🎵 Band Update: New Music & Assignment Checklists

Thank you to everyone for providing transporation to early morning band during the cold, dark, snowy month of January! The students are working hard and I wanted to give you a quick update on upcoming assignments.

All three grade levels are currently working on new music theory chapters and playing assignments. All three concert bands are also working on exciting new music which we are looking forward to performing in the spring.

To help students stay organized, I have provided paper copies of assignment and practice checklists to every class. Digital copies of the checklists are posted on Google Classroom for your reference (you can use your student’s login if you don’t have direct access), and assignments are also posted in PowerSchool.

A Note on Marks: If you notice that your student’s marks are lower than expected, it is almost always due to missing assignments. Please take a moment to check in with your band student to ensure that they are practicing regularly and submitting their work. I want to make sure their Term 2 marks truly reflect their musical ability!

Thank you for your support.

Rehearsals this Week

Tuesday, February 3rd

7:45 am: Grade 7 early am band

3:00-4:30: Grade 9 Honour Band

Wednesday, February 4th

7:45 am: Grade 8 am band

Thursday, February 5th

7:45 am: Grade 9 early am band

Rehearsals this week

Tuesday, January 20

7:45-8:45 am: Grade 7 Early AM Band (all sections)

3:00-4:30 pm: Honour Band Rehearsal

Wednesday, January 21:

Grade 8 Early AM Band (all sections)

3:00-4:00 pm: Honour Band Rehearsal (tentative: if possible this practie will be held during the school day)

Thursday, January 22:

Grade 9 Early AM Band is canceled

8:00 am: Grade 9 Honour Band students arrive at East Wiltshire and will travel by taxi to Birchwood Intermediate for the Eastern Area sectional day (details to follow). Students will return to East Wiltshire in time for regular dismissal.

Enjoy Your Snow Day Students!

Rehearsals this week

Tuesday, January 13th: 

7:45 am: Grade 7 early morning Woodwind rehearsal (flutes and clarinets) 

3:00-4:00 pm: Grade 9 Honour Band rehearsal

Wednesday, January 14th:

7:45 am: Grade 8 Woodwind and Percussion rehearsal 

Thursday, January 15th:

7:45 am: Grade 9 early am band 

2026 Soho Sound Canadian Junior Honour Band

We have many talented students in grade 7-9 band at East Wiltshire who might be interested in a new musical challenge! We have had students accepted as members of this virtual honour band in the past, and it was a very positive learning experience for them. If your student is interested, there is more information on the MusicFest Canada website: MusicFest Canada

MusicFest Canada, “The Nationals” invites you to audition for the 2026 Soho Sound Canadian Junior Honour Band, an honour group for students in grades 6-9.

The 2026 “virtual’ SSCJHB will partner with esteemed university music educators from across the country in the virtual preparation and presentation of concert band works, under the direction of Cheryl & Darryl Ferguson. All SSCJHB musicians will receive a masterclass from an esteemed university instructor:

This experience culminates with the international release of a professionally mastered performance, compiled using student recordings, under the auspices of the Coalition for Music Education on Music Monday May 4, 2026.

Auditions close on January 22, 2026.  The fee for successful applicants is $40.

If you have questions about this program, please email cheryl.ferguson@musicfest.ca and/or darryl.ferguson@musicfest.ca 

Welcome Back!

I hope that everyone has enjoyed a happy, peaceful, and restful holiday with their families and friends. I’m very proud of the excellent work that was showcased in the Christmas concert, and I’m excited to continue making music with the students in 2026!

Rehearsal Schedule for this week:

Tuesday, January 6: Grade 7 brass only (trumpets, French horn, trombones, baritones) *Woodwind rehearsal will be held next week.

Wednesday, January 7: Grade 8 brass and low woodwinds only (trumpets, French horn, trombones, baritone, tuba, bass clarinet, tenor saxes) *High Woodwind rehearsal will be held next week.

Thursday, January 8: Grade 9 Honour Band

If students have any questions about the rehearsal schedule they can drop in to see me in the band room during break or at lunch tomorrow 😊