Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble Performances
We look forward to seeing family members at our two upcoming concerts on Jan. 7th and 12th. Itineraries for each event can be found below:
Jan. 7 – Percussion Ensembles
– 6:45 PM – PAC Opens
– 7:00 PM – Andrews Percussion Ensemble Performance
(Both Team J-Hawk and Team U)
Jan. 12 – Concert Bands
– 5:20 PM – J-Hawk students arrive
– 5:45 PM – PAC Opens
– 6:00 PM – Doggett + Dupuis Team J-Hawk Performances
– 6:50 PM – Team U students arrive
– 7:15 PM – PAC Opens
– 7:30 PM – Doggett + Dupuis Team U Performance
Vouchers
Each student will be provided two spectator vouchers. These vouchers will be handed out in class on Jan. 4th and 6th. Admission will be $5.00. Please know the PAC will be completely emptied following our Team J-Hawk performances. Family members may only attend the performance that is listed on their voucher.
Livestream
All performances will be live streamed at the link below.
https://www.j-hawks.com/live
Concert Attire Details
Many area schools have purchased long black gowns for the women and tuxedos for the men. We have chosen to give students some liberty in their choice of clothing for their concerts. However, in order to maintain the appropriate decorum in the formal concerts, we ask that all members of the J-Hawk Bands follow these guidelines when choosing their concert attire.
Men:
Black dress shirt with collar and tie based in blue.
Black dress pants (suitable for a crease in front) and black belt (exclude cargo pants, denim, corduroy, etc.)
Black dress shoes with black socks (suitable for polishing; exclude athletic shoes and socks, sandals, flip-flops, or other casual footwear)
Black suit or sport coat optional but recommended (if wearing a suit, you may substitute a white dress shirt)
Wind Symphony & Wind Ensemble men are highly encouraged to accept the suit or sport coat option.
Women:
All options offered for the men are also acceptable for women
Or
Floor length black dress with sleeves or floor length black skirt with black blouse
Optional accent accessories should be blue (such as a scarf or head band)
Black dress shoes (Color: flat black close-toed and flat heel with skin-toned hose. Exclude athletic shoes and socks, sandals, flip-flops, or other casual footwear)
Proper decorum for formal concerts suggests no skin is showing from shoulders to the floor.
Make-Up Lessons
Students have until Jan. 15th to submit any missing assignments for first semester. They also have the opportunity to schedule make-up lessons with a director between Jan. 4 – 15. Add your name to the linked document in order to schedule a make-up lesson (click here).
Solo & Ensemble Festivals
The Urbandale Solo and Ensemble Festival will be held the evening of February 11, 2021.
Students who are participating should be accomplishing the following tasks:
- Order their official copy of the music from Rieman’s or another music outlet.
- Check the posted accompanist rehearsal schedule for assigned rehearsal times on Jan. 24, Jan. 31, and Feb. 7.
- Soloists should have weekly lessons with the band staff or private teacher.
- If they are playing in a small ensemble, they should be rehearsing with their colleagues regularly. An ensemble-coaching sign up form can be found here.
- Pay your fees (solo $15, ensemble $10). A link to the online payment system can be found here.
Student Recommendations (a teachable moment)
Spring is the time of year when many students seek recommendations for scholarships, camps, college admissions, and summer jobs. This is a teachable moment for parents and faculty to help children use mature etiquette in asking for recommendations. Please consider reviewing these tips with your child(ren). These have been adapted from guidelines used at Port Washington High School, NY.
- Remember letters of recommendation are not entitlements; they are earned.
- Ask for a letter of recommendation in person. (We are writing the recommendation for you, so you should be the person to ask.)
- Provide all of the necessary information in an organized manner (and in writing)
- To whom the recommendation should be written
- For what purpose it is being written
- Does the reader of the recommendation provide any instructions? If so, include them.
- What is the deadline?
- Provide an envelope with the reader’s name/address, etc.
- If the writer is to comment on your participation, honors, awards, etc., provide a list of your participation, honors, awards, etc. (called a curriculum vitae, or c.v.)
- Ask at least 2 weeks before the deadline. (It takes time to craft a well-written recommendation that reflects the uniqueness’ of the student.)
- Ask someone who knows you.
- Assess your behavior now and in the past. (Ask teachers who know you best and have seen your best efforts. Don’t expect a letter if you’ve made little or no contributions to the class)
- The letter of recommendation is not for your eyes
- Sign the waiver if one is provided. Do not ask if you can see the letter. It is up to the writer to make that choice. These letters are generally confidential and should at least be sealed and most likely mailed directly by the writer.
- Say Thank You!