Mason Middle School

Band Update

Week of 2/25/2024

Click Below on your class to see the

update for your band class:

7th Grade Brass (Bells 2/3/6)

7th Grade Percussion (Bells 2/3/6)

7th Grade Woodwinds (Bell 2/3/6)

8th Grade Concert Band (Bell 1)

MMS Symphonic Winds (Bell 5)

7th Grade Brass (Bells 2/3/6)

Hello MMS Band families!

We had a great week with the 7th Grade Brass! We have put together our first concert piece for May and started our second piece. Just a reminder, as students complete their schedule selections for 8th grade this week it is important that students consider several factors to keep band in their schedule next year. All the electives offered in 8th Grade are also offered at MHS. Taking a year off from band would be detrimental to student progress. Please see the presentation from class HERE and let us know if you have any questions!

SCHEDULE

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.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: CINCINNATI REGIONAL CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL

Looking for something to do this weekend to earn extra credit? Mason will be hosting the Music For All Cincinnati Regional Concert Band Festival on Saturday, March 1st at Mason High School. Two of our 8th grade bands will be performing, 4 of high school bands, and also McCracken Middle School from Chicago and the University of Kentucky Wind Symphony. Students who attend one of the performances below and email a director their favorite part of the performance will receive 25 extra credit points. Ticket information is available HERE. Groups student can watch for extra credit:

Mason HS Concert Winds - 7:45am - MHS Auditorium

Mason MS 8th Grade Concert Band - 8:00am - MHS Small Commons

McCracken Middle School Symphonic Band - 11:15am - MHS Auditorium

Springboro Wind Symphony - 12:00pm - MHS Auditorium

Mason HS Concert White - 12:00pm - MHS Small Commons

Mason MS Symphonic Winds - 1:00pm - MHS Auditorium

Mason HS Symphonic Band - 2:10pm - MHS Auditorium

Fairfield Crossroads Select Band - 3:00pm - MHS Small Commons

University of Kentucky Wind Symphony - 4:40pm - MHS Auditorium

Mason HS Wind Symphony - 9:10pm - MHS Auditorium

EIGHTH GRADE BAND INFORMATION

Last week students learned about 8th Grade Band opportunities. We are very excited to see that most of our 7th Grade Band students plan to continue next year! As students learn about scheduling options next year, it’s important that students consider several factors to keep band in their schedule next year. HERE is the presentation from class.

8th Grade Band is different from 6th and 7th grade band, because it is the first time students have the opportunity to be in a full band class with all the instruments. The course also meets every day. Students have full band classes every day from 8th-12th grade, so this class is truly like an introduction to high school band. Because of this, students do receive High School Credit for 8th grade band, among many other courses that are available to them. Students receive fine arts credit, which is required to graduate. 8th Grade Band is a great way to begin to work towards this requirement for HS graduation!

We always encourage students to enroll in 8th grade band, to benefit from all their hard work in 6th and 7th grade woodwind, brass and percussion classes. The Full Band experience in 8th grade is truly the “payoff” year for all their hard work these past two years! Because of this, we find that our students really enjoy 8th grade band. Please see the slideshow above to see some current 8th grade band student interview answers about why they are glad they signed up for 8th grade band!

Please feel free to email a band director, or ask your child to talk to us before or after class if you need assistance deciding which classes work well to schedule with 8th grade band, or if you are having difficulty finding room in your child’s schedule for 8th grade band. We have helped many students come up with a plan that allows them to take 8th grade band, and still take all the classes that they want to take in 8th grade and high school.

JAZZ BAND INFO

This week will be a FULL BAND Jazz Band rehearsal on Tuesday, February 27th from 2:45pm-3:45pm.

Jazz Band Information

CLICK HERE: 7th Grade Jazz Band Information

CLICK HERE: 7th Grade Jazz Band Schedule

If you are involved in another club or sport and have schedule conflicts please email a band director in advance so we can plan accordingly.

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. Students wishing to be selected for Symphonic Winds next year should start lessons this semester if they have not already.

MASON BAND BOOSTER UPDATES

HELP NEEDED FOR CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL

We are beyond appreciative of our many volunteers. Thank you! You are the backbone of providing our students with amazing opportunities. We are less than a week away from the Regional Concert Band Festival. At the time of this post, we still have 45 open volunteer positions during the event that need to be filled. We are also in need of donations for both our bake sale and hospitality. If you have not already done so, we would be grateful if you would consider signing up to help. To join in on the fun, please click on the following link. https://www.masonbands.com/parents/#gsc.tab=0. Please see the band notes for more details about the festival and for the day's schedule. Thanks again!

