Homecoming, and other thoughts!

So, tonight is the Homecoming game for the varsity football team.  They have put in many hours of practice for the "big game" and I am sure that they all want to do their best.  It is an important night for them.  I will be there with the High School Pep Band, so if you are there, please say hi!

But I was thinking that our concerts, and the Homecoming game, aren't that different in the way that they give our students and children a chance to shine at something that they can't do sitting in a classroom.  Show YOU the product of their hard work.  And it doesn't matter if they win or lose, or squeak and squonk, right?  What matters is that they are proud of the work they have put in, and that you are proud of them!  So whether it's at the game tonight, or at one of the district's concerts, give your child or student a round of applause, a cheer, or a honk on the air horn....wait...please don't bring air horns to the concert!

Today marks the end of the first week of 4th grade lessons, and for me, it is always interesting to see how the students I know now change as the year progresses.  I hope that the weekend brings you all good health, and stay tuned!

First Lesson Night Reflections

Invariably, there is stuff from First Lesson Night that I forget to share with you, and some questions that parents ask me, that I wish I could answer so everyone can hear the repsonse.  So here goes!

Q:  When do lessons start? 
A:  Monday, September 20th.  That doesn't mean everyone's lesson is on Monday.  They are scheduled throughout the week, and different times.  Your child's lesson will always be on the same day, but at different times each week.

Q: When will we know when our child's lesson is?  How will we know?
A:  Students and Teachers will have this information by Friday September 17th.

Q: How are grades determined?
A:  I don't do grades for the first quarter - I don't think that it is fair to judge 4 or 5 weeks of lessons wjen someone is just starting an instrument.  Grades will start the 2nd quarter, and are based on Home Practice and Performance in Lessons.

Q:  What was the name of the Software you talked about?
A.  SmartMusic, which is on the CD or DVD that came with the lesson book.  It can also be downloaded from http://www.smartmusic.com/ or installed from the disc in the "Starter Pack" you may have ordered!

Q:  How can I get a hold of you if I have a question?
A:  The easiest way is email (wburlison@albionk12.org), but I can also be reached at 585-589-8989, extensions 8368.

IN the Beginning...

...they come with nothing....
...but they left armed with instruments of mass destruction....

TONIGHT IS FIRST LESSON NIGHT!!!

6:30 Sax, Clarinet, Trombones, Percussion
7:30 Smart Music Demo
7:45 Flute, Trumpets, Tubas