The power of music.

Saw this video and thought I would share it with you. It goes to show that everyone has a talent.

What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for students always do their best in all they do.
I am thankful for my family - including my furry children.
I am thankful for the men and women who fight and have fought for our freedom.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Don't forget to practice :-)

After Concert Thoughts

Everyone - band, orchestra and chorus - sounded great last night!

There were some really nice things going on musically and some things that we will need to work on as we prepare for our next performances.

Behavior was a disappointment. (We will be discussing proper audience behavior in our upcoming classes.)

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy the time with your families.

Congratulations!

A huge CONGRATULATIONS goes out to the cast and crew of "Willy Wonka"! You guys were fantastic last night! Keep up the good work! I'll see you tonight as well.

Thank you to all of the servers at the dinner theater for not spilling food and finding that iced tea. :-)

6th Grade Songs

Hey 6th Graders! I found a place for you to listen to your songs for free! (You can buy them if your really want to, but why would you when you can listen for FREE!!!)
Stompin' on the Housetop can be found here:
http://www.alfred-music.com/product_info.php?products_id=5509
Click on "Listen with Flash" to hear it.
Starlight can be found here:
http://www.alfred-music.com/product_info.php?products_id=2494&osCsid=8654cd840cf6bac8df38b37351fbb432
Same as "Stompin'"...just click on "Listen with Flash" to hear the song.
"Holiday Sampler" can be found on the CD that came with your book. If you didn't get a CD, let Ms. C-ham know and something can be arranged.
Have a listen and keep up the good work!

Use those Paw Bucks!

Enter your paw bucks for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind tote bag, a huge bag of Wonka candies and a copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The drawings will take place at the performances of Willy Wonka on Thursday and Friday, but you don't need to be present to win. See Ms. C-ham if you have any questions.

Updates, reminders, etc...

1. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is a B day.
2. The 6th grade band with 8th grade helpers will rehearse during AM Advisory on Wednesday, November 12th
3. The 7th and 8th grade band will rehearse during AM Advisory on Friday, November 14th.
4. If you are interested in auditioning for the Tri-County Honor Band, I have to have that information ASAP. I will be sending the names of nominees on Thursday.
5. The shirts are done and will be distributed on Wednesday.
6. Keep practicing!

Three Short Weeks!!!!

As I was replying to a parent's comment I realized:
Our concert is in three short weeks! As stated in the information that went home at the beginning of the year, the concert is a required performance. Will YOU be ready? Are you practicing??? I know a lot of you are.
Listen in class for the rehearsal schedule. We will be meeting during AM advisory. After school time can be used for private or small group instruction. Sign up on the calendar in the front of the classroom.

PS - the shirts should be here soon. Yay!

Come Prepared for Class

I couldn't believe the number of students who were not prepared for class today! It was stated in the information that went home at the beginning of the year and I repeat it in class all the time:
Students are expected to come to class prepared. Being prepared means having your instrument, band music, method book, pencil and any other supplies that you need in order to play - reeds, drumsticks, oil, etc. Being prepared also means that you practice your music and your method book.

Sadly, I will have to do as other teachers do and start handing out MIR to those students who repeatedly come to class unprepared.
Remember, we are a team and everyone needs to do their part...this includes being prepared for class!

Be Nice to the Instruments Part 2

Oh my goodness gracious! Being nice to your instruments includes cleaning them every month or two! I saw something in a trumpet today that could probably be considered a biohazard - YUCK!

Brass players - You can take out your slides and valves and put your instruments in a tub of lukewarm water. (Hot water will strip the lacquer off of your isntrument. I like to give my trombone a bath in dishwashing liquid because it will take out the grease and oil. After bathing the instrument, you should lubricate the tuning slides with petroleum jelly (vaseline) and then oil your valves or trombone slides.

