Weekly “Music” Notes - December 1-5, 2025

Happy Sunday! I hope everyone had a lovely break and holiday! Here’s everything you need to know for this week.

December 1-5, 2025

Monday, December 1: Classes Resume

Thursday, December 4: No After School Open Practice

Back to School Reminders

Please make sure if your student home their instrument that they bring it back to school! Along with their music! We are in the final days of preparation for our winter concert and I need everyone participating to the fullest!

The band room is open for open practice after school Monday through Wednesday this week for an hour each day. If your student would like extra help and practice, they are more than welcome.

Winter Concert and Rehearsals NEXT WEEK!

This is a reminder that we have REQUIRED after school events starting NEXT WEEK!

After-School Rehearsals:

Beginning Band: Monday, December 8, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM

Symphonic Band: Monday, December 8, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Please note that after-school rehearsals are graded, as band is a co-curricular class. This means participation in events outside of regular school hours is mandatory.

If any Symphonic Band students attend the Beginning Band rehearsal, they may:

- Assist beginners in a positive and non-disruptive manner

- Play their instruments alongside beginners, modeling excellent behavior and performance technique

- Work quietly on their Chromebooks or homework

It is crucial that all students attend these rehearsals. Since Beginning Band and Symphonic Band meet during separate class periods, students do not have daily full-band rehearsals. Missing rehearsals results in lost instructional time and important information.

If a student cannot attend a rehearsal, please notify me at least two weeks in advance with the reason for the absence. In such cases, an alternate assignment may be provided to make up the grade. Students absent without prior communication will be marked as Not Handed In (NHI). Attendance is required for the entire rehearsal unless prior communications and arrangements are made due to other commitments (e.g., sports, dance practice, cheer, etc). Communications must at least be in writing!

Band Concert

Tuesday, December 9 - Umatilla High School Auditorium, 7PM (Call time 6PM)

The Winter Band Concert is the biggest grade that students will have this quarter. Attendance is mandatory. Students should plan to stay for the entirety of the concert to support fellow band members! This continues to build our community!

Band Concert Attire:

Beginning Band - New UMS Band Shirt (Will receive this week!), Black Dress Pants/Maxi Length Skirt, Black Dress Socks/Stockings, and Black Dress Shoes

Symphonic Band - Black UMS Dress Shirt (Will receive this week!), Black Dress Pants/Maxi Length Skirt, Black Dress Socks/Stockings, and Black Dress Shoes

PLEASE WASH THE SHIRTS!!!!!!!

UPCOMING DATES

December 8: After School Beginning Band Rehearsal REQUIRED, 4:15-5:15pm

December 8: After School Symphonic Band Rehearsal REQUIRED, 5:30-6:30pm

December 9: Winter Band Concert, 7pm UHS Auditorium REQUIRED (CALL TIME 6PM)

December 13: Cracker Christmas Parade

December 22: Winter Break Begins

Upcoming Pass-Off Performances!

Students can attend a music concert as a pass-off AS LONG AS THERE IS A PHOTO OR VIDEO! I will also accept a program if photo or video cannot be taken!

The Holiday Inn Available Shows! (Ms. Pyburn performing in the music ensemble for the show!

All shows are at Athens Theatre in DeLand, FL

Thursday, December 4, 7:30PM (ALMOST SOLD OUT!)

Friday, December 5, 7:30PM (ALMOST SOLD OUT!)

Saturday, December 6, 2PM (ALMOST SOLD OUT!)

Sunday, December 7, 2:30PM (ALMOST SOLD OUT!)

Wednesday, December 10, 7:30PM (ALMOST SOLD OUT!)

Thursday, December 11, 7:30PM (ALMOST SOLD OUT!)

Friday, December 12, 7:30PM (ALMOST SOLD OUT!)

Saturday, December 13, 7:30PM (ALMOST SOLD OUT!)

Sunday, December 14, 2:30PM (ALMOST SOLD OUT!)

Purchase Tickets Here!: https://athensdeland.com/event/irving-berlins-holiday-inn/2025-11-21/

And that’s everything! Please keep up to date with all of our communications and social medias!