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.
8th GRADE CONCERT RECORDINGS
I was very proud of our 8th grade concert band and jazz band last week. In our previous two concerts this year, our 8th grade band performed beneath their potential. They were terribly out of tune, and failed to execute basic basic musical techniques like dynamics, articulation, and phrasing. We came to terms with this as we analyzed the recordings in class, and worked very hard for the past two months in class on intonation, phrasing, and balance. We learned the hard way that just playing "the right notes" is not enough to perform at the level we have come to expect from our bands at Hawley.
The performance Thursday night sounded like a completely different band from the one you heard in December. Their tone, intonation, phrasing, and balance was that of a mature middle school band, or even a young high school band. I am confident in their ability to perform at the highest level and earn the Superior rating at the Carowinds Festival of Music, if we commit to improving and growing for the rest of the year as we have in the past two months. It won't be easy, but this band has proven that they can do it if they want to.
The recordings from Thursday are up on my website. Feel free to share these with friends and family: http://www.justindickson.com/band/recordings.htm
CAN I GET A VOLUNTEER?
Is anyone available to help on Monday and/or Friday night at 6:00? We are doing our "instrument tryout nights" with the incoming 5th graders. I just need someone to enter each student's name and information into a spreadsheet as they register for band. I can't do it because I will be occupied with the instrument tryouts. Thank you!
5th GRADER RECRUITING
If you know any 5th grade students who might be interested in playing in the band at Hawley next year, please invite them to one of our Band Parent Meeting / Instrument Selection Nights this Monday or Friday, March 12 and 16. Here is a paper about it that they can show to their parents: http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/band-invitation.pdf
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will continue working on their first piece of concert music, "Union March" by Mekel Rogers. Students will be tested to make sure they are learning their part throughout the rest of the semester, so please make sure they are practicing at home.
7th grade will start learning their third piece of concert music this week, "Honor Roll March". I am very proud of the progress this band has made so far this semester. I have given them very challenging music, and they have stepped up to the challenge. In fact, we are way ahead of schedule for our concert preparation. What a great problem to have!
8th grade will start learning our music for Carowinds this week. We will start with one of my all time favorites, "Imperium" by Michael Sweeney. Students will be tested to make sure they are learning their part throughout the rest of the semester, so please make sure they are practicing at home.
Jazz Band will learn a new piece this week. We listened to a few last week, and the next one they asked to learn is "Moanin" as played by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers.
===========================
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...
... @HawleyBa18 for fifth grade, next year's sixth grade
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
8th GRADE PERFORMANCE AT THE CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC!
8th grade band only. In case anyone needs it again, here is the paper with all of the information about the Carowinds Festival of Music event: http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/carowinds-letter.pdf
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.
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.
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
9th GRADE BAND REGISTRATION
Yes, it's already time for our 8th graders to start thinking about their 9th grade class registration! Mr. Maston and I put together a document to help you understand which band classes are available to you at SGHS next year. Just go to the "SGHS" page on my website (click here), and click on "Information about 9th grade band registration".
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, March 11, 2018
Sunday, March 4, 2018
20180304
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.
8th GRADE CONCERT THIS THURSDAY
Our 8th grade band will perform a concert at the South Granville High School auditorium next Thursday, March 8, at 7:00pm. The SGHS concert band and our jazz band will also perform. It's going to be great, please invite your friends and family!
Students wear their formal black & white concert attire, and should be seated by 6:45.
5th GRADER RECRUITING
If you know any 5th grade students who might be interested in playing in the band at Hawley next year, please invite them to our Band Parent Meeting / Instrument Selection Night on March 12 and 16. Here is a paper about it that they can show to their parents:http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/band-invitation.pdf
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will start working on our concert music this week. Our goal is to prepare four songs for our concert in May. We generally learn one at a time and gradually add more when we are ready. Students will be tested to make sure they are learning their part throughout the rest of the semester, so please make sure they are practicing at home.
7th grade will continue working on "We Know The Way" and "Handclap" this week. We can basically get through both of these pieces now, but we need to just spend some time reviewing and cleaning it up before we try to add a third piece. I expect we will add a third piece next week. We will have a playing test on "We Know The Way" this week, so please make sure your child is practicing their part and is prepared.
8th grade will be preparing for our March 8 concert. Students should be practicing this music at home, making sure they know their part. Remember that recordings of all of our concert pieces are available online, and students can listen to these recordings to help them practice. Just Google the title and composer, e.g. "Scenes from an ocean voyage Brian Balmages".
