latest news & announcements

Dear Band Families,

We hope you have had a fantastic start to your new year! We wanted to reach out and give you a few quick updates from the directors.

1. As the “shiny and new” wears off the instruments, it is imperative that your students continue to practice daily. We are learning more difficult skills at this point in the semester, and those who are not practicing outside of class time will have a larger risk of falling behind.

2. Please make sure your students have the proper supplies. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact your child's director.

3. We are starting to endorse private lessons. These are a fantastic way for students to get weekly, one-on-one help on their instrument. Whether the student is advancing very quickly on their instrument and needs more of a challenge than the daily classwork, or the student may be struggling in some areas, private lesson curriculum will be directed toward your student's needs. These will come at an additional cost, but are very beneficial! Please contact your student's director if you are interested. We have outstanding private teachers who are fully endorsed by the directors.

4. SAVE THE DATE!!!! These were given out at the beginning of the year, but please make sure they are on your calendar. We understand how busy weekends can be, so please be aware of these dates. :)

SATURDAY, April 6th--Solo Performance Opportunity at Mustang High School (About a 30 minute commitment for each student. Specific time requests will be honored if possible). This is NOT required, but highly encouraged. More information to follow soon.

SATURDAY, April 13th--Band Festival at Deer Creek Performing Arts Center (Time TBD, but will be required for a grade). More info to come! Spectators are welcome to attend!!

SATURDAY, May 4th--SPRING BAND CONCERT!!! You will not want to miss! This is required for a grade. (Time TBD) Spectators welcome! Concert will be at the MHS Events Center.

We will send out times, itineraries, and more information as soon as we can!!

*We will also be performing at Meadow Brook on Wednesday, February 13th to recruit 5th grader's for next year's band!! The recruitment concert will be at 9:30 AM in the cafeteria. It will be a short performance, probably only 15 minutes or so. Students will be excused from their classes.*

*We are also hoping to take a field trip to the OKC Philharmonic, but that is still in the works. Stay tuned!*

Thank you for being such supportive band parents!

Mrs. Tracy (contact for Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute, Percussion) tracym@mustangps.org Mr. Chai (contact for Trumpet, Trombone) chaic@mustangps.org Mr. Ozinga (ccontact for Percussion) ozingac@mustangps.org

Thursday, December 6th at 7:00 PM

Meadow Brook Intermediate Cafeteria

Hello Meadow Brook Band Families!

We are so excited to share all of the things we have learned so far this year! The students have been doing very well! This concert will combine all five classes of bands at Meadow Brook, for a total of 90 students! We will have a rehearsal the day of the concert during Life Apps time.

Important information:

1. Please make sure your student arrives to the Meadow Brook band room NO LATER than 6:30 PM on Thursday, December 6th.

2. Please think about allowing extra time because there are limited spots in the parking lots. You may park in the front of the school, the drop-off lot, or in the back by the bus garage. There should be plenty of space for everyone, but you may have to walk a bit.

3. The concert will probably only last about 45 minutes.

4. Students will wear their Red Meadow Brook Band t-shirt, their nicest, darkest wash jeans

   (black jeans are fine), and nice-looking shoes (no sandals, please).

5. This concert will count for a large portion of the 9 week grade! This date was given out at

   the beginning of the year, so hopefully your calendar has already been marked! :)

6. If you have any questions about the concert, please email Mrs. Tracy at

   tracym@mustangps.org​.

We are looking forward to a great show! Please encourage your student to practice their instrument over Thanksgiving break. They will lose a lot of developed “face muscle” if they do not play their instrument. I always encourage students to perform for their families and loved ones that they see over Thanksgiving!

Thank you,
Mrs. Tracy, Mr. Chai, and Mr. Ozinga

Students should have completed their CODA registration by now.  Any entries after today will cost extra to get registered due to CODA policy.

All students are encouraged to attend before and after school help sessions.  Mrs. Watson is usually available by 7:30 most mornings.  After school help sessions are available Monday - Thursday until 5:00pm.  Students need to attend at least one session per week, but are welcome to atten more.

Thanks!

CODA is an honor band composed of students from school districts in the OKC metro area.  Think of it as an "All-Star Band" in which students are auditioning to place in this band.  More information can be found at the CODA website.  Auditions take place on Saturday, November 3rd at Edmond Santa Fe High School.  The CODA clinic takes place at Norman North High School and the University of Oklahoma on Friday and Saturday, January 11-12.  If you are interested in auditioning for CODA, please fill out this entry form.