Bedford MS Bands

Good Luck to the Washington D.C.  Symphonic Band –

Good luck to the 7th and 8th graders traveling to Washington D.C. for spring break. Have a safe trip and an awesome performance.

Fine Arts Festival April 17, 7th and 8th Band Concerts Moved to May 10 –

The NLCS Fine Arts Festival has been set for April 16 – 19. The 6th Grade Band will be performing on April 17th at the PAC. The 17th was originally set for the 7th grade concert last spring. We will now move the 7th Grade Concert to May 10th to avoid this conflict. We have also learned that the 8th grade choir will be performing at the Fine Arts Festival on the 19th. That date was selected for the 8th grade band concert last spring. We will also move the 8th grade concert to May 10 and have the 7th and 8th grade bands perform on May 10 together. That concert will need to begin at 7:00 pm in order to get both band performances in that night. We tried to have these concerts before baseball and softball begins, but having to move the concerts to May has made that tough. We would appreciate any help in making both activities work out for the kids.

6th Grade Band Fine Arts Festival Permission Form Due –

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 16 – 19. The 6th grade band will perform on Tuesday, April 17. The students will ride buses to BNL the morning of the concert to rehearse together for the concert that night. Permission forms were passed out on March 6 and they were due March 14th. Here is a link to the form: http://www.nlcs.k12.in.us/bedjrhi/Band/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Fine%20Arts%20Band%20Letter%202012.pdf

Washington D.C. Update –

After School Lessons – Free lessons are available most days after school until 3:30 each day. Students need to let me know during class that they will be staying and have made arrangements to leave at 3:30. I’ve had several students take advantage of the help. I will be available on March 27, 29, 30.

Kentucky Derby Pegasus Rehearsals have been posted –

The information and permission forms have been passed out to the 8th grade band members. The form and down payment are due back by March 30. Note the first drumline rehearsal is our first day back to school from spring break.

BNL Marching Band (including Guard and Drumline) Spring Calendar 2012 –

Day    Date             Time                           Ensemble           Event                               Location

Mon. Mar. 26     6:00-8:00 p.m.     Drumline *        rehearsal                      BNL

Mon. Apr. 2        6:00-8:00 p.m.     Color Guard        audition clinic         CBFC **

Tue. Apr. 3          6:00-8:00 p.m.     Drumline            rehearsal                      BNL

Tue. Apr. 3         6:00-8:00 p.m.      Color Guard        audition clinic         CBFC

Thu. Apr. 5        6:00-8:00 p.m.      Drumline            rehearsal                       BNL

Thu. Apr. 5        6:00-8:00 p.m.      Color Guard        audition clinic         CBFC

Mon. Apr. 9       6:00-8:00 p.m.      Color Guard         audition review       CBFC

Tue. Apr. 10      6:00-8:00 p.m.      Drumline             rehearsal                       BNL

Tue. Apr. 10      6:00-8:00 p.m.      Color Guard         final auditions         CBFC

Thu. Apr. 12     6:00-6:45 p.m.      Color Guard         parents’ mtg.               BNL

Thu. Apr. 12     6:00-8:00 p.m.      Full Band #         Pegasus rehearsal   BNL

Tue. Apr. 17     6:00-8:00 p.m.       Color Guard         rehearsal                       CBFC

Thu. Apr. 19    6:00-8:00 p.m.       Color Guard         rehearsal                       CBFC

Tue. Apr. 24    6:00-8:00 p.m.       Full Band #         Pegasus rehearsal   BNL

Thu. Apr. 26   6:00-8:00 p.m.       Full Band #         Pegasus rehearsal   BNL

Mon. Apr. 30   6:00-8:00 p.m.      Full Band #         Pegasus rehearsal    BNL

Tue. May 1        6:00-8:00 p.m.      Full Band #         Dress rehearsal            BNL

Thu. May 3       all day-evening Full Band #         Pegasus Parade!          Louisville

* = Drumline – includes all current HS Drumline members, prospective HS Drumline members (i.e. Orchestra), plus all Pegasus-participating 8th grade percussionists.