Jazz Band will keep working on "Summertime", "Mercy Mercy Mercy", and "The Preacher" this week so that we can play them at the concert on Thursday. Students who want to play solos at the concert will want to spend some extra time practicing at home this week so they feel confident Thursday night.
===========================
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...
... @HawleyBa18 for fifth grade, next year's sixth grade
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
8th GRADE PERFORMANCE AT THE CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC!
8th grade band only. In case anyone needs it again, here is the paper with all of the information about the Carowinds Festival of Music event: http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/carowinds-letter.pdf
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.
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.
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
9th GRADE BAND REGISTRATION
Yes, it's already time for our 8th graders to start thinking about their 9th grade class registration! Mr. Maston and I put together a document to help you understand which band classes are available to you at SGHS next year. Just go to the "SGHS" page on my website (click here), and click on "Information about 9th grade band registration".
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.
8th GRADE CONCERT THIS THURSDAY
Our 8th grade band will perform a concert at the South Granville High School auditorium next Thursday, March 8, at 7:00pm. The SGHS concert band and our jazz band will also perform. It's going to be great, please invite your friends and family!
Students wear their formal black & white concert attire, and should be seated by 6:45.
5th GRADER RECRUITING
If you know any 5th grade students who might be interested in playing in the band at Hawley next year, please invite them to our Band Parent Meeting / Instrument Selection Night on March 12 and 16. Here is a paper about it that they can show to their parents:http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/band-invitation.pdf
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will start working on our concert music this week. Our goal is to prepare four songs for our concert in May. We generally learn one at a time and gradually add more when we are ready. Students will be tested to make sure they are learning their part throughout the rest of the semester, so please make sure they are practicing at home.
7th grade will continue working on "We Know The Way" and "Handclap" this week. We can basically get through both of these pieces now, but we need to just spend some time reviewing and cleaning it up before we try to add a third piece. I expect we will add a third piece next week. We will have a playing test on "We Know The Way" this week, so please make sure your child is practicing their part and is prepared.
8th grade will be preparing for our March 8 concert. Students should be practicing this music at home, making sure they know their part. Remember that recordings of all of our concert pieces are available online, and students can listen to these recordings to help them practice. Just Google the title and composer, e.g. "Scenes from an ocean voyage Brian Balmages".
Jazz Band will keep working on "Summertime", "Mercy Mercy Mercy", and "The Preacher" this week so that we can play them at the concert on Thursday. Students who want to play solos at the concert will want to spend some extra time practicing at home this week so they feel confident Thursday night.
===========================
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...
... @HawleyBa18 for fifth grade, next year's sixth grade
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
8th GRADE PERFORMANCE AT THE CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC!
8th grade band only. In case anyone needs it again, here is the paper with all of the information about the Carowinds Festival of Music event: http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/carowinds-letter.pdf
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.
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.
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
9th GRADE BAND REGISTRATION
Yes, it's already time for our 8th graders to start thinking about their 9th grade class registration! Mr. Maston and I put together a document to help you understand which band classes are available to you at SGHS next year. Just go to the "SGHS" page on my website (click here), and click on "Information about 9th grade band registration".
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, February 25, 2018
20180225
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.
8th GRADE CONCERT NEXT WEEK
Our 8th grade band will perform a concert at the South Granville High School auditorium next Thursday, March 8, at 7:00pm. The SGHS concert band and our jazz band will also perform. It's going to be great, please invite your friends and family!
9th GRADE BAND REGISTRATION
Yes, it's already time for our 8th graders to start thinking about their 9th grade class registration! Mr. Maston and I put together a document to help you understand which band classes are available to you at SGHS next year. Just go to the "SGHS" page on my website (click here), and click on "Information about 9th grade band registration".
5th GRADER RECRUITING
If you know any 5th grade students who might be interested in playing in the band at Hawley next year, please invite them to our Band Parent Meeting / Instrument Selection Night on March 12 and 16. Here is a paper about it that they can show to their parents: http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/band-invitation.pdf
SYMPHONY CONCERT, CHAPERONES NEEDED
Students who donated at least $100 in the band fundraiser will attend a concert by The North Carolina Symphony concert is March 23, during school hours. If you are available to serve as a chaperone, please email me at DicksonJ@gcs.k12.nc.us
CONGRATULATIONS, S.G.H.S. PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
The South Granville High School winter percussion ensemble performed in their regional competition yesterday. They were one of only 6 ensembles in their class to advance to regional finals, and they were the only one from North Carolina to do so. This ensemble includes many of our former and current Hawley band students, and I am just so proud of them.
