Dear band parents,
This is Justin Dickson, band director at Hawley Middle School. Every week I will send out a message like this to communicate what is happening this week in band class, upcoming events, and other announcements.
BAND CONCERTS THIS WEEK!
Click here for information about the 6th grade band concert on Tuesday, December 12.
Click here for information about the 7th and 8th grade band concert on Friday, December 15.
Please make sure your child has their formal black & white attire to wear.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th Grade will be working on our concert music every day. It can be found online at http://justindickson.com/band/christmas.htm . After our concert on Tuesday, we will have playing tests on "Jingle Bells" and "Housetop".
7th Grade will be working on concert music every day. We will do a playing test on "Mystery Ride" on Tuesday. Remember, a recording is available online that may help your child practice -- just Google "Mystery Ride Terry White"
8th Grade will be working on concert music every day. I re-wrote some of our Fundamentals material this weekend, based on things we needed to work on last week. I will distribute paper copies tomorrow so we can use some of it on stage on Friday.
===========================
OLD BUT STILL RELEVANT INFO
===========================
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR TEXT ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have not already done so, please sign up to receive text message announcements from me via the Remind app. You do not have to download the app. Just sent a text message to phone number 81010 , and the text message should say...
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE LEARNING EASIER
By now, most of you know that I designed a free mobile app for my students called Bandmate Chromatic Tuner (www.bandmatetuner.com). I highly recommend that you download it, or that your child downloads it on their phone / tablet if they have one, because it makes it so much easier for kids to learn their notes while they are practicing at home.
Students are allowed to use it in band class, too. In fact, I highly encourage it. If you would like your child to use it in class, I recommend you purchase the Peterson PitchGrabber pickup: https://www.amazon.com/Peterson-PitchGrabber-Mobile-Tuner/dp/B014L9CCHO/
This is like a microphone that will only "hear" your instrument, so you can use the Bandmate app in class while other people are playing their instruments beside you.
The Bandmate Tuner app is a big deal because it gives personal feedback to students while they learn. It lets students see what note they are playing, so that they can check for themselves if they are playing the right note or not. It has made it so much easier for my students to learn, and people all around the world have discovered it and are using it in their own music programs. In fact I expect it will hit 1 million downloads by October.
FLUTES, CLARINETS, AND SAXOPHONES NEED A SWAB
If your child plays a woodwind instrument (flute, clarinet, or saxophone), they need a swab so they can clean out their instrument every day before putting it back in the case. You can order one from Hills Music Shop if you do not have one.
If woodwinds are stored in the case without swabbing, moisture causes the pads under the keys to wrinkle and be ruined. This costs $100-200 to fix, depending on the extent of the damage. A swab costs $5. Please make sure your child has a swab.
FACEBOOK
Our band program has a Facebook page. You can "like" it here: www.facebook.com/HawleyBandRoom
CONCERT CALENDAR
October 26, 6:30, 8th grade only, at Hawley
December 12, 7:00, 6th grade only, at Hawley
December 15, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS audition
March 8, 7:00, 8th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 17, 7:00, 6th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 18, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS auditorium
News and announcements for the G.C. Hawley Middle School band program, Creedmoor, NC.
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Monday, December 4, 2017
This week in band - December 4, 2017
Dear band parents,
This is Justin Dickson, band director at Hawley Middle School. Every week I will send out a message like this to communicate what is happening this week in band class, upcoming events, and other announcements.
BAND CONCERTS NEXT WEEK!
Click here for information about the 6th grade band concert on Tuesday, December 12.
Click here for information about the 7th and 8th grade band concert on Friday, December 15.
Please make sure your child has their formal black & white attire to wear.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th Grade will be working on our concert music every day. It can be found online at http://justindickson.com/band/christmas.htm and I will print out paper copies to use for the concert. Also on that website, you can find audio files for both pieces, which may help your child practice at home. We will test on this material, but we will not have time until after the concert.
7th Grade will be working on concert music every day. We will test on "Mystery Ride" but not until next week. This is a tough piece, so please encourage your child to practice at home. Remember, a recording is available online that may help your child practice -- just Google "Mystery Ride Terry White"
8th Grade will be working on concert music every day. We will test on "Hark The Herald Tubas Sing" this Tuesday, so please make sure your child is practicing and is prepared for their test. Recordings of all of our concert music are available online to help your child practice, just Google the title and composer.
