Mason Middle School
Band Update
Week of 10/29/2023
Click Below on your class to see the
update for your band class:
7th Grade Percussion (Bells 2/3/6)
7th Grade Woodwinds (Bell 2/3/6)
8th Grade Concert Band (Bell 1)
7th Grade Brass (Bells 2/3/6)
Hello MMS Band families!
Please see all the information below regarding the upcoming Smart Music assignment, step-up instruments, and another volunteer opportunity with our wonderful Mason Band Boosters. Thanks!
SCHEDULE
Monday October 30 | Tuesday October 31 | Wednesday November 1 | Thursday November 2 | Friday November 3 |
Day 1 - BAND (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 1 - GYM (Trombones & Woodwinds) | Day 2 - GYM (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 2 - BAND (Trombones & Woodwinds) | Day 1 - BAND (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 1 - GYM (Trombones & Woodwinds) | Day 2 - GYM (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 2 - BAND (Trombones & Woodwinds) | Day 1 - BAND (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 1 - GYM (Trombones & Woodwinds) STARSPLITTER SMARTMUSIC DUE! |
Want to see more about what we are doing in class this week? Check out the “Weekly Learning Plans” folder on Schoology under Band Class, and then “Materials” on the left hand side column.
SMART MUSIC ASSIGNMENT #2 - DUE FRIDAY 11/3
Earlier this month, we renewed Smart Music. Please let a band director know if you have any
issues logging in for this first assignment.
*Please note: Grades will not appear on Schoology on November 3rd. Grades will be entered as band directors listen to the assignments and add feedback. This process can take up to a week.
DUE: Friday, November 3rd
TEMPO (Speed): 92 beats-per-minute (use the assigned tempo)
Students will Log-on to Smart Music and record their part for our first concert piece, Starsplitter Fanfare. The purpose of this assignment is to help students reflect on their own individual preparation pacing of a new concert piece. The directors will provide individual feedback on student progress of individual preparation. Students who do not receive full credit should discuss with a director how they can pace their own preparation on future assignments. Students are permitted to resubmit for a higher grade if necessary.
STEP-UP INSTRUMENTS - PLEASE READ
During the week of October 16th, we will be sharing information about opportunities to upgrade your student’s instrument rental. If you began renting an instrument in 6th grade, you will likely receive a notification sometime soon that it is time to begin the process of transferring the rental money paid towards a “step-up” (also referred to as intermediate or professional instruments) to use for middle school and high school band. Most students make this switch sometime during middle school, to prepare for playing more challenging music. Buddy Rogers and most local music stores have affordable and convenient programs for transferring your rental funds towards the purchase of this instrument.
Buddy Rogers will be hosting a “Step-up Night” at Mason Middle School in November (more info soon). There will be several step-up instruments there for your child to try and a representative there to discuss financial options for transferring rental money or purchasing an instrument. If you are renting from them already, information will also be coming from Buddy Rogers about this event soon.
More information about Step Up Instruments, the differences between student, intermediate and professional instruments, and how to begin the process: CLICK HERE
Mason Band Program Recommended Brands and Models: CLICK HERE. DO NOT BUY AN INSTRUMENT ON THE “DO NOT BUY” LIST WITHOUT CONSULTING A BAND DIRECTOR!
Used instruments are also an EXCELLENT and AFFORDABLE option to consider. There are many online websites (Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, etc.) where you can find great deals including our Mason Bands Instrument Classifieds page. ALWAYS CONSULT A DIRECTOR BEFORE PURCHASING A USED INSTRUMENT!
Note about purchasing Intermediate/Student Instruments: If you are planning to purchase an instrument for your student, the Mason Band Director team always encourages you to consider an intermediate line instrument, as opposed to the student line instruments that most students begin on. Intermediate instruments hold their value better, and will immediately make students sound better on the more difficult music they begin to work on during middle school and high school. Unless students are planning on majoring in music, a step up instrument will last beyond high school into college band and performing in community bands later in life!
BLUE LAKE MUSIC CAMP SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is a non-profit summer school of the arts specializing in two-week arts programs for intermediate and high school students. Founded in 1966, Blue Lake serves approximately 5,000 students a season, offering a range of programs in music, art, dance, and drama. We are excited to announce that a Scholarship Representative from Blue Lake will be evaluating students for scholarships and sharing some information about the summer camp programs.
