This year the Ernie Pyle Music program is starting out with some of the best beginners and some of the best advanced musicians ever.  However, it is very important that students practice because there is not a lot of depth and strength.  Parent support to get the students to practice is very important.  Without practice by the students this year will not be a strong success.  There is very little depth therefore, each student will have to prepare their part and not practice during class. 

For advanced band and orchestra students that don't have the uniform shirt, they are $13 each for small through X-large and $14 for a 2X and larger.  I would like to have the uniform done and ordered for the students by Friday 2 October 2009.  They are required for the students.  If you know a previous student that had a uniform shirt, ask to purchase it from them.   Nothing says a student must purchase a new one.  The two that I have done were purchased for $5 each. 

All musicians must have the appropriate maintenance items for their instrument.  For brass players, that includes valve oil and a linen/cotton rag to wipe off their instrument after each time they play it.  For reed players, they need to have cork grease and a rag as well as 2 reeds at school and the other reeds as spares at home to bring when they break the one they are using.  The flute players will need to have a rag like they were told about in class.  The horn players have a special valve oil and I will keep it at school for them to use.  They will also need a rag.  For string players they need the proper rosin for their instrument and a rag.  Bass players need to have their own rosin at home.  I have bass rosin for class. 

Important dates: 

The tuba, baritone and trombone players have a special session every Wednesday 3:15 to 4:30.  I have a generous heavy metal person who is coming to school to help our students.   It is expected that our students will attend weekly.  As the sessions are of no cost, it would be a nice gesture to give her a couple of hamburger gift certificates at about 9 weeks and again at the last lesson at the end of the semester.  I will cover any other incidental costs. 

5 November 8:15 am to 12:15 & @6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
The advanced band and other band 8th graders have the 8th grade day at Rio Grande HS.  We will meet there in the morning and ask parents to help drive the students back to school.  That evening after school, after 5:30 and before 6 pm the students will need to return to Rio Grande HS to go to the evening football game. We will return before 10:00 pm.  There will be a need for chaperones at both the day section and the evening section.  Parents that can't ride the bus and want to chaperone at the game can meet the buses at the stadium and enter as a chaperone.  WITHOUT CHAPERONES WE CANNOT GO ON THE TRIPS.  The uniform shirt will be needed at this performance. 

10 December arrive 6:30 pm finish at 8:30 pm FINAL EXAM
This is the Ernie Pyle Fine Arts Night.  Several units including the bands and the orchestras will participate.  The performances will be in the gym at school.  The white school shirt and blue pants are acceptable.  For the advanced band and orchestra the uniform shirt will be worn with either black or dark blue pants or skirts.