Mrs. Shelby's Band Blog

Concert

2011-12-14T10:37:00.002-06:00

Just a reminder that the concert is Thursday at 7PM. It is in the performing arts center at the high school. Students need to meet in the High School band room at 6:30 PM.
To get to the HS band room, go through the big double doors on the BACK of the high school, go down the hall that is on the left. The band room is the first door on the right.
Don't forget that the students need black clothes. If your having trouble getting the clothes please let me know today.
The kids are sounding good. I can't wait for you to hear them at the concert!

Concert Reminder

2011-11-28T15:00:00.000-06:00

CONCERT REMINDER
Who: Elementary Band members

What: Winter Concert

When: Thursday, December 15th at 7:00 PM (Students meet at 6:30 PM)

Where: Graves County High School Performing Arts Center (Students meet in band room. Enter through the big double doors in the back of the High School.)

Other: The concert is free and all friends and family are encouraged to attend. Students need to wear ALL BLACK DRESS CLOTHES. (If you need help getting the clothes for the concert, please let your school’s family resource know now. If family resource isn’t able to assist with clothes and you need financial assistance, please let me know.)

Band Up-Date

2011-11-09T10:35:00.000-06:00

Greetings Band Parents/Guardians,
I just wanted to touch base with everyone and let you know what’s new with the elementary band.
The beginners are off to a great start! They know three notes already and have several songs. The second-year students are working hard and have already started learning their Christmas music!
Please encourage them to play for a few minuets every day, so that they can reinforce what we do in class. If they're not playing at home, it will take them longer to catch on in class. Right now they don't need to be playing longer than 15-20 minutes at a time, if they play for too long they'll wear themselves out. If they don't seem interested in practicing at home, try asking them to show you how to play the instrument. Most kids like to show off what they know. I know it probably doesn't sound great yet, but keep encouraging them, and in a few weeks you will be amazed at how far they will come.
I will reward the students by paying them “Band Bucks” for every 15 minutes that they practice. They can write their practice minutes on the chart in their book. Parents, please initial by each week for your child to get credit for it.
Students can spend their “Bucks” at our up-coming auction. First years will have an auction Tuesday, November 22nd during after school practice. Second years will have their auction Wednesday, November 16th at after school practice. At the auction students will be able to bid on folding music stands, instrument supplies, as well as candy and other prizes. They will still need their instruments and books.
Please remember that our Christmas Concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 15th at 7:00 PM. Please remember that this year the students need to wear ALL BLACK dress clothes for the concert. If you need financial assistance getting their clothes, please let family resource know now so that they have time to process your request. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Ellis Shelby

Graves County Elementary Band Director

ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us

Help needed

2011-09-29T13:12:00.002-05:00

Our High School band parents are looking for some helpers in the concessions stand. The concessions is the main source of income for the band program, including the elementary and middle school band.

The boosters need help in the concessions stand this Saturday from 8:30 AM-noon for little league football. The majority of the High School parents will be in Nashville with the marching band so any help you can give would be appreciated.

Also, GCHS is hosting a basketball game between former UK players and Mid Continent. This will be a huge crowd and the boosters need all the help they can get. This game is October 13th. Helpers will need to be in the GCHS gym at 6 PM.

If you can help with either of these events, please e-mail ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us
Thanks for your help!

Up-dated Schedule

2011-08-16T11:19:00.000-05:00

Elementary Band Calendar of Events

(All times and dates are tentative)

Concerts

12/15/11: Winter Concert, 7:00 PM

3/3/12: Solo and Ensemble Festival (selected 6th grade only) Murray State University
3/15/12: Parent Appreciation Concert GCHS Gym ,7:00 PM

4/26/12: Spring Concert in the PAC, 7:00 PM

In School Schedule

Monday-- Lowes ,Central

Tuesday --Wingo, Cuba

Wednesday-- GCMS, Farmington

Thursday-- GCMS, Fancy Farm

Friday-- Symsonia, Sedalia

In school band for all students starts the week of 8/22-8/26.

