Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 7/24/2021

BAND CAMP – I am so excited! We kick off band camp Monday! We have a great marching band show to learn, stand tunes to work on, and fun games to get to know each other again. ALL summer band practices are mandatory. Any absence must be requested using this form. 

Who – Every band student is expected at camp. This does include the incoming 9th graders. In the band world, when summer starts, students move up a grade immediately. That means all of last year’s 8th graders immediately became Lamar HS 9th graders this past June! Color guard will have an alternate practice schedule for much of camp but all of those students are expected at every practice as well.

When – Monday through Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm, free breakfast 7:00am-7:15am, free lunch 11:30-12:30. The third week has a more complicated schedule that will be on the attached form.

Where – We will typically meet in the band room to start the day. Otherwise, we will be on the parking lot grid, stadium, or the MAC. We will be inside during the hottest parts of the day.

What – We are marching, dancing, spinning, drumming, and learning all of our brass and woodwind music. Wear athletic clothing, running shoes are recommended, NO slides, sandals, crocs, etc. You must have a large water jug. We will be ordering new coleman jugs this week for all members. 32oz-½ gallon are acceptable sizes. Sunscreen is mandatory. Music should be in a 3-ring binder in sheet protectors. We have some extra binders and sheet protectors if you do not have time to go to office max. Mechanical pencils are required. We do not have pencil sharpeners on the practice field. Hats and sunglasses are strongly encouraged.

Why – Starting marching band 3 weeks before school starts is the standard for bands in Texas and around the country. It takes many hours to prepare these complex and exciting shows. Students will progress very rapidly. Bonds and friendships will develop. By the first day of school, band students are the most prepared, focused, and disciplined at LHS.

Scott Lang and Student Leadership – We had a tremendous past week. Starting it off with an inspirational afternoon with Scott Lang. The leadership team went through 21 hours of training over three days. These students worked very hard and are poised to do great things this year.

Forms and Fees – Every new school year there are plenty of forms to fill out and fees to pay. We try to make it easy and get it done early. I have attached all the forms needed. Most can be filled out and digitally signed if you desire. The medical form MUST be signed in front of a notary. The pre-participation physical must be done with a doctor. The fees can be paid early online or in person at our band registration day July 31.

Calendars Calendars Calendars – The band staff has worked hard on our schedules for the fall. We like to have everything set in stone by April, however, things beyond our control come up and we must make revisions. I am sharing the summer band schedule with some adjustments Aug 9-13. We also have our new weekly practice schedule during the first two six weeks. Finally, I have the performance calendar for the marching band season. Typically, marching band is the 1st and 2nd six weeks of the school year. The football playoffs will go into the 3rd six weeks and we will adjust those practices and events as soon as we have been given information. The band google calendar will have all the information. Use it to help you set reminders and blend it with your personal calendar.

Band App Communication – All band students are required to sign up for the Band App. Students must also keep notifications on and check the app frequently. This is our main communication source outside of email. We have uploaded music to the app, it has a calendar, and a way to reach out to the directors. We strongly encourage parents to download the app to their phones as well. The website version is also very easy to use. Use this link to get signed up.

Forms and Fees – The band fees and forms are attached.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Quote of the Week – “Happiness is not a matter of intensity, but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony” – Thomas Merton

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 7/12/2021

Tuesday – Tomorrow is our music rehearsal in the band room from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Bring your music binder and all your marching band music & warm ups. We will dig into our show music! Band room doors will open at 5:00pm.

Monday July 19 – Our big marching season kickoff event is just one week away! We are flying in Scott Lang (Leadership University and international speaker) for a workshop from 1:30pm-4:30pm. ALL band members are expected to attend. The booster club will provide pizza for lunch starting at 12:30. Students must bring a pen/pencil and paper.

Mr. Lang, the guest, encouraged me to invite those adults that would like to be a part of the experience. All parents are cordially invited to join us in the band room at 1:15pm. Just let me know if you are going to be joining us.

Student Leadership – We will have our student leadership training camp Monday-Wednesday next week. All leaders will need to be at school 8:00am-4:00pm. We will take an hour lunch break every day.

Forms and Fees – Every new school year there are plenty of forms to fill out and fees to pay. We try to make it easy and get it done early. I have attached all the forms needed. Most can be filled out and digitally signed if you desire. The medical form MUST be signed in front of a notary. The pre-participation physical must be done with a doctor. The fees can be paid early online or in person at our band registration day July 31.

Summer Band Calendar – I have attached the final summer band practice schedule. All band events are listed on the band website. In fact, most of the events for the entire school year are on the band google calendar. In the near future, I will have the performance calendar for the fall. The weekly practice schedule will be separate. Hopefully this makes it easier to read. New members, don’t worry, everything slows down in November!

Band App Communication – All band students are required to sign up for the Band App. Students must also keep notifications on and check the app frequently. This is our main communication source outside of email. We have uploaded music to the app, it has a calendar, and a way to reach out to the directors. We strongly encourage parents to download the app to their phones as well. The website version is also very easy to use.

Use this link to get signed up.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Quote of the Week – “The most important thing in the world is family and love.” – John Wooden

Lamar Band Update

PARADE DAY INFO – On Monday July 5th, the Lamar Band will meet in the UTA parking lot at 7:45am. Students can be dropped off on Doug Russell Rd. You can park in the parking lot just south of Doug Russell. See map attached. We will be in the northwest corner of the large parking lot. For families that would like to watch the parade, there is a map of the parade route attached. We should be done sometime around 11:00-11:30. Rides must be on time to pick up students. The pick up zone is the same as the drop off zone. There will be very heavy traffic for drop off. Some roads will be closed for the parade. Arlington PD will be helping direct traffic.

Equipment – Students are responsible for bringing their instruments to the parade. It would be easiest if you could leave cases in your cars. We will provide water, however, it is critical that you eat breakfast and drink water before you arrive at the parade.

Uniform – We wear our summer uniform to perform in the summer heat. We will make sure all the students have the grey performance shirt. Students must provide the khaki shorts and shoes. The following links are just examples of the kinds of shorts that we would like students to wear. The shoes should be mostly white and athletic. We do not want one student sticking out with bright colorful shoes. If you have questions, let us know. Even though incoming freshmen are not required to perform in the parade, we will use those uniforms for the first few performances this fall.

Men’s Shorts https://tinyurl.com/97xjf29k

Women’s Shorts https://tinyurl.com/mub79aee

Communication – Over the summer, it is critical that we can communicate with the students and parents. Please make sure you have the Band App. Here are all communication sources.

Band App: Lamar Band https://band.us/@lamarband

www.lamarmusic.org

Band Hall Phone Line (682) 867-7006

Facebook: Lamar Viking Band

Instagram: @Lamarband

Twitter: @VikingBand (general band)

Blog: lamarbandnews.wordpress.com

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 6/25/21

Parade Uniform – We wear our summer uniform to perform in the summer heat. We will make sure all the students have the grey performance shirt. Students must provide the khaki shorts and shoes. The following links are just examples of the kinds of shorts that we would like students to wear. The shoes should be mostly white and athletic. We do not want one student sticking out with bright colorful shoes. If you have questions, let us know. Even though incoming freshmen will not perform in the parade, we will use those uniforms for the first few performances this fall.

Men’s Shorts https://tinyurl.com/97xjf29k

Women’s Shorts https://tinyurl.com/mub79aee

Arlington Independence Day Parade – The Lamar Band is entry number 108 this year. Students will be dropped off in the UTA parking lot at 7:45am. The parade starts at 9:00, but we will not get moving in the parade until about 10:00. The parade route is 2.1 miles long and it takes about 45 mins to march. It is important for students to start to get in shape physically and musically! 

Parade Forms Due! This year, there is a district permission slip that all performers must complete and return to the directors. The form is attached to this email and can be signed digitally, scanned, and emailed back to a director. Along with the permission slip, students need to have their pre-participation physicals completed and on file with a director (also attached). Please contact us with any questions. The parade music has been uploaded to the Band App. Download it there and start memorizing it.

Freshmen – Students who will be freshmen at LHS next fall have upcoming practices with the Lamar Band. June 28-30 will be our marching camp. Freshmen will practice those three days from 1:00pm-5:00pm. The parade will only be for the 10-12 grade students.

Summer Band Calendar – I have made some modifications to the summer band practice schedule. These are adjusted in the attached new pdf. All band events are listed on the band website. In fact, most of the events for the entire school year are on the band google calendar.

Band App Communication – All band students are required to sign up for the Band App. Students must also keep notifications on and check the app frequently. This is our main communication source outside of email. We have uploaded music to the app, it has a calendar, and a way to reach out to the directors. We strongly encourage parents to download the app to their phones as well. The website version is also very easy to use.

Use this link to get signed up.

Attendance Policy – All band students are required to attend all practices and events. All practices outside of school hours are considered classwork, which is 35% of the overall grade in band. Band is a performance based, co-curricular activity that follows the instrumental music TEKS. Therefore, performances at marching band contests, football games, concerts, and other events are 40% of the overall grade in band. Approved absences are the decision of the band directors. Parents will fill out the absence request form.

For ALL absences, the following procedure must be followed by all students and parents:

1. Director must be notified in advance.
2. A Lamar Band Absence Request Form must be filled out and on file.
3. For illness, a parent note or doctor’s excuse must be submitted.
4. Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity the same day must be cleared with the director as well – please call or email directors.
5. In extreme cases, a phone message may be left on the band office answering machine, WITH a follow-up personal call or email. Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student/parent.

This attendance policy will be outlined in the band handbook.

Double Block Requirement – Band at Lamar is a year long, double blocked course. Students will enroll in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd period bands based on their ability level as a musician. All members of the band program will enroll in the 7th period marching band class. In the spring semester, the B day (7th period) will change to 8th period for woodwinds, and 10th period for percussionists. Students with scheduling issues must first discuss the matter with a band director. The directors often know of a solution to the issue. If needed, students and their parents/guardians will fill out a request to single block band form. It must be completed and submitted. If approved by the band director, it will be sent to the counseling office for the schedule adjustment.

The most common reasons that are typically approved are athletic, fine arts, and CTC class conflicts. Off periods will not be approved.

To help with GPA, juniors and seniors may GPA exempt one of their two band courses. Unique to AISD, sophomores, juniors, and seniors may earn the honors music credit for one of their band classes for a GPA boost like any AP class would award them. To do this, students enroll in the normal band courses while completing the advanced assignments required for honors music. For more detailed information, request a packet for Honors Music.

New Fall Rehearsal Schedule – This fall, the band staff is excited to announce our new marching season rehearsal schedule. Practice will begin at 6:30am and continue in 7th period band class. ALL students will be enrolled in 7th period band class. This applies to the B days only. Before school practices will only happen on the B days and not on Fridays. Because of the co-curricular nature of band class, this practice is an extension of the classroom requirements and mandatory. There will also be a practice on Tuesdays from 4:30pm-7:30pm. The details of this schedule will be more fully explained in the near future. This change will allow for students to have afternoons to attend tutoring, other school sports and extracurriculars, and time to study and complete homework. With more and more students in CTC and CVPA classes that do not end until late in the afternoon, this schedule will avoid those conflicts.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Quote of the Week – “Success happens when we consistently practice and work as a team towards the goal of a superior performance.” – anonymous

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 6/17/21

Arlington Independence Day Parade – Forms Due! This year, there is a district permission slip that all performers must complete and return to the directors. The form is attached to this email and can be signed digitally, scanned, and emailed back to a director. Otherwise, it can be turned in on June 22nd at our music rehearsal. Along with the permission slip, students need to have their pre-participation physicals completed and on file with a director (also attached). Please contact us with any questions.

The parade music has been uploaded to the Band App. Download it there and start memorizing it.

Freshmen – Students who will be freshmen at LHS next fall have upcoming practices with the Lamar Band. Tuesday June 22nd from 5:30pm to 8:30pm will be our first music practice. Meet in the Lamar Band room. If you need an instrument checked out to you, arrive early. The doors will be open at 5:00pm. June 28-30 will be our marching camp. Freshmen will practice those three days from 1:00pm-5:00pm. The parade will only be for the 10-12 grade students.

Summer Band Calendar – I have made some modifications to the summer band practice schedule. These are adjusted in the attached new pdf. All band events are listed on the band website. In fact, most of the events for the entire school year are on the band google calendar.

Band App Communication – All band students are required to sign up for the Band App. Students must also keep notifications on and check the app frequently. This is our main communication source outside of email. We have uploaded music to the app, it has a calendar, and a way to reach out to the directors. We strongly encourage parents to download the app to their phones as well. The website version is also very easy to use.

Use this link to get signed up.

Attendance Policy – All band students are required to attend all practices and events. All practices outside of school hours are considered classwork, which is 35% of the overall grade in band. Band is a performance based, co-curricular activity that follows the instrumental music TEKS. Therefore, performances at marching band contests, football games, concerts, and other events are 40% of the overall grade in band. Approved absences are the decision of the band directors. Parents will fill out the absence request form.

For ALL absences, the following procedure must be followed by all students and parents:

1. Director must be notified in advance.
2. A Lamar Band Absence Request Form must be filled out and on file.
3. For illness, a parent note or doctor’s excuse must be submitted.
4. Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity the same day must be cleared with the director as well – please call or email directors.
5. In extreme cases, a phone message may be left on the band office answering machine, WITH a follow-up personal call or email. Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student/parent.

This attendance policy will be outlined in the band handbook.

Double Block Requirement – Band at Lamar is a year long, double blocked course. Students will enroll in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd period bands based on their ability level as a musician. All members of the band program will enroll in the 7th period marching band class. In the spring semester, the B day (7th period) will change to 8th period for woodwinds, and 10th period for percussionists. Students with scheduling issues must first discuss the matter with a band director. The directors often know of a solution to the issue. If needed, students and their parents/guardians will fill out a request to single block band form. It must be completed and submitted. If approved by the band director, it will be sent to the counseling office for the schedule adjustment.

The most common reasons that are typically approved are athletic, fine arts, and CTC class conflicts. Off periods will not be approved.

To help with GPA, juniors and seniors may GPA exempt one of their two band courses. Unique to AISD, sophomores, juniors, and seniors may earn the honors music credit for one of their band classes for a GPA boost like any AP class would award them. To do this, students enroll in the normal band courses while completing the advanced assignments required for honors music. For more detailed information, request a packet for Honors Music.

New Fall Rehearsal Schedule – This fall, the band staff is excited to announce our new marching season rehearsal schedule. Practice will begin at 6:30am and continue in 7th period band class. ALL students will be enrolled in 7th period band class. This applies to the B days only. Before school practices will only happen on the B days and not on Fridays. Because of the co-curricular nature of band class, this practice is an extension of the classroom requirements and mandatory. There will also be a practice on Tuesdays from 4:30pm-7:30pm. The details of this schedule will be more fully explained in the near future. This change will allow for students to have afternoons to attend tutoring, other school sports and extracurriculars, and time to study and complete homework. With more and more students in CTC and CVPA classes that do not end until late in the afternoon, this schedule will avoid those conflicts.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Quote of the Week – “Music is the universal language of mankind” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 6/4/21

Arlington Independence Day Parade – On July 5th, The Pride of Lamar will return to one of north Texas’s biggest independence day parades! All students who will be in 10-12 grade next fall, are expected to perform. The incoming freshmen will not be expected to perform. We have a short window of preparation and we do not to overextend our newest band members. We have a new piece of music that we will perform this year, “Grand Old Flag”, along with the classic, “September”, and the Lamar Fight Song.

This year, there is a district permission slip that all performers must complete and return to the directors. The form is attached to this email and can be signed digitally, scanned, and emailed back to a director. Otherwise, it can be turned in on June 22nd at our music rehearsal. Along with the permission slip, students need to have their pre-participation physicals completed and on file with a director (also attached). Please contact us with any questions.

Summer Band Calendar – I have made some modifications to the summer band practice schedule. These are adjusted in the attached new pdf. All band events are listed on the band website. In fact, most of the events for the entire school year are on the band google calendar.

Band App Communication – All band students are required to sign up for the Band App. Students must also keep notifications on and check the app frequently. This is our main communication source outside of email. We have uploaded music to the app, it has a calendar, and a way to reach out to the directors. We strongly encourage parents to download the app to their phones as well. The website version is also very easy to use.

Use this link to get signed up.

Attendance Policy – All band students are required to attend all practices and events. All practices outside of school hours are considered classwork, which is 35% of the overall grade in band. Band is a performance based, co-curricular activity that follows the instrumental music TEKS. Therefore, performances at marching band contests, football games, concerts, and other events are 40% of the overall grade in band. Approved absences are the decision of the band directors. Parents will fill out the absence request form.

For ALL absences, the following procedure must be followed by all students and parents:

1. Director must be notified in advance.
2. A Lamar Band Absence Request Form must be filled out and on file.
3. For illness, a parent note or doctor’s excuse must be submitted.
4. Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity the same day must be cleared with the director as well – please call or email directors.
5. In extreme cases, a phone message may be left on the band office answering machine, WITH a follow-up personal call or email. Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student/parent.

This attendance policy will be outlined in the band handbook.

Double Block Requirement – Band at Lamar is a year long, double blocked course. Students will enroll in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd period bands based on their ability level as a musician. All members of the band program will enroll in the 7th period marching band class. In the spring semester, the B day (7th period) will change to 8th period for woodwinds, and 10th period for percussionists. Students with scheduling issues must first discuss the matter with a band director. The directors often know of a solution to the issue. If needed, students and their parents/guardians will fill out a request to single block band form. It must be completed and submitted. If approved by the band director, it will be sent to the counseling office for the schedule adjustment.

The most common reasons that are typically approved are athletic, fine arts, and CTC class conflicts. Off periods will not be approved.

To help with GPA, juniors and seniors may GPA exempt one of their two band courses. Unique to AISD, sophomores, juniors, and seniors may earn the honors music credit for one of their band classes for a GPA boost like any AP class would award them. To do this, students enroll in the normal band courses while completing the advanced assignments required for honors music. For more detailed information, request a packet for Honors Music.

New Fall Rehearsal Schedule – This fall, the band staff is excited to announce our new marching season rehearsal schedule. Practice will begin at 6:30am and continue in 7th period band class. ALL students will be enrolled in 7th period band class. This applies to the B days only. Before school practices will only happen on the B days and not on Fridays. Because of the co-curricular nature of band class, this practice is an extension of the classroom requirements and mandatory. There will also be a practice on Tuesdays from 4:30pm-7:30pm. The details of this schedule will be more fully explained in the near future. This change will allow for students to have afternoons to attend tutoring, other school sports and extracurriculars, and time to study and complete homework. With more and more students in CTC and CVPA classes that do not end until late in the afternoon, this schedule will avoid those conflicts.

Instrument and Uniform Check In – The band staff has compiled a list of instruments and uniforms that have not been returned or accounted for. It is critical that they are returned asap. This list will be submitted to administration and the process for filing police reports will happen later this summer. We understand issues with getting instruments checked into the band room this summer. However, the main office will be open 7:30am-5:00pm Monday – Thursday.

Fall Class Enrollment – Class schedules were emailed to student email addresses the last week of school. If you have questions or concerns, email myself and your counselor.

