WEEK OF NOVEMBER 13th
Sixth Grade General Music
Take Roll
Do worksheet on lines and spaces
Songs to Sing
Proud Mary
At the Hop
This Little Light
Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay
Lean on Me
Woolly Bully
Blowin In The Wind
Purple People Eater
Sixth Grade Band
Take Roll
Greet at door
New policy - Take cases out of storage room and get out instruments in bandroom
Must take instruments home with on last day of band of week
Seventy Minute Practice Sheets are due today and each Monday
Songs:
Good King
Jolly Old St. Nick
Go For Excellence
School Song
Jingle Bells
Big Beat Boogie
Little Drummer Boy
Christmas Cheer
Five Note Concerto
Holiday Concert - Monday night, Dec. 3rd at G - PAC. Concert will begin at ???
Seventh and Eighth Band
Take Roll
Greet at door - Three minutes to get set up
New policy - Take cases out of storage room and get out instruments in bandroom
Must take instruments home with on last day of band of week
Review lines, spaces, key sigs, and order of sharps and flats
Seventy Minute Practice Sheets are due today and every Monday
Scale warmups
Tech Book
Songs to Practice On:
Bravada
Tempest
White Christmas
Carol of the Bells
Santa Claus is Coming
Holiday for Flutes
Santa at the Symphony
Memory Test on Santa Claus is Coming To Town begins this week
Class Dismissal
Percussion clean up the Pit
Take instrument with you if not in marching band or end of week
Practice Schedule this week
Full Marching Band onT and Th
One excused absence between now and Christmas parades
Colorguard o T, W, Th, F
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR BAND, CHOIR AND COLORGUARD FOR WEEK OF OCTOBER 29TH
Congratulations to Ms. Ward and the Red Devil Concert Choir. Three members from the choir tried out for the All West Tennessee Honor Choir last Saturday at Cordova Middle School and made the Honor Choir. Those students making the Honor Choir are Chigozie Akah, Rebecca Schommer, and Kinnawa Kaitibi. Congratulations Ms. Ward and choir members.
The Band, Choir and Colorguard Practice Schedule for this week is:
M - Full Marching Band and Colorguard
T - Full Marching Band and Colorguard
T - Jazz Band Concert at GES - 6:30 PM
W - Red Devil Concert Choir Rehearsal at 7:29 AM
W - Colorguard practice after school
Th - Full Marching Band and Colorguard
F - University of Memphis Homecoming Parade - 5:30 PM
All band members must be picked up no later than 4:45 PM after practices or your child will not be allowed to participate.
DOUBLE WOW!!!!!!!!!!! What a GREAT night at GHS!!!! We had 40 Mighty Red Devil Band members participate with the Germantown High School Varsity Band last Friday night at the high school football game. They had a super time and sounded FANTABULOUS, particularly that last song.
All chaperones for the University of Memphis Homecoming Parade need to be in the bandroom this Friday no later than 4:15 PM. We should return to the school around 7:15 PM.
Attention all band parents. There will be a Pop Quiz Name Tag Test this week in band.
Band Parents, Ms. Ward and I have started a new policy in band that will hopefully cut down on some of the missing equipment. All students MUST take home their instruments at the end of their week each week in band. Also, no students will be allowed to open their cases in the storage room. All cases must be must be brought out into the bandroom before they are opened.
SIXTH GRADE BAND
There is NO practice after school on Monday, October 29th.
Last weeks Sixth Grade Concert was absolutely “THE BEST”. Congratualtions to our Sixth Grade Band.
Practice sheets with no less than 70 minutes are due each week to Mr. Lane as part of your child’s grade.
Private lessons are highly recommended for all band members. They really help build your child’s confidence and make them a Superstar in class. If you are interested in getting private lessons for your child, please contact Mr. Lane for a list of those people that offer private instruction.
Mark your calender. Our GMS Holiday Concert will be Monday night, December 3rd at the Germantown Performing Arts Center on Exeter Road in Germantown. We are talking about changing the starting time of the concert. We will discuss this at our next Booster Meeting.
RED DEVIL CONCERT CHOIR
There will be Red Devil Concert Choir rehearsal on Wednesday morning at 7:29 AM.
All West Tennessee Honor Choir Tryouts were last Saturday at Cordova Middle School. Congratulations to all of our Red Devil Concert Choir members that tried out and a very special congratulations to these Choir members that made the All West Tennessee Honor Choir. Our members that made the All West Hoor Choir are:
Congratulations to these choir members and to their parents as well. Keep up the hard work.
Uniforms have all been ordered. If you have not ordered yours yet, please contact Ms. Ward immediately.
Watch for Ms. Ward’s emails each week with a complete list of choir information and practices.
Mark your calender today. Our GMS Holiday Concert will be Monday night, December 3rd at the Germantown Performing Arts Center on Exeter Road in Germantown. We are talking about changing the starting time of the program. We will discuss this at our next Booster Meeting.
SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE BAND
Our FIRST PARADE, the University of Memphis Homecoming Parade, is here. YEAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! Permission notes are due now. For your child to participate in the parade, they must make all practices this week and must play their marching song by memory for Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward.
If you need a copy of the permission note / information note for the parades, please check Mr. Lane’s edublog.
Our practice schedule for the marching band this week is Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for the Full Marching Band each day. Wednesday is for the Colorguard members only.
All marching band members participating in the University of Memphis Homecoming Parade should be in the bandroom in full uniform this Friday no later than 4:15 PM. Buses will leave at 4:30 PM sharp.
Ms. Ward, Ms. Pittard and I are waiting to see what the weather will be this Friday to determine what uniform we will wear for the U of M Parade.
Uniform pick up day is this Tuesday, October 30th, from 3 PM until 6 PM in the choir room. Uniforms must be checked out by a parent or guardian. Uniform pick up day is only for those members participating in the University of Memphis Homecoming Parade. If you ordered shoes, they will also be ready for your pick up on uniform pick up day. If yo purchasing your black marching shoes somewhere else, they must be totally black, top and bottom.
