Welcome Back for the 2016/2017 School Year!

I hope you all had a wonderful summer!  I have many things to share with you.

First, the Department Information Booklet.  Please read through it.  I know it's long, but it's worth it to ensure you are not caught unawares by accident.

Secondly, please be aware of the following dates that are important for you.
Band Uniform Check Days - September 7 and 8, 2016, depending on which day you have class.
Instrument Rental Night - 6:00 PM, September 7, 2016, right before Meet the Teacher Night.
Fine Arts Parents Meeting - 7:30 PM, September 7, 2016, right after Meet the Teacher Night.
Base Band Fee Due - $30 Base Band Fee is due September 9, 2016
Disneyland Information Night - 6:30 PM, September 12, 2016, mandatory for Senior Band.
Head Start Clinic Day - September 29 during the morning and Block 4.  (Grade 7s and Seniors)
Culture Days Noon Hour Concert - September 30 in Rotary Park in High River.  (All Bands)

Thirdly, we have some exciting news; the Grade 7 group is so large, it's been split into two classes!  This presents some fun challenges for us, but we are well-prepared for it.

Fourthly, in October we anticipate a new soundproof practice room being installed in the music room.  This will make in-school practice recording far easier and more accessible at all times of the day.  Mr. Dunphy has been working very hard on getting this for us, and I am very excited for it!

Quintessentially, this is a Disneyland year for the Senior Concert Band.  Expect some Bottle Drives, Christmas CDs, Silent Auctions and other fundraisers to help them get there.  This will be a big job, but with everyone pulling in, we'll get everyone the funds they need to enjoy this triannual activity!

Hexatonally, we continue to work with the Gift of Music Society, but we are also working to welcome the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra to High River, and in doing so we hope to get them to do a private performance for our students!

Yes indeed, it is going to be an active and exciting year!  I'm glad your with me for this ride!

Cheers,
WindyJ