** = Community Baptist Fellowship Church, located just west of BNL on SR 58.

# = Full Marching Band – All current Marching Band members, prospective HS Marching Band members, plus all 8th-grade woodwind and brass players who are participating in the Pegasus Parade.

The color guard and percussion will begin rehearsals before the hornline.

Have a great Spring Break!

Greetings everyone,

There seems to be a lag between the weekly emails and the group direct email sent out about the Washington D.C. trip. We’ll wait and see if the D.C. email appears this weekend as sent. If it doesn’t we will try again on Monday.

Have a great weekend,

Mr. Berger

Fine Arts Festival April 17, 7th Grade Concert moved to May 10 –

The NLCS Fine Arts Festival has been set for April 16 – 19. The 6th Grade Band will be performing on April 17th at the PAC. The 17th was originally set for the 7th grade concert last spring. We will now move the 7th Grade Concert to May 10th to avoid this conflict.

Washington D.C. Update –

We sent out an email to trip participants with more information this afternoon. The email includes what to pack , hotel information, spending money suggestions and other helpful tips.

The rehearsal on March 1 really went well. I am very proud of the kids and we had a great meeting with chaperones after that rehearsal. I always enjoy having the opportunity to be with our parents. We have such tremendous people in Lawrence county. It is no mystery why the kids are tremendous too. The rehearsals continue March 5 and March 12 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm and on Friday March 9 after school until 5:10 with clinicians from out-of-town.

There will be a final meeting for everyone going on the trip on March 12 at 8:00 pm after the March 12th rehearsal in the auditorium. The Papa Johns Pizza Cards are still available for students to sell. The kids raise $7 for the trip with each card sold. The Practice-a-Thon Pledge information is still available.

After School Lessons –

Free lessons are available most days after school until 3:30 each day. Students need to let me know during class that they will be staying and have made arrangements to leave at 3:30. I’ve had several students take advantage of the help. Washington D.C. students should make sure to stay and work on the pieces they are performing at the Navy Memorial. I will be available on March 7 and 8 next week. We do have a few that aren’t prepared as well as they should be. Keep in mind that students need to be able to perform the music and have a A in conduct for band to participate in the Washington D.C. trip.

Have a great week!

Congratulations To Our Solo And Ensemble Participants –

Congratulations to our solo and ensemble participants. You all did an outstanding job and I am very proud of you. We brought home all gold and silver ratings. The experience you have earned is priceless.

8th Period Defeats The Champion 4th Period In Latest Challenge –

Congratulations to our 8th Period 7th Grade Band on winning the latest rehearsal challenge. It was a very tight race between the 4th Period Band and the 8th Period Band. A celebration was held on Wednesday to reward the winners. The final results were: 8th Period (43 points), 4th Period (39 points), 7th Period (32 points), and 5th Period (25 points). Points are awarded based on focus in rehearsal and students not receiving marks toward bad conduct. An incredible rehearsal without being reminded is worth 3 points, a good rehearsal without any marks toward bad conduct is worth 2 points, a good rehearsal with a student receiving a mark toward bad conduct is worth 1 point. Focus and concentration are tough qualities to achieve in middle school. How an individual’s performance and actions affect others is another tough concept to grasp at times. Our students do continue to improve and the group work ethic also continues to grow as the days roll by. Consistent good effort has great reward. The 6th grade classes don’t rehearse in full concert settings and will participate in the challenge in 7th grade.

The Annual Butter Braid Sale –

Butter Braid time has rolled around again. This band fundraiser is the most anticipated and profitable fundraiser of the year. The feedback has been tremendous and the sale is going very well. Here is a link to more information. http://www.nlcs.k12.in.us/bedjrhi/Band/bms%20butter%20braids%202012.pdf. The orders will be due back on Feb. 21 and the butter braids are set to be delivered on Thursday, March 15. There is also a chance for sellers to earn a $1000 scholarship this year and buyers to win an all expense paid trip to Disney. The money will be collected when the product is delivered and should be turned in by March 26.

