Hello Band Families,
With the long weekend approaching and no full band this
week, I thought it would be an opportune time to send home a progress report
for band AND an interesting opportunity for you parents/guardians!
Grade 6 Band: students should be:
- very comfortable with p. 6 & 7
- relatively comfortable with p. 8
- and working and progressing through p. 9
If your student is excelling, feel free to move on through
the book at a faster pace.
If your student is struggling, please encourage them to
practice, practice, practice! If they’d like to listen to a recording of their
songs, simply youtube “Standard of Excellence song name”. For example,
“Standard of Excellence Au Clair De La Lune” and students can listen to/play
along with a recording.
Please also don’t hesitant to contact us if you feel your
child needs extra one-on-one help!
Grade 7 & 8 Repertoire:
Grade 7s are working on the following pieces: O Canada, Flash
Point, Furiant, and a new piece to be handed out next full band.
Grade 8s are working on: O Canada, City at Dusk, Spirit of
the Wolf, Celtic Air and Dance No. 3.
Grade 7 & 8 Achievement Charts:
Grade 7 & 8s will receive an achievement chart in their
sectional by Oct 22. This is a list of pieces and scales selected from the
methods books that students are expected to practice and play for their teacher
during sectionals. These achievement charts are used both for assessment and as
motivation to attend the Spring Trip as only those students who have completed
their charts may attend the trip. Students have until April 30 to complete the
chart.
- Grade 7s require the RED Standard of Excellence Book 1.
- Grade 8s required BOTH the RED Standard of Excellence Book 1
and the BLUE Standard of Excellence Book 2.
- Books can be purchased from either St. Johns Music or Long
& McQuade Music. Cost is approximately $10-14. You don’t need the
‘enhanced’ version with the DVD unless you would like it!
Band T-Shirts: students will soon be fitted
for their band tshirts and a new fee will appear on your account. Your student
keeps their band shirt for all Grade 6-8 performances. Please let us know if
you have any questions about this!
Adult Beginner Band (new!): The Saskatchewan
Band Association (SBA) has decided to pilot a beginner band program for adults
in Regina! Many you may never have had the opportunity to be in band, and after
seeing what your children are accomplishing you may have had a desire to learn
an instrument yourself! This program is designed for adults that have never
learned how to play an instrument before or learned to play one a long time ago
and have since forgotten. If you are interested in signing up or learning more,
please visit:
As always, please feel free to keep an open line of
communication with us!
Thanks,
Robin Swann, Vanessa Strykiwsky, Brady Frank & Lindsay Stetner
Martin Area Band Team
