Hi, hey, hello!
Over the next few months (starting in January), 8th grade students are going to start thinking about what classes to sign up for high school. While I will be talking in class to the students, I also wanted to relay a bit of information to you, the parents/guardians! High school band is similar to middle school band in that it meets as a class period during the school day. The biggest difference between middle school and high school band is the addition of a part of the band that we call the marching band. Marching band is a part of the curriculum of the high school band and one cannot be in band at Civic Memorial without being a part of the Marching Eagles! That being said, it is a team like no other. Those that join marching band, even if a little wary of it, end up loving it! It takes up time, yes, but what the students accomplish is simply remarkable. When I say that band takes up time, it truly does! The Marching Eagles' first performance is typically the first or second week of school! This means that we usually meet over the summer for camps to learn our marching show. We have three camps over the summer, all of them focusing on different concepts. All three camps are important and attendance is CRUCIAL to knowing what is going on: FUNdamentals Camp - focuses on learning how to march, what warm ups we play and how to memorize music Music Camp - focuses on learning the music for the field show and memorizing it Band Camp - focuses on learning drill (where students go on the field while playing their music) There is a misconception that students cannot be involved in band as well as other activities (football, soccer, basketball, golf, tennis, etc.). This is NOT TRUE! The coaches and myself work together to ensure that students can be a part of anything they would like to be: this year in the band at the high school, we had students involved in cross country, tennis, football, and golf. Conflicts occur, but we work it out so that students can participate in both. For example, if a cross country match and a band competition are on the same day, instead of riding the bus to the competition with the band, that student could just meet us there once there meet is over. As a bonus piece of information, students that are in band are exempt from PE during one semester. That is because marching band is a physical activity and it counts as a PE credit. For those who are interested in participating in band and choir, they are exempt from PE the full year. I know questions may arise as to whether or not continue with band in high school and I urge the students to consider at least participating for one year at CM. They've spent four years of their lives playing their instruments so far - what is one more year? But high school band is like no other experience for the students and one simply has to live it for a year to realize how amazing it truly is. There are a few dates I would like everyone to be aware of moving forward: Monday, December 16 - Trimpe Christmas Concert (CM Gym, 6:30pm call time, 7pm start) Saturday, February 8 - MCBDA Festival (Select Students Only - All Day) Tuesday, February 18 - 8th Graders are invited to attend a pep band game at CM this evening! Saturday, March 14 - IGSMA Solo & Ensemble (Optional) Monday, May 11 - Spring Concert (CM Gym, 6:30pm call time, 7pm start) If your child is planning on signing up for band in high school, please also be aware of the following dates: June 8-11 - FUNdamentals Camp (For freshmen, sophomores, and student leaders - 8am-12pm) July 13, 15 - Woodwinds Music Camp (9am-12pm) July 14, 16 - Brass Music Camp (9am-12pm) July 13-16 - Percussion Music Camp (1pm-5pm) August 3-August 7 - Band Camp (8am-6pm) If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am more than willing to meet to answer any questions as well. Musically yours -- Michaela Davis
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October 2023
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