Hi everyone!

I hope everyone is well and that you are enjoying the sunshine and warm temperatures!

As we move into the next stage of reopening, we have been allowed to have limited access to our classrooms. We have cleaned out the lockers and, as you know, students will be allowed to pick up their belongings next week. I was also able to do an inventory last week of all of the instruments that were left in the band room before March Break. With regard to returning items, please note the following:

Students in grade 7 and grade 8 are asked to please KEEP their instruments, book, and band vests for the summer.

Grade 9 students are asked to please RETURN instruments, books, and band vests when they come in to pick up their belongings next week. It would be helpful if each of these items could be labeled with the student’s name if possible. Masking tape works well and is easily removed!

I will be in the lobby area to receive the grade 9 items. I can also retrieve an instrument from the band room for any grade 7 or 8 student whose instrument was left at school, but who would like to practice this summer.

For any student who may have been planning to attend the summer band camp, please note that the decision has been made by the organizing committee to cancel the camp for this year due to the necessary restrictions as a result of COVID-19, and because the safety of all students and staff must be paramount.

I’ve had a few questions about percussion auditions.  Auditions for grade 8 percussion spots will tentatively be held in the fall.  I will provide more details when we get back to school.

Thank you, and please send an e-mail (ampeters@edu.pe.ca) if you have any questions!

Do you know someone who might be interested in being in the grade 7 band program at East Wiltshire next year? We are now accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year! The following application has been shared with grade 6 parents through our feeder schools and is due by Friday, May 15th, 2020.  

For more information about the East Wiltshire band program please review this slide show:

EWS Band Program Information

Please visit this page for updated information about the band program application process: https://eastwiltshireschoolband.com/application-process-for-grade-6-students/

Teachers from across PEI have been working very hard to create educational videos for Eastlink and YouTube. Please read the details below as provided by the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning (DELL).

“A great deal of preparation has gone into making the television program Head Hand Heart Connections. Tune in to the Community Channel on Eastlink (10 & 610) and take time to connect through stories, movement, music, art and language. Through a series of episodes focused on creativity, physical health and well-being; children, youth, and families can engage with educators and librarians and explore fun learning opportunities. Episodes will be aired on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday each week from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. until further notice.”

Episodes are also available on YouTube:

Head Hand Heart Connections

Hi everyone,

Christine Blanchard, the band director at Bluefield, has asked me to share some information with grade 9 band students as they prepare to register for high school courses over the next few days.

There are many talented and skilled students in the grade 9 band class and I hope that many will continue their studies in music at the high school level.  

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you and take care,

Alison

Links from Bluefield:

Letter from Mrs. Blanchard

Video Message

BHS Music Department Slideshow

Hi everyone!

I always make a video at the end of the year to celebrate the experiences we have had together in the band program. I have been working on this year’s video for a little while, and I decided to share it now in Google Classroom to remind students of everything that they have already accomplished. I hope you enjoy it!

Message for band students:

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to let all of you know that I am thinking about you, and I am looking forward to making music with you again soon.

In the meantime, I have posted a few ideas on Google Classroom for you to consider.  There are no new assignments right now, and there is no pressure! I am just providing some suggestions in case you are looking for new music to play, and new ways to practice at home. Unfortunately, we still haven’t received any information about how or when students who left personal items (books, instruments, etc.) at school will be able to access them. That information will be shared with the school community by Mrs. Cole as it becomes available.

I just signed up for a free 30 day trial that allows us all access to a really great program called SmartMusic.  Through the program, we have access to a giant library of music which you can play along with online.  It includes solos, method books (including Standard of Excellence), band arrangements, jazz tunes and more.  All of the details (including access codes for each grade level) are posted in Google Classroom.  I encourage you to have a look and try it out.

Please continue to  follow the health guidelines that are being shared every day by Dr. Morrison, and take good care of yourselves, your friends, and your family.

Mrs. Peters

I hope that all of my band students and their families are well today. If you are travelling, I hope that you are able to get home soon. If you are at home, I hope that you have everything you need, and that you are able to follow the guidelines suggested by Public Health to help prevent the spread of this virus. I hope that music (listening to your favourite songs, playing music, or creating music) helps make this time away from regular routines more manageable.

Stay positive, and have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!