Sixth Grade Band Bulletin
October 6, 2014
The Music is Coming Together!
I'ts hard to believe we are entering our 8th week of school. It seems like yesterday that the students were entering school for the very first time. This is a very busy time of the year for us. For that reason, in the paragraphs to follow, I'll share what is currently happening along with some of our upcoming events!
Enjoy the changing of the seasons!
Sincerely
Rob Buckley
Band Teacher-Rotolo Middle School
Batavia Music Buffs Coffee/Butterbraid Fundraiser Going On Now!!!
You watch the "How To" video here: https://drive.google.com/a/bps101.net/file/d/0B4kVLjCjuhVhNlJ2OThGTkM5X1k/edit
More information: https://www.bataviamusicbuffs.org/parent-student-pastry-coffee-information/
IMPORTANT SALE DATES:
- October 14-17 (Turn in Forms to Main Office) (Forms + Money)
- November 21 (afternoon pick-up--RMS Cafeteria)
- November 22 (morning pick-up--RMS Cafeteria)
Jazz Band About to Begin!!
We have two jazz bands:
Jazz Ensemble: Traditional jazz ensemble instrumentation (5 saxes, 4-5 trumpets, 4-5 trombones, piano, bass, drumset, vibes/percussion (possibly guitar). MUST PASS AUDITION
Advanced middle school jazz music.
Jazz Band: Open instrumentation (anyone that is in band can be in it) NO AUDITION--except for students wishing to play drumset. Intermediate middle school jazz music.
Help Sessions:We will have two "help sessions" for those students interested in trying out for the Jazz Ensemble. Students planning on auditioning for jazz ensemble should really attend. Students planning on participating in Jazz Band are free to check out what jazz band is like by attending these sessions too. Students will get jazz packet that includes audition music for Jazz Ensemble and the first piece for Jazz Band.
Dates: Wednesday, October 8th (7:00am)--Big Band Room
Wednesday, October 15th (7:00am)--Big Band Room
Jazz Ensemble Auditions:
Students wishing to audition for Jazz Ensemble will sign up for a 5-minute audition slot.
Audition Date: Thursday, October 16th 3:30-6:30pm.
First Rehearsal Dates:
Jazz Band: Tuesday, November 4th
Jazz Ensemble: Wednesday, November 5th
Upcoming Assessments
- 8th Note Rhythm Quiz (written): October 9th*
- F and Bb Concert Scale Quiz (playing quiz): October 15th**
*Students who scored a perfect score on the non-graded midpoint assessment will not need to take this quiz.
**Students can begin submitting videos of both scales played (in one take) October 6th.
Students should email Mr. Buckley the video as there are some small glitches with the
Youtube submission process.
GLE First Unit In the Books
With Jazz Band starting, there will be fewer help sessions. It is IMPERATIVE that students keep up with their songs by practicing at home. This includes practicing their songs for the band concert. The only way to improve at a high rate is to practice...and practice a lot! If you have not read the book Talent Code by Daniel Coyle, I highly recommend it. It is a fantastic book that discusses how people become truly outstanding at something. The old adage that it takes 10,000 hours is real! Coyle talks about building Myelin. "Myelin is the insulation that wraps these nerve fibers and increases signal strength, speed, and accuracy"(Coyle, 32). Thus the more someone practices something whether it be golf, figure skating, the French Horn, or singing, the thicker the myelin becomes around that cell. The thicker the myelin, the better the person becomes at the desired task. The book really opened my eyes to how we really "get better!"
My suggestion is that every student master (to the point of it being passed off) two songs per week MINIMUM. Since there are 4 lessons in a GLE unit and the students need to complete 8 songs, it works out perfectly. Students who can do more...should!
In an upcoming Technique class, we will teach the students how best to practice!
Mr. Buckley's Contact Info
Email: robert.buckley@bps101.net
Website: http://rotoloband.com
Phone: (630) 937-8727
Facebook: facebook.com/RotoloMSBand