Dear Sun Valley Band Community,
Sun Valley band students were recently informed that a new band director is coming to SVMS next year. I have been offered a unique teaching opportunity and, after twelve wonderful years in the Sun Valley band room, I have accepted the band director position at Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA). While I am very excited about the opportunities for professional growth that await me at CATA, my heart is heavy at the thought of leaving Sun Valley. Spartan spirit runs deep in my bones and I care a great deal about the Sun Valley band program.
Mrs. Traywick, Mr. Reynolds and I have already begun searching for a band director that fits the musical needs of your child and the Sun Valley community. I have every confidence that we will find a quality leader who has what it takes to continue moving this program towards excellence.
I ask you to remember that change is an opportunity for growth and discovery, even though it may be uncomfortable at times. The strength of this band program lies within the dedication of the Sun Valley band students and parents. This dedication will carry you through this upcoming time of transition. I hope you welcome your new band director with open arms, just as I was welcomed and supported when I first became a Spartan.
It has been an honor and a joy to call the Sun Valley band room “home” for the past twelve years. Thank you for a tremendous experience and best wishes as you move forward in the next chapter of the Sun Valley band success story.
Best wishes,
Ms. Craven
Instrument Inventory Week
Students who play specialty instruments and have a practice instrument at home should bring their "at-home" instruments back to school THIS WEEK so that we can complete our annual instrument inventory.
All TUBA, BARITONE, BASS CLARINET, and FRENCH HORN students can bring their "at-home" instrument to school in the morning and drop it off in the band room. Parents are also welcome to bring these instruments to school at a convenient time and leave them in the front office.
Thank you in advance for your promptness and cooperation. Inventory is a big job and it is important that it is completed in a timely fashion.
All TUBA, BARITONE, BASS CLARINET, and FRENCH HORN students can bring their "at-home" instrument to school in the morning and drop it off in the band room. Parents are also welcome to bring these instruments to school at a convenient time and leave them in the front office.
Thank you in advance for your promptness and cooperation. Inventory is a big job and it is important that it is completed in a timely fashion.
EOG WEEK DETAILS
End of Grade testing is finally here! Student readiness for testing is our top priority at Sun Valley Middle School this week. As a result, there is NOT a practice journal this week. Students may play at home if they choose, but they are not required to. Please encourage your child to play outside, go to bed at a reasonable time, eat healthy meals and snacks, and drink plenty of water this week to prepare their body and mind for successful testing.
We will have a modified class schedule on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week due to testing. This means that your child may not have band class every day this week. Please consult the schedule below so that you are aware of the schedule and come prepared to class with an instrument and band binder on the correct days.
Monday - Regular Schedule for ALL BAND CLASSES
Tuesday - Red Band and Beginning Brass ONLY
Wednesday - Green Band, Blue Band, and Beginning Woodwinds ONLY
Thursday - Red Band and Beginning Brass ONLY
Friday - Regular Schedule for ALL BAND CLASSES
We will have a modified class schedule on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week due to testing. This means that your child may not have band class every day this week. Please consult the schedule below so that you are aware of the schedule and come prepared to class with an instrument and band binder on the correct days.
Monday - Regular Schedule for ALL BAND CLASSES
Tuesday - Red Band and Beginning Brass ONLY
Wednesday - Green Band, Blue Band, and Beginning Woodwinds ONLY
Thursday - Red Band and Beginning Brass ONLY
Friday - Regular Schedule for ALL BAND CLASSES
Small Ensemble Opportunities
There are several opportunities for our band students to perform in small ensembles later this month. 6th and 7th grade students are all invited to sign up to perform in a small ensemble at the Sun Valley Arts Showcase on Thursday, May 24 from 6:30-7:30 pm. 8th and 7th grade students have been invited to perform in the lobby of the high school auditrium prior to the high school band concert on Tuesday, May 22 from 6:15-7:00. Select 7th and 8th grade small ensembles will also be chosen to perform at the Sun Valley Middle School Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 30 from 6:00-6:30.
Students who wish to participate in a small ensemble can sign up in the band room through FRIDAY, MAY 11. Music will be distritbuted on Monday, May 14 and students will have approximately one week to learn their music on their own. All small ensembles will have at least one coaching session with Mr. Reynolds or Ms. Craven before they perform.
If you want another performance opportunity this year and you want to try something new, put your name on the small ensemble list!
Students who wish to participate in a small ensemble can sign up in the band room through FRIDAY, MAY 11. Music will be distritbuted on Monday, May 14 and students will have approximately one week to learn their music on their own. All small ensembles will have at least one coaching session with Mr. Reynolds or Ms. Craven before they perform.
If you want another performance opportunity this year and you want to try something new, put your name on the small ensemble list!
Take Me Out To the Ball Game!!!
