Back to School!!

Can you believe that we've been in school for 18 days?!  Time flies when you're having fun!

I am very excited about this year!  We currently have 140 students involved in the CMS band program.  That's the most we've seen in a looooooooooooong time.  With that comes a lot of great things (we can play music that requires more instrumentalists) and some things that are not so great (lack of shelving in the storage rooms).  To help with the lack of storage, it is extremely important that you have a name tag on the OUTSIDE of your instrument's case.  In one class, I have 5 saxes that all have the same kind of case.  You don't want to use someone else's reed, do you?  BLECH!

There are some audition opportunities coming up in the next months.  If you are a 7th or 8th grader interested in auditioning for All-State, please see me ASAP!

Tri-County honor band audition music just arrived yesterday.  I will be handing it out to ALL intermediate and advanced students.  I want you to see that it is within your reach! 

That's all for now.  Keep making beautiful music! 

Concert Thanks

Thank you, students, for a great concert last night!  I was very pleased with the performances!  6th graders - I think "Toyland" was my favorite of all of your songs and 7th & 8th graders, you KNOW that "Deck the Halls with Drums and Voices" was my favorite of yours! 

We've got work to do in order to improve for the Spring Concert, but let's take a few days to rest, relax and enjoy time with our families.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Come back ready to work!

News and Info

Rehearsals:
7th and 8th grade - Thursday during Advisory
6th grade intermediate band - Friday and Monday during Advisory
6th grade beginning band - Thursday during 8th period and Friday during 7th period

Concert:
MONDAY, November 19th!!!
6th graders report to the band room no later than 6:00pm.  The concert begins at 6:30 and will be over at 7:00.
7th and 8th graders report tot eh band room no earlier than 7:15 and no later than 7:30.  The concert begins at 8:00 and will be over by 8:30.

Yankee Candles:
An email from Yankee Candle says that they will be here on Thursday, the 15th.  Plan to pick up your orders at the concert.  Arrangements can be made to pick orders up before Monday if you would like.

Shirts:  Get your shirt if you do not already have one!  Limited sizes are available.  First come, first served!

Tri-County:
If you are auditioning for tri-county honor band, practice over Thanksgiving Break and make arrangements to come to advisory period after the break on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

All-County:
Get those forms in!  If you do not get your form in, you will not be considered for the band.

Parade:
Practice that music and get a lyre.  Return those forms so Mrs. Fraley will know who plans to attend!

Turkey Time

Advisory Group!!  This one's for you.  You're welcome!

Important Information

Here are the important dates for the year (just in case you got rid of that yellow paper):
Important Dates:


• September 22 – Band competition @NHS

• November 10 – Jr. All-State Auditions (7th and 8th grade only)

• November 14 – All County Nominations Due

• November 19 – 6th grade CONCERT*** 6:30pm (report @ 6:00)

• November 19 – 7th & 8th grade CONCERT*** 8:00pm (report @ 7:30)

• November 30 – CMS Craft Fair and Family Fun Night Performance

• December 1 – Tri-County Auditions

• December 2 – Parade with CHS

• January 24 – All County Honor Band Concert

• February 10– Tri-County Concert for those accepted at the Dec. auditions

• March 16 - District XII Solo and Ensemble Festival 8am @CMS.

• March 20 – District XII Band Festival*** (8th grade only)

• April 25 – All County Jazz Band Concert

• May 7 – 6th Grade CONCERT*** 6:30pm (report @ 6:00)

• May 7 – 7th and 8th Grade CONCERT ***8:00pm (report @ 7:30)

• May 10 – Tentative date for 8th Grade Band trip to Hershey Park

Don't forget that our first test is next week - Tuesday for A day students and Wednesday for B day students.

For the Parents

A good read. #3 is especially true for band. Know when concerts, tests and other important events are happening.

I'll see all of my "B" Day students tomorrow!

Week #2

Another great week at CMS!  I was very pleased with the number of students who were prepared this week.  Keep up the good work!  If you were one of the few that forgot your instrument, please get it in next week.  We will start working on our winter concert music and also begin working in our books.  Speaking of books...some of the books are in.  The rest will be in next week.  Those who ordered from me will be able to pick them in class.

Have a fantastic three day weekend.  Don't forget that Tuesday is a B day!