MMS Band Booster Liaison Needed!
Our wonderful Mason Band Boosters are looking for a volunteer(s) that would be interested in serving as the MMS Bands Liaison to the Mason Band Boosters for the 2024-2025 school year. This person would attend the monthly Mason Band Booster meeting and provide a contact person for MMS Bands needs(uniforms, logistics, recruitment/retention, social events, etc.). This is a low-commitment position that we know many of our MMS Band parents would be perfectly suited to support the MMS Bands in this role. Please contact Mr. Aaron Rex, rexa@masonohioschool.com, if interested!

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!

We had a great week with the 7th Grade Percussion! We have put together our first concert piece for May and will be starting our second piece this week. Just a reminder, as students complete their schedule selections for 8th grade this week it is important that students consider several factors to keep band in their schedule next year. All the electives offered in 8th Grade are also offered at MHS. Taking a year off from band would be detrimental to student progress. Please see the presentation from class HERE and let us know if you have any questions!

SCHEDULE

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.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: CINCINNATI REGIONAL CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL

Looking for something to do this weekend to earn extra credit? Mason will be hosting the Music For All Cincinnati Regional Concert Band Festival on Saturday, March 1st at Mason High School. Two of our 8th grade bands will be performing, 4 of high school bands, and also McCracken Middle School from Chicago and the University of Kentucky Wind Symphony. Students who attend one of the performances below and email a director their favorite part of the performance will receive 25 extra credit points. Ticket information is available HERE. Groups student can watch for extra credit:

Mason HS Concert Winds - 7:45am - MHS Auditorium

Mason MS 8th Grade Concert Band - 8:00am - MHS Small Commons

McCracken Middle School Symphonic Band - 11:15am - MHS Auditorium

Springboro Wind Symphony - 12:00pm - MHS Auditorium

Mason HS Concert White - 12:00pm - MHS Small Commons

Mason MS Symphonic Winds - 1:00pm - MHS Auditorium

Mason HS Symphonic Band - 2:10pm - MHS Auditorium

Fairfield Crossroads Select Band - 3:00pm - MHS Small Commons

University of Kentucky Wind Symphony - 4:40pm - MHS Auditorium

Mason HS Wind Symphony - 9:10pm - MHS Auditorium

EIGHTH GRADE BAND INFORMATION

Last week students learned about 8th Grade Band opportunities. We are very excited to see that most of our 7th Grade Band students plan to continue next year! As students learn about scheduling options next year, it’s important that students consider several factors to keep band in their schedule next year. HERE is the presentation from class.

8th Grade Band is different from 6th and 7th grade band, because it is the first time students have the opportunity to be in a full band class with all the instruments. The course also meets every day. Students have full band classes every day from 8th-12th grade, so this class is truly like an introduction to high school band. Because of this, students do receive High School Credit for 8th grade band, among many other courses that are available to them. Students receive fine arts credit, which is required to graduate. 8th Grade Band is a great way to begin to work towards this requirement for HS graduation!

We always encourage students to enroll in 8th grade band, to benefit from all their hard work in 6th and 7th grade woodwind, brass and percussion classes. The Full Band experience in 8th grade is truly the “payoff” year for all their hard work these past two years! Because of this, we find that our students really enjoy 8th grade band. Please see the slideshow above to see some current 8th grade band student interview answers about why they are glad they signed up for 8th grade band!

Please feel free to email a band director, or ask your child to talk to us before or after class if you need assistance deciding which classes work well to schedule with 8th grade band, or if you are having difficulty finding room in your child’s schedule for 8th grade band. We have helped many students come up with a plan that allows them to take 8th grade band, and still take all the classes that they want to take in 8th grade and high school.

MMS WINTER DRUMLINE UPDATES

The MMS Winter Drumline had an awesome first rehearsal! The next rehearsal is MONDAY, February 26th from 6:00pm-7:30pm. The complete schedule is below. You can find more information below, including the schedule, cost and sign-up procedure:

MMS Drumline Info

MMS Drumline Schedule

Participation is highly encouraged. MMS Drumline members have a history of going on to be highly successful throughout the rest of their band careers both in advanced 8th grade ensembles and in high school.

JAZZ BAND INFO

This week will be a FULL BAND Jazz Band rehearsal on Tuesday, February 27th from 2:45pm-3:45pm.

