Wonderful Concert

Thanks for a wonderful concert last night. I thought all the students did a wonderful job and the turnout was great. I really appreciate the help moving the equipment back to the band room! Because of this, I was able to get home about 10 instead of midnight!

Along with the large turnout come some other problems, such as noise. Look back here in the next week or two about some information concerning concert etiquette, or behavior.

I hope everyone has a great break, a happy holiday season and safe travels wherever they may be going!

Snow Days Make Scheduling Messes!

Well, after it took me an hour and a half to shovel, I suppose it is a good thing there is no school. However, this does have an effect on our rehearsals! I figured I would post some logistical info today to help everyone for Monday.

7-8 choir should be in the choir room by 6:30 for warm up on Monday
6-8 band students are meeting in Mr. Ruden's room by 6:40 on Monday
5th grade band students will be meeting in the lunchroom

All rehearsals will be in the gym on Monday, regardless of what period class happens. JAZZ BAND WILL NOT MEET BEFORE SCHOOL MONDAY. We will rehearse during RAPP.

Hopefully everyone has a good and safe weekend and is ready for a great concert on Monday!

Fine High School Concert

I went to a fine holiday concert tonight at the high school. It's always nice to hear group in which you are not involved perform. It is also a good opportunity for students to hear other groups and form opinions about performances and the student's own work.

There has been a change in Wednesday's plan for caroling. Due to the cold weather, the event has been cancelled.

Choir and Carols

I apologize for the sporadic posting lately, but the holidays get really busy sometimes!

This coming Wednesday, the 7th-8th grade choir is going to be traveling to sing for some of the Mingo senior citizens! We will be singing a couple of our pieces for the winter concert, as well as some traditional holiday carols. It should be a good chance for us to practice for an audience, as well as spread some holiday cheer!

Rieman Music

I have added a link on the middle school website (http://cmmiddle.colfax-mingo.iowapages.org/) to Rieman Music. Jim Dunn stops by the school weekly to help make sure we have everything we need. If you get a chance, their website has been recently upgraded and looks much improved. Definately worth a look!

End of the Quarter Projects

With the end of the quarter approaching, I wanted to take a minute and remind about the projects that are due each quarter. In the handbook, there are a list of options or suggestions for projects. In order to receive an "A," 6th grade students need to do one project per quarter--7/8 students need to do two.

There is a high school concert on Monday the 15th and that would be a great opportunity to get a project done. Get a review sheet from Mr. Wipperman or download it on the Band and Choir page of the website!

Solos--and a PIANO PLAYER NEEDED

7-8 band students have been receiving solos this week. The students have to options whether to do a solo or be a part of a small group, but students must do something. Solos and small ensembles give students a chance to develop other skills that aren't focused on throughout the year, such as independence of parts, confidence, presentation skills and other skills not necessarily first thought of relating to music. Many of the skills that go along with these groups translate very well to skills students will need to be successful in other areas of life!

In addition to students playing, solos are accompanied by a piano player. Ask any one of the students and they will tell you that my piano skills are NOT at a level where I can accompany them for a performance. This leads me to say:

I AM IN NEED OF A PIANO PLAYER OR 2 TO HELP ME ACCOMPANY STUDENTS FOR THEIR SOLOS!

If you are interested, give me an email or phone call at school and I'll be glad to put you to work!

Morning Jazz Band and Information

Just thought I would make a quick note, since the weather is getting a little more winter-like. On days where there is a late start, there will be NO jazz rehearsal. This just makes my life a little easier if my drive to school is going to be rough. Hopefully it does the same for you.

On the Band/Choir page of the school website, there is a note about the concert on Dec. 22. So far, it has just gone out to choir students, but the information is pretty much the same. This will be the first concert where I am kind of doing everything, so I am still working out the logistics of that night. Hopefully, I'll get everything figured out in the next week or so.

The word of the week this week is QUINTET.