Bedford MS Bands

Annual Butter Braid Sale Ends Tuesday, Feb. 26 –

This band fundraiser is the most anticipated and profitable fundraiser of the year. The kids are not required to participate, but if we could get everyone to just sell 3 – 4 butter braids we will have a tremendous sale. It takes a lot of resources to keep a program of nearly 300 operating and this sale is a big part of meeting that need.

The sale will end Tuesday, Feb. 26. The delivery is set for Tuesday March 12 at 1:00 pm.  

BNL Wind Ensemble Auditions –

The BNL Wind Ensemble Auditions may start this week during band class. Many of our 8th grade students have been staying after school or coming to the band building during advisor time to get some help. We’ve got some very strong candidates and the process is upon us. Make sure to have the permission formed signed and returned for the audition. 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. 2-25, Tues. 2-26, Wed. 2-27, Thurs. 2-28 and Fri. 3-1.   

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.

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.

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!

BNL Wind Ensemble Auditions to Begin –

The BNL Wind Ensemble Auditions may start this week during band class. Many of our 8th grade students have been staying after school or coming to the band building during advisor time to get some help. We’ve got some very strong candidates and the process is upon us. Make sure to have the permission formed signed and returned for the audition. 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 Tues. 2-19, Wed. 2-20, Thurs. 2-21 and Fri. 2-22.

Annual Butter Braid Sale Started Feb. 11 –

Butter Braid time has rolled around again. This band fundraiser is the most anticipated and profitable fundraiser of the year. People are always asking when this sale begins and we already have orders for this year’s event. The kids are not required to participate, but if we could get everyone to just sell 3 – 4 butter braids we will have a tremendous sale. It takes a lot of resources to keep a program of nearly 300 operating and this sale is a big part of meeting that need.

The sale will run from Monday, Feb. 11 to Tuesday, Feb. 26. The delivery is set for Tuesday March 12 at 1:00 pm.        

Band Pictures To Be Taken Feb. 20 and 22 –

For several years we have had the opportunity to have band pictures taken by the locally owned Artistic Image Photography Studio. Many parents that were in band years ago can remember having individual and group pictures taken. Parents have asked me about having this done for our current students and Mr. And Mrs. Holle have been gracious to help us and even make a donation back to the band.

The group pictures will be taken in the auditorium on Feb. 20 and the individual pictures will be taken in the band building on Feb. 22. The students don’t need to necessarily dress up and can wear whatever they would like to for the individual pictures.

Order forms are available in the band office and list several packages and options. The forms should be filled out and paid for on picture day.

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.

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.

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!

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. 2-11, Tues. 2-12, and Thurs. 2-14.

Added Links –

I have added links to information about the upcoming 8th Grade Band Tubing Trip and information about the BNL Band Department and  BNL Wind Ensemble Auditions.

Annual Butter Braid Sale Begins Feb. 11 –

Butter Braid time has rolled around again. This band fundraiser is the most anticipated and profitable fundraiser of the year. People are always asking when this sale begins and we already have orders for this year’s event. The kids are not required to participate, but if we could get everyone to just sell 3 – 4 butter braids we would have a tremendous sale. It takes a lot of resources to keep a program of nearly 300 operating and this sale is a big part of meeting that need.

The sale will run from Monday, Feb. 11 to Tuesday, Feb. 26. The delivery is set for Tuesday March 12 at 1:00 pm.        

8th Grade Tubing on Feb. 15 –

The 8th grade tubing trip to Paoli Peaks will be after school on Friday, Feb. 15th. We have set a make-up night for Feb. 22 if we need one. The 8th grade band members look forward to this trip every year and we have a great time. More information for this trip is available on this website.  The fee is $30 to cover tubing costs, pizza after school, and bus transportation. Students that sold the cookie dough fundraiser in the fall pay $20. Parents will need to fill out, initial the arrows, and sign the Paoli Peaks tubing release form. The release form can be found at http://www.paolipeaks.com/sites/default/files/pdf/paoli_peaks_tubing_release.pdf

Band Pictures To Be Taken Feb. 20 and 22 –

For several years we have had the opportunity to have band pictures taken by the locally owned Artistic Image Photography Studio. Many parents that were in band years ago can remember having individual and group pictures taken. Parents have asked me about having this done for our current students and Mr. And Mrs. Holle have been gracious to help us and even make a donation back to the band.

