I am excited to meet all of the new grade 7 band students this week and to welcome back the grade 8 and 9 band students! Being part of a large music ensemble offers an enriching and unique educational experience, and I’m confident that we are in for another fantastic year of music making at East Wiltshire.

*If you no longer have a student in the band program, you can unsubscribe to the band blog and automatic emails here: https://eastwiltshireschoolband.com/

I know there is a LOT of information being shared at this time of year, but here are a few notes to refer to as we begin to get the band program back in full swing:

Grade 7 students do not need to bring instruments to school on Thursday. Grade 7, 8 and 9 band students are asked to please bring instruments back to school on Friday if possible.

Band Website and Band Program Email: 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 receive email about the band program, please subscribe to the band website. I like to keep all the band information in one easy-to-find place. If you have any questions at all about how to subscribe to receive email about upcoming events, rehearsal schedules, etc., please let me know, and I will be happy to help.

To subscribe on a laptop, chrome book, or desktop, go to the home page at eastwiltshireband.wordpress.com and enter your preferred email address to subscribe.

To subscribe on a Mobile Device (Phone/Tablet): Scroll way, way down to the bottom of the page to find the option to subscribe.

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. 

Early Morning Band Schedule (Fall 2025)

Extra-curricular early morning band rehearsals will begin after we have completed a full 6 day cycle.  Please note the starting date for each grade level:

Tuesdays, 7:45 a.m. Grade 7 early morning band (First rehearsal: Tuesday, September 23rd)

Wednesdays, 7:45 a.m. Grade 8 early morning band (First rehearsal: Wednesday, September 17th)

Thursdays, 7:45 a.m. Grade 9 early morning band (First Rehearsal: Thursday, September 18th)

Grade 8-9 Jazz Band:  To Be Announced

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 email if your child is unable to attend a rehearsal so that I can record the absence as excused. 

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

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. 

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.

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.

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

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