Here are some video clips from our recent Spring Concert.
SYMPHONIC BAND
JAZZ BAND
Friday, May 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Jazz Night
Jazz Night was a huge success! Our HTMS Jazz Band performed "Rock Around the Clock", "Louie Louie", and "Crazy Train" for a crowd of almost 300. Enjoy some pictures from this event.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Attention 5th Graders
We want to welcome 5th graders and their parents to our HTMS Band Blog. Feel free to look around and check out everything this site has to offer. We are so excited about you becoming a member of our band next year!
6th Grade Band at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School
Choosing an elective is a very important part of moving up to middle school. Among the fine arts electives, band is unique in that students should join the band during sixth grade in order to successfully participate in later grades. Sixth grade band students receive instruction on an instrument as part of the regular school day. Very few after school rehearsals are required. The Sixth Grade Band presents at least two performances each year – a Holiday Concert in December and a Spring Concert in May.
Common Questions about Band
1. What does my child have to gain by being in band?
The benefits of being in the band program are numerous. Music is an important part of everyone’s life in some way and music literacy can immeasurably enrich a young person’s life. The National Arts Education Standards statement says, “No one can claim to be fully educated who lacks basic knowledge and skills in the arts.” Research has shown a positive correlation between learning experiences in the arts and enhanced student achievement in academic classes. Band also involves students in an organization that develops leadership, pride in oneself and one’s organization, and the importance of working toward goals.
2. How much does it cost?
The primary cost for beginning band students and their parents is the purchase of an instrument. While this can be expensive, many good options are available for parents. Instruments may be purchased or rented, and many companies have rent-to-own options and financing plans. Also, there is usually a supply of good used instruments in the area. In addition to the instrument, there are a few other minor expenses. Students will need to purchase a few music books each year. They will also need a variety of small supplies to keep their instrument in proper working order (i.e. reeds for most woodwind instruments and oils for brass instruments).
3. Does my child have to have a special aptitude or previous music studies to be in band?
There are only two elements needed to be successful in band – a positive attitude and hard work. A student with only an average amount of ability can easily be very successful by keeping up in class and working hard. Previous musical instruction is not necessary. An instrument aptitude test will be used to help students select the instrument that is best suited for him/her. Every student who desires to be in band, whatever his/her aptitude, will be given a place in the Hewitt-Trussville Middle School Band.
4. Are after-school practices required in band?
Sixth grade students usually have two after-school rehearsals before each concert. Participation in rehearsals and concerts is required of every band student.
5. Do students have to buy uniforms?
We dress in nice “church-type” clothing for performances. A Band T-shirt, purchased at the beginning of the school year, is worn for assembly programs.
6. What does my child have to look forward to in his/her future in the band?
During your student’s first year in band, the Sixth Grade Band will perform a Holiday Concert and a Spring Concert. They will also perform a mini-concert during the school day in October for parents. Hewitt students will have the opportunity to compete in the spring at Solo and Ensemble Festival for Superior medals. Our students will also have an opportunity to participate in the Alabama Middle School All-State Honor Band, University Honor Bands, and District Band Contest their seventh and eighth grade years. More importantly, these students will develop a musical skill which will be with them the rest of their lives.
We look forward to having you become a member of the Hewitt-Trussville Middle School Beginning Band. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 228-3663 or email brandon.peters@trussvillecityschools.com.
6th Grade Band at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School
Choosing an elective is a very important part of moving up to middle school. Among the fine arts electives, band is unique in that students should join the band during sixth grade in order to successfully participate in later grades. Sixth grade band students receive instruction on an instrument as part of the regular school day. Very few after school rehearsals are required. The Sixth Grade Band presents at least two performances each year – a Holiday Concert in December and a Spring Concert in May.
Common Questions about Band
1. What does my child have to gain by being in band?
The benefits of being in the band program are numerous. Music is an important part of everyone’s life in some way and music literacy can immeasurably enrich a young person’s life. The National Arts Education Standards statement says, “No one can claim to be fully educated who lacks basic knowledge and skills in the arts.” Research has shown a positive correlation between learning experiences in the arts and enhanced student achievement in academic classes. Band also involves students in an organization that develops leadership, pride in oneself and one’s organization, and the importance of working toward goals.
2. How much does it cost?
The primary cost for beginning band students and their parents is the purchase of an instrument. While this can be expensive, many good options are available for parents. Instruments may be purchased or rented, and many companies have rent-to-own options and financing plans. Also, there is usually a supply of good used instruments in the area. In addition to the instrument, there are a few other minor expenses. Students will need to purchase a few music books each year. They will also need a variety of small supplies to keep their instrument in proper working order (i.e. reeds for most woodwind instruments and oils for brass instruments).
3. Does my child have to have a special aptitude or previous music studies to be in band?
There are only two elements needed to be successful in band – a positive attitude and hard work. A student with only an average amount of ability can easily be very successful by keeping up in class and working hard. Previous musical instruction is not necessary. An instrument aptitude test will be used to help students select the instrument that is best suited for him/her. Every student who desires to be in band, whatever his/her aptitude, will be given a place in the Hewitt-Trussville Middle School Band.
