O. Henry Middle School Band

We are so glad you will be apart of our musical journey for the 2019 - 2020 School Year!

Couple of items before the start of school:
1 - No Instruments on the first day - we will let you know in class when to bring them to school.

2 - When we bring instruments to school they are to be stored in your band locker for the duration of the school day. The band hall is usually open early before school to help you drop it off and instruments can be picked up each day right after school.  If you ride the bus home then we will help you determine the best time of day to pick up your instrument based on your class schedule.

3 - If you will be using a large school instrument, Tuba, Horn, Euphonium / Baritone - depending on the number of students needed a school horn an additional instrument can be rented for home practice - this will be on a first come first served basis - students who ride the bus may be given preference - the rental fee is $100 for the year. If you need to work out financial assistance please talk to a director. We're here to help. 

We just learned today (7/25) that due to the ongoing AC construction at O.Henry events like Transition camp have been cancelled. However,  we are glad we will be able to have our Mustang band camp this year in the Austin High School's Performing Arts Center. Here is the new information:

O.Henry Mustang Band Camp

• Location: Austin High School - Performing Arts Center - 1715 West Cesar Chavez Street
• Drop off/pick up: Parents can drop off their child on the east side of the the school in the circle drive of the Austin High School campus. (NOT near the tennis courts)
  • Earliest time to drop off students is 8:00 am - AHS is also having their marching band practices on campus and they start at 7:30 am. 
  • Pick up time should be 11:00 am - AHS will break for their lunch around 11:30 so we'll like all of the O.Henry students picked up no later than 11:15 am, if possible.
• Dates: Monday, August 5 - Friday, August 9
• Time: 8:30 am - 11:00 am
• Bring: Your instrument, pencil, music, and water bottle (optional)

                 Students needing a school instrument should email a director prior to August 1 in order to                     locate them from the school and transport them to Austin High School for pick-up.                                 Students will be responsible in transporting them daily to and from camp.

Students using school instruments are encouraged to email Ms. Boltz at jennifer.boltz@austinisd.org on or before August 1 to be sure we have one in good working condition so you can take advantage of summer band. Woodwind players should acquire their own reeds at the store ahead of time. Percussion students should bring mallets and sticks (in a stick bag) to all activities.

Instrumental rental fees for the year can be paid at any time during camp to secure the use of the instrument for the entire school year. 

Summer band camp is right around the corner - 

Monday, August 5 - Friday, August 9
1:30 - 4:30 PM

Schedule of activities:
Meeting new people
Playing our instruments
Having fun!

All students with at least one year of experience are encourage to attend.
This is a great way to meet or re-connect with friends as well as get your instrumental
routines going again.

See you soon!
​

Beginning Band and Symphonic band Spring Trip to San Antonio - Friday May 3

All Bands - Spring Concert - Tuesday May 7, starting at 6:00 PM
WIth special guest Professor Jeff Helmer and the Austin High School Jazz band

Fine Arts Showcase - Tuesday May 21 - Doors open at 5:00 PM
Please join us for a festive night of Fine Arts - ticket order forms have been given to your child during class - Please return the order forms no later than May 10th for accurate food orders.
Groups performing include: Dance, Choir, Orchestra, Symphonic band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Mariachi and Theater. The cost is $10 and that includes a Student designed Fine Arts T-Shirt, and dinner - choice of pulled pork sandwich or 5 oz hamburger or vegan plus chips, drinks and cake - there could be some Pinata fun as well. The evening should be finished by 8:00 PM.

The O.Henry Mustang band wants YOU! You can change your course sheet to add band - we'd love to see our rising 6th and 7th grade students become amazing performers. The hard work is done now things become more fun with more challenging music and rehearsals in an ensemble setting. Parents please encourage your child to continue. You'll be amazed at the progress!

Join us for a fun evening of jazz with the O.Henry Jazz band, Small MS jazz band and the Stage band and Jazz Ensemble from Austin High School - Music begins at 6:00 PM

Symphonic Band will have practice after school on Monday 4/8 -

Not sure when to bring your instrument? Bring it everyday. 
Periods 5/6/7/8 will meet everyday this week.
Periods 2/3/4 will meet when not testing

6th grade band students will be attending a WC field trip on Wednesday but will need their instruments on Thursday. 

STAAR Testing - good 7th grade on your writing and advanced math tests - 8th grade math and reading!

Congratulations to all of the performers at last weeks Solo/Ensemble contest. We had over 75 students participate and 42 students earned the highest rating! Well done everyone. Keep up the good practice routines to sound even better.

All Symphonic band and Wind Ensemble members are required to perform a solo and/or ensemble at our Solo and Ensemble held at O.Henry on Thursday April 4. Students will be scheduled between 4:30 and 6:00 PM to perform for a judge. Beginning band members may opt in for this experience. It is strongly encouraged for all students to participate.