WHMS MUSIC NEWS: September

19th 2016

Upcoming Dates
Date
Mon. Oct. 3rd
Tuesday Oct. 4th
Thursday Oct. 6th
Thursday Oct. 6th
Thursday Oct.
13th

Time
Event
6:30 to 8:00pm AVWH Band Parents AGM and monthly meeting at
AVHS
7:30 to 8:45amFirst Concert Band rehearsal
3:30 to 8:00pmGrade 7 Band Clinic
7:00 to 8:00pmInformation Session and Demonstrations for Gr. 7
Parents
3:30 to 4:30pmFirst Jazz Band Rehearsal

Welcome!
I hope everyone had a fantastic summer break. We have an exciting year of
WHMS music making ahead of us, and the ball has already started rolling! Please
carefully read over the information on both sides of this sheet. If your child is
interested in extracurricular music activities, dont miss the information and
permission slip on the back.
The Times They Are A-Changin
With the addition of grade 6 music to our program there are some fundamental
changes to how our program works. Please see the attached sheet WHMS Music:
How it Works before reading on.
Grade 7 Instrument Assignments
Grade 7 instrument assignments will be posted soon. All students will be matched
with an instrument keeping the following in mind:
The students interest (students will be assigned one of their top three
choices)
Physical characteristics (arm length, hands, lips, etc. can help determine
potential for success with specific instruments)
Musical knowledge and experience (some instruments are more demanding
than others)
The needs of the band
The availability of instruments
Beginner Band Clinic
On Thursday October 6th there will be an important clinic for all grade 7 music
students and those grade 8 students who are new to their instrument. Students will
receive their instrument and work with a specialist clinician on their instrument. This
experience provides a vital foundation to our music program; all grade 7 and new
grade 8 students should plan to be in attendance! If it is not possible for your child
to attend, please contact me as soon as possible.
Students will be staying after school. Be sure that your child brings an extra snack
and something for supper with them to school in the morning. AT 7pm THERE WILL
BE AN IMPORTANT MEETING FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS about the music
program and band parents association. This will be followed by a short
presentation/concert by your budding musicians, and a post clinic clean up.
Everything will wrap up before 8pm. Please note that if you have not yet registered
with the BPA you may do so with our registrar on this evening.
AVWH Band Parents Association
The Avon View/West Hants Band Parents Association AGM (Annual General Meeting)
is set for Monday October 3rd at 6:30pm in the band room at Avon View High School.
As a parent or guardian of a music student you are a member and are encouraged
to attend! The Band Parents Association is looking to fill a number of positions:
Vice President AVHS: Acts in absence of President consults and advises committees,
represents parents of AVHS
Treasurer: Writes cheque and does monthly reports
Volunteer Coordinator: Communicates with and organises volunteers for fundraisers
and band activities

Pie Chair: Organises the BPA Pie Sale.

Citrus Chair: Organises the BPA Citrus Sale
Brunch Coordinators(2): Organises the annual Brunch With The Bands fundraiser
Craft Sale Coordinators(2): Organises the Annual Christmas Craft Fair
Princess Tea Coordinator: Organises tea and other refreshments.
If you think you might be interested in one of these positions or want to sit in as a
regular member come out to the meeting on October 3 rd and/or contact a current
member of the association, Steve Reid at WHMS, or Ted Woundy at AVHS. Our music
program needs you!
Course Outlines
Students will be (or already have been) provided with a course outline. This contains
important information about what we will be doing this year during class time.
Please read over this with your child, complete the portion at the end, and have
them return it to Mr. Reid.
Practice
Before long all grades 7 and 8 students will have an instrument. These students
need to be practicing regularly in order to meet performance and curricular goals.
Practice is homework! For beginning students 5 or 10 minutes of producing sound
every day is best at the start; increasing in duration as they gradually develop the
muscles and skills needed to play their instrument. For experienced students, the
best routine is at least 15 minutes of producing sound every day, or approximately
four 30-45 minute practice sessions every week.
Communication
This is the first and last music newsletter to be distributed on paper. You can expect
regular email communications and newsletters from me through the email address
you have provided the school, please be sure that this is up to date. Newsletters will
also be published for viewing online at mrreidsite.weebly.com. If providing your
child with paper copies to bring home is preferable, please let me know.
Extra Curricular Bands
Beginning in October, Concert Band will be rehearsing Tuesday mornings at 7:30
and Jazz Band will be rehearsing on Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30.These
bands are an exciting co-curricular part of our music program; all students are
encouraged to take part! Grade 8 students and those grade 6 and 7 students with
prior experience on their instrument are eligible to start in October. Other grade 7
students are encouraged to come for extra help at lunch and recess times, and will
become eligible to join the bands once they have developed a suitable skill set.
Interested parents and students please fill in the form below and have it retuned to
Mr. Reid by Wednesday September 21st.
Carpooling
Carpooling is being organised for Concert Band and Jazz Band. Its convenient and
good for the environment too! If you are interested, please get in touch.
Your child has begun an exciting journey in the music program at WHMS. They and
our community will benefit greatly from their involvement! Please feel free to get in
touch at any time. It is best to reach me by email at smreid@nspes.ca, or by leaving
a message in my office (757-4112). Im looking forward to an exciting school year
filled with music!
Mr. Steve Reid
Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told Im with you, kid! Lets go! - Maya Angelou

Extra Curricular Bands Sign-Up

Student Name:
Homeroom Teacher:
Activities my child wishes to be involved in this year:
Concert Band
Jazz Band
Please Note:

Consistent attendance is vital for students who make the commitment to play in band.
For ALL rehearsal absences, students are expected to let the director know by note
or email before the rehearsal. A medical appointment is an example of a reasonable absence,
however, homework is not. A signed note is also required unless the activity is schoolrelated.

Participation in concerts is mandatory; everyone else in the band is depending on you!

We have read and discussed the above information and the importance of commitment. We have
decided that______________(student name) will commit to band and be at every rehearsal when she/he is
at school.
Guardian Signature _________________________ Date ___________________
Student Signature __________________________ Date __________________