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There will be an upcoming meeting for parents and students in the Symphonic Band who are going to Disneyland, dates of May 13, 14, 15 2010.

We have to get school board approval first. It is on the agenda for Thursday November, 19. 2009. I will have a meeting date by Friday and a notice out by the first of the week, November 23. A $100 dollar downpayment will be collected for the trip at this time. You can use tax credit money; $400 if filing jointly, and $200 if filing singly.

ASSIGNMENTS are given daily. Students put them down on their practice sheets where they record the number of minutes that they practice. The practice sheets need to be signed weekly in the left-hand blank column to the left of the date column with full signature. They are collected every first day of the school week and graded. Practice is 50% of their grade. We alternate every week with either a written test on our standards or a playing test, which helps me to evaluate and assist our students in their playing and technical skills.

Last year was an absolutely great year! This year is going to be even better! Our numbers for band are up. Our students are very dedicated. Performance and behavior are at an all time high. I am truly excited about what we are going to accomplish this year! As I get dates for concerts and our Disney trip at the end of the year, they will be posted on this site.

BAND STUDENTS: Test scores were excellent last year, and I am very proud of what you accomplished last year. By the end of the first week of school, everyone should have their instrument (beginners) and their band method book. A list of stores is available and will be handed out so you know where you can get books and supplies. We use the band method books for warm-up, national and state standards, homework and testing.

The closest store from here is AZ Music on Union Hills by the Harkins Movie Theater. The name of the book that we use is STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE. Beginners use book one. The Symphonic Band uses book two. The Jazz Band uses the Jazz Ensemble Method. The books are around $8 or so and come with a C.D.

Please be sure to get you practice sheets signed before you turn them in on Monday at band class. This is half your grade! 75 minutes or more each week is an A in practice.

GRADING: All band classes have a test every Friday. The first week of school, we have a written test. The next week is a playing test. We always go over what the test is on during the week. Your final exam is the concert in December and what you have taken for notes in class. Participation is mandatory at concerts. If you need a ride, please see me. The concert is free, so bring the entire family! Band classes pass in practice sheets every Monday. This is half their grade and tests are the other half. If you don't get 100% on your test, you can come in for help and retake the test as many times as you like. If you get less than 80% on your test, please make it up.

The same uniform applies for male and female members. Please have these purchased for our first concert in December (information below as to time and place when we find out.)

CONCERT SCHEDULE: These are the concerts that we have to date. Additional information will follow. Some dates or events are entered below and will be completed as I get more information. A rough idea of where and/or when will be given at this time. All conerts are free and for the entire family. Attendance is mandatory. Attendance will be noted and will serve as your final grade the end of each semester.