O. Henry Middle School Band

We are excited to get the year started. For students new to band we will be offering virtual instrument selection interviews to help guide you in your decision on what instrument you'll like to play. More information will be posted here and look for it in the Pony Express.

Can't wait to meet you all and get you started on your instrumental journey!

We are working on a date for a drive-by instrument pick up for students playing school instruments. Stay tuned for more detail. Information will go out in the Pony Express and Messenger as well as posted here. Please check back next week for more information.

Dear 7th & 8th grade Mustang Band members and parents, 

We hope you are all safe, healthy, and enjoying your summer. The directors are very excited to have you in band again this year and we look forward to connecting with everyone soon.  On Friday, August 7, we are inviting all 7th/8th grade band students to join us (virtually) for our Summer Band session. It will take place from 10:30 am–12 noon via Zoom. This is a one day event for any band student with least one year of playing experience.  ​

Our goal is to help students ease back into playing shape through the use of basic fundamentals and fun pep music. It will also give students an opportunity to meet, greet, and make connections with their band mates and directors. We know that most students probably haven’t touched their instrument in quite a while...and that’s ok! We are not expecting perfection. We just want you to bring your positive attitudes and have fun as we get back into the swing of things.   
I’m in the process of scanning material and will be sending out a google link for you to download sheet music and a Zoom link with instructions by early next week. In the meantime, please encourage your child to find their instrument, open the case, and at least play a few notes to make sure it still works J.  Brass players might need to oil their valves and reed players might need to get a fresh set of reeds.   
Please let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing everyone on Friday, August 7th. 
Thanks, 
Mr. Pinkney 

We are working on our Virtual Summer Band Booster session - More details will follow. We'll post the day as soon as we know so check back or contact us for more information.
Let's go Mustangs!

Sadly its nearing the end of the year.
If you're in 8th grade we need to collect your instruments a little sooner than when we're on campus. Please respond to the email Mr. Pinkney sent out - Returns are to happen on Friday May 15th. Please contact your high school band directors to talk about a summer instrument rental. It may be possible to rent from a local music store as well.

Please be sure to return all instruments, mouthpieces, tuners, mutes, sticks - anything that was "LOANED" to you for the school year.

6th & 7th grade students are encouraged to continue playing their instruments all summer to prepare for the next school year.

Thanks for a great year! Keep making music!

Log onto your Smart Music Account - and find the band song Furioso.
Some of you may remember playing this in 6th grade.
Put in some headphones and film yourself on your phone playing along with the Smart Music version.
Send your videos to Ms. Boltz by May 20th to allow time to put them all together.
Let's do this together! - If you have a question please reach out.

Welcome to week 3 of our extension activities. We really miss being in the classroom with you, helping you get better and better! As we move forward - keep up the Smart Music assignments - this program (although not perfect) it a great tool for you to measure your accuracy and get some immediate feedback. Remember: Slow practice can get the best results.

Kind of like making really good BBQ - A slow cooked BBQ requires the attention of the chef. How hot it the fire, does it need any wood, does the meat need to be turned over, does it need basting? Just like practice time - slow attention to details and getting things really good at a slower tempo means you've taken care of the notes, rhythms, articulations, playing with good fingerings or stickings, dynamics. When all of that is done then you're ready to go faster. Just like a great BBQ it may take hours to cook but only minutes to eat! 

Online classes today start for everyone via BLEND - if you need our help - or just want to say hi,  leave a comment below.

It is our sincerest thought that you are staying safe during this time and following the recommended guidelines for social distancing and hand-washing.

Due to the current local, state and federal guidelines to shelter in place, stay home; and following AISD directives, we are no longer allowed to enter the building to get to the instruments or supplies that may be stored there. Know that the rooms have been disinfected and to help keep the virus out we have been told that we are not allowed inside.

We tried to get in touch with everyone - Friday before spring break and then again right after break for people to come get their instrument. Many of you did, however If you do not have your instrument you are still expected to check the assignments in BLEND. There will be optional activities that you can do while we're going through this public health event.

We have secured through the generosity of Smart Music and Breezin' thru Theory or music theory.net, access to their online sites. Please take a moment to log onto Smart Music and create your online account - please sign up using your school email - this will be the easiest way for us to interact with your accounts.

For now, hang in there - we'll have some zoom calls in the not to distant future. 

Mr. Pinkney and Ms. Boltz are here for you - please, if you need any help please go the contact tab and reach out!

Until next time - "Make some noise"
​-Ms. B.