===========================
OLD BUT STILL RELEVANT INFO
===========================
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR TEXT ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have not already done so, please sign up to receive text message announcements from me via the Remind app. You do not have to download the app. Just sent a text message to phone number 81010 , and the text message should say...
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE LEARNING EASIER
By now, most of you know that I designed a free mobile app for my students called Bandmate Chromatic Tuner (www.bandmatetuner.com). I highly recommend that you download it, or that your child downloads it on their phone / tablet if they have one, because it makes it so much easier for kids to learn their notes while they are practicing at home.
Students are allowed to use it in band class, too. In fact, I highly encourage it. If you would like your child to use it in class, I recommend you purchase the Peterson PitchGrabber pickup: https://www.amazon.com/Peterson-PitchGrabber-Mobile-Tuner/dp/B014L9CCHO/
This is like a microphone that will only "hear" your instrument, so you can use the Bandmate app in class while other people are playing their instruments beside you.
The Bandmate Tuner app is a big deal because it gives personal feedback to students while they learn. It lets students see what note they are playing, so that they can check for themselves if they are playing the right note or not. It has made it so much easier for my students to learn, and people all around the world have discovered it and are using it in their own music programs. In fact I expect it will hit 1 million downloads by October.
FLUTES, CLARINETS, AND SAXOPHONES NEED A SWAB
If your child plays a woodwind instrument (flute, clarinet, or saxophone), they need a swab so they can clean out their instrument every day before putting it back in the case. You can order one from Hills Music Shop if you do not have one.
If woodwinds are stored in the case without swabbing, moisture causes the pads under the keys to wrinkle and be ruined. This costs $100-200 to fix, depending on the extent of the damage. A swab costs $5. Please make sure your child has a swab.
FACEBOOK
Our band program has a Facebook page. You can "like" it here: www.facebook.com/HawleyBandRoom
CONCERT CALENDAR
October 26, 6:30, 8th grade only, at Hawley
December 12, 7:00, 6th grade only, at Hawley
December 15, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS audition
March 8, 7:00, 8th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 17, 7:00, 6th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 18, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS auditorium
This is Justin Dickson, band director at Hawley Middle School. Every week I will send out a message like this to communicate what is happening this week in band class, upcoming events, and other announcements.
BAND CONCERTS NEXT WEEK!
Click here for information about the 6th grade band concert on Tuesday, December 12.
Click here for information about the 7th and 8th grade band concert on Friday, December 15.
Please make sure your child has their formal black & white attire to wear.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th Grade will be working on our concert music every day. It can be found online at http://justindickson.com/band/christmas.htm and I will print out paper copies to use for the concert. Also on that website, you can find audio files for both pieces, which may help your child practice at home. We will test on this material, but we will not have time until after the concert.
7th Grade will be working on concert music every day. We will test on "Mystery Ride" but not until next week. This is a tough piece, so please encourage your child to practice at home. Remember, a recording is available online that may help your child practice -- just Google "Mystery Ride Terry White"
8th Grade will be working on concert music every day. We will test on "Hark The Herald Tubas Sing" this Tuesday, so please make sure your child is practicing and is prepared for their test. Recordings of all of our concert music are available online to help your child practice, just Google the title and composer.
===========================
OLD BUT STILL RELEVANT INFO
===========================
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR TEXT ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have not already done so, please sign up to receive text message announcements from me via the Remind app. You do not have to download the app. Just sent a text message to phone number 81010 , and the text message should say...
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE LEARNING EASIER
By now, most of you know that I designed a free mobile app for my students called Bandmate Chromatic Tuner (www.bandmatetuner.com). I highly recommend that you download it, or that your child downloads it on their phone / tablet if they have one, because it makes it so much easier for kids to learn their notes while they are practicing at home.
