Ruben's Train

In 7-8 choir yesterday, I promised I'd link to one of the songs we are working on. Here's the link to Ruben's Train. Just click MP3 link.

Iowa v. ISU

This is something I look forward to every year. The Iowa-ISU football game is always hyped up a lot in the press in Iowa, and we do our fair share of promoting it at the middle school as well. It's always fun to see students and teachers decked out in their team's gear. The end of the day includes a pep rally in the gym with live music by the band director (that's me) and a tug of war competition. This year it's going to include some "Minute to Win It" games with fans of the respective teams! It should be a great day!

If any of the band students want copies, I have the Iowa and ISU fight songs written out! They just have to ask!

Marching Band

Yes, we have a marching band! 7-8 band students spend the first month or so of school working on basic marching skills in preparation for the Homecoming Parade. The previous 2 weeks have been spent rehearsing our tune for the parade--Louie, Louie--but starting tomorrow, we will be playing outside! All members need to have a lyre and flip folder to hold their music. Instruments being rented from the school are covered by the school. I am going to Rieman's tonight to pick up the needed flip folders and lyres. Items will be charged to the student's ButterBraid account.

It's an exciting thing, but I hope it isn't as windy as it is today! 3 weeks to go!

Communication

That's my big word for the year. I am making a big effort to improve and increase my communicaiton with teachers, with students and with parents. I have already been in email contact with several parents and I really hope to continue to add more to that list. I have also encouraged the students to communicate with me about when they will be gone, issues that have come up in rehearsal and other related things and I have been very pleased with their responsibility so far!

Thanks to those of you who have emailed me with questions. I do my best to try to reply as quickly as I can. I don't always have the information right away, but I can find out and get back to you.

Good luck to the high school marching band tonight! I hope everyone has a great holiday! I, for one, am really looking forward to an extra day with my family!

Band Parents

There was a nice article about a DM Roosevelt band parent in the Sunday Register. She talks about how much it takes to keep a band program--especially marching band--up and running! It really gives perspective on how much time and effort it takes. It's a great read and not too long. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100829/LIFE/8290304/-1/caucus/She-s-crazy-bout-a-sharp-dressed-band

Thanks for coming!

It was nice to see people last night at the open house! I always enjoy meeting the parents of the incoming 6th graders and reconnecting with parents of 7th and 8th graders. Those of you who have been to an open house at the middle school before, please let us know what you think of the change in format--whether it is good or bad. We are always looking to improve!

Open House

The middle school open house is tonight at 7! I enjoy it because it's a great chance to meet parents I don't know and a chance to reconnect with those I do. The ultimate goal being a better relationship as we strive together to educate students. It is a "team" effort and communication is the key!

The format for the evening will be a little different than in the past. Following a welcome, we will divide into grade levels for half an hour and we'll end with some true "open house" time where you can walk around as you please to meet and converse with the teachers. Should be a great night! Hope to see you here!