Merry Christmas!

Looking back...

The last 15 weeks of school have been productive and filled with activity.  Students, you have worked to learn the language of music and become fluent.  The band has performed at concerts, pep rallies, football games, PTA meetings, All-City and All -Region auditions.  The Band Booster parents have been chaperons, delivered pizza, painted the band hall, sold tamales,  run a concession stand at several activities, hauled equipment and been a great support network for our kids.  Your contribution to our efforts will make a lasting impact on our students.  I am grateful for the opportunity to work with your children and I'm grateful to have you be part of our band family.

Looking ahead...

We have another busy semester of performances ahead when we come back from the Christmas break.  Solo and Ensemble festival will be coming soon along with the All-City band clinic and concert.  We will very quickly begin preparing music for contest and concerts.  Preparations for field trips will also begin in earnest when we return.

For now...

We will go our separate ways for a couple of weeks of rest and relaxation with family and friends.  I hope our time away will bring us all back refreshed and ready for the new year.

Merry Christmas!

O little town of Bethlehem

by Phillips Brooks

O little town of Bethlehem

How still we see thee lie

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by

Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The everlasting Light

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary

And gathered all above

While mortals sleep, the angels keep

Their watch of wondering love

O morning stars together

Proclaim the holy birth

And praises sing to God the King

And Peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of His heaven.

No ear may hear His coming,

But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive him still,

The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem

Descend to us, we pray

Cast out our sin and enter in

Be born to us today

We hear the Christmas angels

The great glad tidings tell

O come to us, abide with us

Our Lord Emmanuel  

Concert Time!!!

Concert Time!    Tuesday evening!

It is here.  Our biggest performance of the semester is Tuesday  December 18 at 6:30 PM.  All of our band students will be participating.  Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced students will all perform.  Here are important details to remember for the performance.

• Students should arrive by 5:30 PM to prepare
• Beginners should wear their Blue Band Shirt and Khaki school pants or skirt.
• Intermediate/Advanced students should wear Dress black.  Black shoes, socks, pants and shirt for boys. Boys may also wear a tie and coat but it is not required.   Girls may wear a black dress or black dress pants outfit.  Modesty is a must.  Skirts must be knee length or longer.  Tops must not be revealing
• This is the world debut for our beginners.  They have worked very hard to prepare and are very excited to present what they have learned.  This is a great opportunity to invite the whole family to come out and support your students.  Come celebrate with us!
• Refreshments will be served!  The Walker MS Multicultural Committee will join us for the event and bring desserts!  Enjoy.
• Tamales will be delivered after the concert!  Invite your customers to the concert and deliver the tamales right after the performance.

Important dates to remember

December 18                      Holiday Concert and desserts / Tamale delivery

Assignments

Check out the Documents page link in the upper right hand corner of this page.  Documents that students will need for class will be posted here.

This week in Class

Monday

8AM - Beginner Band Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

3:45 PM -7th and 8th grade Percussion Sectional

Tuesday

8AM - 7th and 8th grade band rehearsal

Regular Class Schedule

Concert!!!!!!
5:30 rehearsal
6:30 performance

Wednesday

8AM - Beginner Band Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

No after School Activities

Thursday

8AM - 7th and 8th grade Band Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

No after School activities

Friday

8AM - Faculty Meeting - No Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

3:45 PM - no after school activities
Merry Christmas!

Concert Time!

Concert Time!...... Almost

It is almost here.  Our biggest performance of the semester is just over 1 week away.  December 18 at 6:30 PM.  All of our band students will be participating.  Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced students will all perform.  Here are important details to remember for the performance.

