Hello Band Families,

Winter Concert: It is hard to believe that it is December already and our Winter Concert just around the corner (Dec 15)! Doors will open at 6:40 and the concert will begin at 7:00. 9th grade needs to be in the auditorium ready to go at 6:00pm and 10-12th grades will need to be in the band room at 6:20pm. Since this is a formal concert, dress should be nice. Please review the Uniform Guidelines for dress requirements. Please no short skirts/dress or sleeves. All students will also need to help clear the stage after the concert.

As in years past, we will have a raffle to win our beautiful winter decorations! Proceeds go to help support the band trip.

Italy Band Trip: I am excited to announce that the band will be traveling to Italy for a performance tour Dec 27, 2023 – Jan 4, 2024! I am working on setting up an informational meeting after winter break to share more information. Stay tuned for a date.

Spirit Wear: We are excited to announce that a new online spirit wear store for Lakeville North Band merchandise is open! You can order product at any time and it will be shipped directly to your house. Pep Band sweatshirts and a lot of other merchandise is available! shop.game-one.com/minnesota/lakeville/lakeville-north-band

Supplies: I want to send a reminder that students need to make sure they have their daily supplies for band. Clarinets and Saxophones should have 3-4 good reeds in their case. The strength of the reed should be 3 or 3.5. Brass players need to have their own oil. This is especially true if you are borrowing a school instruments. Many of these instruments are old, and oiling valves is one of the best ways to insure regular maintenance of the instrument and prevent costly repairs. Many supplies are available on the school store in Infinite Campus at discounted prices. Once a purchase has been made through Campus, please have the student show me the receipt for the product.

Step-Up Instruments: As the year comes to a close, there are many music stores that have sales on new instruments. These instruments are step-up models from the instruments that many students begin their band journey with. I caution you to go with known brands from established music stores. It is tempting to see a $150 instrument on Amazon or at a big box store and think it is a great deal, but these instruments are made from low quality materials and will have numerous repair issues that will hinder students’ progress on their instrument. Schmitt Music is opening their new flagship store in Bloomington and having big sales on Dec 10. Groth Music is having a progressive mark down sale during December on instruments and many other supplies.

In addition to step-up instruments, the holidays are a great time to purchase new mouthpieces, ligatures, swabs and brushes (to clean!), etc. A new mouthpiece or a ligature goes a long way to improving the sound of an instrument without the larger investment of a new instrument. Please consult the end of the band handbook for instrument and mouthpiece suggestions or send me an email.

Thank you for all that you do and supporting the life changing experiences studying music can bring.

Have a happy holiday season!

Dr. Wanken