• SmartMusic will be used again this year. We have gone to the computer lab to enroll. If you did not get to enroll, you can get on any computer and go to www.smartmusic.com/enroll to enroll. If this is your first time on the program, please use your NCWise number as your password. Write your information down so you don't forget it!
  You will be able to get SmartMusic at home for the reduced rate of $30 per year. Parents, click here to access the website and follow the instructions to get the program. It is an amazing program that makes practicing fun and it is HIGHLY recommended!
• Websites to check out: Try out www.musictheory.net, www.musicracer.com, and music flashcards to test your theory skills.
• Finale Notepad: This is a FREE composition software that you can download. Click here to download it.

• This week in band: we will continue warming up with our 5-note warm-up, the Wizard of Oz, Louie Louie, descending quarter notes, and Hot Cross Buns. In our books, we will continue on pages 5 and 6. We have tested on Hot Cross Buns. Don't like your grade? Come in at lunch and try again. I will take your highest grade.
• Every student must have an instrument in class. You will easily fall behind if you are unprepared for class.
• We have learned 5 notes! We are singing and playing "sol", "fa", "mi", "re", and "do".
• Try making up your own 3 note song.
• You have been given a 5-note fingering chart, plus a warm-up sheet. Bring these to every class along with your Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for your instrument.
• We have a performance coming up on October 23. We need to get moving in the book!
• You will need to take your instrument home and practice at least 15-20 minutes every night. The amount of time will increase as you build endurance. Practicing is homework!

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7th Grade

• You need to have Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 for your instrument.
• You will receive a pep band sheet this week. We may play at the last football game on Oct. 15.
• On days that you don't have band, I may ask you to come in at lunch time. This way, we'll have band every day, which is critical to maintaining a high level of musicianship.
• Practice EVERY DAY. There is no other way for you to improve as a musician.
• We are getting on SmartMusic at school to play assignments. SmartMusic assignments can be played on the computer OR in class on designated days. Your highest score will be accepted.
• You should be working on your scales: Woodwinds work on F concert, B-flat concert, and E-flat concert. Brass and percussion work on C concert, F concert, and B-flat concert. Everyone should work on their chromatic scale.

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8th Grade

• You sound great! You have been given The Star Spangled Banner. We will perform this with the Laney Marching Band on Friday, Nov. 7.
• You will receive a pep band sheet this week. We may play at the last football game on Oct. 15.
• On days that you don't have band, I may ask you to come in at lunch time. This way, we'll have band every day, which is critical to maintaining a high level of musicianship.
• We will use the Foundations for Superior Performance binders like we did last year. We will get into the book more.
• We are getting on SmartMusic at school to play assignments. SmartMusic assignments can be played on the computer OR in class on designated days. Your highest score will be accepted.
• You should be working on scales. We have tested on B-flat concert, and will test on E-flat concert and A-flat concert soon. Begin looking at F concert plus your chromatic scale.

Percussionists

Check out the link below to assist you with your rudiments and technique!

• Vic Firth's Student Center
  Choose which set of audio or video lessons you want to try! You will need to download Quicktime first, otherwise the videos won't work. Click here or at the bottom of each link from the Vic Firth page.

Sixth graders that are interested in playing percussion will need to:

• Make a true effort to learn his/her initial instrument
• Exhibit appropriate behavior in and out of class
• Come to the practice sessions and audition after the first semester

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Tri-M Music Honor Society

• Tri-M Music Honor Society will meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month after school 3:45-4:30. Officers will meet on the third Wednesday of the month. Our next meeting is Oct. 22.
• We will continue volunteering at the Salvation Army's soup kitchen. Sign up to volunteer on Saturday or Sunday, Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 18-19.
• We will sell goodies after school and at home football and softball games. Please sign up to help!
• New members will be invited to join after the first marking period.

Jazz Band

• Jazz Band will begin rehearsing on Monday, September 29.
• Rehearsals will be every Monday and Thursday, 3:40-4:25 in the band room.

Parent Volunteers

• Parents that are interested in volunteering for the band program should e-mail Mrs. Knauf.
• Volunteer opportunities range from helping out in the classroom on a weekly basis by filing and organizing, to working on the band scrapbook, to helping out as needed by chaperoning trips or supervising students at concerts.
• If you are able to come in once every week or so, I need help with the following projects:

1. organizing worksheets and memos into file folders in filing cabinets in the band office
2. sorting sheet music that will be passed out to 7th and 8th grade band students in October

• If you would like to help on an "as-needed" basis, the following activities are coming up:

1. 6th grade Informance October 23: help set up cafeteria for the potluck gathering
2. 6th grade Informance: help pass out polo shirts for the band uniform
3. Marching Band Showcase October 21: be on call in the event a student needs help with transportation
4. Laney Band Night November 7: chaperone and help supervise students
5. High School Musical 3 field trip November 7: chaperone and help supervise students ($6.50 for admission)

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