Parents, please mark your calendars for our important “Celebration of the Arts” on Friday, April 24th. It should start at 6 pm in the ACS gymnasium. Mrs. Santos has worked incredibly hard on creating a great experience for ACS students and families, and I am glad we get to be a part of it!
This will be a required performance for students (akin to the Christmas Program).
Last week, we reviewed dynamics in music and how to apply them in our music for the “Celebration of the Arts” on Friday, April 24th.
Dynamics
There will be no band class on Wednesday, March 25th due to our Accreditation Visit. Students, please leave your instruments and band binders at home.
On Friday, students should be prepared and ready to go with instruments, band binders, and a pencil!
Parents, please mark your calendars for our important “Celebration of the Arts” on Friday, April 24th. It should start at 6 or 7 pm. I am waiting to confirm with staff the exact start time.
This will be a required performance for students (akin to the Christmas Program).
Sincerely,
Mrs. Creech
On Wednesday, March 11th, middle school students will enjoy a special performance by Trio Azura! You can read more about them here: https://bellinghamfestival.org/outreach/play-it-forward-residency/
We will not have class on Friday, March 13th.
It is vital students practice at home this week to offset not having instruction.
Metronome marking for this week – 100 bpm
Online Metronome: https://www.metronomeonline.com/
In a nutshell, for at-home practice, students should:
10-15 minutes of practice a day is ideal; students should not be “cramming” an hour or so of practice the night before class. We are training our ears and muscles to play music, and proper practice stretched out over the course of a few days can and will make a world of difference.
If you made it this far, thank you! I love making music with the kids, as they are a very energetic group! Below, you will find a list of links including an online metronome, tuner, and several practice videos.
Salt and Spray – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzyL8Z9Le40&list=RDJzyL8Z9Le40&start_radio=1
Metronome – https://share.google/FLbha6AifSJpX7dpA
Tuner – https://share.google/0bt2ghcuq3T3jM4af
For Fun!
Theme from “Bluey”
Flute – https://youtu.be/6awzCOLi2bQ?si=sELekmMs25Cu2Iat
Clarinet – https://youtu.be/OhDi6QiG0Y0?si=KVzNQtPICQkBG9ze
Movie Studio Themes
Trumpet – https://youtu.be/KHWHQBbEz7E?si=KLG-RpwSY2aFdjq_
Never Gonna Give You Up (Yes, the “Rick Roll” Song)
Trombone – https://youtu.be/5k5cVZv3Enw?si=L9Cnc4x3nJCVht3R
OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars”
Percussion/Drumset – https://youtu.be/OHi6Uyi5vDY?si=B5Scp0R24
This week, we only had one class on Wednesday, February 25th. There is NO band class on Friday, February 27th due to the afternoon Literacy & Volleyball Assembly.
Students: Please do not bring your instruments to school tomorrow (Friday, 2/27). Leave them at home (not in your parent’s car) and get them out of the case over the weekend and practice!
“Salt and Spray”
Last Friday (2/20) and Wednesday (2/25), we reviewed the concept of subdividing notes into smaller values. This practice helps students feel the pulse of the music by breaking long notes into smaller parts.
The video below goes into “how” to practice. It’s a bit old, so you may some “older” technology pictured!
In a nutshell, for at-home practice, students should:
10-15 minutes of practice a day is ideal; students should not be “cramming” an hour or so of practice the night before class. We are training our ears and muscles to play music, and proper practice stretched out over the course of a few days can and will make a world of difference.
When I first started working at Assumption Catholic School, I held afterschool rehearsals twice a week to help students in smaller groups. Wow, did this help so much!!
I know I was supposed to send out a SignUp Genius for afterschool practice sessions… I plan to have this sent out, soon!
If you made it this far, thank you! I love making music with the kids, as they are a very energetic group! Below, you will find a list of links including an online metronome, tuner, and several practice videos.
Salt and Spray – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzyL8Z9Le40&list=RDJzyL8Z9Le40&start_radio=1
Metronome – https://share.google/FLbha6AifSJpX7dpA
Tuner – https://share.google/0bt2ghcuq3T3jM4af
For Fun!
Theme from “Bluey”
Flute – https://youtu.be/6awzCOLi2bQ?si=sELekmMs25Cu2Iat
Clarinet – https://youtu.be/OhDi6QiG0Y0?si=KVzNQtPICQkBG9ze
Movie Studio Themes
Trumpet – https://youtu.be/KHWHQBbEz7E?si=KLG-RpwSY2aFdjq_
Never Gonna Give You Up (Yes, the “Rick Roll” Song)
Trombone – https://youtu.be/5k5cVZv3Enw?si=L9Cnc4x3nJCVht3R
OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars”
Percussion/Drumset – https://youtu.be/OHi6Uyi5vDY?si=B5Scp0R243-_sQxZ
This week, we will only have one class (Friday, February 20th).
“Salt and Spray”
Students received a new song titled “Salt and Spray.” We are beginning at a tempo of approximately 90 bpm (beats per minute), though in class, we have needed to drop the tempo closer to 80 bpm to ensure accuracy of notes and rhythms.
