SMS Band Family,
It is with great pride and excitement that we share this news.  This week, the SMS Bands competed in the Region 7 UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest at Burleson Centennial HS.  

The Symphonic Band, under the direction of Mrs. Holly Vasquez, performed on Tuesday.  They earned all first division (superior) ratings from the 3 concert judges and 3 sight-reading judges.  They brought home their 5th consecutive UIL SWEEPSTAKES Award.  In addition, they were one of only three non varsity bands to earn this prestigious award.  Their program included Forward March by Paul Murtha, Challenger Point by Timothy Johnson, and Serengeti Dreams by Robert W. Smith.

The Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Matthew Hiller, performed on Thursday.  They earned first division (superior) rating from 2 of the concert judges and 3 of the sight-reading judges.  They brought home their 7th consecutive UIL SWEEPSTAKES Award.  Their program included Café 512 by Ryan George, Hypnotic Fireflies by Brian Balmages, andColonel Bogey by Kenneth Alford/Mark Williams.  

Of the 48 bands that competed this week, only 12 earned the coveted Sweepstakes Award.  Additionally, only three schools had more than one band earn this award - SMITH MS being one of these!

Congratulations to all of these students for their incredible performances!  We are proud of them as they continue to live to our motto: Superior Standards ~ Superior Success!

SMS Wind Ensemble,
UIL has arrived.  This Thursday is the big day.  The students have worked hard and we're ready for our performance.  It is very important that our final days of preparation and rehearsals have 100% attendance.  Please make sure your child is at school each day this week.

UIL is Thursday, April 10 at Burleson Centennial High School.  Students need to arrive Thursday in their all black band uniform (band polo, black pants, black belt, black shoes, and black socks).  They will report to the band hall at the beginning of 1st period.

We would love to have parents in attendance for our UIL performance.  There is seldom an audience, and having people there to support our performance and applaud is very helpful and encouraging.  Our Concert performance takes place in Centennial HS's auditorium at 10:40 AM.  Immediately following the concert, we will go to the band hall for sight-reading at 11:05.  You are invited to both portions of the concert.

Our schedule for Thursday:
8:05  Report to the band hall in all black for warm-up
9:15 Depart for Burleson Centennial HS
10:15 Warm-up
10:40  PERFORMANCE
11:05  Sight-Read  
11:30 Load buses
12:00 Lunch at Chik-fil-A (students will be given $6; they may need to bring extra)
1:15 Arrive back at SMS

Please remember that this Monday is our final after school rehearsal from 6-8pm in the CHS band hall.

Other information:
Our trip to Great Wolf Lodge is coming in just a month.  All fees and payment are due this Friday, April 11.  Our mandatory parent/student trip meeting is Monday, April 28 at 7pm.

Other upcoming Events and performances:
Monday, April 21 - Golden Pride Band Information meeting for 8th grade students and parents at CHS
Sunday, May 18 - Picnic in the Park
Thursday, May 29 - Spring Concert

Please let me know if you haves any questions.  I hope we will see you at UIL this Thursday!

Dear Symphonic Band Parents,

 

The week of UIL is here! We perform tomorrow during the school day at Burleson Centennial High School. Below is the schedule we will follow for the day. Please make sure your child is at school tomorrow – the band has worked really hard for the past several months and needs everyone in attendance! Also, please make sure your child comes to school in their concert black – black polo, pants, belt, and shoes. We will not have time to change clothes before UIL.

Schedule:

·         Arrive at school as normal

·         When 2nd period bell rings, report to band hall instead of 2nd period class

·         9:10-9:30 – brief instrument check and brief warm up

·         9:30 – Load bus

·         9:45 – Depart for Burleson

·         10:30 – Arrive and unload

·         10:40 – Warm Up

·         11:05 – Stage Performance

·         11:30 – Sight Reading Performance

·         12:30 – Arrive at Chick fil A (Burleson) *Each student will be given $6 for lunch.

·         1:30 – Depart for SMS

·         2:00 – Arrive at SMS; students go to Jacket Time and 7th period

We would love to see you at our performances tomorrow if you are available!

 

Future Dates

Final Trip Payment

Payments for our spring trip to Great Wolf Lodge are due by this Friday, April 11th. You may check the balance of your account by using Charms and following the instructions Mr. Hiller sent out in a previous email.

Mandatory Trip Meeting

There is a mandatory student/parent informational meeting on Monday, April 28th at 7:00 p.m. Because this is an overnight trip, a parent or guardian must be present for each student attending.

Picnic in the Park

The Cleburne ISD annual Picnic in the Park concert will be held on Sunday, May 18th. This is a required performance for all band members. We will give out times and a schedule as one becomes available.

Spring Awards Concert

Our final spring concert will be Thursday, May 29th. This is a favorite concert as some students in each band are recognized for various achievements. Please make plans to attend – we would love to have you in the audience!

Practice Reports

Practice reports continue to be due on a weekly basis every Thursday. Please remember that your child must be eligible to attend our spring trip.

 

If you have any questions/concerns, don’t hesitate to email me. Thank you so much for your continued support and for making this another great week for band!