The first after school practice for SECOND YEAR will be Wednesday, 8/31 from 3:30 PM-4:20 PM at GCMS.

First year students who play PERCUSSION will have a special practice on Tuesday, 8/27 from 3:30 PM- 4:20 PM at GCMS.

The first after school practice for FIRST YEAR BAND will be Tuesday, 9/6 from 3:30 PM – 4:20 PM at GCMS.

ELEMENTARY BAND SIGN-UPS

2011-07-26T08:53:00.000-05:00

Who: 5^th and 6^th grade students and parents

What: Graves County Elementary Band Sign-up/Instrument Rental Meeting

When: The meeting for students who are going to rent-to-own through Music Central will be Thursday, August 18t^h from 4-6 PM.

The meeting for students on Free/Reduced lunch who need school-owned instruments will be Friday, August 19^th from 4 -6 PM (school instrument rental)

2010-10-15T11:10:00.000-05:00

Graves County Elementary Band Program
Ellis Shelby, Director
270-293-9523 – Cell
Ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us
www.prideofgravescounty.org

Greetings Band Parents/Guardians,

I just wanted to touch base with everyone and let you know what’s new with the elementary band.

The beginners are off to a great start! They know three notes already and have just learned their first real song. The second-year students are working hard and have already started learning their Christmas music!

Please encourage them to play for a few minuets every day, so that they can reinforce what we do in class. If they're not playing at home, it will take them longer to catch on in class. Right now they don't need to be playing longer than 15-20 minutes at a time, if they play for too long they'll wear themselves out. If they don't seem interested in practicing at home, try asking them to show you how to play the instrument. Most kids like to show off what they know. I know it probably doesn't sound great yet, but keep encouraging them, and in a few weeks you will be amazed at how far they will come.

I will reward the students by paying them “Band Bucks” for every 15 minutes that they practice. They can write their practice minutes on the chart in the front of their book. Parents, please initial by each week for your child to get credit for it.

Students can spend their “Bucks” at our up-coming auction. First years will have an auction Tuesday, October 26th during after school practice. Second years will have their auction Wednesday, October 27th during after school practice. At the auction students will be able to bid on folding music stands, instrument supplies, as well as candy and other prizes.

Please remember that our Christmas Concert is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14th at 6:30 PM. Let me know if you have any questions or comments. I’m looking forward to another great 9-weeks with these students!

Sincerely,
Ellis Shelby, Graves County Elementary Band Director

2010-2011 elementary band schedule

2010-09-23T11:29:00.003-05:00

Welcome back to school. Here is the elemntary band schedule for this year. More updates to come...

2010-11 schedule

Mon: Lowes, Sedalia
Tuesday:Wingo,Cuba
Wednesday: Symsonia, Farmington
Thursday: MS, Fancy Farm
Friday: MS, Central

First Year after school practice is Tuesdays from at the Middle School from 3:30-4:20 PM.
Second Year after school practice is Wednesdays at the Middle School from 3:30-4:20 PM.

Final concert

2010-04-12T08:50:00.001-05:00

Graves County Elementary Band Program
Ellis Shelby, Director
270-293-9523
ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us -- E-mail
www.prideofgravescounty.org -- Band Web Page
www.shelbybandblog.blogspot.com – Mrs. Shelby’s Band Blog

Spring Concert Reminder:

Our final concert of the year will be Thursday, April 29th at 6:30 PM in the Graves County High School Performing Arts Center. Students need to wear nice clothes and meet in the High School Band Room at 6:00 PM.

We only have three after school, and three in school practices left before our last concert. The students are learning some very tricky music, so please make sure that they attend as many practices as possible in the next three weeks. If you student can’t attend practice, please encourage them to practice their music at home.

I am very proud of everything that these students have accomplished this year. I’m looking forward to a great final concert.