Practice sheets with no less than 70 minutes are due each week to Mr. Lane. This is part of your child’s grade.
Private lessons are highly recommended for all band members. They really help build your child’s confidence and make them a Superstar in class. If you are interested in getting private lessons for your child, please contact Mr. Lane and get a full list of those people that teach private instruction.
All West Tennessee Honor Band Tryouts will be Saturday, December 8th at the University School in Jackson, Tennessee. We are off to a GREAT start on the music. Have your child sign up with either Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward for extra help on their music. Ms. Ward and Mr. Lane have been working with your children in class on their All West music. Please remind your child that they must know by memory all 12 of their major scales and their chromatic scales. Look for more information and a map coming at a later date.
Mark your calender today. Our GMS Holiday Concert will be Monday night, December 3rd at the Germantown Performing Arts Center on Exeter Road in Germantown. We are talking about changing the starting time of the program. We will discuss this at our next Booster Meeting.
COLORGUARD
Colorguard will practice every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school. The Colorguard is looking really good for our first parade. Practices on Monday and Wednesday will be with their instructor and Tuesday and Thurday practices will be with the marching band.
Colorguard members must make every practice. If they miss too many practices, they may be removed from the colorguard squad.
Colorguard uniform check out day will be Tuesday, October 30th from 3 PM until 6 PM. Uniforms must be checked out by a parent or guardian. If you have not ordered your shoes yet, they must be totally black. It’s not to late to order them from the band. Send an email to Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward and we will get it taken care of.
Information / permission notes for the first two parades are due now.
Mark your calender today. Our GMS Holiday Concert will be Monday night, December 3rd at the Germantown Performing Arts Center on Exeter Road in Germantown. We are talking about changing the starting time of the program. We will discuss this at our next Booster Meeting.
Have a GREAT week. See you at the parade.
John Lane and Jill Ward
WEEK OF OCTOBER 29th
Sixth Grade General Music
Take Roll
Do worksheet on lines and spaces
Songs to Sing
Proud Mary
At the Hop
This Little Light
Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay
Lean on Me
Woolly Bully
Blowin In The Wind
Purple People Eater
Sixth Grade Band
Take Roll
Greet at door
Pop Quiz Name Tag Test
New policy - Take cases out of storage room and get out instruments in bandroom
Must take instruments home with on last day of band of week
Seventy Minute Practice Sheets are due today and each Monday
Review lines and spaces
Begin study on Eighth Notes
Songs:
Good King
Jolly Old St. Nick
Go For Excellence - # 41
School Song - # 42
Continue to work on Jingle Bells
Pass out music to Big Beat Boogie and Five Note Concerto
Finish up learning Big Beat Boogie
Begin Five Note Concerto
Holiday Concert - Monday night, Dec. 3rd at G - PAC. Concert will begin at ???
Seventh and Eighth Band
Take Roll
Greet at door - Three minutes to get set up
Pop Quiz Name Tag Test
New policy - Take cases out of storage room and get out instruments in bandroom
Must take instruments home with on last day of band of week
Review lines, spaces, key sigs, and order of sharps and flats
Seventy Minute Practice Sheets are due today and every Monday
Scale warmups
Tech Book
Songs to Practice On:
Bravada
Tempest
White Christmas
Carol of the Bells
Santa Claus is Coming
Holiday for Flutes
begin this slowly
Santa at the Symphony
begin this slowly
Memory Test on Santa Claus is Coming To Town begins this week
Class Dismissal
Percussion clean up the Pit
Take instrument with you if not in marching band or end of week
Practice Schedule this week
Permission notes for parades are due now
Full Marching Band on M, T, and Th
Colorguard on M, T, W, and Th
Be in bandroom no later than 4:15 PM on Friday for the U of M Parade
Buses leave at 4:30 PM sharp
Jazz Band stay after marching band on T and eat with Mr. Lane and Ms.
Ward - Concert at GES begins at 6:30 PM - have parents pick up
at 7:30 PM sharp at GES - Uniform of the day is black shirt, black
pants, black socks and black shoes
UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS HOMECOMING PARADE
AND
VETERAN’S DAY PARADE
Our first parade, the University of Memphis Homecoming Parade, is just around the corner. The Mighty Red Devil Band has worked really hard in preparation for this parade. The University of Memphis Homecoming Parade will be Friday evening, November 2nd on the campus of the University of Memphis. It will begin at 5:30 PM and is a non-judged event. There are several bands, however, participating from the county and city schools.
All marching band members need to wear their blue jeans and red band shirts along with their black socks and black marching shoes for the parade. Colorguard members need to talk with Mrs. Pittard and find out how to wear their hair and what uniform to wear. For the girls, all hair must be up over the collar.
Band members should report to the bandroom around 4 PM on Friday, November 2nd in their uniform of the day. Buses will leave GMS around 4:30 PM and should return to GMS around 7:15 PM. If you can be a chaperone for this event, please check the spot below for chaperones. Parents, if you can come to the parade, the reviewing stand will be on Patterson Street, between Walker and Central. Come gather around the reviewing stand and give us a BIG Red Devil ROAR as we march by.
The Memphis Veteran’s Day Parade is our second parade and will be Monday, November 12th, at 10 AM down Second Street in downtown Memphis. The parade actually begins on Second and Exchange by the Mariott Hotel and ends on Second Street just past Beale Street.
Monday, November 12th, is a school holiday. Therefore, all marching band members will need to be in the bandroom no later than 8 AM on Monday, November 12th. Buses will leave at approximately 8:30 AM and should return around noon. The uniform of the day will be full uniform, hats, gloves, black marching shoes and black socks. Colorguard members should check with Mrs. Pittard to find out the appropriate dress and hair style for the parade. All marching band members will need to wear their hair up and under their hats.
We will be judged during this parade. The judge’s stand will be located at Court Square. Parents, please wear your RED DEVIL RED, gather around the judge’s stand, and give us a big RED DEVIL ROAR as we march by. It definitely helps. Parents, please do not march on the street with the band. Stay along the sidewalks. Bands can be judged down if they have more than 4 adults on the street with the band. If you would like to purchase a red devil t-shirt, short sleeve or long sleeve or a red devil sweatshirt, please give Mrs. Christie a call at 754 – 6051.
