The Music Boosters handed out a newsletter at the end of the year Band concert at Brier Terrace Middle School last night in preparing incoming freshman and their families. Much of the information can be found in the menus of this site (Band, Booster info tabs). You can find the full newsletter here, excerpts are below.
MTHS has a recognized music program comprised of multiple ensembles, some which are open to all interested students and some which require auditioning for membership. All ensembles rehearse, perform at concerts and festivals, are part of Pep band for football and basketball home games, host guest conductors and performers, and travel. They are all led by director Darin Faul.
You are a Music Boosters member if you have a student in any of the music programs at MTHS.
The Freshman Flurry
MTHS band members and their parents hit the ground running in the fall. Be prepared for more action and less communication than in middle school. Just for example, several events happened in the first five weeks last fall, including pep band for football games, a field trip to the symphony, a special jazz quartet concert, two drumline events, a private event, an audition deadline, and–oh yeah–Homecoming. Jazz is especially busy early in the school year, starting with summer jam sessions, jazz workshops in September, and the all-day Jazz Symposium at the end of October.
You will hear us ask for volunteers to set up events, chaperone, help run events, come to our monthly general meetings, and attend concerts. Clinics, trips, special guests, and other materials help MTHS bands stand out. So, yes, there will be talk of money. We hold fundraisers, specialized donation events, retreats, a mattress fundraiser (Need a new mattress? Can you wait until the fall?), and band enrichment campaigns.
Yes, lots will happen. And we are here to help.
We can answer questions and get you up-to-speed. Please introduce yourself at events (we usually have a table) and see the sidebar of this newsletter for websites and calendars that can keep you on-track. You can contact the board members at our website, mthsmusic.org, or at [email protected].
Trips
Annual trips are typically Northwest festivals where one or more groups participate: Clark College, CWU, UW, Sno-King, and such. There have been periodic trips to Disneyland, Portland, Ellensburg, Silverwood, and New York. Costs vary from lunch money for a day trip to Ellensburg to $1,500 for trips to NYC. While we cannot require a trip, it is highly encouraged that ALL participate, since all musicians have parts that are important to the ensemble.
Students and ultimately their families are responsible for travel costs. Each year the boosters provide several opportunities for students to earn money toward their trips. This year we offered poinsettia and Chinook Book sales in the fall, flower baskets and a mattress fundraiser in the spring. We hold larger events like the winter Santa Breakfast and the spring auction.
What to wear for concerts
Men: A black suit, white tux shirt, and black bow tie for both Concert Band and Chamber Winds. JC Penney, Kohl’s, and others carry reasonably priced sets. We have some jackets at the school if you need one for growing boys. Parents swap with other parents all the time. Jazz Band requires all black with a bright red tie.
Women: Same attire as men (above), or a black dress that covers their knees. Dress must have straps that are at least 2” wide or have sleeves. No spaghetti straps or sleeveless dresses, and no leggings.
Pep Band has a t-shirt that can be ordered in September. The idea is for a team look. Any questions should be addressed with your director.