Sincerely,

Ellis Shelby, Elementary Band Director

Band Concert Information

2009-12-07T08:58:00.001-06:00

Don’t Forget…
The Elementary Band Christmas Concert is Tuesday, December 15th at 6:30 PM in the Graves County High School Performing Arts Center. Students should meet at 6:00 PM in the GCHS band room. Students, please wear nice clothes. (No jeans, athletic clothes, or sweats.)
To get to the band room, go to the back of GCHS, go through the big double doors, turn left and go down the hall. The band room is the first door on the right. Parents, the PAC is the first door on the right when you enter through the large double doors and the first door on the left when you enter through the PAC entrance.
The concert is free and all friends and family members are encouraged to attend. I can’t wait to see everyone there! Call me is you have any questions. My phone number is 270-293-9523 and my email is ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us
Thanks,
Ellis Shelby, Elementary Band director

Fall Update

2009-10-19T08:16:00.000-05:00

Greetings,
Now that the 1st nine weeks is complete I just wanted to touch base and let you know how things are going with the elementary band.

I’ve got a great bunch of students this year; the largest we’ve ever had! The first year students have started working on their first “real” songs, and the second year students have almost learned their first piece of sheet music for the year. Remember I give them “band bucks” for practicing at home, so encourage them to play some of their songs for you.

Speaking of “band bucks,” our first “auction” will be Tuesday, November 3rd for 1st years and Wednesday, November 4th for second years at after school band practice. At the auction they will be able to spend their bucks for music-related prizes such as music stands, cleaning kits, drum sticks etc.

A few more items of business: Don’t forget that our first Concert is Tuesday, December 15th at 6:30 PM in the GCHS performing arts center. Students will need dress clothes for the concert. Also, thanks to everyone with a school instrument who has already paid the $30 rental fee. If your student has a school instrument, and you haven’t paid this yet, please do so as soon as possible.

Thanks for supporting your student’s interest in music. I’m really enjoying working with your student this year. I look forward to seeing everyone at our December 15th concert.

Sincerely,

Ellis Shelby, GCEB Director

Announcements 9-28-09

2009-09-28T08:54:00.002-05:00

Parents/Guardians,

I just wanted to let you know that we have extra band T-shirts available for purchase. They are $8. We have adult Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large available for purchase. If you would like one, please let me know what size and send $8 per shirt with your student when they come to after school practice. If you have paid for one and not received it yet, please let me know ASAP.

Also, if you have ordered anything from Music Central and not received it, please let me know.

If your student has a school-owned instrument please pay you $30 rental fee as soon as you can.

The kids are doing a great job! Keep encouraging them to practice!
Thanks!

Questions?

2009-09-03T10:59:00.000-05:00

Hi,
Now that band is up and going, I just wanted to e-mail everyone and touch base about a few of things that I've been getting questions about.

From today on, all first year players will have after school practice every Tuesday after school at the Middle School. If we are out of school on a Tuesday, we won't practice.
All second year students will have practice on Wednesdays after school. If it is an early release day or we don't have school that day, we won't practice.
If you ordered a music stand from Music Central, and didn't get it, please let me know, and I'll take care of it.
Everyone who doesn't have an instrument and is going to rent from the school should have one by Friday. (They are supposed to be coming in Thursday, so keep your fingers crossed.) Thanks for being patient with that.
We've got a great group of band kids this year. I feel lucky to get to work with your kids. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks and have a great day!

New Calendar

2009-08-12T13:31:00.002-05:00

Click on the link below to view the 09-10 Elementary Band Calendar:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AYpeye-lZlK0ZGRoNHAzNnFfNTloYjNqbmtoZA&hl=en

New member sign-up

2009-08-06T11:30:00.001-05:00

Who: 5th and 6th grade students and parents

What: Graves County Elementary Band Sign-up/Instrument Rental Meeting

When: Thursday, August 13th , from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM for Cuba, Farmington, Wingo, and Sedalia students

Monday, August 17thth from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM for Central, Lowes, Fancy Farm, and Symsonia students

Where: Graves County Middle School band room

Welcome Back

2009-07-31T09:56:00.003-05:00

Welcome back to school!

Over the first two weeks I will be visiting every elementary school and passing out information for new and returning members. I can't wait to see all my returning members and get to know the new ones as well!