The Mighty Red Devil Marching Band has been practicing very hard in preparation for both of these parades. However, we need as many practices as possible to look and sound our best for these parades. Our marching practice schedule is:
Tuesday, October 23rd – Full Marching Band
Thursday, October 25th – Full Marching Band
Tuesday, October 30th – Full Marching Band
Thursday, November 1st – Full Marching Band
Friday, November 2nd – U of M Homecoming Parade – 5:30 PM
Tuesday, November 6th – Full Marching Band
Thursday, November 8th – Full Marching Band
Monday, November 12th – Veteran’s Day Parade – 10 AM
Students will be allowed only one absence from these practices. If they must leave early, they must stay at least thirty minutes to be counted present. Students missing over one practice will not be allowed to participate in these parades. Colorguard will practice on each of the Full Marching Days as well as each Monday and Wednesday with their instructor.
Make plans now to attend these parades and support the Mighty Red Devil Band. Good places to stand during the Veteran’s Day Parade are up high on the steps by the Court House and around Court Square. A good place at the University of Memphis Homecoming Parade is along Patterson Street, where the reviewing stand will be.
If your child has your permission to participate in these parades, please sign the form below and return it to Mr. Lane as soon as possible. If you can be a chaperone for these parades, please mark the box on the permission form, or send an email to Mr. Lane.
John Lane / Jill Ward
My child_______________________________________has my permission to participate in the University of Memphis Homecoming Parade on Friday, November 2nd, and the Veteran’s Day Parade on Monday, November 12th.
____________________________________
parent’s signature
_______Yes, my child will participate in the U of M Homecoming Parade
_______Yes, my child will participate in the Veteran’s Day Parade
_______Yes, I can be a chaperone for the U of M Homecoming Parade.
_______Yes, I can be a chaperone for the Veteran’s Day Parade
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Attention all band and choir parents. Our GMS Sixth Grade Band and our Red Devil Concert Choir will be in Concert on Tuesday night, October 23rd at 6 PM in the GMS Cafeteria. You don’t want to miss this performance. Both the choir and Sixth Grade Band sound great All Sixth Grade Band members and Choir members need to be in their places in either the bandroom or choir room no later than 5:45 PM on Tuesday in their uniform of the day.
The Band, Choir and Colorguard Practice Schedule for this week is:
M - Colorguard and Sixth Grade Band
T - Red Devil Concert Choir at 7:29 AM
T - Full Marching Band
T - Sixth Grade Band and Red Devil Concert Choir Concert at
6 PM. All members should be in their seats in full uniform no
later than 5:45 PM in the choir or bandroom
W - No Choir Rehearsal
W - Colorguard and Jazz Band after school
Th - Full Marching Band
F - Jazz Band and Drumline
S - All West Tennessee Honor Choir Tryouts at Cordova Middle
beginning at 8 AM
S - Marching Band Festival at Cordova High School. Come
support the GHS Varsity Band in competition at the contest.
Our GMS Band is NOT performing. We are there to just
show our support for the high school band.
WOW!!!!! The GMS Band and Choir Skating Party was a HUGE success. We had right at 150 students there and lots of chaperones. Thanks, chaperones, for all your help at the Skating Party.
SIXTH GRADE BAND
We have begun our Sixth Grade Band after school rehearsals. Our next rehearsal will be on Monday, October 22nf from 3:15 PM until 4:30 PM in the bandroom. Roll will be taken at each rehearsal. If your child misses too many rehearsals, they will not be allowed to perform with the Sixth Grade Concert Band. These Monday rehearsals will continue every Monday from now until Christmas.
Our first Sixth Grade Band Concert will be Tuesday evening, October 23rd at 6 PM in the GMS Cafeteria. All band members need to be in their seat in the bandroom no later than 5:45 PM for warmups. The uniform of the day will be black pants, black socks, black shoes and their red band shirt. Parents, you don’t want to miss this concert. It’s always a good one. Hear such classic songs as Hot Cross Buns, Mary Had a Little Lamb, Twinkle Twinkle, Lightly Row and many others. Come hear our Superstars.
All Sixth Grade Band shirts have been passed out. If you have not received yours yet, please see Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward.
Practice sheets with no less than 70 minutes are due each week to Mr. Lane as part of your child’s grade
Private lessons are highly recommended for all band members. They really help build your child’s confidence and make them a Superstar in class. If you are interested in getting private lessons for your child, please contact Mr. Lane for a list of those people that offer private instruction.
RED DEVIL CONCERT CHOIR
Choir is off to a GREAT start. They will also be performing on Tuesday night, October 23rd at 6 PM in the GMS Cafeteria. All Choir members need to be in their places in the choir room no later than 5:45 PM. The uniform for the night will be blue jeans and red choir shirts.
Uniforms have all been ordered. If you have not ordered yours yet, please contact Ms. Ward immediately.
Watch for Ms. Ward’s emails with a complete list of choir information and practices.
There will be Red Devil Concert Choir rehearsal on Tuesday morning this week in preparation for the Tuesday night concert. There will be NO morning rehearsal on Wednesday this week. We will get back on our regular schedule next week.
All West Tennessee Honor Choir Tryouts will be held Saturday, October 27th, at Cordova Middle School. Check with Ms. Ward to get your child’s tryout times and judge numbers.
SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE BAND
Our marching band is off to a great start. To participate with the marching band, your child must play their music by memory for Mr. Lane and attend all marching rehearsals after school. We will practice marching this week after school on Tuesday and Thursday with the full marching band.
The permission note / information note for the University of Memphis and Veteran’s Day Parades is going out today. Please ask your child for a copy. I will also email a copy and put a copy on the blog. Email your permission note in if you want.
