork grease, cleaning swab

Trumpets - Valve oil, slide grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

French Horn - Rotor Oil, slide grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Trombone - Slide Grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Baritone - Valve oil, slide grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, mouthpiece brush

Percussion - Practice Pad, Bell Mallets, Yarn Mallets, Drum Sticks, Stick Bag

All Wind Students should have a lyre and flip folder for parades

Other Supplies Required for ALL Students:

Binder (at least 1")

Page Protectors

Dividers

Pencil Pouch

Pencils

Yellow Highlighter

Pink or Orange Highlighter

Blue or Green Highlighter

The Directors are also always looking for donations of Tissues, Paper Towels, Clorox Wipes, Hand Sanitizer, Sandwich size Ziploc Baggies, Gallon size Ziploc Baggies. We appreciate any donations you are willing to send in with your child. Thank you!

I hope this helps with making sure your child is prepared for band this year.

The LWMB Step Up Event will take place on Saturday, August 24. Please note that this is a mandatory event for all 6, 7, and 8th Grade Band students. Students in color guard are highly encouraged to attend as well. This will be a great opportunity for our students to see what the Lincoln-Way Marching Band is all about - especially since our current 8th Graders will have the opportunity to join them in the Macy's Parade in 2020.

The Frankfort Fall Festival Parade will take place on Sunday, September 1. This is a MANDATORY performance for all 6/7/8 Grade Band Students. An itinerary can be found below. We are in need of parent volunteers to help hydrate our students during the parade. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up on Charms.

It isn't too late to register for choir! Follow this link to register: https://www.mokenameteormusic159.org/20192020-registration.html

As a reminder, choir meets immediately after school until 3:00 on the following days:

8th Grade - Monday and Wednesday

7th Grade - Tuesday and Wednesday

6th Grade - Thursday and Wednesday

Registration will remain open through the first couple weeks of school. Students should see Mrs. Cheney if they have any questions once school starts. She would love to see everyone!

Mokena Music Boosters are preparing for the 2019-20 school year events and are in need of your help stocking the Concession Stand supply cabinet.

Thank you to all the families who donated at the MJHS Back to School Fair on August 12!

If you haven't donated already, we are asking each Music family to donate one item based upon the first letter of your student's last name.

More donations will be accepted on the following dates:

MIS 4th Grade Back to School Night on Wednesday, August 21

MIS 5th Grade Back to School Night on Thursday, August 22

If you are unable to bring your donation in on any of the above dates, your child can also bring the donation to their morning band practice.

Last name beginning with D, F & U - 24 cans of orange soda (Sunkist or Crush)

Last names beginning with K & Z- 24 cans of Sprite, 7-Up or Sierra Mist

Last names beginning with I, P & W- 24 bottles of water (16 oz)

Last names beginning with A, L & N- 24 cans of Coke or Pepsi

Last names beginning with R, V & X- 24 cans of Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi

Last names beginning with J, M & Q- 12 bottles of Gatorade (12oz)

Last names beginning with B & O- 12 bottles of ICE Sparkling Water

Last names beginning with E & S - 24 cans of Mountain Dew

Last names beginning with C & T-24 cans of Root beer

Last names beginning with G, H, & Y - Snack items (small bags of chips, cookies, crackers, pretzels, etc) Multi-packs of individual lunch sized snacks

Any questions please feel free to email Mrs. Wagner, our Hospitality Chairperson, at rwags579@gmail.com

Thank you for your support of your student's Music programs!

Please see the following Important Dates to Remember for Music students at MIS and MJHS. Please note that all performances (including parades) are mandatory for junior high students and will count as a test grade. If you know your student is unable to attend a performance, please let the directors know as soon as possible and fill out an absence request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1GSAICK-Logi_gB-pKMoMpaeSpbcf8ZSCHyzOcN4ZdIs/edit

WE HAVE A MANDATORY EVENT ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 for the LWMB Step Up Night at Lincoln-Way. All Junior High Band students are expected to attend. Information can be found below.

