Bedford MS Bands

Congratulations 7th and 8th Grade Band –

Congratulations to the 7th and 8th Grade Bands on a terrific concert. You all did such a great job and I am so proud of you. You represented the program very well.

Elementary School Visits Have Wrapped Up –

I enjoyed visiting our elementary schools and talking to the 5th graders. It was a great time to talk about signing up for band and I’ve had the chance to show them some of the band instruments and talk about our program. Here is a link to the beginning band sign up form: https://bedfordmsband.com/beginning-band-sign-up-info?.  Here is a link to our beginning band brochure: http://www.nlcs.k12.in.us/bedjrhi/Band/BMS%20Band%20Brochure%202012.13.pdf. We have a lot to offer here at BMS and the band program is a great way to get involved in our school. I also received a helpful link to information about selecting instruments and locating instruments. Here is that link http://conn-selmer.com/en-us/parents/.

Year End Instrument Thoughts –

The end of the school year brings up some thoughts on what to do with instruments over the summer. The bands will finish up playing in class on Friday, May 24.

There are two Thursdays left for the year, so Paige’s customers still have time to send the instrument in for maintenance and cleaning. If you have the maintenance agreement it is a free service. Just have your child fill out a repair tag at the band office and leave the horn by my office before Thursday (May 23) at 12:00. Paige’s should have it back by Thursday (May 30). You can also call Paige’s at 1-800-337-0471 with any questions or to request a loaner.

Some that rented at Melody Music in Bloomington for the school year may have a return date coming up soon.

School instruments will be sent in for cleaning and maintenance over the summer.

All instruments that are not school instruments need to be taken home for the summer. It will be a good idea to get them out every few weeks to keep valves and slides moving.

After School Lessons –

I have been available many days after school for free lessons. I have had several students take advantage of these lessons and I have enjoyed teaching the lessons and watching the students improve over the course of the year. Next week I’ll be involved in year-end activities, so lessons won’t be available. Check back next fall after marching season for when lessons will begin again. Have a great summer!

Have a great week!

7th and 8th Grade Fall Concert May 13 –

The 7th and 8th grade bands will present a spring concert on Monday, May. 13 in Schafer Auditorium at BMS. We plan to stagger the band performances to help with the limited parking and seating. This worked out well last fall. As always, there aren’t any admission fees for BMS Band Concerts

The 7th grade members should meet on the auditorium stage at 6:45 to warm-up. The 7th grade band will perform at 7:00 and play for about 30 minutes. The 7th graders are free to leave at that point so we can open up seats in the auditorium for 8th grade. 7th grade is welcome to stay, but not required.

The 8th grade members should meet on stage at 7:40 to warm-up. The 8th grade will play at 8:00 if all goes well with the transition. They will also play for about 30 minutes.

The band members should try to look nice for this event if possible. Guys can wear nice jeans and a nice shirt, or dress pants and a nice shirt. The ladies have the same options or could choose to wear a nice dress or outfit.

The kids have been working hard and are doing a nice job in class. They have improved quite a bit since November and are rehearsing some challenging music. We have a wonderful facility to perform in and it is quite a special night for the kids. Concerts are part of the student’s grade and students are required to participate as part of the learning experience.

Elementary School Visits Are Underway –

I have started my yearly visits to the elementary schools to see the 5th graders. It has been a great time to talk about signing up for band and I’ve had the chance to show them some of the band instruments and talk about our program. Here is a link to the beginning band sign up form: https://bedfordmsband.com/beginning-band-sign-up-info?.  Here is a link to our beginning band brochure: http://www.nlcs.k12.in.us/bedjrhi/Band/BMS%20Band%20Brochure%202012.13.pdf. We have a lot to offer here at BMS and the band program is a great way to get involved in our school.

Paige’s Music Display on Monday, May 6

Paige’s music will conduct an instrument display at Schafer Auditorium on Monday, May 6. Feel free to stop by any time between 6:00 and 7:30 pm. You will have a chance to look over instruments, talk with Paige’s Music representatives, and even rent an instrument that evening. Feel free to visit the Paige’s Music Website at: https://www.paigesmusic.com/paiges/run?id=6. All current band students and prospective band students are welcome.

