Brooks Bands, Week of Dec. 19th-23rd

Congratulations to all of our Tuba & Euphonium players for participating in our annual Tuba Christmas events in downtown Oak Park and at the Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago. This year's Oak Park event included over 30 students from Beye, Brooks, Julian, OPRF and Glenbard South High Schools, along with parents, grandparents and siblings. Our students that continued to the Chicago event were a part of over 300 Tuba and Euphonium players from all across the U.S.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Saturday, Feb. 25th: BRAVO Annual Pasta Night and Music Showcase, 4-9 p.m., GBMS Auditorium and Commons (specific performance times TBA). Cadet &

Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles

from Wind Ensemble. (Jazz Lab Band may perform as well, confirmation to come!)

*This event is the required performance event for 2nd trimester for all academic bands. Please contact Mr. Barnard in writing (email preferred) no later than two weeks before this event if there is an important family conflict.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC TOUR (7TH/8TH Graders)
All students that plan on participating on the 7th/8th Grade Music Tour to St. Louis, MO should have their "Letter of Intent" form along with $100 nonrefundable deposit turned into the BRAVO office or Mr. Barnard. If there is anyone that does plan on attending the trip and has not taken care of this must contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97 to guarantee a spot for the tour.

Information regarding the BRAVO scholarship has already gone out to students. Deadline for the BRAVO scholarship applications is January 23rd. Also please check out the OPRF Youth Township Financial Assistance program to see if your family qualifies for this program. Complete applications for the OPRF Township need to be turned into the BRAVO office as soon as possible. Funds for both financial assistance programs are very limited and it is important to have applications turned in on a timely manner.

Raffle Ticket Fundraiser:
We are still looking for donations for prizes to help our Raffle Ticket Fundraiser in January. If anyone would like to donate gift certificates or would like to help contribute to larger prizes can contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals

Week 4 Due Monday, 12/19

All students should aim for a minimum of 150 minutes per week for an A on their practice records. Please make sure that the practice journal is also signed on the inside of the booklet as well as the front cover.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Week 5 Practice Journals along with the Winter Break Practice Journal (Weeks 6 & 7) combined, are due on Monday, January 9th. Practice requirements for for winter break will be a total of 150 minutes for both weeks 6 & 7. This will allow for student that may be out of town a portion of the winter break to complete their practice requirements. If any student is going to be out of town for the majority or whole winter break, please notate the days you are out of town on the practice record (outside cover) of your practice journal and students will be excused for this assignment. Parents will still need to sign the record to verify. As for the assignment & goals page, students will only need to fill out the Week 5 page for parents to sign. However, students still need to fill out the practice journal portion for each week of practicing (weeks 5, 6 & 7). The easiest way to do this is to make sure for each day they record their practice minutes on the outside cover they need to write down what they practice inside the journal. We will be going over this in class early this week to help students know what is expected.

Music Theory: All students need to have with them their Alfred's Music Theory Book in class so Mr. Barnard can check their work from this past week's assignments. All students should have the following completed in the workbook.

6th Graders: Unit 3 Ear training & Review, Lessons 14 & 15

7th/8th Graders: Unit 11 Ear training & Review, Activity Worksheets 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4.

All activity worksheets from last Thursday and Friday (12/15 & 12/16) classes should be turned in. There will be no music theory assignments or lessons this week leading up to the winter break.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

NO REHEARSAL THIS THURSDAY

Regular Tuesday and Thursday rehearsals will start back up on Tuesday, January 10th.

Jazz Lab Band:

NO REHEARSAL THIS FRIDAY, we will start back up on Friday, January 13th

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 12/12-12/16

Tuesday, Dec. 13th: BRAVO Annual Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium

Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles from Wind Ensemble will be

performing. Concert dress for this event will be our traditional black and white concert attire except for jazz students who will wear their Brooks Jazz T-Shirts with their black slacks and dress shoes. The following are report times for students:

Jazz Lab Band/Small Ensembles 6:30 p.m.
Jazz Ensemble 6:45 p.m.
Any small ensemble that would like to come in early to practice may do so starting at 5:30 p.m. Each individual ensembles will decide when they can come in up to 6:30 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Tuba Christmas: Sat., Dec. 17th
9 a.m. meet at Marion St. Metra Station, performances includes Lake and Marion Streets in Oak Park and the official Tuba Christmas Celebration at the Palmer House Hilton Grand Ballroom in downtown Chicago at 1 p.m. All Tuba and Euphonium students are encouraged to participate in this great event!

*Saturday, Feb. 25th: BRAVO Annual Pasta Night and Music Showcase, 4-9 p.m., GBMS Auditorium and Commons (specific performance times TBA). Cadet &

Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles

from Wind Ensemble. (Jazz Lab Band may perform as well, confirmation to come!)

*This event is the required performance event for 2nd trimester for all academic bands. Please contact Mr. Barnard in writing (email preferred) no later than two weeks before this event if there is an important family conflict.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC TOUR (7TH/8TH Graders)
All students that plan on participating on the 7th/8th Grade Music Tour to St. Louis, MO should have their "Letter of Intent" form along with $100 nonrefundable deposit turned into the BRAVO office or Mr. Barnard. If there is anyone that does plan on attending the trip and has not taken care of this must contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97 to guarantee a spot for the tour.

Information regarding the BRAVO scholarship will be going out this week. Also please check out the OPRF Youth Township Financial Assistance program to see if your family qualifies for this program.

Raffle Ticket Fundraiser:
We are still looking for donations for prizes to help our Raffle Ticket Fundraiser in January. If anyone would like to donate gift certificates or would like to help contribute to larger prizes can contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals

Week 3 Due Monday, 12/12

All students should aim for a minimum of 150 minutes per week for an A on their practice records. Please make sure that the practice journal is also signed on the inside of the booklet as well as the front cover.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: Thursday/Friday
6th Graders: Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Unit 3 Ear Training & Review
7th/8th Graders: Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Unit 11 Ear Training & Review

This assignment should be completed in class if students use their time wisely. Anyone that does not complete this assignment in class will need to complete it at home and show Mr. Barnard the next class day.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal
BRAVO Holiday Concert report time 6:45 p.m.

NO REHEARSAL THIS THURSDAY

Jazz Lab Band:

Monday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal
Tuesday: BRAVO Holiday Concert report time 6:30 p.m.
NO REHEARSAL THIS FRIDAY

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 12/5 - 12/9

ST. LOUIS MUSIC TOUR (7TH/8TH Graders)
All students that plan on participating on the 7th/8th Grade Music Tour to St. Louis, MO should have their "Letter of Intent" form along with $100 nonrefundable deposit turned into the BRAVO office or Mr. Barnard. If there is anyone that does plan on attending the trip and has not taken care of this must contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97 to guarantee a spot for the tour.

Information regarding the BRAVO scholarship will be going out this week. Also please check out the OPRF Youth Township Financial Assistance program to see if your family qualifies for this program.