All 6th - 8th grade band students will be doing a placement assessment at the beginning of the school year for placement in either Concert Band or Symphonic Band for the next school year. These bands will no longer be separated by grade, but instead, will be separated by skill level. This will benefit all students as they will be placed in an ensemble that is appropriate for their level to promote student growth. Hopefully this will alleviate students feeling overwhelmed by music that is too difficult. Also this will provide the challenge that some students need to continue progressing on their instrument.

Students have already received the scale and etude excerpts that they will be performing for the assessment. If your child did not receive either of these items, the music is available on our website here: https://www.mokenameteormusic159.org/junior-high-band-audition-music.html

These assessment videos must be submitted to Mrs. Bussean via email by AUGUST 28. All submissions will be sent to outside judges who will rank the students and they will be placed in the appropriate ensemble. This is not something that the students should stress about, but they should take it seriously. If a student chooses not to submit a video, they will be placed in Concert band.

In December, students will have the opportunity to submit another video for the possibility to move to Symphonic band if their ability level determines that that is an appropriate placement for them.

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

Junior High Band/Choir and Orchestra students are encouraged to audition for the Illinois Music Educators Association All-Star Band, Choir, and Jazz Band. The ILMEA festival days are a great opportunity to play/sing wonderful music with some of the best young musicians in the Chicago-land area.

Registration for ILMEA Auditions is due by Wednesday, September 4th with the $8 audition fee. Late registrations will not be accepted. Registration information and music can be found here: https://www.mokenameteormusic159.org/ilmea-audition-music.html

This is a difficult audition, so students should only register to audition if they intend on spending a great deal of time practicing and preparing this music. They are competing with students from the greater Chicago-land area, so the competition is tough. I will be available for help if requested and scheduled, but the bulk of the music should be learned on their own.

The ILMEA District I Festival Audition date is Saturday, September 28 at Summit Hill Junior High School in Frankfort, Illinois.

If your student is accepted, the ILMEA District I Band/Choral Festival will be held on Saturday, November 9 at a location to be determined.

If your student is accepted, the ILMEA District I Jazz Band Festival will be held on Saturday, November 16 at Oak Lawn High School.

The Lincoln-Way Marching Band would like to invite our current (and interested) 8th grade students/families to an Informational Meeting for the 2020 LWMB Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade trip on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 in the Lincoln-Way East Auditorium. This meeting is for all current 9th, 10th, and 11th grade LWMB students/families, as well as all current 8th grade music students/families.

The meeting will begin at 7:30PM.

The meeting will cover the most up to date information about the trip, including the most current itinerary and cost per student.

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

The AmazonSmile fundraiser is available year round - not just at Christmas time. 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.

Come out on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at 7:00 PM to the monthly Music Booster Meeting. The meeting will take place at Mokena Junior High School. 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!

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

8/20 - Music Booster Meeting 7:00 pm MJHS

8/21 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - No Morning Band - 7/8 Graders play Fight Song at Assembly

8/22 - FIRST DAY OF MORNING BAND FOR MJH STUDENTS ONLY - No instruments needed

8/21 - 8/30 - MJH Band Placement Video Submissions Due

8/24 - LWMB Step Up Event (MJH Band Students Only - MANDATORY)

8/26 - First Day of Sectionals for MJH Band Students

SEPTEMBER

9/1 - Frankfort Fall Festival Parade - Mandatory for 6-7-8 Grade Band Students

9/2 - NO SCHOOL - LABOR DAY

9/3 - First Day of Beginning Band (staggered schedule by instrument)

9/3 - First Day of Cadet Band - No instruments the first day

9/9 - First Day of Sectionals for MIS Band Students

9/4 - ILMEA Registration Forms Due - optional for 6-7-8 Grade Band/Choir Students

9/17 - Macy's Meeting at LWE - For 8th Grade Students interested in joining LWMB in high school

9/28 - ILMEA Auditions - optional