Parents, the uniform check out day will be Tuesday, October 30th, from 3 PM until 6 PM in the choir room. All uniforms must be checked out by a parent or guardian. Uniform shoes may be picked up when you pick up your uniform. If you haven’t gotten your all black marching shoes yet, please send an email to Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward so we can get them ordered. The shoes must be totally black, colorguard and band members alike.
Practice sheets with no less than 70 minutes are due each week to Mr. Lane. This is part of your child’s grade.
Private lessons are highly recommended for all band members. They really help build your child’s confidence and make them a Superstar in class. If you are interested in getting private lessons for your child, please contact Mr. Lane and get a full list of those people that teach private instruction.
All West Tennessee Honor Band Tryouts will be Saturday, December 8th at the University School in Jackson, Tennessee. We are off to a GREAT start on the music. Have your child sign up with either Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward for extra help on their music. Ms. Ward and Mr. Lane have been working with your children in class on their All West music. Please remind your child that they must know by memory all 12 of their major scales and their chromatic scales. Look for more information and a map coming at a later date.
Eighth Grade Night with the Germantown High School Band is coming up on Friday night, October 26th. This is the Whitehaven game. All 8th grade band members participating in the Eighth Grade Night need to be at the high school band room no later than 5:30 PM in their blue jeans and red band shirts and their music and instruments. Parents, please pick your child up back at the bandroom no later than 9:30 PM. Parents, you are invited to come to the GHS Band Tailgating Party at 5:30 PM on Friday evening also.
Saturday, October 27th, there is a Band Marching Festival at Cordova High School. I am urging all of our band members to attend, particularly our Eighth Grade Band Members. We will not be participating in this event. I would just like for all of our band members to see what High School Marching Competitions are all about and we can all come out and support the Germantown High School Varsity Band. Mr. Byrd, the high school band director has told me that the Varsity Band will probably perform around the 4 PM to 5 PM hour. GMS Parents, Ms. Ward and I will be there but we are not their to supervise your children. If you bring your children and drop them off they will be unsupervised.
COLORGUARD
Colorguard will practice every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school. The Colorguard is looking good and almost has their first routine learned. Practices on Monday and Wednesday will be with their instructor and Tuesday and Thurday practices will be with the marching band.
Colorguard members must make every practice. If they miss too many practices, they may be removed from the colorguard squad.
Colorguard uniform check out day will be Tuesday, October 30th from 3 PM until 6 PM. Uniforms must be checked out by a parent or guardian. If you have not ordered your shoes yet, they must be totally black. It’s not to late to order them from the band. Send an email to Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward and we will get it taken care of.
Information / permission notes for the first two parades will go out on Monday, tomorrow.
Have a GREAT week. See you at the practices.
John Lane and Jill Ward
WEEK OF OCTOBER 22nd
Sixth Grade General Music
Take Roll
Extra credit for those at Skating Party
Do worksheet on lines and spaces
Songs to Sing
Proud Mary
At the Hop
This Little Light
Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay
Lean on Me
Woolly Bully
Blowin In The Wind
Purple People Eater
Sixth Grade Band
Take Roll
Greet at door
Seventy Minute Practice Sheets are due today and each Monday
Review lines and spaces
Go over program
Continue on songs and skills in the technique book beginning with ties
Begin Eighth Notes
Continue to work on Jingle Bells
Pass out music to Big Beat Boogie and Five Note Concerto - begin on
After School Practice for the Sixth Grade Band today from 3:15 until 4:30
Must attend to participate in the concert tomorrow night
All band membes need to be in your seat in the bandroom no later than 5:45 PM
tomorrow night for the Concert. The uniform of the night is black pants, black
socks, black shoes and your band shirt.
Seventh and Eighth Band
Take Roll
Greet at door - Three minutes to get set up
Review lines, spaces, key sigs, and order of sharps and flats
Seventy Minute Practice Sheets are due today and every Monday
Scale warmups
Songs to Practice On:
Bravada
Tempest
White Christmas
Carol of the Bells
Santa Claus is Coming
Holiday for Flutes
Santa at the Symphony
Class Dismissal
Three minutes
Percussion clean up the Pit
Eighth Grade Band Night at G’Town High School on Friday evening, October 26th
Be at high school band room at 5:30 PM in blue jeans and band shirts - bring
your instrument and music
BAND AND CHOIR
BOOSTER MEETING
AGENDA
Monday, October 15th
Welcome
Minutes from last meeting
Treasurer’s Report
OLD BUSINESS
The first nine weeks is complete. All grades have been downloaded on Powerschool and report cards should be coming out soon. If you have any questions about your child’s grades, please talk with Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward after the meeting tonight. Report cards will go out on October 24th.
Red Devil Concert Choir Uniforms have been ordered. If you did not get yours ordered, please see Ms. Ward or Mr. Lane as soon as possible. They should be here before the Holiday Concert.
Band and Choir shirts have been passed out to all band and choir members. If your child has not received one yet, please let Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward know so we can get them one.
Uniform sizing is just about complete for the Mighty Red Devil Marching Band. The checkout date will be on Tuesday, October 30th from 3 PM until 6 PM. Uniforms must be checked out by a parent or guardian. This includes Colorguard as well.
If you have not ordered your band shoes yet or paid for them, please do so as soon as possible. Shoes will be ordered on this Friday.
Practice sheets consisting of 70 minutes of practice are due every week for each member of the band. This is a part of your child’s grade.
Private lessons are highly recommended for all band members. They really help build your child’s confidence and make them a Superstar in class. If you are interested in getting private lessons for your child, please contact Mr. Lane for a list of those people that offer private instruction. Some good places for private instruction are:
Lane Music - 755 - 5025
Germantown Baptist Conservatore of Music - ???
Ms. Deborah Wolfe - 767 - 2891
Bartlett Academy of Music - ???