Woodwinds - DO NOT BOIL YOUR INSTRUMENTS! This is good advice for any instrument but you should not put your instrument in water. You can clean off mouthpieces with a cloth or toothbrush and some mouthwash. Do use your cleaning cloths to remove moisture after practicing. The only way to really disinfect is to take it to a repair shop and get it chemically cleaned.

Percussion - There is really nothing that you need to do but you should dust off your instruments and practice!

Will I get a good review from Mr. Garner?

Hope everything went well in class today. I missed you guys! 3rd period, I won't see you until next week :-( so be sure to start practicing page 10.

Hope that everyone is keeping up with their practicing! If you want to keep track of how much time you spend practicing, use the chart in the back of your method book. Keep up the good work!

CHS Band Night 2008

Congratulations to the following students for taking part in CHS Band Night 2008:
Genesis, Izamar, Brianna H., Brianna R., Sierra, Sarah, Meggie, Emily, Tyler, Stefan, Noah, Cody and Derian. It was also nice to see the SMS students there as well.

The combined band sounded great! I was really impressed with how much the CHS band has improved over the last couple of years. Hopefully as more and more CMS and SMS students join the marching band as HS students, the bigger and better it will become.

Have a great weekend! Don't forget to prepare page 9 and keep working on that band music. This Wednesday is the last day of the 1st marking period!

Be nice to the instruments!

Students, please, please, please, take care of your instruments! I've seen a lot of instruments lately in need of repair. When I look around the band room, I'm appalled by the way some students treat their instruments: banging them on the floor, dropping them, using them to scratch their backs, etc. These are expensive pieces of equipment! Please treat them with care. I can do minor repairs (tighten screws, push a spring back in place, etc.) but replacing parts or taking out dents is beyond my capabilities.

Also, just because it's in a case, does not mean that it's indestructible! A case helps protect your instrument, but it can get damaged if dropped, kicked (yes, I've seen cases kicked down the hall) or used as "seat" while waiting for the bus.

Repairs done by a professional can be expensive and leave you without an instrument for a couple of weeks. If you do have to take your instrument to the shop, make sure your parents write me a note stating that the instrument is being repaired. If there is no note, I mark you as "unprepared".

Page 8!

Has everybody prepared page 8 for this week? Be sure to read everything on the page. For 6th and 7th grade, that means looking at the top of the page for new notes, rhythms, and musical concepts that are being introduced or reviewed. 8th graders should look at all of the musical information presented: key signatures, accidentals, articulations, rhythms, intervals, etc.
I'm looking forward to great week ahead. Remember, Monday is a "B" day!

Where did the week go?

I can't believe that tomorrow is Friday! We've accomplished a lot this week, but there's always more to do. The 6th grade intermediate band took a test today on page 7 and did a great job with a lot of 92%, 96% and even 100%. GREAT JOB! Beginners have a test tomorrow as well. Be sure to practice!

7th and 8th graders, I'm pleased with how you're doing on Sleigh Ride, Twas in the Moon... and Hanukah Dance but you know me, I always want more expression, dynamics, correct notes and rhythms, etc. Keep up the good work!

Thanks to everyone that voted in the poll! Looks like it's Ms. Grizzlewartz that teaches Art. Serves her right for calling me Ms. Honeyham!

Trills

7th and 8th grade flutes and clarinets are starting to work on trills. Wow, are they confusing!
I found some online trill fingering charts to help you out:
Flutes -
http://www.cgconn.com/pdf/Flute%20Trill%20Chart.pdf

http://www.wfg.woodwind.org/flute/fl_tr2_1.html

http://fluteconnection.net/inst08/trillChart.pdf

Clarinet -
http://www.wfg.woodwind.org/clarinet/cl_tr2_1.html

Everyone can check online for fingering charts, helpful hints, music etc.

Busy week ahead...

Today was a great start to the week! 8th graders did a great job on their Sleigh Ride test. 7th grade worked on the coda and started work on those darn trills, and the beginning band is rockin'!