8th GRADE PERFORMS the
NATIONAL ANTHEM
at a HOME KNIGHTS GAME
Tuesday, May 29 - 7:15
Knight's Stadium - Fort Mill, SC
Early Bird Ticket Price for parents and friends- $10.00
Gate Ticket Price - $13.00
8th grade band student ticket price - $5.00
NATIONAL ANTHEM
at a HOME KNIGHTS GAME
Tuesday, May 29 - 7:15
Knight's Stadium - Fort Mill, SC
Early Bird Ticket Price for parents and friends- $10.00
Gate Ticket Price - $13.00
8th grade band student ticket price - $5.00
Come support the Sun Valley Band Program and enjoy the great American game of baseball!
Superb Spring Concerts
Our spring concert season has come to a close and we want to take a moment to congratulate all of our Sun Valley musicians on a job well done. Band students exceeded our performance expectations in their level of musical performance and professional poise at both of our spring concerts this year. We are SO PROUD of how you have grown this year and all of the skills you have gained!
A special thanks goes to the 8th grade musicians who have given us three years of their musical talents. We wish them well as the conclude their middle school band experience and move onward and upward towards new high school opportunities, challenges, and achievements. 8th graders, you have made us proud and we are a better band program because of you. Best wishes next year!
We thank the band parents, administration and members of the PTO for your outpouring of support at both of our spring concerts this year. We couldn't do this without you!
A special thanks goes to the 8th grade musicians who have given us three years of their musical talents. We wish them well as the conclude their middle school band experience and move onward and upward towards new high school opportunities, challenges, and achievements. 8th graders, you have made us proud and we are a better band program because of you. Best wishes next year!
We thank the band parents, administration and members of the PTO for your outpouring of support at both of our spring concerts this year. We couldn't do this without you!
Mrs. Higgins Says...
What are your plans for next year?
It's time to choose electives for the 2012-13 school year. Most band students choose to continue playing an instrument in band. Ms. Craven would love to see everyone register for band again next next year and looks forward to an exciting year of performing and achieving new goals!
All band students learned about electives during band on Wednesday, May 2. The same information went home on a RED sheet with report cards on Wednesday, May 2. The information can also be found at this LINK.
Please read the information with your child and complete the online registration survey by FRIDAY, MAY 11. You can find the survey at this LINK.
All band students learned about electives during band on Wednesday, May 2. The same information went home on a RED sheet with report cards on Wednesday, May 2. The information can also be found at this LINK.
Please read the information with your child and complete the online registration survey by FRIDAY, MAY 11. You can find the survey at this LINK.
ALL STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE A SURVEY IN ORDER FOR THE SCHOOL TO BUILD 2012-13 SCHEDULE.
Please email Ms. Craven with any questions you may have about scheduling or your child's readiness for band next year.
ASBDA CLINIC CANCELLED
Due to very unusual and unexpected circumstances, the ASBDA Honor Band Clinic that was scheduled to take place on Monday and Tuesday of this week at Porter Ridge High School has been cancelled. If it is able to be rescheduled, Ms. Craven will let the appropriate students know.
Barnes and Noble Honors Kalina Mackay
Kalina Mackay, 8th grade percussionist at Sun Valley Middle School, recently received recognition from the Arboretum Barnes and Noble book store for the essay she submitted in their "My Favorite Teacher" contest. Kalina's winning essay about Ms. Craven was entered into a contest with other entries from both middle and high school students.
Barnes and Noble employee and contest judge Whitney Schuner praised Kalina's work saying, "Her essay stood out by far among all of the entries. It was very well written and had a very important message about the importance of having strong character."
Barnes and Noble honored Kalina with a gift card and the opportunity for her essay to compete at the regional level. Ms. Craven was also honored by Barnes and Noble with a gift bag full of books and school supplies.
We are SO PROUD of Kalina and grateful to Barnes and Noble for providing this opportunity.
Barnes and Noble employee and contest judge Whitney Schuner praised Kalina's work saying, "Her essay stood out by far among all of the entries. It was very well written and had a very important message about the importance of having strong character."
Barnes and Noble honored Kalina with a gift card and the opportunity for her essay to compete at the regional level. Ms. Craven was also honored by Barnes and Noble with a gift bag full of books and school supplies.
We are SO PROUD of Kalina and grateful to Barnes and Noble for providing this opportunity.
Contest winner Kalina Mackay pictured here with Ms. Craven and Whitney Schuner, Arboretum Barnes and Noble Community Relations Manager.
SUPERIOR MPA PERFORMANCES
Congratulations to the 7th and 8th grade Sun Valley band students who performed in the North Carolina middle school Music Performance Assessment this week at Wingate University. Sun Valley bands have a history of performing very well at MPA, but this year's musicians took our mastery to a new level. Both bands that performed earned a SUPERIOR rating from all four judges this year. That is no easy feat!
The MPA adjudicators were very complimentary of our tone quality, intonation, style, musicality, professional appearance, discipline, and maturity this year. They also gave us some helpful suggestions that will help raise our level of performance in the future as we continue to grow.
We are so PROUD of our MPA musicians and the work ethic they put forth to attain this goal. Hats off to you!!!
