Thank you for your support as we prepare for the trip. It is difficult to reply to each individual question, so we try to address questions that apply to more than one person in our group emails.
Music Tests
Score totals and individual point scoring sheets are posted twice daily outside the band room.
-60% of the students have between 170 and 200 test points (200 is perfect). This is where they should be at noon on Thursday (which it is).
-24% of the students are close to the pace, with a score of 125-169
-15% of the students are a behind the pace, with a score of 52-124
-2 students, or <1% of the students, are below 50 and have a lot of work to do.
Wait until you hear our kids, they sound awesome! Nice Work.
Testing Week
We must follow all procedures outlined below- Read the entire section so you know what to do.
We will rehearse early on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Prior to rehearsal on Monday, Wednesday and Friday the directors will be available for help. Tuesday and Thursday will be for sectionals, soloists and help sessions. If you keep your instrument in your hall locker, take it home each night. You will not have access to it when you need it.
Monday’s Rehearsal- 10:30 AM Sharp
If you are testing- relax- do a great job on your test. The test comes first no ifs, ands or buts.
-After your test, you can be released at 10:00 a.m. (10:40 for the late slot)
-Once released, come directly to the band room- the halls must remain clear.
-Bring a pack lunch to eat (school goes until 3:10 each day).
-Eat your lunch in the band room, then meet us for rehearsal.
If you are not testing and your music score is above 180 points- be here by 10:15 for the 10:30 rehearsal. You may enter the school only through the band room entrance. You may not use any other door, walk through hallways or use your hall locker. Remember to eat before coming, there are not lunch periods throughout the shortened day.
If you are not testing and your music test is below 180 points- be here by 8:05 a.m. Don’t sleep in until your music is ready. The directors will be here each morning starting as early as 7:30 a.m. We are here for help and/or testing. You may only enter the school through the band room entrance. You may not use any other door, walk through hallways or use your hall locker. Remember to pack a lunch before coming, there are not lunch periods throughout the shortened day.
The school is permitting us this extra practice time. Be sure to follow all expectations. We need this time.
Dots and music order sheet were handed out.
Instructions are on the sheet. Folders should be perfect. Please check your son’s or daughter’s flip folder to see if it is in order.
Important Dates
March 17- Final trip meeting. Mandatory attendance (every household must be represented), March 22- Trip Preview concert- No excuses. 100% attendance. Large instrument packing will follow the concert
Medical Forms and Liability Forms are past due (only 97% in).
If you are missing music, copy someone else’s part. Don’t root through the band office.
Flute and Clarinet players will either have a band office case assigned to transport (carriers, tools…), be assigned to assist a sousaphone or quad player, or have a second ‘uniform suitcase’. Find four non-flute/clarinet playing band members and tell them you can be their uniform buddy to Milan and home from Munich. Give a list to Mr. Deep and you will be one of our uniform transporters. We need about half of the flute/clarinet players to handle uniforms. On return to Shaker, you will need to bring your suitcase to school the first day we return to turn in the uniforms.
Marching practice will happen outside. Be prepared. Hope for warm weather.