Students are allowed to use it in band class, too. In fact, I highly encourage it. If you would like your child to use it in class, I recommend you purchase the Peterson PitchGrabber pickup: https://www.amazon.com/Peterson-PitchGrabber-Mobile-Tuner/dp/B014L9CCHO/
This is like a microphone that will only "hear" your instrument, so you can use the Bandmate app in class while other people are playing their instruments beside you.
The Bandmate Tuner app is a big deal because it gives personal feedback to students while they learn. It lets students see what note they are playing, so that they can check for themselves if they are playing the right note or not. It has made it so much easier for my students to learn, and people all around the world have discovered it and are using it in their own music programs. In fact I expect it will hit 1 million downloads by October.
FLUTES, CLARINETS, AND SAXOPHONES NEED A SWAB
If your child plays a woodwind instrument (flute, clarinet, or saxophone), they need a swab so they can clean out their instrument every day before putting it back in the case. You can order one from Hills Music Shop if you do not have one.
If woodwinds are stored in the case without swabbing, moisture causes the pads under the keys to wrinkle and be ruined. This costs $100-200 to fix, depending on the extent of the damage. A swab costs $5. Please make sure your child has a swab.
Our band program has a Facebook page. You can "like" it here: www.facebook.com/HawleyBandRoom
CONCERT CALENDAR
October 26, 6:30, 8th grade only, at Hawley
December 12, 7:00, 6th grade only, at Hawley
December 15, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS audition
March 8, 7:00, 8th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 17, 7:00, 6th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 18, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS auditorium
Sunday, November 26, 2017
This week in band - Nov. 26, 2017
Dear band parents,
This is Justin Dickson, band director at Hawley Middle School. Every week I will send out a message like this to communicate what is happening this week in band class, upcoming events, and other announcements.
BAND CONCERTS IN 3 WEEKS
Our 6th grade band concert is December 12 at 7:00pm, at Hawley Middle School. We are combining our concert with the chorus for the first time, and we have some special stuff planned.
Our 7th and 8th grade band concert is December 15 at 7:00pm, at the South Granville High School auditorium. We are combining our concert with the SGHS concert band, and I highly recommend that you stay to listen to them because they are just incredible.
Performing in our concerts is a required part of our curriculum for all students.
Just a reminder that students wear formal black & white dress for our concerts. Santa hats are optional for the December concert too. For details about the dress code, please refer to our course syllabus on the Documents page of my websitewww.JustinDickson.com/Band
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th Grade will be working on our concert music every day for the next two weeks. It can be found online at http://justindickson.com/band/christmas.htm and I will print out paper copies to use for the concert. Also on that website, you can find audio files for both pieces, which may help your child practice at home. We will test on this material, but we will not have time until after the concert.
7th Grade will be working on concert music every day. We will test on "Mystery Ride" but not until next week. This is a tough piece, so please encourage your child to practice at home. Remember, a recording is available online that may help your child practice -- just Google "Mystery Ride Terry White"
8th Grade will be working on concert music every day. We need to test on "Jubilations" this week, so please make sure your child is practicing and is prepared for their test. Recordings of all of our concert music are available online to help your child practice, just Google the title and composer.
"HORNS A PLENTY" EVENT AT MUSIC & ARTS IN CARY
The Music & Arts shop in Cary has an event once a year in which they have hundreds of upgrade and professional level instruments. Anyone can bring their own mouthpiece and try the instruments. They usually have discounts too. It is a great opportunity to learn about higher-level instruments, if you are interested, and I just wanted to let you know about it. It is Saturday, December 2. More info on their website: https://www.musicarts.com/Upgrade-Your-Sound---Information-g27153t0.mac
===========================
OLD BUT STILL RELEVANT INFO
===========================
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR TEXT ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have not already done so, please sign up to receive text message announcements from me via the Remind app. You do not have to download the app. Just sent a text message to phone number 81010 , and the text message should say...
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE LEARNING EASIER
By now, most of you know that I designed a free mobile app for my students called Bandmate Chromatic Tuner (www.bandmatetuner.com). I highly recommend that you download it, or that your child downloads it on their phone / tablet if they have one, because it makes it so much easier for kids to learn their notes while they are practicing at home.
