Sixth Grade Band Bulletin
December 2017
SO PROUD!
I was so proud of the students at the concert last week. The students did an excellent job performing the music. I was also so impressed with their concert etiquette throughout the night. We had a great warm-up before the concert. The students were focused and putting out maximum effort. That carried over to the concert. I was very proud of all of their hard work this year. The concert music was not easy (though the kids may think it is now...they did not feel that way during the first few weeks). I am very proud of all of the students who took a risk and composed their songs based on their own motifs. I hope you were able to see those songs hanging in the hallway.
I was also blown away by the Symphonic Band. They did an excellent job as well. I really hope your child considers trying out for that group later this school year. I can say that it takes a lot of work, and students need to play at a high level. They only rehearse about 9 hours per month! Mr. Ozsvath will have audition info for the students in early Spring. Students looking for a challenge should definitely take the audition music.
Though our first big performance is now behind us, we are not any less busy. This newsletter will get you information about all of the events on the horizon.
As always, thanks for all of your support of our band program at RMS. As impressive as last Thursday was, it does not happen without the tremendous support of parents, grandparents, and other people close to the students.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Sincerely
Rob Buckley
Got Pics from the Concert?
Thanks!
Solo/Ensemble Festival (Registration Deadline Approaching)
This is a great opportunity for all students who would like a challenge. Having performed a solo or ensemble every year from 6th-12th grade, I can attest that the students' performing skills will dramatically improve. Students will learn to work through challenges (problem-solving), and the students' self-confidence will rise!
All sixth grade band students who wish to participate will perform a solo (7th & 8th graders can do solos and ensembles). Students who take private lessons should definitely participate (private teachers will assign the solo). I also encourage students not currently in lessons to do this as well (I will provide the music).
The students will have half of December and all of January to work on the solo. Students who play woodwind and brass instruments will perform the solo with a piano accompanist. We have a list of accompanists you can contact (accompanists do charge money for the service. We do not set the rate; it is set by the accompanist).
Percussion students can play either a snare drum solo (no accomp) or mallet solo (needs accomp).
You can go to http://tinyurl.com/SandE2018 to register. The due date for registration is Monday, December 11.
Each entry is $2.00. Please send money with paper permission form in as well.
We will need some help on that day. I will send a volunteer Sign-up Genius as we get closer to the Festival.
Santa Band Coming to RMS December 12/22
What is it?
A massive band that plays Holiday Favorites on December 22 as all of the students enter the school. (Some of our teachers who play instruments are joining us too!)
What time?
Friday 12/22/17--7:00am (students arrive & rehearse) 7:25-7:50 (perform by the cafeteria for all the students and teachers.
What do the students need?
Instrument
Holiday Music Packet (we'll give the students a packet)
How do students get involved?
We will pass around a sign-up sheet next week for interested students.
More info to come!
Field Trip Announcement is about to happen!
Upcoming Assessments
Thursday, 12/6: Written Rhythm Quiz (all students)
Friday, 12/7: Horns Lesson Check-in Quiz
Tuesday, 12/12: Trombones & Clarinets (group B) Check-in Quiz
Wednesday, 12/13: Baritones & Clarinet (group A) Check-in Quiz
Thursday, 12/14: Percussion & Flute Check-in Quiz
Friday, 12/15: Oboe and Tenor Sax and Tuba Check-in Quiz
Monday, 12/18: Alto Sax Check-in Quiz
Monday, 12/18: Ab Concert Scale and 3rds (#1 and #4 on Warm-up Bk pg 22)-All Students
Tuesday, 12/19: Ab Concert Scale and 3rds (#1 and #4 on Warm-up Bk pg 22)-All Students
Tuesday, 12/19: Bassoon Check-in Quiz
Extra-Credit Practice Videos are BACK!
Students should record (using screencastify) themselves on their chromebook practicing. Click share button (looks like pack man)
Click "Copy Link" button on right side of screen
Open up a new email to me (robert.buckley@bps101.net)
Paste the link in the email. Make the subject of email Practice Video.
Send me the email each time hey do this (there is no limit).
Students should set 1 goal for each practice session and work at achieving the goal during the practice time (10 minutes or longer). On videos from the first trimester, I noticed students were not repeating the material nearly enough times before moving on. Average number of times to repeat material (without mistakes) is 10 times.
Thanks for Reading! Mr. Buckley's Contact Info
Email: robert.buckley@bps101.net
Website: www.rotoloband.com
Phone: 630-937-8727
Facebook: facebook.com/facebook.rmsband
Twitter: @rotolo6band