This song is a lot like “Christmas Holiday March” in that I am asking students to put in a little more practice time at home to, in turn, play a more rewarding and exciting piece of music. Our instrumentation of 7 flutes, 3 clarinets, 10 trumpets, 4 trombones, and 2 percussionists has made selecting appropriate music challenging to say the least!
Last Friday, I expressed a desire (and, to be honest, a bit of frustration) for students to take this challenge seriously. We can have fun in class, but not at the expense of learning.
I once had a teacher or internet “meme” express that budding musicians “should practice on every day that ends in the letter ‘y.'” Well, that would be 7 days a week! I am certainly not asking hours upon hours a day… this is more for musicians in college who are pursuing maybe a degree in instrumental performance.
I am asking for students to adopt a stronger habit of practice. I will take a portion of the blame here as I believe I have conveniently left out an important part of my curriculum: explicit instruction in HOW to practice. Ideally students should have a chair with no armrests (example pictured below) and a music stand to hold their music. The space should be well lit and allow students to feel comfortable.
The video below goes into “how” to practice. It’s a bit old, so you may some “older” technology pictured!
In a nutshell, for at-home practice, students should:
I know I am “preaching to the band” here, but we have been dragging our feet a bit in class, and I believe the only thing that can really push us to the next level of musicianship is more consistent practice at home! 10-15 minutes a day is ideal; students should not be “cramming” an hour or so of practice the night before class. We are training our ears and muscles to play music, and proper practice stretched out over the course of a few days can and will make a world of difference.
When I first started working at Assumption Catholic School, I held afterschool rehearsals twice a week to help students in smaller groups. Wow, did this help so much!!
I will send out a SignUp Genius next week to see who would be available and willing to receive extra help with their fundamentals, music theory, music for performance, etc.
If you made it this far, thank you! I love making music with the kids, as they are a very energetic group! Below, you will find a list of links including an online metronome, tuner, and several practice videos.
Salt and Spray – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzyL8Z9Le40&list=RDJzyL8Z9Le40&start_radio=1
Metronome – https://share.google/FLbha6AifSJpX7dpA
Tuner – https://share.google/0bt2ghcuq3T3jM4af
For Fun!
Theme from “Bluey”
Flute – https://youtu.be/6awzCOLi2bQ?si=sELekmMs25Cu2Iat
Clarinet – https://youtu.be/OhDi6QiG0Y0?si=KVzNQtPICQkBG9ze
Movie Studio Themes
Trumpet – https://youtu.be/KHWHQBbEz7E?si=KLG-RpwSY2aFdjq_
Never Gonna Give You Up (Yes, the “Rick Roll” Song)
Trombone – https://youtu.be/5k5cVZv3Enw?si=L9Cnc4x3nJCVht3R
OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars”
Percussion/Drumset – https://youtu.be/OHi6Uyi5vDY?si=B5Scp0R243-_sQxZ
Hello! Please check out some important information below!
General Grading Guidelines – ACS Band Students will be graded on the following scale:
Class Participation (30%) – 6 points per class (graded weekly for a total of 12 points except when classes only meet once due to school schedule). Points are broken down as follows:
Bringing instrument to class — 2 pts
Bringing band binder to class — 2 pts
Classroom behavior (i.e. following instructions, staying on task) – 2 pts
Formative Assessment (30%) – Homework Assignments (via Teams, Seesaw, or in class), Quizzes (written, playing, or digital)
Playing / Written Tests and Performance Attendance (40%) – Evaluation of music performance, performance attendance (i.e. Christmas Program), and accuracy/completion of written or playing tests.
Other Notes:
2. Missed performances/playing tests will need to be made-up at a time outside of class. Email Mrs. Creech at ccreech@assumption.school to set up an appointment.
3. Though students share music stands in class, ALL students need to bring their band binder for written/daily work.
Last week, we introduced the topic of key signatures via the order of sharps and flats. Check out the video below for a great explanation!
Order of Sharps – F C G D A E B
You can use a mnemonic device to remember the order of sharps!
Example: Fluffy Cats Go Down Alleys Eating Burritos
Order of Flats – B E A D G C F
You can use a mnemonic device to remember the order of flats!
Example: BEADGCF can be broken up into the word “BEAD” and the math term “Greatest Common Factor.”
We will continue our lesson this week with a review of the order of sharps and flats as well as practice drawing 1-3 flats or 1-3 sharps in a key signature.
Image Source: https://mymusictheory.com/more-music-theory-topics/key-signatures-chart/
This week, we continued to utilize our “Airflow” and “Flexibility” Exercises. Both are found in our “Framework Fundamentals- Set 1” Warm-Up handout in students’ binders. Below is a video students can use to practice along with; the exercises we are working on happen towards the middle of the video, so you will have to fast-forward a bit.
Students continued work on labeling notes and fingerings for their first two scales: Concert Bb and Concert Eb.