While you may not be sure if this is something you would like to consider for your child, the presentation and audition process is a great learning experience for students. If you do choose to send your student to Blue Lake, there may be a scholarship available to help cover the cost of tuition.
In order to participate in the scholarship evaluation, your student will need to complete the online Merit Scholarship Application prior to the scholarship day. It takes about 5 minutes. Within the application, they will be asked to enter the date of our scholarship day, along with a code.
Complete this form: Merit Scholarship Application
Include this date: November 1st - 3rd
Include this code: 1350
To learn more about camp, visit Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. To learn more about other Scholarship programs available to students, Blue Lake Scholarship Programs.
If you have questions, please let me know.
PRIVATE LESSONS UPDATE
This past week we talked with all our 7th Grade Band students about Private Lessons and the opportunities studying privately can open up for students. HERE is the presentation we went over with students in class. Private Lessons are THE BEST WAY for your student to have a personalized learning experience on their instrument! Over 50% of MMS Eighth Grade Band students choose to take lessons and over 75% of our high school band students choose to take private lessons. We will be talking more about private lessons in class next week, but can get more information on the Mason Band website HERE.
CONCERT INFORMATION - REQUIRED DATES
Students received an ORANGE paper with all of their concert information in August. Please be sure to look over these dates, particularly the concert dates on the list that are required part of the band class grade. There are also many optional events throughout the year that many of our band students choose to participate in as well. Please see below for the paper that was handed out to students this week with more information:
Seventh Grade Concert Information - CLICK HERE
MASON BAND BOOSTER UPDATES
MSBA Championships - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteer Needs
Concessions - 8 open spots
Extra Helpers - 2 open spots
Guest/VIP Parking - 12 open spots
Ticketing - 5 open spots
Truck and Bus Parking - 3 open spots
If you have any questions, please contact our competitions team at competitions@masonbandboosters.com. Thanks again for your help in making the MSBA Competition a fun and successful event!
Please let us know if you have any questions. We are looking forward to another great week!
Mr. Rex, Mrs. Klingenberg, Mr. Reese
Band Directors
Mason Middle School
7th Grade Percussion (Bells 2/3/6)
Hello MMS Band families!
Please see all the information below regarding the upcoming Smart Music assignment, step-up instruments, and another volunteer opportunity with our wonderful Mason Band Boosters. Thanks!
SCHEDULE
Monday October 30 | Tuesday October 31 | Wednesday November 1 | Thursday November 2 | Friday November 3 |
Day 1 - BAND (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 1 - GYM (Trombones & Woodwinds) | Day 2 - GYM (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 2 - BAND (Trombones & Woodwinds) | Day 1 - BAND (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 1 - GYM (Trombones & Woodwinds) | Day 2 - GYM (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 2 - BAND (Trombones & Woodwinds) | Day 1 - BAND (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 1 - GYM (Trombones & Woodwinds) STARSPLITTER SMARTMUSIC DUE! |
Want to see more about what we are doing in class this week? Check out the “Weekly Learning Plans” folder on Schoology under Band Class, and then “Materials” on the left hand side column.
EAR PROTECTION (Percussion)
As we get further into the year and start the preparation of concert literature and make more frequent use of the louder instruments, I (Mr. Reese) would highly suggest that students invest in hearing protection - especially for when we are rehearsing in the percussion room.
Since we are making music though, we want to make sure that the earplugs they are using are not muffling or distorting the sound but just “turning down the volume.”
Here are some high quality earplugs I would recommend:
BLUE LAKE MUSIC CAMP SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is a non-profit summer school of the arts specializing in two-week arts programs for intermediate and high school students. Founded in 1966, Blue Lake serves approximately 5,000 students a season, offering a range of programs in music, art, dance, and drama. We are excited to announce that a Scholarship Representative from Blue Lake will be evaluating students for scholarships and sharing some information about the summer camp programs.
While you may not be sure if this is something you would like to consider for your child, the presentation and audition process is a great learning experience for students. If you do choose to send your student to Blue Lake, there may be a scholarship available to help cover the cost of tuition.
