Band News
Mr. Anderson, Mr. Semansky, Ms. Gage
BAND NOTES - November 2026
Winter Concert Details (LOCATION CHANGE)
December 3rd - ALL PHMS Band Students - Winter Band Concert at PHMS
6th Grade concert at 6:30 - Students should arrive at 6:15 and report to the PHMS Band Room
7th Grade concert at 7pm - Students should arrive at 6:50pm and report to the PHMS Cafeteria
8th Grade concert at 7:30pm - Students should arrive at 7:20pm and report to the PHMS Band Room
Concert Attire - BLACK from head to toe:
The concert dress is black top, pants, and shoes/socks. We still have PHMS Music shirts available at school for $12. If you are unable to acquire the proper attire for concerts, please let us know. We have been collecting some clothing to give to students who need it. If you have a child that has outgrown black clothing and/or shoes, we would also take that as a donation to offer to a student. Just send your black clothing donation to school with your student and give it to Mrs. Gage.
Combined “Side By Side” Concert (8th Grade Only)
Throughout the city, 8th grade students get to perform a concert at the high school they will be attending! Here are the rehearsal and concert details for all 4 high schools: Combined Concerts! 8th graders are expected to attend one of the high school concerts. Concert dress for the concert is dressed up black.
November Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band Rehearsal Changes
There will be no Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band on November 4, 12, 18, 19. Instead, those students interested in trying out for All State Band are encouraged to come to the band room on these mornings before school to get help with their auditions and recordings.
Middle School All-State Band Auditions
We are hearing a lot of great practicing at school and are able to work with students a little bit during band time. In addition, they need to be working independently at home during the final stretch. It is important that students have a plan to record and are prepared. We are recording the auditions right now through the deadline of December 4th (although we would like everything recorded before the Thanksgiving break). If your student is auditioning, the audition fee is $15 and can be turned in to the band office anytime.
The following are options to record.
Students can record with their private lesson teacher.
You can also use a voice recorder app on your phone to record at home.
We will also have time to practice and record during Directed Studies times.
The following mornings from 7:30-8:40 am will take the place of Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band (November 4, 12, 18, 19)
Wednesday November 25th (no school day) between 12-2pm - students can sign up for a time to come and record.
General Information about ASB can be found here.
Middle School All-State Jazz Band Auditions
Audition recordings are due December 10th and the event is January 29-30, 2027 in Mitchell, SD. Audition Materials and info can be found here: All-State Jazz
8th Grade to perform at South Dakota Bandmasters Conference!
The PHMS 8th Grade Band has been selected to perform at the South Dakota In-service Music Conference, also known as the Bandmasters Convention. We sent in a recording for our audition, and only a few bands from throughout the state are selected each year! We will perform on Friday, February 12th at 1:00pm at SDSU in Brookings, SD. More details coming soon!
GRADE PASS OFF CHALLENGE and PRACTICE (all grades)
All band students have a “Pass Off Challenge” sheet. This is a guide for their practicing and will help them know what to practice. Students should be practicing at home in the red and/or blue Tradition of Excellence book.
CALENDAR
The “Band Events Calendar!” Attendance at school concerts is required. Mark your calendar now for these events!
Coda: Advocating for the Arts
Participation in middle school band helps students achieve higher academic performance and develop essential life skills like teamwork, communication, and perseverance. Studies also show that music involvement boosts confidence, emotional well-being, and a sense of belonging among young people.
Sam Anderson
Lon Semansky
Holly Gage