Washington D.C. Update –

Excitement continues to grow as more information comes in about the D.C. trip. We have decided on concert attire now that we know our performance venue. The fact we will be playing outside at the Navy Memorial has influenced the decision. We need something that will look uniform and nice regardless of the weather and will be inexpensive. The decision has been made to wear a pull-over windbreaker and khaki (tan) pants. This will give us the ability to wear appropriate clothes under the windbreaker for the weather we experience and still look uniform. The students will just be responsible for the attaining the tan pants. The windbreakers will be provided by the band department. The performers can purchase the windbreaker for $20 if they would like to keep it as a memento. They will be solid red with BMS Bands embroidered on the front.

The final balance statements based on our latest participants should be arriving soon. Many parents and students have done a great job in making payments. Most parents have been saving the suggested $50 a month to cover the cost. Some students have used birthday money and Christmas money. Some students have raised hundreds selling the pizza cards for the past several weeks. Some of the students have done odd jobs to raise money. In addition to these 4-5 revenue sources we will put together a practice-a-thon to help even more. Most kids will not need to participate in this last fundraiser. It is really meant to help those kids that are finishing up payments. The participating students will be able to collect pledges for the minutes we rehearse on March 1, March 5, March 9, and March 12. We won’t pass out the materials until after the band’s annual butter braid sale ends on Feb. 21.

I really want to make sure that the main band fundraisers remain solid and aren’t compromised as we prepare for this trip. The added Washington DC fundraisers should help those that need them without making the band look like it is over fundraising. The two annual band fundraisers fund our program and involve about 250 students. The added Washington trip fundraisers involve about 50 kids that want extra help. The perception may be that the band is doing more fundraising than it really is if we aren’t careful.

 Pappa John’s Pizza Cards –

The Pappa John’s Pizza Card sale for the Washington D.C. trip continues as needed. The cards sell for $10 each and have stickers on the back for a free pizza and several special pizza deals. Only students performing on the Washington D.C trip are selling the cards and all the profits go straight to the balance of that student’s account. We still have cards available. The sale will run through the end of February. A check has been sent to Music Travel to deposit the card profit sold though Jan. 25. Be sure to check your accounts online for credit in the near future. Some students have already raised over $200 for the trip.

After School Lessons –

Free lessons are available most days after school until 3:30 each day. Students need to let me know during class that they will be staying and have made arrangements to leave at 3:30. I’ve had several students take advantage of the help. Washington D.C. students should make sure to stay and work on the pieces they are performing at the Navy Memorial. I will be available on Feb. 21, 23, and 24. We do have a few that aren’t prepared as well as they should be. Keep in mind that students need to be able to perform the music and have a A in conduct for band to participate in the Washington D.C. trip.

Have a great week!

Washington D.C Trip update –

The Washington D.C. trip is just on the horizon. Most information about this trip is available at the Music Travel Website. I have received confirmation that the band will perform at the Navy Memorial on Wed. at 12:00 noon and will also attend a rehearsal of the Army Band. The band will prepare by practicing on March 1, March 5, March 12 and play for three clinicians at the IMEA Clinic  on Friday, March 9. The March rehearsals will run from 6:30 – 8:00 pm and the clinic on the 9th will be after school. The band will also present a concert on Tuesday, March 13 in Schafer Auditorium. Extra help is also available after school most days of the week. The IMEA clinic is hosted by the BMS Band Department every year and several ensembles from Lawrence County and southern Indiana will also participate.

Progress Reports –

It is almost time for progress reports and this time of the year rule infractions tend to escalate. The band conduct grade is based on classroom performance and points are deducted as rules are violated. This year is like many in the past. We have great students, but tardiness, talking and gum chewing are on the rise. If a student has 6 rule violations they will receive a B in conduct on the progress report.  A student is on the way to receiving a B for the final grade if they have 6 at the halfway point. An A is still attainable if the total for the grading period is 10 or less.