University of Memphis Music Department - 678 - 2000
All information for Band, Choir or Colorguard is sent out through the email. If you are not on the email list, see Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward tonight to get your name on the email list. You can also find all band and choir information on the edublogs. Mr. Lane’s and Ms. Ward’s edublogs are:
John Lane www.jlane1.edublogs.org
Jill Ward www.jward1.edublogs.org
Choir www.gmschoir.edublogs.org
The Red Devil Band, Choir and Colorguard practice schedule for this week is as follows:
M - Colorguard, Drumline, Field Commanders and Sixth Grade Band
T - Full Marching Band
W - Red Devil Concert Choir at 7:29 AM
W - Colorguard only after school
Th - Full Marching Band
F - Drumline and Jazz Band
Sign up today with Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward for extra help on your choir music or your band instrument.
Congratulations to the following GMS Band Members that were invited by the Duke University Talent Identification Program to take the ACT test in February . Only the top 5% of academically talented students in the 7th grade are invited to participate in the Talent Search. In addition, the students denoted with a star scored in the top 12% of the approximately 70,000 academically gifted 7th grade ACT participants. In honor of their academic performance, the students were invited to a State Recognition Award Ceremony held at Vanderbilt University this past summer. You can find more information about this wonderful recognition in our last PTA Newsletter. The students invited were:
Victoria Akah * Daniyal Ali Daniel Babian
Hayley Barr* Norbert Bokros* Corrie Dew
Rebecca Fong Sadeo George Abbie Hicks
Katherine Nailen* Devante Scott Kaitlyn Smith*
Jackson Padgett* Greg Weatherford* Robbie Weaver*
Andrew Widmer Marinela Zubovic*
Congratulations to these band members for their high accomplishments. Keep up the AWESOME work.
NEW BUSINESS
After school rehearsals for the Sixth Grade Band have begun. The Sixth Grade Band will practice every Monday after school from 3:15 PM until 4:30 PM in the bandroom. Roll will be taken at each rehearsal. If your child misses too many rehearsals, they will not be allowed to perform with the Sixth Grade Concert Band.
Colorguard practices every Monday and Wednesday with their colorguard instructor and they practice with the full marching band on Tuesday and Thursday after school.
The Full Marching Band practice schedule is every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon after school from 3:15 PM until 4:30 PM. Please pick up your child no later than 4:45 PM or your child will not be allowed to participate. Carpooling is highly recommended. Full marching band includes all brass and woodwind members, drumline, colorguard, banner carriers, and field commanders.
Every Friday after school there is practice for the Drumline and the Jazz Band. We will be beginning the Garbage Band this Friday afternoon during the Drumline practice session. Garbage Band includes all drumline members and the field commanders.
Red Devil Concert Choir is every Wednesday morning at 7:29 AM in the choir room. Roll is always taken. Don’t be late. The choir is getting ready for their first concert on Tuesday evening, October 23rd.
The GMS Band and Choir Skating Party will be this Friday evening, October 19th from 5 PM until 7 PM at the East End Skating Rink on Mt. Moriah. Parents, come join the fun, put on some skates and skate with us. You can look forward to doing the Hokie Pokey, the limbo, Cat and Mouse and many other fun activities on the Skating Floor. If you can be a chaperone, please contact Mr. Holland at 870 - 0053 or sign the list going around. You can also send an email to Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward if you can chaperone. Tickets are $5 per person.
Our first Sixth Grade Band Concert will be Tuesday evening, October 23rd at 6 PM in the GMS Cafeteria. All band members need to be in their seat in the bandroom no later than 5:45 PM for warmups. The uniform of the day will be black pants, black socks, black shoes and their red band shirt. Parents, you don’t want to miss this concert. It’s always a good one. Hear such classic songs as Hot Cross Buns, Mary Had a Little Lamb, Twinkle Twinkle, Lightly Row and many others. Come hear our Superstars.
Joining our Sixth Grade Band in Concert will also be the Red Devil Concert Choir. They will be singing at the concert on Tuesday evening, October 23rd at 6 PM. All choir members should be in their place in the choir room no later than 5:45 PM. The uniform of the night will be blue jeans and their red choir shirts. Come early and get a good seat.
GMS Eighth Grade Band Night will be Friday night, October 26th. All 8th grade band members participating need to be at the high school band room no later than 5:30 PM in jeans and band shirts. They will participate with the GHS Varsity Band during the football game. Our 8th grade band members will march into the game with the Varsity Band and will play their songs along with the high school band. Mr. Lane and Ms. Ward will both be at the game with the students. Parents, you need to pick up your child back at the bandroom around 9:30 PM. Germantown will be playing my old alma mater, Whitehaven High School.
All West Tennessee Honor Choir Tryouts will be held Saturday, October 27th, at Cordova Middle School. The tryouts begin at 8 AM. Ms. Ward will be sending out an information sheet with your exact times and a map. All choir members should arrive at Cordova Middle at least an hour before their actual tryout time. Good luck to our 10 choir members trying out for All West Honor Choir this year. They are:
Victoria Akah Czarina Espinosa
Shelby Fearnley Nikki Gallikova
Kinnawa Kaitibi Sidney Nixon
Lori Powell Daniel Reeves
Becca Schommer Kirstin Show
Good Luck Choir members and Ms. Ward.
The Germantown High School Varsity Band will be in a marching contest on Saturday, October 27th around 4 PM in the afternoon. Mr. Lane and Ms. Ward are urging all GMS Band members to come and watch the high school band competition at Cordova HIgh School. Directions will be coming through the email at a later date. All students attending will receive extra credit. Parents, please do not leave your child unattended at the band competition.
October 30th - Jazz Band Concert at GES. More information will be coming.
The Race for Education is scheduled for Sunday, November 4th at 2 PM at Camerone Brown Park in Germantown. We have applications here tonight. You can choose to participate or be a ghost runner. With a $15 donation, you will recieve a t - shirt and 50% of the $15 will be distributed amongst all schools participating and the other 50% will go directly to Germantown Middle’s music, art, PE, and other specialty programs. I would love to see us participate in this. Mr. Lane is challenging all band and choir members to come take him on in the race. Wear your RED DEVIL RED.
Our marching band is off to a great start. They are looking good. Marching band competitions are coming upon us very soon. To participate with the marching band, your child must play their music by memory for Mr. Lane and attend all marching rehearsals after school. The marching band practices every Tuesday and Thursday after school from 3:15 until 4:30 PM.