After School Lessons –

I am available many days after school for free lessons. There are often playing tests for all the bands during class time. The lessons are available until 4:00 and I can help our students on whatever they need help with. Next week I’ll be available after school on Tues. 5-7 and Thurs. 5-9.

Have a great week!

Congratulations 6th Grade Band –

Congratulations to the 6th grade bands on a great performance at this year’s Fine Arts Festival. I am very proud of the tremendous effort and show of support on Tuesday night. CD’s of the performance can be purchased for $5. The students can simply bring the form or a note and money to the band building.

Upcoming Concert –

Now that the 6th grade performance has passed the remaining concert for the band program is on May 13. The 7th and 8th grade bands will present a spring concert featuring all four 7th and 8th grade concert bands. The concert will begin at 7:00 pm in the BMS Schafer Auditorium. The concert is free and all are welcome to come out and hear our 7th and 8th graders.

After School Lessons –

I am available many days after school for free lessons. There are often playing tests for all the bands during class time. The lessons are available until 4:00 and I can help our students on whatever they need help with. Next week I’ll be available after school on Tues. 4-23, Wed. 4-24, and Thurs. 4-25.

Have a great week!

Annual Big Splash Trip on Monday, April 15 –

I have been so impressed with our bands. Our next event is a trip to the Big Splash Water Park to reward the band students for playing at the concerts and rehearsing so well. The cost is $25 and it covers supper at the water-park, swimming and buses. Everyone that participated in either the fall cookie dough fundraiser or the spring butter braid fundraiser can deduct $5 from the cost for helping with the fundraiser and pay just $20. We hope to leave at 4:00 pm and return around 9:00 pm on Monday, Apr. 15. We are going on a week night in order to rent out the entire facility for just the BMS Band Dept. We will be only ones in the water park, along with the Big Splash lifeguards and staff. Here is a link to more information and a permission form: https://bedfordmsband.com/big-splash-info-2013/. The permission form and fee are due to the band office by Friday, April 12.

6th Grade Band Fine Arts Festival April 16 –

I am excited to announce the 6th Grade Band will be combined with the bands from Shawswick and Oolitic to perform at this year’s NLCS Fine Arts Festival. The festival will be at the BNL Performing Arts Center from April 15 – 18. The 6th grade band will perform on Tuesday, April 16. The students will ride buses to BNL the morning of the performance to rehearse together for the concert that night.  That night the students will report to BNL at 6:30 pm to prepare for the concert at 7 pm. Permission forms and more information were passed out this week in class. Here is a link to the information and form. https://bedfordmsband.com/6th-grade-fine-arts-festival-information/

After School Lessons –

I am available many days after school for free lessons. We have 6th grade students working on the Fine Arts Festival music. There are often playing tests for all the bands during class time. The lessons are available until 4:00 and I can help our students on whatever they need help with. After spring break I’ll be available after school on Wed. 4-10, Thurs. 4-11 and Fri. 4-12.

Upcoming Concerts at Indiana University –

One of the best music schools in the world is just 18 miles up the road. The concert bands at IU offer free concerts and they are a great way to spend the evening. Our students would learn a lot by going to these concerts. If you ever have a free night consider attending an IU concert.

Here are some upcoming opportunities:

Apr. 9 the IU Dept. of Bands Wind Chamber Music at 8:00 in Auer Hall.

Apr. 18 the IU Spring Festival of Winds, Brass and Percussion at 8:00 in the MAC.

Have a great  week!

6th Grade Band Fine Arts Festival April 16 –

I am excited to announce the 6th Grade Band will be combined with the bands from Shawswick and Oolitic to perform at this year’s NLCS Fine Arts Festival. The festival will be at the BNL Performing Arts Center from April 15 – 18. The 6th grade band will perform on Tuesday, April 16. The students will ride buses to BNL the morning of the performance to rehearse together for the concert that night.  That night the students will report to BNL at 6:30 pm to prepare for the concert at 7 pm. Permission forms and more information were passed out this week in class. Here is a link to the information and form. https://bedfordmsband.com/6th-grade-fine-arts-festival-information/

After School Lessons –

I am available many days after school for free lessons. We have 8th grade students working on BNL Jazz Ensemble auditions and 6th grade students working on the Fine Arts Festival music. There are often playing tests for all the bands during class time. The lessons are available until 4:00 and I can help our students on whatever they need help with. After spring break I’ll be available after school on Mon. 4-1, Thurs. 4-4 and Fri. 4-5.

