Welcome Back!

Dear Grade 7 and 8 Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year!  We hope everyone had a good summer and are excited about the upcoming school year.  We are really looking forward to working with our Campbell area students.

 

Band Startup

Band classes will be starting Tuesday, September 12 (Day 1).  Students will receive band twice a cycle.  One band time will be a sectional at the students’ home school and the second will be a full band class at Campbell.  We will be visiting students prior to this to make sure they are organized for our band year.  September 12th is the first time students will need their instruments.  Students who have rented instruments from the school can pick them up on their first full band day.  If a student would like their school instrument before this, please let us know.  

Band Times

Massey Grade 7 – Day 1 morning and Day 4 morning

Massey Grade 8 – Day 1 and   Day 4 afternoon or morning

Grant Road Grade 7 – Day 2 morning and Day 3 afternoon

Grant Road Grade 8 – Day 1 morning and Day 5 morning

McVeety Grade 7 – Day 1 morning and Day 5 afternoon

McVeety Grade 8 – Day 1 morning and Day 5 afternoon

Perry Grade 7 – Day 2 morning and Day 5 morning

Perry Grade 8 – Day 1 morning and Day 3 afternoon   

 

Instruments

Students need to make sure they have made arrangements for instruments.  Flutes, clarinets, alto and tenor saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and percussion kits are rented from either St. John’s Music (757-7272) or Long and McQuade Music (569-8501).  French horns, euphoniums, oboes, bassoons, bass clarinets, bari saxophones, and tubas are rented through the school.  If we knew your child was planning on playing a school instrument (from June registration forms) we have one reserved.  If your child is planning on playing a school instrument and registration form was not handed in, please let us know so we can make the appropriate arrangements.  If you are planning on purchasing a new or used instrument, or borrowing an instrument, please have your instrument checked either by an instrument repair technician or by one of us.  In order to ensure success for your child it is important to have a properly functioning instrument.  Please let us know if you need help in getting an instrument.    

Method Book

Grade 7 students will be starting by reviewing the Measures of Success Book 1.  They will begin the Orange Measures of Success Book 2 by approximately November.  They do NOT need to purchase these.   We will be lending these to students.    Grade 8 students will be starting with the Orange Measures of Success Book (This is the same as last year).  The school owns these, there is no need to purchase.  They will be handed in at the end of the school year.  

 

Jazz Band

Jazz band is a wonderful opportunity for students to play in another style and as a smaller group.  All students are invited to join jazz band.  THERE ARE NO AUDITONS.  Jazz band runs on Tuesdays from 4-5 at Campbell and Wednesdays from 4-5 at Campbell.  Our new Jazz Room is Room 126.  Students should pick the day that works best for their schedule to attend.  If students would like to attend both they are welcome to.  Jazz band will begin on September 26 and September 27.  

 

 

Junior Winds

We are pleased to offer students a concert band group designed for those students wishing to have another group to play in and a little more challenging music in a chamber music setting.  Students who are interested should ask Ms. Anderson.  Students will be asked to practice something to play first before they join this group.  This group will rehearse Thursday mornings from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Campbell.  We will begin Thurs. Sept. 14. 

 

Curiosity Club

We have many curious students!  We will be starting a curiosity club for those students who were “just curious” about some of the other instruments.  This will allow students an opportunity to try another instrument out – just for fun.  We will meet on Mondays at Campbell from 3:45-4:30 p.m. beginning Oct.16.    

 

Grade 8 Band Retreat – Oct. 18

This is a retreat day for Grade 8 Band.  The purpose of the retreat is so students can develop skills and relationships they will need for the upcoming band year.  Please be watching for permission forms and more information. 

 

Instrument Switching

It is preferable students stay on the same instrument they were on last year.  If there are special circumstances or if a student has made arrangements to switch instruments, students are asked to attend the Grade 6 Headstart Clinic (Sept. 8, 6:00-8:00p.m. and Sept 9, 9:30a.m.-12:30 p.m.) at Campbell.  

School Instrument Rental

If your child is renting a French horn, euphonium, oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, bari saxophone, or tuba from the school, we will be sending home a rental contract.  Please fill this in, keep the back copy and return the rest of the form to us.  The $150 rental fee will appear on your online account.  If it is not possible to pay for this online please let us know.      

 

Regina Board of Education Band Transportation Fee

The $50 band transportation fee will appear on your Regina Public online account.  Please pay this online.  If this is not possible please let us know. (Please note:  Since Massey students walk to band at Campbell they will not need to pay the $50 transportation fee)

 

T-shirts 

Our band t-shirt will again be designed by our students.  Students are invited to submit their design ideas to us by Sept. 30.  From these designs, a graphic artist will create the t-shirt that we will use for our 2017-2018 band year.  We will be sending home a t-shirt form.  The $15 payment will appear in each student’s online payment.  

 

Blog

We will be updating our Campbell Area Blog regularly.  On our blog you will find schedules, dates, weekly updates, and sound clips.  We will continue to send home notes and update you via e-mail, however, you may find some of the answers to questions on this blog.  The address is: http://campbellareaband.blogspot.ca/.  

 

If at any time you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.   

Sincerely,

Kathy Anderson                                                    Travis Wilkinson

katherine.anderson@rbe.sk.ca                       travis.wilkinson@rbe.sk.ca    

Happy New Year!

