Dear Parents and Students:

SOLO & ENSEMBLE - (for 7th & 8th grade Band Members)
Your child will be participating as a soloist or a member of a small group in a judged competition at the beginning of February on the 7th.  All members of the RED/WHITE band are required to participate in this event for a grade.  If the band member cannot come on that Saturday due to prior commitments they will perform the solo/ensemble during class for a final grade.

This solo/small group experience is important to build independence in our musicians.  All musicians need to be able to play with confidence and calm with less people to depend on.  The judging panel will be made up of local band directors and they will give valuable feedback and medals to all students.

Ask your student about their solo/ensemble assignment and encourage them to practice and perform it for you.  This will help them overcome nerves.


SECTIONALS
The RED band will have weekly graded sectionals starting in January to prepare us for the upcoming competition season and to aid in personal growth.

Sectionals will occur before and after school for 30 to 45 minutes once a week.  Your student will only be obligated to come to sectional once a week, but it will be mandatory.  Testing will be done in sectionals. It is important that all the members of the section can play the music correctly.  It only takes one member adding incorrect notes or rhythms to destroy the product.

Playing in Band is much like playing on an athletics team.  We really depend on each other to be in the right place at the right time.

PRACTICE CARDS
Your child should be asking you to sign a practice card.  If your child practices at school I can sign the card (large instruments such as tuba & baritone are not allowed on the bus.  I have extra tubas to assign for home but unfortunately no extra baritones).

TUTORING/PRIVATE LESSONS
You should also consider private lessons for your student.  If you are interested in this form of tutoring please contact me or the local music store and colleges for a list of professionals.  Most lessons cost between 10 and 20 dollars a session and the band may be able to cover part of the cost or all of the cost depending on your financial situation.

CLINIC for UIL 
This spring we will hire a  master music educator to help us make final preparations for our UIL competition.  This event will occur on a Saturday as we get closer to UIL. I will provide lunch (pizza) on the chosen date.