• Students should arrive by 5:30 PM to prepare
• Beginners should wear their Blue Band Shirt and Khaki school pants or skirt.
• Intermediate/Advanced students should wear Dress black.  Black shoes, socks, pants and shirt for boys. Boys may also wear a tie and coat but it is not required.   Girls may wear a black dress or black dress pants outfit.  Modesty is a must.  Skirts must be knee length or longer.  Tops must not be revealing
• This is the world debut for our beginners.  They have worked very hard to prepare and are very excited to present what they have learned.  This is a great opportunity to invite the whole family to come out and support your students.  Come celebrate with us!
• Refreshments will be served!  The Walker MS Multicultural Committee will join us for the event and bring desserts!  Enjoy.
• Tamales will be delivered after the concert!  Invite your customers to the concert and deliver the tamales right after the performance.

Important dates to remember

December 11                      3rd six weeks project due.  All music must be passed.

December 18                      Holiday Concert and desserts / Tamale delivery

Assignments

•  Performance Project sheets are due December 11
• Extra credit assignment.  Due Tuesday December 11.  Bring a note from your parents stating how many people from your family will be attending the concert.

Check out the Documents page link in the upper right hand corner of this page.  Documents that students will need for class will be posted here.

This week in Class

Monday

8AM - Beginner Band Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

3:45 PM -7th and 8th grade Percussion Sectional

Tuesday

8AM - 7th and 8th grade band rehearsal

Regular Class Schedule

3:45 PM - 7th and 8th grade Woodwind Sectional

Wednesday

8AM - Beginner Band Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

No after School Activities

Thursday

8AM - 7th and 8th grade Band Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

3:45 PM - 7th and 8th grade Brass Sectional

Friday

8AM - Faculty Meeting - No Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

3:45 PM - no after school activities

Tis the Season!

Tis the Season!

Performances begin this week.  Our 7th and 8th grade Advanced students will perform Tuesday evening for the PTA meeting December 4 at 6:30 PM.  The students involved have been notified.  Here are the important details:

• Standard dress for performances is Dress Black.  Black pants, shirts and shoes for boys.  Girls can wear a dress pants outfit or a dress.  Skirts must be knee length or longer.  Modesty is a must.  Christmas color accents or accessories are permissable.  
• 5:30  Students report to the band hall for rehearsal
• 6:00  Move to Auditorium
• 6:30  Performance begins
• Students dismissed at the conclusion of the performance

Important dates to remember

December 4                        Symphonic Band Performance at PTA Meeting

December 11                      3rd six weeks project due.  All music must be passed.

December 18                      Holiday Concert and desserts / Tamale delivery

Check out the Documents page link in the upper right hand corner of this page.  Documents that students will need for class will be posted here.

This week in Class

Monday

8AM - Beginner Band Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule - Tamale turn ins

3:45 PM -7th and 8th grade Percussion Sectional

Tuesday

8AM - 7th and 8th grade band rehearsal

Regular Class Schedule - Last day to turn in Tamale orders

3:45 PM - 7th and 8th grade Woodwind Sectional

Wednesday

8AM - Beginner Band Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

No after School Activities

Thursday

8AM - 7th and 8th grade Band Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

3:45 PM - 7th and 8th grade Brass Sectional

Friday

8AM - Faculty Meeting - No Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

3:45 PM - no after school activities

Welcome Back!

Back to school!

Welcome back.  I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and a restful break.  We have four weeks until the Christmas break and our schedule is packed full.  Here the important dates.

Important dates to remember

November 26                      After school rehearsals for Symphonic/Concert Band begin

November 27 (Tuesday)      Last day to turn in Tamale orders to Band Boosters

December 4                        Symphonic Band Performance at PTA Meeting

December 11                      3rd six weeks project due.  All music must be passed.

December 18                      Holiday Concert and desserts / Tamale delivery

Misprint - In the previous blog the date for the Holiday Concert was listed as Dec 11.  That is incorrect.  The correct date is December 18.

Check out the Documents page link in the upper right hand corner of this page.  Documents that students will need for class will be posted here.