The Mighty Red Devil Marching Band’s first parade of the year will be Friday evening, November 2nd, for the University of Memphis Homecoming Parade. This is a non-judged event and is a fun parade. Buses will leave the school around 4:30 PM and should return no later than 7:30 PM. The parade actually begins at 5:30 PM around the University of Memphis campus. A complete information letter about this parade will be coming out very soon. This will also include the permission letter and a place for chaperones to sign up. Chaperones, sign up for this parade tonight if you want. Parents, wear your Red Devil Red, gather around the reviewing stand and give the band a big “RED DEVIL ROAR” as we march by. The uniform for this parade will be blue jeans, red band shirts, black marching shoes, and black socks. Information sheets and permission notes will be coming out as soon as I get all the information.
The second parade this year for the Mighty Red Devil Marching Band will be the Veteran’s Day Parade in downtown Memphis. The parade begins at 10 AM on Friday, November 9th at the corner of Second Street and Exchange Street and ends on Second Street around Beale Street. This parade may be judged this year . Again, parents, wear your Red Devil Red and gather around the judge’s stand around Court Square and give us a big “RED DEVIL ROAR” as we march by. The uniform for this parade will be full marching band uniforms, hats, black socks and black shoes. Watch for a full information letter / permission note coming out as soon as Mr. Lane receives all of the information. Chaperones are needed for this event also. Sign up tonight or sign the permission note. Information sheets and permission notes will be coming out as soon as I get all the information.
The weekend of November 30th and December 1st is a big competitive weekend for the Mighty Red Devil Marching Band and Colorguard. Parents, look for a letter coming out soon to give all the information about all of the Christmas Parades. Friday night, November 30th, is the Collierville Christmas Parade beginning at 7 PM down Byhalia Road in Collierville. Saturday afternoon, December 1st at 1 PM is the Germantown Christmas Parade down Farmington Boulevarde in Germantown and Saturday evening, December 1st is the Arlington Christmas Parade. These are all BIG and FUN parades. Lots of bands will be at each parade along with a big fat guy in a red shiny suit. Come out and cheer on the band in all of these parades.
The GMS Band and Choir Holiday Concert will be Monday evening, December 3rd at G - PAC beginning at 7 PM. Come join the fun and help bring in the season at the Holiday Concert. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. All band members and choir members will need to be in their places no later than 6:45 PM in full uniform.
All West Tennessee Honor Band Tryouts will be Saturday, December 8th at the University School in Jackson, Tennessee. We are off to a GREAT start on the music. Have your child sign up with either Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward for extra help on their music. Ms. Ward and Mr. Lane have been working with your children in class on their All West music. Please remind your child that they must know by memory all 12 of their major scales and their chromatic scales. Look for more information and a map coming at a later date. Private instruction is highly recommended for the All West Honor Band tryouts. Also, if you go on Ms. Ward’s blog site, you can listen to actual recordings done of the music on each instrument. Please do not procrastinate with your practicing. This is not something to begin the week before.
Mark your calender today. Our Spring Trip to Six Flags Over Atlanta will be April 25th, 26th and 27th. Look for a complete packet of information coming out after Christmas. The cost of the trip will be between $300 and $400 dollars for each student and chaperones will have to pay around $50. It is an incredible trip. The Red Devil Concert Band, the Red Devil Jazz Band and the Red Devil Concert Choir will all be competing in a national competition.
Bartlett Music Academy is having an essay contest. “Why is Music Important in our Community” is the topic. The winning essay will win 6 months of free lessons. The deadline is October 31st.
Parents, please remember the GMS PTA’s Reflection Contest. Students, be a part of this contest.
Buy your BIG G yard sign tonight. Show your community spirit with the BIG G in your front yard.
The email system is strictly for band and choir information. Please don’t use it to advertise.
Band and Choir Parents. We have had some theft going on again. Any valuables that your child may have please tell them to leave their valuables locked up in their locker until after school rehearsals are over.
Long sleeve t-shirts are for sale for parents and other members of your family. The cost is $12 each. Please send your money along with your size and we will give them to you.
Kroger cards are for sale. They are $5 each. Buy yours tonight.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
All grades are up to date on Powerschool. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Lane through email or through his cell phone.
There is a Booster Meeting tonight for all band, choir, and colorguard parents. The meeting will begin at 6 PM in the bandroom.
The GMS Band and Choir Skating Party will be Friday evening, October 19th from 5 PM until 7 PM at the East End Skating Rink on Mt. Moriah. Parents, come join the fun, put on some skates and skate with us. You can look forward to doing the Hokie Pokey, the limbo, Cat and Mouse and many other fun activities on the Skating Floor. If you can be a chaperone, please contact Mr. Holland at 870 - 0053. Tickets are $5 per person.
All information for Band and Choir is on Mr. Lane’s or Ms. Ward’s edublog.
The Band, Choir and Colorguard Practice Schedule for this week is:
M - Drumline, Colorguard and Sixth Grade Band
T - Full Marching Band
W - Red Devil Concert Choir at 7:29 AM
W - Colorguard only after school
Th - Full Marching Band
F - Jazz Band and Drumline
F - Band and Choir Skating Party from 5 to 7 PM at East End
SIXTH GRADE BAND
We have begun our Sixth Grade Band after school rehearsals. Our next rehearsal will be on Monday, October 15th from 3:15 PM until 4:30 PM in the bandroom. Roll will be taken at each rehearsal. If your child misses too many rehearsals, they will not be allowed to perform with the Sixth Grade Concert Band. These Monday rehearsals will continue every Monday from now until Christmas.
Our first Sixth Grade Band Concert will be Tuesday evening, October 23rd at 6 PM in the GMS Cafeteria. All band members need to be in their seat in the bandroom no later than 5:45 PM for warmups. The uniform of the day will be black pants, black socks, black shoes and their red band shirt. Parents, you don’t want to miss this concert. It’s always a good one. Hear such classic songs as Hot Cross Buns, Mary Had a Little Lamb, Twinkle Twinkle, Lightly Row and many others. Come hear our Superstars.
