​Joshua Autrey, Director of Bands
joshua_autrey@scps.k12.fl.us

Everyone stay safe and healthy!!!
I can't wait to see you all
again when this is over :)

Digital learning begins the week of 3/30.
Please check eCAMPUS for a list of assignments and expectations for your student
in band class while we learn apart.

Check the BLOG for information that was sent out via email (SKYWARD) this week.

All MPA Dates have been canceled as of
March 17th, 2020

Spring Concert Date has been announced for 
Wednesday, May 6th at 6:30pm @ Lyman HS
This date has not changed as of March 24th, 2020

All Band Students:

Please check SKYWARD and eCampus regularly for weekly updates, recording assignments, and grades.

If your email is linked to SKYWARD thru the school system, you should be automatically receiving any updates thru email.

BEGINNING (BAND 1) STUDENTS:

We will be learning STAR WARS and new rhythms in relation to our
All State Pattern Major Scales
Students now know F, Chromatic, Bb, and Ab.
We will be focusing on C Major this week!

There are practice tracks to all scales that will help you learn them.
Please find the QR Code found on the "Practice Habits" page in your book to access all of these tracks.

Parents, make sure your student is practicing at least 3 times a week at home, and a total of at least 1.5 hours per week.
It is very helpful to look up professionals on YOUTUBE
 to demonstrate what their instrument should sound like.
 
Your first few eCampus assignments are published on the online course. Students will need to submit a recording or “Pass Off” this playing check in class.

Currently, MOST students are on the second note and are
passing off the third note. Great tone quality and tuning is key!

Use the TE TUNER Application!
https://tonalenergy.com

Please email me if you have any questions.


Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, and Concert Bands

We have a number of events coming up to prepare for!
Be sure to REINFORCE what we worked on in class at your home in practice.
There are assignments on eCampus (SCALES & ALL COUNTY!).
Please practice and submit recordings to pass off.


QUESTIONS?  Contact:   ​joshua_autrey@scps.k12.fl.us

​
Instrument Rental
Milwee Middle offers instrument rental for school owned instruments based on availability. We only offer school rentals for "larger" band instruments due to the cost of renting or owning those types of instruments. Smaller instruments will be rented through a local, reputable, music store such as Music Shack, Music and Arts, or Allegro Music.
Please avoid music stores such as Sam Ash, Guitar Center, Amazon.com, Walmart, ect... as they do not specialize in band instruments or offer the correct brands of instruments required to use in our program. Often the instruments these stores offer break easily and cannot be repaired by a certified instrument technician.

LARGE School Owned Rented Instruments include:
Tuba, Baritone, French Horn, Bassoon*

SMALL Rented Instruments from a local store include:
Flute, Oboe*, Clarinet, Saxophone*, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion Kit*

*Students playing these instruments MUST be enrolled in private lessons while enrolled in Band.

For more information contact Mr. Autrey.
​
Rental agreement forms will be required and the rental fee is $150 per school year (Fall and Spring Terms).  Summer Rental is $25
  • Instrument rental is also available through local companies so you are encouraged to check out your options to determine what is best suited for your family needs. ​
  • Our Store page provides option to pay School Owned  Instrument Rental payments online if desired.

MPA Festival Update

Concert and Symphonic Bands:

This year's CONCERT BAND MPA dates have changed:

Please update your calendars to mark down
Thursday, April 9th
at LAKE BRANTLEY HS.

This change was out of our (Milwee MS) control, as no venue could be secured for the original dates picked at the start of this school year.

Lake Mary - Longwood Summer Band Camp
Summer Band Camp Website (click here)
Please note, the camp website is NOT updated yet for this year. Only camp dates on this website are correct.

Camp Dates for 2020 are:

Monday, June 1st thru Thursday, June 4th
AND
Monday, June 8th thru Thursday, June 11th

Final Summer Band Concert will be held on June 11th (Time TBD)
I would like to extend this opportunity to your student for participation in the Lake Mary - Longwood Summer Band Program. Summer band is a two-week program for students who are enrolled in band at any middle school, home school, or are entering into 9th grade for the 2020-2021 school year. This camp allows students to get an early start on learning an instrument, or a chance to learn new skills for 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th grade. Summer band is also for students who may not have signed up for band, but are interested in trying band for the first time. Summer band provides a relaxed environment where small groups of students who are really excited about band can have fun with their first musical experience!
Mandatory Instrument Fittings
​for Summer Beginning Band
If you are signing up for Summer Beginning Band, you will need to be fitted for an instrument prior to the first day of classes.

Mandatory Instrument Fitting will take place on:
  • TBD

FUTURE MILWEE BAND STUDENTS:  You may also schedule an individual testing date with Mr. Autrey in MAY. Please email joshua_autrey@scps.k12.fl.us for details.
​
All summer beginning students must be tested.
SIGN UP LINK
for picking up your instrument

If you left your instrument in the band room over Spring Break, you will need to get it on Thursday, March 26th.

Sign up above for a time slot to pick up your items. 
DO NOT SHOW UP WITHOUT 
SIGNING UP FIRST.

Blog Updated: March 24th, 2020

Board Positions for 2018- 19

Current Booster Board for 2019-2020:

Cecil Stewart, President
Talika Taylor, VP
Tiffany Dowling, Secretary
Karen File, Treasurer

Thank you for your service to our band!
​Thank you for your interest in the Milwee MS Band Program. In order to better serve you and answer any questions you may have, we ask that you fill out the Milwee MS Band Information Sign-up form so we can add you to our email list. Thank you for helping us connect with you!
Band Store
for Band Apparel
Instrument Specific Checklist 
  • Recommended Brands & Supplies
  • Rental Options
Interested In Private Lessons?
Donations to are greatly appreciated!
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Milwee Spartan Band Boosters has a Facebook group page.  This group is "closed" for the privacy our band community posts.  All Spartan Band students and their family members/guardians are welcome to join our group.  Requests to join the group will be reviewed to verify relationship to our Milwee Band student.