Grades.

If you have noticed a below than expected grade in band, this is the result of practice sheets not being turned in. I will accept these late practice sheets by January 8, 2010. Please remind students to turn them in regularly. I know most of you are practicing at home. We just need to do the paperwork.

Thank you so much.

J. Hodek

ENTER THIS CONTEST!!!

Music and Arts (locally known as Music Affiliates/Music Works) and Jupiter Band Instruments are presenting their 4^th Annual “Give the Gift of Music Band Contest. The contest theme this year is “How Has Your Band Director Musically Inspired You?” They are asking students to write an essay in 500 words or less how your Band Director has musically inspired you. The grand prize winner will win a gift of 28 Jupiter band instruments valued over $27,000 for our school. The student will win $500 cash combined with $250 music lesson scholarship. Second prize will win a gift of 13 new Jupiter Band instruments valued at over $13,000 for our school and a $250 cash combined with a music lesson scholarship. Third prize could win a gift of over $6,500 in Jupiter band instruments for our school and a $100 student cash and music lesson scholarship. See www.MusicArts.com for more information and details

In addition, Mrs. Ramsey has offered to proof read and identify any grammatical errors before the entry is mailed off. Please have your student submit his or her paper to Mrs. Ramsey by January 7, 2010 for proofing. The deadline for the contest entries is January 15^th.

I have really appreciated your compliments via e mail and after concerts regarding our band program here at Fossil Ridge. May I humbly ask that you follow up with your child in writing an entry for this contest? Our music department could really use more and updated instruments for our students now and in the future. We could serve many more students that want to be in band, but can’t afford it. This opportunity is really an exciting opportunity for us.

Thank you so much for your support. Have a wonderful holiday season.

J. Hodek

8-31-09

Hi everyone,

Well we have a couple of weeks of school completed and life is starting to settle down in the band area.

Beginning Band students - We are still locating instruments for those students in need. Please be patient. We will find an instrument for you. Assignments for this week are Page 6 and 7
Intermediate Band - Class and rehearsals are underway. Currently in class we are finishing up Standard of Excellence Book #1. Assignments for this week are page 26, 27 and 28.
Percussion class - Assignments are Page 6 from Performing Percussionist book and page 6 and 7 in the Standard of Excellence Book.

Expected practice minutes for the week of August 31st are a total of FIFTY (50) minutes, not 100.

Beginning students are doing great in all of our classes. We have everyone playing notes and playing together. What a great accomplishment! I am so proud of my beginning students.

Intermediate Band jumped right back on the wagon and we are getting a lot done during class.

Keep up the great work!

Practice minute charts are yellow and on the ledge right by the door. Baskets are set in front of the room and labeled with the designated class periods. Place your signed practice chart in the front of the room in the basket please.

Parents, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me via e mail if possible.

Thanks and have a great day.

Friday re: beginning band students

Hi

I have tested ALL beginning band students in Periods 1, 3 and 4, which consists of beginning woodwinds and beginning brass. Students now have in their back packs an orange sheet of paper that says "Instrument Selection" at the top. Please review that form and you may now go to the store and select the instrument for your child.

Once again if you are in need of assistance and want to use a school instrument, please be sure to fill out the form at the bottom of the letter. Actually, I do need all orange letters signed either way and returned to me.

If you have any questions, feel free to e mail me.

On Monday we will be assigning music lockers to students. After you have received a locker you may bring your instrument to school.

All clarinet students.... please DO NOT attempt to put your clarinet together or try to play it. We will do this in class very soon. It is very very easy to bend a key and cause damage. Be patient and learn the proper way in class.

Have a great weekend.

First day

Welcome back students! I'm so excited to get to know you and start making music.

Beginning band students will begin trying ALL instruments to make sure your choice is the right choice for you. I will write in your planner and send a form home for your parents to review. Parents may contact me with any questions or concerns.

Intermediate band students do NOT need their instruments until August 20th. I do suggest you get it out and start playing again to get your "chops" in shape. Brass students, please get those valves oiled and working smoothly. Woodwinds, please play your instrument and make sure it is working properly. If any woodwind or brass instrument needs repair or adjustment, please take it to the music store now so it is ready for you to play in class on August 20th. Please find your red Book 1 "Standard of Excellence" and then go ahead and purchase your Book 2 "Standard of Excellence". We will be reviewing out of Book 1 at first. Percussionists, you will need the "Standard of Excellence" Book 2 if you are in Intermediate band. We will be using your "Performing Percussionist" this year during REAL time. Please mark your drum sticks so we can identify the proper owner.

Beginning percussion students do not need their drum kit and or books until August 20th. You will need "Standard of Excellence" Book 1 and "Performing Percussionist" book 1 by James Coffin also. A pair of size 2B drum sticks. Please mark your sticks with permanent marker with your name or a personal identification code that is unique to you. I suggest you purchase the drum kit with bells that has a pull type bag, similar to a small pull type luggage. Students already have a back pack, so it would be easier to wheel your percussion kit back and forth to school.

ALL students, please purchase or ask the music store for an identification tag to hang on your music case. Write your name on the tag, FRIS school and home phone number. This will make it so much easier to identify your instrument and music case in the classroom.

I think that's about it for now. My first blog! Woo hoo! See you on Thursday!

Ms. Hodek