| The year has gotten off to a good start. After just a few glitches,
the schedule is set and everything is running smoothly. We are pleased to
see the band program growing. With the addition of Mr. Hammerton and Mr.
LaPete as part-time music staff we were able to schedule all lessons during
directed study and unified arts blocks. At this time there are 174
members! Please read the information below carefully and make note of
anything that pertains
to you.
Band Uniforms and Jackets – Uniform shirts will be distributed shortly to
Intermediate and Advanced Band students. Beginner Band students will
receive their shirts in the spring. Band jackets are available for
purchase. The jacket is a lined black windbreaker with “Whitin Middle
School Band” embroidered on the front left. Students name/instrument can
also be embroidered on the sleeve. It is not necessary to purchase a
jacket. Jackets will be issued to students marching in the Veteran’s Day
Parade (Intermediate and Advanced Band) during the week of November 3rd and
collected again following the parade. Students who purchase their own
jackets will wear those and will not be issued an additional one.
Veteran’s Day Parade – The Intermediate and Advanced Bands will be marching
in the Veteran’s Day Parade on Sunday, November 9th. We will assemble at
the North Uxbridge Baptist Church on the corner of East Hartford Ave. and
North Main Street at 1:30 PM. We will “step-off” at 2:00 PM. The parade
will end with a ceremony at the Uxbridge Town Common. Uniform for the
parade is black pants, uniform shirt and band jacket. If it is cold,
students can bundle up under the jacket to keep themselves warm. One extra
marching rehearsal for the parade will be held on Thursday, November 6th
from 2:15 – 3:15 PM. If your child cannot attend the parade for any reason,
please let me know as soon as possible.
Beginner Band Rehearsals – Full band rehearsals for the beginners will begin
on Thursday, October 23rd during period 8. This is a directed study period
for grade 5 students and a unified arts period or directed study for most
grade 6 students. In the event that there is a conflict with Phys. Ed. a
schedule adjustment will be made. Again, students are responsible for class
work that is missed and should check in with the teacher on their way to
rehearsal. The teachers are very accommodating and I don’t anticipate any
problems.
Bake Sale/Quilt Raffle – We will begin our fundraising efforts this year
with a Bake Sale on Monday, November 24th during parent-teacher
conferences. This has been a very successful fundraiser in the past and we
look forward to another great year. Mrs. Gabrielle Caron, Andre’s mom, has
offered (for the fourth year in a row!) to sew a quilt for the band to
raffle off at the Winter Concert! Raffle tickets will go home with the
students at the beginning of December and will also be available for
purchase at the concert. The quilt will be displayed in the Whitin School
office as soon as it is completed. Thank you, Mrs. Caron!
Winter Concert – The Winter Concert will be held on Wednesday, December 17th
at 7:00 PM in the Uxbridge High School Auditorium. Performing ensembles
will include Beginner Band, Intermediate Band, Advanced Band and the Whitin
School Chorus. The Jazz Band will be performing a separate concert later in
the year. Concert dress for Intermediate and Advanced Band members is black
slacks or skirt and uniform shirt. Beginner band students should wear black
pants or skirt and a white shirt or blouse.
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