Jazz Band Information

CLICK HERE: 7th Grade Jazz Band Information

CLICK HERE: 7th Grade Jazz Band Schedule

If you are involved in another club or sport and have schedule conflicts please email a band director in advance so we can plan accordingly.

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. Students wishing to be selected for Symphonic Winds next year should start lessons this semester if they have not already.

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:

• EARasers - $39.99
• Etymotic Research - $13.98

MASON BAND BOOSTER UPDATES

HELP NEEDED FOR CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL

We are beyond appreciative of our many volunteers. Thank you! You are the backbone of providing our students with amazing opportunities. We are less than a week away from the Regional Concert Band Festival. At the time of this post, we still have 45 open volunteer positions during the event that need to be filled. We are also in need of donations for both our bake sale and hospitality. If you have not already done so, we would be grateful if you would consider signing up to help. To join in on the fun, please click on the following link. https://www.masonbands.com/parents/#gsc.tab=0. Please see the band notes for more details about the festival and for the day's schedule. Thanks again!

MMS Band Booster Liaison Needed!
Our wonderful Mason Band Boosters are looking for a volunteer(s) that would be interested in serving as the MMS Bands Liaison to the Mason Band Boosters for the 2024-2025 school year. This person would attend the monthly Mason Band Booster meeting and provide a contact person for MMS Bands needs(uniforms, logistics, recruitment/retention, social events, etc.). This is a low-commitment position that we know many of our MMS Band parents would be perfectly suited to support the MMS Bands in this role. Please contact Mr. Aaron Rex, rexa@masonohioschool.com, if interested!

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!

We had a great week with the 7th Grade Percussion! We have put together our first concert piece for May and will be starting our second piece this week. Just a reminder, as students complete their schedule selections for 8th grade this week it is important that students consider several factors to keep band in their schedule next year. All the electives offered in 8th Grade are also offered at MHS. Taking a year off from band would be detrimental to student progress. Please see the presentation from class HERE and let us know if you have any questions!

SCHEDULE

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.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: CINCINNATI REGIONAL CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL

Looking for something to do this weekend to earn extra credit? Mason will be hosting the Music For All Cincinnati Regional Concert Band Festival on Saturday, March 1st at Mason High School. Two of our 8th grade bands will be performing, 4 of high school bands, and also McCracken Middle School from Chicago and the University of Kentucky Wind Symphony. Students who attend one of the performances below and email a director their favorite part of the performance will receive 25 extra credit points. Ticket information is available HERE. Groups student can watch for extra credit:

Mason HS Concert Winds - 7:45am - MHS Auditorium

Mason MS 8th Grade Concert Band - 8:00am - MHS Small Commons

McCracken Middle School Symphonic Band - 11:15am - MHS Auditorium

Springboro Wind Symphony - 12:00pm - MHS Auditorium

Mason HS Concert White - 12:00pm - MHS Small Commons

Mason MS Symphonic Winds - 1:00pm - MHS Auditorium

Mason HS Symphonic Band - 2:10pm - MHS Auditorium

Fairfield Crossroads Select Band - 3:00pm - MHS Small Commons

University of Kentucky Wind Symphony - 4:40pm - MHS Auditorium

Mason HS Wind Symphony - 9:10pm - MHS Auditorium

EIGHTH GRADE BAND INFORMATION

Last week students learned about 8th Grade Band opportunities. We are very excited to see that most of our 7th Grade Band students plan to continue next year! As students learn about scheduling options next year, it’s important that students consider several factors to keep band in their schedule next year. HERE is the presentation from class.

8th Grade Band is different from 6th and 7th grade band, because it is the first time students have the opportunity to be in a full band class with all the instruments. The course also meets every day. Students have full band classes every day from 8th-12th grade, so this class is truly like an introduction to high school band. Because of this, students do receive High School Credit for 8th grade band, among many other courses that are available to them. Students receive fine arts credit, which is required to graduate. 8th Grade Band is a great way to begin to work towards this requirement for HS graduation!

We always encourage students to enroll in 8th grade band, to benefit from all their hard work in 6th and 7th grade woodwind, brass and percussion classes. The Full Band experience in 8th grade is truly the “payoff” year for all their hard work these past two years! Because of this, we find that our students really enjoy 8th grade band. Please see the slideshow above to see some current 8th grade band student interview answers about why they are glad they signed up for 8th grade band!

Please feel free to email a band director, or ask your child to talk to us before or after class if you need assistance deciding which classes work well to schedule with 8th grade band, or if you are having difficulty finding room in your child’s schedule for 8th grade band. We have helped many students come up with a plan that allows them to take 8th grade band, and still take all the classes that they want to take in 8th grade and high school.