Here’s the link for summer school information

Here’s the summer school registration link

A-Br:  Mr. Jensen, djensen1@aisd.net 

Bu-Dia:  Ms. Duncan, rduncan1@aisd.net 

Dib-Go:  Ms. Davis, tdavis14@aisd.net 

Gr-Jh:  Ms. Casey, acasey1@aisd.net 

Ji-Mac:  Ms. Simmons, gsimmon1@aisd.net 

Mad-Ob:  Mr. Hammon, jhammon1@aisd.net 

Oc-Rod:  Ms. Quintana, mquintan@aisd.net 

Roe-Te:  Ms. Savoy, csavoy@aisd.net 

Th-Z:  Ms. Boyd, wboyd1@aisd.net

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Quote of the Week – “Music is the universal language of mankind” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 5/28/21

Summer Band Calendar – I have made some modifications to the summer band practice schedule. These are adjusted in the attached new pdf. All band events are listed on the band website. In fact, most of the events for the entire school year are on the band google calendar.

Attendance Policy – All band students are required to attend all practices and events. All practices outside of school hours are considered classwork, which is 35% of the overall grade in band. Band is a performance based, co-curricular activity that follows the instrumental music TEKS. Therefore, performances at marching band contests, football games, concerts, and other events are 40% of the overall grade in band. Approved absences are the decision of the band directors. Parents will fill out the absence request form.

For ALL absences, the following procedure must be followed by all students and parents:

1. Director must be notified in advance.
2. A Lamar Band Absence Request Form must be filled out and on file.
3. For illness, a parent note or doctor’s excuse must be submitted.
4. Although cleared by the school office, absences from a band activity the same day must be cleared with the director as well – please call or email directors.
5. In extreme cases, a phone message may be left on the band office answering machine, WITH a follow-up personal call or email. Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student/parent.

This attendance policy will be outlined in the band handbook.

Double Block Requirement – Band at Lamar is a year long, double blocked course. Students will enroll in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd period bands based on their ability level as a musician. All members of the band program will enroll in the 7th period marching band class. In the spring semester, the B day (7th period) will change to 8th period for woodwinds, and 10th period for percussionists. Students with scheduling issues must first discuss the matter with a band director. The directors often know of a solution to the issue. If needed, students and their parents/guardians will fill out a request to single block band form. It must be completed and submitted. If approved by the band director, it will be sent to the counseling office for the schedule adjustment.

The most common reasons that are typically approved are athletic, fine arts, and CTC class conflicts. Off periods will not be approved.

To help with GPA, juniors and seniors may GPA exempt one of their two band courses. Unique to AISD, sophomores, juniors, and seniors may earn the honors music credit for one of their band classes for a GPA boost like any AP class would award them. To do this, students enroll in the normal band courses while completing the advanced assignments required for honors music. For more detailed information, request a packet for Honors Music.

New Fall Rehearsal Schedule – This fall, the band staff is excited to announce our new marching season rehearsal schedule. Practice will begin at 6:30am and continue in 7th period band class. ALL students will be enrolled in 7th period band class. This applies to the B days only. Before school practices will only happen on the B days and not on Fridays. Because of the co-curricular nature of band class, this practice is an extension of the classroom requirements and mandatory. There will also be a practice on Tuesdays from 4:30pm-7:30pm. The details of this schedule will be more fully explained in the near future. This change will allow for students to have afternoons to attend tutoring, other school sports and extracurriculars, and time to study and complete homework. With more and more students in CTC and CVPA classes that do not end until late in the afternoon, this schedule will avoid those conflicts.

Band Placement for Fall – The auditions for fall band placement are complete and attached to this email. There will be another audition in November to place students for spring semester concert bands.

Instrument and Uniform Check In – The next available time frame to check in instruments and uniforms will be Tuesday June 1st from 9:00am to 2:00pm. If that time frame is difficult for you to make, the main office hours are listed below. Please leave it there with the student name on a sticky note or paper in the case. Any instrument not checked in will be considered missing AISD inventory and reported to the fine arts central office.

Fall Class Enrollment – While the deadline for students to make schedule changes is today at noon, the band directors can help make schedule changes year round. You can also contact your counselors directly. This deadline is to help them finish leveling the size of classes for the fall and complete the master schedule. Check your current enrolled classes now by looking in your student email.

Here’s the link for summer school information

Here’s the summer school registration link

A-Br:  Mr. Jensen, djensen1@aisd.net 

Bu-Dia:  Ms. Duncan, rduncan1@aisd.net 

Dib-Go:  Ms. Davis, tdavis14@aisd.net 

Gr-Jh:  Ms. Casey, acasey1@aisd.net 

Ji-Mac:  Ms. Simmons, gsimmon1@aisd.net 

Mad-Ob:  Mr. Hammon, jhammon1@aisd.net 

Oc-Rod:  Ms. Quintana, mquintan@aisd.net 

Roe-Te:  Ms. Savoy, csavoy@aisd.net 

Th-Z:  Ms. Boyd, wboyd1@aisd.net

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Quote of the Week – “A stumbling block to the pessimist is a stepping stone to the optimist.” – Elanor Roosevelt

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang, dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly, kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley, zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng, midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster Club, lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements May 16, 2021

Letter Award Form – Due Tuesday at 3:00pm. All band and colorguard students should fill out the letter award form for the school year. If you did the letter form in the fall, you will NOT be able to letter again. Only one letter per school year. We encourage all students to fill it out, even if you are not sure if you will earn enough points. Click here for the new letter award form. 

Banquet – The banquet will be held May 22nd 6:00pm-8:00pm behind the Lamar MAC in the open grass field. Please fill out this form immediately so that we can get food reserved. The banquet will be the major awards ceremony for all band and orchestra students. We want all parents there to help us celebrate the hard work of all students in such a difficult school year.

Auditions – ALL band students must perform their audition etudes on May 18 & 19. This is the semester final exam grade. It will also be used for rankings for fall band placement.

Instrument Check In – This week ALL school instruments must be checked in. We will be able to check instruments back out immediately to all returning members. We will check for needed maintenance and send them for repair this Friday. You can bring the instruments to us during the school day or immediately before or after school. We could also check them in before practice on Thursday afternoon. Any instrument not checked in will be considered missing AISD inventory and reported to the fine arts central office.

Uniforms – If you still have a marching band uniform or tuxedo or dress, please return those by Thursday afternoon. They must be handed to a director so we know who to mark off of our list.

Torchy’s Tacos – The LBBC is hosting a restaurant night at Torchy’s Tacos on North Collins. Eat dinner there on May 19th from 4-9 and tell them you are supporting the Lamar Band.

Senior Day – May 17 is the Senior Parade and Senior Awards Ceremony. The band will perform in the north parking lot during the senior parade of cars. We will be standing still for this parade and playing the fight song and various other marching band music. We will also have marching band training later that evening.

Enrollment for Next School Year – The Lamar High School counselors will share a Google doc with your child next week with their course selections for the 2021-2022 school year.  Please ask your child to check their AISD email for the link, then please review their selections with them. If you’d like to make changes, please email your child’s counselor (see below for email addresses).

It is not too late to sign up for BAND for next year!  We are looking forward to having a more normalized school setting next year (fingers crossed!) and so please do not use this school year as an indication of your child’s ability to be successful in music education. Experience in band in high school is excellent preparation for college and career readiness. Please reach out to your LHS counselor if you have any questions. Also, here’s a link to information explaining the benefits of high school band courses and some of the types of band courses and events we have here at LHS.

As a reminder, the deadline to request changes to next year’s course selections is May 26, 2021. 

LHS Counselors (divided by the last names of students): 

A-Br:  Mr. Jensen, djensen1@aisd.net 

Bu-Dia:  Ms. Duncan, rduncan1@aisd.net 

Dib-Go:  Ms. Davis, tdavis14@aisd.net 

Gr-Jh:  Ms. Casey, acasey1@aisd.net 

Ji-Mac:  Ms. Simmons, gsimmon1@aisd.net 

Mad-Ob:  Mr. Hammon, jhammon1@aisd.net 

Oc-Rod:  Ms. Quintana, mquintan@aisd.net 

Roe-Te:  Ms. Savoy, csavoy@aisd.net 

Th-Z:  Ms. Boyd, wboyd1@aisd.net

Marching Band Spring Training – We have had a great start to our spring training practices. All band students from grades 8-11 are expected to participate in the marching band spring training on Monday and Thursdays, 5:00pm-6:30pm. We will be meeting at the MAC to work on basic marching fundamentals and learn some music for the parade and marching season. Students are REQUIRED to bring their own water jug to practice. Students without their own water will be sent home to retrieve it.

Solos – This semester, the performance of a solo was considered optional. Those students who have worked on a solo are encouraged to record a video of their performance of the solo. The directors would like to see the videos and reward those students who have worked so hard individually on a solo. Please message your director if you have a solo that you can record. The deadline will be May 21st.

Support The Band at No Extra Cost – These are easy ways to help raise money for the band.

Amazon Smile:  

1. visit smile.amazon.com

2. Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials

3. Search for and select Lamar Band Booster Club

4. Start shopping! To donate supplies to the band, visit the Lamar Band Amazon Wish List

Kroger Rewards:

1. Sign in to your account at kroger.com

2. Search for and select Lamar H.S. Band Booster

3. Kroger will donate a percentage of each sale to the Lamar Band

Tom Thumb Rewards:

1. Stop by the Customer Service desk

2. Ask them about adding Lamar High School Band to your rewards card   

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements May 7, 2021

Letter Award Form – All band and colorguard students should fill out the letter award form for the school year. If you did the letter form in the fall, you will NOT be able to letter again. Only one letter per school year. We encourage all students to fill it out, even if you are not sure if you will earn enough points. You might be surprised! Click here for the new letter award form. 

Banquet – The LBBC and LOBC have been planning our spring band & orchestra banquet. It will be held May 22nd behind Lamar in the open grass field. They are in urgent need of a head count for the caterers. Please fill out this form immediately so that we can get food reserved. The banquet will be the major awards ceremony for all band and orchestra students. We want all parents there to help us celebrate the hard work of all students in such a difficult school year.

Torchy’s Tacos – The LBBC is hosting a restaurant night at Torchy’s Tacos on North Collins. Eat dinner there on May 19th from 4-9 and tell them you are supporting the Lamar Band.

Physicals Day – On May 13, Adolescent Sports Metrics will offer physicals at Lamar High School for the band students. The cost is $10. It will be between 3:30-5:30. We recommend that parents accompany their students for this procedure. If a parent can not be present, the PPE form must be completed before a physician can do the exam.

Band Forms – We are hoping to get a little ahead of the game by releasing our band forms for next school year. These must be updated every school year. They are not due until August, but if you would like to fill them out early, here they are. The physical form is urgent as it must be completed by a physician before the first performance this summer (parade). Many of the forms are fillable in adobe and can even be digitally signed, except for the medical form that must be notarized.

Senior Day – May 17 is the Senior Parade and Senior Awards Ceremony. The band will perform in the north parking lot during the senior parade of cars. We will be standing still for this parade and playing the fight song and various other marching band music. We will also have marching band training later that evening.

Enrollment for Next School Year – The Lamar High School counselors will share a Google doc with your child next week with their course selections for the 2021-2022 school year.  Please ask your child to check their AISD email for the link, then please review their selections with them. If you’d like to make changes, please email your child’s counselor (see below for email addresses).

It is not too late to sign up for BAND for next year!  We are looking forward to having a more normalized school setting next year (fingers crossed!) and so please do not use this school year as an indication of your child’s ability to be successful in music education. Experience in band in high school is excellent preparation for college and career readiness. Please reach out to your LHS counselor if you have any questions. Also, here’s a link to information explaining the benefits of high school band courses and some of the types of band courses and events we have here at LHS.

As a reminder, the deadline to request changes to next year’s course selections is May 26, 2021. 

LHS Counselors (divided by the last names of students): 

A-Br:  Mr. Jensen, djensen1@aisd.net 

Bu-Dia:  Ms. Duncan, rduncan1@aisd.net 

Dib-Go:  Ms. Davis, tdavis14@aisd.net 

Gr-Jh:  Ms. Casey, acasey1@aisd.net 

Ji-Mac:  Ms. Simmons, gsimmon1@aisd.net 

Mad-Ob:  Mr. Hammon, jhammon1@aisd.net 

Oc-Rod:  Ms. Quintana, mquintan@aisd.net 

Roe-Te:  Ms. Savoy, csavoy@aisd.net 

Th-Z:  Ms. Boyd, wboyd1@aisd.net

Marching Band Spring Training – We have had a great start to our spring training practices. All band students from grades 8-11 are expected to participate in the marching band spring training on Monday and Thursdays, 5:00pm-6:30pm. We will be meeting at the MAC to work on basic marching fundamentals and learn some music for the parade and marching season. Students are REQUIRED to bring their own water jug to practice. Students without their own water will be sent home to retrieve it.

Solos – This semester, the performance of a solo was considered optional. Those students who have worked on a solo are encouraged to record a video of their performance of the solo. The directors would like to see the videos and reward those students who have worked so hard individually on a solo. Please message your director if you have a solo that you can record. The deadline will be May 21st.

Auditions – ALL band students must perform their audition etudes on May 18 & 19. This is the semester final exam grade. It will also be used for rankings for fall band placement.

Support The Band at No Extra Cost – These are easy ways to help raise money for the band.

Amazon Smile:  

1. visit smile.amazon.com

2. Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials

3. Search for and select Lamar Band Booster Club

4. Start shopping! To donate supplies to the band, visit the Lamar Band Amazon Wish List

Kroger Rewards:

1. Sign in to your account at kroger.com

2. Search for and select Lamar H.S. Band Booster

3. Kroger will donate a percentage of each sale to the Lamar Band

Tom Thumb Rewards:

1. Stop by the Customer Service desk

2. Ask them about adding Lamar High School Band to your rewards card   

Quote of the Week – “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” – Steven Covey
Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements May 2nd, 2021

Last Week – I would argue that the last two weeks were the busiest of the year. I for one was exhausted. That must mean we are getting back to some sort of normal! The band directors are so proud of our student’s performance in the spring concert at the CVPA. Seeing all the students on stage, looking professional, playing music together, made me feel absolutely great. I hope the experience was worthwhile and something that can make a unusual year have a little bit of positivity here at the end of the semester.

Leadership – I would like to congratulate the 2021-2022 leadership team! Every candidate went above and beyond with their applications, essays, projects, and interviews. I want to highlight a couple of creative things the students did for projects and interviews. We have a couple of students making an instructional video for taping colorguard equipment. A student interviewed Mr. Hagman and another did a zoom video interview with Scott Lang (the leadership guy). One student made bags of food for the homeless and delivered them to them in person. Another is making mothers day gift baskets for women and children in the women’s shelter in Arlington. Those are just a few examples. I just wanted everyone to know how amazing our students are and the creativity and compassion they all have. 

After School Practices – This week, we will NOT have concert band practices on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday. HOWEVER, WE WILL HAVE marching band spring training!

Marching Band Spring Training – Here we go! All band students from grades 8-11 will begin marching band spring training on Monday May 3rd, 5:00pm-6:30pm. We will be meeting at the MAC to work on basic marching fundamentals and getting back into marching band shape! Make sure to wear your comfortable athletic clothing, athletic shoes (or marching shoes), and BRING YOUR WATER JUG!

Physicals – On May 13th, Adolescent Sports Metrics will offer physicals at Lamar High School for the band students. The cost is $10. It will be between 3:30-5:30. We recommend parents accompanying their students for this procedure. If a parent can not be present, the PPE form must be completed before a physician can do the exam. More details will be coming soon. We are grateful that they are coming to Lamar to offer this for the marching band!

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements April 27th, 2021

TICKETS – This form must be filled out to have the tickets reserved. Wednesday morning we will start offering extra tickets on a first come, first serve basis. Reserved tickets are available for pickup at the band office anytime during school or until 4:30 Wednesday. We will also be available until 3:00pm at LHS on Thursday before the directors go to the CVPA to prepare for the concert. The itinerary for students is attached.

Band Council Elections – Through this Wednesday at 3:00pm, we are accepting votes for the Lamar Band Council 2021-2022. Students, you must login with your school email address. Vote here!

Physicals – On May 13th, Adolescent Sports Metrics will offer physicals at Lamar High School for the band students. The cost is $10. It will be between 3:30-5:30. We recommend parents accompanying their students for this procedure. If a parent can not be present, the PPE form must be completed before a physician can do the exam. More details will be coming soon. We are grateful that they are coming to Lamar to offer this for the marching band!

Marching Band Spring Training – Here we go! All band students from grades 8-11 will begin marching band spring training on Monday May 3rd, 5:00pm-6:30pm. We will be meeting at the MAC to work on basic marching fundamentals and getting back into marching band shape! We are excited to get started! We plan on sharing the marching band show music at our rehearsal.

From Hagman – I found these to be critically important messages from Mr. Hagman and felt compelled to share in our newsletter / update.

• If you are up to it, I would love to see you at Lamar attending classes daily. To put it bluntly, there is a lot of funding from the state on the line for AISD ($12 million in funding). All schools in Texas are tasked with increasing their in-person attendance this last six weeks, and if AISD doesn’t hit its target, we won’t receive the funding. It’s not a sliding scale, either; it’s all or nothing. So, if you can make it to campus, I would greatly appreciate it. If you have any questions or concerns about attending in-person, give me a holler (ahagman@aisd.net).

• If you need to make up credits this summer or if you want to get ahead by taking accelerated classes, please check out the attached summer school flyer. It’s got info on registration dates, cost, available classes and more. If you have questions about summer school, please email your counselor to discuss options.

Quote of the Week – “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements April 18th, 2021

UIL – This is it! Monday April 19th is the big day to record our UIL performance. The Varsity Band (10-12) will meet between 3:45-7:00 at the new CVPA. The itinerary is attached. Make sure you have your concert black clothes ready to go. Our spring concert and UIL performances are just around the corner. Our concert attire will be “concert black”. This is a common dress code for musicians. Please be prepared to wear the following. Black long sleeve shirt. This should be a full button up collared “dress shirt”. Black pants with black belt. NO jeans or cargo pants. Black socks and dress shoes. If you do not have dress shoes, you may wear your marching band shoes. The shoes should be polished and clean. Do not wear high heels if possible. If you are unsure of your outfit, just snap a picture of the outfit and send it to a director for approval.

Full Orchestra – Students in the Lamar Symphony Orchestra will have UIL on Tuesday. The exact same process so just use the itinerary from Monday for your Tuesday performance.

Spring Concert – Our spring concert is April 29th. ALL Lamar Band students are performing, including percussion ensemble, jazz band, freshman band, upperclassman band, and the symphony orchestra! More of the details are coming soon. There will be tickets for this event. It is limited to 2 tickets per student at this time. We are working on a recording and live stream.

Seniors – The LBBC scholarships are available. These need to be filled out by April 22nd!

Nathan Bennett Memorial Scholarship $500

Lamar Band Booster Club Scholarship $500

Steve Musser Scholarship $1,000

Leadership Candidates – This Wednesday we will meet at 3:30pm-4:30pm to begin the audition process. Students will need to finalize their decisions on which positions they are auditioning for. Leadership University assignments should be up to date at this time. All students interested in 2021-2022 leadership will need to join this NEW Band App group. The Leadership University Course has been started and all links will be in this band app group only. This is a mandatory part of the leadership selection / training process. If you haven’t filled out the interest form or you want to change anything, use this link.

