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Homepage Newsletter Summer Band Handbook Pictures Calendar History Staff Awards Practice Tips |
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May 2007
As the school year comes to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation for your effort, dedication and commitment to the BMS Band program. Your participation played an important role in the success of our performances and activities. Thank you. It seems like the school year just started yesterday and yet here it is, summer vacation. I am sure you have many varied plans that include rest, relaxation and fun in the sun. Whatever your plans, I hope you enjoy all the activities you have planned. You all made a great investment in yourself this school year. Your level of musicianship witnessed continued improvement. Of course, the end of the school year also means that we will be sending another group of students to the Senior High. 8th Grade Band Members, your leadership played a very important role in our band, but now it is time to say "Good-bye" and "Good Luck" to you all. As you enjoy this summer, I hope that you will still continue to develop your musicianship. I encourage you to play your instrument regularly. Home practice by yourself or with a friend is a great way to stay in shape. You may also want to consider taking private instrument lessons, enrolling in a summer music camp or performing with a community band during the summer concert series. We will also have our own BMS Summer Band program again this year, beginning July 23 and ending August 10. (More information will follow) I look forward to working with you again in the
fall. Thanks again and have a GREAT summer! Sincerely, Michael A. Koch Director of BMS Bands
Parents Ensure Music Education's Future As the academic year nears the end, there will be many added last-minute responsibilities for students. Once again, we appeal to you for your parental influence in helping your child focus their energies at this time. Throughout the year we have tried to show the importance of music education for every child. We in turn count on you to help us remind administrators, business leaders and community decision-makers about the importance of quality music programs in our schools. Your outspoken support of music is worth more than words can describe. Never underestimate your influence. The public's perception of music education is shaped by the various performances of our school musical groups. But the concerts are merely a demonstration of the skills learned in class. The essence of our program lies in the development of artistic appreciation, musical expression, individual self-worth, communication skills, and responsible citizens for tomorrow. We see our music students at the head of their academic classes and taking leadership roles in the school. We continue to discover the correlation between extended study of music and higher level achievement. In every child there is a desire to learn that deserves to be nurtured and developed. Music has a magical way of opening the mind, linking the thought patterns and creating a sense of awareness. Shouldn't every child have the opportunity to experience the magic of human potential? Continue to support your child's study of music, but also share the good news about music with others who are part of your social and professional life. Together we can be certain our young artists will enjoy the lifelong benefits of a quality music education curriculum. YOU HELP US MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE!
8th Grade Band - First Place at 'Music In The Parks' Festival
The Bluffs Middle School 8th Grade Concert Band won top honors at the 2007
'Music In The Parks' Festival on Saturday, May 12. The band received a Superior
Rating from the judges and the
First Place Trophy
for Class A (Schools with 750 students or less). The band also received the
trophy for the best Overall Junior High/Middle School Concert Band.
The other schools that participated in the festival
were Craver Middle School (Colorado City, CO), Lake Middle School (Denver, CO),
Miller Middle School (Durango, CO), Pleasant View Middle School (Pueblo, CO),
Southern Hills Middle School (Boulder, CO), Bloomfield High School (Bloomfield,
NM), and Windthorst High School (Windthorst, TX).
The band was adjudicated by two judges on tone quality, intonation, rhythm, technique, and musicality. They performed two pieces for the judges: "Of Wizards And Warriors" by Roland Barrett and "March Creole" by Stephen Bulla. Congratulations to all involved!
More pictures of the days activities may be viewed on the "Pictures" page of this web site. Please click on the "Pictures" link above.
Audition Materials Available The 2008 NSBA 8th Grade All-State Band Audition Materials are now available!
All of
Nebraska’s 8th Grade band students are invited to audition for the 2008 NSBA
8th Grade All-State Band held on
Saturday, January 12, 2008 at the University
of Nebraska - Kearney.
More than 1,800
students over the past seven years have auditioned for this prestigious
ensemble. BMS Alumni who were selected include: Tara Simpson - Clarinet (2002) John Cantril - Trumpet and Nick Brening - Percussion (2003) Brooke Brown - Clarinet (2004) Breanna Elley - Clarinet, Zachary Durbin - Bass Clarinet, and Justin Vogel - Trumpet (2005) Faith Hovey - Clarinet and Shane Feuz - Trumpet (2006) Allie Brisco - Trombone, Karin Shedd - Trombone, Devon Marr - Tuba, and Sara Frederick - Mallet Percussion (2007)
If you
have any questions about the auditions, please contact Mr. Koch as soon as
possible.
Thanks for a GREAT Year! Enjoy your summer.
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Thank You, Students
