Mrs. Cancino’s Fifth Grade Band Newsletter November 17, 2017 Dear Band Parents:

This week, we reviewed new notes from lines 30 and 36, we learned how a tie is mathematical (ask your band member!), and worked on analyzing music to learn it more easily. We practiced for playing tests on lines 33 and 38 (right when we come back from Thanksgiving, Nov. 27-28), and kept reviewing concert tunes. While we practiced our test material, I talked a lot about looking for patterns in the music (like reading sightwords as a kindergartener), and being able to pick those out without having to “sound them out.” In most of my classes, your children are able to “read” and decode the music accurately. In a couple of my classes this week, however, we went back to the very first line of music and started over. Homework this weekend: start on page 6, if it’s easy, move to page 7, easy, move to page 8…all the way to pages 11 and 12. They should be able to play line 41 without too many issues, at this point in the year. There are quite a few children, though, who have not been practicing enough (or as accurately) to do this. Please work with your child, listen to their progress, and decide what they need to do, going forward, to be successful in Band. Band Ninja Belt tests will be next week! I’ll listen to white, yellow, and orange belt exercises. Their belt testing list should be stapled to the inside of their book. Check there for what they should practice. Belt tests are optional, fun, motivational, and a way to reward extra effort. This Sunday, there is a performance at La Plata High School. See the attached flyer for more information. Free concert, 2:30 p.m., write a descriptive essay to earn up to 10 bonus points. Synergy…shout out to Wendy Gavin at Matula Elementary who spotted the issue!! Grades are fixed and accurate, I will send home a hand-written report card with your child next week. Sign it and send it back with your band member for 10 bonus points on the 2nd quarter grade! Concerts…save the date, but only for your child’s school: Matula E.S. January 3, 2018 6:30 p.m. at Matula Elementary Parks E.S. January 10, 2018 6:30 p.m. at Lackey High Mitchell E.S. January 11, 2018 6:30 p.m. at Somers Middle Barnhart E.S. January 18, 2018 6:30 p.m. at Barnhart Elementary Concert dress is white shirt, black pants/shoes/socks. Please refrain from wearing t-shirts, sneakers, sweatpants, or jeans.

Have a great week,

Mrs. Cancino Band Director: Matula, Mitchell, Barnhart, Parks [email protected] http://www.ccboe.com/departments/music/