Next Performance

Hello all,
Normally we like to take the band to a Burges football game around this time of year. This year we cannot do that because the Burges field is under construction. This year, we are going to do an outdoor concert and cookout instead. On Friday night, 26 October we will have the advanced band, the beginning band, and the drumline play a short program and then cookout. If you would like to help us put this program together, e-mail me at slide_area@yahoo.com.

On a heavier note, this is the week of the six weeks tests. The test in band will be turning in the band books and I will check them for completing songs 1-7 for beginners, 1-14 for advanced players, and exercises in the notebook for percussion. I also collect practice records every Friday and grade them with one point for every minute of practice. Many students are not turning these in, possibly because they have not been practicing. Every student needs to practice. The goal is 100 minutes throughout the week. This is the homework for band. Over the past weekend more than half of the instruments were left in the bandroom. No one gets better at anything by not doing it. By the way, any student can complete 100 minutes of practice by working half of their lunch period.

Thanks for your support,
Dan Richardson

After McArthur Game

Greeting from the band hall!
I hope you all had a great time at the game today - I did. I was really proud of the way we worked together and supported the team and the school. It also helps when we win. Speaking of winning, I have to complement the section leaders for taking care of the food and drink. If you enjoyed the little picnic be sure to thank them.
Drumline was great - we even had the football team dancing.
Enjoy your Sunday and I'll see you next week.

Mr. R

Greetings from the band hall!

I really enjoyed meeting you all at school Wednesday night. I was delighted to see such a great turn-out. I spent all day complementing the classes for their performance. The kids looked great, showed good self-discipline, and sounded fantastic. The next performance is on Saturday's football game. We will be playing a few fun songs and the drumline will be playing as well. The section leaders developed a plan to bring food which we will share between the games.

Tomorrow being Friday I will be collecting practice records from all the classes, including beginners. They only have two notes but they can still practice. I told all the classes about my complicated algorhythms which I use to grade these practice records - every minute of practice becomes a single point on a quiz. Therefore, an hour of practice yields a "60." Because my favorite grade is "100" I encouraged all the kids to practice at least 100 minutes each week. I also want to let you know that kids can practice in the band room at lunch or after school any day. This is especially helpful for those that play the larger instruments.

If you did not get a chance to go to the meet the teacher night you can still stop in. My conference periods run from 11:00 to 12:20 and I am always happy to talk with you.

Thanks for being in band,
Dan Richardson

First Performance and Getting Instruments

Greetings,
We have a date for our first performance for the 7th and 8th graders. We will play at the assembly during the Meet the Teachers night on the 19 September. During that week we will also play the football game against MacArthur but the details are still sketchy on that. I will let your know later.

I have sent a letter home with some of the sixth grade students regarding percussion. Many beginner students are interested in percussion but less are still interested after I demonstrate the instruments. Still, because we have many more students that school instruments we will be starting some students on percussion. An issue regarding percussion is that the school district does not have any beginning percussion equipment (bell kits) so beginning percussionists must be prepared to make arrangements through music stores or on the internet. If you need more information please call or e-mail.

I am starting the practice cards this week but of course I will not count it against the students who do not yet have instruments.

The Honor Band (7th and 8th graders) will be having rehearsal on Tuesday after school from 3-4 pm. The students have an excused absence from football for this time.

I am excited about the sounds I have heard so far. Thanks,
Dan Richardson

Welcome to our new newsletter blog!!!

Greetings from the Band Hall! I am starting a new venture here into the world of cyber space. I hope that it can become a fun and informative web site for the Ross Middle School band. For now, we have to settle for "informative."

We try to schedule at least one performance every month for the 7th and 8th graders. In September we will play at two events - Meet the Parents night and the Ross v MacArthur football game. Unfortunately, neither of these events has a date yet. I will post them as soon as I know them.


One of the first things we have to do is get everyone set up on an instrument beginning with the 7th and 8th graders. This process takes a little longer with beginners and this year we have nearly 70 beginners.



The best way for a student to get an instrument is to buy a used instrument. These are a lot less expensive and can often be of pretty good quality. A few people have contacted me with instruments for sale and I have checked them out as good instruments at good prices. If you find an instrument and want an objective opinion I would be glad to help.



Music stores also offer instruments for rent. The ones I know of are Bertie's Music, Capshaw-Olivas Music, Richie's Drum Exchange, and White's Music Box.


The third possibility is to rent one through the school. This is the cheapest option but quality and selection can be limited. We will do our best to make sure the instruments are in playing condition. To rent from the school, you need to sign two repsonsibility cards (blue and yellow) and send in the rental fee. The fee for all school instruments is $15 each semester, or you can pay $30 for the year.




Once we get settled with an instrument, we have to think about accessories. Everyone needs a band book, Accent on Achievement Book 1. Make sure it is the correct instrument.



It is my suggestion that even when a student rents a school instrument that they purchase their own mouthpiece. There are hundreds of mouthpieces on the market and I will be glad to help you choose a good one for a good price. Brass instruments need valve oil, or slide cream in the case of trombones. Woodwind instruments need reeds and cork grease, and saxophones also need a neckstrap. Beginners should use Rico reeds in a 2 or 2.5 strength. Advanced players can move up to Rico Royal or Van Doren reeds and a 3 or 3.5 strength. I will try to keep an assortment of reeds in the office. Percussionists at first need one pair of drumsticks (SD1 Generals or 2B) and a practice pad. Later the percussionists will study keyboard percussion and will need their own mallets.