Band Class Info for Parents

by shsbowmen, posted in Uncategorized

Dear Parents, We no longer have a back to school night here at SHS. In lieu of that, the “Big Four” points that I used to cover are detailed in writing below.

  1. Calendar of Performances – Calendars (pink handout) went home last week. Look for your specific ensemble for performing dates. Calendars are also located on band website.
    • Do not miss concert or festival performances. Music class is much like farming. It is a lot of hard work with lots of hours involved. Putting on performances, or reaping the harvest of our efforts, happen few and far between. Its always sad when a student doesn’t get to reap the reward of their efforts. Its also sad for the student’s musical teammates and ensemble members who end up performing minus the sound they are used to playing next to in class. It really matters.
  2. Communication – My communication will come to you en masse from this webpage. Please make sure you are subscribed to this site to receive communication. It is the most efficient way for me to reach our band population and also gives parents access to info in the case of an email getting deleted.  Our Booster President, Lennae Bishop (president.sherwoodbands@gmail.com, shsbandboostersinfo@gmail.com) will also communicate regarding band info via the Sherwood Band Boosters.
  3. Playing Proficiencies – Covered these a bit at the curriculum night and have been covering them quite a bit in class. Each ensemble has a different set of  proficiencies.
  4. SHS Band Handbook 2018-2019 

Program/Ensemble Overview –

Band Director:  Brant Stai – 6th Year at SHS. 15th year of teaching overall.

Ensembles:

  • Bowmen Band -Grade 2 – 3.5 Level Literature
    • What is Band at Sherwood High School?
      • Various Ensembles & Levels of Depth: Bowmen, Concert, Wind, Jazz Ensembles, Winter Percussion & Guard, Marching Band.
      • All Ensembles performing at a high level
      • Welcoming, Friendly Atmosphere for all students
    • Practice should be happening 5 times per week (20 minute sessions).
  • Concert Band – Plays Grade 2.5 – 4 Level Literature.
    • Not the same time or practice commitment as Wind Ensemble but the standard for performance doesn’t change. Lifelong appreciation for music and creativity.
    • Practice should be happening 5 times per week (25 minute sessions).
  • Wind Ensemble – Plays Grade 4 – 6 Level Literature.
    • Wind Ensemble Grades & Naviance – Must Meet OSAA Standards
    • One Sectional Per Week Starting in January
    • Extra rehearsals after school, as assigned.
    • Festival performances are very important. We perform and compete and we go for it. It’s fun.
    • Practicing is a part of life. Do it on the days you brush your teeth.