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!