Winter Park Band Notes
April 30, 2017
From Mr. Blackmer
Dear Winter Park Band Families,
Congratulations to the new members of the 2017/2018 Winter Park HS Wind Symphony! There were many well-prepared auditions this year, and the decision process was tough. I realize that there will be many excited (and relieved) students upon hearing this news, but I also understand that there will be some who are frustrated with the results. Please know that I have been on both sides of the audition-results scenario, and after some understandable disappointment, I would encourage any student to come and see me about ways to improve their audition for the next time around. Remember - it starts now! Preparation for an audition like this cannot begin a few weeks out. It's all about preparing yourself with a regular practice routine, private study on your instrument, and working on fundaments throughout the year (including sight-reading).
This Wednesday evening, May 3, is our final Band concert of the school year. To all of our parents: please make every effort to be in attendance, supporting your son or daughter in their musical performance. I realize that it's a busy time of year, but it means a lot to the students to perform to a good audience, especially for their final concert of the school year. There are two jazz bands and three concert bands, and the concerts run a couple of hours in length, but they are free and open to the public, and they are unique snapshots of some terrific young adults who grow up very fast!
All the Best to everyone as we begin our final six weeks of the school year!
Mr. Blackmer
Band Registration Night - May 2
Band Registration night is this Tuesday, May 2, from 6 PM - 9 PM. All Registration forms can now be found on the Band website, and there are hardcopies available in the high school and middle school band rooms. To save time at Registration, parents are encouraged to process fee payment through SchoolPay.com at this special link. Just bring in your receipt in to Registration, along with your paperwork for a quick check-out!
Please spread the word, especially if you know of an incoming Freshman Band student. The middle schools do not always get all of the information about high school Band as regular as current high school students and parents.
If you have any questions about Band Registration, please contact Mr. Blackmer or Mr. Clemente.
New York Tour Meeting
For all of our students traveling on the New York City Tour in June, there is a mandatory trip meeting on Wednesday, May 10, beginning at 7 PM in the High School Auditorium. All students and at least one parent/guardian are required to be in attendance.
If parents are planning on taking their son/daughter with them before the end of the trip, they must bring the Parent Pick-Up Notification form with them to the May 10 meeting. You will also need a picture ID that we can scan onto the form while you are there. If possible, please plan on arriving around 6:50 PM to get this completed prior to the meeting.
Band Banquet Sign-Up
It is time to prepare for the year-end Band Banquet on Friday, May 12! The evening is for all Band students and families. We will have a pot-luck dinner beginning at 6:5 PM in the West Cafeteria, followed by an awards ceremony in the auditorium. Please join us!
Your ticket to the dinner is a prepared dish to serve 8-10 people. Students who are attending the dinner alone may pair-up with one other student attending alone and bring a combined dish, but we hope to see all of our families there. You must sign-up for a dish and RSVP with the number of attendees on the Band Calendar.
2017/2018 Band Calendar
The 2017/2018 Band Calendar is beginning to take shape! We have several dates already in place for next school year, including Band Camp, home/away football games, Marching Band MPA, Door-2-Door Fundraiser, Jazz MPA, Solo & Ensemble MPA, Guest Conductor Workshop, Concert Band MPA, and much, much more! Please check it out and sync with your family calendars!
Band Registration Night
Sophomore: 6:45 PM - 7:30 PM
Junior: 7:30 pm - 8:15 PM
Senior: 8:15 PM - 9 PM