Welcome Back to Band

I am looking forward to meeting all of the new grade 7 band students this week and to welcoming back the grade 8 and 9 band students!

Here are a few notes to refer to as we begin to get the band program back in full swing:

The school email address that I check on a regular basis is ampeters@edu.pe.ca

Band Blog: Students are always informed and reminded about upcoming band rehearsals and events, and they are responsible for being aware of the band schedule. In order to support students, parents can subscribe to the band blog to receive e-mail notifications about upcoming events, rehearsal schedule, updates, etc. (see pictures below).  The subscribe button is at the bottom of the home screen (scroll way, way down) on a mobile device. Students will also be asked to subscribe to the blog on chrome books during classtime in early September.

Laptop, chrome book, or desktop:

Google classroom is another tool that students will be using again this year to support their learning in the band program.  Every band class will have their own Google Classroom and every student will be given a code to join their classroom.  Assignments, due dates, and learning resources will be posted regularly in Google Classroom. 

Band Rehearsal Schedule (Fall 2022)

Please find below the weekly early morning  band rehearsal schedule for the fall term: 

Mondays, 7:45 a.m.  Jazz Band (First Rehearsal: Monday, October 3rd) 

Tuesdays, 7:45 a.m. Grade 7 early morning band (First rehearsal: Tuesday, Sept. 27th)

Wednesdays, 7:45 a.m. Grade 8 early morning band (First rehearsal: Wednesday, September 14th)

Thursdays, 7:45 a.m. Grade 9 early morning band (First Rehearsal: Thursday, September 15th)

Students are asked to be in the band room ready to play at 7:45 a.m. on early am band days. The doors to the school will be open at 7:30 a.m. Please send me an e-mail if your child is unable to attend a rehearsal so that I can record the absence as excused in PowerSchool. Thank you!

Thank you for your past and future support in providing transportation for your children to early morning band classes!

Band Fees

We will be collecting a $25 band fee from each student again this year to cover the cost of band supplies (reeds, valve oil, cork and slide grease, white shirts for uniforms, etc.). If paying by cheque or e-transfer, please indicate that the $25 is for band fees. I know that September is an expensive month, so the band fee will not be due until November 25th (parent-teacher interviews/the end of the first reporting period). 

Instruments

Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of their instruments throughout the year. Cleaning and maintenance protocols for each instrument will be reviewed with students in September. Students will be asked to adhere to safety guidelines by not touching or playing instruments other than their own, and by following the guidelines for cleaning their own instruments. 

Early Morning Band Cancellation Policy

There may be times when I have to cancel or reschedule extracurricular practices. I will always give you as much notice as I can when this happens.

East Wiltshire School daily announcements can be found here: https://eastwiltshire.edu.pe.ca/announcements

A detailed outline of the early morning band cancellation policy can be found on the blog: https://eastwiltshireschoolband.com/cancellation-policy/

Band Concerts

Participation in band concerts is a highlight of the band experience, and attendance at scheduled performances is a required element of the East Wiltshire band program; please note concert dates as they are provided, and mark them in your calendars. If conflicts arise, please contact me in advance and we will work it out together.

I am looking forward to another great year with the East Wiltshire band students!