"This Week in Instrumental Music" 12/17-12/21

Good Evening Everyone,

The Winter Concert has finally arrived! Below is the rehearsal schedule for the week:

Monday, 12/17- ALL BANDS (Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced) + Orchestra @ 7:45AM - In Auditorium 
Monday, 12/17 - FULL JAZZ BAND - 2:35-4:00PM - In Auditorium 

Tuesday, 12/18 - Beginning Band @ 7:45AM

Tuesday, 12/18 - WINTER CONCERT - REPORT TIME is 6:30PM.

Wednesday, 12/19 - Intermediate Band @ 7:45AM

Wednesday, 12/19 - Orchestra @ 2:35

Thursday, 12/20 - Advanced Band @ 7:45AM (Different from original calendar!)

Friday, 12/21 - WINTER CONCERT ASSEMBLY - ALL STUDENTS REPORT AT 7:45AM. 

As you can see, it is a very busy week. Please make sure you review your December Calendar and make sure your child is present for all of their events. 

Winter Concert Information:

Please remember that attendance at the Winter Concert in MANDATORY and will be a significant part of your child's final grade in Band. All students must report to the Fine Arts Wing at 6:30PM with all of their equipment and fully dressed. The Dress for the concert is below:

• Nice Black Shoes with black socks - NO SNEAKERS or FLIP-FLOPS. 
• Black Pants or a Long Black Skirt
• Holiday Colored Top - Men, please try to wear a button-down shirt or a collared shirt. 

If you have any questions about the Winter Concert, please don't hesitate to e-mail me. 

I look forward to seeing everyone at the Concert on Tuesday night!

Mr. Daniels 

"This Week in Instrumental Music" 12/10-12/14

Good Evening All:

Below is the rehearsal schedule for the week:

Monday, 12/10 - Intermediate Band @ 7:45AM

Tuesday, 12/11 - Beginning Band @ 7:45AM

Tuesday, 12/11 - Jazz Band Trombones - 2:35 - 3:30PM

Wednesday, 12/12 - Advanced Band @ 7:45AM

Wednesday, 12/12 - Orchestra @ 2:35

Thursday, 12/13 - Intermediate Band @ 7:45AM

Friday, 12/14 - Jazz Band @ 7:45AM

This is the LAST full week of rehearsal before the winter concert! It is very important at all band members be present for rehearsal this week. 

Winter Concert Information:

The Winter Concert is on Tuesday, December 18th. The report time for the concert will be 6:30PM. All students should report to the Band Room dressed with their instrument and music folder. The concert will begin at 7:00PM. Performing in the concert is a requirement for all Band members. 

Dress for the Concert will be the following:

• Black Dress Pants or Black Skirt 
• Black Dress Shoes - NO Sneakers or Flip-Flops
• Festive Holiday-Colored Top - Men: Please wear a button-down or collared shirt. 

I look forward to seeing everyone at the concert next week!

Sincerely, 

Mr. Daniels 

Sax Quartet Goes Caroling

The Dedham Middle School Saxophone Quartet took to the streets of Dedham on Friday, November 30th for the Annual Dedham Stroll and Tree Lighting event.  Below are some pictures from the event. They did a great job in the very cold weather!

"This Week in Instrumental Music" 11/26-11/30

Good Morning Everyone,

The Winter Concert is quickly approaching. We have just THREE weeks of school before the performance. It is imperative that all students attend the remaining rehearsals leading up to the concert. Below is the rehearsal schedule for this week:

Monday, 11/26 - Beginning Band @ 7:45AM

Tuesday, 11/27 - Advanced Band @ 7:45AM

Tuesday, 11/27 - FULL Jazz Band - 2:35 - 4:00PM

Wednesday, 11/28 - Intermediate Band @ 7:45AM

Wednesday, 11/28 - Orchestra @ 2:35

Thursday, 11/29 - Beginning Band @ 7:45AM

Friday, 11/30 - Jazz Band @ 7:45AM

The December Calendar will be going home with the students this week. Please make sure you look it over an note when your child has rehearsal. This calendar will also be posted on the Blackboard Site.

Practice Logs:

Students are still required to have a parent or guardian signature on their practice log each week. Students will no longer turn their practice log in each week. The logs will be checked during their in-school lesson. If you have any questions about the new practice log format, please feel free to contact me.