Raffle Ticket Fundraiser:
We are still looking for donations for prizes to help our Raffle Ticket Fundraiser in January. If anyone would like to donate gift certificates or would like to help contribute to larger prizes can contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, Dec. 13th: BRAVO Annual Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium

Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles from Wind Ensemble will be

performing. Concert dress for this event will be our traditional black and white concert attire except for jazz students who will wear their Brooks Jazz T-Shirts with their black slacks and dress shoes. The following are report times for students:

Jazz Lab Band/Small Ensembles 6:30 p.m.
Jazz Ensemble 6:45 p.m.
Any small ensemble that would like to come in early to practice may do so starting at 5:30 p.m. Each individual ensembles will decide when they can come in up to 6:30 p.m.

*Saturday, Feb. 25th: BRAVO Annual Pasta Night and Music Showcase, 4-9 p.m., GBMS Auditorium and Commons (specific performance times TBA). Cadet &

Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles

from Wind Ensemble. (Jazz Lab Band may perform as well, confirmation to come!)

*This event is the required performance event for 2nd trimester for all academic bands. Please contact Mr. Barnard in writing (email preferred) no later than two weeks before this event if there is an important family conflict.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals

Week 2 Due Monday, 12/5

All students should aim for a minimum of 150 minutes per week for an A on their practice records. Please make sure that the practice journal is also signed on the inside of the booklet as well as the front cover.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: Wednesday
6th Graders: Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Lesson 12-13
7th/8th Graders: Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Lessons 45-46

This assignment should be completed in class if students use their time wisely. Anyone that does not complete this assignment in class will need to complete it at home and show Mr. Barnard the next class day.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Order forms for the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" have gone out. All students in the jazz program will wear these t-shirts for jazz performances throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Thursday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band:

Monday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal
Friday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal
Please note we will have added Monday rehearsals on Dec. 5th & 12th!

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 11/28-12/2

St. Louis 7th/8th Grade Music Tour Informational Meeting, Monday, Nov. 28th @ 7 p.m. for all band, choral and orchestra students and parents that plan on participating. This meeting should last approximately 30-45 minutes to cover student eligibility requirements, trip expectations and opportunities to fundraise to help pay for this tour. A copy of the informational packet can be downloaded on the right side of this blog. The Letter of Intent form along with the $100 nonrefundable deposit is due no later than Thursday, Dec. 1st. The Letter of Intent form can be found on the last page of the informational packet. If anyone has any questions please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, Dec. 13th: BRAVO Annual Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium

Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles from Wind Ensemble will be

performing.

*Saturday, Feb. 25th: BRAVO Annual Pasta Night and Music Showcase, 4-9 p.m., GBMS Auditorium and Commons (specific performance times TBA). Cadet &

Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles

from Wind Ensemble. (Jazz Lab Band may perform as well, confirmation to come!)

*This event is the required performance event for 2nd trimester for all academic bands. Please contact Mr. Barnard in writing (email preferred) no later than two weeks before this event if there is an important family conflict.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals

Week 1 Due Monday, 11/28

Due to the Thanksgiving weekend, students are required 90 minutes for an A this week.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: Thursday
6th Graders: Music Theory Activity Worksheets 3-1 & 3-2.
7th/8th Graders: Rhythm Supplement 22-23.

This assignment should be completed in class if students use their time wisely.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Order forms for the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" have gone out. All students in the jazz program will wear these t-shirts for jazz performances throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

No rehearsal this Thursday!

Jazz Lab Band:

Friday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal
Please note we will have added Monday rehearsals on Dec. 5th & 12th!

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 11/21-11/28

Congratulations to the Brooks Jazz Ensemble for an excellent performance at Fitzgerald's this past Sunday evening. Also thank you to all of our fellow band students and families that came out and supported our jazz ensemble students. Both Fitgerald's staff members and members of the Pete Ellman Big Band were very impressed with the level of musicianship of our students!!!

BRAVO 2012 St. Louis Tour (7th/8th Grade Bands, Choirs, Orchestra)

There will be a brief informational meeting on Monday, Nov. 28th at 7:00 p.m. in the GBMS Auditorium. We encourage all students and families interested in participating to attend. The BRAVO staff will review the trip itinerary as well as cover student eligibility requirements, grade and behavior expectations, chaperones, medical & emergency forms and documentation, payment schedule and fundraising opportunities for students. Also linked is important information from the Oak Park River Forest Township Youth Services. If students qualify, the OPRF Township may be able to provide some financial support for this tour. Families need to fill out the "Income Verification Form" and will need to be able to provide proof of income in order to qualify for financial assistance. All applicants must apply through BRAVO, who is the supporting agency through this assistance. NO APPLICATION SHOULD BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE OPRF TOWNSHIP. Funds may be limited so please submit paperwork no later than Thursday, Dec. 1st.

Families can go ahead and sign the "Letter of Intent" found on the last page of the informational packet along with a check for $100 made out to BRAVO. This will be the deposit needed to secure your child's spot on the tour. The "Letter of Intent" and $100 deposit is due no later than Thursday, Dec. 1st. Families will be able to make payments with credit/debit card through the D97 revtrak online payment store (to be set up very soon). A link will be provided on the BRAVO website as well as your music director's webpage/blog. If anyone has any questions or concerns please contact your child's music director or the BRAVO office.

Informational Packets can be downloaded from the link provided on the right side of the band blog.

We look forward to another great tour for our band, choir and orchestra students.

MUSIC & ARTS INSTRUMENT STEP UP NIGHT

We are still working on another evening for this event with Music & Arts. Mr. Kanwischer has offered to host this event at Julian since we are pretty busy here at Brooks during this time of the year. We will announce the new date as soon as we have a confirmed date.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, Nov. 28th: St. Louis Trip Informational Meeting, 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium For participating 7th/8th grade band, choir, orchestra students and their families

St. Louis Tour NONREFUNDABLE deposit and Letter of Intent due on Thursday, Dec. 1st.

Tuesday, Dec. 13th: BRAVO Annual Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium

Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles from Wind Ensemble will be

performing.

*Saturday, Feb. 25th: BRAVO Annual Pasta Night and Music Showcase, 4-9 p.m., GBMS Auditorium and Commons (specific performance times TBA). Cadet &

Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles

from Wind Ensemble. (Jazz Lab Band may perform as well, confirmation to come!)

*This event is the required performance event for 2nd trimester for all academic bands. Please contact Mr. Barnard in writing (email preferred) no later than two weeks before this event if there is an important family conflict.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals (BLUE BOOKLET)

Week 13 Due Monday, 11/21

Since it is Thanksgiving week, the goals this week will be the following: 90+ min. A, 60-89 B, 30-59 C, below 30 minutes D.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Week 13 will be counted towards the 2nd trimester band grades.

Music Theory: No music theory this week due to the shortened school week.

STUDENT DATA FORMS/HANDBOOK CONTRACT & VIDEO PERMISSION SLIPS:

Thank you to all the students that have already turned in their Student Data sheets and Handbook Contract/Video Permission slips. Please check powerschool to see if you do have these forms marked as turned in. You should see a green check mark which will indicate that Mr. Barnard has received it and is on file.