To sign-up to perform in the Pep Band for Boys’ Basketball, please click on this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AAAAA2DA6FAC43-61460375-pepband
You will notice some days have 2 time slots. This means there are two basketball games: the first game starts at 4 pm and the second game starts at 5:15 pm.
Remember, the more students sign-up, the more sound and excitement we can create for our team and spectators!
In anticipation of our Spring “Celebration of the Arts,” we have been taking time to practice ensemble playing on a smaller scale.
Students have worked on the first 2 duets in our “Progressive Duets for the Young Musician.” Below is a video students may use to practice along with! Duet #2 is homework for Friday’s class (1/16/26).
Thank you and have a blessed weekend! We start the next semester next week! The Lord makes all things new (Revelation 21:5)!
This week, we reviewed Airflow Study #1 and began working on the next exercise: “Flexibility” Exercise. Both are found in our “Framework Fundamentals- Set 1” Warm-Up handout in students’ binders. Below is a video students can use to practice along with; the exercises we are working on happen towards the middle of the video, so you will have to fast-forward a bit.
To sign-up to perform in the Pep Band for Boys’ Basketball, please click on this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AAAAA2DA6FAC43-61460375-pepband
You will notice some days have 2 time slots. This means there are two basketball games: the first game starts at 4 pm and the second game starts at 5:15 pm.
Remember, the more students sign-up, the more sound and excitement we can create for our team and spectators!
In anticipation of our Spring “Celebration of the Arts,” we have been taking time to practice ensemble playing on a smaller scale.
Students have worked on the first 2 duets in our “Progressive Duets for the Young Musician.” Below is a video students may use to practice along with! Duet #2 is homework for Friday’s class (1/16/26).
Just a reminder: Students, if you were absent or unable to perform in the 2025 Christmas Program, Mrs. Creech sent you an alternate assignment. You are to learn more about a beloved saint and composer, Saint Hildegard von Bingen.
This assignment is due tomorrow, 1/16/26. You may email your completed assignment to Mrs. Creech or print and submit in class. If you have questions or concerns, please email Mrs. Creech at ccreech@assumption.school.
Thank you, and have a blessed weekend!
Happy New Year, and welcome back to school!
This week, our main focus is to get back into a routine and devote a bit more time to instrument-specific skills.
Students have begun work on Airflow Studies in their “Framework Fundamentals” warm-up.
Students have also started labeling note names and fingerings for the Concert F and Concert Bb scales.
To sign-up to perform in the Pep Band for Boys’ Basketball, please click on this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AAAAA2DA6FAC43-61460375-pepband
You will notice some days have 2 time slots. This means there are two basketball games: the first game starts at 4 pm and the second game starts at 5:15 pm.
Remember, the more students sign-up, the more sound and excitement we can create for our team and spectators!
On Monday, November 10th, the ACS Band performed at the Veterans Day Prayer Service and Assembly. They did a wonderful job!! You can watch a video of the performance below!
Pep Band – Girls’ Basketball Home Games
The following dates are the remaining home games for our ACS Girls’ Basketball Team!
If you are interested in playing for our Pep Band, please signup via the SignUp Genius link below! The more people signup, the more fun and enjoyable your Pep Band experience will be!! We will need at least 5 band members to create a Pep Band on stage.
SignUp Genius Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AAAAA2DA6FAC43-60110847-pepband
Accidentals, Slurs, and Christmas Program
Wednesday, 10/29, we began work on an exercise in “Framework Fundamentals” (practice video linked below). We are working on the skill of slurring from one note to second note — what this means is, students articulate (use their tongue) to define the start of the first note and then change their fingers for the second note without articulation.
Students received a collection of Christmas tunes for our “Band Caroling” that takes place in the foyer prior to the Christmas Program (Thursday, 12/18). We have been rehearsing Silent Night and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. We will also begin work on Hark The Herald Angels Sing. I will be uploading some practice tracks for these songs in the next few days! They can be found here: Christmas Practice Tracks
Below is a video that talks about “accidentals.” They are far from being an accident! They are actually intentional markings in music used to alter a note (usually by a half step).
Intro to Key Signatures
Students may find the below lesson and video helpful in understanding key signatures:
https://www.musictheory.net/lessons/24
Seesaw – Homework Assignments
Please take a look and follow the directions listed on the handout given in class. Mrs. Creech will start uploading assignments to Seesaw soon.
Reminder: There is no penalty for late work, but in order to keep students accountable, I will stick with this system of changing M’s to zeroes every 2 weeks or so!
Practice Tracks
Ideally, students should practice at least 5-10 minutes a night to maintain the skills we go over in class. Repetition and thoughtful practice are the keys to success in life and in band! Students should practice with a metronome, and brass players could greatly benefit from a tuner to ensure they are playing the accurate notes (each fingering/slide position has different, achievable notes).
Students can access a free, online tuner and metronome here: Metronome/Tuner
If you have questions about anything mentioned in our newsletter, please reach out to Mrs. Creech at ccreech@assumption.school .
Thank you and stay musical!!