JAZZ BAND INFO

This week will be a FULL BAND Jazz Band rehearsal on Tuesday, February 27th from 2:45pm-3:45pm.

Jazz Band Information

CLICK HERE: 7th Grade Jazz Band Information

CLICK HERE: 7th Grade Jazz Band Schedule

If you are involved in another club or sport and have schedule conflicts please email a band director in advance so we can plan accordingly.

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. Students wishing to be selected for Symphonic Winds next year should start lessons this semester if they have not already.

MASON BAND BOOSTER UPDATES

HELP NEEDED FOR CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL 

We are beyond appreciative of our many volunteers. Thank you! You are the backbone of providing our students with amazing opportunities. We are less than a week away from the Regional Concert Band Festival. At the time of this post, we still have 45 open volunteer positions during the event that need to be filled. We are also in need of donations for both our bake sale and hospitality. If you have not already done so, we would be grateful if you would consider signing up to help. To join in on the fun, please click on the following link. https://www.masonbands.com/parents/#gsc.tab=0. Please see the band notes for more details about the festival and for the day's schedule. Thanks again!

MMS Band Booster Liaison Needed!
Our wonderful Mason Band Boosters are looking for a volunteer(s) that would be interested in serving as the MMS Bands Liaison to the Mason Band Boosters for the 2024-2025 school year. This person would attend the monthly Mason Band Booster meeting and provide a contact person for MMS Bands needs(uniforms, logistics, recruitment/retention, social events, etc.). This is a low-commitment position that we know many of our MMS Band parents would be perfectly suited to support the MMS Bands in this role. Please contact Mr. Aaron Rex, rexa@masonohioschool.com, if interested!

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!

We again have two VERY IMPORTANT pieces of information in this week’s update: The Cincinnati Regional Concert Band Festival itinerary for THIS SATURDAY March 2nd and the 2024 Marching Band Commitment Form. We will continue to go over both items in class this week, so please read through these carefully and let us know if you have any questions. Let’s have a great week!

SCHEDULE

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.

THANK YOU, MR. GRIFA!
We were very fortunate to receive a grant to bring in Mr. Grifa from Clay Middle School in Carmel, Ohio to work with our MMS Bands on Friday. Mr. Grifa’s bands at Clay Middle School are known to be some of the best in Indiana and have performed at the Midwest International Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. We had a great experience implementing his feedback as we prepare for our performance Saturday!

DUE TODAY: 2024 MARCHING BAND COMMITMENT & FINANCIAL AGREEMENT

It’s hard to believe that little over a month and a half ago, the William Mason High School Marching Band marched 5.5 miles down Colorado Blvd in the Rose Parade in front of hundreds of thousands of people live and millions more on TV. Not only was that experience amazing to perform, but the trip itself was a highlight for many of our band students. These social experiences coupled with the high standards of a nationally competitive group make the Marching Band a unique and special activity at Mason High School.

Now is the time we start building the 2024 version of the William Mason High School Marching Band, and the future is exciting! Sign ups are beginning now, and below is the first form to complete!

2024 MARCHING BAND COMMITMENT & FINANCIAL AGREEMENT

Due: February 25.

See Mr. Sleppy’s email message for more information on 2024 Season and see the info beflor from the Prospective New Member Meeting. Let us know if you have any questions!

• NEW MEMBER MEETING SLIDES 2024
• NEW MEMBER MEETING HANDOUT 2024

SUMMER MARCHING BAND TENTATIVE DATES

Are you planning a summer vacation over winter break with your family? The tentative summer dates are already published on the calendar here on the Mason Bands calendar: CLICK HERE

For students considering marching band, avoid vacations on the following dates:

Mini Camp

June 3-7

Band Camp

July 22-26

July 29-August 2

After August 2nd, the marching band starts the regular season rehearsal schedule to be released next semester.

CINCINNATI REGIONAL CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL 

SATURDAY, MARCH 2nd PERFORMANCE - 8:00am

The MMS Bell 1 Concert Band will be performing Saturday, March 2nd at the Music for All: Cincinnati Regional Concert Band Festival, hosted at Mason High School.

CLICK HERE FOR BELL 1 BAND CRCBF ITINERARY

This event will involve a performance, and then a very unique clinic with nationally-known music educators from around the country. Following our performance, students will participate in a clinic with a nationally-recognized clinician sponsored by Music for All.  Music for All also requires us to view two concerts as a group, and there are performances all day on two stages with some of the very best high school and middle school bands from several states in our region.The performance is open to the public for a small admission fee (see itinerary above) that admits parents and guests for all performances on both stages. This is our second graded performance of the year, with our final performance of the year coming up soon in May!