Both forms are very important in order to have the most up to date information on contact information, instrument information and parental permission to use educational video clips as part of the band curriculum, per D97's video usage policy made last school year.

If you need a copy of any of these forms please contact Mr. Barnard for a new form.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Order forms for the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" have gone out. All students in the jazz program will wear these t-shirts for jazz performances throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

No rehearsals this week!

Jazz Lab Band:

No rehearsals this week! Parents, please note that we will be having Monday morning rehearsals @ 8 a.m. on Dec. 5th & 12th in addition to our regular Friday rehearsals in preparation for the BRAVO Holiday Concert.

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of Nov. 14th-18th

BRAVO 2012 St. Louis Tour (7th/8th Grade Bands, Choirs, Orchestra)

The BRAVO Staff officially announces the 2012 7th/8th Gr. Music Tour to St. Louis, MO, May 18th-20th, 2012. The tour will consist of performing at the Music in the Parks Music Festival in St. Louis, a visit to the St. Louis Gateway Arch and Museum, a visit to the St. Louis City Museum and Six Flags-St. Louis Amusement Park. There is a link on this blog that will take you to the informational packet for families that has all our current information available. Please read through this informational packet with your child so that they understand the eligibility requirements and expectations for participating on the tour.

There will be a brief informational meeting on Monday, Nov. 28th at 7:00 p.m. in the GBMS Auditorium. We encourage all students and families interested in participating to attend. The BRAVO staff will review the trip itinerary as well as cover student eligibility requirements, grade and behavior expectations, chaperones, medical & emergency forms and documentation, payment schedule and fundraising opportunities for students. Also linked is important information from the Oak Park River Forest Township Youth Services. If students qualify, the OPRF Township may be able to provide some financial support for this tour. Families need to fill out the "Income Verification Form" and will need to be able to provide proof of income in order to qualify for financial assistance. All applicants must apply through BRAVO, who is the supporting agency through this assistance. NO APPLICATION SHOULD BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE OPRF TOWNSHIP. Funds may be limited so please submit paperwork no later than Thursday, Dec. 1st.

Families can go ahead and sign the "Letter of Intent" found on the last page of the informational packet along with a check for $100 made out to BRAVO. This will be the deposit needed to secure your child's spot on the tour. The "Letter of Intent" and $100 deposit is due no later than Thursday, Dec. 1st. Families will be able to make payments with credit/debit card through the D97 revtrak online payment store (to be set up very soon). A link will be provided on the BRAVO website as well as your music director's webpage/blog. If anyone has any questions or concerns please contact your child's music director or the BRAVO office.

We look forward to another great tour for our band, choir and orchestra students.

Jazz Ensemble Performance @ Fitzgerald's Nightclub, Sunday, Nov. 20th

PLEASE NOTICE PERFORMANCE TIME CHANGE!!!!

Our students and families do not want to miss this event! Our very own jazz ensemble will be performing along with the Percy Julian Jazz Ensemble and the Pete Ellman Big Band at the historic Fitzgerald's Nightclub, 6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn. It all starts at 6:00 p.m. with our two middle school jazz ensembles followed by a special performance of the Pete Ellman Big Band, one of Chicago's newest and most sought after professional big bands.

Cover for this event is $10 adults and $8 students accompanied with an adult and a portion of the profits will go back the the Brooks and Julian jazz programs. Please invite family, neighbors and friends to attend.

All jazz ensemble students will need to meet at 5:15 p.m.

MUSIC & ARTS INSTRUMENT STEP UP NIGHT (CANCELLED)

This event for Wednesday, Nov. 16th has been postponed due to a scheduling conflict with Music & Arts Center. We are working on rescheduling this event with Music & Arts and will have this event in the spring if we cannot reschedule within the next couple of weeks.

Other Upcoming Events:

Monday, Nov. 28th: St. Louis Trip Informational Meeting, 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium For participating 7th/8th grade band, choir, orchestra students and their families

St. Louis Tour NONREFUNDABLE deposit and Letter of Intent due on Thursday, Dec. 1st.

Tuesday, Dec. 13th: BRAVO Annual Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium

Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles from Wind Ensemble will be

performing.

*Saturday, Feb. 25th: BRAVO Annual Pasta Night and Music Showcase, 4-9 p.m., GBMS Auditorium and Commons (specific performance times TBA). Cadet &

Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles

from Wind Ensemble. (Jazz Lab Band may perform as well, confirmation to come!)

*This event is the required performance event for 2nd trimester for all academic bands. Please contact Mr. Barnard in writing (email preferred) no later than two weeks before this event if there is an important family conflict.

HOMEWORK:

1st. Trimester Outside Concert Summaries Due no later TUESDAY Nov. 15th

Students in any academic music elective are required to attend one live performance of a music, dance or theatrical event each trimester and fill out the Concert Observation Form based on what they saw at the event. A copy of the program or ticket stub from the event will need to be attached and the form requires a parent signature for credit.

Students can attend any event that is school related or out in the community (i.e. OPRF Concerts, community concerts and recitals, events in downtown Chicago such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Broadway in Chicago productions, etc.). Copies of this form can be downloaded from the link provided in the upper right hand corner of the band blog.

Concert Summaries are 5% of the total band grade so please do not forget to accomplish this assignment.

Practice Record Journals

Week 12 Due Monday, 11/14

All students, 6th-8th grade are now aiming for 150 minutes a week for an A on the practice record.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: Wednesday
6th Graders: Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Lessons 10-11 (time signatures)
7th/8th Graders: Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Lessons 43-44 (3/8 & 6/8 time signatures in slow & fast time)

This assignment should be completed in class if students use their time wisely.

Student Performance Assessments

We will be wrapping up performance assessments this week, 6th graders in class, 7th/8th graders during sectionals as we wrap up the trimester on Friday. Any 7th/8th grader that misses their scheduled sectional needs to come in at lunch to complete their performance assessments before the end of this week. If a student know ahead of time they will miss their sectional, they need to be proactive and take care of this assessment this week.

The performance assessments will be used to determine new seating for the 7th/8th grade bands for our next concert cycle of music (PASTA NIGHT).

STUDENT DATA FORMS/HANDBOOK CONTRACT & VIDEO PERMISSION SLIPS:

Thank you to all the students that have already turned in their Student Data sheets and Handbook Contract/Video Permission slips. Please check powerschool to see if you do have these forms marked as turned in. You should see a green check mark which will indicate that Mr. Barnard has received it and is on file.

Both forms are very important in order to have the most up to date information on contact information, instrument information and parental permission to use educational video clips as part of the band curriculum, per D97's video usage policy made last school year.

If you need a copy of any of these forms please contact Mr. Barnard for a new form.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Order forms for the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" have gone out. All students in the jazz program will wear these t-shirts for jazz performances throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Thursday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band:

Friday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 11/7-11/10

Hello Band Families,

Congratulations to Jared A. and Jeremy M. for representing the Brooks Band Program in this Saturday's IMEA District I Jr. Festival at Riverside-Brookfield H.S. Jared and Jeremy were two of 150 students from across Chicago and South/Southwest Suburbs that participated in this event!