In order to participate in the scholarship evaluation, your student will need to complete the online Merit Scholarship Application prior to the scholarship day. It takes about 5 minutes. Within the application, they will be asked to enter the date of our scholarship day, along with a code.
Complete this form: Merit Scholarship Application
Include this date: November 1st - 3rd
Include this code: 1350
To learn more about camp, visit Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. To learn more about other Scholarship programs available to students, Blue Lake Scholarship Programs.
If you have questions, please let me know.
PRIVATE LESSONS UPDATE
This past week we talked with all our 7th Grade Band students about Private Lessons and the opportunities studying privately can open up for students. HERE is the presentation we went over with students in class. Private Lessons are THE BEST WAY for your student to have a personalized learning experience on their instrument! Over 50% of MMS Eighth Grade Band students choose to take lessons and over 75% of our high school band students choose to take private lessons. We will be talking more about private lessons in class next week, but can get more information on the Mason Band website HERE.
CONCERT INFORMATION - REQUIRED DATES
Students received an ORANGE paper with all of their concert information in August. Please be sure to look over these dates, particularly the concert dates on the list that are required part of the band class grade. There are also many optional events throughout the year that many of our band students choose to participate in as well. Please see below for the paper that was handed out to students this week with more information:
Seventh Grade Concert Information - CLICK HERE
MASON BAND BOOSTER UPDATES
MSBA Championships - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteer Needs
Concessions - 8 open spots
Extra Helpers - 2 open spots
Guest/VIP Parking - 12 open spots
Ticketing - 5 open spots
Truck and Bus Parking - 3 open spots
If you have any questions, please contact our competitions team at competitions@masonbandboosters.com. Thanks again for your help in making the MSBA Competition a fun and successful event!
Please let us know if you have any questions. We are looking forward to another great week!
Mr. Reese, Mr. Rex, Mrs. Klingenberg
Band Directors
Mason Middle School
7th Grade Woodwinds (Bell 2/3/6)
Hello MMS Band families!
Please see all the information below regarding the upcoming Smart Music assignment, step-up instruments, and another volunteer opportunity with our wonderful Mason Band Boosters. Thanks!
SCHEDULE
Monday October 30 | Tuesday October 31 | Wednesday November 1 | Thursday November 2 | Friday November 3 |
Day 1 - BAND (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 1 - GYM (Trombones & Woodwinds) | Day 2 - GYM (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 2 - BAND (Trombones & Woodwinds) | Day 1 - BAND (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 1 - GYM (Trombones & Woodwinds) | Day 2 - GYM (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 2 - BAND (Trombones & Woodwinds) | Day 1 - BAND (Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums, Tubas, Percussion) Day 1 - GYM (Trombones & Woodwinds) STARSPLITTER SMARTMUSIC DUE! |
Want to see more about what we are doing in class this week? Check out the “Weekly Learning Plans” folder on Schoology under Band Class, and then “Materials” on the left hand side column.
SMART MUSIC ASSIGNMENT #2 - DUE FRIDAY 11/3
Earlier this month, we renewed Smart Music. Please let a band director know if you have any
issues logging in for this first assignment.
*Please note: Grades will not appear on Schoology on November 3rd. Grades will be entered as band directors listen to the assignments and add feedback. This process can take up to a week.
DUE: Friday, November 3rd
TEMPO (Speed): 92 beats-per-minute (use the assigned tempo)
Students will Log-on to Smart Music and record their part for our first concert piece, Starsplitter Fanfare. The purpose of this assignment is to help students reflect on their own individual preparation pacing of a new concert piece. The directors will provide individual feedback on student progress of individual preparation. Students who do not receive full credit should discuss with a director how they can pace their own preparation on future assignments. Students are permitted to resubmit for a higher grade if necessary.
REED CHECK - TUESDAY, 10/31 (Halloween)
On Tuesday (Halloween), we will be doing a reed check for all clarinet and saxophone students. Students should have 4 approved reeds in their reed guard. These items are listed on the required materials list from the beginning of the year. We have been talking about reed care and quality in regards to excellent performance with student tone, tuning, and the overall length of life for the reed when put in a proper rotation. HERE are some key points about reeds and how they are made from the presentation in class today.
