Prairie Spirit East Music
Mr.Martin() Ms. Thompson ()
Dear Parents/Guardians of the PSSD East Music Program,
The year has been off to quite the start! We have set over 170 beginner students across 7 different schools on a new path of musical learning and discovery through instrumental music education! We just wanted to touch base and thank you for all the cooperation we have received thus far and apologize that information has not been reaching everyone. It has been a learning experience for all involved and we are excited to continue providing interesting and exciting musical opportunities for the students going into the future!
As the year progresses, it is important that we fight the inevitable mid-semester slump to keep learning music exciting and rewarding for the students. As the novelty of playing a new instrument wears away, practicing will become more tedious and students will have more difficulty finding motivation to learn their instruments. To keep students motivated, we need your help! Below are some ways that you can help your child stay engaged and succeed at learning his/her instrument:
1)Check your child’s duotang for homework assignments and band days: Each band class, students are now being given a lesson sheetwith class goals, assignments and activities. This will also be uploaded to the blogsite for any student that misses class or a parent wants to check. This way, we will all know what needs to be practiced so we can all get better as a group! After all, practicing is only useful if the musician knows what needs to be practiced.
2)Monitor at home practicing: Learning an instrument is an ongoing process that requires daily practice to be successful. In Beginner Band, we ask that the students practice a minimum of 100 minutes per week and students have been given a practice sheet to log playing and get it signed by their parents/guardians. It will be impossible for students to succeed if they do not practice You will only get out what you put in to something. That being said, we understand that life is often crazy and practicing every day is not always possible. We ask that you do your best to help your child find time to practice, and we will do our best to provide meaningful instruction to make the most of your child’s progress!
3)Underline the importance of Music as a Core Curricular subject to your child: All students in Grades K-9 are required to participate in at least 4 hours of Arts Education each week according to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. Music is one of the critical components of Arts Education and is a core curricular subject. It is crucial that the students see Music as an equally important subject as Math and Science, otherwise they will not be invested in the class and they will have significantly less opportunity for success. Anything you can do at home to underline the importance of music as a curricular requirement is greatly appreciated and will do wonders for the musical development of your child! Some examples of how to do this are playing/listening to music at home, encouraging your child to practice, and supporting your child when he/she is struggling and wants to quit.
I have also included a list of the important band events to watch for in the coming months. Thanks again for your continued support and let’s have a great rest of the semester!
Concerts/Events Dates - 2016/2017
Monday, December 11th- WINTER CONCERT – Lakeview Church 7-9 pm
This is the first performance opportunity for the beginner bands. All of the bands from the PSSD East Program (Clavet, Aberdeen, Allan, Colonsay, South Corman Park, Dundurn, and Hanley) will come together to play a concert. All parents, siblings, and relatives are invited for an evening of music and entertainment. The Intermediate (grade 6) and Senior Bands will also be playing.
Tuesday Wednesday 13th February – Pulse Band Festival
The Beginner Band Grade 5 and also Grade 6 will go to Martinsville High for the day to join all other grade 5 and 6 students from across the entire division for a day of clinics, performances and fun in the first ever ‘Pulse’ Band Festival – hosted by PSSD.
Wednesday 18th April– Watrous Music Festival
The Beginner Band Performance will perform at the Watrous Music Festival and will be adjudicated. Intermediate and Senior Students will also perform, but in small ensembles and as solo players.
May 7th- MUSIC MONDAY- FULL DAY DIVISION BAND RETREAT (BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE)
All bands will perform at in-school events within each community during the school day.The PSSD North, East, and West bands will perform in the evening at Martinsville High.
This is also full day campin Allan for Grade 5 and 6. Students will participate in clinics, rehearsals, and social/recreation activities.Special Guest teachers & musicians are invited each year from Saskatoon to work with our musicians.
Monday, May 28th - DIVISION BAND 21st ANNUAL SPRING FLING CONCERT–Venue tbc
Beginner, Intermediate, Senior, and Jazz Bands will come together to perform at a year end concert.
Sunday July 1st - DUNDURN CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS – Band Wrap up Social
This is an optional community performance to give students an opportunity to perform in the summer while celebrating Canada Day.
SBA Band Camps – Great playing opportunities over the summer for interested students (a band bursary is available to attend) see for more info.