From the Band Room
October 12, 2026
Welcome to Q2
I hope each of you had a wonderful fall break. I think we all (teachers and students alike) were ready for some rest and relaxation, but I hope we're all ready to get back to it on Tuesday.
Quarter 2 officially begins on Wednesday, October 14. As we begin quarter 2 our focus in class is on several things. Please reed to the end and should you have any questions, feel free to email me!
Honor Band
- District and Region Honor Band Prep (Audition Info Below)
- Elementary Tour (Friday, December 11)
7th and 8th Grade
- District and Region Honor Band Prep (Audition Info Below)
- Winter Concert Prep (Tuesday, December 15)
- Continuing to expand and refine our musical skills and independence
6th Grade
- We will move into like-instrument classes on Wednesday (brass in one class, woodwinds in the other)
- Our entire focus will be on developing solid fundamental skills, expanding our abilities, and solidifying our music literacy skills.
- Students will have performance-based test almost every week
AT HOME PRACTICE
In order for students to keep up with performance expectations they must practice at home or risk falling behind. Practicing just 10-20 minutes a day will keep them on track and growing.
EXTRA HELP
If student need/want extra help or time to practice, they may use the band room on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 7:45 am to 8:05 am.
Additionally, I will host an extra help session for students interested in auditioning for District Honor Band on Wednesday, 10/14 from 3:15 pm until 5:00 pm. Any interested students may stay at school and get extra help.
BEING PREPARED FOR CLASS
Student are responsible for having all necessary items to participate fully in class every day. This means students should have their instrument, band binder and method book, sticks/mallets, and required accessories (i.e. reeds) every day.
In addition, they should have these things AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS. There has been a severe up-tick in students leaving instruments, binders, etc. on their grade-level hallways. Students are provided a band locker to avoid this happening. Students should bring all their band materials to the band room at the beginning of the school day. I am not allowed to send students back to their core hallways and classes during related arts time. Not having materials will negatively impact their grade.
Reeds
7th and 8th Grade Clarinets (Van Doren 3 Strength)
7th and 8th Grade Bass Clarinets (Van Doren 2.5 or 3 Strength)
7th and 8th Grade Alto Saxophones (Van Doren 3 Strength)
7th and 8th Grade Tenor Saxophones (Van Doren 3 Strength)
7th and 8th Grade Bari Saxophone (Van Doren 2.5 Strength)
6th Grade Clarinets (Van Doren 2.5 Strength)
6th Oboes
- Recommended Handmade Model (Beginner or Intermediate - Ask Mr. Ellison)
- Recommended Mass Produced Model
TARDY POLICY
As we move into Quarter 2, I will be enforcing the tardy policy as outlined in the district discipline matrix in 6th grade (this has already been in effect for 7th and 8th grade). They have been given grace to learn their school routines, how to use lockers, etc. It is imperative that students get to class before the bell rings.
1st Excused Tardy - Warning
2nd Unexcused Tardy - Lunch Detention assigned by teacher
3rd Unexcused Tardy - Major Referral - up to 1-2 Days ISS
4th Unexcused Tardy - Major Referral - up to 1-3 Days OSS
GRADING POLICY
Just a few reminders about missing grades and retakes.
A. Missing Due to Lawful Absence
- Students have the number of days absent after return to make-up missing assignments.
- Since make-ups for performance based test must be done one-on-one, I will only count Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays when counting make-up days as these are the days students can play for me in the mornings.
B. Missing Due to Unlawful Absence
- Students have 2 days after returning to make-up assignments.
- In practice, this again only will include Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for performance based grades.
C. Retakes
Students earning below at 75 may retake tests between the day of the test and the end of the 9-weeks. Students should schedule a time with Mr. Ellison to work with him on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday morning.
PRIVATE LESSONS
What are private lessons?
● Weekly individualized instruction with area
professional musicians
● Guided practice with individualized,
instrument-specific feedback from your
instructor
Where are the private lessons offered?
● Varies teacher-to-teacher
● Some teachers may be able to teach during your child's band class
What is the cost?
● Each instructor will set their own rates
**ASK YOUR CHILD ABOUT THE PINK PAPER THEY RECEIVED**