We will perform at 3 concerts this year along with other various events. We will have our Winter Concert on Friday, December 10. All students will be invited & encouraged to perform at the ISSMA Solo/Ensemble Contest on Saturday, Jan. 29 at a local high school (TBA). Students who also play piano can register for the ISSMA Vocal/Piano Solo Contest the following week – Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011.
As spring rolls around, we will have our Festival Prelude at GMS on Thursday, March 17. We will then travel to a nearby school for the ISSMA Contest on Friday evening, March 18. Unfortunately, our Spring Break begins the next day, so please keep this in mind when planning your Spring Break vacation. Their participation at this event is required and counts as part of their grade.
The school year ends with our Spring Concert on Friday, May 6. Band students will also perform at our in-school assemblies throughout the year. Students interested in participation in the Jazz Band will have tryouts in September.
Grimmer Band Spritwear will again be available this year. If your child’s shirt is too small, has gotten lost or they would like a different color, they can order a new black or gray shirt by using the order form on our website. These forms will also be available to for students to pick up in the band room. Both color shirts are acceptable attire for our in-school assemblies.
If your child is currently taking private lessons, I encourage you to allow them to continue. If your child is not taking lessons, I strongly recommend that you look into some private lessons. We have a wonderful group of instructors available. Lessons are 30 minutes long and the cost is $15.00. This small financial investment is well worth the one on one tutoring and advancement that your child will receive due to these lessons. Contact the music office for our instructors’ names/phone numbers.
Since this is your last year in the Grimmer M.S. Band program, I will be challenging you with more difficult pieces, as our goal will be to prepare you to continue your musical education at the high school level.
Once again, I look forward to working with you this year. Parents, I encourage you to be diligent in continually checking your child’s progress on RDS. Please contact me at any time with questions and/or concerns.
David W. Gore
Director of Bands
Grimmer Middle School