Upcoming Events
Greetings Wildcat Band Family,
I really missed getting to work with our A day classes this week but I had fantastic reports from the subs! I want to send a special shout out to Finley Knaup, 8th grade Clarinet player and student aide. She took it upon herself to teach the 7th grade clarinets on Monday and again on Wednesday when I was out sick. She did an INCREDIBLE JOB!! Thank you, Finley! Future BHS Pride Section Leader and Drum Major right here!
I have received a few messages recently about the individual photos we took in December. Our photographer, Mr. Moore, is finishing those up for us and I will have them available for purchase online soon after.
The orders from our last fundraiser are being processed and should be sent out within the next 2 weeks.
This week we have several 8th grade band events that we need all in attendance for as we prepare for the ASBOA Region VI Concert Assessment coming up on March 10th at BHS. Tuesday, we will rehearse after school until 5:00p. Wednesday we will rehearse during priority time. Thursday is our Pre Assessment Performance at BHS to give us a formal run through (details below).
Friday is the Bentonville Schools Percussion Ensembles Concert at BHS beginning at 6:00pm. This includes both 7th and 8th grade percussionists.
8th Grade Band also had Check-In #2 due this past Friday. Each school day late is 10% off. There are no makeups once we get 10 school days pass the due date. However, students who turn it in on time can use the feedback received to practice, re record and turn in by March 9th to increase their grade. I have updated HAC so you can see if your student has turned it in. A blank means it was turned in. An "N" indicates I did not receive anything. I realize there are a couple of students who were out sick this week who were unable to turn it in and they will receive an extension. I did place an "N" in their grade just so parents can see that the assignment hasn't been done yet.
8th Grade band and Jazz Band, please remember to be making your spring trip payments. Thank you to everyone making payments as we are well on are way to being caught up!! We are currently $7,800 short to pay our upcoming invoices for the trip. Please remember that these payments need to be made by this Friday. I will be sending out an updated financial statement for those who still owe for the trip or other band fees. As always, if you need help with any of this, please please reach out and let me know. We have resources to assist families.
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 opens at 7:30 for students to complete Check in #2
Band Room Closes at 4:30p
Tuesday - B Day (Classes 5-8 and Priority)
Band Room opens at 7:30 for students to work on Check in #2
8th Grade Band Rehearsal after school until 5
Wednesday - A Day (Classes 1-4 and Priority)
Faculty Meeting - Band room will not open until 8:30. Keep instruments with you and go to commons or gym.
8th Grade Band Rehearsal during Priority
Band Room open 4:30 to work on Check in #2
GOOD LUCK TRACK ON YOUR FIRST MEET!!!!!
Thursday - B Day (Classes 5-8 and Priority) CONCERT DAY! :)
Band Room opens at 7:30 for students to work on Check in #2
Open Band Practice during Priority Time
8th Grade Band Concert
6:00p - Arrive at BHS in South Common (enter covered walk way between buildings)
6:15p - Lined Up by row to enter warm-up
6:30p - Warm-up
7:00p - Perform
7:25p - Sight Read
7:45p - Strike Stage
Friday - A Day (Classes 1-4 and Engagement Friday)
Band Room opens at 7:55 for students to complete Check in #2 (50% credit)
Percussion Ensemble Concert for 7th and 8th Grade Percussion at BHS
GOOD LUCK ARCHERY AT STATE!!!
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 -21st - Mandatory Pride Band Members Music Sectional 1:00p-5:00pm
For full calendar, please see www.bentonvillepride.com |
July 31st- Low Brass and Low Reeds Sectional (Bass Clarinets, Saxophone, French Horns, Trombones, Euphoniums and Tubas) | July 24th-August 4th - Mandatory Pride Band Members Rehearsal 8:00am-5:00pm
For full calendar, please see www.bentonvillepride.com |
August 1st - High Woodwinds and High Brass Sectional (Flutes, Clarinets and Trumpets) | August 7th-15th - Mandatory Pride Band Members Evening Rehearsals Beginning at 5:00pm. End time varies depending on day.
For full calendar, please see www.bentonvillepride.com |
August 2nd - Percussion Sectional | |
August 3rd - Full Band Rehearsal | |
August 4th - Full Band Rehearsal | |
You can find a complete copy of this year's calendar of events here.
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!
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 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.
Musically Yours,