Reminders:

- Junior Select is next week starting at 12:30 on Thursday.  Concert is at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

This Week in Grade 6 Band
This past week we had a guest visit Grade 6 Full Band.   Mr. Donny Kennedy, a Campbell Grad and professional Montreal based jazz musician was in town and came to talk to students and play a little.   The Grade 6's had many questions and we quite enjoyed Mr. Kennedy's playing. 


We are working hard at getting ready for our Optimist performance.    Grade 6's were asked to practice 35 to the end of Castles and Kings, and 9 to 17 of Midnight Sky.   Some of the Grade 6's tried out solos this week, and some began playing our concert Bb scale up and down.



This Week in Grade 7 Band
The Grade 7's have been working very hard at figuring out cut time.   It has taken us a little time to get a handle on it, but it is starting to come.    Students were asked to practice beginning to 34 in In Quiet Times (in cut time).   Our second Optimist festival piece is called Prelude et Celebration.   We have been working quite hard at figuring out key signatures in this piece.    The composer of this piece will be one of the clinicians at Optimist Festival.   Students were asked to practice measures 28-65.  



This Week in Grade 8 Band

For the last couple of weeks we worked on the ends of both Resplendent Light and Amen.  Now we are working again from the beginning and focusing on the middle sections.  We have also begun warming up with Chorale #3.

Overall, we are looking at giving every note importance or finding the purpose of every note.  Always moving and changing dynamics so that we give more shape to our phrases.

Congratulations!

Congratulations!   


Congratulations to all band students on two very nice nights of concerts.   Thank you to all family and friends who came to listen. 


The next couple of weeks there are several things happening in classrooms and so it might be confusing as to the band schedule.  
 




This is our schedule for the next two weeks:




Monday Dec. 12 (Day 2)

-Grant Road and Perry (with McVeety Grade 8's joining) Grade 8 band - bus pickup 9:15

- Grant Road and Perry Grade 7 Band - Bus pickups 10:15

-Massey Grade 6 sectionals in the afternoon

Tuesday Dec. 13 (Day 3)

- Grade 6 Full band is regular

- Grant Road Grade 7 sectionals are Regular

- Perry Grade 8 sectionals are regular

- Jazz Band 4-5 p.m.

Wednesday Dec. 14 (Day 4)

- Morning - Massey Grade 8's away

- Massey Grade 7 sectionals are regular

- Massey Grade 8 sectionals in afternoon

- Jazz Band 4-5p.m.

 Thursday Dec. 15 (Day 5)

- *No Perry Grade 7 Sectionals

- *No McVeety Grade 7 sectionals

-Grant Road Grade 8 sectionals are regular

- McVeety Grade 6 and 8 sectionals are regular

- No Junior Winds

 

Friday Dec. 16 (Day 1)

- Massey and  McVeety Grade 7 Band is regular

- Massey Grade 8's away (McVeety Gr. 8's coming on Day 2) 

- No Perry Grade 6 sectionals (school dance)

 

Monday Dec. 19 (Day 2)

- Perry and Grant Road Gr. 8 band regular - McVeety Grade 8's joining - bus pickup at 9:15

- Perry and Grant Road Gr. 7 band regular

- Massey Grade 6 sectionals regular

 

Tues. Dec. 20 (Day 3)

- Grade 6 full band normal -( except Jade's Grade 6's away)

- Grant Road Grade 7 sectionals normal

- Perry Grade 8 sectionals normal

- Grant Road - carnival in evening - groups of band students to play

- No Jazz Band  

 

Wed. Dec. 21 (Day 4)

- Massey Grade 7 sectionals normal

- no Grant Road Grade 6 sectionals in the afternoon and no Massey Grade 8 sectionals in the afternoon

- No Jazz Band

Thurs. Jan. 5 (Day 5)

- Perry Grade 7 Sectionals

- Grant Road Grade 8 Sectionals

- McVeety Grade 6, 7, and 8 Sectionals

- Junior Winds at 7:30-8:30a.m.

Fri. Jan. 6 (Day 1)

- McVeety, Massey Grade 7 Band

- Grant Road and Perry Grade 7 Band

-Perry Grade 6 sectionals

 

One Week Before Concerts!

Congratulations!
Congratulations to all Junior Winds and Jazz Band students on a very nice concert.    Thank you for all your time and thank you to all who came to listen. 


Reminders
- Grade 7 and 8 Concert - Monday Dec. 5 - 7:00p.m.   Students are asked to meet at Campbell at 6:30p.m.  
- Grade 6 Concert - Tuesday Dec. 6 - 7:00p.m.   Students are asked to meet at Campbell at 6:30p.m.  


In Grade 6 Band
We are in final concert preparations.    Grade 6's have been asked to practice our pieces that we will be performing at the concert.   These include:
-Theme From Beethoven's Ninth
- Let's Go Band
- From our book - Jingle Bells (Page 120, Old MacDonald (p.11), Shark (p.11), and Star Search (p.12)
- The twelve bar blues and the "head" to C Jam Blues

In Grade 7 Band
The Grade 7's are working on final concert preparations.    They have been asked to practice:
- Starry Night - measures 25 - end
- Argosy - flutes and clarinets - beginning, everyone else 51 -end
- Frosty - measures 15-23


In Grade 8 Band

We've worked on Amen up to measure 58 and now we have to work on 58-82.  We've also brought back Canticum for our December concert and are putting the finishing touches on A Quiet Song and Sleigh Ride.  In addition to the pieces, we've practiced our chromatic scale up to 16th notes.  We'll keep working on this to increase our speed.