Students are allowed to use it in band class, too. In fact, I highly encourage it. If you would like your child to use it in class, I recommend you purchase the Peterson PitchGrabber pickup: https://www.amazon.com/Peterson-PitchGrabber-Mobile-Tuner/dp/B014L9CCHO/
This is like a microphone that will only "hear" your instrument, so you can use the Bandmate app in class while other people are playing their instruments beside you.
The Bandmate Tuner app is a big deal because it gives personal feedback to students while they learn. It lets students see what note they are playing, so that they can check for themselves if they are playing the right note or not. It has made it so much easier for my students to learn, and people all around the world have discovered it and are using it in their own music programs. In fact I expect it will hit 1 million downloads by October.
FLUTES, CLARINETS, AND SAXOPHONES NEED A SWAB
If your child plays a woodwind instrument (flute, clarinet, or saxophone), they need a swab so they can clean out their instrument every day before putting it back in the case. You can order one from Hills Music Shop if you do not have one.
If woodwinds are stored in the case without swabbing, moisture causes the pads under the keys to wrinkle and be ruined. This costs $100-200 to fix, depending on the extent of the damage. A swab costs $5. Please make sure your child has a swab.
FACEBOOK
Our band program has a Facebook page. You can "like" it here: www.facebook.com/HawleyBandRoom
CONCERT CALENDAR
October 26, 6:30, 8th grade only, at Hawley
December 12, 7:00, 6th grade only, at Hawley
December 15, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS audition
March 8, 7:00, 8th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 17, 7:00, 6th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 18, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS auditorium
This is Justin Dickson, band director at Hawley Middle School. Every week I will send out a message like this to communicate what is happening this week in band class, upcoming events, and other announcements.
BAND CONCERTS IN 3 WEEKS
Our 6th grade band concert is December 12 at 7:00pm, at Hawley Middle School. We are combining our concert with the chorus for the first time, and we have some special stuff planned.
Our 7th and 8th grade band concert is December 15 at 7:00pm, at the South Granville High School auditorium. We are combining our concert with the SGHS concert band, and I highly recommend that you stay to listen to them because they are just incredible.
Performing in our concerts is a required part of our curriculum for all students.
Just a reminder that students wear formal black & white dress for our concerts. Santa hats are optional for the December concert too. For details about the dress code, please refer to our course syllabus on the Documents page of my websitewww.JustinDickson.com/Band
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th Grade will be working on our concert music every day for the next two weeks. It can be found online at http://justindickson.com/band/christmas.htm and I will print out paper copies to use for the concert. Also on that website, you can find audio files for both pieces, which may help your child practice at home. We will test on this material, but we will not have time until after the concert.
7th Grade will be working on concert music every day. We will test on "Mystery Ride" but not until next week. This is a tough piece, so please encourage your child to practice at home. Remember, a recording is available online that may help your child practice -- just Google "Mystery Ride Terry White"
8th Grade will be working on concert music every day. We need to test on "Jubilations" this week, so please make sure your child is practicing and is prepared for their test. Recordings of all of our concert music are available online to help your child practice, just Google the title and composer.
"HORNS A PLENTY" EVENT AT MUSIC & ARTS IN CARY
The Music & Arts shop in Cary has an event once a year in which they have hundreds of upgrade and professional level instruments. Anyone can bring their own mouthpiece and try the instruments. They usually have discounts too. It is a great opportunity to learn about higher-level instruments, if you are interested, and I just wanted to let you know about it. It is Saturday, December 2. More info on their website: https://www.musicarts.com/Upgrade-Your-Sound---Information-g27153t0.mac
===========================
OLD BUT STILL RELEVANT INFO
===========================
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR TEXT ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have not already done so, please sign up to receive text message announcements from me via the Remind app. You do not have to download the app. Just sent a text message to phone number 81010 , and the text message should say...
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE LEARNING EASIER
By now, most of you know that I designed a free mobile app for my students called Bandmate Chromatic Tuner (www.bandmatetuner.com). I highly recommend that you download it, or that your child downloads it on their phone / tablet if they have one, because it makes it so much easier for kids to learn their notes while they are practicing at home.