STEP-UP INSTRUMENTS - PLEASE READ
During the week of October 16th, we will be sharing information about opportunities to upgrade your student’s instrument rental. If you began renting an instrument in 6th grade, you will likely receive a notification sometime soon that it is time to begin the process of transferring the rental money paid towards a “step-up” (also referred to as intermediate or professional instruments) to use for middle school and high school band. Most students make this switch sometime during middle school, to prepare for playing more challenging music. Buddy Rogers and most local music stores have affordable and convenient programs for transferring your rental funds towards the purchase of this instrument.
Buddy Rogers will be hosting a “Step-up Night” at Mason Middle School in November (more info soon). There will be several step-up instruments there for your child to try and a representative there to discuss financial options for transferring rental money or purchasing an instrument. If you are renting from them already, information will also be coming from Buddy Rogers about this event soon.
More information about Step Up Instruments, the differences between student, intermediate and professional instruments, and how to begin the process: CLICK HERE
Mason Band Program Recommended Brands and Models: CLICK HERE. DO NOT BUY AN INSTRUMENT ON THE “DO NOT BUY” LIST WITHOUT CONSULTING A BAND DIRECTOR!
Used instruments are also an EXCELLENT and AFFORDABLE option to consider. There are many online websites (Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, etc.) where you can find great deals including our Mason Bands Instrument Classifieds page. ALWAYS CONSULT A DIRECTOR BEFORE PURCHASING A USED INSTRUMENT!
Note about purchasing Intermediate/Student Instruments: If you are planning to purchase an instrument for your student, the Mason Band Director team always encourages you to consider an intermediate line instrument, as opposed to the student line instruments that most students begin on. Intermediate instruments hold their value better, and will immediately make students sound better on the more difficult music they begin to work on during middle school and high school. Unless students are planning on majoring in music, a step up instrument will last beyond high school into college band and performing in community bands later in life!
BLUE LAKE MUSIC CAMP SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is a non-profit summer school of the arts specializing in two-week arts programs for intermediate and high school students. Founded in 1966, Blue Lake serves approximately 5,000 students a season, offering a range of programs in music, art, dance, and drama. We are excited to announce that a Scholarship Representative from Blue Lake will be evaluating students for scholarships and sharing some information about the summer camp programs.
While you may not be sure if this is something you would like to consider for your child, the presentation and audition process is a great learning experience for students. If you do choose to send your student to Blue Lake, there may be a scholarship available to help cover the cost of tuition.
In order to participate in the scholarship evaluation, your student will need to complete the online Merit Scholarship Application prior to the scholarship day. It takes about 5 minutes. Within the application, they will be asked to enter the date of our scholarship day, along with a code.
Complete this form: Merit Scholarship Application
Include this date: November 1st - 3rd
Include this code: 1350
To learn more about camp, visit Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. To learn more about other Scholarship programs available to students, Blue Lake Scholarship Programs.
If you have questions, please let me know.
PRIVATE LESSONS UPDATE
This past week we talked with all our 7th Grade Band students about Private Lessons and the opportunities studying privately can open up for students. HERE is the presentation we went over with students in class. Private Lessons are THE BEST WAY for your student to have a personalized learning experience on their instrument! Over 50% of MMS Eighth Grade Band students choose to take lessons and over 75% of our high school band students choose to take private lessons. We will be talking more about private lessons in class next week, but can get more information on the Mason Band website HERE.
CONCERT INFORMATION - REQUIRED DATES
Students received an ORANGE paper with all of their concert information in August. Please be sure to look over these dates, particularly the concert dates on the list that are required part of the band class grade. There are also many optional events throughout the year that many of our band students choose to participate in as well. Please see below for the paper that was handed out to students this week with more information:
Seventh Grade Concert Information - CLICK HERE
MASON BAND BOOSTER UPDATES
MSBA Championships - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteer Needs
Concessions - 8 open spots
Extra Helpers - 2 open spots
Guest/VIP Parking - 12 open spots
Ticketing - 5 open spots
Truck and Bus Parking - 3 open spots
If you have any questions, please contact our competitions team at competitions@masonbandboosters.com. Thanks again for your help in making the MSBA Competition a fun and successful event!
