Today is the deadline to get in your symphonic band audition videos. All of the information about the sym band, audition cuts, and how to make and submit the video have been posted on your Canvas homepage for a while. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Schapker, paulschapker@smsd.org. The plan is that he will organize the videos into a file so I can judge them next week using just the audio file from the video. I hope to have results before the Thanksgiving break. Last week, students submitted their videos to audition for the East Central Kansas District Honor Bands. We had 27 students earn positions which is truly impressive! There are four bands-the Jazz Band then the top Gold Band and the two equal Red and Blue Bands. All of these students have qualified to audition for the All-State ensembles which will be virtual this year. Unfortunately, the District groups will be on paper only. There will not be any in-person or virtual rehearsal or performance. Jazz Band *Andrea Edwards, bari sax Will Kersting, trumpet *Matthew Eagleman-trombone Concert Bands Flutes-Bryn Davis, Anna James, Aiden McCall, Courtney Setty Piccolo-Laura Bogner Clariinet-Megan Bogner, Paul Brandt, Kaleah Petersen, Havely Wolff Bassoon-*Jay Selzer Trumpet-Chase Horner, Brady Hull, *Chris Petrella Horn-Jonathan Sears and Zach Nicholas Trombone-Evan Allison, Emma Krueger, Dorian Sanders, Caden Swanson Tuba-Jackson Arb and Lloyd Dodson Snare-*Alex Johannes, Jack LaVergne, Hudson Rupp *denotes first chair players in the Jazz and Gold bands.

This week, all students will be activating their SMARTMUSIC subscriptions. These are already paid for so make sure you don't buy anything! I have posted an assignment in the newest module on Canvas for both Marching Band and Freshman Band (listed as "Freshman Band 20-21") that includes instructions on how to join their class and gain access to SMARTMUSIC. Students need to make sure they signup for their correct class, which should be easy enough by following the instructions. We have a few people in more than one class. You are able to join more than one class but make sure not to download a second subscription. We only have enough for each student. Here is info for parents so you can help your student and learn more about this platform. Students may sign-up before they come to class though we will go through the enrollment process in class. All students will need their laptops in class.

Important Band News -Symphonic Band audition cuts and recording instruction are now posted on Canvas. You may start recording now and recordings are due next Wednesday. Mr. Schapker has posted all the info and instructions you need. MAKE SURE YOU READ ALL OF IT before recording. For those not familiar with how our second semester bands work: the first hour marching band is divided second semester into the by-audition first hour Symphonic Band and the open-enrollment second hour Concert Band. Sym Band auditions are open to anyone in the program and are optional with no grade given. However, you must audition to be in Symphonic Band. Once audition results are posted, I will give the list to the counseling department and they will make any schedule changes that are needed. -It is the last day of the quarter! Make sure that if you want to turn in anything and have it included in your first quarter grade, it is submitted today. Every day in every class I have stressed how important it is for students to turn in all Canvas assignments and most have done that and have a good grade. Some, however, are still behind and do not have a good grade. Take care of this! If you have questions or concerns, I will be checking email throughout the work day today. Your grade is completely determined by your Canvas assignments! Now, another thing to remember is that your first quarter grade is just a snapshot. It is you first SEMESTER grade that will be part of your high school transcript-your permanent record. If you didn't get a good start first quarter-determine now to do much better second quarter and bring that grade up so that your semester grade is strong. -We have bought SMARTMUSIC subscriptions for all band students. You may remember that we had free subscriptions to this online platform during the shutdown in the Spring. All music that we play for the rest of the year will be available on SmartMusic which means we don't have to deal with sheet music as much and students can follow all rehearsals from home. There are also additional resources available including recordings of full ensembles and/or your part for you to play along with and listen to, the ability to record assignments that are posted, and tons of exercises, method books and solos. Watch for instructions on how to start your subscription in the next few days because EVERYONE will need to have an active account because we will use it for every rehearsal. The subscriptions are already paid for. EVERYONE NEEDS TO BRING THEIR CHARGED LAPTOPS TO ALL CLASSES. -SMARTMUSIC, along with the band t-shirts and masks, have been paid for out of the 40.00 band dues everyone is supposed to have paid. Most have but a few haven't. If you haven't taken care of this, please do so. The payment link of the band website is closed at this point so just send a check for 40.00 made out to "SMS Band" as soon as you can. Also, some instrument rental checks have not been turned in. Those are 60.00 and the check should be made out to "SM Schools." Enjoy the beautiful weather on this extended weekend!