5th Grade Band Notes
March 9, 2016
Next Concert- Tuesday, March 22nd
We are SO excited for everybody to hear our concert on Tuesday, March 22. The students have been working extremely hard and have made a ton of progress since our December concert. This concert is not at Schiesher- it is at the High School. The students need to arrive at 6:30 to the auditorium stage (turn right as soon as you walk in the front door and you won’t miss it.) The concert will begin promptly at 7:00 with our performance. I anticipate our portion of the performance to go from 7:00 until about 7:15 so make sure you come on time! This concert features all 5th through 12th grade band students in Lisle District 202. There will be a special surprise at the end of the concert so please plan on staying for the entire event.
We will still be having our normal Tuesday after-school rehearsal before the concert on the 22nd. Since rehearsal goes until 4:30 and the students have to be back at 6:30, I recommend that pick your child up from the high school after rehearsal if you are able to. If you are not able to, that is fine- just be prepared for a quick turnaround when they get home.
Please contact me if you are willing to help supervise the fifth graders before the concert as they arrive (6:30-6:50) on the Auditorium stage. I will be warming up my junior high band at that time and will need some assistance.
Chocolate Bunny Pick-Up
Thank you for your participation in the bunny fundraiser! The students did a wonderful job raising money for our program and I am very happy with the results. Bunnies orders will be given out to the students at after-school band next Tuesday, March 15th.
I am looking for some parents to help me prepare and organize the bunny orders at the high school next Monday, March 14th after school. If you are free from 3:00 to 4:00 on Monday and would be willing to assist, please let me know.
Songs to Practice
Showcase Night- Monday, April 25th
Scholarships
The Lisle 202 Band Program has a proud history of offering music scholarships to interested students at the end of each school-year. With the conclusion of a very successful bunny fundraiser, we now have a good amount of money that is set aside to give to students who are interested in taking private lessons on their instrument this summer. Every year, the Lisle Band Parents Organization offers $125 music scholarships to students interested in taking private music lessons over summer and we expect to be able to offer a scholarship to each student that applies.
Private instruction, in my opinion, is the lifeblood of our band program. Working with a professional musician privately will set your child up for success. They will hone their playing fundamentals and will be able to progress much more quickly on their instruments. There are many instrument-specific skills that simply cannot be taught in a full-band setting. They will be able to learn at their own pace and their private instructor can give them specific advice and practice goals for improvement. And the best part…it’s FREE! The Lisle Band Parents Organization wants to give you $125 to cover the cost of these summer private lessons.
Students will receive applications for scholarships next month.