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Band Directors Contact Info:
jim.pritchard@gcisd.net
brenda.hinton@gcisd.net
We are very excited to have your child in band and you as a band parent!!! WELCOME!!!!
If you are a 5th grader wanting to join band, all you need to do is circle band on your choice sheet (leave the instrument blank).
NEW DATE!!!!! BEGINNER PERCUSSION AUDITIONS!!! THURSDAY, APRIL 10 6:30-8PM
We will choose your child's instrument at our Beginner Band Drive on Saturday, April 5 at HMS Band Hall. This is a come-and-go meeting.
The following letter was mailed to students who chose band on their choice sheet March 27, 2008:
Heritage Middle School Beginner Band
5300 Heritage Avenue
Colleyville, Texas 76034
817-305-4887
March 27, 2008
Dear Future Band Parent,
Thank you for choosing band!!! We are excited to have your child in band at HMS and you as a band parent!
This letter contains information regarding our Beginner Band Drive Saturday, April 5, 12:00-3:30PM in the HMS Band Hall. This is the time where we will help your child choose an instrument for band. We have scheduled times alphabetically according to your child’s last name. This is done to divide the future sixth grade band students into smaller groups, which allows us more time to spend with you and your child. Final instrument decision is based on physical features (shape and size of mouth, lips, fingers, arms, etc.), pitch recognition, piano background, coordination, student choice, and needs of the band program. The meeting should last approximately 45 minutes. We are looking forward to meeting you and helping you choose an instrument best suited for your child and the band program.
My name is Jim Pritchard and I am the band director. I have been in the district for 31 years (15 years at HMS) and have taught at Grapevine Middle, Colleyville Middle, and Grapevine High School. Brenda Hinton is the assistant band director and has taught for 9 years; this will be her 4th year at HMS. Our bands are very successful because of the great quality of students that join our band program.
It is extremely important that you and your child attend this meeting!!! We will give you detailed information about next year, answer questions, and help select an instrument beneficial to both your child and the band program. Please do not get an instrument until you have met with one of the band directors. If you already have an instrument, please bring it to the meeting so that we can check it.
Students interested in playing percussion will choose an alternate instrument at this meeting. Only 6 - 8 students will be chosen for percussion. Those interested in percussion will return on Thursday, April 10, 6:30 - 8 PM to audition for Jeff Ausdemore, CHHS Percussion Coordinator. We will choose our 6th grade percussionists at that time. Students not selected for percussion will play their alternate instrument.
It is very important for the band to have a balanced instrumentation.
Attendance is mandatory on Saturday, April 5, 12:00 - 3:30 PM.
Please see times below. Please attend alphabetically by last name.
Meetings will be in the Heritage Middle School Band Room located in the red brick building in the back parking lot (between the portables and the main building). Mr. E’s Music Company will be there to explain rental programs and answer questions.
Please attend alphabetically by last name.
Saturday, April 5
Last Name
12:00PM – 1:00PM - G - O
1:15PM – 2:15PM - P - Z
2:30PM – 3:30PM - A - F
We are looking forward to working with your child next year! We hope that you will become involved in our parent Band Booster Club. There will be lots of excitement ahead!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
Jim Pritchard 817-456-3501
Brenda Hinton 817-313-5962
Heritage MS Band Directors
HMS Band Hall 817-305-4887
Please visit our website. It contains up-to-the minute information, announcements, photos, parent letters, schedules, frequently asked questions, etc. Check it regularly.
www.gcisd-k12.org
click Campus Info
click HMS
click Programs/Electives
click Band
Additional Beginner Band Information:
1). Band meets everyday.
2). Our GOAL is to teach the basic fundamentals of playing such as: tone, rhythm, hand position, embouchure, posture, etc.