Class Participation Grade:

For Term 2, students will be getting a class participation grade. Each student will start with 100 points. During the course of the semester, students can loose points for various reasons, one being leaving their instrument in the locker over a weekend. There have been far too many instruments left over the weekend. If the instruments do not go home to practice, your child will not grow as a musician and we will not be successful as a band. Please make an effort to make sure your child is taking his or her instrument home and putting in the appropriate amount of practice time.

I look forward to a GREAT December!

Sincerely,

Mr. Daniels

"This Week in Instrumental Music" - 11/19-11/23

Good Afternoon All:

Below is the rehearsal schedule for the week:

Monday, 11/19 - Beginning Band @ 7:45AM
Monday, 11/19 - Jazz Band Trumpets - 2:35-3:35

Tuesday, 11/20 - Advanced Band @ 7:45AM
Tuesday, 11/20 - Jazz Band Rhythm - 2:35-3:35

Wednesday, 11/21 - Intermediate Band @ 7:45AM

Please Note: Due to Thanksgiving and the Early Release Day on Wednesday, there will be NO Orchestra after school this week. 

Each ensemble only has 6 rehearsals before the Winter Concert so it is imperative that your child attends these rehearsals. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Mr. Daniels

"This Week in Instrumental Music" 11/5-11/9

Good Evening Everyone,

Below is the before/after school schedule for this week:

Monday, 11/5 - Advanced Band @ 7:45AM
Monday, 11/7 - Jazz Band Saxophones @ 2:35

Tuesday, 11/6 - NO SCHOOL - Election Day

Wednesday, 11/7 - Intermediate Band @ 7:45AM
Wednesday, 11/7 - Orchestra @ 2:35PM
Thursday, 11/8 - Advanced Band @ 7:45AM - In Auditorium (Dress Rehearsal for Veteran's Day)
Friday, 11/9 - Advanced Band - Veteran's Day Assembly - Report Time: 7:45AM

**Please Note: Due to the Veteran's Day Assembly and No School on Tuesday, there will be NO  Beginning Band or Jazz Band before school this week.

November Calender: The November Calendar is now posted on each classes Blackboard Site. Please review this calendar ASAP as each ensemble will be rehearsing on different days of the week each week. This is due to the fact that we do not have a full week of school until the last week in November. Please make sure your child know when their rehearsal is each week.

Veteran's Day Performance: The Advanced Band will be performing at the Veteran's Day Assembly this Friday. All Band members must be in the Band Room by 7:45AM. The dress for this performance is the following:

• Black Shoes and Black Socks - Closed-Toe Shoes Please!
• Dark (Preferably Black) Bottom - Black Dress Pants or Black Jeans
• Red, White, or Blue Top - Please try to wear something that is one color.

Please let me know if you have any questions about the dress code for this performance. 

Term 1 Grades: The grades for Term 1 are due this Friday. All of the assignments that have been tuned in have been posted in Gradebook. Any homework assignments or Practice Logs that have not been turned in MUST be submitted by Thursday in order to receive credit. Please see me if you have any questions about your grade. 

We are only a month and a half away from our first concert! Please make sure everyone is taking their instruments home each night and over the weekend to practice your music. 

I am looking forward to a great month of November!

Sincerely, 

Mr. Daniels

"This Week in Instrumental Music" 10/29-11/2

Good Afternoon Everyone:

Below is the Rehearsal Schedule for this week:

Monday, 10/29 - Advanced Band @ 7:45AM

Tuesday, 10/30 - Intermediate Band @ 7:45AM

Wednesday, 10/31 - Advanced Band @ 7:45AM

Thursday, 11/1 - Beginning Band @ 7:45AM

Friday, 11/2 - Jazz Band @ 7:45AM

**Please Note: There will be NO Orchestra rehearsal after school this week. 

I will be sending home a November and December schedule this week. Please review this schedule carefully as each Band will have different rehearsal times. For example, after this week the Advanced Band will no longer rehearse every Monday and Wednesday. Things will be shifted around to make sure each ensemble gets enough before school rehearsal time. Please make sure you post this calendar somewhere in your house so you and your child know when to report for rehearsal. 

A Look Ahead: The Advanced Band will be performing next Friday (11/9) at the Veteran's Day assembly that takes place during school. All Advanced Band students need to report to the Band Room no later than 7:45AM that morning.

Lastly, please remember to stay safe during Halloween and during Hurricane Sandy. I will leave you with one of my favorite Halloween songs, Monster Mash!

