"Common Times" Weekly Newsletter 2/13-2/17

Upcoming Events

Greetings Wildcat Band Family,

There is always uncertainty when returning from an unexpected and extending break from school. How much ground did we lose? How far behind are we? How can we make up this time? Let me tell you, the students SLAYED this week! All classes exceeded my expectations for the week and I could not be more proud of them!

7th Grade families, I have updated the early band rehearsal dates for this coming summer due to the change in the district calendar earlier this week. Please see the table at the end of the newsletter.

Congratulations to the 30 students from BHS who earned a spot in the All-State Concert Bands and the additional 12 who earned spots in the All-State Jazz Bands!!! Additionally, 8 of them are 1st chair meaning they are the BEST in the state!!! Fun fact, 26 of those students are former Wildcat Band Members!!!!

(Click Picture to see all names)

8th Grade band and Jazz Band, please remember to be making your spring trip payments. We are currently $10,350 short to pay our upcoming invoices for the trip. I have applied fundraising credits to the balance and emailed families who still have a balance for the trip.

Due to the uncertainty of weather this time of year, we have postponed the instrument step up event to Tuesday, March 14th. If you are in the market to upgrade your student's instrument sooner, you can reach out to Saied and they'd be more than happy to work with you before then.

I am excited to announce a BRAND NEW offering for this June. The Junior High Bands are offering a 1/2 day All-City Summer Band Camp June 12th-16th 8:30a-11:30a. Cost is $75 and includes a camp shirt, daily snack, instruction and a concert at the end of the week. Students who are CURRENTLY in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade are welcome to attend. More information will be available from the district on how to sign up soon!

Please take a few moment to review the information below so you are fully prepared for the week ahead.

This week:

• Monday - A Day (Classes 1-4 and Advisory)

• Band Room Open until 4:30

• 8th Grade Band Check in #1 Past Due for all students

• Grades are posted to HAC for those who have completed it

• Z= assignment turned in but didn't meet requirements/incomplete

• N =nothing turned in

• Blank = not past due for that student yet

• If turned in today students can earn a max of 20%

• Students with extended time start to lose 10% per school day turned in late as of today.

• Ardis Ann MS 5th Grade Instrument Night

• If you know a 5th graders at Ardis Ann, encourage them to attend the instrument fitting night and find the PERFECT fit to join the Bentonville Band Family!

• Tuesday - B Day (Classes 5-8 and Priority)

• Open band during Priority Time

• Band Room until until 4:00

• Wednesday - A Day (Classes 1-4 and Priority)

• Flute sectional during priority time with Mrs. Richardson

• 8th Grade Band Rehearsal after school until 5:00p

• Track students might attend the rehearsal. Waiting on confirmation from Coach Thurman.

• Thursday - B Day (Classes 5-8)

• 8th Grade Band Rehearsal during Priority Time

• Band Room Closes at 4:00

• Friday - No School

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Current 7th Grade Band Members	Current 8th Grade Band Members
Times will be determined once speaking with XC, Cheer, Dance, Volleyball and Football Coaches so that there aren't any conflicts. Typically, these are 12:30-3:30. For those planning to attend Camp War Eagle, please plan to do one of the early sessions.	July 17th - Expected Beginning of Daily Summer Pride Band Rehearsals (only for those who are in the BHS Pride Marching Band or Color Guard. (Could change depending on start of school dates yet to be released.)
​July 31st- Low Brass and Low Reeds Sectional (Bass Clarinets, Saxophone, French Horns, Trombones, Euphoniums and Tubas)	For full calendar, please see www.bentonvillepride.com
August 1st - High Woodwinds and High Brass Sectional (Flutes, Clarinets and Trumpets)
August 2nd - Percussion Sectional
August 3rd - Full Band Rehearsal
August 4th - Full Band Rehearsal

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You can find a complete copy of this year's calendar of events here.

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PRIVATE LESSONS ARE AWESOME! They are designed to be fun, engaging, supportive and focused on the individual student.

We have an awesome partnership with Arkansas Music Conservatory where your student can take a lesson or two on US to see what private lessons can do for your band student! We have set aside $1150 for lessons this year. We can also help pay for additional lessons and offset the cost of lessons for families who need financial assistance in this area.

Who should take private lessons:

• Advanced students who need to be pushed and challenged

• Students who need some 1-on-1 assistance to learn and master concepts covered in class

• Students who missed substantial class time due to illness

• Students who just began playing this year

• Students who want to get better

• EVERYONE

To sign up for a free lesson:

• Contact Mr. Jones so he can track who is taking the exploratory lessons

• Contact Arkansas Music Conservatory to setup a lesson 479-268-3307 (call) or 479-430-2226 (text)

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To stay in the know be sure to follow us on your social media platform of choice: Facebook or Instagram - @wjhswildcatband and/or at www.wjhswildcatband.com

If you have any questions or concerns, please never hesitate to reach out. We are partners in your student's growth and need to work together for them to be as successful as possible.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Musically Yours,