​Hello Beginning Band members,
 
Just 4 Quick Updates this week:
 
1. Class agenda, upcoming scale tests
2. Solo and Ensemble Sign Up Reminder
3. Private Lesson Encouragement / Practice reminder
4. Lyman Mentoring WILL be back (end of January, week of 27th)
 
1. This week, we are reviewing our F Major scale, and learning the CHROMATIC SCALE. 
F Major is a “Review” scale, as we have played F Major scale both before, and after winter break. We will be testing this scale in class Wednesday/Thursday of next week as announced to students on Monday. The pattern will be the All-State pattern scale, which is found in your band book. I’ve also put an assignment up on eCampus so students may submit the assignment there before next Wednesday to help save us time in class. Good luck!
 
The Chromatic Scale is broken down into a two smaller assignments: first we will only be starting at the top (STAR on your fingering chart) of the scale, and working our way down in half notes to the bottom (🙂 on your fingering chart). This pass off is also due next week. The second pass off (going both up, then down) will be due in 2 weeks.
 
*Important Note* Check eCampus for all assignments and due dates this quarter: 
This quarter, we will be learning 5 of the 7 major scales (F, Ab, Bb, Eb, G) plus the chromatic scale. Students MUST practice outside of school in order to keep up. I’ve seen many students fall behind and get discouraged in band because of a lack of practice this time of year.

Please please please keep encouraging your student to be practicing 1.5 hours outside of school hours to keep up. I have never seen a student who diligently practices the appropriate amount of time, outside of school, receive less than an “A”!  Keep at it, make small progress daily. Don’t procrastinate until the last minute!
 
 
2. Just a quick reminder that Solo and Ensemble sign ups are due by this FRIDAY. Please sign up online using this form:  LINK TO ONLINE SIGN UP
This event is NOT required, but HIGHLY recommended.
 
3. Private lessons for all students are highly encouraged! There are a number of GREAT teachers in the area who will place your student on an individual practice plan that will target areas of strengths and weaknesses in your musicianship. As a teacher of 275 students, it can be hard for me to hear each individual student every day, and as such, I can not always monitor progress to make sure your student is keeping up (and ready to pass their assignments). If you would like to get connected to a private instructor, please let me know – I can steer you towards a great match of a teacher who will push your student in positive ways! I can not say enough how much Private Lessons is such an effective way to be more prepared to get better quick!
 
4. Lyman Mentoring sessions will be returning at the end of this month. I was hoping to have a more concrete weekly date for you, but I’m still waiting to hear back from the high school volunteers as to which day of the week most students can attend. It’s looking to be either on Monday or Thursday after school, so mark your calendars. The sessions will run throughout the month of February in order to prepare students for Solo and Ensemble Festival. 
 
 
That’s it for this week, thank you all so much for encouraging your student to practice! As a reminder for class expectations, students should be practicing for 1.5 hours a week outside of class, at home in order to expect an “A” on their assignments.
 
Joshua Autrey
Director of Bands 
Milwee Middle School

Thank you for taking the 2 minutes to read this email concerning the WINTER CONCERT! 
Sorry it’s so long! I’ve read it about ten times and timed myself, 2 minutes TOPS!
 
This FREE concert is on 
Monday, December 16th at 6:30pm in the LYMAN HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM.
All are invited to attend, All Milwee Bands will be performing.

All students must stay for the entirety of the concert to receive full credit for the concert.

​
Students should report to the auditorium,
fully dressed with their instruments and music at:
Jazz Band – 5:30 to 5:45pm. Take Band Portrait, then move quickly to set up in the Auditorium.
 
Beginning Band – Between 5:45 to 6pm, go directly to your seat on stage. You will take your Band Portrait after your performance, during the concert.
 
Concert and Symphonic Band – Between 5:30 to 6:00pm. When you arrive, make your way to the Photo Booth to have your professional Band Portrait taken for this year. All photos should be finished by 6:25, please take your seat for the start of the concert at 6:30pm.
 
 
What are we wearing for the concert?
All students are to wear the same uniform that was used for the fall concert:
Beginners – Hunter Green T-Shirt, Black Pants, Shoes, Socks, Belt
Concert – White Polo Shirt, Black Pants, Shoes, Socks, Belt
Symphonic – Tuxedo Uniform

OPTIONAL FUN THING! Students may also chose to wear some fun holiday headgear such as a Santa Hat, Reindeer Antlers, Yamaka, Grinch Hat, or another holiday festive cap.  Have fun, get creative – school appropriate, of course.  Please refrain from wearing anything that jingles or lights up as it is distracting to other performers!
 