B day 8th graders, be sure to be prepared tomorrow. It's the only day that I'll see you due to the field trip on Thursday.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Yay for the weekend!

The good things just keep happening! I saw a lot of instruments going home for the weekend. Good. Now, don't forget to practice and don't forget to bring those instruments back next week! Start practicing page 7 in your method books and keep practicing that band music - it's coming along, but some pieces need more practice than others. 7th and 8th grade - keep working out the tough parts of "Sleigh Ride".

Don't forget to turn in those blue papers is you are interested in All-County, Tri-County, Solo and Ensemble or CHS Band night.

Have a great weekend!

Another great day of tests!

Congratulations to the "A" day students! These 'A dayers" are a well prepared group...all had their instruments and sounded fabulous! Let's keep up the good work. Now that you've completed page 6, it's on to page 7.

I have the best students in the school!!!!!!!!!

Way to go!!!!!

Yay!! Everyone brought their instruments for today's test! Great job. I heard some fantastic music today! Keep up the good work! Keep practicing...it's paying off! (I "heart" exclamation points!!)

Test on Page 6!!!

Wednesday and Thursday will be test days for band students. We will be testing page 6 of our method books. Get off the computer and PRACTICE!

Next time you're on the computer, check out www.musictheory.net for help with all things music theory: note names, note duration, clefs, signs and symbols, ear training, etc...

Hard Work Pays Off

The CMS volleyball team is wearing T-shirts today in honor of their game (Go volleyball and soccer teams! Beat PPMS!) that state "Hard Work Pays Off". This applies to band as well. So many students are involved sports but they don't always see the relationship of team work and playing in a band.

On a team, everyone has their position or strength that the rest of the team counts on in order to be victorious. In band, everyone counts on each other to know their part well enough that the song will sound the way it should. If a player on a team doesn't do well, the team may lose. If a band member doesn't know their part, the band may mess up.

Students should be practicing their instruments at home, working on the hardest parts of the songs so that when they come together in class, they learn how their part fits in with the rest of the group. One of my favorite trombonists said, "You do not come to rehearsal to learn your part, you come to rehearsal to learn everyone elses's part."

Make it a goal to practice at least 10 minutes a day - that means taking instruments home during the week and practicing EVERY day! If we all do our part (or know our part) we will all win!

Week 6

Hopefully everyone has had their fill of funnel cakes and carnival rides and they are settling in to do homework and practice!

Remember to have page 6 from your method book prepared for this week. We will have a test on this material on Wednesday and Thursday. See you tomorrow.

Earn Paw Bucks!

Answer correctly for paw bucks:
Name the key signature(s) for each piece of music that we are preparing for the Winter Concert.
Post your answers in the comments.
Correct answers will earn paw bucks.

Interim Grades

Today is the day that students receive their first quarter interim grades. I've stressed to students that this is not their "permanent" grade, but rather a way to check where they are going and what they need to change or continue doing.

If a student has an A or B in band, they are coming to class prepared, participating and cooperating. If a student receives a C, D, or E, chances are that he or she has not been prepared which means that they cannot participate. If a student does not have his or her instrument on the day of a test, the test score is then a 0%.

For those student with a C, D or E - all is not lost! Students can do many things to improve their grade before the end of the quarter:
BE PREPARED PART 1 - This means bringing band materials to school on the correct day. The A/B schedule can be confusing, but everyone received a copy of this schedule when they received their CCPS calendar. The page before "August" shows the entire school year in A and B days. Please refer to this schedule when you get confused.
BE PREPARED PART 2 - Once students get their instruments and music to school, they cannot leave them in their lockers. Locker passes cannot be issued for forgotten materials. It is the student's responsibility to take the necessary materials from their lockers for their morning and afternoon classes. Make a check list that can be posted in the locker or color code folders to help with organization.
BE PREPARED PART 3 - Practice! See the earlier post about what and how to practice.
EXTRA HELP OR SECOND CHANCES - Students can come to me during AM advisory to make up any tests that they missed, failed, or would just like to try to do better. Students can also sign up for after school practice starting October 6th.

