Ray-Pec SMS Band Newsletter

8th Graders Enrolled in High School Band

5/13/2020

Marching Band Information

A little info...

I wanted to share some additional information for students enrolling for High School Band.

Marching band is an option for any student enrolled in band.
We rehearse after school.
Students can earn a letter in this activity.
Students in marching band can not be in other fall activities. One exception is Cross Country, we can sometimes work this schedule conflict out.

Text from Video

Hello 8th Grade Band Families!

I’ve received some really good questions about high school band and marching band. Normally we work through this information over several weeks during school, but we didn’t get a chance to do that this year.

I hope I can help answer your questions and make sure you understand how some of our high school band procedures work. I know that going into high school is a big change for students and parents and it can be a little scary. Marching band is actually one of the best ways for students to be less intimidated for high school life. Students will meet other high schoolers before school starts and be able to start navigating through the school which is helpful.

Earlier this year Mr. Wilson, the high school band director, announced his retirement and we recently announced that Ms. Gibson will take over in that role.

I’ve worked with Ms. Gibson for a long time. We taught the Symphonic Band at the high school together for many years and we have worked closely with the middle school bands. Ms. Gibson is one of my best friends and I’m really excited for students to work with her.

Marching band is one of my favorite things that I get to teach. Ms. Gibson and I have been working like crazy putting our show together. We’ll be able to make an announcement soon to tell everyone the theme of this year’s show. For now, I’ll just say that this is one of the most powerful and meaningful shows we’ve ever done at Ray-Pec. And I think every student and parent is going to be amazed by what we can do.

A couple days ago we sent out a form and schedule for students to sign up to join marching band. Our marching band meets after school and students must be enrolled in a regular band class to sign up.

The schedule includes every rehearsal. It’s a long list, but here’s what it boils down to: We meet after school Monday-Wednesday, have Thursday evenings at the Stadium, and we have either a rehearsal or a Football game performance on Fridays. We go to several competitions and are working on an overnight trip for the Branson competition.

Students who join marching band have a blast. In fact, the returning members from last season were very quick to get signed up and we already have a bunch of Freshmen signing up and we want to make sure no one misses out on this opportunity.

For parents, marching band is a really fun way to be part of your child’s life. I don’t want to scare you, but in only four years your babies will be going off to college or entering the work force...so this time you have left to be involved in their high school years can be really important.

We have an amazing group of parent volunteers who help keep our students safe, well fed, and looking their best during our competitions. Marching band is such a fun experience I encourage every band student to consider joining.

I hope this video helps answer some of your questions. If you have any additional questions, you are always welcome to reach out to me or to Ms. Gibson. High school is where students form some of their strongest friendships and create some of their best memories and as a band director, we are honored when we can be a part of that.

Thanks!

Highlights from the 2019
Marching Band

Carl Junction Competition - 2nd place, Class D
Park Hill Competition - 1st Place, Outstanding Brass, Outstanding Woodwinds, Outstanding Percussion, Top General Effect Score, Top Music Score
Cameron Competition - Grand Champions, Outstanding Solo Performers, Outstanding Music, First in Parade

New High School Band Director,
Jennifer Gibson!

Congratulations to Ms. Gibson, our new High School Band Director! Ms. Gibson is a fantastic band director and her students love being in her class.

*Incredible voice overs provided by Mr. Jarrett. :-)

8th Grade & Marching Band - Oct. 11

10/18/2019

We had a lot of fun with 8th grade and marching band Friday. Here is a short video and photos.

Things to Practice

9/18/2019

Dear Parents,

Have you ever asked your kids, "Do you need to practice?". I hope so!

The expectation for Mr. Jarrett's classes is to practice 4 days throughout the week. Mr. Houston's classes should always be practicing for the next assignment.

Here is our current "Things to Practice" wall...

Instrument Step Up - Sept. 26

9/17/2019

Step Up Night is September 26 from 5:30-6:30pm at SMS. Meet with Meyer Music to discuss your options and (if you are ready) trade in instruments.

Step Up Night applies to Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets, Saxophones, Trumpets, French Horns, Trombones, and Baritones.
Bassoon players: step ups exist, but I recommend calling Meyer Music before Step Up Night to find out your options.
Tuba players use a school instrument and do not step up.
Percussion students can add additional mallets to their collection as a step up. Check in with Mr. Houston for details.

For Clarinet or Saxophone Parents

9/11/2019

What reeds do I recommend?

Vandoren 2 1/2 for beginners. Vandoren 3 for advancing students.
A less expensive option is Rico Royal 2 1/2 or 3 for beginners.

Participation / Quiz / Instrument Policy

9/3/2019

Participation (Classwork) Grade
- 10 points per week
- Problems in class could cause deductions
7th/8th Grade Quiz
- Option to record through Monday
- Others took the quiz in class Tuesday
- Look for rubric (emailed to students). Students can show you how they did.
No Instrument Policy (starts Thursday)
- Applies when a student is missing a vital piece of equipment or supplies to participate
- 1st time - Warning
- 2nd time - Warning with email or call home
- 3rd time - 6:45AM detention (used to make up missed playing time)
- 4th+ time - Office referral
- Starts over second semester

Practice Time

8/23/2019

These are the items we've been working on in class. You can find your child's class by the block number or name.

Get ready for next week!

8/9/2019

Meet the Teacher Night, Monday 4-7pm
- Returning - Bring Instruments - Assigned Cabinet spaces
- New Students - Meyer Music instruments will already be here
- No instrument yet
  - Meyer Music website at www.meyermusic.com (Click Rentals)
  - Last Chance Instrument Night - August 19, 5:30-7:00pm (arrive within this time frame).
Band Handbook and Calendar on rpbands.com/south

School is Coming!

7/26/2019

Here we go! The first day of school will be here before we know it. Here are things to help you be ready for the first day...

SMS Newsletter

8th Graders Enrolled in High School Band

Marching Band Information

A little info...

Highlights from the 2019
Marching Band

New High School Band Director,
Jennifer Gibson!

8th Grade & Marching Band - Oct. 11

Things to Practice

Instrument Step Up - Sept. 26

For Clarinet or Saxophone Parents

Participation / Quiz / Instrument Policy

Practice Time

Get ready for next week!

School is Coming!

Copyright © 2017 Raymore-Peculiar Band Boosters, Inc. | P.O. Box 913, Raymore, MO 64083 | Privacy Policy

SMS Newsletter

Marching Band Information

​A little info...

Highlights from the 2019 ​Marching Band

New High School Band Director,Jennifer Gibson!

Copyright © 2017 Raymore-Peculiar Band Boosters, Inc. | P.O. Box 913, Raymore, MO 64083 | Privacy Policy

A little info...

Highlights from the 2019
Marching Band

New High School Band Director,
Jennifer Gibson!