Audition – The sixth six weeks will be focused on preparing for summer and fall. Students will prepare an audition etude to be performed for a major test grade. Seniors will also be performing this etude as their final grade in band, ever! The results from the audition grades will be used to rank students for chair placement this fall. Students with advanced scores will be placed in the wind symphony. Those in symphonic band will be ranked in order. These results will also help the staff assign parts for the marching band. Currently, the etude is available in the files section of all students canvas pages. Printed copies are in the band room. Eventually they should all be uploaded to SmartMusic.

Calendar – The band staff has been busy at work with our planning of the summer schedule for the band. The attached pdf calendar takes us up to the first day of school. All of these dates including many of the fall dates are on the Lamar Band Google Calendar.

Physicals – It is time to start renewing our physical forms for next fall. We understand that insurance allows for one medical physical per year. When you go, you should use the UIL form so that you are prepared for marching band and any other athletic team at Lamar. I have attached the form and provided this link for more info. https://www.uiltexas.org/music/marching-band

Quote of the Week – “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements April 12th, 2021

Winterguard – Our talented winterguard had a wonderful performance last Thursday for a live audience! We have video recordings and we are working on editing them for us to share. The next phase of color guard is recruiting for next fall. We have set a goal of 25-30 members for the 2021-2022 color guard program. We need help from all band students to get the word out about auditions. Share the info graphics on your social media and talk to your friends.

Chipotle – This Wednesday from 4-8, eat at Chipotle on North Collins and tell them you are supporting the Lamar Band Booster Club! Chipotle is giving 33% to the Lamar Band! This is the biggest restaurant fundraiser of the spring! Tell your friends and share the 

flyer.

LBBC – The next meeting of the Lamar Band Booster Club will be Tuesday April 13th at 6:30pm. ALL band parents are invited and encouraged to log into the zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89017665842?pwd=KzlURUlRNXpTc0RMeWQzNjV2Z2c3dz09

Meeting ID: 890 1766 5842

Passcode: VFND1970

Pep Band Friday – This Friday we will have our next pep band event at Wimbish Elementary School! We would like to have even more of our Lamar Band members attend. Mr. Riley will be sending out the google sign up very soon.

UIL – This is it! Monday April 19th is the big day to record our UIL performance. The Varsity Band (10-12) will meet between 3:45-7:00 at the new CVPA. The itinerary is coming soon. Make sure you have your concert black clothes ready to go. Our spring concert and UIL performances are just around the corner. Our concert attire will be “concert black”. This is a common dress code for musicians. Please be prepared to wear the following. Black long sleeve shirt. This should be a full button up collared “dress shirt”. Black pants with black belt. NO jeans or cargo pants. Black socks and dress shoes. If you do not have dress shoes, you may wear your marching band shoes. The shoes should be polished and clean. Do not wear high heels if possible. If you are unsure of your outfit, just snap a picture of the outfit and send it to a director for approval.

Spring Concert – Our spring concert is just around the corner. More of the details are coming soon. There will be tickets for this event. It is limited to 2 tickets per student at this time. We are working on a recording and live stream.

Audition – The sixth six weeks will be focused on preparing for summer and fall. Students will prepare an audition etude to be performed for a major test grade. Seniors will also be performing this etude as their final grade in band, ever! The results from the audition grades will be used to rank students for chair placement this fall. Students with advanced scores will be placed in the wind symphony. Those in symphonic band will be ranked in order. These results will also help the staff assign parts for the marching band. Currently, the etude is available in the files section of all students canvas pages. Printed copies are in the band room. Eventually they should all be uploaded to SmartMusic.

Seniors – The LBBC scholarships are available. These need to be filled out by April 22nd!

Nathan Bennett Memorial Scholarship $500

Lamar Band Booster Club Scholarship $500

Steve Musser Scholarship $1,000

Leadership Candidates – All students interested in 2021-2022 leadership will need to join this NEW Band App group. The Leadership University Course has been started and all links will be in this band app group only. This is a mandatory part of the leadership selection / training process. If you haven’t filled out the interest form or you want to change anything, use this link.

Calendar – The band staff has been busy at work with our planning of the summer schedule for the band. The attached pdf calendar takes us up to the first day of school. All of these dates including many of the fall dates are on the Lamar Band Google Calendar.

Physicals – It is time to start renewing our physical forms for next fall. We understand that insurance allows for one medical physical per year. When you go, you should use the UIL form so that you are prepared for marching band and any other athletic team at Lamar. I have attached the form and provided this link for more info. https://www.uiltexas.org/music/marching-band
Quote of the Week – Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it. -Julia Child

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements April 3rd, 2021

Winterguard Performance – The Lamar Color Guard will present their 2021 winterguard show next Thursday April 8th at 7:00pm. The event will take place in gym A (main competition gym at LHS). Due to district Covid policy, we must ticket the event. It is FREE! Masks will be mandatory and social distancing must be followed. Reserve your free ticket here. All family and friends are invited. Groups of audience members should be spaced out in family groups of 4. There should be plenty of room to spread out in the gym.

Seniors – The LBBC scholarships are available. These need to be filled out by April 22nd!

Nathan Bennett Memorial Scholarship $500

Lamar Band Booster Club Scholarship $500

Steve Musser Scholarship $1,000

Leadership Candidates – All students interested in 2021-2022 leadership will need to join this NEW Band App group. The Leadership University Course has been started and all links will be in this band app group only. This is a mandatory part of the leadership selection / training process. If you haven’t filled out the interest form or you want to change anything, use this link.

Calendar – The band staff has been busy at work with our planning of the summer schedule for the band. The attached pdf calendar takes us up to the first day of school. All of these dates including many of the fall dates are on the Lamar Band Google Calendar.

Concert Dress Black – Our spring concert and UIL performances are just around the corner. Our concert attire will be “concert black”. This is a common dress code for musicians. Please be prepared to wear the following. Black long sleeve shirt. This should be a full button up collared “dress shirt”. Black pants with black belt. NO jeans or cargo pants. Black socks and dress shoes. If you do not have dress shoes, you may wear your marching band shoes. The shoes should be polished and clean. Do not wear high heels if possible. If you are unsure of your outfit, just snap a picture of the outfit and send it to a director for approval.

After School Practices – We have 2 rehearsals until our UIL recording! Freshmen, we only have 3 rehearsals until our spring concert on April 29th! We have been scheduled to record our UIL performance at the new Center for Visual and Performing Arts on April 19th from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Success happens when we consistently practice and work as a team towards the goal of a superior performance. These practices are required of all in-person students and highly encouraged for remote students. Parents, please email a director or use this new form if there is an excused absence. Fill out this daily screening form before you come to LHS.

Monday, 4:30-6:30 10-12 grade Varsity band

Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 symphony orchestra

Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 percussion ensembles

Thursday, 4:30-6:30 9th grade band

Pep Band Fridays – The Lamar cluster band directors have started a new event. We are taking high school band members to the elementary schools on Fridays to “pep” up the little kids. Our main goal is to get the 6th graders excited about joining the 7th grade beginning band. Students will have to provide their own transportation. We can get students excused from their last period if needed. We want The Pride of Lamar to wear their “Bad Show” shirts and jeans or shorts. Bring your marching season music. We will play the Fight Song, 7 Nation Army, Shout it Out, and Land of 1000. Be ready to dance to drum cadences and have a great time! Colorguard members are encouraged to join us to dance, spin, and generally entertain our elementary friends.

Physicals – It is time to start renewing our physical forms for next fall. We understand that insurance allows for one medical physical per year. When you go, you should use the UIL form so that you are prepared for marching band and any other athletic team at Lamar. I have attached the form and provided this link for more info. https://www.uiltexas.org/music/marching-band

Quote of the Week – An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life.

“A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.

“It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.

One is evil—he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”

He continued, “The other is good—his is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you—and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements March 28th, 2021

Calendar – The band staff has been busy at work with our planning of the summer schedule for the band. The attached pdf calendar takes us up to the first day of school. All of these dates including many of the fall dates are on the Lamar Band Google Calendar.

Band App Notifications – This morning, I caught a spam bot that posted on our chat notifications. It has been reported to the Band App team. That being said, we often send important updates via the Band App. If you have turned off notifications, please turn them back on for the Lamar Band group.

Concert Dress Black – Our spring concert and UIL performances are just around the corner. Our concert attire will be “concert black”. This is a common dress code for musicians. Please be prepared to wear the following. Black long sleeve shirt. This should be a full button up collared “dress shirt”. Black pants with black belt. NO jeans or cargo pants. Black socks and dress shoes. If you do not have dress shoes, you may wear your marching band shoes. The shoes should be polished and clean. Do not wear high heels if possible. If you are unsure of your outfit, just snap a picture of the outfit and send it to a director for approval.

Car Wash – We have been postponed for our spring car wash event. The district has not approved car washes for this school year. I hope that we can do one in May or June.

Pep Band Fridays – The Lamar cluster band directors have started a new event. We are taking high school band members to the elementary schools on Fridays to “pep” up the little kids. Our main goal is to get the 6th graders excited about joining the 7th grade beginning band. Students will have to provide their own transportation. We can get students excused from their last period if needed. We want The Pride of Lamar to wear their “Bad Show” shirts and jeans or shorts. Bring your marching season music. We will play the Fight Song, 7 Nation Army, Shout it Out, and Land of 1000. Be ready to dance to drum cadences and have a great time! Colorguard members are encouraged to join us to dance, spin, and generally entertain our elementary friends.

After School Practices – We have 3rehearsals until our UIL recording! We have been scheduled to record our UIL performance at the new Center for Visual and Performing Arts on April 19th from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Success happens when we consistently practice and work as a team towards the goal of a superior performance. These practices are required of all in-person students and highly encouraged for remote students. Parents, please email a director or use this new form if there is an excused absence. Fill out this daily screening form before you come to LHS.

Monday, 4:30-6:30 10-12 grade Varsity band

Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 symphony orchestra

Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 percussion ensembles

Thursday, 4:30-6:30 9th grade band

Leadership Interest 21-22 – If you missed our information meeting on the 11th, contact a friend for notes. We can also send you a link to the video of the meeting. To help us know who is interested in leadership, fill out this form. We encourage ALL students grades 9th-11th to consider a role on the leadership team. This includes band council, drum majors, section leaders, and team leaders such as water crew.

Enrollment Guide – Another cool thing to check out is the newest edition of the Lamar Band Enrollment guide. Special thanks to Mrs. Lang for the beautiful graphic layout.

Physicals – It is time to start renewing our physical forms for next fall. We understand that insurance allows for one medical physical per year. When you go, you should use the UIL form so that you are prepared for marching band and any other athletic team at Lamar. I have attached the form and provided this link for more info. https://www.uiltexas.org/music/marching-band

Schedule Selection 21-22 – You may adjust your class request options for 2021-2022 until May. Be sure to let the counselors know that you are in The Pride of Lamar! We have planned events already! We will be going back to BOA Waco! We are considering other trips in the fall and spring. Maybe even a trip to see the big mouse. We are about to start a big recruiting campaign to get kids back in band. Our goal is to grow by 30%! If you have a friend who dropped out of band, we want them back. The staff will catch them up. Help us grow our band program. Let’s start with making sure you are signed up for band classes.

Current 9th graders: Pick your classes for your 10th grade year

Current 10th graders: Pick your classes for your 11th grade year

Current 11th graders: Pick your classes for your 12th grade year

Contact Mr. Lang or your counselor if you have questions.

Need credit recovery for the 1st semester? –  Sign up for a packet. You could complete this pack in about 4-6 hours. Doing a credit recovery class (Edgenuity) takes around 30 hours. This form is for students needing to redeem FALL 2020 Credit in

    English 1, 2, 3, 4

    Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Math Models, Algebraic Reasoning

    Biology, Chemistry, IPC, Physics, Forensics, Anatomy & Physiology, Astronomy

    World Geography, World History, U.S. History, Government, Economics

    Spanish 1, 2

Quote of the Week – “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” – Aristotle
Winterguard – Winterguard performance April 8th!

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements March 22nd, 2021

Dickey’s BBQ Night – We are excited about our next Fundraiser Night at Dickey’s BBQ on Ballpark Way! Wednesday March 24th from 4:00-8:00pm let them know you are supporting the Lamar Band. Place orders for Dine IN/DriveThru/Takeout. They are giving back 20% to the band. We are looking for band students to help with greeting people and helping us earn a little extra in tips. Invite friends and family to support us!

Pep Band Fridays – The Lamar cluster band directors have started a new event. We are taking high school band members to the elementary schools on Fridays to “pep” up the little kids. Our main goal is to get the 6th graders excited about joining the 7th grade beginning band. Our first performance at Butler Elementary was a great success! This Friday March 26th will be at Pope Elementary from 3:00pm-3:45pm. Sign up with this quick form. Students will have to provide their own transportation. We can get students excused from their last period if needed. We want The Pride of Lamar to wear their “Bad Show” shirts and jeans or shorts. Bring your marching season music. We will play the Fight Song, 7 Nation Army, Shout it Out, and Land of 1000. Be ready to dance to drum cadences and have a great time! Colorguard members are encouraged to join us to dance, spin, and generally entertain our elementary friends.

Concert Dress Black – Our spring concert and UIL performances are just around the corner. Our concert attire will be “concert black”. This is a common dress code for musicians. Please be prepared to wear the following. Black long sleeve shirt. This should be a full button up collared “dress shirt”. Black pants with black belt. NO jeans or cargo pants. Black socks and dress shoes. If you do not have dress shoes, you may wear your marching band shoes. The shoes should be polished and clean. Do not wear high heels if possible. If you are unsure of your outfit, just snap a picture of the outfit and send it to a director for approval.

Car Wash – We are going to have our traditional car wash on April 10th. All Lamar Band students will sign up for a shift. It is important that every student does their fair share of the work. The Lamar Band Car Wash has been a profitable fundraiser for decades. Let’s keep this north Arlington event going strong! Parents, we will need 10-20 adults to chaperone. More info coming from the booster club soon.

After School Practices – We have 4 rehearsals until our UIL recording! We have been scheduled to record our UIL performance at the new Center for Visual and Performing Arts on April 19th from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Success happens when we consistently practice and work as a team towards the goal of a superior performance. These practices are required of all in-person students and highly encouraged for remote students. Parents, please email a director or use this new form if there is an excused absence. Fill out this daily screening form before you come to LHS.

Monday, 4:30-6:30 10-12 grade Varsity band

Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 symphony orchestra

Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 percussion ensembles

Thursday, 4:30-6:30 9th grade band

Leadership Interest 21-22 – If you missed our information meeting on the 11th, contact a friend for notes. We can also send you a link to the video of the meeting. To help us know who is interested in leadership, fill out this form. We encourage ALL students grades 9th-11th to consider a role on the leadership team. This includes band council, drum majors, section leaders, and team leaders such as water crew.

Lamar Band Website – If you haven’t seen it lately, check out www.lamarmusic.org Mrs. Bankhead has made some new improvements. 

Enrollment Guide – Another cool thing to check out is the newest edition of the Lamar Band Enrollment guide. Special thanks to Mrs. Lang for the beautiful graphic layout.

Physicals – It is time to start renewing our physical forms for next fall. We understand that insurance allows for one medical physical per year. When you go, you should use the UIL form so that you are prepared for marching band and any other athletic team at Lamar. I have attached the form and provided this link for more info. https://www.uiltexas.org/music/marching-band

Schedule Selection 21-22 – You may adjust your class request options for 2021-2022 until May. Be sure to let the counselors know that you are in The Pride of Lamar! We have planned events already! We will be going back to BOA Waco! We are considering other trips in the fall and spring. Maybe even a trip to see the big mouse. We are about to start a big recruiting campaign to get kids back in band. Our goal is to grow by 30%! If you have a friend who dropped out of band, we want them back. The staff will catch them up. Help us grow our band program. Let’s start with making sure you are signed up for band classes.

Current 9th graders: Pick your classes for your 10th grade year

Current 10th graders: Pick your classes for your 11th grade year

Current 11th graders: Pick your classes for your 12th grade year

Contact Mr. Lang or your counselor if you have questions.

Need credit recovery for the 1st semester? –  Sign up for a packet. You could complete this pack in about 4-6 hours. Doing a credit recovery class (Edgenuity) takes around 30 hours. This form is for students needing to redeem FALL 2020 Credit in

    English 1, 2, 3, 4

    Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Math Models, Algebraic Reasoning

    Biology, Chemistry, IPC, Physics, Forensics, Anatomy & Physiology, Astronomy

    World Geography, World History, U.S. History, Government, Economics

    Spanish 1, 2

Quote of the Week – “Your life isn’t yours if you constantly care what others think.” – Unknown
Winterguard – Coming soon…the winterguard friends and family performance!

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements March 8th, 2021

Open House – Tonight, Monday at 6:30pm, Lamar will host the spring open house event on Zoom. Details for all teacher zoom links are listed here. The Lamar Band zoom for Mr. Lang is this zoom link. 

LBBC Board Meeting – Tomorrow, Tuesday at 6:30pm, we will host our monthly LBBC meeting. Use this zoom link if you would like to attend.

After School Practices – We have 6 rehearsals until our UIL recording. We have been scheduled to record our UIL performance at the new Center for Visual and Performing Arts on April 19th from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Success happens when we consistently practice and work as a team towards the goal of a superior performance. These practices are required of all in-person students and highly encouraged for remote students. Parents, please email a director or use this new form if there is an excused absence. Fill out this daily screening form before you come to LHS.

Monday, 4:00-6:30 10-12 grade Varsity band

Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 symphony orchestra

Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 percussion ensembles

Thursday, 4:15-6:30 9th grade band

Leadership Interest 21-22 – If you are interested in learning about the leadership team and the many different roles, attend our informational meeting on March 11th at 3:30 in the band room. To help us know who is interested in leadership, fill out this form. We encourage ALL students grades 9th-11th to consider a role on the leadership team. This includes band council, drum majors, section leaders, and team leaders such as water crew.

Lamar Band Website – If you haven’t seen it lately, check out www.lamarmusic.org Mrs. Bankhead has made some new improvements. 

Enrollment Guide – Another cool thing to check out is the newest edition of the Lamar Band Enrollment guide. Special thanks to Mrs. Lang for the beautiful graphic layout.

Physicals – It is time to start renewing our physical forms for next fall. We understand that insurance allows for one medical physical per year. When you go, you should use the UIL form so that you are prepared for marching band and any other athletic team at Lamar. I have attached the form and provided this link for more info. https://www.uiltexas.org/music/marching-band

Schedule Selection 21-22 – You may adjust your class request options for 2021-2022 until May. Be sure to let the counselors know that you are in The Pride of Lamar! We have planned events already! We will be going back to BOA Waco! We are considering other trips in the fall and spring. Maybe even a trip to see the big mouse. We are about to start a big recruiting campaign to get kids back in band. Our goal is to grow by 30%! If you have a friend who dropped out of band, we want them back. The staff will catch them up. Help us grow our band program. Let’s start with making sure you are signed up for band classes.

Current 9th graders: Pick your classes for your 10th grade year

Current 10th graders: Pick your classes for your 11th grade year

Current 11th graders: Pick your classes for your 12th grade year

Contact Mr. Lang or your counselor if you have questions.

