1/26/23 - Solo & Ensemble Reminders

1. Schedule for Saturday

Click above for the schedule! Try to arrive at school at least 30-40 minutes before your performance (or come for the whole day and watch your friends!).

2. Backing Track Recordings

Click above for the backing tracks. Remember: if you are playing with a recording, you need to bring a device with a headphone jack to play it. Your school chromebook is ideal. If you use a phone, make sure it has a standard 1/8" headphone port or adapter.

3. Dress Code

Plan to dress up a little for your performance. Do not wear anything that makes you uncomfortable (neckties, high heels, etc) unless you have practiced playing in it.

4. Warm Ups

The band room will be open all day on Saturday to warm up. Do not overpractice the day of the performance; this will just tire out your embouchure. Do a short warm-up (things like long tones, lip slurs, scales), check any tricky spots in your music, and then go for it!

5. Volunteers

We still could use additional help with door monitors and set up/ tear down for solo and ensemble this Saturday. Attached HERE is a list of current volunteer assignments (adults and students). If you would like to volunteer or volunteer your child please email dbrown1@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

1/13/23 - Band Updates

1. Jazz Concert Tonight

Bring your friends! Tonight MHS hosts Puerto Rican conguero Freddie Santiago for the annual January Jazz Cabaret. Concert starts at 7:30. Free and unticketed.

Warm-Up Times

Seven O'Clock Jazz: report @ 6:00 pm

Jazz Orchestra: report @ 6:30 pm

Cardinal Big Band: report @ 6:45 pm

Jazz Lab: report @ 7:00 pm

2. WSMA Solo & Ensemble 2/11 Reminders

- Email Mr. V right away with the name of your accompanist. If you're still looking, we heard from Mr. Wade Troyer ( wadematthewtroyer@gmail.com ) this morning that he still has availability and would love to take on a few more students.

- First draft schedule should be out the week of the 23rd.

3. MHS Bands Local Solo & Ensemble 1/28 Reminders

- Parents/Guardians: sign up to volunteer

- Current performance schedule

- Accompanist rehearsal schedule

- Backing tracks

4. WSMA State Honors Auditions

If you signed up a few months ago to audition for the WSMA state honors ensembles, the schedule has been posted. All information is here on the WSMA website.

5. Semester Wrap-Ups

- Check Google Classroom for the assignment and due date for your class. If you have not turned it in by wrap-up day, you will play it for a teacher during class.

- Bring your instrument on our wrap-up day.

1/2/23 Last Reminder for Galin Event

Hello everyone and welcome back from break!

This is a last reminder about our upcoming event with the president of Galin Education, Zach Galin talking about how band, orchestra, and choir can be used in the college admissions process. The event is designed for non-music and music majors alike and students and parents/families are encouraged to take advantage. Our goal is to help students and families better understand how they can optimize and use music as a tool to help with modern college admissions and make sure all students understand the process. Please rsvp to this free event by clicking on this link.

Thanks and welcome back!