New members click here for more information: http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AYpeye-lZlK0ZGRoNHAzNnFfNTVua3AzazVkdw&hl=en

2nd-year member click here for more information: http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AYpeye-lZlK0ZGRoNHAzNnFfNTdkYnMzanpoZw&hl=en

E-mail me if you have any questions at ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us

For Sale: Blue and Gold Cross Flag

2009-06-16T09:18:00.000-05:00

For Sale:Blue and Gold corss flag. Set of 10. No reasonable offer will be refused. Contact Ellis Shelby@ ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us.

For Sale: Cornflower blue flags

2009-06-16T09:15:00.000-05:00

For Sale:Cornflower blue flags. Set of 7. No reasonable offer will be refused. Contact Ellis Shelby@ ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us.

For Sale:Rainbow star flag

2009-06-16T09:14:00.000-05:00

For Sale:Large Rainbow star flags. Set of 12. No reasonable offer will be refused. Contact Ellis Shelby@ ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us.

For Sale: Pink Wings

2009-06-16T09:13:00.000-05:00

For Sale:Pink guard wings. Set of 4. No reasonable offer will be refused. Contact Ellis Shelby@ ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us.

For Sale: Gold Double flags

2009-06-16T09:11:00.000-05:00

For Sale: Gold and White double flags. Set of 10 (20 total flags). No reasonable offer will be refused. Contact Ellis Shelby@ ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us.

For Sale: Silver guard wings

2009-06-16T09:09:00.000-05:00

For Sale: Silver guard wings. Set of 7. No reasonable offer will be refused. Contact Ellis Shelby@ ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us.

For Sale: red tunic guard tops

2009-06-16T09:07:00.000-05:00

For Sale: Red Guard tunic tops. Set of 5. No reasonable offer will be refused. Contact Ellis Shelby@ ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us.

For Sale:red-white-and blue star flag

2009-06-16T09:05:00.001-05:00

For Sale:Red, White, and blue star flags. Set of 7. No reasonable offer will be refused. Contact Ellis Shelby@ ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us.

For Sale: Purple guard tunics

2009-06-16T08:59:00.000-05:00

For Sale:
Purple Guard tunic tops. Set of 5. No reasonable offer will be refused. Contact Ellis Shelby@ ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us.

For Sale: gaurd uni

2009-06-16T08:56:00.000-05:00

For Sale:
Red and Black guard uniform. Set of 11. No reasonable offer will be fefused. Contact Ellis Shelby at ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us

For Sale: Pink and Blue flag

2009-06-16T08:53:00.000-05:00

For Sale:

Pink and blue flag. Set of 10. No reasonable offer will be refused. Contact Ellis Shelby at ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us.

Summer Lesson Program

2009-05-28T05:46:00.001-05:00

Sorry this is a little last minute...
Mr. Light has gotten together a summer lessons program for any student interested in improving their playing. There will be a percussion specialist and a trombone/baritone specialist. Mr. Light will be giving trumpet lessons and I will be giving woodwind lessons. Lessons will cost $10 for the specialists and $5 for Mr. Light and Myself. All lessons will be on Wednesday afternoons in he GCMS band room. Please contact me in the next few days if you are interested. (If you are not sure if you can afford it, contact me anyway. I'm sure we can work something out.)

ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us

End of the year "stuff"

2009-05-21T06:10:00.002-05:00

I think everyone already knows most of this, but I just wanted to be sure.

There will not be any more after school practice this year.
I will be at Symsonia today and Lowes tomorrow for lessons and to pick-up instruments.
If your child is planning on playing again next year, they need to keep their instrument over the summer.
If your child isn't playing next year, they should turn in the instrument to me.Anyone keeping a school instrument over the summer needs to fill out a check-out form.
If you have a school instrument, make sure you pay your $30 fee by the end of the year.
6th grade students should have brought home a sheet for you to fill-out to sign them up for middle school band. These need to be returned to their homeroom teachers. I have extras if anyone lost theirs.
If your instrument is in the shop, I'm not sure when you'll get it back because they wrecked the Music Central van yesterday. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for letting me teach these great kids this year. Have a great summer!

