Sixth Grade Band Bulletin
February 14, 2015
Celebrations
I hope you and your family are enjoying this very windy Valentine's Day. There are several announcements in this newsletter. As always, please contact me with any questions.
First, there are a few celebrations to let you know about.
1. Last Saturday, the RMS Music Dept. had its annual Solo/Ensemble Contest. Sixth grade band members were very well represented with 38 entries! The judges were extremely impressed with the students' performances. Next year, we will have this event again. I'd love to see even more students involved. In addition to solos, seventh/eighth grade students can form also form ensembles like duets and trios.
Special Kudos to Dylan Knapp who received best soloist of the day from his judge.
2. On Thursday, students were able to do a google hangout with Dr. Alexander Misharin. He grew up in Russia. Since we are working on a Russian piece, I thought it would be cool to talk to somebody who grew up there. Though we had some technical difficulties due to poor wi-fi at his workplace, we were able to learn some things about growing up in Russia and what Russians ate for food and listened to for music. Students submitted questions during a journal activity the previous week. We also learned how to say hello and good by in Russian (unfortunately I only remember goodbye (Baka). See the pics below for hi-lights from that discussion.
3. Our Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble had our first performance Thursday Night. We shared the stage with the BHS Jazz Workshop and BHS Jazz Ensemble. It was a fantastic night of music making. I was blown away by all of the bands' performances.
Scheduling Note: Jazz Band will rehearse Tuesday, Feb 17.
Jazz Ensemble will not rehearse Wednesday, Feb 18.
4. Our newest ensemble, the RMS Symphonic Band, will make their debut performance this Wednesday. This honor band meets before school one day per week. They will perform with the BHS WInd Symphony and Wheaton College Symphonic Band will share the stage at the BFAC. More on this further down.
As you can see, times are VERY busy right now. I am so proud of the students' success in class. We are playing very high quality, challenging music, and the students are doing a terrific job with their progress both in their musical skills and their musical knowledge.
I can't wait to see what this week brings! Please read about all of the other happenings with the RMS Bands (there are a lot!)
Sincerely
Rob Buckley
Ian Rosales asks Dr. Misharin a question
All three bands able to attend google hangout
Upcoming Extra Credit Opportunity
Extra Credit Concert Opportunity (1st Annual Cooperative Concert)
I want your child to strongly consider trying out for the RMS Symphonic Band next year. They will not only see what a great group our RMS band is, but also see the benefits of hard work with our BHS Wind Symphony and guest from Wheaton.
Students can earn extra credit by attending this concert and filling out a concert reflection. The Concert is Free!
Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015, 07:30 PM
Batavia Fine Arts Centre, Batavia, IL, United States
GALA TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Hawaii Raffle
YUM! HOAGIES!!! Sale Starts This Week!
Music Buff's Happenings
Hawaii Raffle Tickets: You can win a one-week stay at a condo in Hawaii! Raffle tickets are now on sale. The Buffs are allowing middle school students to sell tickets (which could result in a cash prize for most tickets sold and student who sells winning ticket). You can go to this website to opt in for selling tickets.
Hoagie Sales: In the 1980's Batavia High School was featured in an article in the band publication "The Instrumentalist" about the great Hoagie fundraiser. Nearly 30 years later, the Hoagie sale is still a staple. This year, middle school students can begin to earn money for future music endeavors by participating in the sale.
Here's how it works. The Buffs will set up a Charms account for your child. This is a bank account for music activites. For each hoagie your child sells, $1.25 will be deposited into his/her Charms account. This account continues with your child into high school. That means that your child can use the money in this account to pay fees, purchase items, and even pay for band trips to Disney, New York, or wherever they end up going.
Sixth Graders will learn about this sale on Thursday, Feb 19. You can learn more by visiting this site: MS Hoagie Sale
United States Field Band JAZZ AMBASSADORS Coming to Fermi Lab for FREE Concert
ODDS and ENDS
2. Is your child behind? If the answer is yes, please contact me to set up a 1-on-1 help session to get caught up. I have about 3-4 morning/afternoon slots open each week where I can work 1-on-1 to help your child get back on track.
3. Upcoming Quizzes:
Scenes of Russia Quiz (woodwinds only) February 23
5 Scale Quiz: March 9th and March 10th (videos can be sent starting February 16th)
4. Next big performance: All-City Band Concert--April 7th (BHS Gym)-more info soon.
Mr. Buckley's Contact Info
Email: robert.buckley@bps101.net
Website: http://rotoloband.com
Phone: (630)937-8727
Facebook: facebook.com/RotoloMSBands