As we finish up the 3rd week of the semester, students are hard at work on their solos, UIL Concert music, winter guard show, and percussion ensembles. Progress reports will be available next week based on the first 3 weeks. Students should have grades in their band gradebook for after school rehearsals, in class performance, and playing tests from their solos. Parents can help their students earn a high grade in band by encouraging them to practice their music and by making sure students are fully participating during their band classes and after school rehearsals.

Parents can also look for an email soon regarding opportunities to be involved in our amazing booster organization by volunteering for an officer position. All parents and guardians are automatically members of our booster organization by having a student in our program, but each year we look for family members who would like to do a little more by joining our booster board. There are several positions available, and whether you will have a senior, junior, or sophomore next year in the band or guard (or both!) we would love to have you join our board.

We've received a little more information on upcoming events. Please read on for important updates:

Please add these dates to your calendar or subscribe to our calendar, which can be found on our website:

• February 22nd: Due date for Virtual Solo Performances
• February 27th : F2F UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest location TBD
• March 4th : LCHS UIL Preview Concert Schedule TBA soon
• March 8th-12th : Intersession. Regular after school rehearsal schedule.
• March 15th-19th : Spring Break. No Rehearsals
• March 30th : Non-Varsity Band Pre-UIL Contest @ Garland HS
• April 1st : Varsity Band Pre-UIL Contest @ LCHS
• April 20th-22nd : UIL Concert & Sight Reading. Schedule TBA

Verify Your Entry!

Students have been entered for solo contests based on the information they provided in our Solo Contest Google Form. Students should check the contest lists for the following:

• Verify they have been signed up for the correct contest.
• Check the spelling of their name.
• Verify they have been entered for the correct solo.

If students do not see their name on either list, there are two possible reasons:

1. They did not submit their information through the Solo Google Form, or
2. They are not eligible for the contests because of Cycle 2 grades. These students will still need to submit a video of their solo to the band staff following the virtual contest procedures in order to earn credit for the major grade.

Students can use the following links to verify their entry information. (The lists can only be accessed using GISD log in credentials.) If students see any errors or have any questions, they need to email Mr. Hudler immediately.

Virtual Contest List (GISD log in required.)

F2F Contest List (GISD log in required.)

Solo Information Form - For any student who hasn't yet submitted their information. (GISD log in required.)

Virtual Solo Contest

Students who have indicated they will participate in the virtual version of Solo & Ensemble will need to submit a video of their solo performance. The video will need to show the student's face, hands, and their entire instrument. Wind instrument players will also need to play along with a recording of their piano accompaniment, which may require a separate device from the one used for recording. Recordings for each solo can be found in our virtual library. Students participating in the virtual solo contest still must supply an original purchased copy of their solo in order comply with UIL copyright policy. Students will need to submit their video performances to Mr. Hudler by Monday, February 22nd. Details on how to submit videos will be available soon. The band staff will then verify that the videos meet the requirements of the contest and submit the videos to the UIL Solo & Ensemble judges by February 27th.

Purchasing Your Solo

For education purposes, we have provided a photocopy of the assigned solos in our virtual library; however, in order to comply with copyright law, UIL requires that each student purchase an original copy of their solo for their UIL performance. The most reliable source to purchase these originals is http://www.jwpepper.com. Most of the assigned solos can be purchased for $20 or less. It is strongly advised that you order your originals ASAP. They often take 4+ weeks to ship after they are ordered and students will need to plan on having the original in hand before February 27th.

Any student who selected their own solo with their private lesson teacher needs to make sure they have provided the piano sheet music to the band staff ASAP so that our pianists can begin learning their music.

*Please note upcoming Varsity Band sectionals in the next couple of weeks.*

Virtual Participation

Students who have indicated they will be participating virtually will need to log into the appropriate Google Meet for the duration of their assigned rehearsal. Students should also have all of their band materials available and are expected to participate and play along during rehearsal. As always, music and materials can be found in our Virtual Library.(GISD log-in required)

In-Person Participation

Students who are virtual learners but are planning on coming to campus for rehearsals will need to be screened upon arriving at school, including having their temperature taken and completing the Symptom Screening Form. (GISD log-in required). Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time for screening,

As with all after school rehearsals, absences are excused for the same reasons that the school would excuse, such as illness or family emergency. All absences must be communicated to Mr. Hudler by a parent through email.

All students are expected to fully participate during their assigned class time. Students should be playing along at home with what students are playing at school during class rehearsals. Students, both F2F and at home, will be called on to perform materials individually throughout the rehearsal. If a student does not respond or perform when called on, that student's participation grade will be reduced.

We strongly encourage all members of the band to take advantage of private lesson opportunities this year. Lessons are incredibly beneficial to every student from Concert Band to the Wind Ensemble. They help students grow and improve individually, which is the best and fastest way for our band to grow and improve as an organization. This week the band staff will be reaching out to families who expressed interest in private lessons to help set them up and answer any questions. More information about private lessons can be found on our band website along with student applications and contact information for our amazing private lessons staff.