Welcome back!

It was great to see so many Stonepark students at band camp and I’m really looking forward to another great year of making music at Stonepark.

Band Rehearsals

Here is the tentative weekly band rehearsal schedule for 2014-15. Should it be necessary to make any changes, I will notify students and updates will appear here on the band blog.

Monday: 12:30-1:15 pm: Grade 7 Band rehearsal (first rehearsal on Monday, Sept. 22)

Tuesday: 7:45-8:35 am: Grade 9 Brand rehearsal (Tuesday rehearsals will begin on Sept. 16)

Wednesday: 7:45-8:35 am: Grade 8 Band rehearsal (first rehearsal on Wednesday, Sept. 17)

Thursday: 7:45-8:35 am: Grade 9 Band rehearsal (first grade 9 rehearsal will be held on Thursday, Sept. 11)

Friday: 7:45-8:35 am: Grade 8-9 Jazz Band rehearsal (first rehearsal on Friday, September. 19)

For all early morning band rehearsals, students must arrive at Stonepark by 7:35 a.m. in order to be seated, set-up and ready to play when rehearsal begins at 7:45 a.m.. Students who are habitually late or absent for rehearsals may be asked to make up missed practice time.

Extra-curricular rehearsals outside of the regular schedule are taught in addition to a full teaching schedule, and there may be times when I have to cancel practices. I will always give you as much notice as I can when this happens.

Thank you for your past and future support in providing transportation for your children to early morning band classes!

School Supplies for Band Classes

If possible, students are asked to please bring the following supplies to band classes. I apologize for the omission of the binder for band on the grade 7 school supplies list.

-a pencil

-a ½ inch or 1 inch binder (black if possible)

Optional, but very useful:

-10 protective plastic sleeves (for 3 ring binders)

-a music stand to facilitate home practice.

Early Morning Band Cancellation Policy

Should a rehearsal be canceled, an announcement will be made at school the day before or on the radio in the morning. An announcement will also be posted on the band blog.

On stormy mornings please ensure that there are no school cancellations or delays before leaving for band practice. School cancellations and delays which affect Stonepark result in the automatic cancellation of early morning band rehearsals.

Band Concerts

Participation in band concerts is a highlight of the band experience, and attendance at all scheduled performances is a required element of the Stonepark band program. Band is a group activity and every member’s contribution is important. Please note concert dates as they are provided and mark them in your calendars.

I am looking forward to another great year working with the Stonepark band students!