"This Week In Instrumental Music" 10/22-10/26

Good Evening Everyone,

Below is the before/after school rehearsal schedule for this week:

Monday, 10/22 - Advanced Band @ 7:45AM
Tuesday, 10/23 - Intermediate Band @ 7:45AM
Wednesday, 10/24 - Advanced Band @ 7:45AM
Wednesday, 10/24 - Orchestra @ 2:35PM
Thursday, 10/25 - Beginning Band @ 7:45AM
Friday, 10/26 - Jazz Band @ 7:45AM

Parents and Students: Please make sure your child is in the Band Room by 7:40AM so he or she has sufficient time to assemble their instruments and take their seat in the Band Room. Too many students have been coming in late and we have not been able to start until 7:50 or 7:55. We already are limited on time, so it is important that your child arrives on time to rehearsal. If your child rides the bus, please make sure he or she comes directly to Band Room when their bus arrives.

Advanced Band Members: This is a reminder that there will be a playing test in your lesson this week. The playing test will be on the B-Scale Exercise (A-C) and selections from America the Beautiful and the Star Spangled Banner. A grading rubric can be found on the Blackboard site under the Content section.

For all those who have been asking me about the band One Direction, check out this cool video of their hit song "What Makes You Beautiful."

"This Week in Instrumental Music" 10/15-10/19

Good Evening Everyone:

Below is the Band Rehearsal Schedule for this week:


Monday, 10/15 - Advanced Band @ 7:45AM
Tuesday, 10/16 - Intermediate Band @ 7:45AM
Wednesday, 10/17 - Advanced Band @ 7:45AM
Wednesday, 10/17 - Orchestra @ 2:35PM
Thursday, 10/18 - Beginning Band @ 7:45AM
Friday, 10/19 - Jazz Band @ 7:45AM

Please remember, Practice Logs are due during the first rehearsal of each week. Parents, please make sure you are signing the practice logs verifying that your child is practicing each week.

The Advanced Band's first performance is less that one month away. The Band will be performing at the Veteran's Day assembly during the school day. All students should be practicing the Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful and be able to play all parts. All of the Advanced Band students will have playing tests on this music as well as their B-flat scale exercises next week (week of 10/22).

For all of those students who like video games and band, this video is a must see! The Ohio State Marching Band performed this at halftime at their game last week. The horse at the end is truly amazing. Happy Watching!

Mr. Daniels

"This Week in Instrumental Music" 10/8-10/12

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope everyone is enjoying the day off from school and the beautiful weather! Below are the reminders for the week:

Before School Rehearsal Schedule: For the first time this year, all 5 DMS instrumental ensembles will be rehearsing this week! Below is the schedule for the week. If there is any confusion on what band your child is in, please check the Ensemble Descriptions post or e-mail me at jdaniels@dedham.k12.ma.us.

Tuesday, 10/9 - Intermediate Band @ 7:45AM
Wednesday, 10/10 - Advanced Band @ 7:45AM
Wednesday, 10/10 - Orchestra @ 2:35PM
Thursday, 10/11 - Beginning Band @ 7:45AM
Friday, 10/12 - Jazz Band @ 7:45AM


Signed Expectation Sheets: If your child has not returned the signed expectation sheet, it was indicated on the progress report that went home last week. Please have your child return this form at their next band rehearsal. If you need a copy of the Handbook (expectations), it can be found on this blog under DMS Band Handbook and Expectations.

Blackboard Site: The Blackboard Site for the Advanced Band and Orchestra is now up and running. All homework assignments, review sheets, practice logs and any other documents can be found on this site as well as this blog.

Because the Beginning Band was split into two groups, I am still waiting on the creation of a Intermediate Band Blackboard Site. Once this occurs, all three bands will have a blackboard site.

Note Quiz: This is a reminder that both the Advanced Band and Intermediate Band will have a note quiz this week during band rehearsal. I encourage everyone to study the Grand Staff Review Handout and memorize the Mnemonic for the lines and spaces in your clef. I also advise everyone to check out the website below as it has some great tutorials on all things relating to music:

http://www.musictheory.net/

Student Music Page: I have now placed some recordings of music that the bands will be playing on the Student Music Page. I encourage all students to listen to the pieces many times while looking at your music. Mark any rhythms or notes that you are unsure of and bring those questions with you to band rehearsal.

