Band Update: January 21st, 2020

Good morning families, 

It has been a busy start back with students preparing for festivals and exams. Best of luck to all students writing - I hope you are successful in your endeavours! 

In preparation for our upcoming festival (dates posted below) we have booked clinics for the first week back in February. Students are asked to keep up a consistent practice schedule throughout the break so that we can achieve our ensemble goals once we return. 

Practice can be playing through short excerpts of music, using air and fingers to 'play' through music, counting rhythms, singing through parts, annotating your music, listening to different recordings, playing along to recordings, etc.

For more on practicing:

10 Tips to Help You Practice More Effectively 
https://www.classicfm.com/lifestyle/wellbeing/musician-practice-tips/

8 Ways to Practice Effectively Without Your Instrument 
https://www.joleneharju.com/practiceroomrevelations/2017/5/15/okbz32qj05wq0bab4x37gvaau3ncnw

Important Upcoming Dates

January

• **Tuesday, January 28th @ 9:00 am - Deadline for non-diploma course marks (please make sure all course material is handed in, ie. playing tests, reflections, etc.)

February:

• Monday, February 3rd - Semester 2 Begins
• Monday, February 3rd - 7:15 am clinics (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet) 
• Monday, February 3rd - James Walker Masterclass (for interested flute players)
• Tuesday, February 4th - Professional Concert Cancelled - Will be rescheduled for another date
• Friday, February 7th - Pep Rally
• Friday, February 7th - 7:15 am clinics (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euph., Tuba, String Bass, Percussion) 
• Monday, February 17th - 21st - Family Day, Vacation, Teacher's Convention (No Classes)
• Monday, February 25th  - Alberta International Band Festival (Band 9/ Symph.) 

March:

• Wednesday, March 4th  - Alberta International Jazz Band Festival (Jazz 3, Jazz 2) 
• Friday, March 6th - Alberta International Jazz Band Festival (Jazz 1) 
• Wednesday, March 11-14th - "Matilda" Show Performances (Pit, Tech, Theatre)
• Monday, March 16th - PL Day (No Classes)