OPRF JAZZ NIGHT, Tues., Nov. 8th (Jazz Ensemble)

Please make a note of this date change due to the OPRF Parent Teacher Conferences that are scheduled on 11/9. The concert is at OPRF at 7:30 p.m. Jazz Ensemble members will meet in the OPRF Band Room (rm 100) at 7:00 p.m. Dress is "Brooks Jazz" T-Shirt, black slacks and black dress shoes.

Admission cost is $2 students and $4 adults and can be purchased at the door.

Jazz Ensemble Performance @ Fitzgerald's Nightclub, Sunday, Nov. 20th

Our students and families do not want to miss this event! Our very own jazz ensemble will be performing along with the Percy Julian Jazz Ensemble and the Pete Ellman Big Band at the historic Fitzgerald's Nightclub, 6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn. It all starts at 5:00 p.m. with our two middle school jazz ensembles followed by a special performance of the Pete Ellman Big Band, one of Chicago's newest and most sought after professional big bands.

Cover for this event is $10 adults and $8 students accompanied with an adult and a portion of the profits will go back the the Brooks and Julian jazz programs. Please invite family, neighbors and friends to attend.

Other Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, Dec. 13th: BRAVO Annual Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium

Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles from Wind Ensemble will be

performing.

*Saturday, Feb. 25th: BRAVO Annual Pasta Night and Music Showcase, 4-9 p.m., GBMS Auditorium and Commons (specific performance times TBA). Cadet &

Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles

from Wind Ensemble. (Jazz Lab Band may perform as well, confirmation to come!)

*This event is the required performance event for 2nd trimester for all academic bands. Please contact Mr. Barnard in writing (email preferred) no later than two weeks before this event if there is an important family conflict.

HOMEWORK:

1st. Trimester Outside Concert Summaries Due no later than Nov. 15th

Students in any academic music elective are required to attend one live performance of a music, dance or theatrical event each trimester and fill out the Concert Observation Form based on what they saw at the event. A copy of the program or ticket stub from the event will need to be attached and the form requires a parent signature for credit.

Students can attend any event that is school related or out in the community (i.e. OPRF Concerts, community concerts and recitals, events in downtown Chicago such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Broadway in Chicago productions, etc.). Copies of this form can be downloaded from the link provided in the upper right hand corner of the band blog.

Concert Summaries are 5% of the total band grade so please do not forget to accomplish this assignment.

Practice Record Journals

Week 11 Due Monday, 11/7

All students, 6th-8th grade are now aiming for 150 minutes a week for an A on the practice record.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: There is no music theory this week due to the shortened school week.

STUDENT DATA FORMS/HANDBOOK CONTRACT & VIDEO PERMISSION SLIPS:

Thank you to all the students that have already turned in their Student Data sheets and Handbook Contract/Video Permission slips. Please check powerschool to see if you do have these forms marked as turned in. You should see a green check mark which will indicate that Mr. Barnard has received it and is on file.

Both forms are very important in order to have the most up to date information on contact information, instrument information and parental permission to use educational video clips as part of the band curriculum, per D97's video usage policy made last school year.

If you need a copy of any of these forms please contact Mr. Barnard for a new form.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Order forms for the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" have gone out. All students in the jazz program will wear these t-shirts for jazz performances throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Thursday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band:

Friday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 10/31 - 11/4

Upcoming Events:

I.M.E.A. District I Jr. High Music Festival, Sat. Nov. 5th @ Riverside-Brookfield H.S. select band, choir and orchestra students. (All Day Event) Concert starts at 3 p.m., $5 admission charge. It is highly recommended to come around 2 p.m. for a seat since this event is always packed! Bus transportation for participants is available to the event and families are responsible for providing transportation at the end of the event.

OPRF JAZZ NIGHT, Tues., Nov. 8th (Jazz Ensemble)

Please make a note of this date change due to the OPRF Parent Teacher Conferences that are scheduled on 11/9. The concert is at OPRF at 7:30 p.m. More information for jazz ensemble members will be available soon!

Jazz Ensemble Performance @ Fitzgerald's Nightclub, Sunday, Nov. 20th

Our students and families do not want to miss this event! Our very own jazz ensemble will be performing along with the Percy Julian Jazz Ensemble and the Pete Ellman Big Band at the historic Fitzgerald's Nightclub, 6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn. It all starts at 5:00 p.m. with our two middle school jazz ensembles followed by a special performance of the Pete Ellman Big Band, one of Chicago's newest and most sought after professional big bands.

Cover for this event is $10 adults and $8 students accompanied with an adult and a portion of the profits will go back the the Brooks and Julian jazz programs. Please invite family, neighbors and friends to attend.

Other Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, Dec. 13th: BRAVO Annual Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium

Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles from Wind Ensemble will be

performing.

*Saturday, Feb. 25th: BRAVO Annual Pasta Night and Music Showcase, 4-9 p.m., GBMS Auditorium and Commons (specific performance times TBA). Cadet &

Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles

from Wind Ensemble. (Jazz Lab Band may perform as well, confirmation to come!)

*This event is the required performance event for 2nd trimester for all academic bands. Please contact Mr. Barnard in writing (email preferred) no later than two weeks before this event if there is an important family conflict.

HOMEWORK:

1st. Trimester Outside Concert Summaries Due no later than Nov. 15th

Students in any academic music elective are required to attend one live performance of a music, dance or theatrical event each trimester and fill out the Concert Observation Form based on what they saw at the event. A copy of the program or ticket stub from the event will need to be attached and the form requires a parent signature for credit.

Students can attend any event that is school related or out in the community (i.e. OPRF Concerts, community concerts and recitals, events in downtown Chicago such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Broadway in Chicago productions, etc.). Copies of this form can be downloaded from the link provided in the upper right hand corner of the band blog.

Concert Summaries are 5% of the total band grade so please do not forget to accomplish this assignment.

Practice Record Journals

Week 10 Due Monday, 10/31

All students, 6th-8th grade are now aiming for 150 minutes a week for an A on the practice record.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: Wednesday
6th Graders: Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Unit 2 Ear Training and Review.
7th/8th Graders: Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Unit 10 Ear Training, review supplement.

This assignment should be completed in class if students use their time wisely.

STUDENT DATA FORMS/HANDBOOK CONTRACT & VIDEO PERMISSION SLIPS:

Thank you to all the students that have already turned in their Student Data sheets and Handbook Contract/Video Permission slips. Please check powerschool to see if you do have these forms marked as turned in. You should see a green check mark which will indicate that Mr. Barnard has received it and is on file.

Both forms are very important in order to have the most up to date information on contact information, instrument information and parental permission to use educational video clips as part of the band curriculum, per D97's video usage policy made last school year.

