Band Parents and Students,
We hope everyone's new school year has gotten off to a good start. With everyone learning how to operate in new systems and spaces, we hope the band can provide a positive and constant element for your student musician's life. Here are the major bits of band news this week:
Virtual Band Class - FAQs
What does band look and sound like online?
We have developed a robust new curriculum that reaches every student at their current ability level and provides them with the structure, pacing, and materials to continue to grow as a musician. We will use a variety of activities to engage the learners. Your student will be playing their instrument during band class and we will take turns unmuting to hear each other perform. Check out this poster for more info:
MS Band Virtual Poster.pdf
How can I help my student musician?
The best way to help your student is by providing a space where they can play their instrument during class time. We completely understand the unique realities in every household that can make this a challenge and we wanted to say thank you in advance for supporting your student in this way. Within the first week of class we have seen students in just about every location possible to make sure they could play the instrument. It was fun to see students in the basement, walk-in closet, attic, garage, and even outside!
If you need a music stand for your house, we'd recommend this inexpensive collapsible stand or this sturdier stand on Amazon. We'd also highly recommend supporting a local music shop like Allegro in Park Ridge, Evanston Band & Orchestra in Niles, or Quinlan & Fabish in Arlington Heights for a music stand. While you're there make sure to get a fresh box of reeds, slide oil, sticks/mallets, and other accessories.
Finally, ask your student what they are working on in class and be willing to listen to them perform. They ALWAYS will have multiple pieces of music assigned to them for you to listen to. It's important to remember that like anything else, learning music is a process and it might not sound perfect right away.
Private Lessons are another great way to support your student musician. More than two-thirds of the band studied privately last year. I received many positive reviews from both students AND teachers that did private lessons virtually this summer. It seems to be an effective set-up. Please reach out to a private lesson teacher directly to coordinate a lesson time. Try to find a time after school or during an off period if possible. Only schedule a time during a band class if nothing else works since we have such limited time together this year.
If you would like to apply for a private lesson scholarship from the Music Boosters, please complete this form and return it to our Fine Arts Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Karyn Blong [email protected] by Sept 18th.
MSHS Music Booster Lesson Scholarship 2020 2021...
Music Boosters
If you are new to the Maine South Music Department, I'd like to take a moment to introduce you to an excellent parent organization that supports all of our students. For decades, the Music Boosters have backed our music programs and provided countless scholarships for private lessons, camps, and more while also providing supplemental funds for us. They operate completely off of membership fees and donations. Please consider becoming a member by donating at any level. With a higher demand for scholarships expected, every membership is extremely appreciated.
MusicBoosterMembershipLetter&Form2020-21.pdf
First Week of School - Class Activities
Extra-Curricular and Co-Curricular Band Activities
Marching Band - After a great band camp, things are on hold for the moment after the cancellation of the in-person orientations last week. The next goal is to provide virtual social gatherings within sections to foster bonds and provide an opportunity to make new friends which is otherwise nearly impossible in our current situation. More info to follow.
Jazz Band - No info at the moment. Will connect after Stage Band season.
Stage Band - Will be called "Studio Recording Band" this year and is directed by Mr. Nix. They will rehearse virtually and then come together to record a few features for the V-Show. Audition recordings are due Friday Sept 4. Sign up for the Google Classroom to audition. Class Code: 357c4l4
As always, please reach out to any of the band directors if you have questions or need support. Go Hawks!
We hope everyone's new school year has gotten off to a good start. With everyone learning how to operate in new systems and spaces, we hope the band can provide a positive and constant element for your student musician's life. Here are the major bits of band news this week:
Virtual Band Class - FAQs
What does band look and sound like online?
We have developed a robust new curriculum that reaches every student at their current ability level and provides them with the structure, pacing, and materials to continue to grow as a musician. We will use a variety of activities to engage the learners. Your student will be playing their instrument during band class and we will take turns unmuting to hear each other perform. Check out this poster for more info:
MS Band Virtual Poster.pdf
How can I help my student musician?
The best way to help your student is by providing a space where they can play their instrument during class time. We completely understand the unique realities in every household that can make this a challenge and we wanted to say thank you in advance for supporting your student in this way. Within the first week of class we have seen students in just about every location possible to make sure they could play the instrument. It was fun to see students in the basement, walk-in closet, attic, garage, and even outside!
If you need a music stand for your house, we'd recommend this inexpensive collapsible stand or this sturdier stand on Amazon. We'd also highly recommend supporting a local music shop like Allegro in Park Ridge, Evanston Band & Orchestra in Niles, or Quinlan & Fabish in Arlington Heights for a music stand. While you're there make sure to get a fresh box of reeds, slide oil, sticks/mallets, and other accessories.
Finally, ask your student what they are working on in class and be willing to listen to them perform. They ALWAYS will have multiple pieces of music assigned to them for you to listen to. It's important to remember that like anything else, learning music is a process and it might not sound perfect right away.
Private Lessons are another great way to support your student musician. More than two-thirds of the band studied privately last year. I received many positive reviews from both students AND teachers that did private lessons virtually this summer. It seems to be an effective set-up. Please reach out to a private lesson teacher directly to coordinate a lesson time. Try to find a time after school or during an off period if possible. Only schedule a time during a band class if nothing else works since we have such limited time together this year.
If you would like to apply for a private lesson scholarship from the Music Boosters, please complete this form and return it to our Fine Arts Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Karyn Blong [email protected] by Sept 18th.
MSHS Music Booster Lesson Scholarship 2020 2021...
Music Boosters
If you are new to the Maine South Music Department, I'd like to take a moment to introduce you to an excellent parent organization that supports all of our students. For decades, the Music Boosters have backed our music programs and provided countless scholarships for private lessons, camps, and more while also providing supplemental funds for us. They operate completely off of membership fees and donations. Please consider becoming a member by donating at any level. With a higher demand for scholarships expected, every membership is extremely appreciated.
MusicBoosterMembershipLetter&Form2020-21.pdf
First Week of School - Class Activities
- Students created their own "Get to know you" slide and presented it to class.
- Every student will have a 1-on-1 conference with their teacher to learn about each other, learn how to work together, and answer questions.
- Students enrolled in their SmartMusic account funded by the District. This is an online platform that assesses music accuracy and provides accompaniment.
- Students picked one short solo out of four different difficulties that will be used as a pretest to select their level within the curriculum this year. Ask to hear this one! Due next Tuesday in Google Classroom.
- Students will perform in a group warm-up and in breakout rooms.
Extra-Curricular and Co-Curricular Band Activities
Marching Band - After a great band camp, things are on hold for the moment after the cancellation of the in-person orientations last week. The next goal is to provide virtual social gatherings within sections to foster bonds and provide an opportunity to make new friends which is otherwise nearly impossible in our current situation. More info to follow.
Jazz Band - No info at the moment. Will connect after Stage Band season.
Stage Band - Will be called "Studio Recording Band" this year and is directed by Mr. Nix. They will rehearse virtually and then come together to record a few features for the V-Show. Audition recordings are due Friday Sept 4. Sign up for the Google Classroom to audition. Class Code: 357c4l4
As always, please reach out to any of the band directors if you have questions or need support. Go Hawks!