We will perform at 3 concerts this year along with other various events. We will have our Winter Concert on Friday, Dec. 9, 2011. All students will be invited & encouraged to perform at the ISSMA Solo/Ensemble Contest on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012 at a local high school (TBA). Students who also play piano can register for the ISSMA Piano/Vocal Solo Contest, which is the previous week – Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012.
As spring rolls around, we will have our Festival Prelude at GMS on Thursday, March 15, 2012. We will then travel to a nearby school for the ISSMA Contest on either Friday evening or Saturday, March 16/17, 2012. All 7th & 8th grade students are required to attend this group event and participation counts as part of their grade.
The school year ends with our Spring Concert on Friday, May 4, 2012. 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 varies (generally $15-$17). 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.
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