Butter Braid Project to Wrap Up April 5 –

I can’t begin to express my gratitude for all the effort shown on this last fundraiser. The sale went very well and the profit will really help our students and program. We would like to have the  project wrapped up and money turned in by Friday, April 5. Thanks again for all the continued help and support. I appreciate it and the students appreciate it oo.

8th Grade Period 5 Wins Latest Rehearsal Challenge –

The 5th Period 8th Grade Band held on to win the latest rehearsal challenge. The 7th and 8th grade bands earn points for group work ethic, concentration and effort. Individual tardiness, talking and lack of effort lower the ensemble’s daily score. Here are the results:

Period 5 8th Grade Band: 57 points

Period 4 8th Grade Band: 54 points

Period 6 7th Grade Band: 38 points

Period 7 7th Grade Band: 32 points

Upcoming Concerts at Indiana University –

One of the best music schools in the world is just 18 miles up the road. The concert bands at IU offer free concerts and they are a great way to spend the evening. Our students would learn a lot by going to these concerts. If you ever have a free night consider attending an IU concert.

Here are some upcoming opportunities:

Mar. 26 the IU Concert Band and Symphonic Band perform at 8:00 in Auer Hall.

Apr. 2 the IU Wind Ensemble performs at 8:00 in the Auer Hall.

Have a great  spring break!

Broadview Bowl Party for the BMS Bands on Mar. 15 –

On March 15th the BMS Band Department will go bowling at Broadview Bowl in Bedford from 4 pm to 6 pm. It will be a lot of fun and a great time for the band kids to enjoy themselves.

Parents can drop students off at Broadview Bowl at 4 pm and pick them up at 6 pm. The cost is free for students that sold the fall fundraiser (and turned in the money) or sold butter braids in our latest sale. Students that didn’t participate in a fundraiser just need to pay $5 that evening. The cost will include shoes and bowling balls. The students need to remember to wear or bring socks and that all school rules are in effect. Students may also want to bring money to purchase drinks at the concession counter and for any video games they want to play.

After School Lessons –

I am available many days after school for free lessons. We have 8th grade students working on BNL Jazz Ensemble auditions and 6th grade students working on the Fine Arts Festival music. There are often playing tests for all the bands during class time. The lessons are available until 4:00 and I can help our students on whatever they need help with. Next week I’ll be available after school on Mon. 3-18 and Wed. 3-20.

8th Grade Period 5 Leading Latest Rehearsal Challenge –

The 5th Period 8th Grade Band is leading the latest rehearsal challenge. The 7th and 8th grade bands earn points for group work ethic, concentration and effort. Individual tardiness, talking and lack of effort lower the ensemble’s daily score. Here are the current standings:

Period 5 8th Grade Band: 52 points

Period 4 8th Grade Band: 50 points

Period 6 7th Grade Band: 38 points

Period 7 7th Grade Band: 26 points

6th Grade Band Fine Arts Festival April 16 –

I am excited to announce the 6th Grade Band will be combined with the bands from Shawswick and Oolitic to perform at this year’s NLCS Fine Arts Festival. The festival will be at the BNL Performing Arts Center from April 15 – 18. The 6th grade band will perform on Tuesday, April 16. The students will ride buses to BNL the morning of the performance to rehearse together for the concert that night.  That night the students will report to BNL at 6:30 pm to prepare for the concert at 7 pm. Permission forms and more information were passed out this week in class. Here is a link to the information and form. https://bedfordmsband.com/6th-grade-fine-arts-festival-information/

BMS Derby Parade appearance Cancelled Due to ISTEP Complications –

Unfortunately the BMS appearance with the BNL Marching Stars will not happen due to recent ISTEP complications. The next round of testing is all done on computer. A larger student body puts a severe strain on the schedule flexibility and doesn’t afford a large enough window to allow BMS students to participate in the parade and get all the 8th grade testing completed. I appreciate the effort put forth by our 8th grade teachers in trying to work out a schedule, but I’ve been told it isn’t possible this year.

Upcoming Concerts at Indiana University –

One of the best music schools in the world is just 18 miles up the road. The concert bands at IU offer free concerts and they are a great way to spend the evening. Our students would learn a lot by going to these concerts. If you ever have a free night consider attending an IU concert.