All Sixth Grade Band shirts have been passed out. If you have not received yours yet, please see Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward.
Practice sheets with no less than 70 minutes are due each week to Mr. Lane as part of your child’s grade
Private lessons are highly recommended for all band members. They really help build your child’s confidence and make them a Superstar in class. If you are interested in getting private lessons for your child, please contact Mr. Lane for a list of those people that offer private instruction.
RED DEVIL CONCERT CHOIR
Choir is off to a GREAT start. They will also be performing on Tuesday night, October 23rd at 6 PM in the GMS Cafeteria.
Uniforms have all been ordered. If you have not ordered yours yet, please contact Ms. Ward immediately.
Watch for Ms. Ward’s emails with a complete list of choir information and practices.
There will be Red Devil Concert Choir rehearsal every Wednesday morning at 7:29 AM in the Choir Room. Don’t be late.
All West Tennessee Honor Choir Tryouts will be held Saturday, October 27th, at Cordova Middle School. Check with Ms. Ward to get your child’s tryout times.
SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE BAND
Our marching band is off to a great start. To participate with the marching band, your child must play their music by memory for Mr. Lane and attend all marching rehearsals after school. We will practice marching this week after school on Tuesday and Thursday with the full marching band.
Practice sheets with no less than 70 minutes are due each week to Mr. Lane. This is part of your child’s grade.
Private lessons are highly recommended for all band members. They really help build your child’s confidence and make them a Superstar in class. If you are interested in getting private lessons for your child, please contact Mr. Lane and get a full list of those people that teach private instruction.
All West Tennessee Honor Band Tryouts will be Saturday, December 8th at the University School in Jackson, Tennessee. We are off to a GREAT start on the music. Have your child sign up with either Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward for extra help on their music. Ms. Ward and Mr. Lane have been working with your children in class on their All West music. Please remind your child that they must know by memory all 12 of their major scales and their chromatic scales. Look for more information and a map coming at a later date.
Parents, we will be checking out the marching band uniforms in the near future. Watch for emails to announce the exact dates. Uniforms must be checked out and signed by a parent or guardian. All marching band members must have all black marching shoes to be a part of the marching band. You can purchase these through the Booster Club or you can buy them at another store of your chosing. However, marching band shoes must be totally black for your child to be able to participate with the marching band.
Parents our first two parades will be coming up soon. They are the University of Memphis Homecoming Parade on Friday, November 2nd and the Veteran’s Day Parade on Friday, November 9th, at 10 AM in downtown Memphis. Look for an information letter and permission note coming home with your child in the next few days as soon as Mr. Lane gets all of the details. Chaperones will be needed for both events.
Eighth Grade Night with the Germantown High School Band is coming up on Friday night, October 26th. This is the Whitehaven game. Look for more details about this as Mr. Lane gets them. Band members participating will need to be at the high school band room no later than 6:15 PM in their blue jeans and red band shirts. They will also need to bring their instrument and music and they will play in the stands with the high school band during the game.
Saturday, October 27th, there is a Band Marching Festival at Cordova High School. I am urging all of our band members to attend, particularly our Eight Grade Band Members. As soon as I get the details and times, I will get them out to you. We will not be participating in this event. I would just like for all of our band members to see what High School Marching Competitions are all about and we can all come out and support the Germantown High School Varsity Band. Mr. Byrd, the high school band director has told me that the Varsity Band will probably perform around the 4 PM to 5 PM hour. Look for more details.
COLORGUARD
Colorguard will practice every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school. The Colorguard is looking good and almost has their first routine learned. Practices on Monday and Wednesday will be with their instructor and Tuesday and Thurday practices will be with the marching band.
Colorguard members must make every practice. If they miss too many practices, they may be removed from the colorguard squad.
Uniform sizing for the colorguard has begun. Uniforms must be checked out by a parent or guardian. Look for the exact date for the check out time to be coming in the emails.
Look for an information / permission sheet to be coming home with your child in the next few days for our first two parades which will be on November 2nd and November 9th. Chaperones are needed for both of these parades. The 9th is during school and the 2nd is right after school.
Have a GREAT week. See you at the practices.
John Lane and Jill Ward
WEEK OF OCTOBER 15th
Sixth Grade General Music
Take Roll
Do worksheet on lines and spaces
Songs to Sing
Proud Mary
At the Hop
This Little Light
Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay
Lean on Me
Woolly Bully
Blowin In The Wind
Purple People Eater
GMS Skating Party - Friday, October 19th, 5 to 7 PM at East End Skating Rink
on Mt. Moriah
Sixth Grade Band
Take Roll
Greet at door
Seventy Minute Practice Sheets are due today and each Monday
Worksheet
Go over songs for program
Continue on songs and skills in the technique book beginning with ties
Begin Eighth Notes
After School Practice for the Sixth Grade Band today from 3:15 until 4:30
Must attend to participate in the concert on October 23rd
Band Skating Party - Friday, October 19th, 5 to 7 PM at East End Skating Rink
on Mt. Moriah
Seventh and Eighth Band
Take Roll
Greet at door - Three minutes to get set up
Worksheet
Seventy Minute Practice Sheets are due today and every Monday
Rehearse new scale for 7th and 8th - do 8th with arpeggios and thirds
C Concert Scale
Memory Test on Bravada
Songs to Practice On:
Tempest
White Christmas
Away In A Manger
Carol of the Bells
Here Comes Santa Claus
Holiday for Flutes
Santa at the Symphony
Class Dismissal
Three minutes
Percussion clean up the Pit
Band Skating Party on Friday, October 19th, from 5 PM until 7 PM at East End Skating Rink on Mt. Moriah.
Eighth Grade Band Night at G’Town High School on Friday evening, October 26th
Be at high school band room at 6:15 PM in blue jeans and band shirts - bring
your instrument and music
ANNOUNCEMENTS
All grades are up to date on Powerschool. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Lane through email or through his cell phone.