Admission for families/audience is $12 for an all day pass that permits you to all performances, children under 10 are admitted for free. The full schedule will be available soon!

JAZZ BAND INFO

This week will be a full band week for 8th Grade Jazz Band on Monday, February 26th from 2:45pm-3:45pm.

Jazz Band Information

CLICK HERE: 8th Grade Jazz Band Information

CLICK HERE: 8th Grade Jazz Band Schedule

If you are involved in another club or sport and have schedule conflicts please email a band director in advance so we can plan accordingly.

MMS WINTER DRUMLINE UPDATES

The MMS Winter Drumline had an awesome first rehearsal! The next rehearsal is MONDAY, February 26th from 6:00pm-7:30pm. The complete schedule is below. You can find more information below, including the schedule, cost and sign-up procedure:

MMS Drumline Info

MMS Drumline Schedule

Participation is highly encouraged. MMS Drumline members have a history of going on to be highly successful throughout the rest of their band careers both in advanced 8th grade ensembles and in high school.

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.

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:

• EARasers - $39.99
• Etymotic Research - $13.98

MASON BAND BOOSTER UPDATES

HELP NEEDED FOR CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL 

We are beyond appreciative of our many volunteers. Thank you! You are the backbone of providing our students with amazing opportunities. We are less than a week away from the Regional Concert Band Festival. At the time of this post, we still have 45 open volunteer positions during the event that need to be filled. We are also in need of donations for both our bake sale and hospitality. If you have not already done so, we would be grateful if you would consider signing up to help. To join in on the fun, please click on the following link. https://www.masonbands.com/parents/#gsc.tab=0. Please see the band notes for more details about the festival and for the day's schedule. Thanks again!

BAND BOOSTER OFFICER & COMMITTEE CHAIR VACANCIES
Would you like to help the band program in a very meaningful and important way? The band would not be able to provide all of the wonderful opportunities and experiences to our students without the funding to support them. We are looking for a self motivated leader to be our next VP of Fundraising.  Please contact Rebecca Synan, our current VP of Fundraising, if you would like more specific information on this particular role and what all it entails at fundraising@masonbandboosters.com.

In order to run an organization as large as the Mason Band program, we need many individuals willing to donate their time and talents. We are continually grateful for those who step up and do their small part to make our band program one of the best in the country. As seniors graduate, roles that were once filled by their parents become available. For this upcoming school year, our booster organization is seeking committee chairs for the areas found below. Please Note: These roles are not board positions and therefore will not be part of our election process in April. More information on each position can be found HERE. Please contact Kim Bishop at  secretary@masonbandboosters.com if you are interested or have any questions.

• Sponsorship
• Dine and Donate
• Flower Sale
• Spirit Committee Shadow/Co-Chair
• Alumni
• Seniors
• New Members
• Marching Band Awards Night
• Concert Band Music Festival
• Competitions Shadow/Co-Chair

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 again have two VERY IMPORTANT pieces of information in this week’s update: The Cincinnati Regional Concert Band Festival itinerary for THIS SATURDAY March 2nd and the 2024 Marching Band Commitment Form. We will continue to go over both items in class this week, so please read through these carefully and let us know if you have any questions. Let’s have a great week!

SCHEDULE

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.

THANK YOU, MR. GRIFA!
We were very fortunate to receive a grant to bring in Mr. Grifa from Clay Middle School in Carmel, Ohio to work with our MMS Bands on Friday. Mr. Grifa’s bands at Clay Middle School are known to be some of the best in Indiana and have performed at the Midwest International Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. We had a great experience implementing his feedback as we prepare for our performance Saturday!

DUE TODAY: 2024 MARCHING BAND COMMITMENT & FINANCIAL AGREEMENT

It’s hard to believe that little over a month and a half ago, the William Mason High School Marching Band marched 5.5 miles down Colorado Blvd in the Rose Parade in front of hundreds of thousands of people live and millions more on TV. Not only was that experience amazing to perform, but the trip itself was a highlight for many of our band students. These social experiences coupled with the high standards of a nationally competitive group make the Marching Band a unique and special activity at Mason High School.

Now is the time we start building the 2024 version of the William Mason High School Marching Band, and the future is exciting! Sign ups are beginning now, and below is the first form to complete!