The group pictures will be taken in the auditorium on Feb. 20 and the individual pictures will be taken in the band building on Feb. 22. The students don’t need to necessarily dress up and can wear whatever they would like to for the individual pictures.

Order forms are available in the band office and list several packages and options. The forms should be filled out and paid for on picture day.

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.

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:

Feb. 12 the IU Wind Ensemble performs at 8:00 in Auer Hall.

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  Valentine’s Day!

Congratulations To Our Solo & Ensemble Participants –

Some of our 7th and 8th grade band members participated in the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival and I am so proud of them all. All seven of our participants received Gold Medals at the event. The festival was held at Bloomington North HS on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013.

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 Tues. 2-5, Wed. 2-6, Thurs. 2-7 and Fri. 2-8.

Added Links –

I have added links to information about the upcoming 8th Grade Band Tubing Trip and information about the BNL Band Department and  BNL Wind Ensemble Auditions.

Indiana University Young Winds –

The 2012 Indiana University Young Winds program is about to begin. Some of our students participated in this fantastic opportunity last weekend and there is still time to get signed up. It is a program designed for middle school instrumental students as a supplement to the instruction they receive in school. The program focuses on small-group lessons as well as a full band experience for students surrounding the Bloomington campus. It is a wonderful program. Many of our students have participated over the years and my son has been in the program. I can’t speak highly enough about this opportunity and the benefits of participating.

The classes meet on Saturday mornings from 9:00 – 11:00 in the Musical Arts Center (MAC) on the IU Campus. The first class was on Jan. 26 and continue until April 20. More information is available in the band building and at www.music.indiana.edu/precollege/year-round/wind/index.shtml . The program has a $75 fee.

Congratulations To The 8th Period 7th Grade Band –

Congratulations to the 8th period band for winning the latest rehearsal challenge. They received a Super Bowl Celebration for the effort. The 7th  and 8th grade bands compete in a friendly rehearsal challenge and receive points for group effort in rehearsal. Points are gained by group cohesiveness and work ethic. Points are deducted for individual disruption or lack of effort. It was a close race this time. 4th period had 29 points, 5th period also had 29 points, 7th period had 26 points and 8th period had 34 points. 

For the most part, all the bands are rehearsing pretty well for this time of the year. January and February are challenging months. Some kids begin to shut down and the delays and short weeks don’t help the consistency bands require. The bands have just a few members choosing to not work up to par with the others. What I dread most is the annual split in the 8th grade work ethic as high school schedules are filled out in a few weeks. The kids that sign up for high school band are excited and forge ahead to prepare. The students that don’t sign up for high school band tend to slow down or stop working. I’m one that doesn’t  take free days or not give 100%. I try to stress the importance of working hard for yourself and others and try to lead by example. Some 8th grade students aren’t too receptive to the message this time of the year. I also don’t give up on kids very easily and believe middle school is too early in life to accept mediocrity. Our students have so much to offer and I try to remind them of that potential every day. When I look out into the band room I see our future and that future is bright and full of promise.

Annual Butter Braid Sale Begins Feb. 11 –

Butter Braid time has rolled around again. This band fundraiser is the most anticipated and profitable fundraiser of the year. People are always asking when this sale begins and we already have orders for this year’s event. The kids are not required to participate, but if we could get everyone to just sell 3 – 4 butter braids we would have a tremendous sale. It takes a lot of resources to keep a program of nearly 300 operating and this sale is a big part of meeting that need.

The sale will run from Monday, Feb. 11 to Tuesday, Feb. 26. The delivery is set for Tuesday March 12 at 1:00 pm.        

8th Grade Tubing Date Set for Feb. 15 –

The 8th grade tubing trip to Paoli Peaks will be after school on Friday, Feb. 15th. We have set a make-up night for Feb. 22 if we need one. The 8th grade band members look forward to this trip every year and we have a great time. More information for this trip is available on this website.  The fee is $30 to cover tubing costs, pizza after school, and bus transportation. Students that sold the cookie dough fundraiser in the fall pay $20. Parents will need to fill out and sign the Paoli Peaks tubing release form. The release form can be found at http://www.paolipeaks.com/sites/default/files/pdf/paoli_peaks_tubing_release.pdf

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.

