Rhea Eagle Band Brief!!!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

What an exciting week it has been for the Rhea Eagle Band! Even though testing kept us busy, we are thrilled to share that the moment our students have been waiting for is finally here — instruments are coming out this week! We can’t wait to hear those very first notes and watch our young musicians take flight. On top of that, our Ice Cream Social was a huge success — the smiles, laughter, and sweet treats made for a wonderful evening of fun and community. As we head into the long Labor Day weekend, we hope everyone enjoys a little rest and relaxation — but don’t forget to keep practicing those fundamentals so we’re ready to hit the ground running next week!

Action Items (all information is below):

1) Check out pictures from this week!

2) Check out our student accomplishments!

3) Fill out Handbook Forms 1 and 2 (found in the handbook below) - This was due 8/22! We need to make sure we know your students' shirt sizes!

4) Pay Band Fees (Due by September 5th) - ALL students! - See link below!

5) Pay School-Owned Instrument Fee (ONLY bassoon, oboe, French horn, euphonium, and tuba!) - See info below!

6) Make sure your student is practicing their Musical Alphabet and Staff Chant at least 15 minutes a day! They should be working to memorize each line of the alphabet and marking this on their PRACTICE RECORDS, which are due this coming Thursday!

7) If you have not purchased your supplies and need help, please let us know!!!

Again, we can't wait to make some music and have some great experiences!

All our best,

The TMS/RIS Band Team

Expect to see The Band Brief (emails) from Mr. Graves (clgraves@forneyisd.net) weekly throughout the school year. They will most likely come through Parent Square and Skyward.

Have a wonderful week!

September 12th will mark the first fundraising campaign for our band program!!! It’s time to raise some money to help support all the great things we want to be able to do with our band students (parties, awards, trips, etc.)! We are looking forward to a successful sale, and we need your support to help make that possible. We will send all the details in next week's newsletter!

We are celebrating and recognizing students who have been modeling our Eagle Band core values! They have exhibited Growth, Integrity, Responsibility, and Tenacity (G.R.I.T.) every single day! Way to be outstanding leaders!

The students below have MASTERED the Musical Alphabet! Essentially, they are able to recite the Musical Alphabet, forwards and backwards, with the metronome set to 72, in double time, with ZERO mistakes! Thank you for setting the bar! We can't wait to add more students to the Rhea Eagle Band Hall of Fame!

The link below will take you to the TMS/RIS Handbook! This handbook includes information on what to expect from the school year, processes, calendars, private lessons, database forms, fundraisers, and much more!

Please review the handbook! On page 20, there are TWO QUICK GOOGLE FORMS to fill out. All forms are due by 8/22/25.

Use the buttons below or click here to view and sign forms (page 20) of the TMS/RIS Handbook: 2025-2026 TMS/RIS Handbook

Thanks to our amazing band boosters, our new online payment system is now live. EVERY STUDENT IN BAND will have a $75.00 band fee.

Important:

• The fee covers the cost of the student's band shirt, binder, incentives/awards, food for parties, miscellaneous supplies (batteries, replacement pencils), and the Solo/Ensemble contest fee.

• This payment does not include the school-owned instrument fee for oboe, bassoon, French horn, euphonium, or tuba.

• We do not accept cash or checks — this online system is the only way to pay.

• You’ll automatically receive a receipt after your payment is complete.

There is a pre-filled form in the front of your student’s band binder explaining the instrument rental agreement. As these instruments need to be sent for cleaning at the end of every school year, this fee pays for the necessary upkeep. The fee is $50 and can only be paid by cash or check (made out to Forney ISD). Please send the fees in a sealed, marked envelope with your child’s NAME, GRADE, and INSTRUMENT to their BAND DIRECTOR.

All students will receive their first practice record next week! Their practice record will be due EVERY Thursday. The beginning band students are responsible for practicing 90 minutes per week (in the first few weeks) to receive a 100 on this assignment.

In the first few weeks, students will be practicing memorizing The Musical Alphabet pass off! Instruments will go home as soon we teach them how to properly assemble them! Thank you for being patient as we save you money!!! =)

Parents, please make sure to initial at the bottom at the end of each week. We will NOT accept practice records without parent initials! Late practice records can be turned in on Friday for minus 10 points.

Students determine their success!

As playing an instrument requires consistent practice, please help us make sure that your students are practicing daily. As soon as we progress into the school year, we will figure out logistics for the students to be able to practice here as well!

We have our new band site up and ready to go! The website is an excellent guide, giving information on important band news, calendar dates, weekly updates, private lessons, instrument resources, supply lists, and much, much, much more! Check it out here: www.themerband.com!

Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to keep up with all the great things happening in The Themer Titan Band Hall! The Facebook page will be our way of showing the world all of our outstanding current events! We will highlight our Students of the Week, student leaders, and show the progress we have made throughout the year! It will also keep you up to date of any upcoming dates and responsibilities!