Dear Jazz Band band parents,
Our jazz band has been asked to play at school functions and community events in May & June, so I thought an aggregate list would be helpful. Here is what we have lined up:
♫ May 10: Spring athletic awards banquet, at Hawley. Be there at 5:30, we will start playing at 5:45. Dress nicely -- boys wear a collared shirt, etc.
♫ May 14: Hawley night of the arts. The event is from 4:00-6:00 but we will only play for about half an hour. I will send out a Remind text message when I know the details. Blue band t-shirts.
♫ May 18: Spring band concert. Jazz band will be first to perform at 7:00pm. Black & white dress.
♫ June 9: Community fun day event at Creedmoor United Methodist Church. I am still waiting for the details about this, but please save the date. We will wear our blue band t-shirts.
If you are not receiving the text message announcements for Jazz Band, please text the message @HAWLEYJAZZ to phone number 81010
News and announcements for the G.C. Hawley Middle School band program, Creedmoor, NC.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
20180418
Dear 7th grade band parents,
Next year, your child is eligible to be a member of the South Granville High School Marching Band as an 8th grader. This is something that Mr. Maston (the band director at SGHS) has allowed for several years, and it is a great opportunity for our talented students.
Your child will need a ride from Hawley to SGHS after school, because they will be expected to attend all after school practices, as well as the home football games, parades, and Saturday band competitions. This year, several of our 8th graders arranged a car pool with each other, so that is an option too.
If you are interested, your child should attend the "Rookie Band Camp" at SGHS May 21-24 from 4:00-6:00. This is not a commitment, this is not you signing up for marching band. Think of it like how our athletic teams have "open practices" before tryouts. Your child will get to know Mr. Maston and the student leaders in the band, they will be taught the basic skills of marching, and then they can decide if this is something they want to do next year.
The 8th graders who take advantage of this opportunity quickly become the best musicians in our band program every year. They learn so much and develop their skills on their instrument from playing next to the high school students, and the high school students go out of their way to help and teach the "rookies" everything they can. The SGHS marching band has an incredibly positive, nurturing student culture that way. I hope you will consider allowing your child to be a part of this award-winning band of dedicated, fun, caring, hard-working student musicians.
Feel free to contact Mr. Maston with any questions at MastonBM@gcs.k12.nc.us
Monday, April 16, 2018
20180416
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.
Sorry for the delay. I became preoccupied with the tornado watch last night.
MORE 5th GRADER INSTRUMENT TRYOUT NIGHTS
We have scheduled more "Band Parent Meeting and Instrument Tryout Nights" for incoming 5th graders for May 14 and May 21 at 6:00pm. Our original dates got snowed out. Please help me spread the word to any 5th graders who may be coming to Hawley next year. Thank you!
JAZZ BAND WAS SWINGING ON SATURDAY
Congratulations to our 8th grade Jazz Band for a great show on Saturday at the Fun Run 5K in Creedmoor. We were "the entertainment" for the meal and carnival after the 5K, and everyone sounded great. This was the first time these students have performed in this sort of context, being the side entertainment for the public instead of the feature at a concert for just our parents, and I hope they found it exciting and rewarding. Playing music for strangers is fun, and you can do it for the rest of your life if you want to.
YES, PARENTS CAN COME TO CAROWINDS. PLEASE DO!
8th grade trip to the Carowinds Festival of Music is Saturday, May 12. Some parents have asked me if they can join us. YES! Of course, we would love to have you! In fact, the bigger audience we have cheering us on, the better! There is no additional $$ cost to attend the performance, you only need to buy the regular admission ticket into the Carowinds park like every regular person who is going to Carowinds that day to ride the rides etc. You can just buy your ticket at the gate. You may be able to buy tickets ahead of time online, too.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will have a playing test on their second piece of music, "Caribbean Delight" by Victor Lopez, this week. We will also start working on our third song for the concert. We may add a fourth concert piece next week, but I am a quality over quantity guy so we will see how things go.
7th grade will have a playing test on their fourth and final piece for the concert, "Long Day's Journey" by our friend James Swearingen, this week. We will also spend the week rehearsing all four of our concert pieces, getting them good to go. We have several weeks remaining for concert preparation, so we will mix in lessons on other material every few days.
8th grade will have a playing test on the fourth movement to the "Ocean Voyage" piece this week. This test must be passed no later than next Wednesday. We are entering into our final push towards the Carowinds Festival of Music, so we will be rehearsing that music heavily. From time to time we will mix in lessons on other material so that things don't get too monotonous.
Jazz Band will start working on some new pieces this week. I would like to learn a ballad, and I will let the kids listen to my previous arrangements of "I Can't Get Started" and "These Foolish Things" to see which one they would like to do. I am also working on a new arrangement of "Autumn Leaves", which we will work on this week also. Writing music is a trial-and-error process of writing, rehearsing, figuring out what worked and what sounded bad, re-writing, rinse and repeat. I enjoy the creative process and I hope the kids enjoy being a part of it too, because the music gets better with their input.
===========================
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 12, 8th grade only, Carowinds Festival of MusicMay 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.
