Grade 6 Band for the Week of Jan. 26

Hello parents,

I just wanted to give you an update as to what is happening with the Grade 6 Band. We will be performing in the festival in March and many of the students are very excited about it. They all want another "Superior" rating like the one they got last year!

I have noticed something though that is keeping the group from being a truly great band. Each class, students are asked to indicate whether or not they have practised and then I track it in my records. It appears that only about 10 or so of the 24 students in the class are practising regularly and it is definitely affecting the rest of the group. I have to be honest, I'm not trying to turn each and everyone of them into professionals, but I would like all of them to reach a level which will help them to appreciate what they are doing. In addition to that, it is so important to the rest of the band "team" that all players pull their weight and learn their parts. Even 10 minutes a day is better than no practising at all.

As a result of a conversation I've had with the class today, we've decided to take some actions. Beginning on Thursday, if students haven't marked down that they've practised for two classes in a row, I will be contacting home. If this persists, they will be asked to put in extra time during lunch, recess or after school.

Any support from is greatly appreciated and if you have any questions, please contact me at the school or email me at karen.christie@holyspirit.ab.ca. Thanks and watch out for information regarding our festival trip in March!

Karen Christie