Need credit recovery for the 1st semester? –  Sign up for a packet. You could complete this pack in about 4-6 hours. Doing a credit recovery class (Edgenuity) takes around 30 hours. This form is for students needing to redeem FALL 2020 Credit in

    English 1, 2, 3, 4

    Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Math Models, Algebraic Reasoning

    Biology, Chemistry, IPC, Physics, Forensics, Anatomy & Physiology, Astronomy

    World Geography, World History, U.S. History, Government, Economics

    Spanish 1, 2
Quote of the Week – ““Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” – Helen Keller

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements February 28, 2021

After School Practices – We are back to our normal schedule! These practices are required of all in-person students and highly encouraged for remote students. These concert band practices are critical for our UIL and Spring Concert performances. Parents, please email a director if there is an excused absence. Fill out this daily screening form before you come to LHS.

Monday, 4:30-6:30 10-12 grade Varsity band

Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 symphony orchestra

Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 percussion ensembles

Thursday, 4:30-6:30 9th grade band

Leadership Interest 21-22 – If you are interested in learning about the leadership team and the many different roles, attend our informational meeting on March 11th at 3:30 in the band room. To help us know who is interested in leadership, fill out this form. We encourage ALL students grades 9th-11th to consider a role on the leadership team. This includes band council, drum majors, section leaders, and team leaders such as water crew.

Need credit recovery for the 1st semester? –  Sign up for a packet. You could complete this pack in about 4-6 hours. Doing a credit recovery class (Edgenuity) takes around 30 hours. This form is for students needing to redeem FALL 2020 Credit in

    English 1, 2, 3, 4

    Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Math Models, Algebraic Reasoning

    Biology, Chemistry, IPC, Physics, Forensics, Anatomy & Physiology, Astronomy

    World Geography, World History, U.S. History, Government, Economics

    Spanish 1, 2

Physicals – It is time to start renewing our physical forms for next fall. We understand that insurance allows for one medical physical per year. When you go, you should use the UIL form so that you are prepared for marching band and any other athletic team at Lamar. I have attached the form and provided this link for more info. https://www.uiltexas.org/music/marching-band

Schedule Selection 21-22 – Signing up for band next fall is as easy as filling out a google form. We are good at that by now! Be sure to let the counselors know that you are in The Pride of Lamar! We have two marching contests already confirmed and registered. We will be going back to BOA Waco! We are considering other trips in the fall and spring. Maybe even a trip to see the big mouse. We are about to start a big recruiting campaign to get kids back in band. Our goal is to grow by 30%! If you have a friend who dropped out of band, we want them back. The staff will catch them up. Help us grow our band program. Let’s start with making sure you are signed up for band classes.

Current 9th graders: Pick your classes for your 10th grade year

Current 10th graders: Pick your classes for your 11th grade year

Current 11th graders: Pick your classes for your 12th grade year

Contact Mr. Lang or your counselor if you have questions.

Quote of the Week – “Most of us are just about as happy as we make up our minds to be.” – Abraham Lincoln

Winterguard – Back on our normal schedule! Students in winterguard must use the daily screening form and follow the AISD protocols for Covid. Performers must bring their own water jug and snacks with absolutely NO sharing. Masks, masks, MASKS!
Notifications – We often send important updates via the Band App. If you have turned off notifications, please turn them back on for the Lamar Band group.

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements February 23, 2021

Update from Mr. Hagman – 

• If your family is needing assistance with food, clothing or shelter, access this link for a list of resources
• If your home or apartment was damaged last week from the weather, have a parent access this link to see if the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can provide assistance.
• If you need technology assistance, please submit a help ticket with this link, and our technology people will be in touch soon.
• If you are struggling psychologically or emotionally, please reach out to your counselor (click here for a list of email addresses). We’ve all been under a tremendous amount of stress, and it’s a good thing to share your feelings when you are overwhelmed. 
• Wednesday, 2/24, is a remote, asynchronous learning day. Be sure to check each of your A day classes for assignments.
• Thursday, 2/25 (B day), and Friday, 2/26 (A day), are remote learning days with both synchronous and asynchronous learning, so be sure to log in at the appropriate times for class. It will do you good to connect with your teachers and classmates.

Instrument Retrieval – Due to the uncertainty of the return to LHS, we are working out a process to get instruments that were left at the school. We need responses as soon as possible.

https://forms.gle/qjrttFXpqz9cNJjRA

Update from Mr. Lang – Our number 1 concern as a band family is the health and safety of our students and families. We want to assist in whatever way possible. We just need communication from students and/or parents. The next focus is to adjust our plans for the work we have been doing since the beginning of the semester. We have lost critical rehearsals for all ensembles. If we are allowed back at Lamar next week, we will go back to our regular after school practice schedule. If we are not back yet, we are working out plans to practice at other sites. We do not want to fall further behind. I have been incredibly proud of the progress students made in January and early February. Getting in as much practice before spring break is paramount. Some good news is that the arrival of our new trailer is now scheduled for March 2nd. There will be a lot of PR so look for it on that date. We are also deep in plans for summer and fall. Marching band is right around the corner.

Need credit recovery for the 1st semester? –  Sign up for a packet. You could complete this pack in about 4 hours. Doing a credit recovery class (Edgenuity) takes around 30 hours. Get it done now so it doesn’t mess up your summer and fall!

Offline credit recovery courses

English

ELA 1-4

Math

Algebra 1

Geometry

Algebra 2

Algebraic Reasoning

Math Models

Social Studies

World Geography

World History

US History

Government

Economics

Science

IPC Biology

Chemistry

A & P

Forensics

Astonomy

Physics

LOTE

Spanish 1

Spanish 2

They extended the deadline to fill out this form!

Signing up for band next fall is as easy as filling out a google form. We are good at that by now! Be sure to let the counselors know that you are in The Pride of Lamar! We have two marching contests already confirmed and registered. We will be going back to BOA Waco! We are considering other trips in the fall and spring. Maybe even a trip to see the big mouse. We are about to start a big recruiting campaign to get kids back in band. Our goal is to grow by 30%! If you have a friend who dropped out of band, we want them back. The staff will catch them up. Help us grow our band program. Let’s start with making sure you are signed up for band classes.

Current 9th graders: Pick your classes for your 10th grade year

Current 10th graders: Pick your classes for your 11th grade year

Current 11th graders: Pick your classes for your 12th grade year

Contact Mr. Lang or your counselor if you have questions! 

Spring Concert – On April 29th, we will have our premier concert at the new AISD Center for Visual and Performing Arts! There is an excellent chance we will have a limited in person audience. The concert will also be live streamed with the concert halls very fancy camera and audio system. Mark your calendars.

After School Practices (pending rehearsal space) –  These practices are required of all in-person students and highly encouraged for remote students. These concert band practices are critical for our UIL and Spring Concert performances. Parents, please email a director if there is an excused absence. Fill out this daily screening form before you come to LHS.

Monday, 4:30-6:30 10-12 grade Varsity band

Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 symphony orchestra

Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 percussion ensembles

Thursday, 4:30-6:30 9th grade band

Quote of the Week – “Music is the effort we make to explain to ourselves how our brains work. We listen to Bach transfixed because this is listening to a human mind.” – Lewis Thomas

Winterguard – Until we find a new rehearsal space, we will not have practice. Students in winterguard must use the daily screening form and follow the AISD protocols for Covid. Performers must bring their own water jug and snacks with absolutely NO sharing. Masks, masks, MASKS!
Notifications – We often send important updates via the Band App. If you have turned off notifications, please turn them back on for the Lamar Band group.

Lamar Band Update

Feb 11, 2021

General Update – Weather or not you like winter, this is too cold! (sorry about the word play) Due to AISD closing school today, we have no freshman band, jazz, or winterguard practice tonight. Since Monday looks like snow, we are moving the varsity band to Tuesday evening 5:30-7:30. Make sure you have your notifications on for Lamar Band on the Band App. I will always post urgent news there first.

After School Practices – We are quickly approaching our UIL recording time frame. We will be granted time in the CVPA concert hall to get a professional recording. We are also confirmed for our concert on April 29th. There is a lot of talk about having in-person as well as live streamed audience members. Practices are critical. All students are welcome, even if they have missed practices so far. The schedule is on the google calendar and band app. Parents, please email a director if there is an excused absence. In-person and remote students are all welcome. Fill out this daily screening form before you come to LHS.

Semi Trailer – I actually have a date! Next Friday, the district will be receiving the 6 high schools band trailers. There will be a PR event at the CVPA. You will see it all over social media. Hopefully there will be a day when we can bring it to LHS and have tours of the inside. You will be blown away!

Winterguard – We are off to a good start. Students in winterguard must use the daily screening form and follow the AISD protocols for Covid. Performers must bring their own water jug and snacks with absolutely NO sharing. Masks, masks, MASKS!

Quote of the Week – “Students with band and orchestra experience attend college at a rate twice the national average.” – Bands Across the USA

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements February 7, 2021

Spring Concert – On April 29th, we will have our premier concert at the new AISD Center for Visual and Performing Arts! There is an excellent chance we will have a limited in person audience. The concert will also be live streamed with the concert halls very fancy camera and audio system. Mark your calendars.

After School Practices –  These practices are required of all in-person students and highly encouraged for remote students. These concert band practices are critical for our UIL and Spring Concert performances. Parents, please email a director if there is an excused absence. Fill out this daily screening form before you come to LHS.

Monday, 4:30-6:30 10-12 grade Varsity band

Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 symphony orchestra

Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 percussion ensembles

Thursday, 4:30-6:30 9th grade band

Quote of the Week – “Music students out-perform non-music students on achievement tests in reading and math. Skills such as reading, anticipating, memory, listening, forecasting, recall, and concentration are developed in musical performance, and these skills are valuable to students in math, reading, and science.” – B. Friedman, “An Evaluation of the Achievement in Reading and Arithmetic of Pupils in Elementary School Instrumental Music Classes,” Dissertation Abstracts International.

Course Sign Up – The counselors have been working on the preliminary course selection with all students. If you have any questions, I can answer most of them in regards to band and other course schedule conflicts. Our goal is to grow the Lamar Band next fall. If any student is on the fence for band next year, they should speak with a director.

LBBC – The Lamar Band Booster Club will have a board meeting this Tuesday at 7:00pm. Look for an email from the LBBC president, Mrs. Howerton this week.

Winterguard – Students in winterguard must use the daily screening form and follow the AISD protocols for Covid. Performers must bring their own water jug and snacks with absolutely NO sharing. Masks, masks, MASKS!

Notifications – We often send important updates via the Band App. If you have turned off notifications, please turn them back on for the Lamar Band group. 
Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements February 1, 2021

After School Practices –  These practices are required of all in-person students and highly encouraged for remote students. If there are conflicts with these rehearsals, parents, please email me asap. The schedule is on the google calendar and band app. I have also attached it to this email. Parents, please email a director if there is an excused absence. Fill out this daily screening form before you come to LHS.

Monday, 4:30-6:30 10-12 grade Varsity band

Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 symphony orchestra

Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 percussion ensembles

Thursday, 4:30-6:30 9th grade band

Quote of the Week – “History has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” – Michelle Obama

Winterguard – Students in winterguard must use the daily screening form and follow the AISD protocols for Covid. Performers must bring their own water jug and snacks with absolutely NO sharing. Masks, masks, MASKS!

Notifications – We often send important updates via the Band App. If you have turned off notifications, please turn them back on for the Lamar Band group. 

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements January 17, 2021

After School Practices – Our first week of afternoon rehearsals went off very well. Our students were focused and worked very hard. We accomplished our goals and then some. We will have the 10-12 grade Varsity Band rehearsal Monday from 4:30pm-6:30pm. While this is a school holiday, we have very few rehearsals until we record in late March for UIL. If there are conflicts with these rehearsals, parents, please email me asap. Rescheduling during the week is very difficult due to the busy calendar of rehearsals in the band room every afternoon. The schedule is on the google calendar and band app. I have also attached it to this email. Parents, please email a director if there is an excused absence. In-person and remote students are all welcome. Fill out this daily screening form before you come to LHS.

Monday, 4:30-6:30 10-12 grade Varsity band

Tuesday, 3:30-4:30 symphony orchestra

Wednesday, 3:30-6:00 percussion ensembles

Thursday, 4:30-6:30 9th grade band

Winterguard – The winterguard started practices this past week. We are off to a good start. Students in winterguard must use the daily screening form and follow the AISD protocols for Covid. Performers must bring their own water jug and snacks with absolutely NO sharing. Masks, masks, MASKS!

Marching Uniforms – Any student that still has a marching band uniform needs to make plans to return it to the band room. Most of them have been returned and cleaned. We must wrap up our uniforms for the year.

Objective Sheets – The grades for the report card come directly for the Objective Sheet assignments. Deadlines are important. Parents, please help your student musician stay on track to get assignments completed. If they practice 15-30 mins every day, they will be able to earn high marks.

Notifications – We often send important updates via the Band App. If you have turned off notifications, please turn them back on for the Lamar Band group. 

Quote of the Week – “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements January 10, 2021

After School Practices – Practices start this week! The schedule is on the google calendar and band app. I have also attached it to this email. Parents, please email a director if there is an excused absence. In-person and remote students are all welcome. Fill out this daily screening form before you come to LHS.

Monday, 4:30-6:30 10-12 grade band

Tuesday, 3:30-4:30 symphony orchestra

Wednesday, 3:30-6:00 percussion ensembles

Thursday, 4:30-6:30 9th grade band

Winterguard – The winterguard practices start this Tuesday. Students in winterguard must use the daily screening form and follow the AISD protocols for Covid. Performers must bring their own water jug and snacks with absolutely NO sharing. Masks, masks, MASKS!

Objective Sheets – The grades for the report card come directly for the Objective Sheet assignments. Deadlines are important. Parents, please help your student musician stay on track to get assignments completed. If they practice 15-30 mins every day, they will be able to earn high marks.

Notifications – We often send important updates via the Band App. If you have turned off  notifications, please turn them back on for the Lamar Band group. 

Quote of the Week – “It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.” – Vincent Van Gogh

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements January 3rd, 2021

Happy New Year! – I am sure we are all happy to put 2020 behind us. Many of our challenges are still with us, but there is hope that things will be better soon. I am excited to start fresh and attack our problems head on. I like what Mr. Hagman often says, “Challenges are opportunities for growth”. The Lamar Band will start with optimism and positivity in 2021!

LHS Calendar – I have attached the Lamar HS hybrid calendar for January and February. The sync / async times will be slightly different as well. That will be discussed during this first week back.

After School Practices – No practices this week as we adjust our spring after school practice schedule. If you haven’t done so, please fill out this survey regarding rehearsal times.

Marching Band – If you have not yet turned in your marching uniform, it must be done as soon as possible. If you have any marching instruments or accessories still checked out to you, please get those turned in to a director at your earliest convenience.

Notifications – We often send important updates via the Band App. If you have turned off  notifications, please turn them back on for the Lamar Band group. 

Quote of the Week – “A goal is a dream with a deadline.” -Napoleon Hill

Band Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS can be paid online here.

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Lamar Band News Blog

Lamar Band Website

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 12/14

After School Practices – No practices due to exams. We will have a new after school schedule for the spring. Parents or students, please fill out this survey regarding rehearsal times.

Fall Concerts – The directors made the decision to postpone our fall concert. With only 3 hours of after school practice to put it together, we felt it was best to wait until we can have more rehearsals with more students involved. The Jazz Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble, however, recorded some great music to get you in the holiday mood!

Marching Band – Students should turn in their uniform and shako by Thursday this week. Sousaphones, baritones, and mellophones should also be checked in this week. Any time during the school day is fine. Message us if you want to meet us after school.

Band Room Organization – This Saturday, Dec 19th, from 9:00am-11:00am, we will be reorganizing our equipment. We always have this task as we finish marching season and move on to the wild and crazy spring semester. With a lot of parents and students, we will get this done in no time. We need some people with great vision for superior organization. Email lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com if you are a parent that can help out.

Quote of the Week – “A goal is a dream with a deadline.” -Napoleon Hill

Forms and Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS are due. This can be paid online here. Band forms can be found here. These are past due

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 12/8

After School Practices – This week only, next week no practices due to exams.

Jazz Orchestra – Monday 3:30pm-6:00pm

Percussion Ensemble – Tuesday 3:30pm-5:00pm

Freshman Band – Wednesday 5:00pm-6:00pm

Symphonic Band – Wednesday 3:30pm-4:30pm

Wind Symphony – Wednesday 3:30pm-4:30pm

Marching Band – Marching band season is over so its time to turn in the marching band uniforms. Wash them and bring them up to the band room during school or during after school practice. They should be turned in by Dec 17th at the latest. We are looking for some helpers to organize and store the marching season equipment. On Saturday Dec. 19th at 9:00am, meet outside the band hall. We could use parents and students. This could count towards service hours.

Letter Jackets – Our letter jacket company will be here on Thursday, Dec. 10th to allow students to try on letter jackets and place orders. I have attached the order form and some examples of optional patches. The basic jacket with letter is $65 and to add the little name on the front is $17. Everything else goes up from there. To see the exclusive Lamar Band logo patch, click here to browse their website.

Earning the Official Lamar Band Letterman Patch – Earning a varsity letter is a long tradition in American schools. Qualifications differ from organization to organization. To me it represents a student who puts in superior effort to make the team/organization better. With our pandemic affected school year, I have adjusted the qualifications and points for earning a letter. I am also offering the chance to earn that letter before the end of the first semester. Students must fill out this form to see if they can earn enough points to receive the letter. DUE Wednesday Dec. 9 at 9:15am!

Quote of the Week – “One of the beautiful things about our motto, Viking Fight Never Dies, is the certainty of the statement. There is no equivocation; we simply keep striving, no matter the circumstances or potential outcomes. In Lamar’s 50 years of existence, VFND may have never been more applicable and necessary than right now. Our success is the continuation of the Fight to the best of our abilities. Embrace it and believe in yourselves as I believe in you.” VFND – Andy Hagman

Forms and Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS are due. This can be paid online here. Band forms can be found here. These are past due.

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 11/29

Thanksgiving Break – I hope that all of the Lamar Band members had a restful and healthy break. We are in the final stretch of the semester. It’s time for us to gear back up and work hard to finish this semester.

Monday, Nov. 30th (B) A-L in person, M-Z virtual 

Concert Band – We will have after school rehearsal for the concert bands, jazz bands, and percussion ensemble. ALL students are invited. This will be our chance to get everyone together to practice music as a full ensemble. This will be critical for us as we prepare for a live stream virtual concert.

Jazz Orchestra – Monday 3:30pm-6:00pm

Percussion Ensemble – Tuesday 3:30pm-5:00pm

Freshman Band – Wednesday 5:00pm-6:00pm

Symphonic Band – Wednesday 3:30pm-4:30pm

Wind Symphony – Wednesday 3:30pm-4:30pm

Last Football Game – The last home football game was Friday Nov 20th. I was very disappointed that my personal health kept me from the game. I hate missing games and especially missed the seniors celebration. Hats off to Mr. Riley and Mr. Kelly for handling everything in my absence. VFND

Marching Band – There will be no marching band practice this Thursday.

