We are so excited that your student will be continuing or joining band this year at Bearden Middle School! Our handbook will be online this year and can be found on BMS Website under Students - Student Life - Performing Arts - Band as well as our Canvas pages and Parent Square. If you would like a paper copy please let us know and we will send one home. Please review the full document online as it has more detailed information.

Instruments

Please have your students bring their instruments to school as soon as you get them, as we will start playing next week. However, if they do not have their instruments yet, the deadline to have their instrument is Friday Aug. 30th. If you are not able to get an instrument by then please email us and we will work towards a solution! If you need help getting an instrument please email one of us at matthew.waldron@knoxschools or sade.rakestraw@knoxschools.org.

Method Book

The main book we will be learning out of this year is called Sound Innovations - Book 1. This is the same book we used last year for 6th grade. If you have misplaced your book last year, please get a new one.

Supply Cost - $20

In order to provide our students with the best possible experience this year, our program inherently has several needs throughout the year. This supply cost covers these needs including: supplies for their band class, instrument repairs, new music for concerts, and incentives such as pizza for the concerts.

• (Preferred option)You can pay online via SchoolCashOnline (step-by-step instructions are provided at the end of this document)
• Cash or check payable to Bearden Middle School

• Please write your student’s name in the memo line if sending a check

Concert Attire

6th, 7th, and 8th grade bands are required to wear all black for the winter and spring performances at BMS.  The “all black” uniform consists of the following:

*All items must be school appropriate and no tears, rips, or holes*

• Black slacks or skirt (no jeans or denim).
• Black collared shirt or blouse.  Short sleeves and polos are fine, but no t-shirts or sweatshirt hoodies will be allowed.
• Black socks
• Black shoes (for safety, must be closed-toed shoes)

Disney Trip

Your student will be eligible to participate in our Disney Trip in the Spring of 2026 (their 8th Grade year). Please be on the lookout for more information on the Disney Trip in the Spring of 2024. (Trip is optional.)

Contact

For those who do not know us, the 8th grade Band Directors are Mr. Waldron and Mrs. Brown (Rakestraw). If you need to contact us, email is the best way!  We will usually respond within 24 hours, but if it is longer than 48 hours, don’t hesitate to check back in with us, and we apologize in advance.

*Please note that our scheduled plan time is from 8:30a - 9:30a*

Halloween Concert (7th grade only)

Tuesday, October 29th - 6:00 pm

**Students can wear school-appropriate costumes**

Jr. Clinic

November 1st - money due ($10 only for students trying out)

November 23rd - Jr. Clinic Tryouts at Maryville Junior High School

**A GREAT optional experience! We encourage ALL students to participate. more info later**

Winter Concert (7th grade and 8th Grade Bands)

Moday, December 2nd - 6:00pm

**All Black Attire/Mandatory**

BMS Night of the Arts Performance  -  Date TBD

Dollywood Reward Trip

Saturday, May 3rd - 8:00am - 5:00pm

**optional**

Spring Concert (7th grade and 8th Grade Bands)

Tuesday, May 6th - 6:00pm

**All Black Attire/Mandatory**

BAND CONTRACT

Dear Band student and parent(s)/guardian(s),

We are thrilled that you have chosen to participate in Band this year!  We have some great music to play and will have a lot of fun making music inside and outside of the classroom. It is important that you understand what is expected of you as you join our musical team. We hope you have taken some time to read over the Band Handbook/Letter and mark dates on your calendar. Please read the statements below, sign, and return them to Mr. Waldron or Mrs. Brown (Rakestraw) by Friday Aug. 30th.

We are looking forward to a great year!

STUDENT

        I have read and I understand the Band contract for this school year. By signing my name, I know I am becoming part of a team that depends on me to keep my word.  I will attend concerts and rehearsals and put forward my best effort.

________________________________________       __________________________________

            (print your name)                                             (Student Signature)

PARENT

        As a parent/guardian, I understand that my band student relies on me to provide transportation and concert attire for band events.  I will provide these for my student, or let the directors know about any problems with the schedule or clothing at least two weeks in advance.

________________________________________       __________________________________

            (print your name)                                             (Parent Signature)

_________ I have attached my student’s $20.00 Supply Cost. (Thank you!)

PARENT VOLUNTEERS/CHAPERONE

If you are interested in being a volunteer or a chaperone for any trips or concerts this year please email us at matthew.waldron@knoxschools.org and sade.rakestraw@knoxschools.org. All chaperones who attend trips must have a background check and we are wanting to get an approved list by October 1st.  

PLEASE RETURN THIS PAGE ONLY BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 30th