Belton Middle School Band

Here are the key highlights and urgent updates in the Week of October 26 Newsletter:

• Parent-Teacher Conferences (Friday, Oct 30): Directors have opened 15-minute conference time slots in the Band Hall; sign-up links are in the newsletter.
• All-Region Auditions & Prep:
  • Cram Jam (Monday, Nov 2): Mandatory prep session from 4:00 PM–8:00 PM at BMS with dinner provided.
  • Auditions (Saturday, Nov 7): Important itinerary details for College Station, uniform guidelines, grading rubric, and taco/cupcake survey results are included.
• Band Social at Spare Time (Tuesday, Nov 17): Event takes place from 5:00 PM–8:00 PM in Temple with free pizza and drinks. Only 5 parent chaperone spots remain!
• Jazz Band Veteran’s Day Performance (Tuesday, Nov 10): Date change notice for all friends and family, plus a call for parent chaperones.
• Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble: All major grade pass-offs are due, and this is the final week of after-school sectionals until January.
• Home Practice Expectations: Students must bring instruments home daily and practice 5 days a week for at least 25 minutes.
• CutTime Connect App: Download the new app to manage schedules and chaperone sign-ups.

Be sure to check the full newsletter to access sign-up links, event schedules, and direct contact details for the directors.

• Fundraising Success & Account Credits: The program raised over $18,000 (reaching 77% of the total goal)! Check your CutTime account balance to view student credits that can be applied toward instrument usage fees, hoodies, uniform shirts, or the Spring Trip to Typhoon Texas.
• Beginner Sit-In Concert (Thursday, Oct 15): The Beginner Ensemble’s debut concert starts at 6:30pm. Students need to report by 6:15pm in full uniform. Family members are invited to sit next to their student during the performance for a relaxed, stress-free experience. 
• All-Region Commitment Forms Due (Friday, Oct 16): For qualifying students, signed audition commitment forms must be returned by 4:00pm on Friday. The band program covers all audition registration fees. 
• Parent-Teacher Conferences (Friday, Oct 30): District-wide conference sign-ups are open. Reserve a 15-minute slot to meet directly with a director in the Band Hall. 
• Jazz Band Veterans Day Event (Tuesday, Nov 10): The Jazz Band will perform for a special Veterans Day ceremony. Chaperones are needed for the event (free lunch included for volunteers). 
• Home Practice Expectations: Instruments should be coming home daily. Students are expected to practice at least 25 minutes per day, 5 days a week to build mastery. 

Check out the full newsletter here to view section-specific pass-off schedules, chaperone background check links, director contact details, and this week’s band meme!

🎵 What’s Happening in the Belton MS Band This Week!

• Eligibility & Grades: Progress Report 2 grades are being finalized—check Skyward to ensure your student stays eligible for upcoming events and performances. 
• Fundraiser Countdown: We’ve hit 68% of our $30,000 goal with just 9 days remaining! Check the full issue to see who is currently leading the top 10 cash prize standings. 
• First-Ever Band Council Voting: Ballots are open this week for 7th and 8th Grade nominees—find out who made the ballot and when winners will be announced! 
• Pep Rally & Performance Schedule: Important info on Friday’s Pep Rally, the upcoming Beginner Sit-In Concert, and an updated date for the Jazz Band’s Veterans Day performance. 
• Pass-Off Tracks & Volunteer Sign-Ups: Reminders regarding weekly major grade pass-offs, practice expectations, uniform shirt arrivals, and parent chaperone registration. 

Be sure to open the full newsletter for exact event times, student nominee lists, calendar links, and downloadable pass-off schedules: https://app.smore.com/n/uavfq 

Here is a quick glance at what’s happening in the BMS Band program this week. Be sure to click here and read through the full newsletter to access all registration links, venue maps, and document downloads!

General News & Urgent Action Items

• InstaRaise Fundraiser Starts Monday: Our annual fundraiser launches this week to help fund student accounts for trips, uniform shirts, and social events. Top earner students can win cash prizes—check the full newsletter for the donor list handout and campaign link! 
• 8th Grade MS Band Night (Crucial Action Needed): Rehearsal and game performance are happening this week for 8th graders. Parents must complete the mandatory Dismissal Form by Wednesday, September 16. View the newsletter to access the form, check the Tiger Field exit map, or sign up as a chaperone. 
• CutTime & Volunteer Sign-Ups: Keep your contact info updated via your CutTime Magic Link. If you plan to chaperone any events this year, complete the annual district background check link inside. 
• Daily Practice Expectations: Students should bring their instruments home daily to practice 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Check out the newsletter for the “How To Practice” guide and Weekly XP Chart. 

Ensemble Updates

• Beginner Band: Beginners are officially making their first sounds! Save the date for their very first performance—the Beginner Sit-In Concert on October 15. 
• Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble: Weekly pass-offs for major grades have begun. Open the full newsletter to download the specific pass-off schedules for both the All-Region and Non-Region tracks. 
• Jazz Band: Date change alert! Jazz Band has been invited to perform for a special Veteran’s Day ceremony on November 10 (plus, chaperones get a free lunch!). 

Scroll through the main newsletter for full schedules, downloadable PDF forms, social media links, and director contact information!

Our Band Notes Newsletter for the Week of August 31 is now available, and it’s packed with important details, upcoming event schedules, and required action items for all ensembles!

Quick Checklist of Actions Needed in the Newsletter:

• 📋 All-Region Track Declarations: Selection form due Friday, Sept 4 for Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble.
• 💳 Fees & Payment Due Dates: Band fees and shirt order payments due Sept 11.
• 📲 CutTime Account Setup: Access your Magic Link to track balances and volunteer.
• 🙋 Chaperone Registration: Sign up and complete your annual background check.
• 🗓️ Key Event Updates: Review dates for 8th Grade Band Night, Jazz Band performance changes, and the Beginner Sit-In Concert!

Please take a few minutes to click through and read the full newsletter to ensure your student is set up for success!