Hopefully, by the end of the quarter, everyone will be happy with the grade that they've earned.

Cool Flute player...and no, I'm not teaching this. I just think it's interesting.

What should I be practicing?

Students, have you ever started to practice and were confused as to what you should practice?
Here's what I recommend:

Start with long tones. Play a nice comfortable note for as long as you can. Do this 3-5 times breathing normally between each note. Drummers practice long sustained rolls going for a nice smooth "buzz".

Move on to basics - the "Circle of 4ths" or scales. Drummers practice rudiments.

Practice 2 or 3 lines from your current method book assignment. If you are sight reading the line for the first time, use STARS. Challenge yourself to follow all dynamics, articulations, accidentals, etc.

Move on to band music. Practice those areas that we've been working on in class. Start slowly and gradually speed up. Always focus on STARS. Don't forget: PRACTICE LONGER ON THE HARD STUFF! (I know that it is not as much fun to play something you haven't mastered, but think of how rewarding it is to work on something and finally get it!) You don't need to practice whole pieces...just the parts that are the hardest.

Reward yourself after a practice session by playing something you enjoy: a favorite song from years past, that song that is not allowed in the band room, an improvised melody...whatever makes you happy.

Cool down with more long tones.

Practicing just 15-20 minutes a day will make a difference.

Spring Concert May 7th 2008 Calvert High School Auditorium

Thank you to Mr. Erb, student teacher, for these behind the scenes shots.

Twality Middle School Band's performance of "Sleigh Ride".

This is a very nice performance. Notice that they did not have a "whip" but instead used a snare drum. Thanks to Noah, we will have that nice "crack" at the appropriate spot!

Band Night 2007

Band Night 2008

Attention all band students...

Band Night 2008


The Calvert High School Cavalier Marching Band is excited to invite you to Band Night 2008. The event will occur during our home football game against Leonardtown on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 7:00PM. The evening will begin at 2:30 PM (or immediately after school) when we will have a full rehearsal alongside the Marching Cavaliers. We will rehearse, get to know each other, have some pizza, perform the star spangled banner and play in the stands. Please bring $4 to cover your pizza dinner. The Marching Cavaliers will also present a halftime performance of their competition show, “Funk Fusion” including: Birdland, Georgia on My Mind, Spain, and Get it on. Make sure to bring your instrument, your school band shirt, tennis shoes, dinner money ($5), a lyre if you own one (they can be bought for $7 at music stores), and plenty of enthusiasm!

We look forward to seeing each and every one of you on October 16th!

2:30 PM – Middle School Introductions/Collecting Money for pizza
3:00 PM – Sectional Rehearsals (Music)
4:15 PM – Rehearsal (Marching)
5:00 PM – Pizza Dinner
5:30 PM – Get dressed
6:15 PM – Line up outside band room
6:20 PM – Get down to the field and warm up
6:55 PM – Star Spangled Banner (with middle school students)
7:00 PM – Game Time
Halftime –Cavalier Marching Band performance

Stay tuned (get it?) for more information...

Welcome!

Welcome to the CMS Band Blog.
Today is the second day of week #5 which means that students should have page 5 of their method books prepared.
7th and 8th grade band students are working hard on "Sleigh Ride", "Hanukah Dance" and "Twas in the Moon of Wintertime" as well as their circle of 4ths and method book assignments.
6th grade intermediate band is reviewing names of notes in the staff and with leger lines, the circle of 4ths and of course their method books.
6th grade beginning band is learning the proper way to produce sound, how to practice properly and how to read music.
Parents, please check with your student to make sure that they are practicing 10-15 minutes a day and that they have all of their materials - reeds, oil, notebook, etc...