BAND DIRECTOR'S UPDATE - MIDDLE SCHOOL EDITION

Welcome EILMS band parents to the 2019-2020 school year!  We have already begun working towards our performance goals for the year.   Please know that all EILLMS

band parents will receive periodic email updates from Mr. Heath or myself throughout the year.  If you have a student in the high school band, the middle school band updates will not be as frequent and will likely precede performances or major events.

2019-2020 Concerts and Performances
Below is a list of band performances for the 2019-20 school year.  If you have a student in other EILMS bands, you’ll notice some small differences due to grade level commitments.  Please note the locations and mark your calendars accordingly

• EILLMS Bands Fall Concert - Wednesday, November 13, 2019 - GHHS Auditorium
  • 5th & 6th Grade Bands - 6:00PM Concert (report at 5:45PM)
  • 7th & 8th Grade Bands - 7:00PM Concert (report at 6:45PM)
• EILLMS Bands Winter Concert - Wednesday, February 26, 2020 - EILMS Gymnasium
  • 5th & 6th Grade Bands - 6:00PM Concert (report at 5:45PM)
  • 7th & 8th Grade Bands - 7:00PM Concert (report at 6:45PM)
• Cakewalk - Friday, April 3, 2020 - 6:30-9:30PM - GHHS Gym
  • All EILMS band students donate cake for Cakewalk
  • 7th & 8th Grade Bands Perform 6:30-8:00PM
• EILLMS Bands Spring Concert - Thursday, April 30, 2020 - GHHS Auditorium
  • 5th & 6th Grade Bands - 6:00PM Concert (report at 5:45PM)
  • 7th & 8th Grade Bands - 7:00PM Concert (report at 6:45PM)

Curriculum/Method Books for EILMS Bands
Each student received a copy of their grade-level band curriculum to bring home.  It included grade-specific requirements as well as additional information regarding concerts.  All students should have a method book in addition to their instrument and supplies.  Here is a listing of required method books by grade:

• 5th Grade Band - Essential Elements - Book 1 (by instrument) - Yellow/Golden cover
  • https://www.halleonard.com/ee/band/book1.jsp
  • Available for purchase online or through local retailers
  • Students should already have this book in their hands.
• 6th Grade Band - Essential Elements - Book 2 (by instrument) - Red cover
  • https://www.halleonard.com/ee/band/book2.jsp
  • Available for purchase online or through local retailers
  • Students should have book by October 18.
• 7th Grade Band - Warm Ups and Beyond, by Timothy Loest.
  • These are owned by the school and students do not need to purchase unless they lose the copy that is supplied to them or if they want an additional copy.
• 8th Grade Band - Essential Technique for Band - Book 3 (by instrument) - Blue cover
  • https://www.halleonard.com/ee/band/book3.jsp
  • Available for purchase online or through local retailers
  • Students should have book by Friday, September 27.

Concert Dress - Grades 5-8
Members of the EILMS Bands have a concert dress uniform which includes a navy blue band polo, khaki bottoms (pants or skirt), and dress shoes.  The Band Parents Association coordinates and sells the navy blue band polo to families directly.  Students in Grade 5 will be sized on Monday, September 16 and Tuesday, September 17.  The cost is $15.00 and payments are due by Friday, October 11.  Students in Grades 6-8 who would like to purchase a different sized polo can do so directly.

Order forms will be distributed at school, and online ordering will also be available.  An email regarding polo ordering will come directly from the Band Parents Association in the coming weeks.  Please keep an eye out!

Secondary Instruments (6th-8th Bands only)
Music for middle school bands (6-8 grades) requires a diverse instrumentation.  This includes oboe, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, french horn, baritone, and tuba.  Some students in grades 6-8 have already moved to secondary instruments while others are interested in making the switch.  Students are to express interest to the directors (Mr. Heath or Mr. Herrmann), then we will open a dialogue between student, parents, and directors about possible options for your student.  

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone.

Go Bobcats!!!


Mr. Scott Heath                                 Mr. Herrmann
Grade 5-7 Bands                              Grade 8 Band, Assist Grade 5
scott.heath@ghschools.org              chris.herrmann@ghschools.org