Students are allowed to use it in band class, too. In fact, I highly encourage it. If you would like your child to use it in class, I recommend you purchase the Peterson PitchGrabber pickup: https://www.amazon.com/Peterson-PitchGrabber-Mobile-Tuner/dp/B014L9CCHO/
This is like a microphone that will only "hear" your instrument, so you can use the Bandmate app in class while other people are playing their instruments beside you.
The Bandmate Tuner app is a big deal because it gives personal feedback to students while they learn. It lets students see what note they are playing, so that they can check for themselves if they are playing the right note or not. It has made it so much easier for my students to learn, and people all around the world have discovered it and are using it in their own music programs. In fact I expect it will hit 1 million downloads by October.
FLUTES, CLARINETS, AND SAXOPHONES NEED A SWAB
If your child plays a woodwind instrument (flute, clarinet, or saxophone), they need a swab so they can clean out their instrument every day before putting it back in the case. You can order one from Hills Music Shop if you do not have one.
If woodwinds are stored in the case without swabbing, moisture causes the pads under the keys to wrinkle and be ruined. This costs $100-200 to fix, depending on the extent of the damage. A swab costs $5. Please make sure your child has a swab.
Our band program has a Facebook page. You can "like" it here: www.facebook.com/HawleyBandRoom
CONCERT CALENDAR
October 26, 6:30, 8th grade only, at Hawley
December 12, 7:00, 6th grade only, at Hawley
December 15, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS audition
March 8, 7:00, 8th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 17, 7:00, 6th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 18, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS auditorium
Sunday, November 19, 2017
This week in band - Nov. 19, 2017
Dear band parents,
This is Justin Dickson, band director at Hawley Middle School. Every week I will send out a message like this to communicate what is happening this week in band class, upcoming events, and other announcements.
SHORT WEEK, IMPORTANT WEEK
Only two days of school this week, but I want you to know that I plan to make every minute count. Our concerts are three weeks away and we need every rehearsal day we can get.
CONCERT DRESS CODE
Just a reminder that students wear formal black & white dress for our concerts. Santa hats are optional for the December concert too. For details about the dress code, please refer to our course syllabus on the Documents page of my websitewww.JustinDickson.com/Band
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th Grade will start working on concert music this week. Students who still need to pass their "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" test may do so during class also. Remember I make instructional videos for all of the playing tests to help your child practice at home: www.youtube.com/HawleyBandRoom
7th Grade will continue learning our fourth concert piece, "Mystery Ride", this week. Anyone who needs to make up a previous playing test will have time at the end of class, so please make sure your child has practiced and is prepared to pass their test.
8th Grade has been learning music for our next concert at a very fast pace, and I am very proud of them. We have gotten through three pieces since our last concert. We will spend the next two days rehearsing and cleaning them. I hope to add a fourth piece after the Thanksgiving weekend.
"HORNS A PLENTY" EVENT AT MUSIC & ARTS IN CARY
The Music & Arts shop in Cary has an event once a year in which they have hundreds of upgrade and professional level instruments. Anyone can bring their own mouthpiece and try them. They usually have discounts too. It is a great opportunity to learn about higher-level instruments, if you are interested, and I just wanted to let you know about it. More info on their website: https://www.musicarts.com/Upgrade-Your-Sound---Information-g27153t0.mac
===========================
OLD BUT STILL RELEVANT INFO
===========================
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR TEXT ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have not already done so, please sign up to receive text message announcements from me via the Remind app. You do not have to download the app. Just sent a text message to phone number 81010 , and the text message should say...
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE LEARNING EASIER
By now, most of you know that I designed a free mobile app for my students called Bandmate Chromatic Tuner (www.bandmatetuner.com). I highly recommend that you download it, or that your child downloads it on their phone / tablet if they have one, because it makes it so much easier for kids to learn their notes while they are practicing at home.
Students are allowed to use it in band class, too. In fact, I highly encourage it. If you would like your child to use it in class, I recommend you purchase the Peterson PitchGrabber pickup: https://www.amazon.com/Peterson-PitchGrabber-Mobile-Tuner/dp/B014L9CCHO/
This is like a microphone that will only "hear" your instrument, so you can use the Bandmate app in class while other people are playing their instruments beside you.
