🎶 ACS Band Newsletter
October 2026
Dear Band Families,
Thank you for your continued support of our band program! We have several exciting events and projects underway as we move through the fall season. Please take a moment to review the important updates below.
Veterans Day Service Performance
Tuesday, November 10 at 2:15 PM
Our band students will be performing as part of the school’s Veterans Day Service on Tuesday, November 10, at 2:15 PM.
Uniform Reminder
All band students are asked to wear their dress uniform for this performance. Please take a few moments ahead of time to make sure uniforms are clean, fit properly, and are ready to go.
Performing for our veterans is a special honor, and we look forward to helping celebrate and thank those who have served our country.
🎄 Christmas Program Music
“Christmas Holiday March”
Last Friday, students received their music for “Christmas Holiday March,” which will be the ACS Band’s featured selection during the 2026 ACS Christmas Program.
This piece includes several important musical concepts that we will continue to develop throughout the coming weeks:
- Steady tempo and rhythmic accuracy
- Dynamic contrast (playing both softly and loudly when appropriate)
- Careful attention to articulations and style markings
- Balance within the ensemble
- Consistent tone quality
Students who begin practicing now will find the music much easier as rehearsals progress.
🎧 Practice Recordings Available
To help students prepare, I have created and shared practice recordings. In addition, I have located several professional recordings that provide excellent listening examples.
These recordings can help students:
- Hear how their individual part fits into the full ensemble
- Develop a stronger sense of rhythm and tempo
- Become familiar with transitions and challenging sections
- Improve confidence during rehearsals
I encourage students to listen to these recordings regularly, even when they are unable to practice with their instruments. Simply listening actively can make a significant difference in musical growth.
🎺 Practice Expectations
Consistent practice is one of the most important factors in a student’s musical success.
Recommended Practice Schedule
Rather than one long practice session, students will benefit most from:
- 10-15 minutes per day for beginning musicians
- 15-20 minutes per day for more experienced musicians
- Several short practice sessions throughout the week
Regular practice helps build both musical skills and confidence.
✅ Practice Tips for Success
1. Start Small
Focus on one difficult section at a time rather than playing the entire piece repeatedly.
2. Slow It Down
If a passage is challenging, practice it at a slower tempo first. Accuracy should always come before speed.
3. Count Aloud
Counting rhythms aloud while tapping the beat can help students understand difficult passages before playing them.
4. Listen and Compare
Listen to the provided recordings, then play along to check tempo, rhythms, and style.
5. Repeat Successes
When students perform a section correctly, repeat it several times to build muscle memory.
6. End with Something Positive
Finish each practice session by playing a favorite section or something that feels successful. This helps keep practice enjoyable and motivating.
📅 Looking Ahead
Tuesday, November 10
- Veterans Day Service
- Performance Time: 2:15 PM
- Dress Uniform Required
December
- Continued preparation for the ACS Christmas Program
- Performance of Christmas Holiday March
Additional Christmas Program details will be shared as they become available.
Thank you for your partnership and support. I am continually impressed by the students’ hard work, growth, and enthusiasm. With regular practice and focused preparation, I know they will deliver a wonderful performance both at the Veterans Day Service and at our Christmas Program.
Musically,
Mrs. Caitlin Creech
Band Director
All Saints Catholic School
🎶 Practice consistently, listen carefully, and enjoy making music! 🎶