The GMS Band and Choir Skating Party will be Friday evening, October 19th from 5 PM until 7 PM at the East End Skating Rink on Mt. Moriah. Parents, come join the fun, put on some skates and skate with us. You can look forward to doing the Hokie Pokey, the limbo, Cat and Mouse and many other fun activities on the Skating Floor. If you can be a chaperone, please contact Mr. Holland at 870 - 0053. Tickets are $5 per person.
All information for Band and Choir is on Mr. Lane’s or Ms. Ward’s edublog.
The Band and Colorguard Practice Schedule for this week is:
W - Red Devil Concert Choir at 7:29 AM
W - Colorguard only
Th - Full Marching Band, Drumline, Colorguard, Banner Carriers and Field Commanders
F - Jazz Band and Drumline
SIXTH GRADE BAND
We have begun our Sixth Grade Band after school rehearsals. Our next rehearsal will be on Monday, October 15th from 3:15 PM until 4:30 PM in the bandroom. Roll will be taken at each rehearsal. If your child misses too many rehearsals, they will not be allowed to perform with the Sixth Grade Concert Band. These Monday rehearsals will continue every Monday from now until Christmas.
Our first Sixth Grade Band Concert will be Tuesday evening, October 23rd at 6 PM in the GMS Cafeteria. All band members need to be in their seat in the bandroom no later than 5:45 PM for warmups. The uniform of the day will be black pants, black socks, black shoes and their red band shirt. Parents, you don’t want to miss this concert. It’s always a good one. Hear such classic songs as Hot Cross Buns, Mary Had a Little Lamb, Twinkle Twinkle, Lightly Row and many others. Come hear our Superstars.
We have begun passing out the Sixth Grade Band shirts. If you child has not received theirs yet, they should get it sometime this week.
Practice sheets with no less than 70 minutes are due each week to Mr. Lane as part of your child’s grade
Private lessons are highly recommended for all band members. They really help build your child’s confidence and make them a Superstar in class. If you are interested in getting private lessons for your child, please contact Mr. Lane for a list of those people that offer private instruction.
RED DEVIL CONCERT CHOIR
Choir is off to a GREAT start. They will also be performing on Tuesday night, October 23rd at 6 PM in the GMS Cafeteria.
Uniforms for choir are being ordered now. If you have not ordered yours yet, please contact Ms. Ward immediately.
Watch for Ms. Ward’s emails with a complete list of choir information and practices.
There will be Red Devil Concert Choir rehearsal every Wednesday morning at 7:29 AM in the Choir Room. Don’t be late.
All West Tennessee Honor Choir Tryouts will be held Saturday, October 27th, at Cordova Middle School. Check with Ms. Ward to get your child’s tryout times.
SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE BAND
Our marching band is off to a great start. To participate with the marching band, your child must play their music by memory for Mr. Lane and attend all marching rehearsals after school. We will only practice marching this week after school on Thursday.
Practice sheets with no less than 70 minutes are due each week to Mr. Lane. This is part of your child’s grade.
Private lessons are highly recommended for all band members. They really help build your child’s confidence and make them a Superstar in class. If you are interested in getting privat lessons for your child, please contact Mr. Lane and get a full list of those people that teach private instruction.
All West Tennessee Honor Band Tryouts will be Saturday, December 8th at the University School in Jackson, Tennessee. We are off to a GREAT start on the music. Have your child sign up with either Mr. Lane or Ms. Ward for extra help on their music. Ms. Ward and Mr. Lane have been working with your children in class on their All West music. Please remind your child that they must know by memory all 12 of their major scales and their chromatic scales. Look for more information and a map coming at a later date.
Parents, we will be checking out the marching band uniforms in the near future. Watch for emails to announce the exact dates. Uniforms must be checked out and signed by a parent or guardian. All marching band members must have all black marching shoes to be a part of the marching band. You can purchase these through the Booster Club or you can buy them at another store of your chosing. However, marching band shoes must be totally black for your child to be able to participate with the marching band.
Parents our first two parades will be coming up soon. They are the University of Memphis Homecoming Parade on Friday, November 2nd and the Veteran’s Day Parade on Friday, November 9th, at 10 AM in downtown Memphis. Look for an information letter and permission note coming home with your child in the next few days as soon as Mr. Lane gets all of the details. Chaperones will be needed for both events.
Eighth Grade Night with the Germantown High School Band is coming up on Friday night, October 26th. This is the Whitehaven game. Look for more details about this as Mr. Lane gets them. Band members participating will need to be at the high school band room no later than 6:15 PM in their blue jeans and red band shirts. They will also need to bring their instrument and music and they will play in the stands with the high school band during the game.
Saturday, October 27th, there is a Band Marching Festival at Cordova High School. I am urging all of our band members to attend, particularly our Eight Grade Band Members. As soon as I get the details and times, I will get them out to you. We will not be participating in this event. I would just like for all of our band members to see what High School Marching Competitions are all about and we can all come out and support the Germantown High School Varsity Band. Mr. Byrd, the high school band director has told me that the Varsity Band will probably perform around the 4 PM to 5 PM hour. Look for more details.
WOW!!!!!! Will it ever get cool? Our kids have really been working hard in our after school marching practices but it sure has been hot. Parents, next time you go to the grocery, please buy some water for the band. We are trying to give all of our kids water after each practice, particularly until it cools down some.
COLORGUARD
Colorguard will practice every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school. The Colorguard is looking good and almost has their first routine learned. Practices on Monday and Wednesday will be with their instructor and Tuesday and Thurday practices will be with the marching band.
Colorguard members must make every practice. If they miss too many practices, they may be removed from the colorguard squad.
Uniform sizing for the colorguard has begun. Uniforms must be checked out by a parent or guardian. Look for the exact date for the check out time to be coming in the emails.
Look for an information / permission sheet to be coming home with your child in the next few days for our first two parades which will be on November 2nd and November 9th. Chaperones are needed for both of these parades. The 9th is during school and the 2nd is right after school.
Have a GREAT week. See you at the practices.
John Lane and Jill Ward
