Bedford MS Bands

And We’re Off –

It has been an exciting week. I enjoy the kids so much and look forward to seeing them every year. I’m always amazed at how much they grow over the summer.

The beginning band is excited about starting something new and are taking the first steps to locate instruments. The 7th and 8th Grade Bands have already started to rehearse.

Beginning Band –

The beginning band has found the band building and is off to a great start. Congratulations if you’re a sixth grade parent and your child has shared this site with you. They are taking responsibility and sharing a great resource with you.

Many students have rented from Paige’s and many more are making arrangements for instruments to be delivered. Paige’s will conduct another instrument display on Thursday, August 20 at Oolitic MS from 5 – 7 pm. It is a great opportunity to speak to a Paige’s representative in person. You can also rent online at http://www.paigesmusic.com. Click on the red button and look for Bedford MS Band in the drop down menu. You can also rent an instrument for the year at Melody Music Shop in Bloomington. Melody Music’s website is http://www.melodymusicshop.com. You can find links to both stores here on our website.

Welcome Back –

I would just like to say welcome back and thank you for being involved in the BMS Band Program. I am very proud of our kids and program. I am looking forward to a fantastic year and can’t wait to see what the students of 2015-16 accomplish.

Have a great week!

Indianapolis 500 Performance –

Congratulations to the BNL Marching Stars, and NLCS 8th Graders on an awesome performance at the Indianapolis 500. You did an outstanding job marching around the track. A great time was had by all as we enjoyed lunch and the race together. We had great seats just ahead of turn 4 and I’m very proud of all the effort shown by our students. A big thank you goes out to all the parents for helping the day run so smoothly.

BNL Bands –

It isn’t too late for our 8th graders to sign up for the BNL Marching Band, Concert Band or Jazz Band.

You can contact BNL or Mr. Jones to have marching band, concert band or jazz band added to your schedule for next year. I urge you to take the great skills you have developed over the past three years and continue to grow as great students and musicians in the BNL Band program.

Student of the Month –

The Related Arts Team at BMS is selecting a student of the month during the 2014 – 15 school year. The band student for the month of May is Jackie Lane.

Jackie really rose to the occasion and solidified the 7th Grade Jazz Band with some amazing piano skills at the spring concert. Jackie learned the piano music very quickly and had a big impact on the jazz band success. Jackie works hard in band and is an amazing flute player. Jackie’s all around musical talent, dedication and enthusiasm has earned her student of the month.

Congratulations to Jackie. I am very proud of you. You are an amazing young lady and bring a smile to every class.

Glow in the Dark 5K / Walk –

The BNL Band Boosters will be hosting a Glow in the Dark 5K Run/Walk on June 20th at 7:30 pm to help raise money for the BNL Band Department. You can pre-register online at http://www.signmeup.com/106550. Register by May 31st for $25. The cost goes up to $30 after June 1st and to $35 the day of the race.

The boosters are planning a great event with some awesome prizes and fun Glow in the Dark After Party!  Please feel free to contact Jenny Smith (5k Event Chair) at 812-583-0140 with any questions!

Washington D.C. 2016 –

We hope to return to Washington D.C. during Spring Break in 2016. The trip will include our present 6th graders and 7th graders. It isn’t too early to start saving. Setting aside $56 dollars a month will generate most of what you will need for the trip in 10 months.

Year End Instrument Thoughts –

Paige’s customers may want to send instruments in for maintenance and cleaning. It is a free service if you have a maintenance agreement . You can call Paige’s at 1-800-337-0471 to arrange an instrument pick-up, ask any questions or request a loaner. Paige’s can then ship the instrument back to you or deliver it to BNL or BMS.

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.

A Sad Farewell –

I would like to take just a moment to thank our 8th grade band students on three fantastic years. Words can’t express how much I will miss you. May you stay disciplined, devoted, determined and dedicated to making your dreams come true. Keep in touch and keep making a difference.

Have a Great Summer!

Indianapolis 500 Rehearsals & Final Thoughts –

The band will have a final rehearsal on Saturday, May 23 from 9 – 11 am. This rehearsal is crucial to the success of the band’s performance. The students will load instruments and equipment on to the semi after rehearsal.

The students should arrive at 3:45 am on Sunday morning and report to the BNL Band Wing (entrance 33).

