May is here!

Reminders:
-Music Monday on Monday May 5 - Grade 8's and Junior Winds are asked to be ready at 11:30 for the bus.
-Grade 7's and Junior Winds students - Moose Jaw permission forms are due on Monday!
-Band Camp Deadlines will be quickly approaching.    Please make sure if you are planning on attending that you have registration handed in.

In Grade 6 Band
In Grade 6 Band this week we reviewed the two new pieces of sheet music we will be performing at our concert on May 21.   We also reviewed the 4 scales that we have been working on.    We took a look at the solos that were handed out.

We began experimenting with the concept of "audition."    We have many students who go to one of the summer band camps that are offered in the province.    Sometimes they are asked to "audition".    We explained to students that the purpose of these auditions were so that teachers can figure out what to teach a particular student for a week.  We tried having an audition.   Students who "auditioned" played a scale, something that was prepared (most played one of the solos) and we ended with a little bit of sight reading.   We also explained that auditions can be fun when you think of it as choosing what you practice.   Next week in sectionals to make sure everyone is comfortable with this idea, we are going to have a "mock audition."    Students were asked to choose what to practice and then show me next week.    I'm looking forward to hearing their choices!

In Grade 7 Band
We are preparing for Moose Jaw.   Students will be playing Prelude et Celebration and Sanctus.    We have not played this for awhile.   There were a couple of rough spots.   Students are asked to take a look at this.    We are also working on Pandora.   This one will not quite be ready for Moose Jaw but we will for sure be playing it at our end of the year concert on May 21.  Grade 7's have also begun discussing auditions and how to do an audition on their band instrument.   This is in preparation for those attending any of the summer camps.

In Grade 8 Band
In Grade 8 Band we are looking forward to joining forces with the Balfour Area 7/8 Band on Monday, May 5th.  On Monday the 8's won't have full band in the morning but will instead be bussed to Balfour at 11:30 where they will have lunch (bring a bagged lunch) and then rehearse and perform for each other.  Students will be bussed back at 3.  Only a few weeks left in band so students need to keep practicing for our final concert on Wednesday May 21st.