Concert Coming!

Thank you
- Thank you to all the students who participated in the Dr. Tim Lautzeinheiser clinic


Reminders
- Band room Concert - Nov. 23 - Jazz Band and Junior Winds.  Students are asked to meet at 6:30p.m. The concert will begin at 7:00p.m.   The concert will be held in the band room.   All parents and friends are welcome.   Students are asked to wear their band t-shirt, dark pants, dark shoes and dark socks.    Students are asked to bring one dozen treats to share after the concert.


This Week in Grade 6 Band
We are now into concert preparation.   Students learned a Concert E natural and have been working on slurs.     We are continuing to work on playing with lots of air and be careful of keeping fingers close to the keys when playing.    We listened As the weather changes brass players are reminded to make sure they are putting slide grease on their tuning slides and oil on their valves.   At this time of the year instruments will dry out more quickly.    Reed players are reminded to be putting cork grease on their corks and to make sure they have a few reeds on the go.  


Students were asked to practice:
1.   Beethoven's 9th - measures 13-21 mesures 21-29 and measures 33-37
2.   In our book some students moved on to Page 13 - 2.11
3.   Students are encouraged to continue experimenting with their compositions


This Week in Grade 7 Band
We are continuing to work on our chromatic scale at the same time as expanding our range.   Students are encouraged to use their fingering charts and work their way up and down.   Many students have been surprised at the notes they did not realize they could play.    We worked at Starry Night measures 25 - end.   This is in the key signature of Concert Eb.  This piece has two key signatures and so we worked on making sure we knew where it changed.   We also worked on 51-end of Argosy.   Students have been surprised with how at first it looked hard, but with all the repetition it is becoming easier than they originally thought.   In Frosty we have been working on first and second endings.   


Students were asked to practice:
1.  Starry Night - they will be tested on measures 25 - end
2.  Argosy 51 - end
3.   Some students were asked to practice assigned lines in their orange book.  

Short Week

Reminders
- Junior Winds and Jazz Band Room Concert Wed. Nov. 23
- Grade 7 and 8 Concert - Mon. Dec. 5 - 7:00p.m.
- Grade 6 Concert - Dec. 6 - 7:00p.m.


This Week In Grade 6 Band
With this week being a short week we did not see all the Grade 6's.   For those that we did see, we learned a new note   (Concert E)  and began working on Let's Go Band.   Students continued to compose duets.   We asked students to think about "major" and "minor" sounds and added the word "cluster" to their musical vocabulary.   We continued to work on our Concert Bb scale and did this at various speeds.    Grade 6's are reminded that the first day back after the long weekend is a Day 3 and so they should have their instruments at school.
Grade 6 's were asked to Practice:
1.  2.11
2.  Beethoven's Ninth
3.  Let's Go Band - for those who started it. 


This Week In Grade 7 Band
We have begun preparation for our Dec. 5 concert.   We worked on Argosy from 15-51.   After doing this section we discovered we will basically know the entire piece.    Students were asked to practice 51-end.     We also were given the music to Frosty the Snowman.    We read it through and were reminded of first and second endings.    Starry Night is our third piece we will be performing.   In this piece there are many accidentals and so we worked on this immediately after working on our chromatic scale.   Many of the grade 7's are stretching their ranges by not just playing the chromatic scale in one octave, but by playing the entire fingering chart.   
Grade 7's were asked to Practice:
1.   Argosy 51-end
2.  Starry Night - all
3.   Chromatic Scale (using the fingering chart)  

Congratulations!

Congratulations!
- Congratulations to all Grade 7 and 8 band students on a very nice concert.   Thank you for your work! 


Reminders
- Winter Concerts are quickly approaching
Dec. 5 - Grade 6 Concert - 7:00p.m. at Campbell
Dec. 6 - Grade 7 and 8 Concert - 7:00p.m. at Campbell


This Week In Grade 6 Band
This week in Grade 6 Band, we put our first seven notes together to create our Concert Bb scale.  As we did this we talked about as our notes go higher how our air gets faster.   As we go lower our air is slower.    We also worked on sustaining our notes for full value.   To do this we wind patterned Ode to Joy and made sure we always felt the wind on our hands.   We listened to the difference between major and minor.   We learned that when we put notes 1, 3, and 5 together we get a major sounding chord and when we put notes 2, 4, and 6 together the chord sounds minor.   We began experimenting with these combinations as some of us began composing a duet.   As well this week we received our first piece of sheet music.  
Students were asked to practice:
1.  Jingle Bells (both parts) - P. 12
2. In their book the first line of P. 13
3.   Compose a four measure duet. 


 This Week In Grade 7 Band
This week was the first time all the Grade 7's played together.    We were quite excited to hear everyone and we are looking forward to our next opportunity to have everyone together at once.   After our concert we began handing out holiday music.   Students received a copy of Frosty the Snowman.   As students receive it, we will be figuring out the form first and then practicing the "A" sections.    Students also played Starry Night beginning to end and worked on measures 15 -51 of Argosy.   Students were asked to practice:
1.   Starry Night - all
2. Argosy - 15-51.  