They should bring money for snacks and extra souvenirs. The Motor Speedway will provide a lunch, entrance to the race, and a small souvenir to mark the occasion.

We should arrive back to BNL around 5:30 pm on Sunday.

Mr. Gales has offered to provide a church service Saturday night at the Community Baptist Fellowship on Hwy 58 near BNL at 6:30 pm for those interested.

Paige’s Music Display on Tuesday, May 26 –

Paige’s music will conduct an instrument display at Schafer Auditorium on Tuesday, May 26. 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: http://www.paigesmusic.com.  All current band students and prospective band students are welcome.

Congratulations to Seth Jones –

A big congratulations goes out to Seth Jones for receiving the “Director’s Award” for 2015. This award is given to just one 8th grade band student each year and Seth was this year’s recipient. The award acknowledges a year’s worth of outstanding effort inside and outside the band building.

Year End Instrument Thoughts –

Paige’s customers may want to send instruments in for maintenance and cleaning. It is a free service if you have a maintenance agreement . You can call Paige’s at 1-800-337-0471 to arrange an instrument pick-up, ask any questions or request a loaner. Paige’s can then ship the instrument back to you or deliver it to BNL or BMS.

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.

Fundraising –

A few students have fundraising money out. We need to wrap those projects up before school lets out for the summer.

Have a Great Week!

Congratulations 7th & 8th Grade Bands –

Congratulations to our 7th and 8th Grade Bands on incredible concerts. You have had a great year. The concert bands came together quite nicely and the jazz bands made a great impression on the crowds. I am very proud of you and appreciate you all so much.

Finish the year strong and look forward to next fall!

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. Here is a link to the beginning band sign up form: https://bedfordmsband.com/beginning-band-sign-up-info/. We have a lot to offer here at BMS and the band program is a great way to get involved in our school.

Indy 500 Race Day Performance –

The 8th grade band has been invited to perform with the BNL Marching Stars at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24. We have been discussing this special event in class. More information will be shared as it is received, but here are a few items that have been confirmed.

The students will wear the matching red shirts worn at the combined 8th grade concert in March with khaki (tan) shorts and mostly white tennis shoes.

The motor speedway will provide a box lunch and drink for the kids. They will also provide admission for the kids to enjoy the race after performing.

We will be marching around the race track before the race festivities begin.

We will leave very early Sunday morning, stay for the race and then return home.

Mr. Gales has offered to provide a church service Saturday night at the Community Baptist Fellowship on Hwy 58 near BNL for those interested.

Times and logistics will be passed on after they are received from the raceway.

Practice Schedule –

May 18 – Full Band & Drum line @ BNL 6:00 – 8:00 pm

May 23 – Full Band & Drum line @ BNL 9:00 – 11:00 am.

Paige’s Music Display on Tuesday, May 26

Paige’s music will conduct an instrument display at Schafer Auditorium on Tuesday, May 26. 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: http://www.paigesmusic.com.  All current band students and prospective band students are welcome.

Year End Instrument Thoughts –

Paige’s customers may want to send instruments in for maintenance and cleaning. It is a free service if you have a maintenance agreement . You can call Paige’s at 1-800-337-0471 to arrange an instrument pick-up, ask any questions or request a loaner. Paige’s can then ship the instrument back to you or deliver it to BNL or BMS.

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.

Fundraising –

A few students have fundraising money out. We need to wrap those projects up before school lets out for the summer.

Have a Great Week!

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. Here is a link to the beginning band sign up form: https://bedfordmsband.com/beginning-band-sign-up-info/. We have a lot to offer here at BMS and the band program is a great way to get involved in our school.

Upcoming 7th & 8th Grade Concerts – 

The final concerts for the band program are on May 12 and 14. The 8th grade bands will perform on May 12 and the 7th grade bands will perform on May 14.The concerts will begin at 7:30 pm in the BMS Schafer Auditorium. The concerts are free and all are welcome.The students should dress in our normal concert attire.

The Period 1 8th graders and 8th grade jazz band members should arrive @ 7:00 pm and warm-up at 7:10. The Period 2 8th graders don’t need to arrive until 7:45 pm.

The 7th Grade Concert Bands and Jazz Band should arrive @ 7:00 pm and warm-up at 7:10.