Quote of the Week – “One of the beautiful things about our motto, Viking Fight Never Dies, is the certainty of the statement. There is no equivocation; we simply keep striving, no matter the circumstances or potential outcomes. In Lamar’s 50 years of existence, VFND may have never been more applicable and necessary than right now. Our success is the continuation of the Fight to the best of our abilities. Embrace it and believe in yourselves as I believe in you.” VFND – Andy Hagman 

All-Region Auditions – On Saturday Dec 5th, the phase 2 and 9th grade auditions will begin. Wish our Lamar musicians luck as they record their auditions for the Region 5 Honor Bands.

Letter Jackets – Our letter jacket company will be here on Dec. 10th to allow students to try on letter jackets and place orders. To see the exclusive Lamar Band logo patch, click here to browse their website.

Earning the Official Lamar Band Letterman Patch – Earning a varsity letter is a long tradition in American schools. Qualifications differ from organization to organization. To me it represents a student who puts in superior effort to make the team/organization better. With our pandemic affected school year, I have adjusted the qualifications and points for earning a letter. I am also offering the chance to earn that letter before the end of the first semester. Students must fill out this form to see if they can earn enough points to receive the letter.

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 11/13

Rehearsal Schedule Change – For the remainder of marching band / football season, we will be practicing on Thursday from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Students should practice all of the stand tunes in their flip books during the week to keep them up to tempo with good sounds.

Concert Band – Starting next week, we will have after school rehearsal for the concert bands, jazz bands, and percussion ensemble. ALL students are invited. This will be our chance to get everyone together to practice music as a full ensemble. This will be critical for us as we prepare for a live stream virtual concert.

Freshman Band – Tuesday 5:00pm-6:00pm

Symphonic Band – Tuesday 3:30pm-4:30pm

Wind Symphony – Tuesday 3:30pm-4:30pm

Jazz Orchestra – Monday 3:30pm-6:00pm

Percussion Ensemble – Wednesday 3:30pm-5:00pm

Last Football Game – The last home football game is next Friday Nov 20th. This is our senior night for band, drill team, football, and cheer. The band and drill team will celebrate and recognize our seniors (with parent escort) during our portion of halftime. ALL seniors will be announced and recognized, regardless of eligibility. Seniors, be on the lookout for a survey that must be completed for the script so your info can be announced as you are presented flowers on the field.

Forms and Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS are due. This can be paid online here. Band forms can be found here. These are past due.
Quote of the Week – “The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.” – Arthur C. Clarke

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 11/8

UIL – There have been many discussions for many months on the value of working towards and performing at the UIL Marching Evaluation Contest. It is no secret that eligibility hit us hard. It hit EVERYONE hard. We are only 70 members strong and that makes us the third biggest band in Arlington ISD. Therefore, with much consideration over this and other concerns, we are not performing at UIL this fall. The members of the marching band have been vigilant and tireless. From following protocols well, to dealing with crazy weather and schedule changes, this band has been the most disciplined I have ever taught. The sound produced and the speed with which they learn is second to none. This will go down as one of my proudest seasons as a marching band director. We have more games and more versions of “The Bad Show” to come. Monday night you will hear a new tune mixed in. For any questions regarding UIL, let me know.

Monday Night Football – Tomorrow, Monday the 9th, will be our homecoming football game at Lamar. The game kicks off an hour earlier than usual. Our halftime performance will be around 7:15pm. Itinerary is attached. Students must make sure their uniform is clean and wrinkle free.

Practice Schedule Change – With our odd two football games in one week, we are rehearsing on Thursday from 4:00-6:00. That will be the only rehearsal this week. With only having one practice this week, attendance is critical. 

All-Region Auditions – The 10-12 grade band students will record their all-region auditions Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Best of luck to our students representing Lamar at our Region audition.

Football Nov 13 changed to Nov 14 – Because of the homecoming game being moved to a Monday, the following game had to be moved later per UIL rules. The Sam Houston game will be Nov 14th at 2:00pm at Wilemon Stadium. We will meet late morning for our quick practice before the trip across town.

Eligibility – The 2nd six weeks report card became official on Friday Nov. 6th at 3:00pm. Any student with a failing grade in a class becomes ineligible to perform with the band in public. For more details on this policy, read the UIL / TEA guidelines here.

LBBC Spirit Shop – The booster club has a band spirit wear store online. This is also where you can purchase the meals before the game. They have great deals on some of the many different Lamar band clothing items! The Lamar Band Booster Club Spirit Store!

Forms and Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS are due. This can be paid online here. Band forms can be found here. These are past due.
Quote of the Week – “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” – President Roosevelt

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 11/1

Football Nov 6 changed to Nov 9 – The varsity football game on Nov. 6th (homecoming) is now on Monday Nov. 9th at 6:00pm. Tickets are on sale now. They are purchased online with your student’s school ID number. Only parents have access to tickets until Monday afternoon. Get tickets early as homecoming usually has higher attendance. Due to the homecoming court event at halftime, the band and drill team will perform before the game @ 6:30pm.

Football Nov 13 changed to Nov 14 – Because of the homecoming game being moved to a Monday, the following game had to be moved later per UIL rules. The Sam Houston game will be Nov 14th at 2:00pm at Wilemon Stadium. 

ALL-REGION Auditions – The phase 1 all-region auditions are next week. This year, the rankings from All-Region will be used for All-City placement. The recordings must be done Nov 7-11. Now, remember, this is for phase 1. The cuts will be a bit shorter than phase 2 or area. You must complete this entry form ASAP due next Wednesday Nov 2 at the latest. Those auditioning should practice at least 1 hour each day starting immediately. If you want to make it to AREA, plan on 3 hours per day.

Eligibility – The 2nd six weeks report card becomes official on Friday Nov. 6th at 3:00pm. Any student with a failing grade in a class becomes ineligible to perform with the band in public. For more details on this policy, read the UIL / TEA guidelines here.

LBBC Spirit Shop – The booster club has a band spirit wear store online. This is also where you can purchase the meals before the game. They have great deals on some of the many different Lamar band clothing items! The Lamar Band Booster Club Spirit Store!

Join The Pride of Lamar – Any student who has been remote only and not participating in marching band is welcome to join us for future events. If you would like to start attending our practices and football games, please let a director know so we can expect you. I know that it is a difficult decision to consider. I just want everyone to know that you are welcome to join us going forward.

Commitment and Accountability – As we head into our heavy stretch of football games, the directors are required to have accurate lists of students attending football games. For this to happen, we need students to attend all marching band practices the week of the game. Please read the handbook pages 6-9 regarding marching band. The only difference this year is the AISD policy that parents may opt out of marching band due to remote only instruction due to Covid-19 concerns. Fill out the marching band commitment form.

Forms and Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS are due. This can be paid online here. Band forms can be found here. These are past due.
Quote of the Week – “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” – President Roosevelt

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 10/25

Recording Tuesday in 50th shirts – This Tuesday we will record a performance of our Bad Show. This will be featured in the upcoming “Virtual Homecoming Pep Rally”! We would like all students to wear the new 50th anniversary shirt to practice. We will practice rain or shine this week!

Marching Band Full Uniform – This week we will be issuing the full marching band uniforms! Due to the pandemic, we will be doing things differently this year. Here are some of the important changes.

• Once checked out, the students will take the uniforms home
• Students and parents will be instructed on how to wash the uniforms safely at home
• Students will bring the uniform with them on performance days and then take them home afterward
• Marching band shoes (Vipers) will be worn. If you are a new member or an upperclassmen that needs to order new shoes, I need this form filled out by Monday at 5:30pm. Shoe order form
• The uniforms are property of AISD and replacement costs are approximately $300
• We will send home information regarding the care and maintenance of the uniform

Chipotle Wednesday – This Wednesday, the band booster club is hosting a restaurant night fundraiser. Make plans to eat Chipotle for dinner this Wednesday evening. See the attachment for how to place an online order. The promo code for the Lamar Band is NW3NW7M

Halloween Party – We are unable to host our annual Halloween per usual. The band council has come up with a halloween costume event at practice this Thursday. Sections are encouraged to develop a section theme. This should be a lot of fun!

Game Friday at Globe Life Park – This week, the football game is at Globe Life Park again. We must have transportation decisions from parents ASAP. The process will be the same as the first game this season. The Lamar Band Booster Club has a meal deal with Tropical Smoothie Cafe, our newest sponsor of the Lamar Band. Students must place their order ahead of time. Place your order using this link.

LBBC Spirit Shop – The booster club has a band spirit wear store online. This is also where you can purchase the meals before the game. They have great deals on some of the many different Lamar band clothing items! The Lamar Band Booster Club Spirit Store!

Nov 6 Homecoming Game – Due to the homecoming court event at halftime, the band and drill team will perform before the game @ 6:30pm.

Join The Pride of Lamar – Any student who has been remote only and not participating in marching band is welcome to join us for future events. If you would like to start attending our practices and football games, please let a director know so we can expect you. I know that it is a difficult decision to consider. I just want everyone to know that you are welcome to join us going forward.

Commitment and Accountability – As we head into our heavy stretch of football games, the directors are required to have accurate lists of students attending football games. For this to happen, we need students to attend all marching band practices the week of the game. Please read the handbook pages 6-9 regarding marching band. The only difference this year is the AISD policy that parents may opt out of marching band due to remote only instruction due to Covid-19 concerns. Fill out the marching band commitment form.

Vertical Raise – THANK YOU! I am very pleased with the hard work of all of our students and daily on our online fundraiser. I extended it just a little longer since we were doing so good in this last stretch. We have set a new record for this style of fundraiser!

Report Card – Friday October 30th is the last day of the 2nd six weeks grading period. This will affect eligibility for all students if they are failing any classes. For more details on this policy, read the UIL / TEA guidelines here.

School Day Band Classes – ALL band students are allowed to come to their in-person band class any and all days of the week! This is for fine arts and athletic classes only.

For instance, if you are remote only, you could come to band class, then go back home the rest of the day. If you are M-Z, and it is an A-L day, you could come to school for band, then go home the rest of the day. You are responsible for transportation. Students are not allowed to linger before or after class and all of these students must enter through the “promenade” entrance for temp check.

Forms and Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS are due. This can be paid online here. Band forms can be found here. These are past due.

Band App – ALL students and parents should download the Band App It is important to allow notifications on your cell phone. Use this link to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

It is a great phone app and also works fantastic online at band.us.

To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

Quote of the Week – “Soak up the views. Take in the bad weather and the good weather. You are not the storm.” Matt Haig

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 10/18

Football Game Oct 23 – Our next football game is a home game at Cravens on October 23. Any student who has been remote only and not participating in marching band is welcome to join us for future events. If you would like to start attending our practices and football games, please let a director know so we can expect you. I know that it is a difficult decision to consider. I just want everyone to know that you are welcome to join us going forward. The Lamar Band Booster Club has a meal deal with Tropical Smoothie Cafe, our newest sponsor of the Lamar Band. Students must place their order ahead of time. Place your order using this link. (I had the veggie wrap last week and it was delicious!)

Commitment and Accountability – As we head into our heavy stretch of football games, the directors are required to have accurate lists of students attending football games. For this to happen, we need students to attend all marching band practices the week of the game. Please read the handbook pages 6-9 regarding marching band. The only difference this year is the AISD policy that parents may opt out of marching band due to remote only instruction due to Covid-19 concerns. Fill out the marching band commitment form.

From the band handbook section “Rehearsal and performance attendance”:

The band is dependent on ALL of its members. Unlike most other classes where individuals are

accountable only for their own success or failure, band students’ success is, in large part, dependent on

full participation of all those who have made the commitment. The following attendance policies will

affect the students’ grades and opportunity to participate:

1. All absences from rehearsal must be excused in advance by a parent or guardian, except in

extreme emergencies.

2. An unexcused absence from a rehearsal or performance will be marked in the gradebook under

weekly after school attendance.

3. ONE unexcused absence per week may result in loss of performance(s) that week. If you are not

allowed to perform, you will also not be allowed to attend football games or competitions. You

will not be allowed to travel with the band to either of these events.

Examples of excused absences:

● Students who arrive late to rehearsal from tutoring must have the teacher email the band staff.

● Students who are home sick must have an email from a parent/guardian.

● Religious events are excused with an email from a parent/guardian.

Examples of unexcused absences:

● Missing rehearsal for work is an unexcused absence.

● Non-school sponsored activities, teams, organizations, or jobs must not conflict in any way with

the practice/performance schedule of the band.

● Transportation issues of any kind are unexcused.

● Any absences due to medical issues must be accompanied with a doctors note.

● Birthday or birthday parties are unexcused.

Students in other school activities (athletics, fine arts, etc.) must plan ahead to avoid conflicts. However,

other group organizations that may change schedules or make demands of students on short notice will

not be allowed to interfere with long scheduled rehearsals or performances of the band. Students who find

themselves involved in such activities may have to make a choice to drop one or the other if such conflicts

arise.

Varsity marching band assignments are at the discretion of the directors. Excessive absences could result

in the loss of a varsity marching position. Excuses are accepted from a parent in writing, in advance, and

only in cases of illness or family emergency. It is highly encouraged that medical and dental

appointments are scheduled on afternoons that we do not practice.

Vertical Raise – We are in the final stretch of our online fundraiser. Students AND parents should share their link on facebook, twitter, instagram, EVERY DAY until our final day of this fundraiser.

Progress Reports – Monday Oct 19 is the last day of the 3 week grading period. This is important for all students, and extra important for those with a failing grade on the report card for the 1st six weeks. Ineligible students must be passing all classes to regain eligibility. For more details on this policy, read the UIL / TEA guidelines here.

AMEP Music Lessons – The Lamar Band will begin private lessons starting Oct 13th. We are working on our private lesson teacher staff currently. To do so, we need to know which students are signing up for private lessons. Students can access the AMEP private lesson request form from their Canvas band page. We encourage ALL of our students to take lessons from one of our outstanding private teachers. Our teachers are all HIGHLY qualified individuals with many years of experience.

School Day Band Classes – ALL band students are allowed to come to their in-person band class any and all days of the week! This is for fine arts and athletic classes only.

For instance, if you are remote only, you could come to band class, then go back home the rest of the day. If you are M-Z, and it is an A-L day, you could come to school for band, then go home the rest of the day. You are responsible for transportation. Students are not allowed to linger before or after class and all of these students must enter through the “promenade” entrance for temp check.

Sync Time Change – Last week, we adjusted our async and sync times. The band and orchestra classes are now switching to 25 minutes asynchronous, 50 synchronous, the 25 asynchronous. This allows students to pack up at the end of class, teachers more time to sanitize after playing, and plenty of time for the HVAC system to complete an air exchange.

After School Marching Band – It remains our policy to do the daily screening before rehearsals. Students should arrive 15 mins early to allow time for temp checks. At the end or practice, some students will need 10-15 mins to put away equipment.

Monday 5:30-7:30

Tuesday 5:30-7:30 (percussion starts at 4:30)

Thursday 5:30-7:30 (percussion starts at 4:30)

Forms and Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS are due. This can be paid online here. Band forms can be found here. These are past due.

Amazon Wish List for The Lamar Band – The following link has a variety of items that the band needs. It also lists some suggestions for students to purchase individually. Lamar HS Band Amazon Wish List

Band Supplies List – Due to the pandemic, teachers are not able to help students with some of the supplies that we might have in the past. I am using links I found that are fairly affordable. That being said, just let me know if you have questions about any supply needs.

3-ring binder for band music

Sheet protectors for the band music 3-ring binders

Metronome and Tuners

The Tonal Energy App

Flip Folders for marching band (you will need extra pages)

Flip Folder Lyres (this is often best purchased at a music store so the employees there can match the right size/brand for your instrument…so bring your instrument to the store for sizing)

Band App – ALL students and parents should download the Band App It is important to allow notifications on your cell phone. Use this link to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

It is a great phone app and also works fantastic online at band.us.

To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

Quote of the Week – “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” – Aristotle

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 10/12

Football Game Oct 23 – Our next football game is a home game at Cravens on October 23. Any student who has been remote only and not participating in marching band is welcome to join us for future events. If you would like to start attending our practices and football games, please let a director know so we can expect you. I know that it is a difficult decision to consider. I just want everyone to know that you are welcome to join us going forward. The Lamar Band Booster Club has a meal deal with Tropical Smoothie Cafe, our newest sponsor of the Lamar Band. Students must place their order ahead of time. Place your order using this link. (I had the veggie wrap last week and it was delicious!)

Progress Reports – Friday Oct 19 is the last day of the 3 week grading period. This is important for all students, and extra important for those with a failing grade on the report card for the 1st six weeks. Ineligible students must be passing all classes to regain eligibility. For more details on this policy, read the UIL / TEA guidelines here.

AMEP Music Lessons – The Lamar Band will begin private lessons starting Oct 13th. We are working on our private lesson teacher staff currently. To do so, we need to know which students are signing up for private lessons. The attached document explains the Arlington ISD Music Enrichment Program. We encourage ALL of our students to take lessons from one of our outstanding private teachers. Our teachers are all HIGHLY qualified individuals with many years of experience.

Vertical Raise – We are in the final stretch of our online fundraiser. We are doing well, but we need to do everything we can to eclipse our goal! Besides the 20+ emails, students AND parents should share their link on facebook, twitter, instagram, email, and even carrier pigeon, on a regular basis.

School Day Band Classes – ALL band students are allowed to come to their in-person band class any and all days of the week! This is for fine arts and athletic classes only.

For instance, if you are remote only, you could come to band class, then go back home the rest of the day. If you are M-Z, and it is an A-L day, you could come to school for band, then go home the rest of the day. You are responsible for transportation. Students are not allowed to linger before or after class and all of these students must enter through the “promenade” entrance for temp check.

Sync Time Change – Last week, we adjusted our async and sync times. The band and orchestra classes are now switching to 25 minutes asynchronous, 50 synchronous, the 25 asynchronous. This allows students to pack up at the end of class, teachers more time to sanitize after playing, and plenty of time for the HVAC system to complete an air exchange.

After School Marching Band – It remains our policy to do the daily screening before rehearsals. Students should arrive 15 mins early to allow time for temp checks. At the end or practice, some students will need 10-15 mins to put away equipment.

Tuesday 5:30-7:30 (percussion starts at 4:30)

Thursday 5:30-7:30 (percussion starts at 4:30)

Forms and Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS are due. This can be paid online here. Band forms can be found here. These are past due.

Amazon Wish List for The Lamar Band – The following link has a variety of items that the band needs. It also lists some suggestions for students to purchase individually. Lamar HS Band Amazon Wish List

Band Supplies List – Due to the pandemic, teachers are not able to help students with some of the supplies that we might have in the past. I am using links I found that are fairly affordable. That being said, just let me know if you have questions about any supply needs.

3-ring binder for band music

Sheet protectors for the band music 3-ring binders

Metronome and Tuners

The Tonal Energy App

Flip Folders for marching band (you will need extra pages)

Flip Folder Lyres (this is often best purchased at a music store so the employees there can match the right size/brand for your instrument…so bring your instrument to the store for sizing)

Band App – ALL students and parents should download the Band App It is important to allow notifications on your cell phone. Use this link to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

It is a great phone app and also works fantastic online at band.us.

To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here
Quote of the Week – “The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.” – Arthur C. Clarke

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 10/2

School Day Band Classes – Change for next week during school. ALL band students are allowed to come to their in-person band class any and all days of the week! This is for fine arts and athletic classes only.

For instance, if you are remote only, you could come to band class, then go back home the rest of the day. If you are M-Z, and it is an A-L day, you could come to school for band, then go home the rest of the day. You are responsible for transportation. Students are not allowed to linger before or after class and all of these students must enter through the “promenade” entrance for temp check.

