Welcome Back! Aug. 30-Sept. 2 Happenings

Welcome back! It will surely be another great year for the GT Bands and I am truly excited to get thing underway. With our later that normal start date we will be in a bit of a crunch to get some things going at the high school and with the 5th graders this year but all will work out. High school students please remember to be in the band room on Tuesday and Wednesday at 3:00 ready to rehearse for the Labor Day Parade and that you will need to wear shoes as we will eventually be marching outside as part of our rehearsal.

As for everyone else, you should have received my letter last week and I hope you have taken a moment to dust off your instrument and make sure that it is working and that you can find your lesson book. You will need all of these materials with you for the first day you have band rehearsal so please be sure you have everything ready the night before at home.

The first two days of school we will be working on classroom procedures, expectations, and the overview of this year's events so we will not be playing very much so please plan accordingly. In addition it will likely take a week for me to organize a new lesson schedule now that all of the grades have been moved so please be patient.

That being said, it will be a great year and I look forward to hearing from all of you about your fun and relaxing summers.

Sincerely,

Mr. Pedersen

May 31-Jun. 1 Happenings

The final days of school for the 2010-11 School Year are upon us. The students have worked hard and earned the right to relax and have a few months off. A few reminders for all band students should be reviewed though before your check-out completely. First, all band students make sure to take your instrument and lesson book home over the summer. Although I don't expect practice everyday, any little bit will help and it is much harder to practice without an instrument. Next, for those of you that are signed-up for summer lessons please make sure to arrive on time and prepared to play for your scheduled times. Remember that the schedule is posted on the GT Band Website. Finally, all high school band students, including incoming freshmen, are require to attend two extra rehearsals which will be held on August 30 and 31 from 3-4:00 in Graettinger. Please be in the band room by 3:00 with your instrument out and music for Spania ready.

On a final note, it has been another very successful year for our instrumental program and the greatest thanks for that go to our music students. These young people have committed themselves to excellence and it has shown. I for one can't wait to see what will happen next year! Have a wonderful summer everyone and feel free to email me to keep me posted on your summer happenings. Also, you can come visit me at the Roof Garden in Arnold's Park at any Rock the Roof this summer where I will be mixing.

Sincerely,

Mr. Pedersen