The Bandmate Tuner app is a big deal because it gives personal feedback to students while they learn. It lets students see what note they are playing, so that they can check for themselves if they are playing the right note or not. It has made it so much easier for my students to learn, and people all around the world have discovered it and are using it in their own music programs. In fact I expect it will hit 1 million downloads by October.
FLUTES, CLARINETS, AND SAXOPHONES NEED A SWAB
If your child plays a woodwind instrument (flute, clarinet, or saxophone), they need a swab so they can clean out their instrument every day before putting it back in the case. You can order one from Hills Music Shop if you do not have one.
If woodwinds are stored in the case without swabbing, moisture causes the pads under the keys to wrinkle and be ruined. This costs $100-200 to fix, depending on the extent of the damage. A swab costs $5. Please make sure your child has a swab.
FACEBOOK
Our band program has a Facebook page. You can "like" it here: www.facebook.com/HawleyBandRoom
CONCERT CALENDAR
October 26, 6:30, 8th grade only, at Hawley
December 12, 7:00, 6th grade only, at Hawley
December 15, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS audition
March 8, 7:00, 8th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 17, 7:00, 6th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 18, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS auditorium
This is Justin Dickson, band director at Hawley Middle School. Every week I will send out a message like this to communicate what is happening this week in band class, upcoming events, and other announcements.
SHORT WEEK, IMPORTANT WEEK
Only two days of school this week, but I want you to know that I plan to make every minute count. Our concerts are three weeks away and we need every rehearsal day we can get.
CONCERT DRESS CODE
Just a reminder that students wear formal black & white dress for our concerts. Santa hats are optional for the December concert too. For details about the dress code, please refer to our course syllabus on the Documents page of my websitewww.JustinDickson.com/Band
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th Grade will start working on concert music this week. Students who still need to pass their "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" test may do so during class also. Remember I make instructional videos for all of the playing tests to help your child practice at home: www.youtube.com/HawleyBandRoom
7th Grade will continue learning our fourth concert piece, "Mystery Ride", this week. Anyone who needs to make up a previous playing test will have time at the end of class, so please make sure your child has practiced and is prepared to pass their test.
8th Grade has been learning music for our next concert at a very fast pace, and I am very proud of them. We have gotten through three pieces since our last concert. We will spend the next two days rehearsing and cleaning them. I hope to add a fourth piece after the Thanksgiving weekend.
"HORNS A PLENTY" EVENT AT MUSIC & ARTS IN CARY
The Music & Arts shop in Cary has an event once a year in which they have hundreds of upgrade and professional level instruments. Anyone can bring their own mouthpiece and try them. They usually have discounts too. It is a great opportunity to learn about higher-level instruments, if you are interested, and I just wanted to let you know about it. More info on their website: https://www.musicarts.com/Upgrade-Your-Sound---Information-g27153t0.mac
===========================
OLD BUT STILL RELEVANT INFO
===========================
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR TEXT ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have not already done so, please sign up to receive text message announcements from me via the Remind app. You do not have to download the app. Just sent a text message to phone number 81010 , and the text message should say...
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE LEARNING EASIER
By now, most of you know that I designed a free mobile app for my students called Bandmate Chromatic Tuner (www.bandmatetuner.com). I highly recommend that you download it, or that your child downloads it on their phone / tablet if they have one, because it makes it so much easier for kids to learn their notes while they are practicing at home.
Students are allowed to use it in band class, too. In fact, I highly encourage it. If you would like your child to use it in class, I recommend you purchase the Peterson PitchGrabber pickup: https://www.amazon.com/Peterson-PitchGrabber-Mobile-Tuner/dp/B014L9CCHO/
This is like a microphone that will only "hear" your instrument, so you can use the Bandmate app in class while other people are playing their instruments beside you.
The Bandmate Tuner app is a big deal because it gives personal feedback to students while they learn. It lets students see what note they are playing, so that they can check for themselves if they are playing the right note or not. It has made it so much easier for my students to learn, and people all around the world have discovered it and are using it in their own music programs. In fact I expect it will hit 1 million downloads by October.
