SABRE MUSIC NEWS

November 2017

Upcoming Dates
Date Time Event
Monday Nov 6th 7:00pm Band Parents meeting at AVHS
Thurs Nov 9th 10:30am Concert Band and Remembrance Ensemble perform at
Remembrance Day Assembly
Thurs. Nov 16th 3:20pm Pie Order Sheets are due to Mr. Reid
Thurs. Nov 16th 3:20pm Grade 6 Choir Signup Sheets due to Mr. Reid
Sat. Nov 25th 9:00am to 3:00pm AVWH Craft Fair at AVHS
Sun. Dec 3rd TBA Jazz Band and Concert Band perform at Christmas Angels
Tues Dec 11th 7:00pm Band Parents Meeting at WHMS
Wed. Dec. 13th 7:00pm Holiday Concert
Wed. Dec. 18th 7:00pm Holiday Concert Storm Date

Pie Fundraiser
Our pie fundraiser wraps up on Thursday November 16th. This fundraiser is an important
source of funds for instrument purchases, repairs, supplies, sheet music, and more. The
class with the most sales per student will be rewarded with a fantastic PIE PARTY! Dont
forget to collect payment with each order, completed forms and payments must be
returned to Mr. Reid on or before Thursday. A pickup date will be scheduled for the first
week of December. Extra pie order forms are available online at mrreidsite.weebly.com.
Happy pie selling (and eating)!

Craft Fair
The AVWHBPA is having a craft fair at Avon View High on Saturday November 25th
from 9:00 3:00pm featuring a wide variety of local crafters and vendors. Come on out and
get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping! Admission is $2.00. If you would like to
participate as a vendor, contact us at avwhbpa@gmail.com for info on renting a table. All
proceeds go to support the music program at both schools (AVHS & WHMS).

Grade Six Holiday Choir

Our new Grade Six Holiday Choir will be rehearsing during the school day beginning
Monday November 20th up until a performance at the holiday concert on December 13th. If
your child is interested in taking part, please see the attached permission slip and have it
returned to Mr. Reid no later than Thursday, November 16th.

Shirts
If your child was in the music program last year they received a black golf shirt to wear to
performances. Please have your child check to make sure this still fits, if they have grown
out of it please wash it and have them bring it in to trade for a larger one ASAP as our order
for new shirts needs to go in soon. If your child was in concert band last year and still has a
long sleeved concert band shirt at home, this needs to be returned to the school for
inventory.

BIG Instruments
Students can bring instruments on a bus as long as if fits on their lap or on the floor
between their feet. If your child plays one of the following instruments, they can leave
theirs at home as there is one available for them to use at school: euphonium, tuba, bari
sax, double bass, and percussion. If the instrument requires a mouthpiece your child must
bring theirs to school.

Instrument Maintenance
It is important that all instruments are cleaned and maintained properly. An instrument
that is cared for properly plays better, lasts longer, and costs us less to maintain. Please
review the Instrument Maintenance section of mrreidsite.weebly.com with your child.
Note that brass instruments are likely due for a thorough cleaning, and with the arrival of
colder weather precautions must be taken with the double basses.
Practice
All grades 7 and 8 students need to be practicing regularly in order to meet performance
and curricular goals. Practice is homework! The best routine is at least 15 minutes of
producing sound every day, or approximately four 30-45 minute practice sessions every
week. Students will soon be receiving practice tracking sheets that need to be signed by a
parent or guardian. See Mr.Reidsite.weebly.com for more information on what and how
your child should be practicing.

Jazz Band and Concert Band

Our two extracurricular bands are off to a roaring start! There is plenty of interest in these
groups and our young musicians are showing signs of progress already. If your grade 7 or 8
student is interested but has not joined us yet, have them speak to me ASAP so we can talk
about getting them in the door as we begin rehearsing for the holiday concert.

There has been an issue with unannounced absences, this can throw a major wrench into
rehearsals and is detrimental to the growth of the band. Please have your child inform me
in advance if they will be missing a rehearsal.

Please remember our extracurricular attendance policy: Members are expected to be

present at all rehearsals, but may be excused for one-time events such as a sports game or
tournament as long as I am informed in advance. Please note that students will not be
excused for practice if that sports team meets more than once a week. If a student is
involved in a conflicting sport or other activity that only meets once a week, discussions can
be had in an attempt to find a compromise that works for the student.

Grade 6 Students in Jazz and/or Concert Band

There has been some miscommunication around fees for grade 6 students in Jazz and/or
Concert Band. These students are asked to pay the supply fee of $20, and if using one of
our instruments the $55 full year rental fee. If this situation describes your child, please
contact the AVWH Registrar at avwhbpa@gmail.com.

Mr. Steve Reid

Music and Gr. 8 Art
West Hants Middle School
smreid@nspes.ca
mrreidsite.weebly.com
902-757-4112

Creativity is intelligence Having Fun- Albert Einstein

Grade Six Holiday Choir Sign-Up

Student Name:

Homeroom Teacher:

Please Note:
Consistent attendance is vital for students who make the commitment to sing in
choir.
Participation in the holiday concert on December 13th is mandatory for choir
members; everyone else in the choir will be depending on you!

We have read and discussed the above information and the importance of
commitment. We have decided that______________(student name) will
commit to band and be at every rehearsal when she/he is at school.

Guardian Signature _________________________ Date ___________________

Student Signature __________________________ Date __________________