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:

Feb. 5 the IU Concert Band and Symphonic Band perform at 8:00 in the MAC

Feb. 12 the IU Wind Ensemble performs at 8:00 in the Auer Hall.

Have a great week!

Good Luck to Our Solo & Ensemble Participants –

Some of our 7th and 8th grade band members have signed up for the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival and I wish them the best of luck. The festival will be held at Bloomington North HS on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013.

The performers had the opportunity to rehearse with our accompanist and take private lessons to prepare for the event.  They have done a great job preparing and all have grown as musicians.

Everyone has been given the performance times and locations and I look forward to seeing you at the festival. Have a safe trip to Bloomington and good luck on a fantastic performance.

Indiana University Young Winds –

The 2012 Indiana University Young Winds program is about to begin. Some of our students have enrolled in this fantastic opportunity and there is still time to get signed up. It is a program designed for middle school instrumental students as a supplement to the instruction they receive in school. The program focuses on small-group lessons as well as a full band experience for students surrounding the Bloomington campus. It is a wonderful program. Many of our students have participated over the years and my son has been in the program. I can’t speak highly enough about this opportunity and the benefits of participating.

The classes meet on Saturday mornings from 9:00 – 11:00 in the Musical Arts Center (MAC) on the IU Campus. The first class is on Jan. 26 and continue until April 20. More information is available in the band building and at www.music.indiana.edu/precollege/year-round/wind/index.shtml . The program has a $75 fee.

Good luck and have a great time on Saturday!

Annual Butter Braid Sale Begins Feb. 11

Butter Braid time has rolled around again. This band fundraiser is the most anticipated and profitable fundraiser of the year. People are always asking when this sale begins and we already have orders for this year’s event. The kids are not required to participate, but if we could get everyone to just sell 3 – 4 butter braids we would have a tremendous sale. It takes a lot of resources to keep a program of nearly 300 operating and this sale is a big part of meeting that need.

The sale will run from Monday, Feb. 11 to Tuesday, Feb. 26. The delivery is set for Tuesday March 12 at 1:00 pm.        

8th Grade Tubing Date Set for Feb. 15 –

The 8th grade tubing trip to Paoli Peaks will be after school on Friday, Feb. 15th. We have set a make-up night for Feb. 22 if we need one. The 8th grade band members look forward to this trip every year and we have a great time. More information for this trip will be available as the date approaches.  The fee is $30 to cover tubing costs, pizza after school, and bus transportation. Students that sold the cookie dough fundraiser in the fall pay $20. Parents will need to fill out and sign the Paoli Peaks tubing release form. The release form can be found at http://www.paolipeaks.com/sites/default/files/pdf/paoli_peaks_tubing_release.pdf

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.

Have a great week!

BNL Band Boosters Soup Supper Saturday –

The BNL Band Boosters will have a Soup Supper and Silent Auction Saturday (Jan. 19) from 4 – 7 pm. It will be located on Hwy 58 at the Community Baptist Fellowship near BNL. They will be serving Chicken Noodle Soup, Chili, Beans & Cornbread, Desserts and a Drink for $7 Adults or $5 Children. It will a great evening of fellowship and a wonderful event to raise money for a terrific program.

Last Week for ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Lessons –

Some of our 7th and 8th grade band members have signed up for the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival. It will be held at Bloomington North HS on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. This is not a required event. It will involve extra practice time and lessons so students need to give this some serious thought before committing. The deadline was Nov. 27 to return fees. See added page to this website for more information.

The soloists will have the opportunity to rehearse with our accompanist on Saturday morning (1-19) in the band building. They have been given times to rehearse and have also been given the performance time and locations for the festival on Jan. 26

I plan to be available Tues. (1-22), Thurs. (1-24), Fri. (1-25) after school until 4:00 to help students with music.