8th graders, you need to stick with band in high school. SGHS is becoming one of the premier music programs in the state. Be a part of it!
CONGRATULATIONS REBECCA, JESSICA, AND AYDEN
8th graders Rebecca Snyder, Jessica Beltran, and Ayden Ammons were selected to perform in the UNC-Pembroke Honors Band on March 17. They will represent Hawley MS at a one-day clinic in which they will spend the day learning music to be performed in concert that night, under the baton of Neil Underwood (North Lincoln High School) and Jerry Lowe (Northwest School of the Arts), two of the premiere band directors and music educators in North Carolina. The concert is at 7:00pm on March 17.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will continue working through chapters 7 and 8. We are learning songs in 3/4 meter, and how to play melodies with tied notes. For their next playing test, they can choose their favorite song between 8.05 or 8.06.
7th grade will continue working on "We Know The Way" from the Moana movie. This song has been stuck in my head all weekend, so I think you are going to enjoy it in our concert. We will test on this material, but probably not until next week or the following week. It is pretty challenging.
8th grade will be preparing for our March 8 concert. Students should be practicing this music at home, making sure they know their part. Remember that recordings of all of our concert pieces are available online, and students can listen to these recordings to help them practice. Just Google the title and composer, e.g. "Scenes from an ocean voyage Brian Balmages".
Jazz Band will keep working on "Summertime" and "Mercy Mercy Mercy". Students who wanted solos in these pieces have received that sheet music to practice. Last week we added some of our old pep band music so that we can play it for the 5th graders when they tour the school. This week I would like to add a new song, maybe "The Preacher". We will listen to a few songs in class and decide what we want to do.
===========================
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...
... @HawleyBa18 for fifth grade, next year's sixth grade
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
8th GRADE PERFORMANCE AT THE CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC!
8th grade band only. In case anyone needs it again, here is the paper with all of the information about the Carowinds Festival of Music event: http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/carowinds-letter.pdf
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.
8th GRADE CONCERT NEXT WEEK
Our 8th grade band will perform a concert at the South Granville High School auditorium next Thursday, March 8, at 7:00pm. The SGHS concert band and our jazz band will also perform. It's going to be great, please invite your friends and family!
9th GRADE BAND REGISTRATION
Yes, it's already time for our 8th graders to start thinking about their 9th grade class registration! Mr. Maston and I put together a document to help you understand which band classes are available to you at SGHS next year. Just go to the "SGHS" page on my website (click here), and click on "Information about 9th grade band registration".
5th GRADER RECRUITING
If you know any 5th grade students who might be interested in playing in the band at Hawley next year, please invite them to our Band Parent Meeting / Instrument Selection Night on March 12 and 16. Here is a paper about it that they can show to their parents: http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/band-invitation.pdf
SYMPHONY CONCERT, CHAPERONES NEEDED
Students who donated at least $100 in the band fundraiser will attend a concert by The North Carolina Symphony concert is March 23, during school hours. If you are available to serve as a chaperone, please email me at DicksonJ@gcs.k12.nc.us
CONGRATULATIONS, S.G.H.S. PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
The South Granville High School winter percussion ensemble performed in their regional competition yesterday. They were one of only 6 ensembles in their class to advance to regional finals, and they were the only one from North Carolina to do so. This ensemble includes many of our former and current Hawley band students, and I am just so proud of them.
8th graders, you need to stick with band in high school. SGHS is becoming one of the premier music programs in the state. Be a part of it!
CONGRATULATIONS REBECCA, JESSICA, AND AYDEN
8th graders Rebecca Snyder, Jessica Beltran, and Ayden Ammons were selected to perform in the UNC-Pembroke Honors Band on March 17. They will represent Hawley MS at a one-day clinic in which they will spend the day learning music to be performed in concert that night, under the baton of Neil Underwood (North Lincoln High School) and Jerry Lowe (Northwest School of the Arts), two of the premiere band directors and music educators in North Carolina. The concert is at 7:00pm on March 17.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will continue working through chapters 7 and 8. We are learning songs in 3/4 meter, and how to play melodies with tied notes. For their next playing test, they can choose their favorite song between 8.05 or 8.06.