FLUTES, CLARINETS, AND SAXOPHONES NEED A SWAB
If your child plays a woodwind instrument (flute, clarinet, or saxophone), they need a swab so they can clean out their instrument every day before putting it back in the case. You can order one from Hills Music Shop if you do not have one.
If woodwinds are stored in the case without swabbing, moisture causes the pads under the keys to wrinkle and be ruined. This costs $100-200 to fix, depending on the extent of the damage. A swab costs $5. Please make sure your child has a swab.
Our band program has a Facebook page. You can "like" it here: www.facebook.com/HawleyBandRoom
CONCERT CALENDAR
October 26, 6:30, 8th grade only, at Hawley
December 12, 7:00, 6th grade only, at Hawley
December 15, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS audition
March 8, 7:00, 8th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 17, 7:00, 6th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 18, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS auditorium
Sunday, November 12, 2017
This Week In Band - Nov. 12, 2017
Dear band parents,
This is Justin Dickson, band director at Hawley Middle School. Every week I will send out a message like this to communicate what is happening this week in band class, upcoming events, and other announcements.
MONDAY AND TUESDAY
On Monday and Tuesday, I will be in Winston-Salem for the North Carolina Music Educators Association 2017 conference. However, we are very fortunate to have Mrs. Susan Shell, who was the chorus director at Hawley for 20+ years, available as a substitute teacher. So your kids will have their normal band rehearsal for these two days.
I have been attending this conference every year, and I am proud to tell you that this year I was asked to present a session on using technology in a music classroom. So I get to show other music teachers from around the state all the ways that we use technology in our band room to make it easier and more fun to learn. I am proud to represent our school, our county, and our band program at this conference.
CONCERT DRESS CODE
Just a reminder that students wear formal black & white dress for our concerts. Santa hats are optional for the December concert too. For details about the dress code, please refer to our course syllabus on the Documents page of my website www.JustinDickson.com/Band
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th Grade will continue working through Chapter 5, in which we learn how to count and play 8th notes. Our next test will be #5.05, "Jolly Old St. Nicholas". I will make a video to help your child practice when I get back from the conference. Practice help videos are on www.youtube.com/HawleyBandRoom
7th Grade will start learning our fourth concert piece, "Mystery Ride", this week. We will also test on "Bumpy Sleigh Ride", so please make sure your child has studied / practiced their notes.
8th Grade will rehearse the two pieces we have been learning, and start learning our third piece, "Hark The Herald Tubas Sing". We will do playing tests on this material after the Thanksgiving break, so please make sure your child has studied / practiced their notes.
===========================
OLD BUT STILL RELEVANT INFO
===========================
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR TEXT ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have not already done so, please sign up to receive text message announcements from me via the Remind app. You do not have to download the app. Just sent a text message to phone number 81010 , and the text message should say...
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE LEARNING EASIER
By now, most of you know that I designed a free mobile app for my students called Bandmate Chromatic Tuner (www.bandmatetuner.com). I highly recommend that you download it, or that your child downloads it on their phone / tablet if they have one, because it makes it so much easier for kids to learn their notes while they are practicing at home.
Students are allowed to use it in band class, too. In fact, I highly encourage it. If you would like your child to use it in class, I recommend you purchase the Peterson PitchGrabber pickup: https://www.amazon.com/Peterson-PitchGrabber-Mobile-Tuner/dp/B014L9CCHO/
This is like a microphone that will only "hear" your instrument, so you can use the Bandmate app in class while other people are playing their instruments beside you.
The Bandmate Tuner app is a big deal because it gives personal feedback to students while they learn. It lets students see what note they are playing, so that they can check for themselves if they are playing the right note or not. It has made it so much easier for my students to learn, and people all around the world have discovered it and are using it in their own music programs. In fact I expect it will hit 1 million downloads by October.
FLUTES, CLARINETS, AND SAXOPHONES NEED A SWAB
If your child plays a woodwind instrument (flute, clarinet, or saxophone), they need a swab so they can clean out their instrument every day before putting it back in the case. You can order one from Hills Music Shop if you do not have one.
If woodwinds are stored in the case without swabbing, moisture causes the pads under the keys to wrinkle and be ruined. This costs $100-200 to fix, depending on the extent of the damage. A swab costs $5. Please make sure your child has a swab.
