Bliss Carman Middle School Band Program 2016-2017

On Tuesday, September 13, 2016 parents of new band members are invited to attend a brief information meeting in the music room at 5:30 pm, 30 minutes prior to BCMS meet the teacher night.

Only when every member of the band puts forth 100% effort can a band attain its goals in musical achievement and service to school and community.  You are embarking on a lifetime of musical enjoyment.  The more you invest of yourself, the more will be your reward.  Together we can make this the best year ever.
I appreciate all of your support and look forward to another exciting school year.

BCMS Beginning/Junior Band
This band is open to all new BCMS students interested in playing a band instrument.  No experience is necessary.  Instruments that are taught in beginning band include: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, & all percussion (which includes ALL drum and mallet percussion instruments).  Please refer to Instrument Choices. Percussionists are selected by audition only and must play every instrument in the percussion family on a rotating basis. 
The group meets once a week as a full band and once a week for sectionals (see rehearsal schedule)
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BCMS Senior Band
This band is open to students who have prior band instrumental experience and have met satisfactory performance, participation and behavior standards. The group meets twice a week as a full band (see rehearsal schedule).
The main focus of the senior band is to prepare the students for participation in the high school band program.  As a result, the students are expected to attend all band rehearsals and a daily practice routine on their own.

Jazz Band
This ensemble is available only to experienced students who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, piano, drum set, bass guitar.  Entrance to this ensemble is by audition only.  Rehearsals will take place Friday at lunch.  Startup date still to be determined.

Attendance
Good attendance is both expected and necessary for the success of our band program.  I know that some conflicts are unavoidable, and I am willing to work with students, but it is the student’s responsibility to communicate their conflicts first hand to Mrs. Clarke. Or Mme Miernicki.

Acquiring Own Instruments
We encourage all band members to consider acquiring their own instruments either renting or purchasing.  Long and McQuade has a program for purchasing new or reconditioned instruments as well as a rent-to-own program.  Some of the larger instruments can be rented from the school for a cost of $200.00 for the school year.  Payments can be made by cheque or online through cashless schools (www.CashlessSchools.com). All rental fees are due by early October.  Please make cheques payable to BCMS Music. 

Band Fees
The band fee for all members will be $100.00.   Beginner band members must also pay $17.00 method book fee.  When paying online please remember to indicate what the payment is for (band fee, method book or rental).   All fees are due by the end of September.

Large instruments are not permitted on the school bus therefore arrangements must be made to pick up and bring home instruments.  Students are required and expected to practice their instruments on an individual basis throughout the week and on weekends.

Anna Clarke
BCMS music department
Music Program Rehearsal Schedule 2016-2017
All band members must come to rehearsals and sectionals on time, prepared and have a positive attitude.  Individual practice is the responsibility of each student and is expected.  
All band members must come prepared for rehearsal.  Students must bring a pencil, music folder and music, method book, instrument, extra reeds, valve oil, and any other necessary equipment.
Only when every member of the band puts forth 100% effort can a band attain its goals in musical achievement and service to school and community.  You are embarking on a lifetime of musical enjoyment.  The more you invest of yourself, the more will be your reward.  Together we can make this the best year ever.
I appreciate all of your support and look forward to another exciting school year.

Monday

• Beginner/junior brass sectional from 12:25 until 1:00 pm in the Music room.

• Beginner/junior band flute sectional from 12:25 until 1:00 pm with Mme Miernicki.


Students are expected to be ready to play at 12:30 sharp.  Students are expected to practice at home and come to sectionals prepared.

Tuesday

• Beginner/junior band percussion sectional from 12:25 until 1:00 pm in the Music room.

• Beginner/junior band rehearsal after school from 3:15 until 4:30 pm. First after school rehearsal will be on October 18, 2016.

Wednesday

• Senior band rehearsal from 12:25 until 1:00 pm.  Band members must be set up and ready to play at 12:30 sharp! First lunch hour rehearsal of the year will be Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Thursday

• Beginner/junior clarinets and saxophone sectionals from12:25 until 1:00 pm in the music room. 

• Senior band rehearsal after school from 3:15 until 4:30 pm. First after school rehearsal will be on Sept 15, 2016.

Friday

• Jazz band rehearsal from 12:25 until 1:00 pm.  Band members must be set up and ready to play at 12:30 sharp!  First rehearsal will be on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016