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. If you would like a paper copy please let us know and we will send one home.

Instruments

Please have your students bring their instruments as soon as you get them. We start playing next week. However, if they do not have their instruments yet, the deadline to have their instrument is August 19th. If you are not able to get an instrument by then please email us and we will work it out! 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 didn’t get the book last year we will need the book by August 19th. Please double and triple check that you are getting the correct book for their instrument.

Band Shirts

We have band shirts! Please fill out the size information below. If your student already has one they do not need to purchase a new one.

Supply Cost - $10

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

• 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 2024 (their 8th Grade year). Please be on the lookout for more information on the Disney Trip in the Spring of 2023. (All trips are optional.)

Contact

For those who do not know us, the 8th grade Band Directors are Mr. Waldron and Ms. Rakestraw. If you need to contact us, email is the best way! If we do not respond within the week please send it again. We apologize in advance. Sometimes tons of emails come in at once and we will miss one on occasion.

Please note that our scheduled time is from 8:30am - 9:30am. This is the main time we will be answering emails. After 9:30am we will be in class from 2nd period to 6th period and there is little to no time to check emails during and in between class (But we will try!). There are also a lot of times where our plan time is taken away and we are helping out around the school. All of this to say we will email you back as soon as possible!

Important Dates for 2021-2022

(All dates are subject to change due to weather and directors discretion. If a date is changed and is possible, you will receive two (2) weeks notice before a new date is set. If there are more opportunities to perform we will notify you asap )

Tuesday, October 25th- Halloween Concert (7th grade only) 6:00 pm

**Students can wear school appropriate costumes**

October 28th  -  Jr. Clinic money due ($10 only for students trying out)

November 19th - Jr. Clinic Tryouts at Maryville Junior High School

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

Tuesday, December 6th - 7th Grade Rehearsal - 3:30 - 5:30pm

Tuesday, December 13th - Winter Concert - 6:00pm (7th grade and 8th Grade)

**All Black Attire/Mandatory**

BMS Night of the Arts Performance  -  Date TBD

Saturday, April 22nd29th - Dollywood Reward Trip - 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

**Trips are all Optional**

Tuesday, May 2nd - 7th Grade Rehearsal - 3:30 - 5:30pm

Tuesday, May 9th - Spring Concert - 6:00pm (7th grade and 8th Grade)

**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 Ms. Rakestraw by Friday Aug. 26th.

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)

_________ My student has their Band Book for this year (Thank you!)

_________ I attached my student’s $10.00 Supply Cost. (Thank you!)

(Only if they don’t have one or want a new one)

_________ I have attached my student’s $10.00 for T-Shirt (If Needed)

_________ Students Shirt Size (If Needed)

PLEASE RETURN ONLY THIS PAGE BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 26th