Here are some sounds from this week's MPA performances:
Honor and Glory (Jack Bullock) - 7th grade band
The Crossings (Robert Sheldon) - 7th grade band
Labyrinth (Mike Story) - 7th grade band
Activity (Bennett/Clark) - 8th grade band
Tribute and Triumph (David Shaffer) - 8th grade band
Shackelford Banks (Jay Bocook) - 8th grade band
The MPA adjudicators were very complimentary of our tone quality, intonation, style, musicality, professional appearance, discipline, and maturity this year. They also gave us some helpful suggestions that will help raise our level of performance in the future as we continue to grow.
We are so PROUD of our MPA musicians and the work ethic they put forth to attain this goal. Hats off to you!!!
Here are some sounds from this week's MPA performances:
Honor and Glory (Jack Bullock) - 7th grade band
The Crossings (Robert Sheldon) - 7th grade band
Labyrinth (Mike Story) - 7th grade band
Activity (Bennett/Clark) - 8th grade band
Tribute and Triumph (David Shaffer) - 8th grade band
Shackelford Banks (Jay Bocook) - 8th grade band
Thank you Mr. Sweeney!
We had a blast with composer Michael Sweeney at this year's Union County Honor Band! Students performed Into the Clouds by Richard Saucedo, The Lost Lady Found arranged by Michael Sweeney, the newly commissioned Prelude and Pursuit by Michael Sweeney, and John Williams: Movie Adventures arranged by Michael Sweeney. It was is an honor to have Mr. Sweeney working with our students and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him!
Here are some sights from the clinic weekend...
Here are some sights from the clinic weekend...
In Memory of Mr. Paul Jackson
Mr. Jackson was most recently the band director at Providence High School. Prior to his time at PHS, Mr. Jackson taught in Union County at Forest Hills High School and East Union Middle School. He touched the lives of many over the course of his career and has inspired countless young musicians and directors alike to make the world a better place with their music. Mr. Jackson was a remarkable man who had a great influence on the band world. He will be dearly missed by many.
You can read more about Mr. Jackson's life and acheivements in the band room at the Providence High School band website. The Providence High School Band Boosters have created a music scholarship in Mr. Jackson's honor. Any Sun Valley band students and families who wish to contribute to the fund in memory of Mr. Jackson are invited to do so. Ms. Craven will collect donations the week of February 13-17 and take them to Providence High School.
What are you doing this summer?
There are a number of exciting summer music camps in the area and NOW is the time to begin making your plans to attend. These camps are in demand and registration is limited, so do your research now and choose which camp is the best fit for you this year!
UNCG SUMMER MUSIC CAMP - This is an overnight camp held on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and hosted by the faculty and students of the prestigious UNCG School of Music. Students who attend this camp live in college dorms, use state of the art rehearsal and performance facilities, work with college professors and music majors, and have the option of private lessons to supplement the music camp experience. Click HERE for more information.
Week No. 1: July 8 - 13, 2012
Week No. 2: July 15 - 20, 2012
COMMUNITY SCHOOL of the ARTS SUMMER BAND CAMP - July 16-20, 2012
The Community School of the Arts has long been providing quality arts education to the youth in the greater Charlotte area. In addition to offering small group and private lessons throughout the year, CSA sponsors a summer concert band camp and a summer jazz band camp. Students who participate in these camps work with well respected music educators in the area as well as with musicians from the Charlotte Symphony. Both of these camps are day camps and scholarship opportunities are available to families who send multiple children or who apply for financial aid. ANY STUDENT WHO PARTICIPATED IN A DISTRICT, STATE, or COUNTY HONOR BAND CLINIC THIS SCHOOL YEAR IS ELIGIBILE FOR A $50 DISCOUNT ON CAMP TUITION!!! Click HERE for more information about this year's CSA summer music camp offerings.
UNCG SUMMER MUSIC CAMP - This is an overnight camp held on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and hosted by the faculty and students of the prestigious UNCG School of Music. Students who attend this camp live in college dorms, use state of the art rehearsal and performance facilities, work with college professors and music majors, and have the option of private lessons to supplement the music camp experience. Click HERE for more information.
Week No. 1: July 8 - 13, 2012
Week No. 2: July 15 - 20, 2012
COMMUNITY SCHOOL of the ARTS SUMMER BAND CAMP - July 16-20, 2012
The Community School of the Arts has long been providing quality arts education to the youth in the greater Charlotte area. In addition to offering small group and private lessons throughout the year, CSA sponsors a summer concert band camp and a summer jazz band camp. Students who participate in these camps work with well respected music educators in the area as well as with musicians from the Charlotte Symphony. Both of these camps are day camps and scholarship opportunities are available to families who send multiple children or who apply for financial aid. ANY STUDENT WHO PARTICIPATED IN A DISTRICT, STATE, or COUNTY HONOR BAND CLINIC THIS SCHOOL YEAR IS ELIGIBILE FOR A $50 DISCOUNT ON CAMP TUITION!!! Click HERE for more information about this year's CSA summer music camp offerings.
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