This is a copy of the letter that went home in 5th grade folders on November 14th.
TO: Parents of 5th graders @ Davis, Doss, Hill, Pillow and Summitt
FROM: MMS Bands
DATE: November 14, 2011
RE: Information for the 2012-2013 school year
Happy Holidays from the Bands at Murchison Middle School! We hope that you are having a wonderful school experience this year. We are looking forward to meeting and working with you very soon.
While it may be hard to believe (!), we are already working to preparing for the 2012-2013 school year. You will be receiving information on middle school offerings and scheduling both from the school and from individual programs at Murchison as the next few months progress. The Murchison Bands are planning many special events and would like to be able to communicate important updates to you effectively. For now, here are the dates on which we will have “operators standing by” so that students can try instruments in which they are interested:
January 21, 2012 - Test Drive Instruments
Murchison Cafeteria 9:00-4:30 pm
January 26, 2012 - Test Drive Instruments
Murchison Cafeteria 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Please consult the following website for more information on upcoming events, special concerts, and important information on why your son or daughter should consider being a part of our band program:
www.murchison.typepad.com/band
For the last forty-three years, the Murchison Bands have earned widespread recognition for excellence in performance and for the quality of musical experiences provided for our students. We hope your child chooses to be a part of our program and shares in the continued excellence of these groups and the positive impact they have on our students.
Happy New Year - we look forward to visiting with you in person soon.
Band FAQ
• Why should my child choose to be in band at Murchison?
Research indicates that instruction in music and understanding of musical principles not only help to develop the aesthetic element of our human nature, but also contribute positively to the development of mathematical, verbal, and critical-thinking skills as well as positive self-esteem. We see first-hand evidence every day that our students are succeeding musically, academically, personally, and socially in our school. We hope that you and your child will choose to participate in one of AISD’s outstanding elective programs.
• What kind of band classes are offered at the 6th Grade level?
Our 6th grade band classes are designed for students who have never played an instrument before. We offer classes on flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion instruments.
• What criteria are used in selecting an instrument for the beginning band student?
We host sessions called Instrument Test Drives at Murchison to provide the students the opportunity to try all of the instruments in which they are interested. A staff of teachers will be available to evaluate the interests and physical attributes of each student (size of hands, shape of lips, braces, etc.) and recommend an appropriate instrument for beginning instruction.
• How do I get to the Murchison Cafeteria?
The Cafeteria is located off of the front hallway of the school. Enter through the North Hills Drive entrance -- the Cafeteria is through the first double doors on your right.
• How many students are involved in the beginner band program?
Each year we start approximately 150-175 new students in our beginner band classes. Students are divided into small like-instrument groups such as flutes, clarinets, trumpets, etc. for instruction, but we do combine into a large “band” for the Winter and Spring Concerts.
