Cumberland Bands News – 4/26/16

Hello band folks!

Lots going on in the last month of school.  Check it out:

Fundraising – Our latest fundraiser is due Monday, May 2.  To get the product back in time for delivery, we will not be able to take late submissions.  Please make sure everything is back by Monday, May 2.

Afternoon of Percussion – Just a reminder that on Wednesday, April 27th, we’re having the Afternoon of Percussion for both anyone who wants to march in the fall percussion and for students who just want to learn the basics of drumming at Cumberland.  This is from 3pm-6pm.

Graduation – The band is playing for graduation on the evening of May 20th, and this is a voluntary event for the band students this year. To take advantage of the 4:45 buses, we are having two optional after-school rehearsals on Thursday, April 28, and Thursday, May 5. Students may ride the 4:45 bus or may be picked up at the band room at 4:35. Permission slips went out today.

Marching Band Mini-Camp – Marching band will be in full swing next year. We’ll be doing five home games, two parades, and one or two competitions. The spring mini-camp for marching band will be May 10-12 from 3pm-6pm. Permission slips have gone out. Attending this camp will secure your spot in the ensemble. All the details regarding the commitment will be sent to you by then. Please remember that your child must be enrolled in band class next year to participate in the marching band.

Color Guard Auditions – Color guard (a.k.a. flag corps) auditions for the marching band will also be on May 10-12. This is the one portion of the band that any student may audition for regardless of whether they are in a band class or have even ever played an instrument. There will be a limited number of spots, and we will be examining both excellence of audition and the ability to work as a team under the director and staff. Permission slips have gone out already.

May 24th promotion ceremony – We have been asked to perform a selection at the 8th grade promotion ceremony on the evening of May 24th. Details will follow shortly on this, but if we can do it then we’ll likely play one selection from our spring concert with band students 6th grade and up.

Band Boosters – It’s time for us to have a booster organization. Please respond with your interest in participating in a band parent support group. I’m going to be forming an initial executive board in the next month and begin moving forward with bylaws. It’s an exciting time to get involved with the band program in Cumberland!

As always, keep in touch!

Scott Gordon, Director