Here are some upcoming opportunities:

Mar. 26 the IU Concert Band and Symphonic Band perform at 8:00 in Auer Hall.

Apr. 2 the IU Wind Ensemble performs at 8:00 in the Auer Hall.

Have a great  week!

Butter Braids Arrive Tues. March 12 –

The butter braids are arriving at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 12. It will take a little time to unload the truck and organize everything in the band building. Students can pick up orders at the end of the school day or parents may return before 7:00 pm that night to pick up the orders. The students will need to deliver these right away or put them in a freezer until they can be delivered.

I can’t begin to express how appreciative I am for all that participated. The support was tremendous and the kids will benefit from all the hard work. Thank you for all your help and dedication.

Broadview Bowl Party for the BMS Bands on Mar. 15 –

On March 15th the BMS Band Department will go bowling at Broadview Bowl in Bedford from 4 pm to 6 pm. It will be a lot of fun and a great time for the band kids to enjoy themselves.

Parents can drop students off at Broadview Bowl at 4 pm and pick them up at 6 pm. The cost is free for students that sold the fall fundraiser (and turned in the money) or sold butter braids in our latest sale. Students that didn’t participate in a fundraiser just need to pay $5 that evening. The cost will include shoes and bowling balls. The students need to remember to wear or bring socks and that all school rules are in effect. Students may also want to bring money to purchase drinks at the concession counter and for any video games they want to play.

After School Lessons –

I am available many days after school for free lessons. We have 8th grade students working on BNL Jazz Ensemble auditions and there are often playing tests for all the bands during class time. The lessons are available until 4:00 and I can help our students on whatever they need help with. Next week I’ll be available after school on Mon. 3-11, Wed. 3-13, and Thurs. 3-14.   

6th Grade Band Fine Arts Festival April 16 –

I am excited to announce the 6th Grade Band will be combined with the bands from Shawswick and Oolitic to perform at this year’s NLCS Fine Arts Festival. The festival will be at the BNL Performing Arts Center from April 15 – 18. The 6th grade band will perform on Tuesday, April 16. The students will ride buses to BNL the morning of the performance to rehearse together for the concert that night.  That night the students will report to BNL at 6:30 pm to prepare for the concert at 7 pm. Permission forms and more information were passed out this week in class. Here is a link to the information and form. https://bedfordmsband.com/6th-grade-fine-arts-festival-information/

8th Grade Invited to Perform at Derby Parade with Stars –

The 8th grade band members have been invited to perform with the BNL Marching Stars in the 2013 Kentucky Derby Pegasus Parade on May 2. It will be a great time and the Stars have marched in this televised parade 8 of the past 9 years. It is quite an honor and privilege. This performance is not required, but I encourage our 8th grade band members to participate and enjoy the experience. The practice dates are posted below and the cost is $60. This helps cover the cost of performance shirts, charter buses and an evening buffet meal on May 2. More information and forms will be passed out this coming week. The forms will need to be returned right away to secure buses. A $30 down payment will be due by April 5 and the remaining $30 balance will be due April 26.

Pegasus Parade Rehearsal Dates Announced –

Drumline (including 8^th grade percussionists)

Tuesday, April 2   6-8 p.m. at BNL

Thursday, April 4   6-8 p.m. at BNL

Tuesday, April 9   6-8 p.m. at BNL

Color Guard Try-outs for next year (It is our desire that current and all new BNL members plus current members of the BMS Guard are included in the Pegasus Parade)

Monday, April 1   5:30-8:00 p.m.   Teaching Session (We will be at Community Baptist Fellowship Church, but that is not yet confirmed.  We might be at BNL.)

Tuesday, April 2   5:30-8:00 p.m.   Teaching Session

Thursday, April 4   5:30-8:00 p.m.   Teaching Session

Friday, April 5   5:30-8:00 p.m.   Final Auditions

Pegasus Full Band Rehearsals (all at BNL from 6:00-8:00 p.m.)

Thursday, April 11

Tuesday, April 23

Thursday, April 25

Monday, April 29

Tuesday, April 30  (Preview Performance)

Thursday, May 2  Pegasus Parade

Upcoming Concerts at Indiana University –

One of the best music schools in the world is just 18 miles up the road. The concert bands at IU offer free concerts and they are a great way to spend the evening. Our students would learn a lot by going to these concerts. If you ever have a free night consider attending an IU concert.