What equipment does my student need to bring?
Lyman High School will provide chair, stands, and many percussion instruments.  Otherwise we will need to bring our own equipment and music, which varies by instrument – here is a quick run-down per instrument group:
Woodwinds:  Instrument (leave case in the car) and Music Folder w/ music.  Any students who use a different instrument at school must bring their instrument from home to the concert (Bassoons, Some Saxophones).
Brass:  Instrument (leave case in the car) and Music Folder w/ music. All students must have their own mouthpiece and any students who use a different instrument at school must bring their instrument from home to the concert (Tubas, Baritones, French Horns).
Percussion:  Music Folder w/ music. Beginners need to bring their mallet bag from home, which has their own snare sticks and bell mallets (some have xylophone mallets, bring those also).  Lyman will have all the percussion equipment there for us to borrow.

FIRST, GET A FREE PORTRAIT TAKEN OF YOUR STUDENT! 
​
We will be having one of our amazing band parents and professional photographers, Ms. Anna Jannotti, take a picture of your student with their instrument in their uniform. This is a FREE service that Ms. Jannotti donates her time and energy to help our program! She does AMAZING work and touches up small spots on the photos before she shares them out in the spring semeseter!
Band Photos will be set up to the right of the auditorium lobby as you enter, down the hall.
Please read below for your report times so you can have your picture taken at the correct time!
Don’t miss this opportunity! 
Also! Please help me in thanking her for her service and donation when you see her at the concert!
 

Parents, Siblings, Friends, Guest, Neighbors – Doors are open for everyone upon arrival. Come in and have a seat. Make sure your student knows where you are sitting so they can find you after their performance. Jazz Band will start playing music at 6:15pm as a pre-concert treat!
The concert will conclude no later than 8pm, and we will need some great helpers to stay and help clean up. Otherwise, students are dismissed after Symphonic Band performs. 

 
Sign Up for Volunteer Positions HERE. Descriptions below.
 
Do we need help/volunteers?
 
ABSOLUTELY!  
Please sign up for the volunteer job by using the following link. Job descriptions are listed below! Thank you for helping, we can’t have a smooth concert (there will be so many people!) without MUCH help from AMAZING PARENTS!
 
Door Ushers/Program Distributers:  Parents who will stand at the door, keeping people from entering during the performance of a song as well as hand out our concert program to guests. We will need two teams of 4-5 parents to assist with this so that every parent can be in the audience for their own student’s performance.
 
Photo Helpers: Parents who can help keep the line moving for our FREE professional photo portrait (BIG SHOUTOUT TO Ms. Jannotti!). Beginners will be taking their pictures after their performance. Advanced students will be taking their pictures BEFORE the concert. We will need help from a few parents before the concert at 5:45 for the advanced bands, and during the concert for beginning bands.
Stage Managers: Parents who can help Move Chairs and stands for each group.  This helps the stage look “clean” for each group – extra chairs often look tacky – nothing but the best for our students!  We will need about 2-3 parents for this – if you’ve worked around a stage before, that would be helpful!!!
 
“Silence Please!” Poster People: Okay Golf fanatics, this is your big moment! We’ve had a lot of success in the past when hold some reminder signs for the audience, as to when to get quiet as  a band about to perform. We have pre-made signs that we ask you to hold up right before the band performing to remind others how to create the professional atmosphere (AGAIN –- Nothing but the BEST for our kids!!!)  3-4 parents for this VIP job!
 
Clean up Crew: We need about 4-6 parents to help tear down the stage and load a few cars/trucks full of our equipment to transport it back to Milwee! 
If you own a truck/mini-van, and can spare a half-hour after the concert, please let us know that you can help move some equipment back to the school – we need about two or three trucks to get everything. LET ME KNOW if you can spare your truck!
Thank you all for your help!!!!
Please do not hesitate to contact me for further guidance if you have any questions.
 
Regards,
Joshua Autrey
Director of Bands
Milwee Middle School

Cookie Dough/Fundraiser Delivery Information:

We have our “Cookie Dough Fundraiser” delivery date this TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29th in the Milwee Cafeteria.  Pick up times will be between 2:00pm and 6pm.
We might be set up in the band room after 5pm if needed.

PARENTS, volunteer opportunity: We are looking for 4 more volunteer parents to help with the delivery process. If you are available from 1:15pm until 5pm, we could use your help! Please email me at joshua_autrey@scps.k12.fl.us to coordinate times if you have availability to help!
 