This week in Class

Monday

8AM - Beginner Band Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule - Tamale turn ins

3:45 PM - Symphonic and Concert Band Percussion Sectional

Tuesday

8AM - Symphonic and Concert Band Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule - Last day to turn in Tamale orders

3:45 PM - Symphonic and Concert Band Woodwind Sectional

Wednesday

8AM - Beginner Band Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

No after School Activities

Thursday

8AM - Symphonic and Concert Band Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

3:45 PM - Symphonic and Concert Band Brass Sectional

Friday

8AM - Faculty Meeting - No Tutoring

Regular Class Schedule

3:45 PM - no after school activities

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

As we approach this holiday I want you all to know how thankful I am to work with the students, parents and faculty here at Walker MS Band.  I'm thankful to spend the day with enthusiastic students, dedicated professionals and parents.  God bless you all and I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Tamales Sales!

Three turn in days left:  Don't forget to take orders over the vacation!

Tuesday Nov 20 - tomorrow
Monday Nov 26
Tuesday Nov 27 - Last day to turn in orders!

Practice Practice Practice!

Students will receive pass off sheets before the break.  They music they should be practicing will be listed.  Each student will perform these songs for a director when they come back to school.  All Music is is due by December 11

Upcoming Performances!

December 4   -   PTA Meeting   -   Symphonic Band Only

December 11   -  Holiday Concert   -   All Bands will perform

Congratulations and Tamales!

Congratulations to All-City and All-Region competitors

Congratulations to the students who competed at this year's All-City and All-Region auditions this past week.  The strongest group of competitors from Walker yet competed at the highest level in Texas public school instrumental music.  They represented our school and our band very well.

The following competed in All-City:
Rachel Clinger - 1st chair, Oboe
Francisco Lainez - 8th chair, Trombone
Kristopher Vasquez - 8th chair, Clarinet
Luis Garcia - Honorable mention, Trombone
Eduardo Morales - Honorable mention, Percussion
Chinazor Agummadu - Honorable mention, Percussion
Ladarian Hammond - Alto Saxophone
Joshua Carlos - Alto Saxophone
Nicholas Omar - Alto Saxophone
David Omar - Clarinet
Taylor Branch - Flute
Amanda Booker - Flute
Hannah Hinderliter - Flute
Israel Lopez - Percussion

The following students competed at the All-Region competition this weekend:
Rachel Clinger - 1st alternate, Oboe
Kristopher Vasquez - Clarinet
Ladarian Hammond - Alto Saxophone
Chinazor Agummadu - Percussion
Luis Garcia - Trombone

Tamale sales turn in Monday

Don't forget to turn in your orders and money every Monday between now and November 27!

This week

Monday

8AM - Beginners rehearse before school

Regular class schedule

Tuesday

8AM - 7th and 8th grade rehearsal before school

Regular class schedule

Wednesday

8AM - Beginners rehearse before school

Regular class schedule

Thursday

8AM - 7th and 8th grade rehearse before school

Regular class schedule

Friday

8AM - No rehearsal, faculty meeting

Regular class schedule

All-City Monday, All Region Friday

All-City Auditions, Monday Nov. 5 - Here at Walker

Auditions for All-City band are tomorrow after school.  Many of our students are competing.  We are hosting.  Band boosters will run a concession stand.  Volunteers are needed!  Other schools will start showing up around 4:30.   Auditions will continue until all students have completed their performance and results are tallied.  Volunteers needed for set up and tear down before and after the competition.

Fall Carnival

The Fall carnival was a great success!  Thanks to all the volunteers and to all the band families that donated cake, pie, cookies and other goodies!

Tamale sales start Monday

Your student will bring home information and an order form for our annual Tamale sale.  We will take orders up till Nov 26.  Orders must be pre-paid.  Prizes will be awarded by the boosters to the top sellers.

All-Region Auditions, Friday and Saturday Nov. 9 and 10

Several of our students will advance and compete in All-Region auditions next weekend.  Auditions will be held at Reed Middle School in Duncanville.  Maps and details will be sent home to those involved.

