November News and Reminders

As we head into the second quarter, there is much going on in the Band Room at Holy Spirit.

Our Christmas Concert is just five short weeks away, so please help your student to be diligent with his or her practicing. Individual practice is so important to building upon the work that we do during band rehearsals. The Christmas Concert will be held on December 16th at 6:00pm. As always, the dress rehearsal will be open to the public and will take place at 1:30 on the day of the concert.

Last year, the Varsity Band began a new tradition of giving back to our community through music by Ringing Bells for the Salvation Army. We are planning to do this wonderful activity again this year and will be in need of some parent volunteers to drive the students in groups of five or six to the various sites. We have set a tentative date of December 21st for this activity and times will be announced when the details are finalized. Please contact Mrs. Barnhill if you are interested in volunteering your time to help us to serve our community.

At the beginning of the school year, Varsity Band members received a Band Handbook. Have they taken the time to share this valuable resource with you? This packet contains a great deal of information and everything that middle school students need to know to succeed and earn a great grade in band.

The Spirit Band recently performed for their second and third grade buddies and did a fabulous job. It is always great to share our music with the future musicians of Holy Spirit School.

Does your child have trouble remembering his or her band lesson? Here are a few ways to help them to remember their weekly commitment:

• Write a note in their Assignment Notebook.
• Tape a brightly colored note to their classroom desk with their lesson day and time.
• Give them a friendly reminder before they leave for school.
• Put a note in their lunch if their lesson is in the afternoon.

Make up lessons can be very difficult to schedule. Although I will always try my best to fit in as many make ups as I can, it is always best when we can have lessons at their scheduled time.

Thank you so much for all that you do to support band at Holy Spirit School!