Chenango Forks Middle School Band!

Dear Band Parents,

Thank you for supporting your child and the CF Middle School Band! You will not be disappointed at both the caliber of music and of learning that takes place at the middle school band level, taught by Miss Katie Debach ([email protected]). Here’s some information that will help you through the year.

Rehearsals: are 3 times per 6-day cycle. The bands rehearse in several sections. Combined rehearsals are scheduled before performances.

Lessons: Students are required to attend one lesson per 6-day cycle and, of course, to practice their lesson assignments (just like homework)! Lessons are scheduled on a rotating pull-out basis. No student will miss the same class more than twice for lessons during each quarter. If a student cannot attend a lesson, s/he must sign up with me to make up the lesson during the remedial period. Students should come prepared to lessons and rehearsals with instrument, music folder, and a pencil.

Grading: A student’s grade for band is based on lesson attendance, lesson preparation, rehearsal preparation, concert performance and above and beyond points. More specific information on grading can be found on the MS band web page.

Performances: Please check the District web page and band web page for performance dates and information. I will also send home a handout with the students before each performance. Concert dress is black and white unless otherwise stated.

Fundraising: Our Band Booster organization offers students opportunities to raise money to fund their band trips. The main fundraiser for the year is the fall citrus fruit sale. All monies raised by students are placed into an account in their name and will remain there to fund their band trips through high school.

Extra-curricular performing opportunities: For those students who want more challenge we offer several extra-curricular music opportunities such as jazz band, NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble festival, All-County Band and small performing ensembles. Selection for these groups is based upon the student’s interest, lesson attendance and preparation, rehearsal performance, and the needs of the performing group.

Supplies: Clarinet and sax reeds are supplied. Suggestions for supplies to buy are cork grease (wind players), valve oil, slide oil (brass players), mouthpiece brush, cleaning swab or cloth. If you are considering purchasing an instrument please feel free to e-mail me for assistance and recommendations.

Band Boosters: Our boosters meet monthly in the HS band room (next to the auditorium) to plan musical events and fundraisers for all band members. We would love to have you join us! We are always looking for parents to help support the many activities the bands participate in throughout the year. Please contact our Band Booster president Donna Starr ([email protected]), to be placed on the mailing list for the Band Booster newsletter.

Thank you: for supporting your child’s participation in band this year! A child’s success in band is largely due to parent involvement, encouragement and support. Please feel free to e-mail me ([email protected]) if you have any questions. I will usually get back to you the same day. I’m looking forward to a fantastic year with these talented young musicians! K. Debach, MS Band Director