This week

Monday

8AM - Beginners rehearse before school

Regular class schedule

4PM - 9PM   Set up for All-City, Auditions, Tear down and clean up

Tuesday

8AM - 7th and 8th grade rehearsal before school

Regular class schedule

Wednesday

8AM - Beginners rehearse before school

Regular class schedule

Thursday

8AM - 7th and 8th grade rehearse before school

Regular class schedule

Friday

8AM - No rehearsal, faculty meeting

Regular class schedule

5PM - All-Region Auditions, Reed Middle School, Duncanville

Saturday

8AM - All-Region auditons, Reed Middle School, Duncanville

All-City Auditions and Fall Carnival

Fall Carnival is here!  Friday Nov. 2

The Walker MS Fall Carnival is this Friday evening from 5 to 8:30.  Our Band Boosters are sponsoring two booths at this year's carnival.  Parents and students are encouraged to volunteer for a shift at either one.  One booth will sell Hot Dogs, Popcorn and other food items.  The other booth is a cakewalk!  All students are encouraged to donate a cake, a dozen cupcakes, a batch of brownies or other appropriate item as a prize for our cakewalk.  You can make your item if you choose or just purchase something from a store and donate it.  Please bring your items to school Friday during the day or after school before the Carnival begins.

All - City Auditions!  Monday Nov. 5

Next Monday we will host the DISD All-City Band Auditions.   Many of out students will be auditioning and we will host.  Band Boosters will have a concession stand with many items for sale and volunteers are needed.

Monday

8 AM - Beginner Band practice and All-City practice

Regular classes

Tuesday

8AM - All-City practice for advanced students

Regular Classes

Wednesday

8 AM - Beginner Band practice and All-City practice

Regular classes

Thursday

8AM - All-City practice for advanced students

Regular Classes

Friday

Regular Classes

5PM - Fall Carnival!

Monday Nov. 5

8AM - All-City practice for advanced students

Regular Classes

5PM - 9PM All-City Auditions

Chair Challenge and 8th Grade Band Night

This week in Band... October 22, 2012

Beginning Band Students should be...

• Practicing 10 - 15 minutes per evening on lessons 4, 5 and 6
• Logging their practice time on Charms Practice log
• Entering email and other contact information in Charms due Thursday

Advanced Band Students should be...

• Practicing 15 - 20 minutes per evening on scales and All-City music
• Logging their practice time on Charms Practice log
• Entering email and other contact information in Charms due Thursday
• 8th grade students will perform with the WT White band at their football game Friday night October 26.  See details below

Monday

• Chair Challenge in all classes.  
• Beginners - Lesson 5 line 2
• Advanced - All City Music

Tuesday

• Regular Classes

Wednesday

• Regular Classes

Thursday

• Charms Homework Due
• Chair Test Day 
• Beginners Lesson 5 any line
• Advanced - Major scales and Chromatic

Friday

• Regular Classes - Spirit Shirt Day

8th Grade Night at WT White

• 8th grade - Band night at WT White Football game
• No transportation is provided.  8th graders will meet at Loos Stadium (also known as Kedric Couch stadium) 3815 Spring Valley Rd -- Addison, Texas 75001  Map Link
• We will meet at the main gate, home side at 6:15 PM
• March in with WT White band, Game starts at 7:30
• Perform in stands with WT White band
• Watch WTW Halftime performance at 8:30
• Parents pick up students after halftime - 9:00 PM

This week in Band... October 15, 2012

Beginning Band Students should be...

• Practicing 10 - 15 minutes per evening on lessons 1-5
• Logging their practice time on Charms Practice log

Advanced Band Students should be...