7th grade will continue working on "We Know The Way" from the Moana movie. This song has been stuck in my head all weekend, so I think you are going to enjoy it in our concert. We will test on this material, but probably not until next week or the following week. It is pretty challenging.
8th grade will be preparing for our March 8 concert. Students should be practicing this music at home, making sure they know their part. Remember that recordings of all of our concert pieces are available online, and students can listen to these recordings to help them practice. Just Google the title and composer, e.g. "Scenes from an ocean voyage Brian Balmages".
Jazz Band will keep working on "Summertime" and "Mercy Mercy Mercy". Students who wanted solos in these pieces have received that sheet music to practice. Last week we added some of our old pep band music so that we can play it for the 5th graders when they tour the school. This week I would like to add a new song, maybe "The Preacher". We will listen to a few songs in class and decide what we want to do.
===========================
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...
... @HawleyBa18 for fifth grade, next year's sixth grade
... @HawleyBa17 for sixth grade
... @HawleyBa16 for seventh grade
... @HawleyBa15 for eighth grade
8th GRADE PERFORMANCE AT THE CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC!
8th grade band only. In case anyone needs it again, here is the paper with all of the information about the Carowinds Festival of Music event: http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/carowinds-letter.pdf
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, February 18, 2018
20180218
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.
THANK YOU
I want to thank everyone for contributing to our annual donations drive fundraiser. We brought in well over $5000 for the band! We need to cover the cost of the Symphony tickets, hats, etc. out of that, but we should profit somewhere around $4000. 8th grade parents, I am sorry for the bad timing-- I know our fundraiser happened at the same time as the big field trip payment. Thanks to everyone for contributing what you were able.
The Symphony concert is March 23, during school hours. I may need some volunteers to chaperone, stay tuned.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will continue to work through Chapter 7. For their next test, which will be this week, students may choose their favorite between either 7.03 or 7.04. Anyone who has not passed their 6.05 test should try to get it done this week.
7th grade will get a new piece of concert music this week, a song from the Moana movie. We will also continue to work on Handclap, and have a playing test on this material.
8th grade will finish learning our third piece for our March 8 concert and will have a playing test on it this week. Remember that recordings of all of our concert pieces are available online, and students can listen to these recordings to help them practice. Just Google the title and composer, e.g. "Scenes from an ocean voyage Brian Balmages".
Jazz Band will keep working on "Summertime" and "Mercy Mercy Mercy". Students who wanted solos in these pieces have received that sheet music to practice. We will also add a third song this week, but I have not decided what it will be yet. I have a few ideas.
===========================
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
8th GRADE PERFORMANCE AT THE CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC!
8th grade band only. In case anyone needs it again, here is the paper with all of the information about the Carowinds Festival of Music event: http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/carowinds-letter.pdf
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.
THANK YOU
I want to thank everyone for contributing to our annual donations drive fundraiser. We brought in well over $5000 for the band! We need to cover the cost of the Symphony tickets, hats, etc. out of that, but we should profit somewhere around $4000. 8th grade parents, I am sorry for the bad timing-- I know our fundraiser happened at the same time as the big field trip payment. Thanks to everyone for contributing what you were able.
The Symphony concert is March 23, during school hours. I may need some volunteers to chaperone, stay tuned.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will continue to work through Chapter 7. For their next test, which will be this week, students may choose their favorite between either 7.03 or 7.04. Anyone who has not passed their 6.05 test should try to get it done this week.
7th grade will get a new piece of concert music this week, a song from the Moana movie. We will also continue to work on Handclap, and have a playing test on this material.
8th grade will finish learning our third piece for our March 8 concert and will have a playing test on it this week. Remember that recordings of all of our concert pieces are available online, and students can listen to these recordings to help them practice. Just Google the title and composer, e.g. "Scenes from an ocean voyage Brian Balmages".
Jazz Band will keep working on "Summertime" and "Mercy Mercy Mercy". Students who wanted solos in these pieces have received that sheet music to practice. We will also add a third song this week, but I have not decided what it will be yet. I have a few ideas.
===========================
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
8th GRADE PERFORMANCE AT THE CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC!
8th grade band only. In case anyone needs it again, here is the paper with all of the information about the Carowinds Festival of Music event: http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/carowinds-letter.pdf
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, February 11, 2018
20180211
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.
FUNDRAISER! DUE THIS WEDNESDAY!
