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.