Practice Logs: Reminder, Practice Logs are due the first band rehearsal of each week for the Advanced and Intermediate Bands. Each student is required to practice 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes a day. Each day practiced is worth 1 point. Each Practice Log must be signed by a parent or guardian. Unsigned practice logs will count for half credit. Practice Logs WILL be part of your student's grade for band. If a practice log is not turned in, your child will get a 0 for that assignment. If you have any questions regarding Practice Logs, please let me know.

I am looking forward to another great week of music making at DMS!

Sincerely,

Mr. Daniels

Ensemble Descriptions

Good Afternoon Everyone,

There has been a little confusion on who is in what ensemble now that the groups have been split up. Below, I have outlined who is in each group:

Advanced Band:    ALL 7th and 8th grade students

Intermediate Band:  6th grade students who have played their instrument before in the Elementary Schools. **NOTE: If your child switched instruments (Clarinet to Saxophone), they will be in the Beginning Band, NOT the Intermediate band.

Beginning Band: 6th grade students who are new to the instrument they are playing.

All of the students should be aware of which group they are in. If you have any questions, please let me know. I am also sending home the October Calendar that contains the rehearsal schedule for the entire month.

Thank you all for your continued support and I will see many of you at the first concert. 

Sincerely,

Mr. Daniels

"This Week in Instrumental Music" - 10/1-10/5

Instrumental Rehearsal Schedule This Week:

Monday: Advanced Band - 7:45-8:20

Tuesday: Intermediate Band - 7:45-8:20

Wednesday: Advanced Band - 7:45-8:20

Wednesday: Orchestra - 2:35-3:15

Thursday: Intermediate Band - 7:45-8:20

Friday: Jazz Band - 7:45-8:20

Jazz Band Auditions:

Thank you for everyone who auditioned for the Jazz Band this year. It takes a lot of courage to audition  and everyone should be very proud. I was extremely excited that so many students wanted to be part of the Jazz Band. We had almost 40 students audition! Unfortunately, this is too many students for the Jazz Band. For those who did not make the Jazz Band this year, I am going to have a Jazz Lab Band that will be held once a week after school stating in January. In this class, students will learn about playing Jazz and build skills that will help them in their audition for next year. I encourage all of those students who did not make the Jazz Band this year to participate in this class. 

 Lesson Reminder:

I have also posted the pullout lesson schedule on this blog. Please review this lesson schedule with your child so they know when they need to bring their instrument. Please note that their lesson day might not fall on a band rehearsal day. Being prepared for lesson is part of your student's grade so it is important that they remember their instrument and music for lesson. 

DMS Music Blog Update!

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I hope everyone is having a great Sunday! This morning I completely revamped the layout of the DMS Instrumental Music Blog. All of the new pages can be seen along the right hand side of the blog page:

1. DMS Music Handbook and Expectations: The DMS Music Handbook is posted in this page. The handbook contains all the important information that you will need to know about Band or Orchestra this year. It also contains the class expectations and grading policies. If you have not returned the signed last page of this handbook, please do so by your next band rehearsal.

2. 2012-2013 Performance Schedule: The performance schedule for the year is posted in this page. Please note that these dates are subject to change in the event of unanticipated conflicts like a winter weather event.

3. Homework Assignments: These pages contain the homework assignments for the different ensembles. Students can download and print these assignments in case they did not pick them up in class.

4. Blank Practice Logs: This page contains a blank practice log that can be downloaded and printed.

5. Student Music - Recordings/Videos: This page will contain both professional recordings and student recordings of the pieces we are performing in Band. This page will also include performance videos.

If anyone has any suggestions on what else you would like to see on this blog, please let me know.

I am looking forward to a great year of music making.

Sincerely,

Mr. Daniels

DMS Orchestra Begins This Week!

The Dedham Middle School Orchestra will begin this week! Our first rehearsal will be Wednesday after school from 2:35-3:15PM. Please bring your instrument and any music or method books that you have.