• Practicing 15 - 20 minutes per evening on scales and All-City music
• Logging their practice time on Charms Practice log
• Performing at Parent/ Teacher Conferences Tuesday evening - see schedule below

Monday

• Scale Check in all classes - Bb, Eb, and chromatic for advanced,  Lesson 3 for beginners

Tuesday

• Advanced band performs at Parent/Teacher Conferences
• 6:00PM Rehearse
• 6:45 Performance done by 7:10

Wednesday

• Regular Classes

Thursday

• Chair Test Day - Advanced All-city 1st 2 lines,  Lesson 4 Beginners

Friday

• Regular Classes - Spirit Shirt Day

Fall is Here!

Fall is Here!

Beginning Band students should be bringing their instruments home nightly and practicing for 15 minutes each evening.  They should practice lessons 1 - 3 each line five times.

Intermediate and Advanced students should be bringing their instruments home each night and practicing their All-City/Region music and scales for 15 - 30 minutes each night.  If you are taking private lessons please ask your lessons teacher to focus on this for the next few weeks.

Upcoming events - click on "Band Calendar" at the right

Oct 16 - Parent / Teacher Conferences - Advanced band performs

Oct 26 - 8th Grade night at the WT White Football game

Nov 5 - All City Audition (at Walker MS)

Nov 9 and 10 - All Region Audition (Reed Middle School in Duncanville)

Dec 18 - Concert (at Walker MS)


This Week in Class

Monday - Thursday
Regular Schedule

Friday
No School - Fair Day

This week in Band!

This week in band!

This is a very productive season for our band! Two great performances this past week and another one on Monday Oct 1.

I was so proud of our band and boosters Thursday. The band gave the best overall parade performance we have had in our short history. Boosters provided water and kept our kids hydrated, then stayed late, packed and hauled equipment. Special thanks to Kristine Vasquez who stayed late and hauled equipment back to bandroom. 

Also, special thanks to the band parents who are helping paint our band hall today.  Thank you parents!

Monday is another football game. See the calendar for the itinerary. Students should bring $5 for pizza before the game. This weeks game is at Couch stadium next to Loos Fieldhouse on Spring Valley. 


Marching band this fall!

There are so many great marching bands and contests in the metroplex. Every week I will post information about local contests. Most contests have a small entry fee but some are free. This week the big contest in the area is the Bands of America regional being held in Denton TX at the new Apogee stadium on the campus of University of North Texas. Preliminaries start at 7:30 AM and run all day. Finals start at 7:30 PM. This is one of the biggest contests of the year and draws some of the best bands from all over the state and the southwest.


Schedule this week.
Monday
-Regular class schedule
-EVENT: 7th and 8th grade only - Football Game Performance
TIME: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
LOCATION: Band Hall / Couch Field
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
DETAILS:

Timberwolf band performs at football game. 

4:00 rehearsal - Walker Bandroom
5:00 pregame meal - bring $5 by 9/23
6:00 depart for stadium
6:30 unload bus - enter stadium - perform
8:00 load bus - depart for Walker
8:30 unload bus put equipment away
9:00 dismissed


Tuesday
---8 AM Advanced band rehearsal
---Regular Class Schedule

Wednesday
---Regular class schedule

Thursday
---8 AM Advanced band rehearsal
---Regular Class Schedule

Friday
---Regular Class Schedule

Performance on Monday for 7th and 8th Grade Advanced Band!

Please 

• Click on the  "Band Calendar"  link at the right to see the events scheduled. 
• Click on the event for details and times, when and where to pick up your student. 
• Click on   to volunteer for this event

Here are the details for Monday

EVENT: 7th and 8th grade only - Timberwolf band performs at Football Game Walker VS Franklin.  Franklin Stadium

TIME: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

LOCATION: Walker Band room - Franklin Field

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

DETAILS: Timberwolf band performs at football game.    4:00 rehearsal - Walker Bandroom 5:00 pregame meal - bring $5 by 9/24 6:00 depart for stadium 6:30 unload bus - enter stadium - perform 8:00 load bus - depart for Walker 8:30 unload bus put equipment away in Band Hall 9:00 dismissed -  Parents, please come to the band hall parking lot to pick up your student (south east corner by the baseball field)  They will not be released to walk to other parts of the building after dark.  This is so we can keep an eye on them and keep everyone safe.  Thank you for understanding.

