CH Band Newsletter
May 29, 2026
- 2026 - 2027 Band Calendar & Dates
- Summer Fun Tunes
- Donations
- 8th Grade Beyond the Notes Festival Recap
- Concert Video!
- Summer Opportunities
CONGRATS - WSMA STATE HONORS STUDENTS
Congratulations to the following students who auditioned and were accepted to the Wisconsin State Honors Band. The is a VERY rigorous audition and even those that weren't accepted, should feel very proud of their work. These students will have a two-day camp at the end of October and perform on Saturday October 31st at Verona Performing Arts Center.
Will Dennis, Accepted
Megahn Kendrick, Accepted
Alaina Wilkinson, Alternate
Audrey Busch, Alternate
Elliot Margulius, Prioritized Alternate
Ilah Kempfer, Alternate
Jake McKane, Alternate
Kenzie Dunn, Alternate
Lillian Ferrell, Prioritized Alternate
Theo Melrose, Alternate
GETTING READY FOR 2026 - 2027 BAND
CH Band - August "Jumpstart" Classes
Save the Date for this August - next year's 7th & 8th Grade Bands (current 6th & 7th graders) will have a chance to come together, play games, and start our musical adventure for the year. Let Mr. Melrose know if you can't make it.
7th Grade:
August 17 & 18, 1 - 3pm @ Central Heights
8th Grade:
August 19 & 20, 1 - 3pm @ Central Heights
CH Band Calendar. 2026 - 2027
Click HERE to get a head start on your calendar for next school.
SUMMER - FUN TUNES TO PLAY
Have fun this summer while playing your instrument once in a while. Here's a link to a folder with songs like:
- Uptown Funk
- Spongebob
- Star Wars
- Happy Birthday
- Pink Panther
- And More!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sFRf9M6rTZGsbwe1VsVSeghMTjER2jxf?usp=sharing
DONATIONS!
We are looking for donations to help our next generation of band students:
- Music Shirts (8th graders or others not taking music)
- Black pants
- Black shoes
- Old instruments books or supplies no longer needed
Thanks!
8th GRADE - BAND FESTIVAL
Congratulations to the Central Heights 8th grade Band for their performance and work at the "Beyond the Notes Music Festival" on Thursday May 21st. They performed extremely well and represented themselves and our school community very well throughout the day (even with a delayed bus getting home!).
One of our clinicians was Dr. Glenn Hayes from UW-Whitewater who used the words "Exceptional" many times. We are so proud of our 8th graders and wish them the best as they take these great experiences and build on them in high school! Click HERE (or see below) for links to recordings.
MAY 14 CONCERT - VIDEOS
It was a packed house for our final concert of the year. We are proud of growth that students have demonstrated over the year. Thanks for all the work it takes to make concerts happen!
8th GRADE TRIBUTE
Every year we take a moment to recognize and honor our 8th graders' last concert. Check out the video HERE.
SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS
Are you interested in playing over the summer? Below are just a few of the camps that students have gone to over the years and really enjoyed (and improved!). Contact Mr. Melrose or Ms. Lechner if you have questions:
UW Whitewater - Summer Music Camp (July 19 - 24)
Whitewater is not just a place; it’s a community. At Warhawk Band Camp, you will rehearse with talented college students, learn from recognized faculty and staff, play in state-of-the-art facilities, get a taste of the college experience, and create memories with new and old friends.
https://www.uww.edu/ce/camps/music/bandcamp/middle-school-band
UW Madison - Summer Music Clinic (June 22 - 28)
We invite young musicians, music lovers and those who enjoy all forms of music and creativity for a week of music and memory-making on the UW–Madison campus. There is a creative artistic path for everyone! With sessions for both middle and high school students, Summer Music Clinic offers a wide variety of musical experiences - drumming, composing, dance, etc...
https://precollege.wisc.edu/smc/
UW Platteville Pioneer Band Camp (July 12 - 18)
The UW-Platteville Pioneer Summer Band Camp has a long tradition of excellence in music instruction. The week-long camp offers exceptional opportunities for motivated students entering grades 7–12 to learn more about music. Students participate in one of two concert bands, faculty-led master classes, sectionals, and a wide range of course offerings. Optional private lessons are also available. In addition to performance, students enjoy recreational activities and other camp fun.
Questions?
If you have ANY questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Renee Lechner
CHMS Music Educator
(608) 318-8000 ext. 5832 [Voicemail]
(608) 618-2843 [Google Voice]
Ian Melrose
CHMS Music Educator
(608) 318-8000 ext. 5864 [Voicemail]
(608) 618-2843 [Google Voice]
Central Heights Bands
Email: ipmelro@sunpairieschools.org
Website: https://www.spbb.org/chms.html
Location: 220 Kroncke Drive, Sun Prairie, WI, USA
Phone: (608)318-800, ext.5864
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunprairiebands/
