Happy Sunday!
This is a busier week for band, so there is a LOT of information! Here is what you need to know for this week.
February 24-28, 2025
Tuesday, February 25: UMS Showcase, 5:30-7:30 PM
Wednesday, February 26: Symphonic Band Rehearsal, 3:15-4:30 PM
Thursday, February 27: Concert Music Performance Assessment (Pyburn Out)
Friday, February 28: Umatilla Elementary Visit (Pyburn Out - Morning)
UMS Showcase
This Tuesday is the Umatilla Middle School Showcase for our rising 6th grade students! Current band members who are interested in helping during this event, use the linked Sign-Up Genius to work a shift. Please only sign up for one shift so all students have an equal opportunity to help. Different jobs are listed in the form.
If you help me in the band room, I will count it as a pass-off! Rising 7th and 8th grade students: this is a great way to show that you are interested in band leadership for next year!
After School Rehearsals
The Weekly Schedule is the following:
Wednesdays (Jan 15 - Feb 26): Symphonic Band 3:15 - 4:30 PM
THESE REHEARSALS ARE A GRADE!!!!
Rehearsals after school are essential for these next couple of weeks. Students will be performing at the Music Performance Assessment (MPA) next month, which is one of our biggest performances of the school year. It is the music equivalent of a general education class's state test.
If a student needs to miss a rehearsal, they must talk to me, and I must have parent contact. This is so that there is adult communication on the situation. Yes, there are make-up assignments, however, without your student, the whole band falls behind and can lose progress. So, it is important to have all students there.
Students will have to record a section of their music that we worked on if they need to make up the rehearsal. Please see this on Google Classroom.
Concert MPA THIS THURSDAY
Symphonic Band, we have Concert Music Performance Assessment on THIS Thursday, February 27. Here is everything that you need to know:
Concert MPA is taking place at Lake Minneola High School
This is a REQUIRED performance for students to participate in. It is the BIGGEST grade in Gradebook. MPA is the music equivalent of a standardized test in a core subject. Students will be marked as excused from class as a field trip.
Speaking of Field Trips, students must turn in their field trip form, filled out by you! They were due this past Friday, so if you have not turned it in, you need to BY WEDNESDAY to get an excused absence! No field trip form means I cannot let your student go to MPA.
Students must have instrument, music, reeds/valve oil and other needed materials to play their instruments appropriately.
We will be traveling on a school bus. Students will be assigned either Bus 1 or Bus 2. Ms. Pyburn's decision for buses is final. Students must ride the same bus to and from MPA.
Please understand that on trips like this, students are representing Umatilla Middle School as well as the entire band program. Students must act appropriately as there are other bands, band directors, and other professional musicians at this event. School discipline actions still are in effect on field trips. NO TALKING OR PHONES DURING A PERFORMANCE!
Students are required to wear their band uniforms AT ALL TIMES.
Students will need to bring money for any concessions they would like to purchase.
This performance is open to the public. Parents, you may also sit in the Sight-Reading Room. WARNING: if you sit in the sight-reading room, you are NOT allowed to record or take photos in this portion. We could get disqualified due to FBA rules in copyright as well as making sure bands who have not seen the sight-reading yet do not get an advantage.
Concert MPA Itinerary
10:30 AM – Meet in Band room/Load equipment/Early Lunch
11:00 AM – Depart from Umatilla MS
12:00 PM – Arrive at Lake Minneola HS
12:45 PM – Scheduled Warm-Up Time
1:15 PM – Performance by the UMS Symphonic Band
1:45 PM – Performance in Sight-Reading Room
2:15 PM – Pack up Instruments
2:30 PM – Enter Auditorium
2:45 PM – Performance by the UHS Symphonic Band
**Depending on time, students may be able to get a snack from concessions**
4:15 PM – Load equipment and instruments on trailer
4:30 PM – Depart from Lake Minneola HS
5:30 PM – PENDING (waiting on busing company) Please have your pre-arranged ride for pick up at Umatilla MS
End of Quarter 3 COMING SOON!
As of yesterday, everything in Gradebook should be up to date. There are quite a few students that do not have a passing grade in band. Remember, everyday of class your students need the following: instrument and supplies, music, and to be performing. A student can still perform in class even if they forgot their instrument by being actively engaged in rehearsal. I have seen students still fingering along to their part without an instrument. GRADES ARE DUE NEXT WEEK BEFORE SPRING BREAK!!!!!
Pass-offs
All pass-offs will be officially in Gradebook for Friday, February 28. Just as a reminder: you must do seven of them in order to complete the quarter requirement.
When Can I do a Pass-off?
Before school, after school, during lunch, or during Tiger Time. These are guaranteed ways to do pass-offs every single day. Usually, we will also have the opportunity to take class time on Wednesdays to pass something off, unless there is a big performance coming up. You can do multiple pass-offs in a day outside of class time. If you fail a pass-off, there is a 24 hour remediation period.
What if I Can't Come Outside of Class Time?
Introducing Google Classroom! You can record yourself using your Chromebook or phone at home. Then, you can submit it by logging into your ClassLink, or through the Google Classroom App.
Phones in Class
I have been noticing more and more that students are attempting to get on their phones during rehearsal. This not allowed, students need to be engaged in class and follow school rules.
And that should be everything! As always, please let me know if you have questions! Please stay up to date with our online calendar, website, blog, emails, and the BAND App!
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