September 2018 News

WHMS Music
Community, Creativity, Identity, Musicianship

Upcoming Dates
Date Time Event
Mon. Sept. 24th 3:30 to 7:30pm Beginner Band Clinic
Mon. Sept. 24th 6:45 to 7:30pm Information Session and Demonstrations for Gr. 7 Parents
Tuesday, Oct. 2nd 7:30 to 8:45am First Concert Band rehearsal
Thursday Oct. 4th 3:30 to 4:30pm First Jazz Band Rehearsal
Mon, Oct. 15h 7:00pm AVWH Band Parents AGM and meeting at WHMS

Welcome!
I hope everyone had a fantastic summer break. We have an exciting year of music making ahead of us, and the
ball has already started rolling! Please carefully read over the information on both sides of this sheet. If your
child is interested in extracurricular music activities, don’t miss the information and permission slip on the
back. Please see the attached sheet “WHMS Music: How it Works” before reading on.

Volunteering
Our music program relies on the availability of parents and guardians for chaperoning and supervising. All
parents volunteering with our students must have a current criminal record check registered with the AVRSB.
The office has put together a tidy package to help you with this. Paper copies are available in the office or if you
are receiving this newsletter by email, I have attached a digital copy.

Communication
This is the first and last music newsletter to be distributed on paper. You can expect regular email
communications and newsletters from me through the email address you have provided the school. If you have
not received a digital copy by email, please contact me at smreid@gnspes.ca with the correct email address.
Newsletters will also be published for viewing online at mrreidsite.weebly.com. If providing your child with
paper copies to bring home is preferable, please let me know.

Grade 7 Instrument Assignments

Grade 7 instrument assignments will be posted soon. All students will be matched with an instrument keeping
the following in mind:
 The student’s interest (students will be assigned one of their top three choices)
 Physical characteristics (arm length, hands, lips, etc. can help determine potential for success with specific
instruments)
 Musical knowledge and experience (some instruments are more demanding than others)
 The needs of the band
 The availability of instruments

Beginner Band Clinic

On Monday September 24th there will be an important clinic for all grade 7 music students, grade 8 students
who are new to their instrument, and all grade 6 students who would like to be in Concert Band or Jazz Band this
year. Students will receive their instrument and work with a specialist clinician on their instrument. If it is not
possible for your child to attend, please contact me as soon as possible. This experience provides a vital
foundation to our music program; all grade 7 and new grade 8 students should plan to be in attendance!

Students will be staying after school. Be sure that your child brings an extra snack and something for supper with
them to school in the morning. AT 6:45pm THERE WILL BE AN IMPORTANT MEETING FOR PARENTS AND
GUARDIANS about the music program and band parent’s association. This will be followed by a short
presentation/concert by your budding musicians, and a post clinic clean up. Everything will wrap up at 7:30pm.
Please note that if you have not yet registered with the BPA you may do so with our registrar on this evening.

AVWH Band Parent’s Association

The Avon View/West Hants Band Parent’s Association AGM (Annual General Meeting) is set for Monday October
17th at 7:00pm in the music room at WHMS. As a parent or guardian of a music student you are a member and
are encouraged to attend! We have an amazing team of parents working behind the scenes to keep our program
running, they meet the second Monday of each month, alternating location between AVHS and WHMS. For
meeting locations and other information see www.avhs-music.ednet.ns.ca .
The Band Parents Association is looking to fill a number of positions. If you think you might be interested in an
executive position or want to sit in as a regular member come out to the meeting on October 17TH and/or get in
touch. Our music program needs you!
Course Outlines
Students will be (or already have been) provided with a course outline. These contain important information
about what we will be doing this year during class time. Please read over this with your child and get in touch
should you have any questions.

Practice
Before long all grades 7 and 8 students will have an instrument. These students need to be practicing regularly in
order to meet performance and curricular goals. Practice is homework! For beginning students 5 or 10 minutes
of producing sound every day is best at the start; increasing in duration as they develop the muscles and skills
needed to play their instrument. For experienced students, the best routine is a minimum of 15 minutes of
producing sound every day or approximately four 30-45 minute practice sessions every week.

Extra Curricular Bands

Beginning in October Concert Band will be rehearsing Tuesday mornings at 7:30 and Jazz Band will be rehearsing
on Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30.These bands are an exciting co-curricular part of our music program;
all students are encouraged to take part! Grade 7 and 8 students and those grade 6 students with prior
experience on their instrument are eligible to start in October. Other grade 6 students are encouraged to come
for extra help at lunch and recess times, and will join the bands once they have developed a suitable skill set.
Interested parents and students please fill in the form below and have it retuned to Mr. Reid by Wednesday
September 21st.

Carpooling
Carpooling is being organised for Concert Band and Jazz Band. It’s convenient and good for the environment
too! If you are interested, please get in touch.

Your child has begun an exciting journey in the music program at WHMS. They and our community will benefit
greatly from their involvement! Please feel free to get in touch at any time. It is best to reach me by email at
smreid@gnspes.ca, or by leaving a message in my office (757-4112). I’m looking forward to an exciting school
year filled with music!

Mr. Steve Reid

“Those about to rock, we salute you…” – ACDC

Extra Curricular Bands Sign-Up

Student Name:

Homeroom Teacher:

Extracurricular activities my child wishes to be involved in this year:

Concert Band
Jazz Band

Please Note:

 Consistent attendance is vital for students who make the commitment to play in band.
 For ALL rehearsal absences, students are expected to let the director know by note or email
before the rehearsal. A medical appointment is an example of a reasonable absence, however,
homework is not. A signed note is also required unless the activity is school-related.
 Participation in concerts is mandatory; everyone else in the band is depending on you!

We have read and discussed the above information and the importance of commitment. We have decided
that______________(student name) will commit to band and be at every rehearsal when she/he is at school.

Guardian Signature _________________________ Date ___________________

Student Signature __________________________ Date __________________