Sorry for the delay. I became preoccupied with the tornado watch last night.
MORE 5th GRADER INSTRUMENT TRYOUT NIGHTS
We have scheduled more "Band Parent Meeting and Instrument Tryout Nights" for incoming 5th graders for May 14 and May 21 at 6:00pm. Our original dates got snowed out. Please help me spread the word to any 5th graders who may be coming to Hawley next year. Thank you!
JAZZ BAND WAS SWINGING ON SATURDAY
Congratulations to our 8th grade Jazz Band for a great show on Saturday at the Fun Run 5K in Creedmoor. We were "the entertainment" for the meal and carnival after the 5K, and everyone sounded great. This was the first time these students have performed in this sort of context, being the side entertainment for the public instead of the feature at a concert for just our parents, and I hope they found it exciting and rewarding. Playing music for strangers is fun, and you can do it for the rest of your life if you want to.
YES, PARENTS CAN COME TO CAROWINDS. PLEASE DO!
8th grade trip to the Carowinds Festival of Music is Saturday, May 12. Some parents have asked me if they can join us. YES! Of course, we would love to have you! In fact, the bigger audience we have cheering us on, the better! There is no additional $$ cost to attend the performance, you only need to buy the regular admission ticket into the Carowinds park like every regular person who is going to Carowinds that day to ride the rides etc. You can just buy your ticket at the gate. You may be able to buy tickets ahead of time online, too.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will have a playing test on their second piece of music, "Caribbean Delight" by Victor Lopez, this week. We will also start working on our third song for the concert. We may add a fourth concert piece next week, but I am a quality over quantity guy so we will see how things go.
7th grade will have a playing test on their fourth and final piece for the concert, "Long Day's Journey" by our friend James Swearingen, this week. We will also spend the week rehearsing all four of our concert pieces, getting them good to go. We have several weeks remaining for concert preparation, so we will mix in lessons on other material every few days.
8th grade will have a playing test on the fourth movement to the "Ocean Voyage" piece this week. This test must be passed no later than next Wednesday. We are entering into our final push towards the Carowinds Festival of Music, so we will be rehearsing that music heavily. From time to time we will mix in lessons on other material so that things don't get too monotonous.
Jazz Band will start working on some new pieces this week. I would like to learn a ballad, and I will let the kids listen to my previous arrangements of "I Can't Get Started" and "These Foolish Things" to see which one they would like to do. I am also working on a new arrangement of "Autumn Leaves", which we will work on this week also. Writing music is a trial-and-error process of writing, rehearsing, figuring out what worked and what sounded bad, re-writing, rinse and repeat. I enjoy the creative process and I hope the kids enjoy being a part of it too, because the music gets better with their input.
===========================
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 12, 8th grade only, Carowinds Festival of MusicMay 17, 7:00, 6th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 18, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS auditorium
Sunday, April 8, 2018
20180308
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.
We are in the final "push" towards our end-of-the-year concerts! Here's the plan...
8TH GRADE $94 FOR CAROWINDS IS DUE WEDNESDAY
Checks may be written to "Hawley Middle School". I have to order the tickets this week. If you ordered a blue band t-shirt last week, it should be here this week.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will work on their second piece of music, which I handed out last week, "Caribbean Delight" by Victor Lopez. Our goal is to be able to play it completely by the end of the week, and we will have a playing test on it next week. Then we will add at least one more (hopefully two more, time permitting) song for the concert.
7th grade will start learning their fourth and final piece for the concert, "Long Day's Journey" by our friend James Swearingen. Our goal is to be able to play it by the end of April. We will also have a playing test this week on the Chromatic Scale that we recently added to our Fundamentals routine.
8th grade will learn the fourth movement to the "Ocean Voyage" piece that we performed at our last concert. As you may remember, we only had time to learn the first three movements thanks to the many snow days. We will add the fourth movement and give an even better performance of this piece in May. Expect a playing test on this piece next week.
Jazz Band has their performance at the "Fun Run" this Saturday, April 14. We will learn one more quick song this week, maybe "Bye Bye Blackbird", and get organized for the performance. ***I may need some help transporting the drum set. If you can pick it up on Friday and bring it on Saturday, please let me know ASAP.***
===========================
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 12, 8th grade only, Carowinds Festival of MusicMay 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.
We are in the final "push" towards our end-of-the-year concerts! Here's the plan...
8TH GRADE $94 FOR CAROWINDS IS DUE WEDNESDAY
Checks may be written to "Hawley Middle School". I have to order the tickets this week. If you ordered a blue band t-shirt last week, it should be here this week.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will work on their second piece of music, which I handed out last week, "Caribbean Delight" by Victor Lopez. Our goal is to be able to play it completely by the end of the week, and we will have a playing test on it next week. Then we will add at least one more (hopefully two more, time permitting) song for the concert.
7th grade will start learning their fourth and final piece for the concert, "Long Day's Journey" by our friend James Swearingen. Our goal is to be able to play it by the end of April. We will also have a playing test this week on the Chromatic Scale that we recently added to our Fundamentals routine.
