Can you believe it's October this week? With six weeks down, each ensemble has made great progress and most students should have several pieces of music in their folder that they are practicing. While I don't require a practice card, I do expect that students will practice a minimum of 30 minutes five times a week. Students who need extra help can come in before or after school and I will be happy to help them with whatever they need. Parents, you can be a great help by making sure your student is practicing outside of class time.
Just a reminder that the tour details are online as well as the tour contract. It is due when we return from furlough, but it would help out greatly if you could turn it in this week. Get the info here.
In the ongoing saga of performing attire, boys who were measured in the first round (most of Wind Ensemble and Concert Band) will receive their tuxedos at the end of this week! Orchestra and those who were measured later will receive theirs after the furlough. Again, families will pay Selix Formalwear directly $120 for a tux or $125 with shoes. Students who requested only specific pieces will pay for those as agreed. Girls will be measured for their dresses this week. The dress will be $59 plus taxes or shipping, as necessary. We will pay for the dresses in one invoice and students will pay the Music/ Drama Boosters upon delivery.
We will have our next Music/ Drama Boosters meeting on Thursday, October 14. Our general meeting will take place at 6:00 in the faculty dining room (to the left of the PAC). This will be followed by a PTSA meeting at 7. As soon as that is over, we will have our first Big Band Dance planning meeting of the year. Many of you indicated that you want to help and be involved- this is the way to do it! It seems like a long night, but we'll have a good time together and it's better than multiple nights out. Many hands make light work. I look forward to seeing you there!
On Wednesday, November 10 at 7:00, the Pioneer Performing Arts
department will present our annual Veterans' Day tribute. This year we
will feature Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Choirs and selected
readings performed by drama students. Be sure to invite friends and
family members who have served or currently serve.
I will be assigning ensemble seating this week. While I do not do challenges for seating, I do change seating at times and for various pieces. The most important thing that I consider as I place students is their ability and the balance of the section. There will be playing tests throughout the semester and some of those may result in seating changes, but others may not. All students must remember that none of us is better than any part of piece of music which I we will play. We are all in music first and foremost to make great music.
Next week is furlough week. More info is here from SJUSD Superintendent Dr. Matthews.
On a personal note, my wife and I are expecting our second child on
October 3. As you know, he could come later tonight, or in three
weeks. In the event I miss class, students will still be expected to
work on their music. I will try to post something to let everyone know,
but that may not be among the first things I think of as we head to the
hospital. I thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