Great year, guys!

2009-05-01T08:11:00.001-05:00

The final concert was great! I've really enjoyed this school year. Don't forget we will keep practicing for the next three weeks. I'll send home a testing schedule soon.

Great Job!

2009-03-13T05:32:00.000-05:00

I thought that the kids did an outstanding job last night! I got many complements from older band students and their parents as well as you guys. I appreciate all the hard work the students put into learning their music and I appreciate everything you do to support them. (Especially getting them to the concert on a cold, rainy night!)

Please remind your student that we will have our auction during after school practice next week. Also, if you want to go ahead and mark your calendar, our final concert will be April 30th.

Thanks!

Change in Concert Time

2009-02-26T11:28:00.000-06:00

Band Concert Time Change…

Parents, sorry I sent home a letter with the wrong time for the band concert. The concert will be Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 PM in the GCHS Gym. Students should be there at 6:00 PM and should wear nice clothes. Students should come directly to the gym. Please give me a call at 270-293-9523 if your student can’t make it or if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Ellis Shelby
Graves County Elementary Band Director
Ellis.shelby@graves.kyschools.us
www.shelbybandblog.blogspot.com
270-293-9523

Next Concert

2009-01-22T11:50:00.002-06:00

Our next concert will be our Parents Appreciation Concert. It will be in the GCHS gym on Thursday, March 12th. This concert will include performances by the Elementary, Middle School, High School, and Jazz bands. It will also include a special performance by the 6th through 12th grade combined band. Hope to see you there!

Concert Time!

2008-11-20T14:20:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to remind everyone about the band concert on December 11th. The concert starts at 7 PM in the GCHS performing arts center. Students should be there at 6:15 PM in "Sunday dress" (please no jeans or athletic gear.) If you can't afford appropriate attire, check with your school's family resource center to see if they can assist you.

The students have been working very hard in practice. Please remind them that they should be practicing at home. We only have three more after school practices until the concert. It would be wonderful if every student made it to all three of these practices, but if he/she can't come to after school practice, please remind them to practice a little extra at home.

I'm so excited about the progress that everyone is making. I look forward to seeing you at the concert.

Congrats Middle School Students

2008-11-18T10:49:00.004-06:00

Congrats to everyone who tried out for Middle School All-District. I'm so excited to have 15 students make it!!!!

Christmas Jazz Dinner

2008-11-18T10:45:00.002-06:00

Here is some information on the Christmas Jazz Dinner. Please let me know by Thursday if you want a ticket. Proceeds will benifit the entire band program.

The Pride of Graves County Jazz Band Presents: $20.00ea.

“Jazzin’ Up Christmas” Dinner

December 12th , 2008 at 7:00pm
(Doors will open at 6:00pm for seating)
Graves County Middle School Cafeteria
Entrée Choices: Chicken and Dressing or Baked Ham
Meal will include: Entrée, sweet potatoes, green beans, fruit salad,
Homemade desserts, and dinner rolls.

Check out the video

2008-11-08T20:57:00.001-06:00

I posted a video of some of the first year students playing Hot Cross Buns under "musical performance of the week". Check it out.

Congrats and announcements

2008-10-28T10:29:00.000-05:00

-- Just a reminder that the concert scheduled for October 30th has been cancelled due to the HS Marching band advancing to state. There will be after school practice for first years on the 30th.

-- Our first concert will be December 11th.

--If anyone is interested, the High School marching band will give a free performance at the GCHS stadium tonight at 6:20 PM. Everyone is invited to come hear the band before they head off to state competition.

Congrats High School Band!

Congrats, HS Band

2008-10-23T11:40:00.000-05:00

Congrats to the Graves CO HS band for winning Reserve Grand Champion at the Lone Oak competition. Keep up the good work this week. I am pumped about Saturday!

Oct. 30th Concert is Cancelled

2008-10-16T11:22:00.000-05:00

Hi,
I hope everyone had a nice fall break. Here are a few announcements regarding elementary band.

The concert scheduled for October 30 has been cancelled. Several students had conflicts and there was also a conflict with HS marching band. If you want to hear the students play though, please stop by the end of any after school practice and have a listen. I know the students will be happy to show-off what they are learning.
Our next concert will be December 11th.
The first-year students will have their "auction" Thursday, Oct. 16th and the second-year students will have theirs on Monday, October 20th. If they want to earn more Mozart Bucks, they can get $5 for every 20 minutes that they log in their practice journal. I'm really enjoying working with these kids. Let me know if you have any questions.

Beatboxing Flute

2008-10-02T11:52:00.000-05:00

Check out the beatboxing flute on Musical Performance of the week. This guy rocks!

GCHS Band Competition

2008-09-30T10:28:00.000-05:00

GCHS will be hosting a Marching Band competition Saturday, October 4th at 6 PM. 8 marching bands from though out the region will perform and compete. This is a great opportunity young band members to get a taste of what High School band is about. It is also good entertainment for the whole family. Admission in $5; Elementary Band Students will get in for $3. All proceeds go to benefit the entire band program, grades 5-12.
GCHS will be hosting a Marching Band competition Saturday, October 4th at 6 PM. 8 marching bands from though out the region will perform and compete. This is a great opportunity young band members to get a taste of what High School band is about. It is also good entertainment for the whole family. Admission in $5; Elementary Band Students will get in for $3. Print off this email and show it to gate worker to get your discount. All proceeds go to benefit the entire band program, grades 5-12.

Symsonia Announcement

2008-09-30T10:23:00.000-05:00

There will not be in school band at Symsonia on Wednesday. (I have to go to a funeral.) There will be after school practice Thursday as scheduled. If you want to stay caught up, practice pg 7. # 8 - #10

Thanks!

New feature

2008-09-25T13:22:00.001-05:00

I have added a new feature to the blog, the musical performance of the week. This will be a spotlight for interesting musical performances. I will change it every Thursday.

This week's feature is the Kruger Brother rehearsing with the MSU wind ensemble. For more information on the Kruger brothers, go to http://www.krugerbrothers.com/.

Up-date

2008-09-23T11:08:00.000-05:00

I am very proud of how the 1st and 2nd year elementary bands are doing. The 1st year students already know three notes and the 2nd year students have started on sheet music!

Don't forget that I'm giving out $5 Mozart bucks for every 20 minutes you practice, so students, don't forget to have your parents sign your practice journal.

If you have a school-owned instrument, don't forget to pay your $30 fee. Let me know if family resource is paying for you.

Keep Practicing Hard!

Welcome and schedule

2008-08-26T15:44:00.000-05:00

Welcome!
I am so excited to start the 08-09 school year. This blog is designed to help keep students and parents informed about the Graves County Elementary Band Program. We already have over 60 beginners and over 30 second-year band students signed-up for band this year, and we're getting started making music!

Below is some information about our practice schedule. If you have any questions about band this year, I encourage you to call me at 270-293-9523.

2008 – 2009 Elementary Band Schedule:
First-year band will practice after school on Thursdays from 3:30 PM – 4:20 PM at GCMS. Second year band will practice Mondays from 3:30 PM – 4:20 PM at GCMS. If we don’t have school, we don’t have practice. Some times practice will be cancelled due to other conflicting school events. If practice is cancelled, I will notify the elementary schools, and e-mail parents.
* There is no second year practice after school on August 25th and we are out of school on September 1st. Second-year practice will start back after school on September 8th.

In school schedule:
MONDAY –Wingo, Farmington
TUESDAY – Cuba
WEDNESDAY – Central, Symsonia
THURSDAY – Fancy Farm
FRIDAY -- Lowes, Sedalia

1st year percussionists will have their first practice after school practice Thursday, September 1st from 3:30 to 4:20 at GCMS. This practice is for percussionists only.

All 1st year students will have their first after school practice Thursday, September 11th from 3:30 to 4:20 PM at GCMS.