As September Closes...
September 25th, 2023
SRMS Band Updates
Canvas Assessments
CANVAS is a DVUSD provided platform that we have been utilizing in the band room for about 8 years. Typically, this platform is not in full use until students reach the middle school level. Students will be given weekly assignments in Canvas that need to be recorded. If students are keeping up on their studies (remember, they should be practicing 15-20 minutes per day), these recordings should only take about 5 minutes maximum. Each assignment is actually only about 20 seconds to 1 minute worth of music to be performed, but students are able to do multiple takes, until they feel comfortable. Assignments will stay open until 1 week prior to quarter ends for any retakes and/or catch up. It is asked that students submit in a timely fashion.
Why use Canvas? Well, this offers the students the ability to record their assignments on their own, rather than performing on the spot in class. We have very large classes. 1st hour has 18 students and 2nd hour has 27 students. Doing assessments in class would take a huge chunk of the class, thus eliminating any rehearsal together for that day. Band assessments largely are taken alone, though sometimes there are opportunities to perform with others. Transitions between each testing student takes time, as does providing feedback and recording scores. Assignments are checking individual progress and providing individualized feedback based on rubrics students were given week 1 of school.
As of the moment of typing this newsletter, there are several missing assignments, recorded as Fs and missing. Students have until Monday, October 1 to get all missing work turned in or it will remain that missing score of F.
SRMS Percussion Ensemble Performs at Spirit Assembly
SRMS visits BCHS for Feeder Night
Sunset Ridge Saxophones
8th grade Trumpet
Full Group of SRMS Band at Feeder night
5th Grade Band Schedule
Regular Schedules Ahead
The only oddity to this weeks schedule is we do not have school Monday, September 25.
Week of Sept 25
Monday - No School
Tuesday - Reeds (Specials), Brass (RTI)
Wednesday - Percussion (Specials), Flutes (RTI)
Thursday - Saxophones (Specials), Clarinets (RTI)
Friday - Brass (Specials)
Week of October 1
Monday - Flutes (Specials), Percussion (RTI)
Tuesday - Reeds (Specials), Brass (RTI)
Wednesday - Percussion (Specials), Flutes (RTI)
Thursday - Saxophones (Specials), Clarinets (RTI)
Friday - Brass (Specials)
6th Grade Band News
6th grade right on track!
6th grade band has been doing an outstanding job coming to class ready to go. Overall, minimal students have forgotten items for classes as well. Way to go, 6th grade!! Students have been given a syllabus that brings them into 2nd quarter. They are assigned scales, skill checks, etudes, and book work that they should come to class knowing the notes. We will refine rhythms, musicality (dynamics, articulation), tone production, but the students should know the notes! Students have finger charts provided in their books and they are able to ask in class for any assistance regarding unknown/new notes. Students are assessed every other week on an item from their syllabus. There are occasionally written elements provided for extra understanding as well.
6th grade winds syllabus
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sBf30DKwQ5KBN90qAOqlA_yj2JQwsIpeA0ybfUEven0/edit?usp=sharing
6th grade percussion syllabus
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y2ERbMxLjmW6cQIQiRRbDsQuo_c1tjrU3d3VA1rhjUU/edit?usp=sharing
FUNDRAISER WRAP UP
Our SnapRaise fundraiser was successful in bringing in about $2,600 cash/check donations AND $2,600 through SnapRaise for a total of $5,200! Your generosity has already helped with some instrument repairs and purchases (Agogo Bells, Flexatone), as well as helped hire a professional percussionist to come in and fix our Timpani drums. I, unfortunately, do not know how to do that as well as what was needed. Thank you so much for helping with this endeavor! Remaining funds raised will assist with festival performances and those Sonor Glockenspiels. We did not raise enough to buy a full set, but we have 16 on order for 4th grade. We will work on finishing the set as the year progresses and into next year.
1st Place - 7th Grader Caden H ($10 Gift Card)
2nd Place - 8th Grader Colin A ($5 Gift Card)
3rd/4th Place - 4th Graders Brenden and Alex E (Treat of choice)
5th Place - 4th Grader Elsie D (Treat of choice)
It is never to late to give! Tax Credit season is just around the corner:
Tax Credit Info -- https://www.dvusd.org/taxcredit
Tax Credit Donation -- https://az-deervalley-lite.intouchreceipting.com/ -- select Sunset Ridge and Band Tax Credit