We are doing our annual Donations Drive fundraiser. It will be due by February 14, but you can turn it in early. Students have received papers in class with all the details, and you can also see/print the papers here:
www.justindickson.com/justindickson/band/stuff/band-fundraiser-2018.pdf
As I explained in that letter, band programs are expensive, and we did not even receive enough funding from the county to buy all of our concert music. If we all contribute what we can, we can do something incredible. Thank you so much for your support!
Here are a few things we will purchase with this $$ to make our band program better:
- Buying new concert music to play.
- New timpani drums. Ours may be 30 years old and no longer work, even though we have tried to get them professionally repaired. It's time. We need a 26" ($1769.99) and a 29" ($1819.99).
- Additional shelving units for the band room ($80 each). We have many instruments stacked on the floor because we do not have enough storage shelves for everyone.
- A class set of Peterson Pitchgrabber pickups ($15 each, x 30).
U.N.C.G. SUMMER MUSIC CAMP
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade has already started working on Chapter 7, and we will continue through this week. For their next test, students may choose their favorite either 7.03 or 7.04. Anyone who has not passed their 6.05 test should try to get it done this week.
7th grade will continue working on their first new piece of concert music this week. I am really impressed by how well they have done with it so far. We will test on this material, but we will not be ready for that until at least next week.
8th grade will continue to work on our third piece of concert music, "Scenes From An Ocean Voyage," as well as our other two pieces. The last day to make up the "Twilight Falls" test is Wednesday, if your child did not pass it last week.
Jazz Band has started working on two pieces, "Summertime" and "Mercy Mercy Mercy". We will focus on these two this week, as well as learning to improvise solos.
===========================
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
8th GRADE PERFORMANCE AT THE CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC!
8th grade band only. In case anyone needs it again, here is the paper with all of the information about the Carowinds Festival of Music event: http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/carowinds-letter.pdf
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.
FUNDRAISER! DUE THIS WEDNESDAY!
We are doing our annual Donations Drive fundraiser. It will be due by February 14, but you can turn it in early. Students have received papers in class with all the details, and you can also see/print the papers here:
www.justindickson.com/justindickson/band/stuff/band-fundraiser-2018.pdf
As I explained in that letter, band programs are expensive, and we did not even receive enough funding from the county to buy all of our concert music. If we all contribute what we can, we can do something incredible. Thank you so much for your support!
Here are a few things we will purchase with this $$ to make our band program better:
- Buying new concert music to play.
- New timpani drums. Ours may be 30 years old and no longer work, even though we have tried to get them professionally repaired. It's time. We need a 26" ($1769.99) and a 29" ($1819.99).
- Additional shelving units for the band room ($80 each). We have many instruments stacked on the floor because we do not have enough storage shelves for everyone.
- A class set of Peterson Pitchgrabber pickups ($15 each, x 30).
U.N.C.G. SUMMER MUSIC CAMP
Registration for the UNC-Greensboro Summer Music Camp will be open soon, possibly this week depending on the age of your child. Here is the website: https://www.smcamp.
Last year, we had several of our students attend this camp and they had an incredible experience. I went when I was a kid, too, and I got so much out of it that I later decided to go to UNCG to get my music education degree. I highly, highly recommend it. And no, the dates do not conflict with SGHS marching band. See that website for more details.
This is the most popular summer music camp in the entire country. Kids come from all over the country just to be a part of it, and we are fortunate enough to have it one hour away. Spots do fill up quickly, so jump on the registration on the day it is available.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade has already started working on Chapter 7, and we will continue through this week. For their next test, students may choose their favorite either 7.03 or 7.04. Anyone who has not passed their 6.05 test should try to get it done this week.
7th grade will continue working on their first new piece of concert music this week. I am really impressed by how well they have done with it so far. We will test on this material, but we will not be ready for that until at least next week.
8th grade will continue to work on our third piece of concert music, "Scenes From An Ocean Voyage," as well as our other two pieces. The last day to make up the "Twilight Falls" test is Wednesday, if your child did not pass it last week.
Jazz Band has started working on two pieces, "Summertime" and "Mercy Mercy Mercy". We will focus on these two this week, as well as learning to improvise solos.
===========================
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
8th GRADE PERFORMANCE AT THE CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC!
8th grade band only. In case anyone needs it again, here is the paper with all of the information about the Carowinds Festival of Music event: http://www.justindickson.com/band/stuff/carowinds-letter.pdf
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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