Fall Update

Good evening, Highwood Band Families!

It has been an incredibly busy month + a bit since things have gotten underway! With welcoming 36 new Grade 9 students into the Highwood Band family this year, our program has 96 musicians, so the band room has definitely been a buzz!

We had a great time at Camp SABC where students had a chance to learn from professional musicians and take part in 2 days of rehearsals and sectionals, preparing for our fall performances. It was great to see the great attitude and eagerness of our Grade 9s paired with the enthusiasm and leadership of our older students in Grades 10-12. A huge thank you to our large group of parent volunteers who were able to help on this trip!

Upcoming Performances

Fall Band Concert (Tuesday, October 20th)

All Grade 9 to 12 Band students will take part in our annual Fall Band Concert, taking place in the Highwood Gymnasium. The show will begin at 7:00 PM, but students are expected to arrive in uniform no later than 6:30 PM to ensure they have time to warm up and get ready to go. Each band will perform 2 to 3 selections, and we will finish with a combined piece being performed by all 96 musicians!

ABA Band Summit Performance in Red Deer (Symphonic Band Only, Oct 24)

On Saturday, October 24th, our Symphonic Band has the great distinction of performing at the ABA Band Summit in Red Deer (a Music Educators PD event). Our Symphonic Band will be performing some new music by 6 Alberta composers who will be in attendance. Afterwards, Jace and I will present a session on preparing bands to be successful at Sight Reading clinics at festival. An itinerary and information went out about this event back in September. There is no cost for this event to students, as the ABA is providing our bussing and meal.

Uniforms!

For all students who still have uniforms at home from last year, please ensure they are in good condition and not dirty/wrinkled before the end of this week, so that they are in prime condition for our upcoming performances. Students must also have black shoes and black socks! We will be doing an all call for uniforms at the end of this year as we begin the process of renewing and updating our existing band uniform inventory.

All Grade 9 students should be receiving their Black Highwood Band Shirts this week. Please ensure students have these ironed/steamed and ready to go for next Tuesday evening.

A new $20 fee will now appear on your son/daughters account which will go towards maintaining and purchasing uniforms. A huge thank you to our parent volunteers who were able to help with the beginning of this process!

Fees

Please ensure all instrument rental fees as well as course fees have been paid, or you have communicated a payment plan to our office staff.

Camp SABC Fees are now overdue if they have not been paid.

A reminder that Highwood's Sobeys Gift Card fundraiser is continuing to run all year, and is a great way to pay for fees and activities!

Please bookmark the Highwood Band Website to stay up to date with all of the events and activities this year in the Highwood Band Program.

Have a great week!