Great things are happening here at the Walker MS Band!

Beginner Band

Beginners have been checked out instruments and have begun playing in class.  Once they pass their first barrier they will start bringing them home for practice!  Yay!


Advanced Band

7th and 8th grade advanced band has two performances next week (see the calendar).  A football game Monday evening the 24th and the WT White Homecoming parade Thursday evening the 27th.


All Students

All Students should be filling out practice reports on Charms and logging in weekly.



Schedule

Wednesday 9/19
Regular class schedule

Thursday 9/20
8:00AM - Advanced Band rehearsal and Drum line rehearsal
Regular classes
3:45 - 4:30 - Drum Line

Friday 9/21
Regular Classes

Monday 9/24
Regular Classes
4:00 - 8:30 - Advanced Band travels to Football game - see calendar for details.  Students should bring $5 for supper by Monday Morning

Tuesday 9/25
8:00AM - Advanced Band rehearsal and Drum line rehearsal
Regular classes
3:45 - 4:30 - Drum Line

Wednesday 9/26
Regular Classes

Thursday 9/27
8:00AM - Advanced Band rehearsal and Drum line rehearsal
Regular classes
3:45 Advanced Band travels to WT White HS for Homecoming parade.  Parents will pick up students at WT White HS in front of the Band room (Northeast parking lot) after the parade.  Parade starts at 4:30

Friday 9/28
Regular Classes

September!

Welcome to September!

We have had a great start this year!  Walker has a record number of students enrolled and attending band classes this year.  Our advanced students have already had one performance and will perform again next Tuesday night at the Fall Band Parent Meeting.  Click on "Calendar" at the right to see the details.

Important for Beginners

• Beginning students are being evaluated for instrument placement at this time.  They will learn their assignment by September 14 and instruments will be checked out to students who have turned in their instrument forms and fee.  Beginners will not be bringing their instruments home at first.  They will have to demonstrate to a director that they can produce a characteristic sound on three notes before they can begin bringing the instrument home for practice.

Important for Advanced Students

• Advanced students will be performing Tuesday at the Band Parent Meeting. 
• All advanced students should be bringing their instrument home every evening, practicing their assignments and entering their practice time in Charms

Important for all band students

• Extra Credit if you bring one or more parents to the meeting Tuesday night.
• Extra Credit for bringing a case of water for the band supply
• Bring a Lock for your lockers.  Please give the directors your combination and enter that combination in your Charms profile
• All forms and fees are due at this time.  Your student was given a handbook containing registration and instrument forms.
• All students have access to Charms now!  Click on "Charms Log In" at the right and use your student ID# for the password.  Please update your profile and add parent information.

This week in Band - September 9 - 15

• Monday
• Regular class schedule
• Tuesday
• Advanced Band rehearsal/Sectionals - 8:00AM
• Band Parent Meeting and Performance- 6:00PM
• Wednesday
• Regular Class Schedule
• Thursday
• Advanced Band rehearsal/Sectionals - 8:00AM
• Friday
• Regular Class Schedule

Welcome!

Welcome to the 2012-2013 edition of the 

Walker MS Band!

We are excited to welcome 250 students to the Walker MS band this year.  Our theme this year is 

"Show the World the Hero in You!"  

You can see our weekly announcements here at edwalkermsband.blogspot.com 

Communication is very important for a successful band program and a successful band student.  Our calendar of events and performances can be seen at www.charmsoffice.com 

• click on enter parents/students/member and 
• put in the code edwalkermsband

You can see our calendar, volunteer for events, email the directors, enter your practice time and much more. We will use Charms for all of our communication this year. 

Again, welcome to the Walker Band Family and check back here daily for updated info.  

Mr. Flemons