You get to come to school for the fun stuff and home for the less fun stuff! We hope to see many of you on Monday morning!

Sync Time Change – We are also adjusting our async and sync times. The band and orchestra classes are now switching to 25 minutes asynchronous, 50 synchronous, the 25 asynchronous. This allows students to pack up at the end of class, teachers more time to sanitize after playing, and plenty of time for the HVAC system to complete an air exchange. We are posting the new times on Canvas and Band App. It should be a very easy adjustment.

After School Marching Band – It remains our policy to do the daily screening before rehearsals. Students should arrive 15 mins early to allow time for temp checks. At the end or practice, some students will need 10-15 mins to put away equipment.

Monday 5:30-7:30 (no percussion)

Tuesday 5:30-7:30 (percussion starts at 4:30)

Thursday 5:30-7:30 (percussion starts at 4:30)

Football Game Next Friday – Our next football game is a home game at Cravens on October 9th. Our dinner before the game will not be free. Our boosters have a meal deal with Tropical Smoothie Cafe, our newest sponsor of the Lamar Band. Students must place their order ahead of time. Place your order this link to place your order. October 9th Game Day Meal – All Orders must be received by October 7th at 8:00 pm

Summer Uniform Shorts

Women – https://tinyurl.com/y2okuppa

Men – https://tinyurl.com/y4pa9g35

2nd six weeks – Monday we begin the 2nd six weeks of school. This meaning the no-pass no-play Texas law prevents students with any failing grade from UIL participation. Students are still required to attend practices as this is part of our curriculum for band in AISD. There is a progress report that will allow students to regain eligibility if all classes are a passing grade. For more details on this policy, read the UIL / TEA guidelines here.

AMEP Music Lessons – The Lamar Band will begin private lessons starting Oct 13th. We are working on our private lesson teacher staff currently. To do so, we need to know which students are signing up for private lessons. The attached document explains the Arlington ISD Music Enrichment Program. We encourage ALL of our students to take lessons from one of our outstanding private teachers. Our teachers are all HIGHLY qualified individuals with many years of experience.

Forms and Fees – Band activity fees for Lamar HS are due. This can be paid online here. Band forms can be found here. These are past due.

Vertical Raise – After looking back to previous years, we average about $8,500 on fundraisers like our current Vertical Raise fundraiser. Our goal this year is to shatter that average and raise over $10,000! All students must have submitted their 20+ email addresses in their personal Vertical Raise accounts. We still have a lot of students who are not doing their fair share of the work. Beyond the 20+ emails, students AND parents should share their link on facebook, twitter, instagram, email, and even carrier pigeon, on a regular basis. We have until Oct. 12th to get to our goal.

Amazon Wish List for The Lamar Band – The following link has a variety of items that the band needs. It also lists some suggestions for students to purchase individually. Lamar HS Band Amazon Wish List

Band Registration Day – If you missed it, all forms will be collected by the band directors, all of these can be. The boosters had spirit wear available, booster club membership sign up, and much more. Email them at lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band Supplies List – Due to the pandemic, teachers are not able to help students with some of the supplies that we might have in the past. I am using links I found that are fairly affordable. That being said, just let me know if you have questions about any supply needs.

3-ring binder for band music

Sheet protectors for the band music 3-ring binders

Metronome and Tuners

The Tonal Energy App

Flip Folders for marching band (you will need extra pages)

Flip Folder Lyres (this is often best purchased at a music store so the employees there can match the right size/brand for your instrument…so bring your instrument to the store for sizing)

Band App – ALL students and parents should download the Band App It is important to allow notifications on your cell phone. Use this link to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

It is a great phone app and also works fantastic online at band.us.

To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

Quote of the Week – “Patience is not the ability to wait, but how you act while you are waiting”

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 9/27

First Marching Band Performance – So much was different about our first football game of this season. I am proud of the members of The Pride of Lamar for their excellent performance. In my absence, as I recovered from surgery, the Lamar band staff ran every aspect of the program. I want to publicly thank Mr. Riley and Mr. Kelly for their stellar job leading the Lamar Band. We also have the best extended marching band staff anywhere. Special thanks to Mr. Mike Nguyen, Mr. Willem Stewart, Ms. Midori Eng, and our new guard tech Ms. Marina Attaalla. Of course, we also couldn’t do it without our amazing booster club and last weeks chaperones Mr. and Mrs. Cotton, Amy Howerton, Connie Kelly, and Bruce Nickols. We can breathe a sigh of relief getting that first game out of the way. The next game is at Lamar, making logistics much easier. See the band instagram for photos from the game.

Vertical Raise – Each student will provide email addresses, phone numbers, and other information to the vertical raise team. It is an online event so students don’t have to walk around selling candy bars! We have done similar fundraisers in the past and raised over $10,000 for our program! All students must have submitted their 20+ email addresses in their personal Vertical Raise accounts. We still have a lot of students who are not doing their fair share of the work.

Marching Band – Our next football game is a home game at Cravens on October 9th. Our dinner before the game will not be free. Our boosters have a meal deal with Tropical Smoothie Cafe, our newest sponsor of the Lamar Band. Students must place their order ahead of time. Place your order this link to place your order. October 9th Game Day Meal – All Orders must be received by October 7th at 8:00 pm

$5.25

Summer Uniform Shorts

Women – https://tinyurl.com/y2okuppa

Men – https://tinyurl.com/y4pa9g35

2nd six weeks – Monday we begin the 2nd six weeks of school. On Friday, report card grades are official. This meaning the no-pass no-play Texas law prevents students with any failing grade from UIL participation. Students are still required to attend practices as this is part of our curriculum for band in AISD. There is a progress report that will allow students to regain eligibility if all classes are a passing grade. For more details on this policy, read the UIL / TEA guidelines here.

After School Schedule – This week we will continue with our evening practices. It remains our policy to do the daily screening before rehearsals. Students should arrive 15 mins early to allow time for temp checks. At the end or practice, some students will need 10-15 mins to put away equipment.

Monday 5:30-7:30 (no percussion)

Tuesday 5:30-7:30 (percussion starts at 4:30)

Thursday 5:30-7:30 (percussion starts at 4:30)

Band Registration Day – If you missed it, all forms will be collected by the band directors, all of these can be found here. The boosters had spirit wear available, booster club membership sign up, and much more. Email them at lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

LHS Band Activity Fee – The band fee has been reduced to $200 dollars this school year. To pay online, go to this Lamar HS website. For those considering a payment plan, $100 now and the other $100 next semester is perfectly fine. For other financial assistance, please contact me at dlang@aisd.net

Band Supplies List – Due to the pandemic, teachers are not able to help students with some of the supplies that we might have in the past. I am using links I found that are fairly affordable. That being said, just let me know if you have questions about any supply needs.

3-ring binder for band music

Sheet protectors for the band music 3-ring binders

Metronome and Tuners

The Tonal Energy App

Flip Folders for marching band (you will need extra pages)

Flip Folder Lyres (this is often best purchased at a music store so the employees there can match the right size/brand for your instrument…so bring your instrument to the store for sizing)

Band App – The Band App is a great tool for big organizations to communicate. It is similar in concept to Remind, but with more features and less headache. Parents should feel free and encouraged to join the Lamar Band group. Students will also join sub groups as well. It is a great phone app and also works fantastic online at band.us.

To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

Use this link to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

Quote of the Week – “Patience is not the ability to wait, but how you act while you are waiting”

Lamar Band Calendar and Events

Lamar Band Calendar

District Calendar with A/B schedule listed

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 9/20

Vertical Raise – Each student will provide email addresses, phone numbers, and other information to the vertical raise team. It is an online event so students don’t have to walk around selling candy bars! We have done similar fundraisers in the past and raised over $10,000 for our program! Collect these 20+ emails before Sept 22nd! All students will get set up with their Vertical Raise accounts on Tuesday at 7:00pm with our representative from the V.R. company. If students have the 20 email addresses in their phone notes it will be easy to cut and paste into their account. 

Marching Band  – Thursday is our first football game of the season! After many months, The Pride of Lamar will have a public performance! We are excited to represent LHS again! Parents should have received an important email last week regarding transportation and parent tickets to the game. I am attaching the itinerary for Thursday’s game. Students must have their forms turned in so that they may attend the game. I have also communicated that students need to wear black or navy blue shorts for the game. Here are the examples again.

Women – https://tinyurl.com/y2okuppa

Men – https://tinyurl.com/y4pa9g35

Band Registration Day – If you missed it, all forms will be collected by the band directors, all of these can be found here. The boosters had spirit wear available, booster club membership sign up, and much more. Email them at lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

The band activity fee will also be due. I have reduced our band fee to $200 dollars this school year. To pay online, go to this Lamar HS website. For those considering a payment plan, $100 now and the other $100 next semester is perfectly fine. For other financial assistance, please contact me at dlang@aisd.net

Band Supplies List – Due to the pandemic, teachers are not able to help students with some of the supplies that we might have in the past. I am using links I found that are fairly affordable. That being said, just let me know if you have questions about any supply needs.

3-ring binder for band music

Sheet protectors for the band music 3-ring binders

Metronome and Tuners

The Tonal Energy App

Flip Folders for marching band (you will need extra pages)

Flip Folder Lyres (this is often best purchased at a music store so the employees there can match the right size/brand for your instrument…so bring your instrument to the store for sizing)

Band App – The Band App is a great tool for big organizations to communicate. It is similar in concept to Remind, but with more features and less headache. Parents should feel free and encouraged to join the Lamar Band group. Students will also join sub groups as well. It is a great phone app and also works fantastic online at band.us.

To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

Use this link to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

Quote of the Week – “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” -Nelson Mandela

Lamar Band Calendar and Events

Lamar Band Calendar

District Calendar with A/B schedule listed

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 9/12/20

Marching Band Practice – Another great day of marching band! Beautiful weather, great attitudes, hard work, and Viking Pride resulted in us learning the drill to the first movement of our show! I am proud of the way the students stayed focused and followed instructions. The new practice grid and tower made it so much easier and quicker to learn drill!

Starting September 14th, we will switch to a more traditional practice schedule. Brass, woodwinds, and color guard will rehearse Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5:30pm-7:30pm. All percussion will practice Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30pm-7:30pm. This is posted on the Lamar Band google calendar. 

In Person Survey – Mr. Hagman sent a survey out to parents to ask about in-person school on September 28th. It is critical that every parent submit the survey. If you have not done so, an AP or teacher will be contacting you between today and Monday afternoon. Here is the link

T-Shirts – I am in the process of designing and ordering the shirts for our first show. I just need your size. Fill out this form today!  By the way, there is an opportunity for parents to purchase a shirt. Just fill out the form.

Band Registration Day – On Tuesday September 15th, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, the directors and LBBC will be hosting band registration day. We will have a notary available to stamp the medical forms. All forms will be collected by the band directors, all of these can be found here. The boosters will have spirit wear available, booster club membership sign up, and much more. The band activity fee will also be due. I have reduced our band fee to $200 dollars this school year. For those considering a payment plan, $100 now and the other $100 next semester is perfectly fine. For other financial assistance, please contact me at dlang@aisd.net.

Alternative Travel Guidelines – Very recently the district has approved an alternative transportation option for parents/students. There are many details to this plan that must be followed without any error. All of our football game performances will be in Arlington this school year. See the attached document for more information. The band will still be providing buses for students to and from games as usual. We will meet in the band room (or parking lot) with EVERY student before we leave. We will have meal options for students to eat before the game.

Vertical Raise – While the booster club parents are running the NTGD fundraiser, the students will participate in the school band fundraiser with Vertical Raise. Each student will provide email address, phone numbers, and other information to the vertical raise team. It is an online event and students don’t have to walk around selling candy bars! We have done similar fundraisers to this company in the past and raised over $10,000 for our program! Collect these 20+ emails before Sept 22nd!

North Texas Giving Day – The Lamar Band Booster Club will be participating in the North Texas Giving Day again this year. More info here 

Band Supplies List – Due to the pandemic, teachers are not able to help students with some of the supplies that we might have in the past. I am using links I found that are fairly affordable. That being said, just let me know if you have questions about any supply needs.

3-ring binder for band music

Sheet protectors for the band music 3-ring binders

Metronome and Tuners

The Tonal Energy App

Flip Folders for marching band (you will need extra pages)

Flip Folder Lyres (this is often best purchased at a music store so the employees there can match the right size/brand for your instrument…so bring your instrument to the store for sizing)

Band App – The Band App is a great tool for big organizations to communicate. It is similar in concept to Remind, but with more features and less headache. Parents should feel free and encouraged to join the Lamar Band group. Students will also join sub groups as well. It is a great phone app and also works fantastic online at band.us.

To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

Use this link to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

SmartMusic – Our wonderful booster club has purchased a license for the Lamar Band to use SmartMusic this year! This is an incredible tool for web based music learning. There are many great features and we look forward to setting it up for all band students.

Quote of the Week – “Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities.” – Aldous Huxley

Lamar Band Calendar and Events

Lamar Band Calendar

District Calendar with A/B schedule listed

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 9/5/20

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 9/5/20

Marching Band Practice – Another great day of marching band! Starting September 14th, we will switch to a more traditional practice schedule. Brass, woodwinds, and color guard will rehearse Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5:30pm-7:30pm. All percussion will practice Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30pm-7:30pm. This is posted on the Lamar Band google calendar. 

North Texas Giving Day – The Lamar Band Booster Club will be participating in the North Texas Giving Day again this year. More info here 

Vertical Raise – While the booster club parents are running the NTGD fundraiser, the students will participate in the school band fundraiser with Vertical Raise. Each student will provide email address, phone numbers, and other information to the vertical raise team. It is an online event and students don’t have to walk around selling candy bars! We have done similar fundraisers to this company in the past and raised over $10,000 for our program! Please see the attached file and start preparing today!

Band Forms – The band has many forms that must be signed and returned. We find it best to get them all done and over with at once. All of these can be found here. Some forms can be filled out on computer and digitally signed. The medical authorization form must be signed in ink in front of a notary.

Band Supplies List – Due to the pandemic, teachers are not able to help students with some of the supplies that we might have in the past. I am using links I found that are fairly affordable. That being said, just let me know if you have questions about any supply needs.

3-ring binder for band music

Sheet protectors for the band music 3-ring binders

Metronome and Tuners

The Tonal Energy App

Flip Folders for marching band (you will need extra pages)

Flip Folder Lyres (this is often best purchased at a music store so the employees there can match the right size/brand for your instrument…so bring your instrument to the store for sizing)

Music – We have copies of music printed and ready for students. We will hand them out on Saturday. We will also upload PDF’s online for students to print at home. For students not participating in marching band, we will have music packets available for pick up. The easiest way to do this would be at the end of marching practice on Saturday. We can have the music ready in packets.

Band App – The Band App is a great tool for big organizations to communicate. It is similar in concept to Remind, but with more features and less headache. Parents should feel free and encouraged to join the Lamar Band group. Students will also join sub groups as well. It is a great phone app and also works fantastic online at band.us.

To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

Use this link to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

SmartMusic – Our wonderful booster club has purchased a license for the Lamar Band to use SmartMusic this year! This is an incredible tool for web based music learning. There are many great features and we look forward to setting it up for all band students.

Quote of the Week – “Doubt whom you will, but never yourself.” -Christian Nestell Bovee

Lamar Band Calendar and Events

Lamar Band Calendar

District Calendar with A/B schedule listed

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 8/30/2020

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 8/30/2020

Marching Band Practice Saturday – We had a fantastic marching band practice Saturday morning! A little over 100 Lamar Band students were in attendance with their masks, individual water jugs, and of course personal equipment for rehearsal. The staff was very proud of the students following the procedures for safety. We still have a few things to work out in regards to our Covid safety protocols, but overall, the students did a good job. We passed out music, practiced marching, and color guard worked on fundamentals and choreography. We will do the same process next Saturday. Hopefully it will be a little bit cooler!

Band Supplies List – Due to the pandemic, teachers are not able to help students with some of the supplies that we might have in the past. I am using links I found that are fairly affordable. That being said, just let me know if you have questions about any supply needs.

3-ring binder for band music

Sheet protectors for the band music 3-ring binders

Metronome and Tuners

The Tonal Energy App

Flip Folders for marching band (you will need extra pages)

Flip Folder Lyres (this is often best purchased at a music store so the employees there can match the right size/brand for your instrument…so bring your instrument to the store for sizing)

Music – We have copies of music printed and ready for students. We will hand them out on Saturday. We will also upload PDF’s online for students to print at home. For students not participating in marching band, we will have music packets available for pick up. The easiest way to do this would be at the end of marching practice on Saturday. We can have the music ready in packets.

Honors Music – The deadline to turn in the application to enroll in Honors Music is Friday September 4th. The packet of information and application are posted in the band app for Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. Honors Music is a special offering in AISD for any 10-12 grade music student to take band for the GPA boost just like an AP or Honors course. The student stays in the normal band class but must complete a research paper among other advanced requirements.

Congrats! – I already posted this in the band app and on band social media, but I wanted to brag on her one more time. CONGRATULATIONS to our Lamar Band tuba player Leslie B. on earning a position in the Lone Star Youth Orchestra! This is a huge honor for advanced musicians in the DFW area! https://www.lascolinassymphony.org/lsyo

Lamar Band tutoring 2020 – Our band president, Aditi P, has created a form to fill out if you need help in any of your classes. She will find a qualified student to help you with your studies. Aditi, as president, is responsible for the well being of the band. Ask her questions about anything at Lamar, like what is VFND, who is Thor, is Mr. Hagman an alien, why does the school smell…Seriously, the band council is there for you. Also, reach out to your Drum Majors Andy A and Justin B for marching band-specific questions.

Physicals for Band – I have new guidance from the district in regards to physicals for band. All students will fill out the attached form “medical history” page 1. Students who do not already have a completed physical by a physician must get one (the doctor fills out page 2). If a student already has a physical on file, if anything is new on the medical history page or since their last physical, that student must get a new physical from a doctor. Any student athlete that already has a physical on file with Lamar High School will not need to do another one for band. For those needing a new physical, there are many options. A primary care physician is usually best. There are often good deals for cheap or even free school physicals from time to time. Care Now has a deal for sports physicals here.

Multiple Emails from the Lamar Band – I apologize for the redundancy of our emails. The district wants us to send through our many platforms. I know it is annoying and I hope that soon it will change. To accomplish this in band, please update your info in our Charms database. The instructions are attached to this email in pdf format. The group name is “lamarband”. Students will use their school ID # to log in. If that doesn’t work, please email me.

Band App – The Band App is a great tool for big organizations to communicate. It is similar in concept to Remind, but with more features and less headache. Parents should feel free and encouraged to join the Lamar Band group. Students will also join sub groups as well. It is a great phone app and also works fantastic online at band.us.

To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

Use this link to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

Online Music Links – Use the following google drives for our warm-up packet “The Daily Regimen” and the “Fight Song” and “Alma Mater”

Daily Regimen

Fight Song and Alma Mater

All-State Music – Any student that wishes to get a jump start on all-region / all-state music, you can download a PDF here.