If you need a copy of any of these forms please contact Mr. Barnard for a new form.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Order forms for the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" have gone out. All students in the jazz program will wear these t-shirts for jazz performances throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Thursday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band:

Friday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 10/24-10/28

Congratulations to all of our band and orchestra students for an excellent performance last week at the D97 Instrumental Music Festival. All of the groups performed at their highest level and the level of character our students showed both on and off stage was great! Thank you parents for all of your support!

I.M.E.A. District I Jr. High Music Festival, Sat. Nov. 5th @ Riverside-Brookfield H.S. select band, choir and orchestra students. (All Day Event) Concert starts at 3 p.m., $5 admission charge. It is highly recommended to come around 2 p.m. for a seat since this event is always packed! Bus transportation for participants is available to the event and families are responsible for providing transportation at the end of the event.

OPRF JAZZ NIGHT, Tues., Nov. 8th (Jazz Ensemble)

Please make a note of this date change due to the OPRF Parent Teacher Conferences that are scheduled on 11/9. The concert is at OPRF at 7:30 p.m. More information for jazz ensemble members will be available soon!

Jazz Ensemble Performance @ Fitzgerald's Nightclub, Sunday, Nov. 20th

Our students and families do not want to miss this event! Our very own jazz ensemble will be performing along with the Percy Julian Jazz Ensemble and the Pete Ellman Big Band at the historic Fitzgerald's Nightclub, 6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn. It all starts at 5:00 p.m. with our two middle school jazz ensembles followed by a special performance of the Pete Ellman Big Band, one of Chicago's newest and most sought after professional big bands.

Cover for this event is $10 adults and $8 students accompanied with an adult and a portion of the profits will go back the the Brooks and Julian jazz programs. Please invite family, neighbors and friends to attend.

Other Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, Dec. 13th: BRAVO Annual Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., GBMS Auditorium

Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles from Wind Ensemble will be

performing.

*Saturday, Feb. 25th: BRAVO Annual Pasta Night and Music Showcase, 4-9 p.m., GBMS Auditorium and Commons (specific performance times TBA). Cadet &

Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and select small ensembles

from Wind Ensemble. (Jazz Lab Band may perform as well, confirmation to come!)

*This event is the required performance event for 2nd trimester for all academic bands. Please contact Mr. Barnard in writing (email preferred) no later than two weeks before this event if there is an important family conflict.

HOMEWORK:

1st. Trimester Outside Concert Summaries Due no later than Nov. 15th

Students in any academic music elective are required to attend one live performance of a music, dance or theatrical event each trimester and fill out the Concert Observation Form based on what they saw at the event. A copy of the program or ticket stub from the event will need to be attached and the form requires a parent signature for credit.

Students can attend any event that is school related or out in the community (i.e. OPRF Concerts, community concerts and recitals, events in downtown Chicago such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Broadway in Chicago productions, etc.). Copies of this form can be downloaded from the link provided in the upper right hand corner of the band blog.

Concert Summaries are 5% of the total band grade so please do not forget to accomplish this assignment.

Practice Record Journals

Week 9 Due Monday, 10/24

All students, 6th-8th grade are now aiming for 150 minutes a week for an A on the practice record.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: Wednesday
6th Graders: Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Lessons 6-9 (to be completed throughout
the week).
7th/8th Graders: Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Lesson 42 (Cut-time), Unit 10 review.

This assignment should be completed in class if students use their time wisely.

STUDENT DATA FORMS/HANDBOOK CONTRACT & VIDEO PERMISSION SLIPS:

Thank you to all the students that have already turned in their Student Data sheets and Handbook Contract/Video Permission slips. Please check powerschool to see if you do have these forms marked as turned in. You should see a green check mark which will indicate that Mr. Barnard has received it and is on file.

Both forms are very important in order to have the most up to date information on contact information, instrument information and parental permission to use educational video clips as part of the band curriculum, per D97's video usage policy made last school year.

If you need a copy of any of these forms please contact Mr. Barnard for a new form.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Order forms for the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" will go out this week. All students in the jazz program will wear these t-shirts for jazz performances throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Thursday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band:

Friday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 10/17 - 10/21

D97 Instrumental Music Festival, Wed., Oct 19th at 7:00 p.m., OPRFHS Auditorium. This is a required event for all band students (Cadet, Concert, Symphonic and Wind Ensemble. Permission slips have been emailed and parents can register online via the link on the upper right hand corner of this blog. We will need to take bus transportation for rehearsals with the Julian Middle School bands and every student must have parent permission according to district policies.

If there is an important family conflict, parents must notify Mr. Barnard at least two weeks in advance of any performance and students will need to complete an alternative assignment no later than a week after any event. Parents may notify Mr. Barnard via email at jbarnard@op97.org or with a written note with phone # for verification. It is very important that all students participate at these performances since we have been spending weeks preparing this music and every student is critical to the success of each ensemble!

All students are expected to stay for the entire event. If there is a serious family event that requires your child to leave after their portion of the concert, please email Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org prior to this upcoming Wednesday, otherwise students will be expected to stay. This event should be finished at approximately 8:30 p.m. and is a very rare glimpse of the totality of our middle school instrumental music program!

Concert Attire:

Boys: White button down dress shirt, black dress pants, black dress shoes, solid black neck tie.

Girls: White blouse top that covers shoulders, black dress pants, black dress shoes.

No jeans, t-shirts or gym shoes.

Festival rehearsals will be at OPRF on Tuesday, Oct. 18th (7th/8th graders) and Wednesday, Oct. 19th (6th graders), during the school day. Each student needs to have a permission slip in order to participate in these rehearsals. A LINK TO THE PERMISSION SLIP IS ON THE UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THIS BLOG.

D97 REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, Oct. 19th:
Symphonic Band: 9:00 a.m. report to D110 immediately after attendance. Arrive back from OPRF at approximately 11:00.

Wind Ensemble: All 8th Graders will need to eat lunch at 12:00 p.m. in D105 (Bring Sack Lunch)! All 7th graders report to D105 at 12:20 p.m. Arrive back from OPRF at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 20th:
Cadet Band: 9:00 a.m. departure after attendance. Arrive back from OPRF at approximately 11:00 a.m.

Concert Band: 12:20 report to D110, arrive back from OPRF at approximately 2:45 p.m.

D97 Instrumental Music Festival Report Times and Locations
Cadet Band - 6:30 p.m. in Little Theatre
Concert Band - 6:30 p.m. in Green Room
Symphonic Band - 7:15 p.m. South Cafeteria
Wind Ensemble - 7:45 p.m. South Cafeteria

Students should not leave any valuables around. If they need to have a cell phone it needs to be turned off and put away in a pocket.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES: Thursday, Oct. 20th
Since Mr. Barnard has students from all six core teams, parents can stop by to visit him during the conference schedule on a first come, first serve basis. Parents come come visit before or after their student's scheduled portfolio conference time. Mr. Barnard will be available from 1-4:10 p.m. and 4:45 - 8:00 p.m.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals

Week 8 Due Monday, 10/17

All students, 6th-8th grade are now aiming for 150 minutes a week for an A on the practice record.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: Due to this week's D97 Festival Schedule, students will have their music theory assignments on Tuesday or Wednesday.

6th Graders: Unit 1 Ear Training and Unit 1 review, Alfred's Music Theory Bk 1.
7th/8th Graders: Rhythm Review 16-18

This assignment should be completed in class if students use their time wisely.

STUDENT DATA FORMS/HANDBOOK CONTRACT & VIDEO PERMISSION SLIPS:

Thank you to all the students that have already turned in their Student Data sheets and Handbook Contract/Video Permission slips. Please check powerschool to see if you do have these forms marked as turned in. You should see a green check mark which will indicate that Mr. Barnard has received it and is on file.

Both forms are very important in order to have the most up to date information on contact information, instrument information and parental permission to use educational video clips as part of the band curriculum, per D97's video usage policy made last school year.

If you need a copy of any of these forms please contact Mr. Barnard for a new form.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Order forms for the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" will go out this week. All students in the jazz program will wear these t-shirts for jazz performances throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Thursday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band:

Friday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

All students that want to participate will need to have a signed permission slip in order to participate.

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 10/11-10/14

CONCERT REMINDER:

D97 Instrumental Music Festival, Wed., Oct 19th at 7:00 p.m., OPRFHS Auditorium. This is a required event for all band students (Cadet, Concert, Symphonic and Wind Ensemble. Permission slips will be online and will be going out via email this week. We will need to take bus transportation for rehearsals with the Julian Middle School bands and every student must have parent permission according to district policies. If there is an important family conflict, parents must notify Mr. Barnard at least two weeks in advance of any performance and students will need to complete an alternative assignment no later than a week after any event. Parents may notify Mr. Barnard via email at jbarnard@op97.org or with a written note with phone # for verification. It is very important that all students participate at these performances since we have been spending weeks preparing this music and every student is critical to the success of each ensemble!

Concert Attire:

Boys: White button down dress shirt, black dress pants, black dress shoes, solid black neck tie.

Girls: White blouse top that covers shoulders, black dress pants, black dress shoes.

No jeans, t-shirts or gym shoes.

Festival rehearsals will be at OPRF on Tuesday, Oct. 18th (7th/8th graders) and Wednesday, Oct. 19th (6th graders), during the school day. Each student needs to have a permission slip in order to participate in these rehearsals. A LINK TO THE PERMISSION SLIP IS ON THE UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THIS BLOG.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES: Thursday, Oct. 20th
Since Mr. Barnard has students from all six core teams, parents can stop by to visit him during the conference schedule on a first come, first serve basis. Parents come come visit before or after their student's scheduled portfolio conference time. Mr. Barnard will be available from 1-4:10 p.m. and 4:45 - 8:00 p.m.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals

Week 7 Due Tuesday, 10/11

All students, 6th-8th grade are now aiming for 150 minutes a week for an A on the practice record.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: (Wed.) No music theory this week due to the short week and upcoming concert!

STUDENT DATA FORMS/HANDBOOK CONTRACT & VIDEO PERMISSION SLIPS:

Thank you to all the students that have already turned in their Student Data sheets and Handbook Contract/Video Permission slips. Please check powerschool to see if you do have these forms marked as turned in. You should see a green check mark which will indicate that Mr. Barnard has received it and is on file.

Both forms are very important in order to have the most up to date information on contact information, instrument information and parental permission to use educational video clips as part of the band curriculum, per D97's video usage policy made last school year.

If you need a copy of any of these forms please contact Mr. Barnard for a new form.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Order forms for the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" will go out this week. All students in the jazz program will wear these t-shirts for jazz performances throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Thursday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band:

Friday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

All students that want to participate will need to have a signed permission slip in order to participate.

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 10/3 - 10/7

CONCERT REMINDER:

D97 Instrumental Music Festival, Wed., Oct 19th at 7:00 p.m., OPRFHS Auditorium. This is a required event for all band students (Cadet, Concert, Symphonic and Wind Ensemble. Permission slips will be online and will be going out via email this week. We will need to take bus transportation for rehearsals with the Julian Middle School bands and every student must have parent permission according to district policies. If there is an important family conflict, parents must notify Mr. Barnard at least two weeks in advance of any performance and students will need to complete an alternative assignment no later than a week after any event. Parents may notify Mr. Barnard via email at jbarnard@op97.org or with a written note with phone # for verification. It is very important that all students participate at these performances since we have been spending weeks preparing this music and every student is critical to the success of each ensemble!

Concert Attire:

Boys: White button down dress shirt, black dress pants, black dress shoes, solid black neck tie.

Girls: White blouse top that covers shoulders, black dress pants, black dress shoes.

No jeans, t-shirts or gym shoes.

IMEA District I Auditions, Sat. Oct. 1st, Bryan Middle School, Elmhurst

Congratulations to all of our Band, Choir and Orchestra students that participated in the IMEA District I Jr. High Honors Music Auditions this past Saturday. Results are in and will be announced early this week. We are very proud of all of our students that participated and represented our music program, school and community in a very positive manner! No matter what the results, all of our students learn a lot and have become stronger musicians by participating in this process!

HOMEWORK:

Portfolio Assessments: Any student that did not accomplish their portfolio assessment last week must leave their band binder and show both their Standard of Excellence and Alfred Essentials of Music Theory book no later than this Tuesday 10/4. Binders will be penalized after this date 10 points each day. After this week, any binder that is turned in for assessment will receive only 1/2 credit.

Practice Record Journals (Due every Monday)

Week 6 Due Monday, 10/3

All students, 6th-8th grade are now aiming for 150 minutes a week for an A on the practice record.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Please note that Week 7 Practice Journals are due on Tuesday, 10/11 due to Columbus Day Holiday.

Music Theory: (Wed.)

6th Graders: Lesson 5, Ledger Lines

7th/8th Graders: Lesson 41, Dotted Eighth Rhythm

All students need to have their required Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Book in order to complete this assignment in class. If students use their class time wisely, they will not have music theory homework. Students will need to show Mr. Barnard their completed work in class or by the next class day in order to be received on time. A late penalty of 10 points per day will be assessed to any late assignment.

STUDENT DATA FORMS/HANDBOOK CONTRACT & VIDEO PERMISSION SLIPS:

Thank you to all the students that have already turned in their Student Data sheets and Handbook Contract/Video Permission slips. Please check powerschool to see if you do have these forms marked as turned in. You should see a green check mark which will indicate that Mr. Barnard has received it and is on file.

Both forms are very important in order to have the most up to date information on contact information, instrument information and parental permission to use educational video clips as part of the band curriculum, per D97's video usage policy made last school year.

If you need a copy of any of these forms please contact Mr. Barnard for a new form.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Order forms for the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" will go out this week. All students in the jazz program will wear these t-shirts for jazz performances throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Thursday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band:

Friday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

All students that want to participate will need to have a signed permission slip in order to participate.

