eNewsletters - August 2009

August 2009

NEWS

SHMPA Opening Meeting

The South Hadley Music Parents Association will have its first meeting of the 2009 - 2010 season on Monday, August 10 in the chorus room at South Hadley High School from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. We will review our budget, funding requests, upcoming fundraisers and more. Please plan to attend!

VIEW MEETING AGENDA

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Communication is Key

There are a host of new ways to get your SHMPA updates this year:

- Visit our new website: https://sites.google.com/site/4shmpa.

- Join our Facebook group: http://wwwwww.facebook.com/shmpa?ref=ts

- Send us an email: shmpa09@gmail.com

- PO Box 63, South Hadley, MA 01075

Do you know someone that's not currently receiving SHMPA information? Please forward this newsletter and ask them to send us their email address.

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Welcome Kate Barry

- Our New Band Director

Where did you teach prior to this position?

Before coming to South Hadley, I was the middle school band director at the Goshen Middle School, in Goshen, NY. The middle school was actually the one I attended as a kid, I was fortunate enough to take over the program after the band director I had in middle school.

What did you study in college?

I attended Mansfield University in Mansfield, PA. I received my Bachelor's degree in Music Education. I also attended the New York Institute of Technology where I received my Master's degree in Instructional Technology.

What instruments do you play?

My primary instrument is flute, but as a music educator you are required to learn how to play all instruments.

What is your favorite part of teaching?

My favorite part of teaching is watching my students blossom into great musicians. I love to see their faces after a great performance.

Do you have a favorite genre of music or musical group?

If you were to take a peek into my CD binder you would find a wide variety of music, however, my favorite genres are folk and country. Currently my favorite country group is Zac Brown Band and my favorite folk artist is Ellis Paul.

Anything else you'd like parents to know?

I would like the parents of South Hadley High School students to know that I am truly here for their kids and hope to offer each one of them a positive musical experience.

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UPCOMING SHMPA EVENTS

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MUSIC DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Students attending Band Camp in August are asked to bring the following items:

• • Binder with sheet protectors

  • Dot book

  • Water bottles

  • Sunscreen

  • SNEAKERS - no sandals

  • Pencils

  • Light colored clothing

  • Snacks

An updated schedule for Band Camp will be distributed at the Wednesday, August 5 rehersal.

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SENIOR MOMENTS

Taylor Sodano '10 is the 2009 Marching Band Senior Drum Major. She started playing in the 4th grade and has since mastered the saxaphone, clarinet and bass clarinet. Taylor has performed with the Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band and the Indoor Innovations Color Guard. During her spare time, she enjoys listening to Jack's Mannequin and Taylor Swift. Taylor's favorite subject is social sciences and she'd like to go on to study anthropology with a focus on archeology in college. "I think I would have regretted my high school career if I wasn't in the music program," says Taylor. "I've made a lot of great friends."

Stacy Counter '10 only started playing the flute three years ago, but you could sure fool us! She performs with the Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band and is a member of the Indoor Innovations Color Guard. Her favorite subject in school is science, which she hopes to parlay into a career as a small animal veterinarian. She is a fan of all kinds of music, except rap. "The music program is a lot of fun," says Stacy. "You meet a lot of nice people who love to compete and they encourage you to do your best at all times."

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VALUED VOLUNTEERS & PARTNERS

Many thanks to the parent and student volunteers who gave a helping hand in June & July: