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!

One Week

As we wrap up the first week of the school year, I think things have gone really well. Both bands played on Wednesday and sounded okay, considering many hadn't played for at least a month! We also started working on music in choir yesterday, and it is going to be a fun group to work with. Lots of potential!

While I am excited, I am also ready for the weekend! I am not used to this schedule--I always forget how drained I am by the time the week is over. Hopefully over the weekend I'll be able to get some more pics up from the signs the iSpin committee worked to put up during vacation.

On a side note, if you would be interested in being a parent member of the iSpin committee, or want more information, shoot me an email.

It has begun...

Despite the heat today and the delay from the flooding, we have successfully started a new school year. They first couple of days usually bring some chaos, with new students figuring out where to go, rules and procedures getting covered and class schedules changing! Quite a crazy time. Right now it looks like our numbers are down a little bit in both band and choir, but I am going to spend a little time the next couple of days re-recruiting some students! :) Music teachers are always fighting schedule battles (not that I want to be). There are some students who need a study hall, but from my experience, much time in study hall is wasted. Why not have another class? Learn something. Challenge yourself to be better.

The group of 6th grade band students really has me excited about this year! I think they are going to be so much fun to work with. I bought some new music this year with them in mind!

On a side note, when you get a chance to come to the middle school, take a look at the new signs that have been put up using money from the iSpin committee. They really brighten things up!