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 9/26-9/30

CONCERT REMINDER:

D97 Instrumental Music Festival, Wed., Oct 19th at 7:00 p.m., OPRFHS Auditorium. This is a required event for all band students (Cadet, Concert, Symphonic and Wind Ensemble. Permission slips will be out very soon since we will need to take bus transportation for rehearsals with the Julian Middle School bands. If there is an important family conflict, parents must notify Mr. Barnard at least two weeks in advance of any performance and students will need to complete an alternative assignment no later than a week after any event. Parents may notify Mr. Barnard via email at jbarnard@op97.org or with a written note with phone # for verification. It is very important that all students participate at these performances since we have been spending weeks preparing this music.

Concert Attire:

Boys: White button down dress shirt, black dress pants, black dress shoes, solid black neck tie.

Girls: White blouse top that covers shoulders, black dress pants, black dress shoes.

No jeans, t-shirts or gym shoes.

IMEA District I Auditions, Sat. Oct. 1st, Bryan Middle School, Elmhurst

Students that are registered to audition for the IMEA District I Jr. Honors Band, Choir, Orchestra, Jazz groups will receive information on Monday with their audition times and information about bus transportation to and from Oak Park. Parents that wish to take and/or pick up their student from the auditions must notify Mr. Barnard in writing in advance.

Any student that would like to come for help during their lunch period or after school should talk to Mr. Barnard to get a lunch pass or check for availability. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday after school Mr. Barnard can be available.

Audition results should be found out within the following week.

HOMEWORK:

Portfolio Assessments: 1st trimester portfolio assessments will be accomplished this week for all band students. 6th graders will have portfolio assessments this Wednesday, 9/28 in class and all 7th/8th graders will have portfolio assessments throughout the week during their scheduled band sectional. A copy of the scoring guide on the portfolio assessments can be found towards the back of the Band Handbook.

Practice Record Journals (Due every Monday)

Week 5 Due Monday, 9/26

All students, 6th-8th grade are now aiming for 150 minutes a week for an A on the practice record.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: (Wed.)

6th Graders: treble/bass clef notation supplement

7th/8th Graders: 16th notes/rests supplement

All students need to have their required Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Book in order to complete this assignment in class. If students use their class time wisely, they will not have music theory homework. Students will need to show Mr. Barnard their completed work in class or by the next class day in order to be received on time. A late penalty of 10 points per day will be assessed to any late assignment.

STUDENT DATA FORMS/HANDBOOK CONTRACT & VIDEO PERMISSION SLIPS:

Thank you to all the students that have already turned in their Student Data sheets and Handbook Contract/Video Permission slips. Please check powerschool to see if you do have these forms marked as turned in. You should see a green check mark which will indicate that Mr. Barnard has received it and is on file.

Both forms are very important in order to have the most up to date information on contact information, instrument information and parental permission to use educational video clips as part of the band curriculum, per D97's video usage policy made last school year.

If you need a copy of any of these forms please contact Mr. Barnard for a new form.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Order forms for the "Brooks Jazz T-Shirts" will go out this week. All students in the jazz program will wear these t-shirts for jazz performances throughout the school year.

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Thursday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band:

Friday: 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

All students that want to participate will need to have a signed permission slip in order to participate.

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands, Week of 9/19-9/23

JAZZ ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS

Thank you to everyone that has auditioned for the Jazz Ensemble this year! I am amazed at the talent of our students!!! Unfortunately I can only take so many students into jazz ensemble. The results will be posted on Monday morning, 9/19 and the first rehearsal starts this Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. We are having callback auditions Monday morning for some of our drum set players before we make our final selections for that position of the jazz ensemble. Everyone should know no later than the end of the day Monday so they can attend our first rehearsal.

We do have two positions open still! We currently only have one pianist and would like to add another. Also, we are in need of a bari. sax player. Mr. Barnard will ask those saxophone students that are next in line first to see if they would like to play bari. sax in our jazz ensemble and then will open it up to any current bari. sax player in the band program. Any student that currently plays piano and would be interested in playing in the jazz ensemble should contact Mr. Barnard. Any student that did not go through the formal audition process will need to prepare on of the audition requirements first before any recommendation into the jazz ensemble is made.

For those students that did not get selected thank you for taking the time to prepare and audition for us! There are a lot of good things happening with all of you!! For the students that did make it into the jazz ensemble, please make sure that you stay committed to our rehearsal and performance schedule. If there is a student that is not committed, they can be dismissed from the jazz program and the slot will be offered to the next student in line for that seat. Before a decision is ever made to dismiss a student, both he/she and their family will be notified to let them correct the problem before being dismissed.

Students that have more than two unexcused rehearsal absences can be dismissed from the jazz program. Students that do perform in other co-curricular and/or athletic activities that may have occasional conflicts must notify the director before each rehearsal.

PERFORMANCE SKILLS TESTING:

All students will be completing their 1st performance skills assessments this week. 6th Graders will be accomplishing this assessment during class and 7th/8th grade students will be completing them during their scheduled band sectional. Students will be performing the following:

Cadet Band: Bb & F Concert Major Scales and Arpeggios

Concert Band: S.E. Bk 2: Ex. 2, 4, 6, 8 (Bb & Eb scales/arpeggios/technique exercises)

Symphonic Band: IMEA Jr. High Scale Sheet (lines 2-6) and IMEA Audition Etude excerpt.

Wind Ensemble: IMEA Jr. High Scale Sheet (All) and IMEA Audition Etude excerpt.

All 7th/8th graders will only be assessed on the IMEA Jr. High Scale Sheet for a grade. The IMEA Audition Etude excerpt is an additional item that will be used to determine seating placement for the fall concert. The next seating placement assessment will happen before Thanksgiving break.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals (Due every Monday)

Week 4 Due Monday, 9/19

All students, 6th-8th grade are now aiming for 150 minutes a week for an A on the practice record.

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. Parents need to sign two signatures, one on the outside cover and one in the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: (Wed.)

6th Graders: Alfred's Music Theory Lesson 4, Activity Worksheet 1-1

7th/8th Graders: 16th notes/rests supplement

All students need to have their required Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Book in order to complete this assignment in class. If students use their class time wisely, they will not have music theory homework. Students will need to show Mr. Barnard their completed work in class or by the next class day in order to be received on time. A late penalty of 10 points per day will be assessed to any late assignment.

BAND HANDBOOKS:

All students have received the Band Handbook to help them and their families understand the grading policies, required supplies, concert dress requirements and responsibilities of the students, parents and their band director. There is also helpful information on practicing, music enrichment opportunities available and sample forms for students and parents to copy from if needed.

Students also received a band handbook contract/video usage agreement form that needs to be signed by both students and their family. Due to recent district policy, teachers must have written parental permission to show video/movie clips as part of their curriculum. If a student does not have written permission from a parent an alternative assignment must be given. Periodically we use video clips of music performances from both school and professional level musicians to use for critique and comparison of what we are doing with our band program. We also use video clips of music educational/history series such as Marsalis on Music, Ken Burns JAZZ and Blast to name a few. These clips are also supplemented with activity sheets to help student comprehension and retaining information.

