Weekly Update

This past week has been filled with great improvements! Students have been working extremely hard with all the new material handed to them. Learning the FBHS Fight Song for the cheerleaders at the pep rally in one week was no easy task, but the students did AMAZING. I am looking forward to seeing even more major improvements next week.

Progress reports will be going out soon, please double-check your child's grade. If they are unhappy with their grade, they can always redo assignments until they achieve the grade they want.

7th Grade Band: If you have not already purchased Essential Elements Book 2, please do so ASAP. You can purchase it off Amazon or bring in $10 for it.

Pep Rally/Friday Night Game Pictures

Go Band!

Mrs. McIntyre

Thank you to everyone for being extremely patient on instruments. Music and Arts will have them delivered this week. If you have not rented/bought an instrument yet, please do so ASAP!

Instrument Rental/Buying Information

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g_PHeAMC-gjsJ616varNJiMsZWfOyObS0b-p67t2Ymg/edit?usp=sharing

Return this sheet by August 30th with $15!

View the video below to see a glimpse into Middle School Band Night!

Once every school year Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) sponsors an All-District Honor Band (DHB) and the Georgia All-State band. The District band is compiled, based on an audition, of the best students in this district (not the congressional district, but rather that dictated by GMEA which includes 4 area counties). It is quite an honor to be selected and a very worthwhile experience just to prepare and audition. This audition (DHB) is not required but HIGHLY encouraged for everyone. The same audition material is used to audition for the top high school band too. This audition is also the first round of auditions for the Georgia All-State Band. Making All-State band is considered to be the highest musical honor a band student can make while in school as only 6% of those who audition make this elite ensemble. The first round will determine if you make the District Honor Band. If you score high enough you may qualify to continue on to the final round of All-State Auditions. To set students up for success, private lessons are encouraged. Please visit the DMS website to see a list of private instructors.

Here are the dates to keep in mind:

• 1st Round Auditions- December 3, 2022, at Gainesville Middle School East

• 2nd Round Auditions- January 7, 2023, at Union Grove Middle School

• 2nd Round Audition Weather Makeup- January 14, 2023, at Union Grove Middle School

• District Honor Band-February 3-4, 2023, at TBD

• All-State Band-March 2-4, 2023, in Athens, Ga

The non-refundable fee for the District Honor Band audition is $5.00. This fee covers only the first audition. This means if your score is high enough for All-State, you will not be able to audition since you registered for only District Honor Band. The fee for the All-State audition is an additional $25.00. This means the total is $30. This fee covers both the first and second auditions. Please make checks payable to DMS Band.

If invited to participate in any of these ensembles and you elect to accept, you have made a commitment to the group. Make sure to check www. gmea.org (Band Division) for the audition requirements.

Sign up TODAY by filling out the permission form before September 23rd.

WHO- 6th-8th Percussion Players

WHAT- A percussion ensemble is a performing group composed of percussion instruments only.

WHERE- DMS Band Room

WHEN- All Tuesdays after school from 4-5 pm

WHY- Because playing music and performing with your friends is FUN!

FAQ

Are all rehearsals mandatory?

No, but HIGHLY encouraged. If you want to get better at your instrument quickly, go to as many rehearsals as possible. This is a FREE experience with an experienced percussion instructor the middle school is bringing in. It is one of the best things you can do to excel as a musician.

What will students be doing during rehearsals?

Students will be working on FUNdamentals and exploring all the different types of percussion instruments offered. Students will also be working on cadences, think drumline.

Where should I pick up students?

Students should be picked up outside the band room located near the bus ramp. It is the first awning/door on the right when you enter the carpool line.

Will there be any percussion performance?

YES, we would like to showcase the percussion section by having them perform a piece in the upcoming concerts.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask Mrs. McIntyre, sable.mcintyre@hallco.org.

Lyla Croft is a strong role model. She is always actively participating, asking questions, and helping others. Whenever given new material, she is up for the challenge to understand it. She is committed to success and always puts forth her best effort. During her free time, you can always find her practicing in the band room. Way to go!

We are in the final stretch! Money is due next week, Tuesday, September 6th. Let's finish strong! Rock-A-Thon Packet

1st: $347

2nd: 355.70

3rd: $657

4th $200

5th: $805.50

6th: $504.50

Total: $2,869.70

VOLUNTEERS

***If you signed up at Open House to help out with the Rock-A-Thon, your name will already be listed on Sign-Up Genesis. Please consider helping out if you have not signed up already using the link below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4BA9AE23A3FFCE9-rockathon

This Week:

Monday

• Marching Band Practice 6:30-9pm

Tuesday

• 7th/8th Grade Middle School form and $15 due.
• *NEW* Percussion Practice 4-5 pm
• Marching Band Practice 6:30-9 pm

Thursday:

• Marching Band/Band-Aid Practice from 4-6:30p.m.

Friday:

• Game Day! (Please email me if you can take students to the high school around 3:30pm. We are trying to get students to the high school faster on away game days.)
• 7:30pm – 10:30pm Game @ Stephen Co.
• Stephens County High School: 323 Indian Trail, Toccoa, GA 30577

Upcoming:

September 6th: Rock-A-Thon parent permission form/money due, Rock-A-Thon Packet

September 9th: Rock-A-Thon

September 16th: 7th/8th Middle School Band Night at FBHS

*NEW* September 23rd: 7th/8th Grade DHB Permission Form due

Email: sable.mcintyre@hallco.org
Website: dmsband.org
Location: 4335 Falcon Pkwy, Flowery Branch, GA 30542
Phone: (770) 965-3020