Here are some upcoming opportunities:

Mar. 26 the IU Concert Band and Symphonic Band perform at 8:00 in Auer Hall.

Apr. 2 the IU Wind Ensemble performs at 8:00 in the Auer Hall.

Have a great  week!

Butter Braid Sales Have Come To An End –

The Butter Braid Sale has ended and forms are coming in. We still have a few forms out, but the results are already very good. I can’t begin to express how appreciative I am for all that participated. The support was tremendous and the kids will benefit from all the hard work. Thank you for all your help and dedication.

The delivery is set for Tuesday March 12 at 1:00 pm

Broadview Bowl Party for the BMS Bands on Mar. 15 –

On March 15th the BMS Band Department will go bowling at Broadview Bowl in Bedford from 4 pm to 6 pm. It will be a lot of fun and a great time for the band kids to enjoy themselves.

Parents can drop students off at Broadview Bowl at 4 pm and pick them up at 6 pm. The cost is free for students that sold the fall fundraiser (and turned in the money) or sold butter braids in our latest sale. Students that didn’t participate in a fundraiser just need to pay $5 that evening. The cost will include shoes and bowling balls. The students need to remember to wear or bring socks and that all school rules are in effect. Students may also want to bring money to purchase drinks at the concession counter and for any video games they want to play.

BNL Wind Ensemble Auditions Have Started –

The BNL Wind Ensemble Auditions started this week during band class. Many of our 8th grade students stayed after school or came to the band building during advisor time to get some help. We’ve got some very strong candidates and the process is going well. Make sure to have the permission formed signed and returned to be considered. Here is a link to more information and the form that needs to be signed. https://bedfordmsband.com/bnl-band-audition/. Good luck!

After School Lessons –

I am available many days after school for free lessons. We have 8th grade students working on BNL Wind Ensemble auditions and there are often playing tests for all the bands during class time. The lessons are available until 4:00 and I can help our students on whatever they need help with. Next week I’ll be available after school on Mon. 3-4, Wed. 3-6, and Thurs. 3-7.   

8th Grade Band Signing Up For BNL Bands –

The 8th grade band members are in the process of signing up for high school classes. We have a lot of talent in the 8th grade and I hope they continue playing in the BNL Bands. They have a lot of requirements to fulfill for various diplomas and have received a lot of information. I encourage parents to take some time and look at the college admission requirements online for themselves. I found it very enlightening when my son was entering high school and preparing for college. It also relieved some of the fear, stress and worry about the scheduling. Being an 8th grade parent myself, I share the anxiety of dealing with my daughter’s schedule entering high school.

6th Grade Band Fine Arts Festival April 16 –

I am excited to announce the 6th Grade Band will be combined with the bands from Shawswick and Oolitic to perform at this year’s NLCS Fine Arts Festival. The festival will be at the BNL Performing Arts Center from April 15 – 18. The 6th grade band will perform on Tuesday, April 16. The students will ride buses to BNL the morning of the concert to rehearse together for the concert that night.  That night the students will report to BNL at 6:30 pm to prepare for the concert at 7 pm. Permission forms and more information will be passed out closer to the performance date.

Good Luck to the Lady Stars –

We would like to wish the BNL Basketball Lady Stars the best of luck this weekend in the State Championship Game. It wasn’t too long ago some of them were sitting in the band building playing in the BMS band.

Moments come along in life that define us. We hopefully live our lives and work hard to be ready when the moments arrive. This is one of many moments in life to come. The players and coaches have worked hard to prepare for this. Grab the moment and bring the title back to BNL. We are all very proud of you and say, “Good Luck.”

Upcoming Concerts at Indiana University –

One of the best music schools in the world is just 18 miles up the road. The concert bands at IU offer free concerts and they are a great way to spend the evening. Our students would learn a lot by going to these concerts. If you ever have a free night consider attending an IU concert.

Here are some upcoming opportunities:

Mar. 26 the IU Concert Band and Symphonic Band perform at 8:00 in Auer Hall.

Apr. 2 the IU Wind Ensemble performs at 8:00 in the Auer Hall.

Have a great  week!