The focus for fifth grade band students is to continue to expand and learn new skills for playing their instrument and to learn new and challenging music for band. In addition to weekly group lessons, there will be two 45-minute band rehearsals during the school year. One rehearsal will be during the school day and the other rehearsal is before school on Wednesday mornings at Grafton Elementary School.

The first before-school band rehearsal will begin on Wednesday, September 23, 2009.  Before school rehearsals are only on Wednesday mornings from 7:30-8:15 a.m.  It is required that all students attend Wednesday morning rehearsals, as it is important that students work as a team. Attendance will be taken. If there are any conflicts or unforeseen circumstances that a student cannot attend a certain morning rehearsal, please provide a written and signed excuse note for your child to be excused (unless the child is absent from school). Unexcused absences will affect a student’s grade. If there is a school delay on a Wednesday, there will be NO rehearsal that morning.

The procedure for dropping students off in the morning before school is to enter through the student drop-off entrance that leads to the cafetorium. I will greet band members at the entrance at 7:20 am. For safety reasons, please do not have your child be dropped off prior to 7:20. Rehearsals will start promptly at 7:30 a.m., and all band members should be warmed-up, in their seats on the stage, and ready to play!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via email (crockwella@grafton.k12.ma.us) or by phone (508-839-0757). Please check the band website frequently for current and important announcements, downloads, and upcoming events. Thank you for your understanding and continuous support. Looking forward to a great musical year!

Sincerely,