WHS Private Lesson Teacher Notes

We are so glad to be back in what we hope is a regular routine of normal band! Here are just a few new things to know this week:

1) Schedules- I sent out a list of our current students, contact information, and band placements for each instrument. Our daily schedule at the High School is as follows:

Wind Symphony (1st Period), 9:00 AM-9:50 AM

Symphonic Band (2nd Period), 9:57 AM-10:50 AM

Symphonic Winds (3rd Period), 10:55 AM-11:45 AM

Wind Ensemble (4th Period), 11:50 AM-12:40 PM

Lunch (Lunch Period), 12:40-1:35 PM

Open (5th Period, Directors will be planning/traveling to other campuses), 1:40 PM-2:30 PM

Jazz Band/Front Ensemble (6th Period), 2:35 PM-3:25 PM

Drumline (7th Period), 3:30 PM-4:20 PM

Let me know if you have additional questions regarding scheduling. We can certainly help with more specifics if necessary so that you can start to plan your weekly schedules.

2) Safety Protocols- Wylie ISD has pivoted to allow visitors back on campus, so we will continue with in-person lessons as in a normal year. We are thrilled to have you back! Please let us know if you have questions about safety as we return.

3) Band App- If you are not on the Band App, you can join with this link:

https://band.us/n/a1a753n093sc0

I will also put links for the other band classes in another section of the Smore.

• Thursday, August 12th- First Day of School
• September 6th- No School (Labor Day)
• September 15th- Region Jazz Auditions
• October 11th-13th- Wylie ISD FALL BREAK
• October 26th- District Band Auditions
• November 8th-9th- State Marching Contest (Potential lesson conflict)
• November 16th- 9th Grade Region Auditions
• November 22nd-26th- Thanksgiving Break
• December 4th- Region Phase 1
• December 6th- Region Phase 2

We have been back at it this week, and we see, more than ever, students who crave connection and some semblance of normalcy. You can look in their eyes and see that they are grateful to be in-person, grateful to be with each other, and grateful to be doing something that they love. With this observation, it is a great time to remind ourselves of the influence of your relationship with all of your students. You never know who you might reach or whose life you could change just by being there for a student and showing that you genuinely care about them. Let's have a great year!

• Tone quality production is the most important skill we can build.
• An emphasis on posture, breathing, instrument position, and embouchure are of the utmost importance.
• Students will be guided to appropriate literature that enhances their musical abilities and keeps their interest in their instrument.
• Though most will not go on to study their instrument extensively after high school, it is our job to guide them to love their instrument and appreciate the art of music making.
• More playing than talking should occur during lessons.

Email: stephen.lisko@wylieisd.net
Website: www.thatwylieband.net
Location: 2550 Farm to Market Road 544, Wylie, TX, USA
Phone: 9724293100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatWylieBand