BEGINNING OF THE YEAR CHECKLIST
Below is the checklist we went over at the parent meeting, and the slide show I presented.  Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

DOWNLOAD 6TH GRADE SLIDE SHOW
DOWNLOAD 7TH-8TH GRADE SLIDE SHOW

1. HANDBOOK:  Read the Band Handbook in its entirety.
2. CALENDAR:  Copy down the dates on the Band Calendar.  Hang the paper copy in your home!
3. FORMS:  Complete Digital Band Forms
   1. Due August 16
   2. Ms. Foster will also have paper band forms in English and Spanish if needed.
4. REMIND:  Sign up for Remind Texts/Emails
   1. (see page 10 of the handbook for instructions)
5. RENT/BUY INSTRUMENT:
   1. Rent or purchase an instrument from a reputable music store, like Jackson's Music or Music and Arts.
   2. Purchase all supplies for your instrument​. The Music and Arts and Jackson's "Starter Pack" should have you covered!
   3. 6th graders begin using instruments approximately Monday, 8/26
   4. 7th/8th graders begin using instruments Monday, 8/12
   5. Jackson's Instrument Rental Night is Wednesday, 8/14 at 6:00pm in the cafeteria
      1. 6th graders must order their instrument by this date in order for it to be ready by August 26th, our approximate first day with instruments in class.
   6. Families who are unable to get your own instrument and NEED a school instrument, please fill out this school instrument rental application by August 18.
6. PAY BAND FEES:
   1. Due August 30
   2. See page 13 of the handbook for details.  (School-owned instruments are an additional $50 per year.)
   3. Cash or check in an envelope with student’s name, amount, and "band fees" written on it, delivered to counseling office.
   4. Families with financial struggles, ask me one-on-one about payment plans and sponsors before 8/30. We will find a solution!  No student will ever be turned away from band due to an inability to pay.
7. CUTTIME:  Ms. Foster will release instructions for making/editing your CutTime account soon.

​OPTIONAL

1. Follow us on Instagram/Facebook
2. ​Sign up to be part of the WHMS Band Association or volunteer by sending me an email!
   1. This will be a bit like a booster club for the band (except that finances are still handled through the school.)  We need parents to volunteer their time and whatever skills they bring to the table to create a better experience for your students!
   2. Email [email protected] if you are interested or have questions.  If you have financial/accounting experience, construction experience, organizational skills, decorating skills, musical experience, or have any other unique connections or skills, please include that info in your email!  If all you’d like to do is chaperone, that is wonderful as well.  Just let me know what kind of time you can commit.​