Important Reminders for This Week - 9/24

1. The 6th Grade Band will resume this week on Tuesday, September 25th. All 6th grade Band students should be in the Band room no later than 7:40 on Tuesday. We will discuss the start of in-school lessons during Band class. These lessons will begin in the middle of this week. 
2. Jazz Band Auditions will be taking place during lunch and after school on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Please remind your child to sign-up for an audition time on the bulletin board outside of the Band Room if they have not done so already. The Jazz Band roster will be posted outside of Band Room by the end of the day on Wednesday. 
3. Signed Handbook Pages: If you have not signed your child's handbook page, please do so as soon as possible and have them bring it to their next band class. I would like to have all of these collected by the end of this week. 
4. Locks for Lockers: All of the student lockers will need to be locked this year for security reasons. I told each class that they will need to get a lock for their locker. If you have trouble getting a lock, please let me know as there is a limited supply of school locks students can use. 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I am looking forward to meeting all of you at our first concert in December!

Sincerely, 

Mr. Daniels

Important Advanced Band (7th and 8th) Information!

1. Advanced Band Rehearsal Schedule - The Advanced Band meets EVERY Monday and Wednesday before school when school is in session. If your child walks or is dropped off, please make an effort to have your child in the band room no later than 7:40AM so we can start on time. Our time together as a band is already limited and we need to use all of the time effectively.  If your child rides the bus, please have them hurry to the band room as soon as the bus arrives.
2. Pull-Out Lessons- Your child's pull-out lesson will begin on Monday, September 17th. They will be notified on Friday when they have their lesson. Please make sure that your child brings their band instrument, music and method book on the lesson day as well as the days they have band! The lesson will always be on the same letter day. For example, if your student says they have their lesson on A1, that translates to Block 1 on an A day. Please note that this day will be a different day of the week each time so please make sure your child remembers to bring his or her instrument.
   
3. DMS Instrumental Music Handbook - In class, each student was given a Instrumental Music Handbook that outlines all of the course expectations and grading policy. Each student was told to take this packet home and read it with each of you. I have attached the handbook to this e-mail. If it did not make it home, please take some time to read through it with your child so they understand what is expected of them. After reading through, please sign the back page and have your child bring it with them to band on Monday morning.
   
4. What To Bring to Band and Lesson: A list of what your child should bring to every band rehearsal and lesson is found in the Handbook, but I wanted to reiterate a couple of the important points. Being prepared for class will be part of your student's grade and not having the items below will lower your student's final grade. 
   
1. Instrument: By Monday, each student should have an instrument. I have attached the Music and Arts flier to this e-mail. This is the preferred company that we in Dedham would like everyone to use if your child needs to rent an instrument. If you already have been renting with a different company, you may stay with that company. If you have any questions about instruments, please let me know.
   
2. 1" Music Notebook and Dividers: By Monday, each student should have a 1" inch notebook with dividers. This notebook will contain many different assignments throughout the year and will be part of your student's grade. If your child needs a notebook and dividers from the school, please let me know and I will make sure they have one by Monday.
3. Essential Elements 2000 Method Book 1:   Each student needs to have this book for their instrument by the first group lesson. This book can be purchased at the Music and Arts store. If your child left theirs in the Band Room over the summer, please have them see me to get it back. There are also some extra books that are owned by the school. If you have a problem getting a book by next week, please let me know so I can make sure I have one.
   
4. Pencil: It is very important that each student comes to band and lesson with a pencil! We will be writing in our books and on our music and sometimes things need to be erased. 
5. Practice Logs: Starting next week, there will be weekly practice logs. Each band student is expected to practice 5 days a week for at least 30 minuets a day. Each day practiced will count for 1 point. These points will count towards your child's final grade in band. Each week, a parent or guardian must sign the practice log. If the practice log is not signed, the student will only get half credit.

Instrumental Music Registration Form

2012-2013 Rehearsal Schedule

Beginning Band (6th Grade) - Tuesday and Thursday from 7:45AM - 8:20AM - Begins on 9/11

Advanced Band (7th/8th Grade) - Monday and Wednesday from 7:45AM - 8:20AM - Begins on 9/10

Jazz Band - Friday from 7:45AM - 8:20AM - Begins on 9/21

Orchestra - Once a week after school - Day TBD

Welcome to Mr. Daniels' Blog!

Welcome to the Dedham Middle School Instrumental Music Blog! My name is Mr. Daniels, the new Middle School Band and Orchestra teacher. This blog will serve as the hub for all communications between students/parents and myself. All important announcements regarding rehearsals and concerts will be posted to this blog. Additionally, each ensemble will have its own page where students can find homework assignments, links to recordings, and videos of their performances. I encourage all students to actively check this blog for important information. 

I look forward to making music with all of you this year!

Mr. Daniels  - jdaniels@dedham.k12.ma.us