Updates for Middle and High School Music:

 Information for both high school and middle school music parents:

*  High School Jazz Band:  Jazz Band evening rehearsals / classes will begin this coming Monday evening, Nov. 7th and will continues for the remainder of the school year.  Students who are part of the jazz band MUST be registered for the class through guidance and will receive a grade.  Other than being out for illness, there will be no excused absences for work or for simply having too much to do.  It's important that we are all present all the time.  "IF" you are unable to commit yourself at this level then please drop the class.  Even though it is an evening class, attendance is still taken, and students are awarded a 10 pt. grade each and every week for their attendance and participation.

*  Drum Major Training/Auditions/Requirements for the 2023 Trojan Pride Marching Band:  Any student who may have an interest in becoming a drum major should let Mr. D. know as soon as possible.    Applicants must have completed their sophomore year.  Some training will begin after school in early Spring, and will culminate with an audition in April.  Students who are accepted as drum majors are required to attend the summer drum major academy for training prior to starting their post.  Don't be shy... come speak to us!

*. Conferences:  Mr. D. is not available for Thursday evening conferences as he also teaches at MVNU and has class during that time.  He welcomes any parents who wish to schedule a conference to please do so by calling the band office at 740-625-6055, ext. 2185.

*  Holiday concerts:  Participation in holiday / winter concerts receives a 100 pt. grade.  Students who are absent ( unless they are ill) from concerts will find it difficult to acquire a passing grade for the marking period.  Please be sure to look at the various band and choir handbooks to see what your child needs as far as attire (red polos, black slacks, skirts, shoes, etc...) so they can participate on a high level.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Looking ahead to concert season...

*  Concert Etiquette:  We have wonderful audiences, and we thank all the families who attend and support them, but I'd just like to throw this out there [and am rather hesitant to do so], because it seems to me that over the course of my 38 year teaching career that more and more parents leave a concert with their child before it's over.  Understanding that we all have terribly busy lives (something that seems to be getting worse and worse) and that our families need to be at many different places at once, we ask that you all please plan ahead so you're able to remain for the entire concert.  When individuals are seen leaving it sends a very negative message to the other students who have not yet had the chance to perform and show their stuff.  By the time our last group of the evening performs we are generally left with a "skeleton" audience, and we'd like to put an end to that.  It makes the kids feel bad.  Our concerts generally last about an hour, and we feel that's not too much to ask 2 or 3 times a year.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation!  See ya at the concerts!

Marching Band Awards Banquet Updates:

*. Thank you everyone for returning your banquet forms and payments.  We're looking forward to a great time on the 20th!  We still, however, have not heard from about 15 of our band students or their families as to whether or not they'll be joining us.  If you could please return the form and payments that would help us a great deal!  If you have not received them please shoot us an e-mail and we'll send them out electronically.  Send to:  chuck.dettmar@centerburgschools.org

*. St. Patrick's Trip payments are due by Nov. 15th.  There are 2 different payment options, but we'll need one of them by that date.

*  St. Patrick's Trip Permission Slips and Trip Release Forms have gone home with students.  These are due by November. 22nd.

*  Finally... the Marching Band Upperclassmen and Section Leader Trip to Columbus to have dinner and see the Broadway Show "Hairspray" is scheduled for next Wednesday, Nov. 9th.   The bus will leave at 4 PM and the show begins at 7:30 PM at the Ohio Theater.  I would imagine the return time to school will be around 11:00 PM.