Patrick Marsh Middle School Band
This Week in Band at PMMS (May 17-21, 2021)
Time Sensitive Concert Information
We are getting excited for our May 26th Outdoor Spring Band Concert! As stated previously -- Typically our concerts are required as they are an essential part of the learning process and a natural extension of what we do in the classroom. However, given that we are still in a pandemic and there wasn't much "lead time" regarding the concert date, we will not require participation. We would highly encourage everyone to participate as it will celebrate your children's hard work, determination and perseverance. However, If your child cannot attend, PLEASE email Mr. Gleason before this Wednesday, May 19 so that we can plan accordingly.
See below for other specifics regarding the concert shared previously.
New Instrument Form Due Tomorrow (May 17)
6th Grade Band Parents/Guardians,
We are looking for some students to consider changing to one of these instruments so that our band will sound more complete next year.
Here is the slide deck that was used in class demonstrating the different instruments (click on the instrument in the slideshow to see/hear the instrument).
- Horn (i.e. French Horn)
- Alto Sax
- Tenor Sax
- Bari Sax
- Bassoon
- Oboe
- Percussion
The process of changing to one of these instruments is as follows:
- Fill out this form by May 17
- Students will try instruments during band May 17-27
- Families notified of the decision by June 1. Those switching to a new instrument will receive detailed information getting the new instrument, supplies, etc.
- Student attends free instructional class on new instrument during Band Starts Now (Aug 9-13) at PMMS (time TBD)
Our goals are to:
A) Match instruments to students so they feel successful and happy.
B) Create a well-balanced band that includes these important tone colors/sounds.
As we told the students today, "Switching to a new instrument requires more work not less. If you didn't practice much before, switching will not make that part better."
Fall Marching Band Invitation For 7th Graders (Due June 10)
All 7th grade band musicians are invited to participate in a free fall marching band experience. The Sound of Sun Prairie Marching Band will rehearse Aug 16-20 from 5-9 pm at the high school. Students will learn the fundamentals of marching and rehearse a few easy tunes. These rehearsals will culminate with a performance at the first home football game in the new Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium on August 27th.
To register for the fall marching experience click the button below. Registration Due by June 10th!!
The Sound of Sun Prairie High School Marching Band is celebrating its 50th anniversary season next school year (Jan-July 2022) with a trip to Florida to perform at Walt Disney World and/or Universal Studios! Current 7th grade band members are eligible to join. To read more about this click here.
Instrument Return Plan
School Owned Band Instruments- All school-owned instruments must be returned the night of the band concert (May 26). School-owned instruments are owned by Patrick Marsh and have a barcode and white lettering and numbers on the case. If you have a school instrument to return please check it in with Mr. Gleason after the concert under the tent. If you plan on continuing in band next year a new instrument will be checked out to you from Cardinal Heights prior to the end of the school year.
Music Store Rentals- These instruments are rented from a music store and typically have a sticker that says "Property of Ward-Brodt". If you are continuing in band next year we would encourage you to keep your rental instrument over the summer so you can practice. If you are not continuing or would like to return your rental instrument please check in your instrument to Mr. Gleason under the tent after the concert.
Can't Come To The Concert But Have An Instrument To Return? - Be sure to email Mr. Gleason before May 19 letting him know you will not be at the concert. Plan to bring your school instrument or rental instrument in before May 26th to get checked in.
Previous Information
Jazz Sounded GREAT! Let's Do It Again! Join us!
When?
Who?
All band students are welcome regardless of instrument or grade level! We will learn the fundamentals of jazz and work on a combined piece together. Online students are welcome to join us for these rehearsals using Mr. Gleason's Zoom Link.
Remember:
Transportation will not be available after jazz so families will need to make arrangements for their own transportation.
7TH BAND JUMP START (FOR CURRENT 6TH GRADE BAND STUDENTS)
Spring Band Concert Details
CONCERT INFORMATION SHARED PREVIOUSLY:
How Will It Work?
The bands will set up on the pavement facing the large grass area behind PMMS (see map below). Family members will park in the front parking lot of PMMS and then walk to the back. Family members should plan to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets to sit on. Handicap parking will be available in the "turn around drive" by door #7.
Is It Safe?
Our band musicians will be seated 6 feet apart per PHMDC and SPASD guidelines. This will allow your children to safely perform together unmasked. Audience members are asked to be seated in the lawn area 6 feet apart and masked (individuals from the same family can be closer). Safety is our number one goal. We do have special musician masks and bell covers available to students upon request.
What Will Students Need To Bring?
Band members will need to bring their instruments and band music. This includes percussion, tuba, euphonium, horn, and any player who has a school instrument at home. All school instruments will be collected after the concert so that we can clean, repair and inventory all of the instruments. Students using school instruments and who are continuing in band next year will have a new instrument checked out to them before the end of the school year.
Can "Virtual" and AVID Band Students Participate In The Concert?
YES! We will prepare for the concert both in rehearsals and in lessons. All virtual and AVID students are encouraged to participate in the concert.
What Happens If It Rains?
We will hold Thursday, May 27 as our "rain date".
What Time Will Students Need To Arrive?
Band members should be in their seats by 6:45 PM. We will do a short warm-up and then begin the concert promptly at 7:00 PM.
What Should The Students Wear?
There will not be an assigned uniform. Students can wear typical school clothes. Of course, students who have any "band swag" are certainly welcome to show it off!
Band Lesson Schedule - Version 9,459.2
- With the pivot to teaching larger cohorts 4 days per week and our ability to teach outside in-person, we have modified the lesson schedule again.
- This will be the final lesson schedule change of the year. We are planning on doing four more weeks of lessons (April 26-May 21).
- The focus of the lessons will be on the current band music in preparation for the concert.
- Due to pairing up students for lessons, we will not complete the lesson summary after each lesson. We will, however, include feedback at the end of the semester.
- Click HERE to see the new schedule or the button below.
Need Supplies?
IMPORTANT LINKS
Patrick Marsh Middle School Bands
Email: cpgleas@sunprairieschools.org
Website: http://www.spbb.org/patrick-marsh-bands.html
Location: 1351 Columbus Street, Sun Prairie, WI, United States
Phone: (608) 834-7625