Please let us know if you have any questions. We are looking forward to another great week!
Mrs. Klingenberg, Mr. Reese, Mr. Rex
Band Directors
Mason Middle School
8th Grade Concert Band (Bell 1)
Hello MMS Band families!
Please see all the information below regarding the upcoming step-up instruments, marching band summer dates, and another volunteer opportunity with our wonderful Mason Band Boosters. Also as a reminder, your student’s SmartMusic grades for our most recent assignment will show up in Schoology as the directors listen and grade them. Thanks!
SCHEDULE
Monday October 30 | Tuesday October 31 | Wednesday November 1 | Thursday November 2 | Friday November 3 |
Daily Drill 3.0 Bb/Eb Scales Chorale #1 Comet Ride | Daily Drill 3.0 Bb/Eb Scales Chorale #1 Comet Ride | Daily Drill 3.0 Bb/Eb Scales Chorale #1 Above & Beyond | Daily Drill 3.0 Bb/Eb Scales Chorale #1 Above & Beyond | Daily Drill 3.0 Bb/Eb Scales Chorale #1 Above & Beyond |
Start Full Band, then split. | FULL BAND | Start full, then split: BR/WW/PERC | Start Split: BR/WW/PERC | Start Split: BR/WW/PERC |
Want to see more about what we are doing in class this week? Check out the “Weekly Learning Plans” folder on Schoology under Band Class, and then “Materials” on the left hand side column.
STEP-UP INSTRUMENTS - PLEASE READ
During the week of October 16th, we will be sharing information about opportunities to upgrade your student’s instrument rental. If you began renting an instrument in 6th grade, you will likely receive a notification sometime soon that it is time to begin the process of transferring the rental money paid towards a “step-up” (also referred to as intermediate or professional instruments) to use for middle school and high school band. Most students make this switch sometime during middle school, to prepare for playing more challenging music. Buddy Rogers and most local music stores have affordable and convenient programs for transferring your rental funds towards the purchase of this instrument.
Buddy Rogers will be hosting a “Step-up Night” at Mason Middle School in November (more info soon). There will be several step-up instruments there for your child to try and a representative there to discuss financial options for transferring rental money or purchasing an instrument. If you are renting from them already, information will also be coming from Buddy Rogers about this event soon.
More information about Step Up Instruments, the differences between student, intermediate and professional instruments, and how to begin the process: CLICK HERE
Mason Band Program Recommended Brands and Models: CLICK HERE. DO NOT BUY AN INSTRUMENT ON THE DO NOT BUY LIST WITHOUT CONSULTING A BAND DIRECTOR!
Used instruments are also an EXCELLENT and AFFORDABLE option to consider. There are many online websites (Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, etc.) where you can find great deals including our Mason Bands Instrument Classifieds page. ALWAYS CONSULT A DIRECTOR BEFORE PURCHASING A USED INSTRUMENT!
Note about purchasing Intermediate/Student Instruments: If you are planning to purchase an instrument for your student, the Mason Band Director team always encourages you to consider an intermediate line instrument, as opposed to the student line instruments that most students begin on. Intermediate instruments hold their value better, and will immediately make students sound better on the more difficult music they begin to work on during middle school and high school. Unless students are planning on majoring in music, a step up instrument will last beyond high school into college band and performing in community bands later in life!
BLUE LAKE MUSIC CAMP SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is a non-profit summer school of the arts specializing in two-week arts programs for intermediate and high school students. Founded in 1966, Blue Lake serves approximately 5,000 students a season, offering a range of programs in music, art, dance, and drama. We are excited to announce that a Scholarship Representative from Blue Lake will be evaluating students for scholarships and sharing some information about the summer camp programs.
While you may not be sure if this is something you would like to consider for your child, the presentation and audition process is a great learning experience for students. If you do choose to send your student to Blue Lake, there may be a scholarship available to help cover the cost of tuition.
In order to participate in the scholarship evaluation, your student will need to complete the online Merit Scholarship Application prior to the scholarship day. It takes about 5 minutes. Within the application, they will be asked to enter the date of our scholarship day, along with a code.