This Week in Grade 8 Band
This week we started working on Amen up to measure 58.  We also are bringing A Quiet Song back into our repertoire.  Next week we'll be getting one more piece for our December concert.  We also are working on the chromatic scale in eighth notes.

Reminders:
- November 1 "sharing" concert for Grade 7 and 8 band.   Students are asked to meet at 6:30p.m. at Campbell
- If you have not already paid for the band t-shirt, please go online and pay.


Coming Up
-Nov. 1 - Grade 7 and 8 performance at 7:00p.m.
-Nov. 23 - Junior Winds and Jazz Band concert
- Dec. 5 - Grade 7 and 8 Winter Concert
- Dec. 6 - Grade 6 Winter Concert


In Grade 6 Band
This week in Grade 6 band we learned two new notes.   These notes we put together with the other five notes we have already learned to make a scale.    We have begun practicing writing these notes.   We have been trying to get students, to hear it,  play it, see it, write it, and then create their own composition with these notes. 
Students were asked to practice:
1.  Page 12 - 2.7 and 2.10


In Grade 7 Band
This week we are putting finally polishes on Daybreak as well as starting new music.   Students were asked to work on dynamics in Daybreak.   Clouds still has one problem section at measure 40.   Students were asked to practice this section.  We continued to work at phrasing and we continued to work at developing the style of the pieces we are performing.   Students have been working on Solfege sheets.   As we have explained to students, the more they learn to sing something, the better they will be able to listen to group balance and blend. 
Students were asked to practice:
Daybreak - run through
Clouds - measure 40 - 46
Starry Night - m. 1-25
Argosy - m. 15 - 43

In Grade 8 Band
This week we kept working on Canticum for our concert on Tuesday, Nov. 1.  We've especially worked on the transitions and continue to work on shaping our phrases.  We've also began working on Amen.  This piece is tricky because of the time signature being 2/2.  It's a new way of counting but we're getting more comfortable with it.  We've taken a bit of a break on the other pieces but will get back to them after the concert.

Reminders:
- Junior Winds - Clinic at the University - Riddell Center - meet at 10:00 on Sat. Oct. 22
- Nov. 1 - concert for Grade 7 and 8 band students


Congratulations!
- Congratulations to all Grade 7 and 8 woodwind students on a nice morning at the University on Wednesday.
- Congratulations to Junior Winds Students on a good clinic on Friday morning.


This Week in Grade 6 Band
This week in Grade 6 band we continued to work at long tones, tonguing and our first five notes.   We continued to work on whole, half, quarter, and eighth note rhythms.   We worked very hard at playing together by subdividing beats.   
Grade 6's were asked to practice:
1.   1.25, 1.26, 1.27 and 1.31.
2.   Experiment with notes on fingering charts
3.   Compose with our first five notes


This Week in Grade 7 Band
We are in the process of preparing for our Nov. 1 concert as well as our December concert.   For our November concert students will be performing Daybreak.   They are asked to make sure they have all notes and rhythms worked out.   As well we began working on sections of Argosy.   Students were asked to practice measures 15-35.  

This Week in Grade 8 Band

Most students have done their playing test on the first 25 measures of Canticum.  Some will finish next week.  We started paying through our other pieces: Amen, Resplendent Light, and Marche Diabolique.  We will continue to add these pieces to our repertoire.

Practicing!

Reminders:
- Grade 7 and 8 Woodwind Days permission forms are now due
- Junior Winds needs to meet at the University at 10:00a.m. on Sat. Oct. 22 at Riddell Theater.   They will be finished at 11:30a.m.    -


Coming Up
-Woodwind Days - Oct. 19 - Grade 7 and 8 flute, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet and saxophone players will be bused to the university at 9:30a.m. on Oct. 19.   Students need to bring a lunch.   They will participate in clinics, and be treated to a concert.   Students will be bused back at 12:30p.m.  
- Junior Winds Clinic - Oct. 21 - 9:30-10:30a.m. at Campbell. 
- Junior Winds at University Sat. Oct. 22 - 10:00 meet at Riddell, will be finished at 11:30a.m. 


This Week in Grade 6 Band
We are continuing to work on our breathing, and continuing to work on our first five notes.   Brass players are working on lip slurs.  Woodwind players are working on long tones.   Percussionists are working on sticking on mallets.    Everyone is working on rhythm reading.   We have read whole, half, quarter, eighth, and some of us even have tried sixteenth notes.    When we first begin  reading music is an obstacle for some students.   We are using our composition books to practice writing and naming our first five notes.    Students who found this very easy were asked to instead write their own composition using the first five notes.   We practiced composing using scale numbers and volunteer composer/conductors came up to do an on the spot composition.    We also learned the twelve bar blues and started learning the jazz standard C Jam Blues. 


Students were asked to:
1.  Practice - 1.21, 1.22, 1.23, 1.24
2.  Experiment - by looking at their fingering or rudiment chart on p.55
3.  Create - their own composition using 5 notes


This Week in Grade 7 Band
We are working very hard at subdivisions.    Many of us seem to struggle with keeping the same pulse!   Students are encouraged to download a free metronome app to help them keep a steady pulse.   We also began working on chromatic scales.   We explained the importance of chromatic as practicing these not only helps with hand position, but it reminds us of fingerings.   We began practicing the chromatic scale first by using our fingering charts and moving up one "box" in our chart at a time.  We have also been experimenting with matching sounds.   Students were asked to take ownership of bringing their section in, and then attempt to create a unison pitch.   Students are in the process of playing 40 - end of Clouds for us.   We are getting ready to move on to new music and so students need to make sure they have Clouds and Daybreak learned. 
Students were asked to:
1.   Practice 40 - end of Clouds
2.   Practice their chromatic scale


This Week in Grade 8 Band
This week we had a great clinic with Mr. G at the U of R.  Mr. G talked about adding emotion to the music as well as shaping the phrase and we sounded really good by the end of it.  Both pieces are coming along nicely but we still need to work on the fine details.