3). Rehearsals – All work is done during the school day except for a couple of before-school rehearsals prior to concerts (Holiday, Spring, and Sandy Lake Contest)
4). Performances – Holiday Concert
Solo & Ensemble Contest (Feb)
Spring Concert (April or May)
Sandy Lake Contest (April or May)
5). Grades are based on daily class participation, weekly playing tests, practice at home, concert and contest attendance.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about beginner band:
Does my child need to know how to play an instrument to be in band?
No. We do not expect your child to have any musical knowledge; we teach from the very beginning…from how to open the instrument case.
Does my child need to take beginning band in the 6th grade?
If you have ever wanted your child to be in band or try band, this is the best time to do so. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU BEGIN BAND IN THE 6th GRADE. You may take beginning band in the 7th grade, but scheduling can be difficult. Also, they will be a year behind their peers.
What types of band classes are available?
Band classes are available for (1) Woodwinds – flute, clarinet, saxophone, and possibly oboe and bassoon; (2) Brass – trumpet (also known as cornet), trombone, French Horn, euphonium (also known as baritone) and tuba; (3) Percussion – snare drum and bells (only a select number of students will play this instrument).
How do I get an instrument?
On Saturday, March 31 we will have a Beginner Band Drive. At the band drive a display of recommended instruments will be available. Most music dealers have both new and used instruments at reasonable rates on a rental-purchase plan, which provides an opportunity for a trial period on the instrument. The amount you pay for rental is then applied toward the purchase of the instrument.
Can we buy an instrument?
Yes. Your child does not need to have a new instrument; good used instruments are acceptable. Certain manufacturers are preferred for use in the school because of tone, tuning, and/or stability. Also, there is a wide variation in the value and quality of all musical instruments, and it is to your advantage to get your money’s worth. Please call a band director for assistance before purchasing an instrument.
Are there any school-owned instruments available?
The school provides some of the more expensive instruments such as tuba, euphonium, French horn, bassoon, oboe, and bass clarinet. These instruments are available for $50 per semester. Assignments for these instruments will be based on academic, physical, and auditory capabilities.
Is private instruction available? Required?
While we encourage private instruction, we do not require it to participate in the band program. If interested, we will be happy to arrange a teacher and time.
NOW FOR THE FUN PART!!! Your child will get to do many things, and go many places in the band. In band we have…
Laser Quest party (as an incentive for practicing –optional)
Gameworks party (optional)
Party at Hurricane Harbor (optional)
Party at Six Flags (optional)
Skating parties (optional)
A possible field trip to watch the Dallas Symphony perform
Pizza parties (as an incentive for practicing)
A Holiday Concert and a Spring concert
A field trip to Sandy Lake Amusement Park, and WIN A TROPHY for the school
Solo Contest and WIN GOLD MEDALS
Friends
NOTE: Students must pass all of their classes to participate in the fun activities.
We believe there are many wonderful reasons why you should encourage your child to learn an instrument and become a part of the band. Playing in the band teaches students self-discipline and self-motivation. It gives students a sense of belonging and teaches students to work together toward a common goal. It is a great place to meet people and make friends. It places your child in a wholesome activity that they can continue through high school and even college.
To assist in selecting an instrument, we will meet with each interested 5th grade student and parent individually at Heritage Middle School on Saturday, April 5 to fit his/her wants and physical characteristics to the appropriate instrument. This will be a come-and-go meeting. The meeting will be held in the Heritage Band Hall. A reputable music company will also be there to help you with any arrangements for renting or purchasing an instrument, if you wish to do so at that time. They will be glad to answer any questions that you may have, and show you the instruments. Please come to this meeting with three choices of instruments that you would be interested in playing.
Soon, your child will have the opportunity to choose his or her elective for next year. If you want your child to be in band make sure it is marked as his/her first choice. Please feel free to call us about any question you may have – no matter how simple! We look forward to having your child in the band, and you as a band parent!
Musically Yours,
Jim Pritchard, Band Director 817-456-3501
Brenda Hinton, Band Director 817-313-5962
Band Hall 817-305-4887
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