August 26, 2009

Dear Band Member and Band Parents,
                       
I hope this letter finds you having a relaxing and happy summer.  I am looking forward to seeing you in October!  I will be on maternity leave until mid-October and Kate Pinsonneault will be taking my place until then. Kate subbed for me last spring an did and excellent job. We have lots of great music and events this year!!

**VERY IMPORTNT**…Along with sending notices home with our students, the LMS Music Department sends everything by email to parents, as well. Many parents find this to be a more reliable form of communication. PLEASE SEND ME AN EMAIL (so that I have your address) if you would like to be included on our email list. These emails will be updates, concert reminders, etc. My email address is shianne.priest@rsu34.org and I will be checking this during my leave.
           
Hopefully, you will find this packet of information helpful in planning your schedules for the year.  Enclosed, please find the following items:

1. A schedule of all LMS music events for the year *
2. A list of local private lesson teachers and their phone numbers
3. A list of all LMS Bands with starting dates and when they meet

 
*Please take a moment to go over all of the dates for the year and contact me as soon as possible to let me know of any conflicts.  Each student is an important member of his/her band(s). The best and most positive musical performances happen when all members are present! Please let me know as early as possible if your student will need to miss anything so that his/her parts can be covered in advance.

At Leonard Middle School, band rehearsals take place during Academic Focus, which if from 10:40 to 11:30. Each band meets one day a week, plus one Friday rehearsal per month. The Friday rehearsals will be on a rotating basis and will be posted on the LMS announcements. These announcements are read to the students daily and can be accessed by parents through the Old Town School Department web site (www.otsd.org).
Band rehearsals will start on the dates listed below:
           
            Monday- Jazz Band (starts Sept 14)
            Tuesday- Symphonic Band (starts Sept 15)
            Wednesday- Concert Band (starts Sept 16)
            Thursday- 6th Grade Band (starts Sept 17)
            Friday- Rotation (starts Sept 18)

*Jazz Ensemble… is for 7th and 8th graders and will meet Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00. Returning members…PLEASE NOTE THE NEW TIME! The first rehearsal will be on September 14.

*Symphonic Band members…please turn in your completed summer practice sheets during the first week of school!

*6th graders are often confused when they see “Band Class” on their schedule. Band class is a small-group lesson on their instrument, which takes place during Unified Arts time. 6th grade Unified Arts time is from 1:00-2:30. Students will need their instrument
whenever they see “Band Class” on their schedule. LMS uses a six-day rotation and band class meets two days out of six (either 1+4, 2+5, or 3+6).  Band classes will start on the first day of school.

Each band will have one after-school rehearsal this year. It will be in the spring to prepare for the spring concert. These rehearsals will go from 2:20-3:45, with a snack break. We have scheduled all afternoon rehearsals during a week that is between sports seasons so that athletes will not have conflicts with games and practices. Afternoon rehearsals will always be on the same day that your child normally has band. Any student who does not have a ride home from band will be able to take the late bus, which is provided by the after-school program.

If you are considering enrolling your student in private music lessons, please refer to the enclosed list and get in touch with the teacher of your choice as soon as possible. Most private teachers are very reasonably priced, but have a limited number of openings, and will accept students on a first come-first served basis. Private lessons are highly encouraged and extremely helpful in a student’s musical progress.

So that you are able to plan in advance, I have provided a list of what the students will need to wear for concerts.

For Band Concerts (6th Grade Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band)-

Girls                                                                 Boys
White Shirt                                                       White Shirt
Black Dress Pants (please, no skirts)          Black Tie
Black Socks                                                    Black Dress Pants
Black Shoes (please, no sneakers)             Black Socks
                                                                        Black Shoes (please, no sneakers)

For Jazz Concerts (Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble)-

Girls and Boys
Polo Shirt (will be provided by LMS)
Khaki (Tan) Pants
Dark Socks
Brown Shoes (please, no sneakers)

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Sincerely,

Shianne Priest
LMS Music Director
827-3900 (ext.321) shianne.priest@rsu34.org

Meets Mondays
6:30 pm- 8:00 pm

First rehersal -
Monday September 14

Meets Wednesdays and one Friday per month. 10:40 am - 11:30 am

First rehersal -
Wednesday September 16

* All 7th grade band students are involved in this group

Meets Thursdays and one Friday per month. 10:40 am - 11:30 am

First rehersal -
Thursday September 17

* All 6th grade band students are involved in this group