Handbook Forms

Just a reminder that Band Handbook forms were due today. I was pleased that several did come in--we have about 60% in. The real reason I ask that these be returned is that I want students and parents to know that all the grading requirements--including "extra" items and concert attendence--have been laid out ahead of time so there should be no suprises.

Hopefully the only suprise in band should be the winner of "Wipperman's Word of the Week," or "WOW," as I like to call it. It is an opportunity for students to learn (or maybe relearn) some of the important musical terminology in a fun sort of way. There is a new word each week. Students find the definition on their own time and deposit in a box. On Friday, we have a drawing. If the student whose name is drawn has the correct definition, they receive a small prize. Being able to recite the definition from memory can up their prize level! Each ensemble has one, but the 6th grade hasn't taken to it quite yet. 7-8 band averages between 10 and 15 entries in the first two weeks, with Tessa and Elissa winning the first two words (Allegro and poco a poco). It's something the students are enjoying and I am looking forward to seeing the results of this new knowledge in their performances!

Recordings of 7-8 Band music

If you would like to hear what the 7-8 band has been working on, here are links to audio recordings in RealAudio format. If you would like other options, just go to www.jwpepper.com and search for the titles of the songs!

A Childhood Hymn
www.jwpepper.com/ram/2252948.ram

A Redmond Legacy
www.jwpepper.com/ram/2475437.ram

The Great Locomotive Chase
www.jwpepper.com/ram/2439396.ram

Finally Up and Running

Well, it took considerably longer to get this blog up and running than I really wanted to, but I finally had a chance to sit down and get it done. The plan is, throughout the year as regularly as possible, to update about what is going on in the CMMS music dept. 7-8 Band has become a daily class this year, as opposed to every other. I am really excited about the possibilities that will be available through this change. We are working on several songs and I will link audio recordings of the pieces when I get a chance.

6th grade band is up and running too, and we have now had 2 days of actual playing. The group is a little smaller this year, but I am hoping to encourage some of those who didn't continue from 5th grade to rejoin us!

This year I have also taken on the challenge of directing the middle school choirs. 6th grade choir is a required class and students attend once per week. They 6th graders will perform at 2 concerts, one in December and the other in May.

I am excited about the possibilities of the 7-8 choir. There are about 30 energetic students who are willing and excited to learn.

As the year goes, be sure to check the CM website for updates about upcoming events, and I will also try to highlight those here. Right now, band students need to return their band handbook forms by this Friday!

I look to add pictures and maybe recordings of rehearsals as we go through the year! Check back often for updates!