The next piece we are going to start on is Resplendent Light.  This piece is not technically too difficult but is incredibly hard in regards to the emotional element.

The next playing test is on the first 26 measures of Canticum.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reminders:
- Grade 8 Retreat forms are now due
- Grade 7 and 8 Woodwind days forms need to be returned next week


Coming Up
Wed. Oct. 12 - Grade 8 Retreat at the University
Wed. Oct. 19 - Woodwind Day at the University in the morning
Sat. Oct. 22 - Junior Winds workshop with Dr. MacKay meet at 10:00 at Riddell Theater  and leave and will be done at 11:40a.m.  
Nov. 23 - Jazz Band and Junior Winds Band Room Concert 7:00p.m.
Dec. 5  - Grade 7 and 8 Concert
Dec. 6 - Grade 6 Concert


Grade 6 Band
This week in Grade 6 Band we practiced our first five notes.   Each instrument has its own challenges with this.   Flutes tend to struggle with moving fingers quickly, clarinets usually find it awkward covering holes and saxophones sometimes struggle with not hitting the side keys and not using too much mouthpiece.   Brass students tend to struggle with either their low notes or high notes.  Percussionists usually find it tricky at first seeing notes on the bells.   All of these struggles are normal and take a little time.    We also worked on music reading.   To do this in our composition books students practiced writing their first five notes.     We will continue to use our composition books regularly.  
Students were asked to practice:
1.  Lines 1.16, 1.17. 1. 18. 1. 20 from our blue book.
2.  Practice writing our first five notes.
3.  Try listening to a clip of our instrument from a you tube video.
4.   We listed a song for fun that students could experiment with.


In Grade 7 Band
This week in Grade 7 band we worked on 3/4 time, solfege, the chromatic scale, and subdividing.   To learn 3/4 time we worked both from our orange book and worked on Clouds 46-end.  To learn the chromatic scale we used our fingering chart and followed each fingering as it moved up beginning on our concert Bb.   We have continued to work on our balance and our blend, and are continuing with the Breathing Gym to work on our air. 
Students were asked to practice:
1.  Clouds 46 - end
2.   Chromatic Scale using our fingering


In Grade 8 Band
In preparing for our clinic this Wednesday, the Grade 8's have been working on shaping phrases.  We've discussed and marked in our music places to breathe and the dynamics that should be used, even if they aren't marked.  Everyone has played through their circle of 4ths test.  Now we need to focus on the ends of the pieces and the transitions.

Good Bye September!

Reminders:
- T-shirt forms are now due.   T-shirt orders will be placed this week.   If you have not already done so, please e-mail us the size of t-shirt your child would like
- Grade 8 Retreat forms are now due.
- Instrument loan forms are now due. 

Congratulations!
Congratulations to all Junior Winds students who participated in the Friday night Retreat night.

This Week:

In Grade 6 Band
This week Grade 6's continued to work on the fundamentals of using air, proper posture, and playing position.   We have begun to introduce more music reading.   As well, we began experimenting with the fourth and fifth notes of our concert Bb scale.  

Students were asked to practice:
1.  Page 7 in their blue book (if this is easy, they may move on)
2.  Asked to "experiment" with new notes.  (Fingering charts were found on P. 55. Some students were curious about discovering new notes and so used this to find a few more new notes.)
3.   Find a "fun fact" about their instrument.  (At the front of our book is a very brief history of our instrument.)
4.  If students wanted to they could practice a song for fun.   This week's song was Star Wars.  


In Grade 7 Band
We continued to work on developing our sense of internal pulse.   We also worked on 3/4 time and continued to work on our breathing.   The Grade 7's are making big improvements each week. 


This week Grade 7's were asked to Practice"
1.   From our Orange Book - p.3
2.   Clouds - measure 46 to the end
3.   All of Daybreak  


In Grade 8 Band
We are starting to work on shaping phrases in our pieces.  We have most of the notes and rhythms learned in Canticum and A Quiet Song so now it's time to take it to the next level.  This includes determining breathing points, adding dynamics, balancing to the melody.

Most students have finished testing the circle of fourths for memory.  Everyone did quite good (even if they just memorized it 5 minutes before playing it!).  We also have most of the U of R clinic permission forms in but are still needing some in.  If it's easier to scan it and email it to me that would be fine.

Have a good weekend!

September!

Congratulations!
Congratulations to all Campbell Area Grade 6 students and those Grade 7 beginners  on a wonderful head start clinic.   Your time, focus and ability to keep trying was very appreciated.


THANK YOU
We had a number of Grade 7 and 8 students who helped at both of our head start weekends.   Your help was extremely appreciated.   Thank you! 