8th grade will learn the fourth movement to the "Ocean Voyage" piece that we performed at our last concert. As you may remember, we only had time to learn the first three movements thanks to the many snow days. We will add the fourth movement and give an even better performance of this piece in May. Expect a playing test on this piece next week.
Jazz Band has their performance at the "Fun Run" this Saturday, April 14. We will learn one more quick song this week, maybe "Bye Bye Blackbird", and get organized for the performance. ***I may need some help transporting the drum set. If you can pick it up on Friday and bring it on Saturday, please let me know ASAP.***
===========================
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 12, 8th grade only, Carowinds Festival of MusicMay 17, 7:00, 6th grade only, at SGHS auditorium
May 18, 7:00, 7th and 8th grade, at SGHS auditorium
Sunday, March 25, 2018
20180325
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.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will continue working on their first piece of concert music, "Union March" by Mekel Rogers. I would also like to hand out their next piece of music this week, so that we can get started on it and they can practice it at home over the long break.
7th grade will continue learning their third piece of concert music this week, "Honor Roll March". My goal is for the band to be able to play this entire piece (even if it is rough) before we leave for Spring Break. It is proving to be pretty challenging, and I encourage everyone to put in some practice time at home this week and over the long break.
8th grade will continue learning "Imperium", one of our selections for Carowinds. I would also like to at least try a new piece that we may take to Carowinds, so we can see how difficult it might be for us to prepare properly.
Jazz Band will keep working on our two new blues songs. I re-arranged Moanin on Friday night, so we will need to learn the new version. I also want to get everyone really solid with their solos on these two pieces before we add another piece.
===========================
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.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will continue working on their first piece of concert music, "Union March" by Mekel Rogers. I would also like to hand out their next piece of music this week, so that we can get started on it and they can practice it at home over the long break.
7th grade will continue learning their third piece of concert music this week, "Honor Roll March". My goal is for the band to be able to play this entire piece (even if it is rough) before we leave for Spring Break. It is proving to be pretty challenging, and I encourage everyone to put in some practice time at home this week and over the long break.
8th grade will continue learning "Imperium", one of our selections for Carowinds. I would also like to at least try a new piece that we may take to Carowinds, so we can see how difficult it might be for us to prepare properly.
Jazz Band will keep working on our two new blues songs. I re-arranged Moanin on Friday night, so we will need to learn the new version. I also want to get everyone really solid with their solos on these two pieces before we add another piece.
===========================
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, March 18, 2018
20180318
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.
5th GRADER RECRUITING
We got snowed out Monday. In case your friends ask, we will schedule more dates in April / May.
N.C. SYMPHONY THIS FRIDAY
Students who contributed $100+ in our donations drive fundraiser will attend the NC Symphony concert at 12:00 on Friday. I will send home a permission / medical release form tomorrow, please return it to me before Friday.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will continue working on their first piece of concert music, "Union March" by Mekel Rogers. We will do a playing test this week on the first section of this piece, so please make sure your child is practicing and is prepared. My goal is for the band to be able to play this entire piece by the end of this week.
7th grade will continue learning their third piece of concert music this week, "Honor Roll March". We will do a playing test this week on the first section of this piece, so please make sure your child is practicing and is prepared. My goal is for the band to be able to play this entire piece (even if it is rough) before we leave for Spring Break.
8th grade will continue learning "Imperium", one of our selections for Carowinds. We will do a playing test this week on the first section of this piece, so please make sure your child is practicing and is prepared. I am not just listening for right notes... the dynamics and articulation must be correct also. Attention to detail is the way to earn the Superior rating at the festival.
Jazz Band learned two new songs last week. My goal for this week is to assign solos to everyone who wants one on these two songs. We may have time to start a new song this week too.
===========================
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.
5th GRADER RECRUITING
We got snowed out Monday. In case your friends ask, we will schedule more dates in April / May.
N.C. SYMPHONY THIS FRIDAY
Students who contributed $100+ in our donations drive fundraiser will attend the NC Symphony concert at 12:00 on Friday. I will send home a permission / medical release form tomorrow, please return it to me before Friday.
IN THE BAND ROOM THIS WEEK
6th grade will continue working on their first piece of concert music, "Union March" by Mekel Rogers. We will do a playing test this week on the first section of this piece, so please make sure your child is practicing and is prepared. My goal is for the band to be able to play this entire piece by the end of this week.
7th grade will continue learning their third piece of concert music this week, "Honor Roll March". We will do a playing test this week on the first section of this piece, so please make sure your child is practicing and is prepared. My goal is for the band to be able to play this entire piece (even if it is rough) before we leave for Spring Break.
8th grade will continue learning "Imperium", one of our selections for Carowinds. We will do a playing test this week on the first section of this piece, so please make sure your child is practicing and is prepared. I am not just listening for right notes... the dynamics and articulation must be correct also. Attention to detail is the way to earn the Superior rating at the festival.
Jazz Band learned two new songs last week. My goal for this week is to assign solos to everyone who wants one on these two songs. We may have time to start a new song this week too.
===========================
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, March 11, 2018
20180311
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
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.
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
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