From: "Concert Band and Intermediate Band Parents" <newsletter@mccrackenband.com>
Subject: Concert Band and Intermediate Band Parents Message
Date: May 8th 2012

CONCERT BAND FLUTES AND PERCUSSION have their lessons tomorrow (Wednesday)!!! There was an announcement at Monday's rehearsal...

ALL BANDS CONCERT - MONDAY, MAY 21
It is my pleasure to invite you and your guests to attend the Skokie School District 73.5 All Bands Concert on Monday, May 21, 2012 in the NILES NORTH HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM. The program will begin at 7:00 PM and will last approximately 90 minutes with a reception following (see attached). All 5th Grade Band and Concert Band members should be ready to warm up in the Niles North Band Room at 6:30 PM.

Your child should wear the following:
GIRLS
Dressy dress, skirt, or pants and blouse Any kind of stockings
Shined dress shoes (no gym shoes)
Neatly combed/brushed hair

BOYS
Dress shirt, any color
Long tie (no jacket)
Dress pants (no jeans)
Shined dress shoes (no gym shoes)
Neatly combed hair

Students wearing inappropriate attire will not be permitted to perform. The children have worked hard in preparing this program, and it’s been amazing to watch their growth this year. We hope you are able to attend our concert.

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THE YEAR IS WRAPPING UP!

5th GRADE BAND: Friday, May 18 will be the final after school rehearsal for the 5th Grade Band. CONCERT BAND: We will have a short rehearsal on Monday, May 21 prior to the concert from 3:00 - 3:30. This will be the final Concert Band rehearsal of the year.

Placement auditions for 2012-2013 are the week of May 21. Weekly lessons will continue until the end of the year, although the days of the week might be inconsistent because of general end of year stuff.

ALL-BANDS CONCERT RECEPTION
There will be a reception right after the concert in the Auditorium Lobby. We are requesting that each family bring something to the reception. Beginner Band : bottled water

5th Grade Band : fruits, vegetables, cheese
 Concert Band : chips, pretzels

Symphonic Band : desserts

Please drop these items off after 6:15 p.m. at the Niles North High School Cafeteria on May 21.

We also need volunteers to set up the tables, serve the food, and clean up. If you can help, or if you have any questions, please contact the following coordinators: Beginner Band : Marla Humphries-Dolnick 847.329.0402


5th Grade Band :       Francie Niederman               847.674.5539

Concert Band :  Lila Yusen                      847.679.2215

Symphonic Band :        Mary Goldenberg         847.675.6889


SUMMER BAND
Summer lessons are available from Mr. De Stefano from the week of June 4 to the week of July 2. Students will receive a weekly 30 minute private lesson for a total of 5 lessons. Lessons will be scheduled on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and Tuesday and Thursday mornings on a first call/email basis. Tuition for summer lessons is $100. Call (847.676.8225) or Email (cdestefano@sd735.org) to schedule your child’s lessons. Don’t delay! Available slots always fill up quickly. FORM ATTACHED.

All students should continue to rent their instruments during the summer months. After all, they can’t practice without them!!! If you decide to purchase an instrument for your child this summer contact me first! Making the wrong purchase can directly impact both your family finances and the musical progress of your child. All instruments are not created equal and I can help you find a quality instrument that your child will use for many years to come.

That's it. Thanks for your support and for a great school year. See you on the 21st!

Chip De Stefano
Director of Bands
McCracken Middle School
Skokie, Illinois