Reminders
1.   T-shirt forms are now due.   All we really need is your child's t-shirt size.   Payments for the t-shirts are online.  
2.   Instrument rental forms are also now due.  Payments for this may also be made online.
3.   Band transportation fees for McVeety, Grant Road and Perry may be made online.
4.   Grade 8 Retreat permission forms are now due.  


In Grade 6 Band
In Grade 6 Band we have been reinforcing proper posture, focus, and playing position.   We have begun practicing the Breathing Gym in order to help us get more air into our instruments.   We are experimenting with our first three notes and creating our own compositions.  Students were asked to practice:
1.   Pages 5 and 6 in our Blue Book.  (If they master these pages, students were asked to move on.) 
2.   Experiment with our first three notes
3.  See if they can find a you tube video with their instrument in it
4.   Only for fun - practice In the Jungle.  (This was a song we learned only for fun.   If students are not ready to practice it , that is fine.  Note names were written on the board, however it is just for fun. )   


In Grade 7 Band
In Grade 7 Band students have or will be receiving an Orange Measures of Success Book.   This is will be turned in at the end of the school year.    We have begun working on changing the "pulse" and developing a sense of internal pulse.   We have many right notes, but not always at the same time and so we are spending a great deal of time working on our timing.   Students were also given a piece of music that was written in Solfege.   First we learned this by singing, then by playing.   We then figured out that each measure was a broken down chord.   We rearranged each measure to make it our own.   We will continue to experiment with this.   Students were asked to practice:
1.   Daybreak beginning to end
2.   Clouds - beginning to measure 32.  

In Grade 8 Band
This week we worked on our circle of fourths, Canticum, and A Quiet Song.  Students will be tested on the circle of fourths for memory in sectionals next week.  Students should be practicing quite a bit right now getting ready for our clinic with Professor Ghiglione on October 12th .  Permission forms have been sent home but if you didn't get one you can find it on the left side menu marked Grade 8 Band Clinic Permission Form.

Welcome Back!

Welcome Back!


We are looking forward to a wonderful 2016-17 school year! 


We will be coming around to each school to visit students, answer questions, and hand out band schedules.   




Dates to Watch
Thurs. Sept. 8 - First Day of Junior Winds


Fri. Sept. 9 (Day 1)  - First "Day 1" of Band Classes 
Fri. Sept 9- Grade 6 Headstart Clinic or anyone learning a new instrument  - 6-8p.m. at Campbell
Sat. Sept. 10 - Grade 6 Headstart Clinic or anyone learning a new instrument - 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. at Campbell
**Help is welcomed at the Grade 6 Headstart Clinic!   Any Grade 7 or 8 student that is interested in helping should let us know.  
Mon. Sept. 12 - First "Day 2" Band Day
Tues. Sept. 13 - First "Day 3" Band Day
Wed. Sept. 14 - First "Day 4" Band Day
Thurs. Sept. 15 - First "Day 5" Band Day
Tues. Sept. 27 - First Jazz Band
Wed. Sept. 28 - First Wed. Jazz Band




Books
Grade 7's will be starting with a review using the same book as last year.   They do NOT need to buy the second book.   We will supply it.    Grade 8's do not need to purchase a new book.   Music will be distributed in class.  


Band Schedule
Day 1 Morning - Massey, McVeety Grade 7 Band and Grade 8 Band
Day 1 Afternoon - Perry Grade 6 Sectionals


Day 2 Morning - Grant Road and Perry Grade 7 Band and Grade 8 Band
Day 2 Afternoon - Massey Grade 6 Sectionals


Day 3 Morning - Grade 6 Band (Perry, Grant Road, Massey, McVeety)
Day 3 Afternoon - Grant Road Grade 7 Sectionals and Perry Grade 8 Sectionals


Day 4 Morning - Massey Grade 7 and 8 Sectionals
Day 4 Afternoon - Massey Grade 7 and 8 sectionals and Grant Road Grade 6 Sectionals


Day 5 Morning - Grant Road Grade 8 Sectionals and Perry Grade 7 Sectionals
Day 5 Afternoon - McVeety Grade 6, 7, 8 Sectionals
                       

Have a Great Summer!

Thank you to all Band students and to all families for a wonderful band year.   Thank you for all your work.    

For students attending band camps - information can be found at:

Mr. Mossing's camp - (306)527-4556 or email at 
                                  bobmossing@accesscomm.ca

Saskatchewan Band Association Camps 

http://saskband.org/2016-saskatchewan-summer-band-camp-program/

Prairielands Jazz Camp 

http://www.prairielandsjazzcamp.com/

Have a wonderful summer!   We look forward to seeing you in the fall.   

Concert Preparation

Congratulations!!

Congratulations to all Grade 7 and 8 Junior Winds students and Grade 7 and 8 Jazz Band students on a very fun performance on Music Monday.   All of you had very nice performances!

Reminders:

- Grade 6 Band students are reminded to return permission form for May 13 National Youth Band concert

- Grade 7 Band students are reminded to return permission form for Moose Jaw Trip

- Junior Winds Students are reminded to return permission form for Moose Jaw Trip

All Groups!

All of our groups are in the final preparations for our spring concerts.   Students are reminded to take instruments home and to practice.   May can be quite confusing with many activities and trips.   It is easy to lose track of days.     Please see below for the list of this week's upcoming days.   