SmartMusic Links

The Lamar Fight Song – https://bit.ly/2AeZcTF

The Lamar Alma Mater – https://bit.ly/2YXNPKn

Quote of the Week – “Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.” ―George Washington Carver

Lamar High School-How to Request Help

Campus Technology  Connection: (Name/email/phone number or virtual office hours)

• Student Device Help Desk
• Canvas
• RapidIdentity – Google Apps, Password Reset
• Student Self Serve – This system provides access to attendance and grades for all students.
• Library

Student Resources

• AISD Calendar
• Food and Nutrition Services  |  School Menus
• Homeless Student Assistance

Lamar Band Calendar and Events

Lamar Band Calendar

District Calendar with A/B schedule listed

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 8/21/2020

Multiple Emails from the Lamar Band – I apologize for the redundancy of our emails. The district wants us to send through our many platforms. I know it is annoying and I hope that soon it will change. To accomplish this in band, please update your info in our Charms database. The instructions are attached to this email in pdf format. The group name is “lamarband”. Students will use their school ID # to log in. If that doesn’t work, please email me.

Band App – The Band App is a great tool for big organizations to communicate. It is similar in concept to Remind, but with more features and less headache. Parents should feel free and encouraged to join the Lamar Band group. Students will also join sub groups as well. It is a great phone app and also works fantastic online at band.us.

To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

Use THIS LINK to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

Instruments – Round 3 of instrument check out happened today 3:15-4:45. After today, we will make individual appointments going forward for any instrument check out, check in, repair, etc.

Sheet Music – The band directors are copying music and waiting on new music to arrive. Once we have everything copied and ready, we will have packets of music for students. We hope this will be done by the end of next week. Until then, we have some music available in PDF format. Use the following google drives for our warm-up packet “The Daily Regimen” and the “Fight Song” and “Alma Mater”.

Daily Regimen

Fight Song and Alma Mater

Summer Practices – During the 1st week of summer band, we had 105 students in attendance. We hope to increase that number for our upcoming rehearsals. The next marching band practice is Saturday August 29th from 7:30am-11:00am. More details coming soon. Arrange transportation so you are on time or 15 minutes early. You must be picked up between 11:00am-11:15am.

What is Marching Band This Year? – Excellent question. To adapt to the pandemic, we are doing a shorter competitive show. We are doing less competitions. The football season and contest season have been pushed back. The exact music and choreography is changing and will be explained soon. We will follow guidelines and we will practice hard. Some things can be learned virtually, others must be in person. The Pride of Lamar Marching Band is a big part of the Lamar Band, but not the only part. We have concert ideas, music for small ensembles and solos, jazz, percussion ensemble…you name it, we are working on it. Composers around the world are creating really cool adaptable music. I’ve been in many zoom meetings with different composers. Mackey, Ticheli, and many more are already putting out some cool stuff. I am excited to get started playing it. So, the big question, can you do band and not do marching band…the short answer is yes.

All-State Music – Any student that wishes to get a jump start on all-region / all-state music, you can download a PDF here.

Fight Song Project – The first BIG assignment for all band classes is to record the Lamar Fight Song as a video. Once I have everybody’s recording, it will be mixed together. I think you will like the end result.

SmartMusic Links

The Lamar Fight Song – https://bit.ly/2AeZcTF

The Lamar Alma Mater – https://bit.ly/2YXNPKn

Physicals for Band – I have new guidance from the district in regards to physicals for band. All students will fill out the attached form “medical history” page 1. Students who do not already have a completed physical by a physician must get one (the doctor fills out page 2). If a student already has a physical on file, if anything is new on the medical history page or since their last physical, that student must get a new physical from a doctor. Any student athlete that already has a physical on file with Lamar High School will not need to do another one for band. For those needing a new physical, there are many options. A primary care physician is usually best. There are often good deals for cheaper or even free school physicals from time to time. Care Now has a deal for sports physicals here.

Quote of the Week – “Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” -Anonymous

Lamar High School-How to Request Help

Campus Technology  Connection: (Name/email/phone number or virtual office hours)

• Student Device Help Desk
• Canvas
• RapidIdentity – Google Apps, Password Reset
• Student Self Serve – This system provides access to attendance and grades for all students.
• Library

Student Resources

• AISD Calendar
• Food and Nutrition Services  |  School Menus
• Homeless Student Assistance

Lamar Band Calendar and Events

Lamar Band Calendar

District Calendar with A/B schedule listed

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 8/14/2020

Instruments – If you missed an instrument check out date, please email Mr. Riley at zriley1@aisd.net. We can get this managed fairly quickly. The first priority was marching season instruments. Now we are working on assigning concert band instruments such as concert French horns, oboes, bassoons, bass clarinets, euphoniums, and tubas. We will have a form to fill out to help us get this done efficiently.

Summer Practices – We have had a fantastic summer band camp! During the week we have had 105 students in attendance. It’s only been five hours of practice compared to our normal 80 but we have been productive and will have learned 4 songs in this short time. Students have done a great job wearing masks and following protocols. Once rehearsal is over, it is important that students go home immediately. We do not have enough staff to monitor students who are not supposed to be on campus.

Next Week – We will not practice during the first week of school. We are starting out with a few Saturday morning practices to work on our marching fundamentals, learn halftime show music, and learn drill. See the attachment and google calendar with schedule details.

What is Marching Band This Year? – Excellent question. To adapt to the pandemic, we are doing a shorter competitive show. We are doing less competitions. The football season and contest season have been pushed back. The exact music and choreography is changing and will be explained soon. We will follow guidelines and we will practice hard. Some things can be learned virtually, others must be in person. The Pride of Lamar Marching Band is a big part of the Lamar Band, but not the only part. We have concert ideas, music for small ensembles and solos, jazz, percussion ensemble…you name it, we are working on it. Composers around the world are creating really cool adaptable music. I’ve been in many zoom meetings with different composers. Mackey, Ticheli, and many more are already putting out some cool stuff. I am excited to get started playing it. So, the big question, can you do band and not do marching band…the short answer is yes. The district will give more details in the next week. When I learn it, you will learn it!

Lamar HS Technology Help – From the IT department of Lamar…We are getting questions asking how parents request technology.  Here are the links so you will know how to help your parents/students:

Requests for a chromebook: Technology Resources

Requests for hotspots for students who have no internet access

Requests to return a device: Technology Resources

Request help with a device you already have at home: Student Tech Help Request

All-State Music – Any student that wishes to get a jump start on all-region / all-state music, you can download a PDF here.

Fight Song Project – I am excited to get going on this project. Right now all students should be working on learning the fight song. We are working on some instructional videos or sectionals to practice the fight song. Practice at 128 bpm. Do not try and make a recording just yet. See the following links for music or the Smart Music files.

Marching Band Music PDFs – including the latest show music, fight song, and alma mater.

Lamar High School Marching Band

SmartMusic Links

The Lamar Fight Song – https://bit.ly/2AeZcTF

The Lamar Alma Mater – https://bit.ly/2YXNPKn

The Lamar HS Marching Band Fall Show 2020 – https://bit.ly/3dkFILy

The NEW Part 2 woodwind and brass parts are uploaded – https://tinyurl.com/y76gzzp6

How to Get/Use SmartMusic – Remember you must use a Chrome browser on a computer/laptop to run SmartMusic.

In order to use the software, you need to create a SmartMusic account and join the class using this code: Z6LEF-WA4AC.

1. Open a Chrome browser and visit: https://admin.smartmusic.com/join

2. When prompted for a class code, please enter: Z6LEF-WA4AC

Physicals for Band – I have new guidance from the district in regards to physicals for band. All students will fill out the attached form “medical history” page 1. Students who do not already have a completed physical by a physician must get one (the doctor fills out page 2). If a student already has a physical on file, if anything is new on the medical history page or since their last physical, that student must get a new physical from a doctor. Any student athlete that already has a physical on file with Lamar High School will not need to do another one for band. For those needing a new physical, there are many options. A primary care physician is usually best. There are often good deals for cheaper or even free school physicals from time to time. Care Now has a deal for sports physicals here.

Quote of the Week – “Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice, and need.” – Voltaire

How to Request Help

Campus Technology  Connection: (Name/email/phone number or virtual office hours)

• Student Device Help Desk
• Canvas
• RapidIdentity – Google Apps, Password Reset
• Student Self Serve – This system provides access to attendance and grades for all students.
• Library

Student Resources

• AISD Calendar
• Food and Nutrition Services  |  School Menus
• Homeless Student Assistance

BAND APP – To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

Or just use the online web page here https://band.us/

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

When signing up for a band, make sure you use your full name.

Use THIS LINK to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 8/6/2020

Instruments – Thank you to all the students and parents who came out Tuesday to the instrument check out. We had about 55 people come up for instruments! We were a little behind assigning a few instruments so thank you for your patience. If you did not get an instrument and need one still, please email us or direct message us in the band app so we can have it for you next week during sectional times. If there are any instrument problems or questions about fingerings, send us a message. If you did not give us the instrument contract form, please get it signed and returned the next time we see you at Lamar.

Summer Practices – We begin a week of summer practices on August 10th. We will have sectionals outside under some shade trees during the week of August 10-14. See the attachment to this email for more details regarding practice.

5:00-6:00 Flutes, Clarinets, Snares, Quads, 11-12 grade front ensemble

6:30-7:30 Saxophones, Trombones, Baritones, Sousaphones, Color Guard, Bass Drums, 9-10 grade front ensemble

8:00-9:00 Trumpets, Mellophones, Color Guard

What is Marching Band This Year? – Excellent question. To adapt to the pandemic, we are doing a shorter competitive show. We are doing less competitions. The football season and contest season have been pushed back. The exact music and choreography is changing and will be explained soon. We will follow guidelines and we will practice hard. Some things can be learned virtually, others must be in person. The Pride of Lamar Marching Band is a big part of the Lamar Band, but not the only part. We are have concert ideas, music for small ensembles and solos, jazz, percussion ensemble…you name it, we are working on it. Composers around the world are creating really cool adaptable music. I’ve been in many zoom meetings with different composers. Mackey, Ticheli, and many more are already putting out some cool stuff. I am excited to get started playing it. So, the big question, can you do band and not do marching band…the short answer is yes. The district will give more details in the next week. When I learn it, you will learn it!

Lamar HS Technology Help – From the IT department of Lamar…We are getting questions asking how parents request technology.  Here are the links so you will know how to help your parents/students:

Requests for a chromebook: Technology Resources

Requests for hotspots for students who have no internet access

Requests to return a device: Technology Resources

Request help with a device you already have at home: Student Tech Help Request

All-State Music – Any student that wishes to get a jump start on all-region / all-state music, you can download a PDF here.

Fight Song Project – I am excited to get going on this project. Right now all students should be working on learning the fight song. We are working on some instructional videos or sectionals to practice the fight song. Practice at 128 bpm. Do not try and make a recording just yet. See the following links for music or the Smart Music files.

Marching Band Music PDFs – including the latest show music, fight song, and alma mater.

Lamar High School Marching Band

SmartMusic Links

The Lamar Fight Song – https://bit.ly/2AeZcTF

The Lamar Alma Mater – https://bit.ly/2YXNPKn

The Lamar HS Marching Band Fall Show 2020 – https://bit.ly/3dkFILy

The NEW Part 2 woodwind and brass parts are uploaded – https://tinyurl.com/y76gzzp6

How to Get/Use SmartMusic – Remember you must use a Chrome browser on a computer/laptop to run SmartMusic.

In order to use the software, you need to create a SmartMusic account and join the class using this code: Z6LEF-WA4AC.

1. Open a Chrome browser and visit: https://admin.smartmusic.com/join

2. When prompted for a class code, please enter: Z6LEF-WA4AC

Physicals for Band – I have new guidance from the district in regards to physicals for band. All students will fill out the attached form “medical history” page 1. Students who do not already have a completed physical by a physician must get one (the doctor fills out page 2). If a student already has a physical on file, if anything is new on the medical history page or since their last physical, that student must get a new physical from a doctor. Any student athlete that already has a physical on file with Lamar High School will not need to do another one for band. For those needing a new physical, there are many options. A primary care physician is usually best. There are often good deals for cheaper or even free school physicals from time to time. Care Now has a deal for sports physicals here.

BAND APP – To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

Or just use the online web page here https://band.us/

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

When signing up for a band, make sure you use your full name.

Use THIS LINK to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

• All students and parents need to join the “Lamar Band” group
• All freshmen need to join the Freshman Band
• Any student who will be a 10-12 grader not already in wind symphony needs to join the Symphonic Band
• If you were in the Wind Symphony this year, join that group
• All students planning on being in the Lamar Guard must join Lamar Guard
• All percussion students need to join the Lamar Percussion
• All students interested in the jazz bands need to join the Jazz Program
• All alumni students are encouraged to join the Lamar Band Alumni

Quote of the Week – “Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice, and need.” – Voltaire

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 7/29/2020

Instruments – Next Tuesday August 4th from 5:30pm – 8:00pm, the directors will be at Lamar to check out, exchange, and handle instruments from the Junior Highs. Any student that needs a marching instrument like mellophone or baritone can get those. Freshmen can bring their Shack or Nichols instrument for us to exchange for a Lamar instrument. If your current instrument has an issue, we can try to fix it or exchange for another. To help stagger and avoid traffic, we would like to start with seniors and juniors at 5:30, then sophomores at 6:00, and freshmen at 6:30. The directors will be set up in the bus lane off of Lamar Blvd. To help us assign instruments and have them ready for you, please fill out this form. 

Summer Practices – We begin a week of summer practices on August 10th. We will have sectionals outside under some shade trees during the week of August 10-14. I am working out a few more details for procedure but the times are listed here.

5:00-6:00 Flutes, Clarinets, Battery Percussion

6:30-7:30 Saxes, Tubas, Trombones, Baritones, Color Guard

8:00-9:00 Trumpets, Mellophones, Color Guard, Front Ensemble

Band Participation – Marching band is voluntary due to pandemic. Students / parents who wish to remain 100% virtual may do so and still be a full band member. We have been working on more robust online music education. We do not want any student to quit band because they think we will be upset that they do not do marching band. If you have any questions, please contact me directly. 

All-State Music – Any student that wishes to get a jump start on all-region / all-state music, you can download a PDF here.

Fight Song Project – I am excited to get going on this project. Right now all students should be working on learning the fight song. We are working on some instructional videos or sectionals to practice the fight song. Practice at 128 bpm. Do not try and make a recording just yet. See the following links for music or the Smart Music files.

Marching Band Music PDFs – including the latest show music, fight song, and alma mater.

Lamar High School Marching Band

SmartMusic Links

The Lamar Fight Song – https://bit.ly/2AeZcTF

The Lamar Alma Mater – https://bit.ly/2YXNPKn

The Lamar HS Marching Band Fall Show 2020 – https://bit.ly/3dkFILy

The NEW Part 2 woodwind and brass parts are uploaded – https://tinyurl.com/y76gzzp6

How to Get/Use SmartMusic – Remember you must use a Chrome browser on a computer/laptop to run SmartMusic.

In order to use the software, you need to create a SmartMusic account and join the class using this code: Z6LEF-WA4AC.

1. Open a Chrome browser and visit: https://admin.smartmusic.com/join

2. When prompted for a class code, please enter: Z6LEF-WA4AC

Charms – I wanted to forward this message from the company that runs our database, Charms.

“Hello— As Charms continues to support your organization as you navigate a turbulent run-up to fall, we’ve enhanced the security of student passwords.  

When your students (or their parents) log in going forward, they will be prompted to create a new password with these requirements:

• At least 8 characters.
• A combination of alpha/numeric characters.
• One capital letter.

No action will be needed on your part. If you have questions, you can also contact us at 972.485.1912 during business hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. CT.”

Physicals for Band – I have new guidance from the district in regards to physicals for band. All students will fill out the attached form “medical history” page 1. Students who do not already have a completed physical by a physician must get one (the doctor fills out page 2). If a student already has a physical on file, if anything is new on the medical history page or since their last physical, that student must get a new physical from a doctor. Any student athlete that already has a physical on file with Lamar High School will not need to do another one for band. For those needing a new physical, there are many options. A primary care physician is usually best. There are often good deals for cheaper or even free school physicals from time to time. Care Now has a deal for sports physicals here.

AISD Fine Arts – From our Fine Arts Director, Dr. Anderson:

The Center for Visual and Performing Arts will open for classes in the fall of 2020. This beautiful new center will be home to a variety of classes in music, art, and dance. All of the classes at the CVPA will be exclusive to this campus, and open to all AISD high school students. District transportation from your home campus will be available for most classes. 

The center has a first class art room, adjacent to an open courtyard. Art students will have access to a museum quality art gallery to curate and showcase their exhibitions. Dance students will enjoy the 2500 square foot dance studio complete with sprung floors, mirrors, and ballet barres. Music students can choose from piano classes or AP music theory, or learn a trade through the instrument repair program. The facilities are state of the art and completely unique to Arlington ISD.

You have an exciting opportunity to be one of the first students to fill this incredible building. Click the link below to view available classes and begin your journey at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts! CVPA Offerings

BAND APP – To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

Or just use the online web page here https://band.us/

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

When signing up for a band, make sure you use your full name.

Use THIS LINK to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

• All students and parents need to join the “Lamar Band” group
• All freshmen need to join the Freshman Band
• Any student who will be a 10-12 grader not already in wind symphony needs to join the Symphonic Band
• If you were in the Wind Symphony this year, join that group
• All students planning on being in the Lamar Guard must join Lamar Guard
• All percussion students need to join the Lamar Percussion
• All students interested in the jazz bands need to join the Jazz Program
• All alumni students are encouraged to join the Lamar Band Alumni

Quote of the Week – “Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet.” – John Lewis

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Update July 21

July 21, 2020

UPDATE – Plenty of news today regarding school opening for Tarrant County and AISD. Also new guidelines from UIL and a statement from BOA. I hope to have new summer band information in the near future. I appreciate your patience as we navigate these turbulent times. If you haven’t already done so, please fill out this survey.

SECTIONALS – Thursday, the directors would like to hold sectionals over zoom. Mostly it will be a discussion, but we may try to play some music and pass out the all-state etudes.

Thursday July 23rd ZOOM sectional schedule – just click on your section!

Password = vfnd

Percussion password = the brand name of the expensive marimba

1:00pm Clarinets Riley / Flutes Lang / All Percussion Kelly

2:00pm Baritones Sousaphones Students learning new instruments All directors

3:00pm Saxophones Riley / Trombones Lang

4:00pm Trumpets Lang / Mellophones Riley

6:00pm Color Guard Midori & Lang

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 7/15/2020

Summer Band Update – I sincerely hope all of the Lamar Band families are staying safe and healthy during this epic time in human history. With the recent spike of coronavirus cases in Texas, we have been communicating as a district with plans for summer band activities. All the head band directors in Arlington, along with the AISD fine arts director, are working to do things in step with each other. All Arlington ISD bands will have the same schedule. That being said, we were asked to delay the start further than our original July 27th start date. We are waiting on some developing details before we set a start to our summer practices. We are canceling the sectionals that were originally planned for July 23, 25, and 27-31. If you know me, you know that I dislike last minute schedule changes. I prefer planning many months in advance whenever possible. As soon as we are given more details, I will share them with you all.

Texas Bandmasters Student Day! – This Saturday is an excellent opportunity for students to communicate with other band students and some motivational speakers from the music education community. For more info, check it out here. https://www.texasbandmasters.org/student-day/

Charms – I wanted to forward this message from the company that runs our database, Charms.