FACEBOOK
Our band program has a Facebook page. You can "like" it here: www.facebook.com/HawleyBandRoom
CONCERT CALENDAR
October 26, 6:30, 8th grade only, at Hawley
December 12, 7:00, 6th grade only, at Hawley
December 15, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS audition
March 8, 7:00, 8th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 17, 7:00, 6th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 18, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS auditorium
This is Justin Dickson, band director at Hawley Middle School. Every week I will send out a message like this to communicate what is happening this week in band class, upcoming events, and other announcements.
MONDAY AND TUESDAY
On Monday and Tuesday, I will be in Winston-Salem for the North Carolina Music Educators Association 2017 conference. However, we are very fortunate to have Mrs. Susan Shell, who was the chorus director at Hawley for 20+ years, available as a substitute teacher. So your kids will have their normal band rehearsal for these two days.
I have been attending this conference every year, and I am proud to tell you that this year I was asked to present a session on using technology in a music classroom. So I get to show other music teachers from around the state all the ways that we use technology in our band room to make it easier and more fun to learn. I am proud to represent our school, our county, and our band program at this conference.
CONCERT DRESS CODE
Just a reminder that students wear formal black & white dress for our concerts. Santa hats are optional for the December concert too. For details about the dress code, please refer to our course syllabus on the Documents page of my website www.JustinDickson.com/Band
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th Grade will continue working through Chapter 5, in which we learn how to count and play 8th notes. Our next test will be #5.05, "Jolly Old St. Nicholas". I will make a video to help your child practice when I get back from the conference. Practice help videos are on www.youtube.com/HawleyBandRoom
7th Grade will start learning our fourth concert piece, "Mystery Ride", this week. We will also test on "Bumpy Sleigh Ride", so please make sure your child has studied / practiced their notes.
8th Grade will rehearse the two pieces we have been learning, and start learning our third piece, "Hark The Herald Tubas Sing". We will do playing tests on this material after the Thanksgiving break, so please make sure your child has studied / practiced their notes.
===========================
OLD BUT STILL RELEVANT INFO
===========================
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR TEXT ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have not already done so, please sign up to receive text message announcements from me via the Remind app. You do not have to download the app. Just sent a text message to phone number 81010 , and the text message should say...
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE LEARNING EASIER
By now, most of you know that I designed a free mobile app for my students called Bandmate Chromatic Tuner (www.bandmatetuner.com). I highly recommend that you download it, or that your child downloads it on their phone / tablet if they have one, because it makes it so much easier for kids to learn their notes while they are practicing at home.
Students are allowed to use it in band class, too. In fact, I highly encourage it. If you would like your child to use it in class, I recommend you purchase the Peterson PitchGrabber pickup: https://www.amazon.com/Peterson-PitchGrabber-Mobile-Tuner/dp/B014L9CCHO/
This is like a microphone that will only "hear" your instrument, so you can use the Bandmate app in class while other people are playing their instruments beside you.
The Bandmate Tuner app is a big deal because it gives personal feedback to students while they learn. It lets students see what note they are playing, so that they can check for themselves if they are playing the right note or not. It has made it so much easier for my students to learn, and people all around the world have discovered it and are using it in their own music programs. In fact I expect it will hit 1 million downloads by October.
FLUTES, CLARINETS, AND SAXOPHONES NEED A SWAB
If your child plays a woodwind instrument (flute, clarinet, or saxophone), they need a swab so they can clean out their instrument every day before putting it back in the case. You can order one from Hills Music Shop if you do not have one.
If woodwinds are stored in the case without swabbing, moisture causes the pads under the keys to wrinkle and be ruined. This costs $100-200 to fix, depending on the extent of the damage. A swab costs $5. Please make sure your child has a swab.
Our band program has a Facebook page. You can "like" it here: www.facebook.com/HawleyBandRoom
CONCERT CALENDAR
October 26, 6:30, 8th grade only, at Hawley
December 12, 7:00, 6th grade only, at Hawley
December 15, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS audition
March 8, 7:00, 8th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 17, 7:00, 6th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 18, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS auditorium
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