Monday May 9 - Day 4 - Massey Grade 7 and 8 sectionals, Grant Road Grade 6 sectionals, RCS

                                         Grade 6 and 7 sectionals

                                      - there will be Grade 6 Jazz Band after school

     

Tuesday May 10 - Day 5 - Gr. 7 Perry sectionals, , McVeety Gade 6,7

- There will be no Grade 8 Grant Road or Grade 8 McVeety sectionals 

-There will be Gr. 7/8 jazz band after school

Wednesday May 11- Day 1 - Massey, McVeety, RCS Grade 7 Band, Perry Grade 6 sectionals and - - - There will be no Perry Grade 8 sectionals

 - There will be Grade 6 Junior Winds before school and there will be Grade 7/8 jazz band after school

Thursday May 12- Day 2 - Grade 8 Full Band, Grade 7 Grant Road and Perry Band, and Massey Grade 6 sectionals

- There will be Gr. 7/8 Junior Winds at 7:30a.m.

Friday May 13- Day 3 - Grade 6's going to listen to National Youth Band Concert

 - The bus will begin pickups at 9:55a.m.   They will be bused to Martin Collegiate for the concert and return at 11:30a.m.   

 Grant Road Grade 7 sectionals

Upcoming Concerts

May 13 - Grade 6's to Martin to listen to National Youth Band

May 16 - Massey, McVeety, RCS 7's to Moose Jaw

May 17 - Grant Road and Perry Grade 7's to Moose Jaw

May 18 - Junior Winds to Moose Jaw

May 24 - Grade 6 Band Concert, Gr. 6 Junior Winds and Gr. 6 Jazz Band performing

May 27 - Grade 6 School Tours

May 27 - Swing into Spring - Gr. 7/8 Jazz Band performing

May 30 - Grade 7 /8 Band Concert, Gr. 7/8 Junior Winds and Gr. 7/8 Jazz performing

June 2 - Gr. 7/8 Junior Winds performing with Campbell Wind Ensemble

May!

Reminders:
- Grade 6 Band students are reminded to return permission form for May 13 National Youth Band concert
- Grade 7 Band students are reminded to return permission form for Moose Jaw Trip
- Junior Winds Students are reminded to return permission form for Moose Jaw Trip

CONCERT REMINDER
- Monday May 2 - MUSIC MONDAY CONCERT - Grade 7/8 Junior Winds and Grade 7/8 Jazz Band performing in the Band Room.   Students are asked to meet at 6:30p.m.  Concert will begin at 7:00p.m.   Students are asked to bring one dozen of some kind of treat.     Students are asked to wear their band t-shirts, dark pants, shoes, and socks.

Note:
Because of last week's PD day, our days have flipped.  Please note:

Monday May 2 - Day 4 - Massey Grade 7 and 8 sectionals, Grant Road Grade 6 sectionals, RCS
                                         Grade 6 and 7 sectionals
                                      - there will be Grade 6 Jazz Band after school
     
Tuesday May 3 - Day 5 - Gr. 7 Perry sectionals, Grant Road Grade 8 sectionals, McVeety Gade 6,7, and 8 sectionals
-There will be Gr. 7/8 jazz band after school

Wednesday May 4 - Day 1 - Massey, McVeety, RCS Grade 7 Band, Perry Grade 6 sectionals and Perry Grade 8 sectionals
 - There will be Grade 6 Junior Winds before school and there will be Grade 7/8 jazz band after school

Thursday May 5 - Day 2 - Grade 8 Full Band, Grade 7 Grant Road and Perry Band, and Massey Grade 6 sectionals
- There will be Gr. 7/8 Junior Winds at 7:30a.m.

Friday May 6 - Day 3 - Grade 6 Full Band, Grant Road Grade 7 sectionals


May is a pretty crazy month!   This week we were getting students into concert mode.   All students played through their concert program.  Grade 6's were asked to work on O Canada.  Grade 7's were asked to work on Pandora and Grade 8's were asked to work on In the Wake of Spring.

Upcoming Concerts
May 2 - Band Room Concert - Gr. 7/8 Junior Winds and Gr. 7/8 Jazz Band
May 13 - Grade 6's to Martin to listen to National Youth Band
May 16 - Massey, McVeety, RCS 7's to Moose Jaw
May 17 - Grant Road and Perry Grade 7's to Moose Jaw
May 18 - Junior Winds to Moose Jaw
May 24 - Grade 6 Band Concert, Gr. 6 Junior Winds and Gr. 6 Jazz Band performing
May 27 - Grade 6 School Tours
May 27 - Swing into Spring - Gr. 7/8 Jazz Band performing
May 30 - Grade 7 /8 Band Concert, Gr. 7/8 Junior Winds and Gr. 7/8 Jazz performing
June 2 - Gr. 7/8 Junior Winds performing with Campbell Wind Ensemble

Grade 8 Trip Week!