8th Grade Tubing Date Set for Feb. 15 –

The 8th grade tubing trip to Paoli Peaks will be after school on Friday, Feb. 15th. We have set a make-up night for Feb. 22 if we need one. The 8th grade band members look forward to this trip every year and we have a great time. More information for this trip will be available as the date approaches.  The fee is $30 to cover tubing costs, pizza after school, and bus transportation. Students that sold the cookie dough fundraiser in the fall pay $20. Parents will need to fill out and sign the Paoli Peaks tubing release form. The release form can be found at http://www.paolipeaks.com/sites/default/files/pdf/paoli_peaks_tubing_release.pdf

Indiana University Young Winds –

The 2012 Indiana University Young Winds program is about to begin and our students are invited to participate. It is a program designed for middle school instrumental students as a supplement to the instruction they receive in school. The program focuses on small-group lessons as well as a full band experience for students surrounding the Bloomington campus. It is a wonderful program. Many of our students have participated over the years and my son has been in the program. I can’t speak highly enough about this opportunity and the benefits of participating.

The classes meet on Saturday mornings from 9:00 – 11:00 in the Musical Arts Center (MAC) on the IU Campus. The first class is on Jan. 26 and continue until April 20. More information is available in the band building and at www.music.indiana.edu/precollege/year-round/wind/index.shtml . The program has a $75 fee.

Have a great week!

BNL Music Orientation on Tuesday, January 15 –

All current 8th grade students, planning to be BNL freshman next year, are invited to an orientation on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 pm. The orientation will be in the band room at BNL and will explain the music offerings at BNL. The staff will show you how to work music into the high school schedule and answer questions.

Our 8th grade bands are doing very well this year and I am so impressed with the professionalism and work ethic. These students have taken on some difficult music and this spring concert could prove to be one of our most challenging. Our students have so much to offer. I really hope they will continue band at BNL and I encourage our parents to encourage them as well. There are many band classes available. The three concert bands meet during the day and the concert band schedules don’t conflict with other activity schedules. BNL also has Jazz Ensembles, a volunteer Pep Band and a volunteer Marching Band. There are offerings to fit any student’s playing level and schedule. Enter door #33 near the pool to find the band room.

ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Lessons Have Started –

Some of our 7th and 8th grade band members have signed up for the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival. It will be held at Bloomington North HS on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. This is not a required event. It will involve extra practice time and lessons so students need to give this some serious thought before committing. The deadline was Nov. 27 to return fees. See added page to this website for more information.

I plan to be available Mon. (1-14), Tues. (1-15), Wed. (1-16) Thurs. (1-17), Fri. (1-18) after school until 4:00 to help students with music. There may be one afternoon that I won’t be available so have your child doublecheck with me before staying.

8th Grade Tubing Date Set for Feb. 15 –

The 8th grade tubing trip to Paoli Peaks will be after school on Friday, Feb. 15th. We have set a make-up night for Feb. 22 if we need one. The 8th grade band members look forward to this trip every year and we have a great time. More information for this trip will be available as the date approaches.  The fee is $30 to cover tubing costs, pizza after school, and bus transportation. Students that sold the cookie dough fundraiser in the fall pay $20. Parents will need to fill out and sign the Paoli Peaks tubing release form. The release form can be found at http://www.paolipeaks.com/sites/default/files/pdf/paoli_peaks_tubing_release.pdf

Indiana University Young Winds –

The 2012 Indiana University Young Winds program is about to begin and our students are invited to participate. It is a program designed for middle school instrumental students as a supplement to the instruction they receive in school. The program focuses on small-group lessons as well as a full band experience for students surrounding the Bloomington campus. It is a wonderful program. Many of our students have participated over the years and my son has been in the program. I can’t speak highly enough about this opportunity and the benefits of participating.

The classes meet on Saturday mornings from 9:00 – 11:00 in the Musical Arts Center (MAC) on the IU Campus. The first class is on Jan. 26 and continue until April 20. More information is available in the band building and at www.music.indiana.edu/precollege/year-round/wind/index.shtml . The program has a $75 fee.

Have a great week!

ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Lessons Have Started –

Some of our 7th and 8th grade band members have signed up for the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival. It will be held at Bloomington North HS on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. This is not a required event. It will involve extra practice time and lessons so students need to give this some serious thought before committing. The deadline was Nov. 27 to return fees. See added page to this website for more information.