Indy 500 Race Day Performance –

The 8th grade band has been invited to perform with the BNL Marching Stars at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24. We have been discussing this special event in class. More information will be shared as it is received, but here are a few items that have been confirmed.

The students will wear the matching red shirts worn at the combined 8th grade concert in March with khaki (tan) shorts and mostly white tennis shoes.

The motor speedway will provide a box lunch and drink for the kids. They will also provide admission for the kids to enjoy the race after performing.

We will be marching around the race track before the race festivities begin.

We will leave very early Sunday morning, stay for the race and then return home.

Mr. Gales has offered to provide a church service Saturday night at the Community Baptist Fellowship on Hwy 58 near BNL for those interested.

Times and logistics will be passed on after they are received from the raceway.

Practice Schedule –

May 14, 18 – Full Band & Drum line @ BNL 6:00 – 8:00 pm

May 23 – Full Band & Drum line @ BNL 9:00 – 11:00 am.

Student of the Month –

The Related Arts Team at BMS is selecting a student of the month during the 2014 – 15 school year. The band student for the month of April is Jordan Strunk.

Jordan has worked hard and has become quite the trombone player. She represented the BMS band program in the IU Young Winds Program as a 6th grader and played some very challenging music. Her dedication, hard work at home and hard work at after-school lessons has earned Jordan the student of the month.

Congratulations to Jordan. You embody the spirit and the work ethic of the band program and I am very proud of you.

Have a Great Week!

Congratulations to our IU Young Winds Participants –

Congratulations to Ryan Eichem, Patrick Fields, Daniel Strunk, and Jordan Strunk on a great performance at the I.U. Young Winds Concert last Saturday. I am very proud of you all and you represented the BMS Band very well. A big thank you goes out to you for your effort and to your parents for driving you to I.U. many times this spring.

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. Here is a link to the beginning band sign up form: https://bedfordmsband.com/beginning-band-sign-up-info/. We have a lot to offer here at BMS and the band program is a great way to get involved in our school.

Butter Braid Money Due –

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.

Upcoming 7th & 8th Grade Concerts – 

The final concerts for the band program are on May 12 and 14. The 8th grade bands will perform on May 12 and the 7th grade bands will perform on May 14.The concerts will begin at 7:30 pm in the BMS Schafer Auditorium. The concerts are free and all are welcome.

Indy 500 Race Day Performance –

The 8th grade band has been invited to perform with the BNL Marching Stars at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24. We have been discussing this special event in class. More information will be shared as it is received, but here are a few items that have been confirmed.

The students will wear the matching red shirts worn at the combined 8th grade concert in March with khaki (tan) shorts and mostly white tennis shoes.

The motor speedway will provide a box lunch and drink for the kids. They will also provide admission for the kids to enjoy the race after performing.

We will be marching around the race track before the race festivities begin.

We will leave very early Sunday morning, stay for the race and then return home.

Mr. Gales has offered to provide a church service Saturday night at the Community Baptist Fellowship on Hwy 58 near BNL for those interested.

Times and logistics will be passed on after they are received from the raceway.

Practice Schedule –

May 7 – Drum line @ BNL 6:00 – 8:00 pm

May 14, 18 – Full Band & Drum line @ BNL 6:00 – 8:00 pm

May 23 – Full Band & Drum line @ BNL 9:00 – 11:00 am.

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 a note and money to the band building.

Student of the Month –

The Related Arts Team at BMS is selecting a student of the month during the 2014 – 15 school year. The band student for the month of March is Patrick Fields.

Patrick is a natural musician and a model band student. Patrick’s enthusiasm and excitement for music is incredible and contagious. Patrick is a team player and does whatever he can to make the band a better ensemble and the band room a better place to be.

Congratulations to Patrick and thanks for your dedication and enthusiasm. I am very proud of you.

8th Grade to visit Shotz Lazer Tag –

Our reward trip to Paoli Peaks was cancelled due to weather on the original date and the make-up date. This laser tag trip will be a new experience for us and I’m looking forward to spending some time with our 8^th graders before they leave for BNL.

We will be playing laser tag and mini-golf. The cost is $25 to cover laser tag, mini-golf and buses. We hope to leave at 4:15 pm and return around 8:30 pm on Monday, April. 27. Students that sold Cookie Dough in the fall or Butter Braids this spring will pay just $20. Students are welcome to bring money for the concessions. More information   at https://bedfordmsband.com/shotz-lazer-tag-information/.

