DMS Band Weekly Newsletter
Week 5: January 27-31
📰 In this newsletter:
- Week at a Glance
- ALL bands Info
- Tuesday - Jazz Band (open to all Con/Sym)
- Wednesday & Thursday - Indoor Drumline
- BED SHEET fundraiser kickoff on Wednesday! (Last fundraiser before Orlando Trip)
- Looking to the future:
- There is a meeting 2/6 for ORLANDO - this meeting can be in person (band room) or Virtual! Link will be included in newsletter next week.
- Beginner Band Info
- Concert/Symphonic Band Info
- Weekly Agendas
- Links
Week at a Glance
After School commitments this week:
🔽
Monday
Tuesday JAZZ BAND!! (ends at 5:00pm)
Wednesday PERCUSSION!! (ends at 5:00pm)
Thursday PERCUSSION!! (ends at 5:30pm)
Friday
SATURDAY 2/1/25: Alabama All State Band Auditions for those signed up; If your student is planning on trying out for All State, make sure you got our email this week! Here is a copy of the email contents.
Dates for the future:
4/5 - Solo and Ensemble at LMS
4/30-5/5 - Orlando
5/15 - Spring Concert at DMS
Sheet sale has begun!!
Order forms and info pages were handed out in class. Scroll below the graphic to print another order form if you need to. I will also include any information pages.
Sales are due 2/12/25
(Money and order forms turned in; Please make sure checks include 2 phone numbers and 1 drivers license number).
Use this graphic on social media:
Students can also get some sample squares of the sheets to show color and feel; Please see Mrs. Merritt if you need some samples.
Know any current 5th graders? Invite them to join the band!
Mrs. Merritt will be visiting the elementary schools' music classrooms starting on Jan. 27 and ending on February 11th. We are excited to meet and talk to our rising 6th grade class!
Panther Prowl (Con/Sym will perform in various capacities) is on Thursday 2/20 and all the rising 6th grade will come to DMS and see what all the classes are about!!
Does your student need private lessons?
Indoor Drumline
Feb. 15 - Madtown throwdown, Bob Jones HS
March 22 - Mt. Juliet HS, Mt. Juliet TN - Transportation provided
March 30 - SGCG Championships - WKU, Bowling Green, KY Transportation provided
Indoor Drumline rehearsals:
Wednesday
3:30-5:00
Thursday
3:30-5:30
Beginner Band Solo Project!
General Information
One important aspect of playing an instrument is performing for others. This solo projects give students the tools to create an enjoyable and challenging experience where students prepare at their own pace, and then perform for an audience.
During this project, we will teach instrument fundamentals (dynamics, phrasing, musicianship) as well as concert etiquette basics and how to be a good audience member. Students will be graded according to this rubric and will have the following options:
1) Perform the solo for the class with the accompaniment track playing
2) Attend the Solo and Ensemble Festival and perform for a judge. This is a chance for students to earn a medal if they score a certain score!
- This requires parent drop off and attendance for the Solo and Ensemble Festival one Saturday morning in April.
- Info
- APRIL 5th
- AT LIBERTY MIDDLE SCHOOL
- DRESS NICELY
- BRING INSTRUMENT, MUSIC, SUPPLIES
- Students will be assigned a designated performance time, show up 30 minutes before to warm up and leave when they're done!
Students can chose one of THESE (below) solos for their instrument:
These solos are leveled
Level 1 - Melody
Level 2 - Dance Song
Level 3 - Country Gardens
Students can open the spreadsheet below and play the play along accompaniment tracks that go with their solo in order to practice.
**We will post copies of the music here when we finalize our options**
If a student wants to purchase your OWN version of the jazz book:
Title = "Standard of Excellence Jazz Ensemble Method"
ORLANDO
Orlando Trip Newsletter! 🌍
Donate to our TPT Class fund! 💰
DMS Band Amazon Wish List
DMS Band Website
Our local music stores are here to support you!
LOCAL MUSIC STORES
Madison Band Supply
Address: 1604 Hughes Rd, Madison, AL 35758
http://www.madisonbandsupply.com/
Gadsden Music Company
Address: 4800 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville, AL 35802
Hallmans Music
Address: 1920 Sparkman Dr NW # 2, Huntsville, AL 35816
http://hallmansmusicstore.com/
Southeastern Musical Services (Great for repairs)
Address: 3308 9th Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
Music&Arts
Online instrument sales, national company
Online rentals available, representative comes to DMS weekly to help, fix and support.
DMS is visited by Gadsden, Madison Band Supply and our Music&Arts representative once a week so students can make small repairs, small purchases and sending off instruments easier than driving to the store location each time.