4. Are after-school practices required in band?
Sixth grade students usually have two after-school rehearsals before each concert. Participation in rehearsals and concerts is required of every band student.
5. Do students have to buy uniforms?
We dress in nice “church-type” clothing for performances. A Band T-shirt, purchased at the beginning of the school year, is worn for assembly programs.
6. What does my child have to look forward to in his/her future in the band?
During your student’s first year in band, the Sixth Grade Band will perform a Holiday Concert and a Spring Concert. They will also perform a mini-concert during the school day in October for parents. Hewitt students will have the opportunity to compete in the spring at Solo and Ensemble Festival for Superior medals. Our students will also have an opportunity to participate in the Alabama Middle School All-State Honor Band, University Honor Bands, and District Band Contest their seventh and eighth grade years. More importantly, these students will develop a musical skill which will be with them the rest of their lives.
We look forward to having you become a member of the Hewitt-Trussville Middle School Beginning Band. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 228-3663 or email brandon.peters@trussvillecityschools.com.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Crimson Music Camp

A great opportunity is available this summer at the University of Alabama. Crimson Music Camp will be held June 14-19 in Tuscaloosa. All of our students are eligible to attend. Crimson Camp is filled with many great activities for students. Students participate in a concert band, small ensembles, master classes, recreational activities, concerts, and more! Please visit the website below to find the Crimson Camp registration form. There is an early registration discount if you register by May 1!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Materials Check Ahead
We will be having a Materials Test next week. Here are the items required for each band:
Beginning Band
Folder (Name)
Essential Elements Book 1 (Name)
Pass-off Book (if applicable)
Pencil
Instrument; Name tag on case
Reeds (3); Valve Oil; Slide Oil/Cream; Slide Grease; Stick Bag with Sticks
Let's Rock, Infinity March, Star Wars, Expedition, Shorts
Concert Band
Folder (Name)
Essential Elements Book 2
Pass-off Book (if applicable)
Pencil
Instrument; Name tag on case
Reeds (3); Valve Oil; Slide Oil/Cream; Slide Grease; Stick Bag with Sticks
Tone Builders; Band Warmups; Scale Sheet; Rhythm Sheet
Dark Adventure, Dark Fortress, George of the Jungle, Wipeout, Low Rider, March of the Majestics, Furioso, Wigan Warriors, Mt Vernon March
Symphonic Band
Folder (Name)
Essential Elements Book 2
Pass-off Book (if applicable)
Pencil
Instrument; Name tag on case
Reeds (3); Valve Oil; Slide Oil/Cream; Slide Grease; Stick Bag with Sticks
Tone Builders; Band Warmups; Scale Sheet; Rhythm Sheet
Phantom of the Opera, Rise of the Vulcan, Pevensey Castle, Fanfare and Flourishes, Spirit of an Eagle, Pueblo, Curse of Tutankhamun, March to Castle Rock
Beginning Band
Folder (Name)
Essential Elements Book 1 (Name)
Pass-off Book (if applicable)
Pencil
Instrument; Name tag on case
Reeds (3); Valve Oil; Slide Oil/Cream; Slide Grease; Stick Bag with Sticks
Let's Rock, Infinity March, Star Wars, Expedition, Shorts
Concert Band
Folder (Name)
Essential Elements Book 2
Pass-off Book (if applicable)
Pencil
Instrument; Name tag on case
Reeds (3); Valve Oil; Slide Oil/Cream; Slide Grease; Stick Bag with Sticks
Tone Builders; Band Warmups; Scale Sheet; Rhythm Sheet
Dark Adventure, Dark Fortress, George of the Jungle, Wipeout, Low Rider, March of the Majestics, Furioso, Wigan Warriors, Mt Vernon March
Symphonic Band
Folder (Name)
Essential Elements Book 2
Pass-off Book (if applicable)
Pencil
Instrument; Name tag on case
Reeds (3); Valve Oil; Slide Oil/Cream; Slide Grease; Stick Bag with Sticks
Tone Builders; Band Warmups; Scale Sheet; Rhythm Sheet
Phantom of the Opera, Rise of the Vulcan, Pevensey Castle, Fanfare and Flourishes, Spirit of an Eagle, Pueblo, Curse of Tutankhamun, March to Castle Rock
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
YouTube Clip of the Week
We're back from Spring Break and it's time for a new You Tube Clip of the Week. Check out this trumpet ensemble as they perform "Festive Overture." It is truly amazing.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Attention 8th Graders...
8th Graders, you have an awesome opportunity to be a part of the Hewitt-Trussville High School Marching Band next year. This video includes pictures and videos of students who are involved in the HTHS Band. Take a minute to view the clip and see all of the fun things that are happening in the Hewitt Husky Band!!!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
HTMS Bands are Superior!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
HTMS Pre-District Concert
Here are videos of the HTMS Symphonic Band and HTMS Concert Band performing in the Pre-District Concert.
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