Complete this form: Merit Scholarship Application
Include this date: November 1st - 3rd
Include this code: 1350
To learn more about camp, visit Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. To learn more about other Scholarship programs available to students, Blue Lake Scholarship Programs.
If you have questions, please let me know.
PRIVATE LESSONS UPDATE
Private Lessons are THE BEST WAY for your student to have a personalized learning experience on their instrument! Over 50% of MMS Eighth Grade Band students choose to take lessons and over 75% of our high school band students choose to take private lessons. We will be talking more about private lessons in class next week, but can get more information on the Mason Band website HERE.
CONCERT INFORMATION - REQUIRED DATES
Students received an ORANGE paper with all of their concert information in August. Please be sure to look over these dates, particularly the concert dates on the list that are required part of the band class grade. There are also many optional events throughout the year that many of our band students choose to participate in as well. Please see below for the paper that was handed out to students this week with more information:
Bell 1 Concert Information - CLICK HERE
MARCHING BAND SUMMER DATES
Following 8th Grade Night, we’ve had families reaching out in regards to band camp dates for vacation planning purposes. Here are the current dates to pencil in:
Mini Camp
June 3-7
Band Camp
July 22-26
July 29-August 2
After August 2nd we start our regular season rehearsal schedule to be released next semester.
EAR PROTECTION (Percussion)
As we get further into the year and start the preparation of concert literature and make more frequent use of the louder instruments, I (Mr. Reese) would highly suggest that students invest in hearing protection - especially for when we are rehearsing in the percussion room.
Since we are making music though, we want to make sure that the earplugs they are using are not muffling or distorting the sound but just “turning down the volume.”
Here are some high quality earplugs I would recommend:
MASON BAND BOOSTER UPDATES
MSBA Championships - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteer Needs
Concessions - 8 open spots
Extra Helpers - 2 open spots
Guest/VIP Parking - 12 open spots
Ticketing - 5 open spots
Truck and Bus Parking - 3 open spots
If you have any questions, please contact our competitions team at competitions@masonbandboosters.com. Thanks again for your help in making the MSBA Competition a fun and successful event!
Please let us know if you have any questions. We are looking forward to another great week!
Mr. Reese, Mr. Rex, Mrs. Klingenberg
Band Directors
Mason Middle School
MMS Symphonic Winds (Bell 5)
Hello MMS Band families!
We had a great week and were honored to have Dr. Alfred Watkins and Freddy Martin visit MMS to work with our Symphonic Winds students. Please see all the information below regarding the upcoming step-up instruments, marching band summer dates, and another volunteer opportunity with our wonderful Mason Band Boosters. Thanks!
Dr. Alfred Watkins working with the MMS Symphonic Winds.
SCHEDULE
Monday October 30 | Tuesday October 31 | Wednesday November 1 | Thursday November 2 | Friday November 3 |
Daily Drill 3.5 Chromatic Scale Blue Ridge Reel | Daily Drill 3.5 Chromatic Scale Chorale #1 Blue Ridge Reel | Daily Drill 3.5 Chromatic Scale Blue Ridge Reel | Daily Drill 3.5 Chromatic Scale Blue Ridge Reel | Daily Drill 3.5 Chromatic Scale Chorale #1 Blue Ridge Reel |
Start full, then split: HN/LOWS to 508 | FULL BAND | Start full, then split: BR/WW/PERC | Start split: BR/WW/PERC | Start split: BR/WW/PERC |
Want to see more about what we are doing in class this week? Check out the “Weekly Learning Plans” folder on Schoology under Band Class, and then “Materials” on the left hand side column.
STEP-UP INSTRUMENTS - PLEASE READ
During the week of October 16th, we will be sharing information about opportunities to upgrade your student’s instrument rental. If you began renting an instrument in 6th grade, you will likely receive a notification sometime soon that it is time to begin the process of transferring the rental money paid towards a “step-up” (also referred to as intermediate or professional instruments) to use for middle school and high school band. Most students make this switch sometime during middle school, to prepare for playing more challenging music. Buddy Rogers and most local music stores have affordable and convenient programs for transferring your rental funds towards the purchase of this instrument.
