Congratulations to the fourth and fifth grade band for an excellent performance at the Spring Concert last night!  Everyone worked hard and was well prepared and sounded fabulous.

 

Just want to wish the fifth grade band students "best wishes" and "good luck" as you move to the middle school next year.   It amazes me how much the band has grown since fourth grade.  The group was hard working, dedicated, and enthusiatic, although at times it was hard to get up early for Wednesday morning rehearsals.  I'm sure you won't miss that part of band :)   You should be proud of what you have accomplished in the past two years.  Remember... the band room is always open for you to visit. 

 

Everyone -- have a safe and fun summer!  See you in September.

It's been quite awhile since I've blogged.  Sorry about that.  I've noticed that students have been signing the guest book and checking out the website frequently.  Yeah!  Hope you are reading my blog right now :)

 

The Fifth Grade Band recently marched in Grafton's Little League Parade.  It was a beautiful day for a parade, and a great turnout. It was hot, but it was fun.  There were over 200 students in the marching band that included the elementary band and the middle school bands.  This was the first time the two schools actually played together for the first time.  Everyone cheered us on, and the band sounded really well.  If you haven't already done so, there are some pictures from the parade that are posted on the Greater Grafton Blog.  Check it out.  There's even a picture of me shouting into the megaphone.  The next parade is the Memorial Day Parade.

 

All the band groups are working really hard for their Spring Concert in June.  The date for the Spring Concert is Tuesday, June 16, 2009 @ Grafton High School.  There will be two seperate concerts.  The Fourth Grade Band & Chorus will perform earlier in the evening, and the Fifth Grade Band & Chorus will perform later in the evening.  Times of the concerts haven't been determined yet.  Mark your calendars. 

 

Well, it's been awhile since I've blogged.  I can't believe that it's mid-November and the holidays are approaching fast!! 

 

The fifth grade band is working really hard preparing for their winter concert.  The band has been rehearsing "A Kwanzaa Celebration", "Name that Christmas Carol" and "Jingle Bell Rock."  I don't know about you, but those three tunes get stuck in my head every week.  I hum the tunes without realizing it and it's quite catchy.  Don't forget...our first concert is Thursday, December 18th @ 7:00 pm at Grafton High School.  The Fourth and Fifth Grade Choruses are also performing at the winter concert.  It's going to be a great concert.

 

Beginners are making great progress on their instrument.  They have already mastered the first five notes and now they are learning how to play fun tunes Yeah!  Keep up the good work.

 

Welcome back to a new school year!  I can't believe that summer went by fast and now we are back in school.

As you can see, the band website had a slight “makeover” this summer – new colors, new links and updated links. It might look different, but all the important information you need to know is still there.

I am really excited for the upcoming school year. Many things going on in September. There is an in-school demonstration for fourth grade students, fifth grade group lessons and band rehearsals starts next week, Rental Night on September 22^nd, and Wednesday morning band rehearsals starts in late September.  For more dates, check out the calendar. Also, most of the students returned from last year. This makes it one of the biggest Fifth Grade Band in many years. I am also looking forward to meeting and teaching fourth grade students. Remember, check the band website frequently for current information, document downloads, concert dates, etc. If you have any suggestions or questions, please feel free to email me. I will reply back!

It was a full house this evening at GES's Spring Concert at the high school.  The Beginner Band, Symphonic Band, and the Fifth Grade Concert Band performed an outstanding concert this evening. 

 

The Beginner Band sounded loud but strong with 105 students on stage.  The melodious music of "Rhythm X", "Old MacDonald Had a Band", and "Midnight Madness," as well as featured songs of each instrument group filled the auditorium. From the first lesson in September to where they are now, the band has made tremendous progress througout the year because of their enthusiam and practicing.  It's the biggest beginner group I've ever had so far!  Job well done fourth graders!  See you next year!

 

To the Fifth Grade Band - you are such a talented group of students.  It's been a great year from playing in the Winter Concert, participating in the MICCA Festival (that was a lot of practicing!!), marching in the Memorial Day Parade, to your final performance at the Spring Concert tonight.  All of you have taken the challenges I given you and pushed it to a higher level that I've never expected. 

 

I hoped you had a fun and great experience in band.  I had fun myself teaching you guys.  I am proud of the band and you should be proud of what you have accomplished in the past two years -- from your first note in fourth grade to your last song tonight.  I am sure going to miss the band :(  and I wish you the best of luck in middle school.  Please keep in touch and keep on playing!!