This Coming Week

Sunday April 17 - Grade 8's leave for their band trip.   Students are to meet at 2:00p.m in the band room at Campbell.
Monday April 18 - Day 5 - no McVeety sectionals, and no Perry Grade 7 sectionals
                            * No Grade 6 jazz band
Tuesday April 19 - Day 1 - Grade 7 Massey, McVeety, RCS Grade 7 Band and Perry Grade 6 sectional
               - Grade 7/8 jazz band
Wednesday April 20  - Day 2 - Grade 7 Grant Road and Perry, all Grade 8's and Massey Grade 6's
                     - Grade 6 Junior Winds
                     - Grade 7/8 Jazz Band
Thursday April 21 - Day 3 - Grade 6 Band
                            * No Junior Winds
                            * No Grade 7 Grant Road Sectionals
Friday April 22 - no school
Monday April 25 - Day 4 - Massey Grade 7 and 8 sectionals, Grant Road Grade 6 sectionals

Please Note:
May 2 - Grade 7/8 Junior Winds Band Room Concert
May 24 - Grade 6 Concert Band, Grade 6 Junior Winds and Grade 6 Jazz Band
May 27 - School Tours - Grade 6's
May 27 - Swing into Spring
May 30 - Grade 7 and Grade 8 Concert, Grade 7/8 Junior Winds, and Grade 7/8 Jazz Band
June 2 - Junior Winds with High School Wind Ensemble concert

In Grade 6 Band 
This week we worked at matching articulations.   We described articulations as what sets notes apart to create a story.   We specifically worked on our staccato and our accents.   We find both of these articulations in Star Wars.   After we worked on these articulations, we then put them into our piece.   As well Grade 6's continued to work at not only speaking in rhythm in a round, but also playing in a round.   We are preparing to try a drumming piece in which everyone uses drumsticks.

In Grade 7 Band 
We worked on the main theme to the Muppets.   Students are now asked to practice the middle section.   In music, we described this as the "B" section.     Students have been reading Londonderry Air very well.   We are now working on smoothing our articulations.    In Pandora, several students are still stuck on the section at 34.   They were reminded they needed to practice.

In Grade 8 Band 
We are looking forward to a great band trip this weekend! Please make sure you have all your music, your instrument and your band uniform.   You will need to meet at Campbell in the band room at 2:00p.m. on Sunday.

Welcome Back!

Reminders:
- Grade 8 trip is quickly approaching, please make sure the trip permission form has been handed in.

This Week in Grade 6 Band 
This week the Grade 6's have received three new pieces of music.   These include Star Wars, Concerto for Pots and Pan, and Flying High.   In the upcoming weeks we will be preparing these for our spring concert and for our school tours.   Grade 6's also experimented with practicing in a circle instead of our regular band formation.   Students found different instruments to listen to and to match.   While in our circles we also learned a chant which will be later learning a sticking pattern to.

This Week in Grade 7 Band 
This week the Grade 7's received new music.    We will begin working on the The Muppet Theme Show as well as Londonderry Air.   We had begun working on Pandora and now will be putting more time into this piece as well as Tu Ungane.    The Grade 7's did a really great job sight reading our new music this week.    As we sight read it, we discussed how the musical form of a piece influences how we practice.   Grade 7's were asked to practice beginning to 21 of the Muppets and 34-48 of Pandora.

This Week in Grade 8 Band

We are currently getting ready for our trip to Saskatoon.  Thanks to everyone for getting the permission forms in.  We have two songs that we need to work hard at.  The first is Night Flight of the Gargoyles.  The second is When Summer Takes Flight.  We will work on these in Saskatoon with our clinic with Nick Fanner.  Students will need to practice When Summer Takes Flight especially.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to all of our Campbell Area Bands who performed at Optimist Band Festival!

This Week

Jodie Blackshaw Clinics

Many of our band students were treated to some clinics by Jodie Blackshaw of Australia.   Ms. Blackshaw is a composer, educator and conductor.   In her clinics she worked on pulse,  listening skills and leadership skills.   All of these skills will directly carry over into our band classes.  We are looking forward to experimenting with these after the break!  

Please Note:
After the break all band classes are back to normal. 

Monday April 4  (Day 5) - Perry Grade 7 sectionals, Grant Road Grade 8 sectionals, and McVeety 6, 7, and 8 sectionals
Tuesday April 5 - (Day 1) - Massey, RCS, McVeety Grade 7 Band, and Perry Grade 6 and 8 sectionals
Wednesday April 6 (Day 2) - Grade 8 full band, Perry and Grant Road Grade 7 band , Massey Grade 6 sectionals 
Thursday April 7 (Day 3) - Grade 6 Full band, Grant Road Grade 7 sectionals
Friday April 8 (Day 4) - Massey Grade 7 and 8 sectionals and Grant Road Grade 6 sectionals 

In Grade 6 Band 

Congratulations to all the Grade 6's on a wonderful performance at Optimist Festival.    You performed wonderfully, had a great clinic, and were an absolute pleasure to be with.    The Perry and Grant Road Grade 6's worked with Sigurd Johnson from Minot.    The Massey, McVeety, and RCS grade 6's worked with Jodie Blackshaw from Australia.    After the break all the Grade 6's will be getting new music and we will begin preparation for our final concert and school tour.   

In Grade 7 Band

Congratulations to all Grade 7 students on their Optimist performance.   They as well performed wonderfully, had a great clinic and were a pleasure to be around.    The Grade 7's worked with Sigurd Johnson from Minot.   We will be getting some new music after the break.   We will begin preparing for our Moose Jaw trip and for our year end concert.    

In Grade 8 Band

Our Grade 8 Band did extremely well at Optimist.  Now we are preparing for our Saskatoon Tour.  I've included the itinerary and permission form on the menu on the left as well as down below.  If you have not received it yet, feel free to print this off and send it with your child.  Permission forms are due Wednesday, April 6th.

http://campbellareaband.blogspot.ca/p/saskatoon-tour-itinerary-and-permission.html