Butter Braid Money Due – 

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.

Upcoming 7th & 8th Grade Concerts – 

The final concerts for the band program are on May 12 and 14. The 8th grade bands will perform on May 12 and the 7th grade bands will perform on May 14.The concerts will begin at 7:30 pm in the BMS Schafer Auditorium. The concerts are free and all are welcome.

Indy 500 Race Day Performance –

The 8th grade band has been invited to perform with the BNL Marching Stars at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24. We have been discussing this special event in class. More information will be shared as it is received, but here are a few items that have been confirmed.

The students will wear the matching red shirts worn at the combined 8th grade concert in March with khaki (tan) shorts and mostly white tennis shoes.

The motor speedway will provide a box lunch and drink for the kids. They will also provide admission for the kids to enjoy the race after performing.

We will be marching around the race track before the race festivities begin.

We will leave very early Sunday morning, stay for the race and then return home. Mr. Gales has offered to provide a church service Saturday night at the Community Baptist Fellowship on Hwy 58 near BNL for those interested.

Times and logistics will be passed on after they are received from the raceway.

Practice Schedule –

April 30, May 7 – Drum line @ BNL 6:00 – 8:00 pm

May 14, 18 – Full Band & Drum line @ BNL 6:00 – 8:00 pm

May 23 – Full Band & Drum line @ BNL 9:00 – 11:00 am.

After School Lessons –

I am available many days after school for free lessons. There are playing tests for the bands during class time and upcoming concerts. The students are welcome to practice in our practice rooms. Mr. Appelman and I can float around to help them with the music they are working on. Next week I plan to be available after school on Thursday (April 30) until 4:30 pm.

Have a Great Week!

6th Grade Band Fine Arts Festival April 21 – 

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 20th to 23rd.

The 6th grade band will perform on Tuesday, April 21. 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. Information was passed out in class. Here is a link to the information and form: https://bedfordmsband.com/6th-grade-fine-arts-festival-information/. Permission forms were due April 15.

Congratulations Blue Band Members –

Congratulations to eight of our current 8th grade band members for being selected for the top concert band at BNL. It is quite an honor and accomplishment to be selected to perform with this advanced group as a freshman. The students selected are Carlee Kelley (flute), Allie Morris (clarinet), Seth Jones (trumpet), Derek Gross (french horn), Ian Johnson (baritone), Emma LeClair (tuba), Emma Grubb (percussion) and Daniel Strunk (percussion).

Butter Braid Money Due – 

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.

Upcoming 7th & 8th Grade Concerts –

The final concerts for the band program are on May 12 and 14. The 8th grade bands will perform on May 12 and the 7th grade bands will perform on May 14.The concerts will begin at 7:30 pm in the BMS Schafer Auditorium. The concerts are free and all are welcome.

Indy 500 Race Day Performance –

The 8th grade band has been invited to perform with the BNL Marching Stars at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24. We have been discussing this special event in class. More information will be shared as it is received, but here are a few items that have been confirmed.

The students will wear the matching red shirts worn at the combined 8th grade concert in March with khaki (tan) shorts and mostly white tennis shoes.

The motor speedway will provide a box lunch and drink for the kids. They will also provide admission for the kids to enjoy the race after performing.

We will be marching around the race track before the race festivities begin.

We will leave very early Sunday morning, stay for the race and then return home. Mr. Gales has offered to provide a church service Saturday night at the Community Baptist Fellowship on Hwy 58 near BNL for those interested.

Times and logistics will be passed on after they are received from the raceway.

Practice Schedule –

April 23, 30, May 7 – Drum line @ BNL 6:00 – 8:00 pm

May 14, 18 – Full Band & Drum line @ BNL 6:00 – 8:00 pm

May 23 – Full Band & Drum line @ BNL 9:00 – 11:00 am.

After School Lessons – 

I am available many days after school for free lessons. There are playing tests for the bands during class time and upcoming concerts. The students are welcome to practice in our practice rooms. Mr. Appelman and I can float around to help them with the music they are working on. Next week I plan to be available after school on Thursday (April 23) until 4:30 pm.

Have a Great Week!