WHS Concert Band October Newsletter
From the Desk of Mr. Klein and Thew
Welcome back to another exciting year of Wind Band at Watertown High School!
Hello! The band has been hard at work providing music at every Watertown Raider home football game, as well as practicing fundamentals that will help build their individual musician ship as the year goes on. We're also excited to say that this is the first year that the band has ever put on a field show as you may have seen students playing "Fireball" and "Land of 1000 Dances" at the October 11th football game on Victory field. In these newsletters you'll find information about upcoming events, general resources for instrumental music, and happenings in the world of Watertown Fine Arts!
See the band in action!
Upcoming Dates
10/25 - Football Game
11/28 - Football Game
What else is going on in the fine arts department?!
New York Trip
You or your student should have recieved a packet about the New York trip. We are currently working on fundraising to lower the cost, but if you have ideas please communicate them to us! There is an informational meeting for students after school on 10/23 as well as one for parents later that evening on zoom from 6:30-7:00PM. Students can also join this google classroom for relevant due dates, itineraries, etc.
Google Classroom for grades
Check google classroom, not powerschool, to see students' most recent grades!
Join us on remind!
This is a great way to stay updated about all things band. You can join using the link below.
Miscellaneous!
Practicing
We recommend students play their instrument 3+ times a week for at least 100 minutes in total time throughout the week to build muscle memory and reinforce habits taught in class.
Private Lessons
Want to be get better, quicker? PRIVATE LESSONS are the way to go!
Here is a great resource for private lesson instructors in the area. Private lessons are the quickest way for your budding musician to grow!
You can also check out Powers Music School in Belmont (on Concord Street near Belmont Center).
Clarinet and Saxophone Players-Reed Talk!
As we all are getting settled into school, one of the quickest ways for clarinets and saxophones to instantly sound better is to have a set of quality reeds.
It's important for how good each person sounds so they can work on other things. Having a set of quality reeds makes that easier!
Here are the only type of reeds that I recommend:
Elementary strength 2.5, 6th Grade strength 3, 7th-12th strength 3.5
Strength 3
Elementary/6th strength 2.5, 7th-12th strength 3
Elementary/6th strength 2.5, 7th-12th strength 3
Gift Items for the Band Student
Here are some ideas if you are thinking of getting your band student some quality goods.
Meet the Teachers!
Mr. Thew
Maxwell Thew, a Band Director, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Idaho and a Master's Degree in Music Education from the American Band College at Central Washington University. He has taught in Oregon for 4 years and in Massachusetts for 5 years. During his time in Oregon, he successfully led his groups to the OSAA state band for 2 years and jazz band for 2 years. He is recognized for his ability to facilitate rapid growth in the programs he oversees. His primary focus is on musicians of all levels to succeed and nurturing the development of well-rounded individuals.