I plan to be available Mon. (1-7), Tues. (1-8), Wed. (1-9) Thurs. (1-10), Fri. (1-11) after school until 4:00 to help students with music. There may be one afternoon that I won’t be available so have your child doublecheck with me before staying.

Indiana University Young Winds –

The 2012 Indiana University Young Winds program is about to begin and our students are invited to participate. It is a program designed for middle school instrumental students as a supplement to the instruction they receive in school. The program focuses on small-group lessons as well as a full band experience for students surrounding the Bloomington campus. It is a wonderful program. Many of our students have participated over the years and my son has been in the program. I can’t speak highly enough about this opportunity and the benefits of participating.

The classes meet on Saturday mornings from 9:00 – 11:00 in the Musical Arts Center (MAC) on the IU Campus. The first class is on Jan. 26 and continue until April 20. More information is available in the band building and at www.music.indiana.edu/precollege/year-round/wind/index.shtml . The program has a $75 fee.

Have a great week!

Congratulations 8th Grade Bands –

Congratulations to our 8th Grade Bands. On Thursday, Dec. 20 the 8th grade band joined the BMS Choir to present a convocation to the BMS student body in Schafer Auditorium. It was a treat to perform some Christmas favorites before heading out the doors to start our Christmas Break. The band and choir did a great job. A big thank you goes out to our faculty and administration for making the afternoon possible.

ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Lessons Have Started –

Some of our 7th and 8th grade band members have signed up for the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival. It will be held at Bloomington North HS on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. This is not a required event. It will involve extra practice time and lessons so students need to give this some serious thought before committing. The deadline was Nov. 27 to return fees. See added page to this website for more information.

I will be available Thurs. (1-3), Fri. (1-4) after school until 4:00 to help students with music.

Indiana University Young Winds –

The 2012 Indiana University Young Winds program is about to begin and our students are invited to participate. It is a program designed for middle school instrumental students as a supplement to the instruction they receive in school. The program focuses on small-group lessons as well as a full band experience for students surrounding the Bloomington campus. It is a wonderful program. Many of our students have participated over the years and my son has been in the program. I can’t speak highly enough about this opportunity and the benefits of participating.

The classes meet on Saturday mornings from 9:00 – 11:00 in the Musical Arts Center (MAC) on the IU Campus. The first class is on Jan. 26 and continue until April 20. More information is available in the band building and at www.music.indiana.edu/precollege/year-round/wind/index.shtml . The program has a $75 fee.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Congratulations to Our Beginning Band Students –

I would like to congratulate our beginning band students on a great concert performance. I was very proud and pleased with the effort and the tremendous showing we had in the audience. The first concert for the beginners is so exciting for the performers and it is a chance for me to meet so many great parents and share information about the program here at BMS.

Christmas Music Presentation –

I am so excited for the 8th grade band students. On Thursday, Dec. 20 the 8th grade band will join the BMS Choir to present a convocation to the BMS student body in Schafer Auditorium. It will be a treat to perform some Christmas favorites before heading out the doors to start our Christmas Break.

ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Lessons Have Started –

Some of our 7th and 8th grade band members have signed up for the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival. It will be held at Bloomington North HS on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. This is not a required event. It will involve extra practice time and lessons so students need to give this some serious thought before committing. The deadline was Nov. 27 to return fees. See added page to this website for more information.

I will be available Mon. (12-17), Tues. (12-18) after school until 4:00 to help students pick out solos.

Indiana University Young Winds –

The 2012 Indiana University Young Winds program is about to begin and our students are invited to participate. It is a program designed for middle school instrumental students as a supplement to the instruction they receive in school. The program focuses on small-group lessons as well as a full band experience for students surrounding the Bloomington campus. It is a wonderful program. Many of our students have participated over the years and my son has been in the program. I can’t speak highly enough about this opportunity and the benefits of participating.

The classes meet on Saturday mornings from 9:00 – 11:00 in the Musical Arts Center (MAC) on the IU Campus. The first class is on Jan. 26 and continue until April 20. More information is available in the band building and at www.music.indiana.edu/precollege/year-round/wind/index.shtml . The program has a $75 fee.

Have a great week!