Happy New Year!

This week back to school and back to band went pretty well! I was extremely proud of my SGSers! There were only a couple of people who forgot to bring their instruments on Tuesday and NOT ONCE did I hear, "I thought it was Monday, or Tuesday (at RGS)" There were quite a few RGSers who forgot instruments (I won't name any names!)

During lessons this week, we talked about the game plan for the rest of the year and how we have 3 concerts left. A lot of the students were surprised that we have that many concerts left this year! The next concert is in March (date TBA) and will be during the school day at each school. This concert's purpose is to show the 4th graders what the instruments sound like by themselves and to give us a chance to perform one or two of the full band pieces we will have been working on since January. Then in May, there is Fine Arts night which is totally optional for band members. Those who would like to can perform solos, duets, or in other small ensembles. Then, on Thursday, May 19 we will have our BIG concert at NMS where I combine both of the elementary schools and we perform a concert alongside the 6th grade band. It is a big deal and a lot of fun! Make sure to mark your calendars if you already haven't.

There was kind of devastating blow of quite a few students quitting band this week at RGS. A lot of the band members questioned me about it. I asked them who was involved in a sport (quite a few raised their hands) and if they would even consider telling their coaches that they wanted to quit mid-season. They all seemed to "get it" after that comparison. I know we're back to our routine and some people have a harder time than others getting back into the swing of things. Please encourage your child to stick with band! We've already come so far in just a few months. This is honestly one of the most talented groups of kids I've taught in a while. I told the students that I haven't been able to put two full-length band pieces on the Winter concert in probably 5 years! And that was back when I was full-time and the band members had TWO full bands and lessons each week as opposed to one of each! I'm so proud of these kids and I can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds!

Have a great weekend and remind your children to practice because almost everyone has a playing test next week!