All Students and Parents, please read:
Parents, feel free to pick up your student’s order anytime – even before school is out (highly recommended!). We usually see a big rush during the after school hours, so save yourself some time by getting there early! Remember this cookie dough and cheesecake will need to be stored in the freezer if you are not delivering to your cookie dough 


IMPORTANT!!!!!  Students who have sold 10 or more items will need to have their parents pick up their order as it becomes too much for one student to handle on the bus. Students with 9 items or less will be called out of class during 7th period to pick up their fundraiser for take home delivery.


Thanks!

Joshua Autrey
Director of Bands
Milwee Middle School

LYMAN FOOTBALL GAME PERFORMANCE:Information regarding the upcoming Lyman High School Marching Band Night, which involves a performance by our 7th and 8th grade Symphonic and Concert Band students!


The date is set for FRIDAY, October 4th, 2019 @ Lyman High School.  This is a performance for all 7th and 8th grade band 2 and 3 students – we are looking forward to having an FULL and incredible turnout from all band members, just like last year, for a night of FUN, CRAZINESS, and FOOTBALL!

We are looking forward to performing "Land of 1000 Dances" with the Lyman High School Marching Band.  Our band students will receive a preview of the high school band experience, a brief lesson how marching band works, and will get to view Lyman's marching show this year.  It's a great event and tradition that helps students set their eyes on the future and what music holds for them!

What to wear: Wear your “Hunter Green” Milwee Band T-Shirt to the game with JEANS and SNEAKERS. Belts are recommended to look nice!
What to bring: Bring your instrument (Tubas, mouthpiece only), Music (Land of 1000), and optionally bring $5-10 for concessions if you are going to get hungry between 6-9:30pm. Otherwise, eat dinner before hand.

Times:  Here are more times and details for pick up and drop off times:

Drop off is at Lyman High School is between 5:30pm and 6pm outside the auditorium. We will take attendance and make sure everyone has their instrument at 6pm.

*** FALL SOCIAL Attendees *** –  Please FEAR NOT as these times do not conflict with each other. If you attend the Fall Social, you will need to eat pizza or food there, or after school, enjoy yourself at the social until 5:50, and come to Lyman right at 6. You CAN do both! You will just need to do some extra planning with your parents. You should not arrive at Lyman past 6:15pm.

PICK UP –  Pick up will be after the game is over, in the auditorium after 9:30pm. Parents will need to park outside the auditorium and come in to check out their student.
Please read concerning early pick up: If you need to make arrangements to pick up your student after our halftime performance, but before the game ends (between 8:30 and 9:30), please send me an email and also send in a note with your student with the details about what time you will be picking them up. I will let you know how pick up early will work on an individual basis. 


*CHAPERONES* –  We will need about 15-20 official Milwee Chaperones to accompany the band students. Chaperones get to attend the game at no charge (they walk in with the band) but will need to be there the entire time, from 6pm to game end to assist with keeping our little ones safe! 
There will be an email sent out with a sign up, first come first serve next week (it will be the same email with the permission form). Please make sure that you are an approved DIVIDEND volunteer now, so you can sign up next week. The dividend sign up process is easy and can be found here.


That’s it for your band update this week!  Thank you all so much for your support and LOVE of MUSIC!
Best wishes,


Joshua Autrey
Director of Bands
Milwee Middle School

Hello Milwee Symphonic and Concert Band!

It was great seeing you all on Saturday! What a FUN event full of great food, games, and water balloons!
Last week, I sent out an email (also posted on Skyward, and website) with the details for next Friday’s exciting performance at Lyman High School!
As a review:
Football Game Performance at Lyman High School.
Student Dress: Milwee Green T-Shirt, Jeans, Shoes, Socks, Belt
Time: Drop off at the auditorium between 5:30 and 6pm. No later than 6pm, please. Pick up is at 9:30pm, no later than 10pm.

We are performing at Half-Time of the football game! The cost to enter the game is $7 (I think!), parents do not have to be there, but are strongly encouraged to come cheer on your student! 
On the Files/Handbook page on the website is the permission form for this event. Please fill out and return. Feel free to return electronically by scanning the completed form and emailing it to me; or print, sign, and turn in!
Students will receive a hard copy tomorrow or Wednesday in class.

**PARENTS!**​​​​​​​
We are looking for a few more chaperones to help at the event. If you can stay from 5:45 until 9:30 and help us keep an eye on our wonderful kiddos please sign up here! You do get a free ticket to the game for your service, and to be fair, we are going to give out these free tickets on a first come, first serve basis.
You must be SCPS dividend approved to chaperone. Click the link to fill out your application (it takes only 2-3 days to get approved!)
That’s it! Thank you so much for your support. See you Friday!


