Weekly “Music” Notes - August 25-30, 2025

Happy Sunday!

Longer post this week! Here’s everything you need to know!

August 25-30, 2025

All This Week: Open Tiger Time

Monday, August 25: Returners - Class Performance Grades Begin

Friday, August 29: Band Handbook Acknowledgement Form DUE

Instrument Fitting Debrief

Congratulations to all the beginners who came yesterday for their instrument fitting! It went wonderfully! Mr. Sullivan from Music & Arts mentioned it was one of the best fittings he’s been to! Shuffle shuffle!

Thank you to all that attended, and shoutout to David, Evelyn, and Makayla from UMS for coming out to help! Also shoutout to Jake from UHS! A final thanks to my wonderful colleagues who helped make this event happen!

Class Performance Grades AUGUST 25

Symphonic and Jazz Band: As I have been saying ALL WEEK, performance grades start TOMORROW.

This means the following:

- Do I have my music? (Your own music, not sharing with someone)

- Do I have my instrument (this includes reeds clarinets and saxophones….)

- Am I playing my instrument in class?

Each student earns up to 3 points a day for a 15 point assignment each week. If there is a day off from school, it will be a 12 point assignment for the week. Students who consistently do not play in class may be at risk of completing an alternative assignment instead of performing in a concert. So please make sure they have their things! I want everyone to be able to join in the fun! 😁

Open Tiger Time

For the next two weeks, students will have open Tiger Time, which means students get to choose what classes they go to. Band Tiger Time works as follows:

• Monday & Friday: Open Practice/Pass-Off Time (Returning Students)

       - Students are required to be practicing or working on pass-offs for the ENTIRETY of Tiger Time. This is not a “mess around for 45mins” Tiger Time. This is to give students the opportunity to practice during school that they may not get outside of school hours.

• Tuesday & Thursday: Beginning Band Fundamentals (Beginning Band Students)

      - Students will be working with me for an extra 45mins on all beginning band things! Learning how to create awesome sounds, reading note names, practicing rhythms, and more!

Band Handbook Acknowledgement Form

The Band Handbook Acknowledgement Form is DUE AUGUST 29! Yes, it is a grade in Gradebook! Please make sure your student puts their name at the top, and then the parent/guardian and student sign it!

Chattlanta Trip

Returning band parents: I sent you an email with a link to the slideshow and presentation last Thursday. Here is a reminder of some important notes:

• Have your student come see me for any paperwork they missed if you did not go to the meeting

• All Parent Chaperones MUST be a Level 2 Chaperone. If you are not and you register for the trip, YOU WILL BE PLACED ON A WAITLIST UNTIL YOU ARE LEVEL 2!  Must apply for membership by SEPTEMBER 19!

• Being a chaperone means you are assuming a 24-hour responsibility!

• Registration is due on 9/12

• Deposit is due 9/19

•We recommend purchasing insurance in case you need a refund. The UMS Tiger Band, UHS Bulldog Band, nor the schools are responsible with anything money wise for this trip

• There will be two fundraisers specifically for raising money for trip. Students will get 100% of what they raise AS LONG AS THEY DO THE REQUIRED BAND FUNDRAISERS.

• Students must be passing band and all their core classes. Must have less than 2 referrals, less than one in school suspension, zero out of school suspensions, and less than 10 unexcused absences.

• Here is a link of a video on how to register: https://youtu.be/mODa0JWwMe4

Upcoming Dates!

September 1: No School, Labor Day

September 12: No School, Professional Development

September 13: All-State Auditions, North Marion HS

September 21: Stetson Honor Chamber Festival

September 30: Band Fees DUE

Upcoming Pass-Off Performances!

Students can attend a music concert as a pass-off AS LONG AS THERE IS A PHOTO OR VIDEO!

Tuesday, August 26, 7:30PM: Kathy Thomas, Horn - Stetson University Lee Chapel, Elizabeth Hall

Tuesday, September 9, 7:30PM: Tammara Phillips, Flute - Stetson University Lee Chapel, Elizabeth Hall

Friday, September 19, 7:30PM: Jessica Speak, Clarinet - Stetson University Lee Chapel, Elizabeth Hall

Friday, September 26, 7:30PM: Stetson University Symphonic Band - Stetson University Lee Chapel, Elizabeth Hall

Lots of information, but making sure everyone has what they need! Please stay up to date with all our communications and feel free to reach out if you have any questions! 🎶