Eastern Music Notes
A newsletter for Eastern Band students & parents
May 2021
Spring Concert Moves Outdoors (then back indoors)
EDIT (May 7): Due to a still uncertain weather forecast, our concert is moving back indoors to the Main Gym. All other information listed here is correct.
Our Spring Concert is coming up soon! Join us on Saturday, May 8 at 7pm for a 6-12 band concert, which will now take place at the football field. While our concert date and time have remained the same since announced at the beginning of the school year in August, the location has moved outdoors. High School students will need to report to the football field by 6pm, while Middle Schoolers report by 6:30pm. Parents are welcome to watch us warm-up and rehearse, or you may choose to drop students off and join us when the concert starts.
Why did we move to the football field? - We want the middle and high students to be able to perform together. We also want the concert to be open to the public and allow more than 4 family members to support their student. With our county's COVID protocols, an outdoor concert works best. Bands are made to play outside, and we can be heard much easier outdoors than a choir or orchestra.
Will we still sell tickets? - Yes. We will sell tickets at the gate. Tickets will be $2/each, and seating will be general admission. Our audience will be responsible to socially distance in the bleachers.
How will my child get their instrument? - Students need to take their instrument and music home on Friday and bring it with them to the concert. Students should plan to bring all materials with them to the football field on May 8 without needing to enter the high school building. We will move percussion instruments earlier that day, but percussionists are still responsible to bring their sticks, mallets, and music.
Will we sell concessions? - No. We want all band parents to be able to enjoy the show, including those who typically manage and work concessions. However, you're welcome to bring along a snack if you would like.
What should students wear? - Students are asked to dress nicely, but they are not required to wear concert black. We ask that students avoid wearing jeans, shorts, t-shirts, or clothing with rips or holes. Many high school students will wear an outfit that they might have worn to the Howard County Music Festival.
What happens in bad weather? - We will monitor weather forecasts carefully and make announcements during the week. If we need, we will change the location. Right now the weather looks to be partly cloudy with temperatures in the low 60's. Students and parents should dress accordingly.
Bring a bleacher seat or lawn chair if you would like. Let's enjoy the May weather!
Every Eastern band earned GOLD ratings at ISSMA contest
Congratulations to our High School Band for earning a GOLD rating at the ISSMA Concert Band contest! The high schoolers earned gold ratings from all three judges. They join the Comet Command, 6th Grade Band, and Combined 7th/8th Grade Band to earn gold ratings this school year. Each band submitted a video recording to ISSMA to be evaluated by three judges, and every band student was a part of a Gold-Rated ensemble. We're really proud of them!
2021 Marching Band
Thank you to parents who joined us at the marching band meeting this past week! Parents who were unable to make it should email Mr. Matthews at joel.matthews@eastern.k12.in.us if you plan on having a child in marching band or color guard.
We want to welcome ALL students in grades 9-12 who would like to be a part of our marching band and color guard, and we will invite incoming 7th and 8th graders who are currently excelling in their band class. Parents can find our most up-to-date summer/fall marching season calendar on our band website.
Marching Band for PE Credit - NEW for 2021: Our high school administration is going to allow incoming Freshmen the opportunity to earn one semester's PE credit through participation in marching band this year. This applies only to the Class of 2025. Students who are working to earn that credit will be in charge of regularly documenting their physical activity as a part of the marching band. We are excited to offer this option for 2021!
Band Fundraisers were a success
Thank you to every student and parent who participated in our spring band fundraisers! Our Century Resources sale brought in over $2000 for instruments, music, and equipment. Another $2000 will be earmarked for individual student band expenses, including trips, equipment, apparel, and contest entries.
Our Spring Band Booster Fish Fry was a smash hit! We sold over 600 meals, which set a new record and nearly doubled the total of meals sold in past years. The Greentown community really showed up to support our band!
High School Band will play at graduation
May 3, 7:00 p.m. - Band Booster Meeting in the Band Room
Spring Concert
May 8, 7:00 p.m. - Football Field
Graduation (Current High School Band Only)
June 6, 2:00 p.m. - EHS Gym (Report by 12:30)
Eastern Bands
Email: joel.matthews@eastern.k12.in.us
Website: www.cometcommand.com
Location: 421 South Harrison Street, Greentown, IN, USA
Phone: 765-628-3333 (371)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EHSCCGG