Joshua Autrey
Director of Bands
Milwee Middle School

​Hello everyone!
 
Fundraiser Reminder & Request
First, is a quick reminder that our last fundraiser turn-in day is next Monday, 9/30. It’s the last BIG PUSH! Parents, please bring in that brochure to work and ask your co-workers to chip in! Its such an amazing cause – show them what we do here and how good our music program is!
Here’s a youtube recording of our Jazz Band last year: Funky Cha Cha – WOW!

***We are a short of our goal this year, by about $6K. Everyone is expected to do their “fair share” of fundraising ten items, or about $100 worth of donations, to help keep our actual “band dues” at $25 for the year (other schools have a mandatory $150 fee to be in band). We have not raised the price of our band dues since I’ve been at Milwee because we’ve made our fundraising goal each year and I want to make sure we have enough resources to keep our program healthy and strong. Dues and fundraising goes to pay for purchasing new music, instruments, and hiring instructors.
THANK YOU!
 
Band Social Info:
 
I am so excited to share a fun day on Saturday! It’s going to be “warm” – so bring an extra water bottle or two!
 
The Band Social is at Secret Lake Park in Casselberry from 12pm to 3pm!
We have a number of activities planned such as Kickball, Basketball, EATING, and even a Water Balloon Fight! The boosters will have plates/napkins/cups/cutlery, just bring a “casserole sized dish” of food and there should be enough for everyone!
 
Also! To store the water balloons, we need to store them in coolers filled with water (they don’t pop this way)! If you have room in your car, and a spare LARGE cooler or big Bucket, please bring it! This should be a nice way to “keep the kids cool”!
 
Attached is a MAP with Parking Info. There are two lots to choose from: North and South, and they are accessed from different roads. The main road to get to the park is SEMINOLA BLVD, then you choose from either IVEY RD or SECRET WAY. See the attachment for more details. 
 
Lastly, overflow parking can be long the street of SECRET WAY. Please do not block driveways and be courteous of home-owner’s yards. We want to represent the school in the best way at all times.
 
See you there!!!!!
 
Joshua Autrey
Director of Bands
Milwee Middle School

​Hello Milwee Band Family!
 
You are all cordially invited to our second annual Band Icebreaker Social!
 
Band kids are a special bunch: they walk to class together, sit at lunch together, do homework together, practice together; basically do EVERYTHING together! By the time your younger student is in 8th grade, they will have made TONS of friends that are in our band family – in fact, most would say their closest friends are only in band. This is a great opportunity for us all to get to know each other!
 
Details:
 
Saturday, September 28th at SECRET LAKE PARK in Casselberry from 12pm-3pm.
We have rented a large pavilion to and there is a nice green space to play: tennis courts, basketball court, a “kickball field”, and a big lake! I’m looking forward to doing some games & activities with you all, it should be a blast! Bring some sporting equipment if you want to play!
 
This is a family event! Everyone in your family is invited!
 
What to bring for the potluck?
 
Feel free to bring anything you like to share (special family recipes are always a treat!), but if you’re not sure what to bring and to put a little bit more structure to ensure we don’t end up with a million bags of chips here’s some ideas:
 
Brass – Protein/Main Dish
Woodwinds – Sides/Salad/Appetizers/Chips&Dips
Percussion – Drinks & Desserts
 
The band boosters will be providing the “hardware”: utensils, plates, cups, napkins, ect.
 
 
Looking forward to this very much! See you on the 28th!

Greetings Beginning Band,  -- ere’s a quick outline of what’s in this email:

1. First TWO practice assignments are due, found on eCampus! 
   1. Mouthpiece Check and Concert F.
   2. GET A TUNER APP ON YOUR PHONE!
   3. Practice Habits @ home – In bathroom (or get a mirror). Use TUNER!
2. Beginning Band Book coming next week! Please pay the “Activity Fee” for the class (Can pay online @ www.milweeband.com, or bring in check/cash to the band room)
3. Fundraiser Congrats/Reminder!
4. Before School Help! Come in and get extra tutoring for FREE!

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Our first performance assignments are posted on eCampus! Please open eCampus in your browser (or use the Canvas App on your phone) to access all of your class assignments. These are due by the end of the week!