2024 MARCHING BAND COMMITMENT & FINANCIAL AGREEMENT

Due: February 25.

See Mr. Sleppy’s email message for more information on 2024 Season and see the info beflor from the Prospective New Member Meeting. Let us know if you have any questions!

• NEW MEMBER MEETING SLIDES 2024
• NEW MEMBER MEETING HANDOUT 2024

SUMMER MARCHING BAND TENTATIVE DATES

Are you planning a summer vacation over winter break with your family? The tentative summer dates are already published on the calendar here on the Mason Bands calendar: CLICK HERE

For students considering marching band, avoid vacations on the following dates:

Mini Camp

June 3-7

Band Camp

July 22-26

July 29-August 2

After August 2nd, the marching band starts the regular season rehearsal schedule to be released next semester.

CINCINNATI REGIONAL CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL 

SATURDAY, MARCH 2nd PERFORMANCE - 1:00pm

The MMS Symphonic Winds will be performing Saturday, March 2nd at the Music for All: Cincinnati Regional Concert Band Festival, hosted at Mason High School.

CLICK HERE FOR SYMPHONIC WINDS CRCBF ITINERARY

This event will involve a performance, and then a very unique clinic with nationally-known music educators from around the country. Following our performance, students will participate in a clinic with a nationally-recognized clinician sponsored by Music for All.  Music for All also requires us to view two concerts as a group, and there are performances all day on two stages with some of the very best high school and middle school bands from several states in our region.The performance is open to the public for a small admission fee (see itinerary above) that admits parents and guests for all performances on both stages. This is our second graded performance of the year, with our final performance of the year coming up soon in May!

Admission for families/audience is $12 for an all day pass that permits you to all performances, children under 10 are admitted for free. The full schedule will be available soon!

JAZZ BAND INFO

This week will be a full band week for 8th Grade Jazz Band on Monday, February 26th from 2:45pm-3:45pm.

Jazz Band Information

CLICK HERE: 8th Grade Jazz Band Information

CLICK HERE: 8th Grade Jazz Band Schedule

If you are involved in another club or sport and have schedule conflicts please email a band director in advance so we can plan accordingly.

MMS WINTER DRUMLINE UPDATES

The MMS Winter Drumline had an awesome first rehearsal! The next rehearsal is MONDAY, February 26th from 6:00pm-7:30pm. The complete schedule is below. You can find more information below, including the schedule, cost and sign-up procedure:

MMS Drumline Info

MMS Drumline Schedule

Participation is highly encouraged. MMS Drumline members have a history of going on to be highly successful throughout the rest of their band careers both in advanced 8th grade ensembles and in high school.

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.

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:

• EARasers - $39.99
• Etymotic Research - $13.98

MASON BAND BOOSTER UPDATES

HELP NEEDED FOR CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL 

We are beyond appreciative of our many volunteers. Thank you! You are the backbone of providing our students with amazing opportunities. We are less than a week away from the Regional Concert Band Festival. At the time of this post, we still have 45 open volunteer positions during the event that need to be filled. We are also in need of donations for both our bake sale and hospitality. If you have not already done so, we would be grateful if you would consider signing up to help. To join in on the fun, please click on the following link. https://www.masonbands.com/parents/#gsc.tab=0. Please see the band notes for more details about the festival and for the day's schedule. Thanks again!

BAND BOOSTER OFFICER & COMMITTEE CHAIR VACANCIES
Would you like to help the band program in a very meaningful and important way? The band would not be able to provide all of the wonderful opportunities and experiences to our students without the funding to support them. We are looking for a self motivated leader to be our next VP of Fundraising.  Please contact Rebecca Synan, our current VP of Fundraising, if you would like more specific information on this particular role and what all it entails at fundraising@masonbandboosters.com.

In order to run an organization as large as the Mason Band program, we need many individuals willing to donate their time and talents. We are continually grateful for those who step up and do their small part to make our band program one of the best in the country. As seniors graduate, roles that were once filled by their parents become available. For this upcoming school year, our booster organization is seeking committee chairs for the areas found below. Please Note: These roles are not board positions and therefore will not be part of our election process in April. More information on each position can be found HERE. Please contact Kim Bishop at  secretary@masonbandboosters.com if you are interested or have any questions.

• Sponsorship
• Dine and Donate
• Flower Sale
• Spirit Committee Shadow/Co-Chair
• Alumni
• Seniors
• New Members
• Marching Band Awards Night
• Concert Band Music Festival
• Competitions Shadow/Co-Chair

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