This band handbook contract/video permission slip was due on Tuesday, Sep. 13th. Please check powerschool to see if your student has turned in this form. A green check mark should show you that I have received it.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders):

Audition results are posted on Monday, 9/19.

Tuesday 8 a.m.: 1st rehearsal

Thursday 8:00 a.m. rehearsal

Jazz Lab Band: Is primarily our 6th grade jazz band and is open to all band students. Students that play oboe and french horn are encouraged to join jazz lab band on another instrument (i.e. piano, bass, guitar, etc.) Since this is an introductory level jazz band, students do not audition in order to participate. The jazz lab band rehearses every Friday morning from 8:00 - 8:50 a.m. and will start on Sep. 23rd.

All students that want to participate will need to have a signed permission slip in order to participate.

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

The jazz participation flyers are available for pick up in the band room (D110) and I will also email this form out to parents to download. Please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org if you have any questions regarding the jazz program.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.

Brooks Bands Week of 9/12-9/16

Congratulations to all of our 8th graders that participated in the OPRF Marching Huskies 8th grade night. We had 21 8th graders participate and there was over 50 8th graders total from all three public feeder programs! We did face a little bit of rain but it didn't damped the spirits of the students who had a great time working and playing with the OPRF Marching Huskies!

CURRICULUM NIGHT: Thursday, Sep. 15th

Don't forget to come out and meet all of your students' teachers this Thursday evening. This event is for parents only.

HOMEWORK:

Practice Record Journals (Due every Monday)

Week 3 Due Monday, 9/12

6th Graders: 120+ minutes = A, 90-119 minutes = B, 60-89 minutes = C, 30-59 minutes = D, below 30 minutes = U.

7th/8th Graders: Regular practice requirements 150+ minutes = A

Students need to have the Practice Record (outside cover) Practice Journal and Weekly Assignments and Goals filled out for full credit. A parent signature on the outside cover and on the Weekly Assignments and Goals is required for credit.

Practice records that are not turned in on time do receive a 10 point penalty each day it is late and will not receive credit if it is not turned in within the week. Make sure that both the cover as well as the assignments and goals page are signed to receive credit.

Music Theory: (Wed.)

6th Graders: Alfred's Music Theory, Lessons 1-3

7th/8th Graders: Alfred's Music Theory, Lessons 39-40

All students need to have their required Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Book in order to complete this assignment in class.

BAND HANDBOOKS:

All students have received the Band Handbook to help them and their families understand the grading policies, required supplies, concert dress requirements and responsibilities of the students, parents and their band director. There is also helpful information on practicing, music enrichment opportunities available and sample forms for students and parents to copy from if needed.

Students also received a band handbook contract/video usage agreement form that needs to be signed by both students and their family. Due to recent district policy, teachers must have written parental permission to show video/movie clips as part of their curriculum. If a student does not have written permission from a parent an alternative assignment must be given. Periodically we use video clips of music performances from both school and professional level musicians to use for critique and comparison of what we are doing with our band program. We also use video clips of music educational/history series such as Marsalis on Music, Ken Burns JAZZ and Blast to name a few. These clips are also supplemented with activity sheets to help student comprehension and retaining information.

This band handbook contract/video permission slip needs to be turned in by Tuesday, Sep. 13th.

JAZZ PROGRAM

Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th Graders): The jazz ensemble meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:00 - 8:50 a.m. Students are selected into this group by audition and audition material was available at the end of last school year and will be available for students to pick up this week if they need another copy. The instrumentation of the jazz ensemble is similar to a traditional big band (saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, guitar, bass, drum set, and we have added vibraphone which can be used in the traditional big band setting. Flute and clarinet players have been encouraged to pick up saxophone as a secondary instrument. They may however audition in jazz ensemble on their primary instrument but will be competing for a spot in the saxophone section.

Auditions and workshops for the jazz ensemble are the following:

Mon. 9/12: Saxophone, trombone, trumpet workshop, 8:00-8:50 a.m.

Rhythm Section workshop(piano, guitar, bass, drumset, vibes) 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Tues. 9/13: Rhythm Section workshop 8:00 - 8:50 a.m.

Saxophone, trombone, trumpet workshop, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Thurs. 9/15: Saxophone, trombone, trumpet auditions 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Students will

need to sign up for a specific audition time and have a signed permission slip.

Fri. 9/16: Rhythm section auditions 8:00 and if needed 3:30 p.m. Students will need to sign up

for a specific audition time and have a signed permission slip.

All students auditioning need to have a signed permission slip for the jazz program before auditioning. NO EXCEPTIONS. Audition results will be posted on Monday, Sep. 19th and the first rehearsal starts Tuesday, Sep. 20th.

Jazz Lab Band: Is primarily our 6th grade jazz band and is open to all band students. Students that play oboe and french horn are encouraged to join jazz lab band on another instrument (i.e. piano, bass, guitar, etc.) Since this is an introductory level jazz band, students do not audition in order to participate. The jazz lab band rehearses every Friday morning from 8:00 - 8:50 a.m. and will start on Sep. 23rd.

All students that want to participate will need to have a signed permission slip in order to participate.

All jazz students, 6th-8th grade, will need to have the Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble book which will be used all three years of their jazz experience at brooks.

The jazz participation flyers are available for pick up in the band room (D110) and I will also email this form out to parents to download. Please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org if you have any questions regarding the jazz program.

7th & 8th GRADE BAND SECTIONALS/SEATING PLACEMENTS

Band sectionals for all 7th/8th grade band students will start on Monday, Sep. 12th. Students will receive a copy of the sectional schedule for the 1st trimester this week. The sectionals are scheduled during 3rd, 4th and 8th periods and students will be scheduled by their instrument section (i.e. flutes, trumpets, percussion, etc.) Each group will be assigned a specific day each week and the schedule will rotate from these three class periods so students do not miss the same class period more than once a month. In the case of a four day week, sectionals maybe rescheduled in order to fit each group within the week. The goal to the rotating schedule is to avoid as little disruption to every student's schedule as possible.

Students will need to check in with their classroom teacher before coming down for band sectionals and they should have a copy of their sectional schedule with them as their pass to come down. Students are excused from a band sectional if they are taking a test, presenting a project, or have a guest speaker in their classroom or are absent from school that day. If time permits, they should come down for the remainder of the class period if they finish early with testing/quizzes, etc. To confirm an excused absence (other than absent from school) students will need to fill out an excused absence form and have it signed by their classroom teacher. This form should be turned in by the next school day.

It is crucial for students to participate in the sectional portion of the 7th/8th grade band curriculum since it provides an opportunity to give more individualized instruction, work on instrument specific skills and complete performance assessments that cannot be completed in a full band class environment.

The 7th/8th grade seating placement assessments will happen the week of Sep. 19th. This will allow students focusing on jazz ensemble auditions or other co-curricular ensemble auditions the week before as well as give us a chance to review the seating placement material together in each sectional.

If students or families have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Barnard at jbarnard@op97.org.