After Tuesday, June 8th, all students should have brought their instrument home.  If your student plays a school owned instrument they should leave them at the school.  I will send the school instruments to the shop to make sure they are in working condition over the summer.  For students that own their own instrument I ask that parents, at some point during the summer, take them to an area music shop to check to make sure they are still in working condition.  When school starts in August I would like to begin playing and what to make sure students have working instruments and all the supplies necessary (like reeds, valve oil, etc.)

 Also, I have been encouraging students to play over the summer.  This is important so students can keep their  playing muscles in shape they should play through some of their music at least once a week. 

 I have enjoyed this year and I hope you all have an enjoyable summer!

Some of the 6^th grade band members (listed below) auditioned and won spots in the Graduation Band for the 8^th Grade Graduation on Tuesday night.  These students are performing the graduation song Pomp and Circumstance for the 8^th grade students on Tuesday, June 8^th.  All Graduation Band members should arrive at SGMS at 6:15pm to warm up.  The graduation begins at 7pm.  The band will play at the very beginning.  After they finish the song they will quietly exit the gym and will be ready to leave at 7:15pm.  They do not need to stay for the whole ceremony.  It will be a quick performance.

The 7th grade band members will  play at the very beginning and end.  The graduation will be over around 8:15pm, 7th grade band students should have rides available at that time. 

6^th Grade Graduation Band Members:
Madelyn Armfield
Natalie Conrad
Tabitha Hart
Hannah Hauck
Sean Lawson
Genesis Woods
Audrey Aughenbaugh
Zain Bass
Micheala Brewer
Natalie Foster
Gisenia Frank
Shanta Mcneil
Juliann Merritt
Logan Pegram
Cameron Smoot
Chavon Stallings
Ellis Tripp
Llilbert Venegas
Tony Williams
Syntel Woodard
Selena Nie
Tim Pitzer

I wanted to send out a reminder that our band concert will be Tuesday, May 4^th at 7pm.  Students should arrive at SGMS at 6:15pm to get their instruments out and warm up.  Students should wear black bottoms and a white top. Dress should be SMOD or dressier because it is a performance and we want to look good! No jeans or t-shirts please.

It is really important for each student to be in attendance and participate because it is 30% of their 4^th quarter grade.  Not having a ride or having to go to another practice is not an acceptable excuse.  Please start working out transportation issues or other conflicts now.  Let me know if I can help in any way!

I look forward to seeing you all again and I think you are really going to enjoy this concert!

Dear Parents/Guardians:

This letter provides the final details about the Carowinds Music Festival field trip.

 Students are required to wear their SGMS chorus or band t-shirt and khaki pants, capris, cargos or shorts.  Females should not wear excessively short shorts, and males should not wear baggy or ill-fitting pants.  We will not be going into the water park so no student should be wearing any bathing suits.  They need to remain in this outfit for the entire day so that chaperones and teachers can easily identify students.

 Please bring your child to school at 8:00 the morning of Saturday, April 17^th.  The busses will be leaving at 8:30 a.m.  Band students will perform at 3:15 and chorus students will perform at 12:15.  We will be back at school that evening at 9:30.  While the price of the field trip included a meal ticket, your child will need to bring extra money for snacks and souvenirs. 

 If you will be driving separately, or if your child will be driving with another parent, instead of on the bus, please attach a letter stating that intent with the permission slip.  Please sign the  field trip permission slip and have your child return it to me by April 15, 2009.  If you have questions please call me at 674-4266 or email me at battsa@gcsnc.com  We are looking forward to this trip and want to thank you for your help in making it successful!

Sincerely,

Sarah Hotchkiss and Amanda Batts

Next Thursday, March 11^th the rising 6^th grade students will be touring Southern Middle.  Mr. Wheat has asked the 6^th grade band to perform a mini concert for them.  I would like to have as many students as possible to perform, I know it is short notice but it is a really good opportunity to showcase our band program and the talent that we have in the 6^th grade band.

I am asking students to be back at the middle school by 6pm. The concert will begin at 6:30pm.  Students can wear jeans and a school appropriate top.  We should be finished by 6:45pm.  Students will receive extra credit.  Parents are invited to stay and hear the new music that we are learning!

Please let me know if you have any questions!

 Amanda Batts

Looking for a summer camp for your child?  I highly recommend the UNCG Summer Music Camp.  It is one of the best music camps in the country.  We are lucky that we live close enough that students can participate in the day camp for a lesser fee than staying on campus the entire time.  Below is more information from the camp:

UNCG Summer Music Camp

The School of Music at UNC Greensboro is pleased to again announce plans for Summer Music Camp, still the largest university music camp in America! This summer we will offer two one-week camps, serving over 1,700 musicians, with programs in band, mixed chorus, orchestra, and piano.

 Students at camp are under the leadership and guidance of the artist-faculty of the UNCG School of Music, long recognized as a national leader in musical excellence. In addition, distinguished music teachers, performers, and conductors from throughout the state and nation will join the staff of Summer Music Camp to ensure that each student receives the highest quality instruction available.

 Ensemble performance in band, chorus, or orchestra will be stressed and each camp will conclude on Friday evening with a concert for parents, relatives, friends, and area residents. Classes in basic musicianship, as well as recital performances and sectional rehearsals by the camp staff members will serve to balance the total program. A private lesson on your instrument, in voice, or on piano is an available option to all campers.

For more information go to:  http://www.smcamp.org/index.html

The 6th grade percussion (drum) auditions will begin Wednesday, February 24th and Thursday, February 25th.  The try outs will be the following week on Wednesday, March 3rd. 

The auditions will be held afterschool from 3:40pm to 4:45pm.  Students will learn the basic techniques of playing the snare drum.  All equipment will be provided.  There will be a bus to take students home if you are unable to pick them up afterschool. 

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Monday, January 25^th the SGMS 7^th and 8^th grade Middle School Bands will be playing at the girls and boys basketball games.  Students who would like to participate should stay after school with me (Mrs. Batts) for practice.  The games start at 4:45pm.  The pep band will play between quarters and breaks.  All music will be handed out at practice.  Rides should be at SGMS at 7:30pm.  Parents who wish to come have to pay admission but students in the pep band do not.  I strongly suggest that students bring money for concessions or pack a snack to eat after school.  Please let me know if you have any questions!

 Also, last week I handed out the Carowinds behavior contract.  The 7^th and 8^th grade bands will travel to Carowinds Saturday, April 17^th to perform for judges and enjoy the day in the amusement park. If you have not seen this contract I will place an extra copy on the band website: www.sgmsband.org .  The behavior contract is due Friday, February 5^th.  On the contract there is a spot for chaperones to sign up.  We need all the help we can get to keep the groups small!  It’s a fun day and I hope you can make it!

The end of the year band concert will be Tuesday, May 5th at 7pm.  Students will need to arrive at 6:15pm and be ready to warm up at 6:25pm. The concert will take place in the pit.  Students should wear black bottoms and a white top.  Remember that this is a performance and you should dress nice.  Girls are reminded to wear dresses and skirts below the knee and no low cut shirts.  Everyone is reminded that there is no jeans and shirts must be tucked!  If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Batts!  Looking forward to seeing you there!