WHS Concert Band January Newsletter
From the Desk of Ms. Girouard, Mr. Klein, and Mr. Thew
Happy New Year!
Hello! With school year in full swing and December concert season having passed, now is a great time to look ahead at some of the exciting things the band is up to for these next few months. You can check out relevant dates below to make sure you catch the great music the students are making.
December concert pictures!
Check out some action shots from December's concert courtesy of Zach Krasner
Upcoming Dates
1/15 - Pop music night 6:00PM
1/24 - Boys basketball: 6:45PM
1/31 - Basketball double header: 5:15PM
2/19 - Girls basketball: 6:45PM
3/11 - Bandarama!
What else is going on in the fine arts department?!
New York Trip
The cost for New York has been significantly lowered! It is not too late to get involved. You are welcome to join the google classroom using the code essmqx7 at any time. Here are some past and upcoming payment dates
Dec. 11
Jan. 15
Feb. 12
March. 12
Google Classroom for grades
Check google classroom, not powerschool, to see students' most recent grades!
Join us on remind!
This is a great way to stay updated about all things band. You can join using the link below.
Miscellaneous!
Practicing
We recommend students play their instrument 3+ times a week for at least 100 minutes in total time throughout the week to build muscle memory and reinforce habits taught in class.
Private Lessons
Want to be get better, quicker? PRIVATE LESSONS are the way to go!
Here is a great resource for private lesson instructors in the area. Private lessons are the quickest way for your budding musician to grow!
You can also check out Powers Music School in Belmont (on Concord Street near Belmont Center).
Clarinet and Saxophone Players-Reed Talk!
As we all are getting settled into school, one of the quickest ways for clarinets and saxophones to instantly sound better is to have a set of quality reeds.
It's important for how good each person sounds so they can work on other things. Having a set of quality reeds makes that easier!
Here are the only type of reeds that I recommend:
Elementary strength 2.5, 6th Grade strength 3, 7th-12th strength 3.5
Strength 3
Elementary/6th strength 2.5, 7th-12th strength 3
Elementary/6th strength 2.5, 7th-12th strength 3
Gift Items for the Band Student
Here are some ideas if you are thinking of getting your band student some quality goods.
Meet the Teachers!
Mr. Thew
Maxwell Thew, a Band Director, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Idaho and a Master's Degree in Music Education from the American Band College at Central Washington University. He has taught in Oregon for 4 years and in Massachusetts for 5 years. During his time in Oregon, he successfully led his groups to the OSAA state band for 2 years and jazz band for 2 years. He is recognized for his ability to facilitate rapid growth in the programs he oversees. His primary focus is on musicians of all levels to succeed and nurturing the development of well-rounded individuals.