Annual Butter Braid Sale Begins Today –

Butter Braid time has rolled around again. This band fundraiser is the most anticipated and profitable fundraiser of the year. Here is a link to more information. http://www.nlcs.k12.in.us/bedjrhi/Band/bms%20butter%20braids%202012.pdf. The orders will be due back on Feb. 21 and the butter braids are set to be delivered on Thursday, March 15. There is also a chance for sellers to earn a $1000 scholarship this year.

Solo and Ensemble Festival on Saturday, Feb. 11 –

The ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival has arrived for the 7th and 8th graders. This event is not required, but several students are signed up for this year’s festival. I have been able to provide over 30 after-school private lesson sessions and several students have taken advantage of these free lessons and are well prepared for the event. In case of severe weather listen to radio stations WBWB (91 FM) and WTTS (92 FM) for any cancellations the day of the festival. You can also call our homework hotline at (812) 277-3607 ext 541 for any updates. Good luck to all our participants!

8th Grade Tubing Date Set for Feb. 17 –

The 8th grade tubing trip to Paoli Peaks will be after school on Friday, Feb. 17th. The 8th grade band members look forward to this trip every year and we have a great time. The information for this trip can be found at http://www.nlcs.k12.in.us/bedjrhi/Band/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Paoli%20Peaks%202012.pdf. 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 $25. Parents need to fill out and sign the Paoli Peaks tubing release form. The release form can be found at http://www.nlcs.k12.in.us/bedjrhi/Band/paoli_peaks_tubing_release.pdf.

Pappa John’s Pizza Cards –

The Pappa John’s Pizza Card sale for the Washington D.C. trip has started. The cards sell for $10 each and have stickers on the back for a free pizza and several special pizza deals. Only students performing on the Washington D.C trip are selling the cards and all the profits go straight to the balance of that student’s account. The first batch of cards are out and more cards are available. The sale will run through Feb. A check has been sent to Music Travel to deposit the card profit sold though Jan. 25. Be sure to check your accounts online for credit in the near future. Some students have already raised over $150 for the trip. Students have started to sign up for roommates.

After School Lessons –

Free lessons are available most days after school until 3:30 each day. Students need to let me know during class that they will be staying and have made arrangements to leave at 3:30. I’ve had several students take advantage of the help. Washington D.C. students should make sure to stay and work on the pieces they are performing at the Navy Memorial. I will be available on Feb. 13, 16, and 17.

Have a great week!

Washington D.C Trip update –

The Washington D.C. trip is just on the horizon. Most information about this trip is available at the Music Travel Website. I have received confirmation that the band will perform at the Navy Memorial on Wed. at 12:00 noon and will also attend a rehearsal of the Army Band. The band will prepare by practicing on March 1, March 5, March 12 and play for three clinicians at the IMEA Clinic  on Friday, March 9. The March rehearsals will run from 6:30 – 8:00 pm and the clinic on the 9th will be after school. The band will also present a concert on Tuesday, March 13 in Schafer Auditorium. Extra help is also available after school most days of the week. The IMEA clinic is hosted by the BMS Band Department every year and several ensembles from Lawrence County and southern Indiana will also participate.

Progress Reports –

It is almost time for progress reports and this time of the year rule infractions tend to escalate. The band conduct grade is based on classroom performance and points are deducted as rules are violated. This year is like many in the past. We have great students, but tardiness, talking and gum chewing are on the rise. If a student has 6 rule violations they will receive a B in conduct on the progress report.  A student is on the way to receiving a B for the final grade if they have 6 at the halfway point. An A is still attainable if the total for the grading period is 10 or less.

Annual Butter Braid Sale Begins Feb. 10 –

Butter Braid time has rolled around again. This band fundraiser is the most anticipated and profitable fundraiser of the year. Here is a link to more information. http://www.nlcs.k12.in.us/bedjrhi/Band/bms%20butter%20braids%202012.pdf. The orders will be due back on Feb. 21 and the butter braids are set to be delivered on Thursday, March 15. There is also a chance for sellers to earn a $1000 scholarship this year.

Solo and Ensemble Festival on Saturday, Feb. 11 –

The ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival is coming up for the 7th and 8th graders. This event is not required, but several students are signed up for this year’s festival. Students should be practicing and preparing to represent themselves and the program well. Several students have been staying after school for free lessons. Lessons are still available for free after school on select days.

8th Grade Tubing Date Set for Feb. 17 –

The 8th grade tubing trip to Paoli Peaks will be after school on Friday, Feb. 17th. The 8th grade band members look forward to this trip every year and we have a great time. At this time the trip is in limbo due to the current warm spell we are experiencing. We’ll pass more information along as we receive it.

Pappa John’s Pizza Cards –

The Pappa John’s Pizza Card sale for the Washington D.C. trip has started. The cards sell for $10 each and have stickers on the back for a free pizza and several special pizza deals. Only students performing on the Washington D.C trip are selling the cards and all the profits go straight to the balance of that student’s account. The first batch of cards are out and more cards are available. The sale will run through Feb. A check has been sent o Music Travel to deposit the card profit sold though Jan. 25. Be sure to check your accounts online for credit in the near future. Some students have already raised over $150 for the trip. Students have started to sign up for roommates.

After School Lessons –

Free lessons are available most days after school until 3:30 each day. Students need to let me know during class that they will be staying and have made arrangements to leave at 3:30. I’ve had several students take advantage of the help. Solo and ensemble students should make sure to stay and work on the pieces they are performing at the ISSMA festival. Washington D.C. students should begin staying for help with music. I will be available on Feb. 6, 7 , 8, and 10.

Have a great week!

Annual Butter Braid Sale Begins Feb. 10 –

Butter Braid time has rolled around again. This band fundraiser is the most anticipated and profitable fundraiser of the year. Here is a link to more information. http://www.nlcs.k12.in.us/bedjrhi/Band/bms%20butter%20braids%202012.pdf. The orders will be due back on Feb. 21 and the butter braids are set to be delivered on Thursday, March 15. There is also a chance for sellers to earn a $1000 scholarship this year.

Solo and Ensemble Festival on Saturday, Feb. 11 –

The ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival is coming up for the 7th and 8th graders. This event is not required, but several students are signed up for this year’s festival. Students should be practicing and preparing to represent themselves and the program well. Lessons are available for free after school on select days. The participating students received performance times on Friday and should have that information to share.

8th Grade Tubing Date Set for Feb. 17 –

The 8th grade tubing trip to Paoli Peaks will be after school on Friday, Feb. 17th. The 8th grade band members look forward to this trip every year and we have a great time. We’ll pass more information along as we receive it.

Pappa John’s Pizza Cards –

The Pappa John’s Pizza Card sale for the Washington D.C. trip has started. The cards sell for $10 each and have stickers on the back for a free pizza and several special pizza deals. Only students performing on the Washington D.C trip are selling the cards and all the profits go straight to the balance of that student’s account. The first batch of cards are out and more cards are available. The sale will run through Feb. A check has been sent o Music Travel to deposit the card profit sold though Jan. 25. Be sure to check your accounts online for credit in the near future. Some students have already raised over $150 for the trip. Students have started to sign up for roommates.

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 both of my children have been in the program. I can’t speak highly enough about this opportunity and the benefits of participating. More information is available in the band building and at http://www.music.indiana.edu/precollege/year-round/wind/. The program meets on Saturday mornings this spring and has a $75 fee.

After School Lessons –

Free lessons are available most days after school until 3:30 each day. Students need to let me know during class that they will be staying and have made arrangements to leave at 3:30. I’ve had several students take advantage of the help. Solo and ensemble students should make sure to stay and pick out a piece for the festival in Feb. Washington D.C. students should begin staying for help with music. I will be available on Jan. 30, 31 and Feb. 1, 2 ,  3.

Have a great week!