Happy Thanksgiving
First of all I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I have a lot to be thankful for and the band students at BMS make every day Thanksgiving. This holiday I will be with the BNL Marching Stars in Orlando. They will be leading the Electric Light Parade on Thanksgiving night.
Upcoming 6th Grade Concert on December 6
The beginning band will have a concert on December 6 at 7:30 pm in Schafer Auditorium. This will be a first for the band and I’m excited about what they are preparing. This is the first concert for many and I’m sure there are questions.
The band students will report to the auditorium at 7:00 pm on December 6. They should wear a nice outfit for the performance. Most of the boys will wear a nice shirt, sweater, or shirt and tie. The girls will wear a nice outfit or dress. The girls tend to dress up a bit more than the guys do. The group will have a short warm-up and the concert will begin at 7:30 pm.
The concert will present the two beginning classes together on stage. They will not have practiced together before the night of the concert. The groups will perform short songs from the beginning band book, demonstrate instruments, and read little bit of the history of the instruments.
The students will be excited that night and that should be expected. The weeks and days leading up to the concert will trying for some. The kids that haven’t been trying in class and have fallen behind may have confidence issues and start to make excuses for not playing or trying. This is common and will affect about 15% of the group. We have about 20% achieving at a very high level and a vast majority are just where they should be. The students all progress at different rates and varying levels of performance should be expected.
Most parents will hang out in the auditorium until the concert begins. The concerts are free and all are welcome. That includes young brothers and sisters, grandparents, and anyone interested. We have our grade levels play on separate nights to keep the auditorium comfortable. The concert will last about 45 minutes if all goes well. Concerts are required for the kids and it is a part of the conduct grade. Sickness and family emergencies are excused.
ISSMA Solo and Ensemble
It is time for our 7th and 8th grade band members to sign up for the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival. It will be held at Bloomington North HS on Saturday, Feb. 11. More information is available at the band office for those interested. You can also click the link on this web page. This is not a required event. We do have a deadline of Nov. 28 to return fees.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Olivia Blaker, Jessica Buch, and Kyla Deckard and a great performance with the All-Region Honor Band. The concert was outstanding and I am very proud of each of you.
Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving
Bedford MS Bands 