Attention all band members!

SPILLANE SUMMER BAND 2008

In case you haven't heard we're having a summer band week at Spillane MS. It is a "before school starts" week of playing our instruments, getting to see and meet everyone, and having a good time!

It is open to any incoming 7th or 8th graders.

Our band camp is set for August 4-8th.

Registration is Monday from 9:30 am to 10:00 am.

Cost is $25 which kids can bring in the first day in cash.

Multiple kids in band, no problem, you can pay $30 per family.

The camp hours are 10-11:30 am Monday through Thursday and 10:30-11:30am on Friday with a concert at 12:00pm.

Things we are doing:

1. Make a big performing band and play fun music. Getting rusty on your instrument? Come play before school starts to get back in the swing of things!

2. Get your new school-owned instrument checked out to you for the year. Make sure a parent is there to sign the instrument check-out letter.

3. Have loads of fun!

In addition to all this, we are planning some optional social activities in the afternoons starting on Tuesday from 1:00-2:30pm. We will have an information letter about these things on that first Monday. Activities include afternoon bowling, laser tag, and movies that will be available on a "pay per event" basis. This is a great opportunity to break out the instruments again, see your friends, meet new ones, and present a fun concert on Friday afternoon. See you then!

Go Spartan Band

Tom Harrington

Amy Denham

Adam Schmitz

Parents, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD has created

a new seven year degree plan for your band student which includes the new 7 period day in high school.

This plan has been developed to give you a sample of how to fit band into your child's academic schedule, through high school.

I think you will be pleased to see how much easier it will be to stay in band through your high school years!

With the new 7-period day in high school, it is no longer necessary for students who are on the recommended plan to take high school level courses in middle school in order to stay in band all 4 years. In fact, a student can be in band all four years and have 3 1/2 more credits to take other state electives of their choosing. (Look at the excel attachment, Example B)

If you have a student who is wanting to be in athletics and band all four years, then they will need to take 1/2 high school credit in middle school or summer school. (Look at the excel attachment, Example F)

Six year graduation plan worksheet click here

MOVING TO SPILLANE?

Band is a great way for your child to get involved at Spillane. Already
in band? Please call Mr. Harrington or Ms. Copper at 281-213-1782 to
meet and be placed into the correct band class.

First year beginners with some experience will be placed into a
like-instrument beginning band class. Second and third year students
should be prepared to play some scales and any music prepared at their
previous school.

If you have not been a member of a school band, please call the band
hall and arrange to sign up for band next school year. Be sure to get
all the information about the band instrument drives in May 2007, and
check BAND on your 2007-2008 course selection form in February or March.
Check the web site often in the Spring semester for updates!

Band Camps we recommend:

Sam Houston Band Camp
Go to http://www.shsu.edu/~music/camps/for an application and information.

University of Houston Cougar Band Camp
Go to http://www.music.uh.edu/cougarbandcamp/ for an application and information.

Stephen F. Austin Band Camp for information and an application
Go to http://www.music.sfasu.edu/camps_outreach/junior_high_band_camp.html
Go to http://www.music.sfasu.edu/camps_outreach/high_school_band_camp.html

Stephen F. Austin Percussion Camp
http://www.music.sfasu.edu/camps_outreach/sfa_percussion_symposium.html

Code: True Blue

Spillane Middle School is a new campus in the Cypress area of the
Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. The band at Spillane
opened with 265 students in grades 6-8 for the inaugural 2005-2006
school year. The band program has grown to over 300 students in the
first year. Most students in the Spillane band will attend
Cypress-Woods High School their freshman year.

Spillane Middle School Band
17500 Jarvis, Cypress 77429
Band Hall Hours: 6:50 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Friday to 3:30 p.m.)
Band Hall Phone: 281-213-1782
Principal: Gary Kinninger
Band Directors: Tom Harrington Thomas.harrington@cfisd.net
-------------------Amy Copper amy.copper@cfisd.net

Cypress Woods High School
Mickey Vasquez, Band Director
281-213-1919 MICHAEL.VASQUEZ@cfisd.net