Grade 9 early morning band is canceled for tomorrow due to unforeseen circumstances. I hope that we will be able to get back to our regular rehearsal schedule in the gym next week!

Due to the change in the 6 day schedule, the Jazz Band meeting which was scheduled for today will now be held at 12:35 on Monday, April 4th.

Thank you and take care!

Studying music is a challenging and rewarding endeavor, and one that can be enjoyed at any age. Check out this video to learn more about what recent brain research is revealing about how studying music can positively affect student learning!

Band students who are interested in preparing a Jazz band selection for the spring concert are asked to meet Mrs. Peters in the band room at 12:35 on Monday, April 4th.  There is a sign up sheet in Google Classroom…please add your name and attend the meeting if you’d like to learn more! *The music will be at a second year playing level.

Tuesday, March 29th: Grade 7 AM Band
Wednesday, March 30th: Grade 8 AM Band
Thursday, March 31st: Grade 9 AM Band

The Gr. 7 early a.m. brass sectional rehearsal is cancelled for tomorrow.

The next early morning grade 7 rehearsal (full band) will be held on Tuesday, March 29th (Friday, April 1st is a PD day).

I hope that everyone enjoyed a fun and restful March Break!

Please find below this week’s rehearsal schedule:

Wednesday, March 23rd, 7:45 am : Grade 8 Band

Thursday, March 24th, 7:45 am: Grade 9 Band

Friday, March 25th, 7:45 am: Grade 7 Brass (Trumpets, Baritones, Trombones, Tubas, French horn)

Dear parents and students,

This week students will be learning more about high school course options during presentations by Bluefield. Band is offered as a course at the high school level in grades 10-12 and I hope that this year’s grade 9 band students will carefully consider this option.

I have had many students who have continued their music education in high school and then have gone on to play in community bands, university ensembles (while studying in other disciplines), or have transferred their band skills to learn to play new instruments in different styles.  I also know of former band students who are pursuing careers in music as performers, teachers, and even members of classical orchestras. For many students, the experiences they enjoyed as members of the high school band have created positive memories and lifelong friendships.

Employability skills which help to prepare students for the work world are also developed through participation in band programs.  Career Exploration and Opportunities teachers attest to the fact that the Employability Skills 2000+ are covered in music education. These essential skills include communication, teamwork, dedication, leadership, flexibility, and diplomacy. These are skills that are also highly valued by universities and colleges. Band is an excellent extra-curricular activity and is recognized as such on applications for scholarships and awards.

While music may be your only elective if you study French immersion, it is an excellent elective and one that can lead to many positive outcomes. Your schedule will open up for more electives in grade 11 and grade 12!  Music 421 expectations are set at an accessible and appropriate level, and I am confident that students who have successfully participated in band from grade 7 to 9 will feel comfortable continuing to develop their skills at Bluefield.

Making music can be incredibly beneficial to mental health in times of difficulty.  In our fast paced, personal device driven world, I believe that being able to connect to our feelings, and to one another, through music is essential now, more than ever. 

If students or parents have any questions about the high school band program, please don’t hesitate to ask. This year’s grade 9 band class is bright and talented and it’s been a pleasure to work with them. I hope that many of them will continue to participate in band at the high school level.

You may also wish to read these articles which highlight the many benefits of music education:

Medicine and music: there are more connections than you might think

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/medicine-music-connection-1.4770372

Important Benefits of Music In Our Schools

https://nafme.org/20-important-benefits-of-music-in-our-schools/

Music Students Score Better in Math, Science, English Than Nonmusical Peers (American Psychological Association)

Music Students Score Better in Math, Science  

The Future Is Social and Emotional: Evolving Skills Needs in the 21st Century

Conference Board of Canada: Social and Emotional Skills needed

Please note the changes in this week’s early morning band schedule:

Wednesday, March 9, 7:45 am: Grade 9 Woodwinds (Grade 8 early morning band is canceled for this week)

Thursday, March 10, 7:45 am: Grade 9 Brass and Percussion

Friday, March 11, 7:45 am: Grade 7 Band (Full Band Rehearsal)

I have nominated a student from grade 9 for the Canadian Junior High Honour Band program (see previous post) and, if there is no further interest from grade 9 students, I’d be happy to nominate a second student from grade 8. Students who wish to be considered are asked to please send me an email as soon as possible. The deadline for teachers to submit applications is on Monday, March 7th.

Thank you and have a great weekend!