6th Grade Band Beginner Solo Contest

Dear Parents,

This letter is to inform you that the 6th grade band members will be competing in the Beginner Solo Contest on Thursday, April 10th at Sunnyvale Middle School. This is a mandatory event and will provide students with an opportunity to hear feedback from judges and earn medals for musical successes.

Students will need to meet Thursday, April 10th after school in the middle school cafeteria at least 15 minutes prior to their performance time (A list with individual performance times can be found on the back side of this letter). Some students may choose to stay after school while others may choose to go home, change, and eat before returning to perform. Please remember to be on time regardless of your choice to remain at school or return home- this will ensure that the contest stays on schedule. In an effort to be professional, we ask that 6th grade students dress in concert attire: black slacks, band polo, black dress socks, and black dress shoes. Remember, this is a graded event- tardiness, failure to adhere to the dress code, or improper behavior will result in a 10 point grade deduction, respectively. This is an exciting occasion so parents are welcome to watch their child’s performance and/or record it. Here is a general outline for how the contest will work:

1. Students check in with their HS student monitor outside their designated room. The monitor will check you off to make sure you are ready to go and warmed up. Warm-up is in the cafeteria. Remember to be on good behavior in cafeteria. You only need about 10 minutes of warm-up time. 2. Once your time is ready, go into the room with your music and instrument. You will announce your self and solo to the judge: Hi…my name is ______and I will perform ______written by ______3. The monitor inside the room will start your recording. Do your very best and don’t let small mistakes distract you. Do not stop until the end. 4. After you are finished, the judge will take a few moments to comment on how you did. They are super friendly and very nice so don’t worry about criticism. 5. Be sure to say “Thank You for listening” to the judge after he/she makes comments. 6. WOW…you are finished!! Now go relax and enjoy refreshments in the cafeteria. You may leave after you finish your performance or you can hang around. Just don’t distract other students who will be performing later. 7. Comment sheets and awards will be given out the next day in class.

Please see the back of this letter for your performance time. If you have any issues, please let a director know immediately so we can work it out. Looking forward to this exciting event! Jana Donahoo [email protected] Mark Conaway [email protected] Sunnyvale Bands Refreshment Responsibilities:

Flutes/Oboes- Deserts (Cookies, Cupcakes, Brownies, Cake, ect…)

Clarinets- Chips & Dip/Salsa

Saxophones- Cups & Napkins

Trumpets/Horns- Desserts or other Snacks

Trombones/Euphoniums/Tubas- Drinks (2 Liter Bottles of Soda, Bottled Water, Canned Soda, Juice Boxes/Pouches, Bottled Juice or Sweet Tea)

Percussion- Paper Plates & Plastic Utensils