Info for Springtime Festival Parade and Memorial Day Parade

Upcoming Events for BMS Band Members
 
BMS Band News 2004-05
Band and group Lesson Schedules - Just a reminder for all band members - make sure you know when your lesson is. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the lessons, get acrobat reader. The schedule is always posted in the band room, and in many classrooms at school. In addition the schedule is posted (usually) on the school's web site . It is the student's responsibility to know when lessons are scheduled.

7th & 8th grade bands will meet as scheduled, graded classes on day 1. Students will receive a grade for every class based on their participation and achievement. In addition, students will also receive a grade for every lesson. Students unable to attend a lesson or rehearsal (for reasons other than absence from school) must bring Mr. Kelleher a note from a teacher or parent, otherwise they will receive a "0" for the missed class. 7th & 8th grade band will meet together once a week during a 7th grade band period or an 8th grade band period. Students should check the schedule, as the meeting time is different from week to week.

7th & 8th grade band members are expected to perform at the Winter Concert, the Spring Concert, the Springtime Festival Parade, and the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade. In addition, 8th grade band members will perform with the Woodstock Academy Symphonic Band on their annual Pops Concert, usually held in March. All these performances are mandatory, and students will receive a grade for participation in each one. Students with legitimate excuses will be given the opportunity to do make-up work, such as a report, in order to receive credit for any missed performance. Students with unexcused absences from performances will receive a "0" for that performance. As band performances are similar to tests in other classes, a "0" for a performance will significantly reduce a student's grade in band. There may be additional performance opportunities during the school year.

6th grade band will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30-12:00. This is not a graded class, but students are expected to attend all rehearsals and lessons unless they have a legitimate excuse. A successful band depends on all members being committed to learn and grow as musicians. 

5th grade band All 5th graders are invited to join the BMS band program. Students need not have any prior experience playing an instrument in order to participate. In most cases, students must provide their own instrument in order to participate. If students do not own or have access to an instrument through a relative or friend, the best choice is a rent to own program. A representative from Rayburn Music comes to the school every week to aid in the maintenance of all instruments. In addition, there will be an informational meeting on September 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Middle School auditorium (just before the Middle School open house) to explain the band program, as well as the rental program offered by Rayburn Music. Any student not renting an instrument should bring their instrument to Mr. Kelleher as soon as possible to make sure it is in good playing condition.

Instruments offered to beginning students are Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone Horn, French Horn, and Percussion.

All lessons and rehearsals will take place during the school day. Students will have one small group lesson per week to begin. As the students progress, we will have a weekly rehearsal with all 5th
grade band members together. Generally, flutes will meet Monday, clarinets on Tuesday, saxes on Wednesday, brass on Thursday, and percussion on Friday.

All 5th grade band members are expected to perform on the BMS Spring Concert which will be held in the evening sometime in April or early May.
 
All bands are instructed by Mr. Kelleher.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me (Mr. Kelleher) at 774-9153 (school) or e-mail kelleher@brooklyn.ctschool.net