Buddy Rogers will be hosting a “Step-up Night” at Mason Middle School in November (more info soon). There will be several step-up instruments there for your child to try and a representative there to discuss financial options for transferring rental money or purchasing an instrument. If you are renting from them already, information will also be coming from Buddy Rogers about this event soon.
More information about Step Up Instruments, the differences between student, intermediate and professional instruments, and how to begin the process: CLICK HERE
Mason Band Program Recommended Brands and Models: CLICK HERE. DO NOT BUY AN INSTRUMENT ON THE DO NOT BUY LIST WITHOUT CONSULTING A BAND DIRECTOR!
Used instruments are also an EXCELLENT and AFFORDABLE option to consider. There are many online websites (Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, etc.) where you can find great deals including our Mason Bands Instrument Classifieds page. ALWAYS CONSULT A DIRECTOR BEFORE PURCHASING A USED INSTRUMENT!
Note about purchasing Intermediate/Student Instruments: If you are planning to purchase an instrument for your student, the Mason Band Director team always encourages you to consider an intermediate line instrument, as opposed to the student line instruments that most students begin on. Intermediate instruments hold their value better, and will immediately make students sound better on the more difficult music they begin to work on during middle school and high school. Unless students are planning on majoring in music, a step up instrument will last beyond high school into college band and performing in community bands later in life!
BLUE LAKE MUSIC CAMP SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is a non-profit summer school of the arts specializing in two-week arts programs for intermediate and high school students. Founded in 1966, Blue Lake serves approximately 5,000 students a season, offering a range of programs in music, art, dance, and drama. We are excited to announce that a Scholarship Representative from Blue Lake will be evaluating students for scholarships and sharing some information about the summer camp programs.
While you may not be sure if this is something you would like to consider for your child, the presentation and audition process is a great learning experience for students. If you do choose to send your student to Blue Lake, there may be a scholarship available to help cover the cost of tuition.
In order to participate in the scholarship evaluation, your student will need to complete the online Merit Scholarship Application prior to the scholarship day. It takes about 5 minutes. Within the application, they will be asked to enter the date of our scholarship day, along with a code.
Complete this form: Merit Scholarship Application
Include this date: November 1st - 3rd
Include this code: 1350
To learn more about camp, visit Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. To learn more about other Scholarship programs available to students, Blue Lake Scholarship Programs.
If you have questions, please let me know.
PRIVATE LESSONS UPDATE
Private Lessons are THE BEST WAY for your student to have a personalized learning experience on their instrument! Over 50% of MMS Eighth Grade Band students choose to take lessons and over 75% of our high school band students choose to take private lessons. We will be talking more about private lessons in class next week, but can get more information on the Mason Band website HERE.
CONCERT INFORMATION - REQUIRED DATES
Students received an ORANGE paper with all of their concert information in August. Please be sure to look over these dates, particularly the concert dates on the list that are required part of the band class grade. There are also many optional events throughout the year that many of our band students choose to participate in as well. Please see below for the paper that was handed out to students this week with more information:
Symphonic Winds Concert Information - CLICK HERE
MARCHING BAND SUMMER DATES
Following 8th Grade Night, we’ve had families reaching out in regards to band camp dates for vacation planning purposes. Here are the current dates to pencil in:
Mini Camp
June 3-7
Band Camp
July 22-26
July 29-August 2
After August 2nd we start our regular season rehearsal schedule to be released next semester.
EAR PROTECTION (Percussion)
As we get further into the year and start the preparation of concert literature and make more frequent use of the louder instruments, I (Mr. Reese) would highly suggest that students invest in hearing protection - especially for when we are rehearsing in the percussion room.
Since we are making music though, we want to make sure that the earplugs they are using are not muffling or distorting the sound but just “turning down the volume.”
Here are some high quality earplugs I would recommend:
MASON BAND BOOSTER UPDATES
Dine And Donate At Culver’s On October 25th
Please join us for our next dine and donate event at Culver’s on October 25th
Location: 5742 Tylersville Rd, Mason, OH 45040
Time: 10am-10pm
What: Mason Band will receive 10% percent of proceeds from all purchases made when this flier is presented. We hope to see you there!
Please let us know if you have any questions. We are looking forward to another great week!
Mr. Rex, Mrs. Klingenberg, Mr. Reese
Band Directors
Mason Middle School