“Hello— As Charms continues to support your organization as you navigate a turbulent run-up to fall, we’ve enhanced the security of student passwords.  

When your students (or their parents) log in going forward, they will be prompted to create a new password with these requirements:

• At least 8 characters.
• A combination of alpha/numeric characters.
• One capital letter.

No action will be needed on your part. If you have questions, you can also contact us at 972.485.1912 during business hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. CT.”

Physicals for Band – I have new guidance from the district in regards to physicals for band. All students will fill out the attached form “medical history” page 1. Students who do not already have a completed physical by a physician must get one (the doctor fills out page 2). If a student already has a physical on file, if anything is new on the medical history page or since their last physical, that student must get a new physical from a doctor. Any student athlete that already has a physical on file with Lamar High School will not need to do another one for band. For those needing a new physical, there are many options. A primary care physician is usually best. There are often good deals for cheaper or even free school physicals from time to time. Care Now has a deal for sports physicals here.

AISD Fine Arts – From our Fine Arts Director, Dr. Anderson:

The Center for Visual and Performing Arts will open for classes in the fall of 2020. This beautiful new center will be home to a variety of classes in music, art, and dance. All of the classes at the CVPA will be exclusive to this campus, and open to all AISD high school students. District transportation from your home campus will be available for most classes. 

The center has a first class art room, adjacent to an open courtyard. Art students will have access to a museum quality art gallery to curate and showcase their exhibitions. Dance students will enjoy the 2500 square foot dance studio complete with sprung floors, mirrors, and ballet barres. Music students can choose from piano classes or AP music theory, or learn a trade through the instrument repair program. The facilities are state of the art and completely unique to Arlington ISD.

You have an exciting opportunity to be one of the first students to fill this incredible building. Click the link below to view available classes and begin your journey at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts! CVPA Offerings

Marching Band Music PDFs – including the latest show music, fight song, and alma mater.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1I_a2epZ0PGm8o2fmKsmF7yLvzEezRZMW?usp=sharing

BAND APP – To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

Or just use the online web page here https://band.us/

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

When signing up for a band, make sure you use your full name.

Use THIS LINK to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

• All students and parents need to join the “Lamar Band” group
• All freshmen need to join the Freshman Band
• Any student who will be a 10-12 grader not already in wind symphony needs to join the Symphonic Band
• If you were in the Wind Symphony this year, join that group
• All students planning on being in the Lamar Guard must join Lamar Guard
• All percussion students need to join the Lamar Percussion
• All students interested in the jazz bands need to join the Jazz Program
• All alumni students are encouraged to join the Lamar Band Alumni

SmartMusic Links

The NEW Part 2 woodwind and brass parts are uploaded – https://tinyurl.com/y76gzzp6

The Lamar Fight Song – https://bit.ly/2AeZcTF

The Lamar Alma Mater – https://bit.ly/2YXNPKn

The Lamar HS Marching Band Fall Show 2020 – https://bit.ly/3dkFILy

You will have to select your part in the dropdown menu under the play button once the file loads. Remember you must use a Chrome browser on a computer/laptop to run SmartMusic.

In order to use the software, you need to create a SmartMusic account and join the class using this code: Z6LEF-WA4AC.

1. Open a Chrome browser and visit: https://admin.smartmusic.com/join

2. When prompted for a class code, please enter: Z6LEF-WA4AC

Quote of the Week – “Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” -Anonymous

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 7/2/2020

Summer Schedule – Sectionals cancelled for the next two weeks! UIL made a statement on July 1st that all UIL activities should suspend summer training for two weeks. The Lamar Band staff has decided that we are canceling sectionals until July 23rd. Woodwinds, brass, and percussion will have sectionals on Thursday July 23rd to work through our procedures and distribute instruments and music. Color guard will practice on Saturday July 25th. The most important rehearsals will start July 27th. Once we start practicing at school, we will follow the attached guidelines as outlined by AISD Fine Arts and the decisions made by Lamar band directors and Lamar administration. Safety is always the top priority. The Lamar Band directors want to ensure a safe environment while providing the musical opportunity that each Lamar student deserves. We follow the recommendations from the UIL, CDC, NAfME, TMEA, NAMM, to name a few. Please email me with any questions.

Physicals for Band – I have new guidance from the district in regards to physicals for band. All students will fill out the attached form “medical history” page 1. Students who do not already have a completed physical by a physician must get one (the doctor fills out page 2). If a student already has a physical on file, if anything is new on the medical history page or since their last physical, that student must get a new physical from a doctor. Any student athlete that already has a physical on file with Lamar High School will not need to do another one for band. For those needing a new physical, there are many options. A primary care physician is usually best. There are often good deals for cheaper or even free school physicals from time to time. Care Now has a deal for sports physicals here.

AISD Fine Arts – From our Fine Arts Director, Dr. Anderson:

The Center for Visual and Performing Arts will open for classes in the fall of 2020. This beautiful new center will be home to a variety of classes in music, art, and dance. All of the classes at the CVPA will be exclusive to this campus, and open to all AISD high school students. District transportation from your home campus will be available for most classes. 

The center has a first class art room, adjacent to an open courtyard. Art students will have access to a museum quality art gallery to curate and showcase their exhibitions. Dance students will enjoy the 2500 square foot dance studio complete with sprung floors, mirrors, and ballet barres. Music students can choose from piano classes or AP music theory, or learn a trade through the instrument repair program. The facilities are state of the art and completely unique to Arlington ISD.

You have an exciting opportunity to be one of the first students to fill this incredible building. Click the link below to view available classes and begin your journey at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts! CVPA Offerings

Marching Band Music PDFs – including the latest show music, fight song, and alma mater.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1I_a2epZ0PGm8o2fmKsmF7yLvzEezRZMW?usp=sharing

BAND APP – To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

Or just use the online web page here https://band.us/

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

When signing up for a band, make sure you use your full name.

Use THIS LINK to find all the different Band App groups for The Pride of Lamar!

• All students and parents need to join the “Lamar Band” group
• All freshmen need to join the Freshman Band
• Any student who will be a 10-12 grader not already in wind symphony needs to join the Symphonic Band
• If you were in the Wind Symphony this year, join that group
• All students planning on being in the Lamar Guard must join Lamar Guard
• All percussion students need to join the Lamar Percussion
• All students interested in the jazz bands need to join the Jazz Program
• All alumni students are encouraged to join the Lamar Band Alumni

Summer Opportunities – I will do my best to share all the great opportunities for optional summer enrichment.

Texas Bandmasters Student Day! – https://www.texasbandmasters.org/student-day/

Any woodwind, brass, or percussionist – “Lone Star Youth Orchestra’s 2020-2021 Season auditions will be held on Saturday, August 15^th and Saturday, August 22^nd at the Irving Arts Center.  Audition information and may be found online atwww.lascolinassymphony.org/lsyo.  Auditions are by appointment only.  Students can expect to perform two scales, a solo of their choice, and 2-3 excerpts that have been preselected for their instrument.

SmartMusic Links

The NEW Part 2 woodwind and brass parts are uploaded – https://tinyurl.com/y76gzzp6

The Lamar Fight Song – https://bit.ly/2AeZcTF

The Lamar Alma Mater – https://bit.ly/2YXNPKn

The Lamar HS Marching Band Fall Show 2020 – https://bit.ly/3dkFILy

You will have to select your part in the dropdown menu under the play button once the file loads. Remember you must use a Chrome browser on a computer/laptop to run SmartMusic.

In order to use the software, you need to create a SmartMusic account and join the class using this code: Z6LEF-WA4AC.

1. Open a Chrome browser and visit: https://admin.smartmusic.com/join

2. When prompted for a class code, please enter: Z6LEF-WA4AC

Quote of the Week – “Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” -Anonymous

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 6/17/2020

Out with the old – Today the district took down our old marching band tower. Yesterday they started the foundation for our new band tower!

it came down easy

Summer Schedule – As of July 6th, we will begin small sectionals to just start playing our instruments together. The big and very important rehearsals will start July 27th. Safety is always the top priority. The Lamar Band directors want to ensure a safe environment while providing the musical opportunity that each Lamar student deserves. We follow the recommendations from the UIL, CDC, NAfME, TMEA, NAMM, to name a few. Please email me with any questions. The summer schedule and early fall schedule have been added to this email. As the district makes decisions on the start of school, events may change.

Parent Meeting – On Tuesday June 23rd at 7:00pm, I will host a parent meeting on Zoom. The link is in the google calendar if you click on the event. The band directors will discuss what we have been doing to prepare for practices in July. We will answer questions the best we can regarding the fall semester. Most importantly, we want to welcome our new parents of our newest band members. We typically do a meeting like this in person as we prepare for the July 4th parade. Students are welcome to attend, but this is for parents/guardians to discuss matters about student safety and expectations with the band directors.

Sectionals – the details regarding sectionals will be shared soon and will be on the Band App. If you aren’t already a member of the Lamar Band on the Band App, use the info at the bottom of this email to sign up.

AISD Fine Arts – From our Fine Arts Director, Dr. Anderson:

The Center for Visual and Performing Arts will open for classes in the fall of 2020. This beautiful new center will be home to a variety of classes in music, art, and dance. All of the classes at the CVPA will be exclusive to this campus, and open to all AISD high school students. District transportation from your home campus will be available for most classes. 

The center has a first class art room, adjacent to an open courtyard. Art students will have access to a museum quality art gallery to curate and showcase their exhibitions. Dance students will enjoy the 2500 square foot dance studio complete with sprung floors, mirrors, and ballet barres. Music students can choose from piano classes or AP music theory, or learn a trade through the instrument repair program. The facilities are state of the art and completely unique to Arlington ISD.

You have an exciting opportunity to be one of the first students to fill this incredible building. Click the link below to view available classes and begin your journey at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts! CVPA Offerings

Marching Band Music PDFs – including the latest show music, fight song, and alma mater.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1I_a2epZ0PGm8o2fmKsmF7yLvzEezRZMW?usp=sharing

SmartMusic Links

The NEW Part 2 woodwind and brass parts are uploaded – https://tinyurl.com/y76gzzp6

The Lamar Fight Song – https://bit.ly/2AeZcTF

The Lamar Alma Mater – https://bit.ly/2YXNPKn

The Lamar HS Marching Band Fall Show 2020 – https://bit.ly/3dkFILy

You will have to select your part in the dropdown menu under the play button once the file loads. Remember you must use a Chrome browser on a computer/laptop to run SmartMusic.

In order to use the software, you need to create a SmartMusic account and join the class using this code: Z6LEF-WA4AC.

1. Open a Chrome browser and visit: https://admin.smartmusic.com/join

2. When prompted for a class code, please enter: Z6LEF-WA4AC

BAND APP – To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

Or just use the online web page here https://band.us/

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

When signing up for a band, make sure you use your full name.

All students and parents need to join the Lamar Band on Band App here

All freshmen need to join the Freshman Band on Band App here

Any student who will be a 10-12 grader not already in wind symphony needs to join the Symphonic Band on Band App here

If you were in the Wind Symphony this year, make sure you are on Band App here

All students planning on being in the Lamar Guard must join on Band App here

All percussion students need to join the Lamar Percussion on Band App here

All students interested in the jazz bands need to join the Jazz Program on Band App here

All alumni students are encouraged to join the Lamar Band Alumni Band App Here

Summer Opportunities – I will do my best to share all the great opportunities for optional summer enrichment.

This is a GREAT opportunity for brass players – http://www.blastofbrass.com/

Any woodwind, brass, or percussionist – “Lone Star Youth Orchestra’s 2020-2021 Season auditions will be held on Saturday, August 15^th and Saturday, August 22^nd at the Irving Arts Center.  Audition information and may be found online atwww.lascolinassymphony.org/lsyo.  Auditions are by appointment only.  Students can expect to perform two scales, a solo of their choice, and 2-3 excerpts that have been preselected for their instrument.

Quote of the Week – “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” – John F. Kennedy

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 6/1/2020

Summer – We made it to summer break! I hope all students get a little break from the constant canvas updates and zoom meetings. Many have ask me about the summer band schedule. I am still waiting on guidance from the AISD fine arts office. The UIL has released restrictions and expectations for all marching bands in the state. As of now, our next scheduled event is parade practice at the end of June. We will most likely schedule sectionals before that if we are allowed to by our fine arts director of AISD. I am very hopeful that we will have our big marching band camp at the end of July and beginning of August. I have attached my summer schedule as of today. I hope I can update it very soon with more details.

 

Instrument & Uniform Expectations – Since the district is mandating that students keep instruments and uniforms all summer, we need to make sure they are in working order for the fall. Keep your tuxedos and dresses hanging in a closet. Instruments should be stored in a cool and dry place. If you have any issues with an instrument, Brook Mays Music in Arlington was providing free repairs during Covid-19. I do not know the details, but you might give them a call. Otherwise, Rivard Brothers Instrument Specialists are highly recommended professional instrument repairmen. They are big supporters of the Lamar band as Dana Rivards son’s both graduated from Lamar and the band program.

 

Virtual Banquet – I hope everyone enjoyed our virtual banquet. It was a lot of fun and most important, it was great to acknowledge so many great students. Special thanks to Nathalia Simon, Haya Alrahis, Karla Flores, Mr. Riley, Mr. Kelly, Miss Midori, Mr. Hagman, Mrs. Howerton, and everyone who chipped in to make it a great experience.

 

Seniors – Thank you for your service to the Lamar Band program! You will continue to get these emails a bit longer. Once I “roll up” charms, you will be alumni in my system and no longer receive my emails. If you want to continue to keep up with the band program, let me know. I am considering a Lamar Band alumni Band App page. We will be in contact going forward. I’m not done with you yet. We are working on a possible picnic once we are cleared to do so. Thank you to Karla Flores (alumni) for putting together the “senior of the day” project! We are finishing up the project fairly soon and posting a senior every day.

 

Marching Band Music PDFs – including the latest show music, fight song, and alma mater.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1I_a2epZ0PGm8o2fmKsmF7yLvzEezRZMW?usp=sharing

 

SmartMusic Links

The Lamar Fight Song – https://bit.ly/2AeZcTF

The Lamar Alma Mater – https://bit.ly/2YXNPKn

The Lamar HS Marching Band Fall Show 2020 – https://bit.ly/3dkFILy

You will have to select your part in the dropdown menu under the play button once the file loads. Remember you must use a Chrome browser on a computer/laptop to run SmartMusic.

 

BAND APP – To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

Or just use the online web page here https://band.us/

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

 

THE PRIDE OF LAMAR ON BAND APP

Join the Lamar Band on Band App here 

Join the Freshman Band on Band App here

Join the Symphonic Band on Band App here

Join the Wind Symphony on Band App here

Join the Lamar Guard on Band App here

Join the Lamar Percussion on Band App here

Join the Leadership Team on Band App here

Join the Jazz Program on Band App here

Join the Honors Music on Band App here

Contact me if you have any problems. Use the Band App or my email dlang@aisd.net

 

Quote of the Week – “There is a grace of kind listening, as well as a grace of kind speaking.” – Frederick William Faber

 

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

 

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media

Lamar Band Weekly Announcements 5/25/2020

Week At A Glance – Here is a quick view of what is planned this week.

Tuesday & Wednesday – Leadership Audition Interviews

Thursday – 7:00pm Virtual Banquet

Friday – 11:00-2:00 Instrument and Uniform Return

 

Instrument & Uniform Return – The district has made the decision to have ONLY seniors and students who are leaving AISD return their instruments and uniforms. All other students will keep instruments and uniforms, as well as chromebooks, until the fall semester. On May 29th, Lamar Band & Orchestra will be returning equipment. Last names A-M will arrive 11:00am-12:30pm and N-Z 12:30pm-2:00pm. You will stay in your car and pull in the bus lane on the north side of the building off of Lamar Blvd. You will hand off instruments to a director from your car and bring dresses and tuxes in a plastic bag. No worry about cleaning anything, the district will handle that. If you are a student who is leaving AISD this summer, please email me ASAP so we know to expect you on the 29th. ANY students with personal items in their band cubby that is essential (ie. clothing/shoes, backpacks, cellphones, glasses) for the summer must contact a director so that we can bag it and have it ready for pick up. If it can wait until summer band practices, it should wait. It is safe in the band room and AISD doesn’t want students to worry about the small stuff like binders, etc.

 

Virtual Banquet – I wanted to let you know that we are planning a virtual banquet on Thursday, May 28th at 7:00pm. We will stream live online. Not sure of the technical details yet, but we will let you know ahead of time. We need some more photos of all the various events this school year. Email them to simonnana083102@gmail.com ASAP!!! Senior photos should be sent to Mr. Lang at dlang@aisd.net

 

Seniors, Seniors, Seniors 

• Make sure you have all AISD band / guard equipment ready for return Friday.
• Lamar HS will do senior check out June 1 & 2 more info here.
• LAST CALL! Make sure you have shared your photo and filled out the form. Email a senior photo to karlaflores2953@gmail.com
• Shackelford PTA has their scholarship application available for students who attended in 7th and 8th grade.
• Mr. B from Navarro college told me they are extending their application and scholarship process. They have great opportunities and a lot of scholarship money left. He said they are seeking all instruments and guard but the biggest need they have is Percussion, Saxophone, Trumpet, and Clarinet. Contact info joshua.buckrucker@navarrocollege.edu and Band.NavarroCollege.edu
• If you are going to UTA, go here to fill out the marching band form

 

Marching Band Music PDFs – including the latest show music, fight song, and alma mater.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1I_a2epZ0PGm8o2fmKsmF7yLvzEezRZMW?usp=sharing

 

SmartMusic Links

The Lamar Fight Song – https://bit.ly/2AeZcTF

The Lamar Alma Mater – https://bit.ly/2YXNPKn

The Lamar HS Marching Band Fall Show 2020 – https://bit.ly/3dkFILy

You will have to select your part in the dropdown menu under the play button once the file loads. Remember you must use a Chrome browser on a computer/laptop to run SmartMusic.

 

BAND APP – We will communicate primarily via Band App. Here is just about everything you could ever need to get started with Band App. It is important that EVERYONE use their full real name and a picture of your face for the profile. This is mandatory. I will delete or deny accounts that are not set up this way. Parents, feel free to join any class but the most important class will be Lamar Band.

 

To download the band app, go to the app store on your smartphone

For iPhones, go here

For others, go here

Or just use the online web page here https://band.us/

To get help or learn more about the Band App go here

 

THE PRIDE OF LAMAR ON BAND APP

Join the Lamar Band on Band App here 

Join the Freshman Band on Band App here

Join the Symphonic Band on Band App here

Join the Wind Symphony on Band App here

Join the Lamar Guard on Band App here

Join the Lamar Percussion on Band App here

Join the Leadership Team on Band App here

Join the Jazz Program on Band App here

Join the Honors Music on Band App here

Contact me if you have any problems. Use the Band App or my email dlang@aisd.net

 

Quote of the Week – “Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.” – Sun Tzu

 

Communication & Social Media

Email – Alan Lang  dlang@aisd.net | Kolby Kelly  kkelly4@aisd.net | Zack Riley zriley1@aisd.net | Midori Eng midori.lwe@gmail.com

Booster club lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com

Band room phone: (682) 867-7006

 

Click these icons to see The Lamar Band on social media