Parents, keep encouraging students to practice for 15-30 minutes daily, on just the mouthpiece -- students need to learn how to use their lungs/wind for longer than four or five seconds at a time! This takes practice to build that endurance. Students have been assigned a mouthpiece note to work on (their “First Note”) -- the only chance is to practice with a TUNER to double check the pitch on the mouthpiece is correct!
Remind students to practice in the bathroom, with a TUNER (find one for free on a smartphone app). The best app for this is called “TE TUNER” or Tonal Energy Tuner -- it is less than $5 on either iPhone/Android devices (usually less!). It has many features we will use this year including a tuner and metronome. It can record you, and analyze when you are out of tune to build consistency. It’s possibly the best $5 you can spend for your student for band class.

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​Your student’s beginning band book will be delivered in one weeks time. These are provided as part of your annual “Band Activity Fee” of $25. This also helps pay for student’s music licensing fees, festival (Solo and Ensemble) fees, transportation to field trips, and other professional teachers we bring in throughout the school year.
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Thank you everyone for bringing in over $8,000 worth of fundraising sales and donations on the first day! We’re off to a GREAT start with this fundraiser and I’m so excited to be able to use this money to purchase new instruments and hire our awesome instructors!
 
There are two fundraiser turn-in days left: Monday Sept. 23rd and 30th. PARENTS! We need your help on Monday’s during our fundraiser. If you have time to volunteer, we’d love to have you help!
Please sign up here.

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The band room is open daily, at 8:45 through opening bell at 9:25 for extra student practice. Extra help is offered during this time! There’s been a LOT of beginners coming in and they’re the ones whom are succeeding the most! WOOHOO! 

Students may also schedule an appointment for extra help, after school for a one on one session with Mr. Autrey. Just ask! I can help you on your pass-offs, scales, assigned music, tone quality, anything! Students can also perform assignments during this time.

This info post was sent out on an email via SKYWARD on Friday, August 9th.
If you did not receive the email, your contact information at Milwee Middle School may be incorrect. Please call the school and request to speak to the Guidance Department regarding updating your Skyward contact information.


Greetings Beginning Milwee Band members and parents!​

I am Joshua Autrey, director of bands at Milwee Middle School and I am so thrilled to have you and your student join our amazing band family! Our first day of school is Monday – you don’t need anything for the first day as we will pass out our syllabus and some important forms for students to take home. Some of you received these forms already at schedule pick up!


Please take a moment (2 minutes!) to read this VIP email concerning obtaining an instrument selected for your student:


The most difficult part of the year for new students and parents is the very beginning of the school year as there are many changes in academics, responsibility, and schedule from elementary school. On top of these new challenges, joining band can also seem daunting as there specific of information and procedures to review in order for us to achieve success. We have to find the instrument that each student will play in the first week of school, order band uniforms, coordinate volunteers and parent help, and fill out some necessary paperwork exclusive to band.


In order to help facilitate this process, there is an important meeting that will give you an opportunity to learn how band at Milwee works and how to procure the proper instrument for your student. I understand it may be difficult to make arrangements on such short notice, our band appreciates you doing your best to make this meeting!  

Beginning Band Informational Parent Meeting (Student attendance optional)
Learn how to procure your instrument, plus many questions about band answered.

Tuesday, August 20th at 6:30 in the Cafeteria  
  


How we select instruments at Milwee Middle School: 
We offer two options for students and parents to find out which instrument will be the best fit for your student and family. 


Option 1, in class testing: Starting on Monday, we will begin testing all students on instruments in class. We generally test one instrument per day (two on block days), and usually by the middle of the second school week, most students will know what instrument they will be learning in our band! After we select our instruments, students will receive a form on what they will need for their specific instrument. You will receive more information concerning how to procure an instrument at the meeting on August 20th. Please plan on attending!


*PREFERRED* Option 2, after school consultation: In order to help get through every student in time, we ask as many students and parents as possible to sign up for an after school instrument consultation. The Consultation takes place after school and lasts one hour during the first two weeks of school. Students must be accompanied by a parent at these consultations. We will test each instrument, coaching your student on how to make the correct embouchure to make a sound. I also explain how each instrument works (what supplies you need and about how much it is to rent) to parents as they watch us go through each instrument. This method is preferred as it’s a great opportunity to meet you, and you get to see your student go through the testing process!
CLICK HERE to sign up for a Consultation

This is the BEST way to get your student tested and approved for an instrument in our program. Parents MUST be with the student for this process as it is a collaborative (and BIG!) decision. 


Thank you for taking the time to read through this email.
I can’t wait to get this school year started! Welcome to the best family you’ll find at Milwee!
 

Joshua Autrey
Director of Bands
Milwee Middle School