Wednesday, January 15, 2025

January Blog

 Translations

Persian

Russian

Spanish


Happy New Year! Spring is very busy in the Music Department. Please review the performance schedule below and add the dates to your calendar. Some of our events do not have specific times yet so I have given you a general idea. I will update you as soon as the schedule is released for each event. 


Spring Performance Calendar

February 11th: Eich IB Info Night, 5:30-8:00pm Advanced Band
March 5th: Oakmont Concert, Evening Advanced Band
March 8th: Golden Empire Music Festival @ American River College, Afternoon (Schedule coming soon!) Advanced Band Intermediate Band
March 15th: RCSD Music Festival @ Cooley Middle School, (Schedule coming soon!)  Guitar 
April 5th: Tommy A Dinner @ Fairgrounds, Afternoon/early evening Drumline
April 26th: Music in the Parks (Six Flags) Spring Trip, All Day Guitar
May 3rd: Music in the Parks (Six Flags), All Day, Advanced Band Intermediate Band
May 22nd: Spring Concert @ Eich Gym, 7:00pm  ALL GROUPS
May 29th: Promotion Ceremony @ Eich, Morning Advanced Band Intermediate Band

Performance Attire
Our Spring performances will require formal concert clothes.
Formal concert clothes are: ALL blackThis is a dressy outfit that is all black and has no writing or images on it. Examples: black button up shirt, slacks, dress, skirt, shoes, and socks. 

Reeds
If your musician plays clarinet, saxophone, or oboe, you will need to supply reeds. Here are some Amazon links to suggested brands and strengths. You can also buy reeds at any of our local music stores. Musicians should have at least 3 working reeds at all times.

Clarinet:

Bass Clarinet

Oboe

Alto Saxophone

Tenor Saxophone

Bari Saxophone

Monday, December 2, 2024

December Performances

 Translations

en español
На русском языке
bah zaban farsi


Upcoming Performances

December Performance Calendar

December 8th: Centerpoint Church, 9:15am-10:30am All Guitar and Select Advanced Band

December 17th: Field Trip to District Office, Afternoon All Guitar and Select Advanced Band

December 19th: Winter Concert @ Eich, 7:00pm EVERYONE

December 20th: School Assembly @ Eich, 7th period assembly, EVERYONE


Spring Performance Calendar

February 11th: Eich IB Info Night, 5:30-8:00pm Advanced Band

March 8th: Golden Empire Music Festival @ American River College, Advanced Band Intermediate Band

March 15th: RCSD Music Festival @ TBD,   Guitar 

April 26th: Spring Trip, Guitar

May 3rd: Spring Trip, Advanced Band Intermediate Band



Centerpoint Church: Sunday, December 8th  

Date: Sunday, December 8th 
Time: 9:15am-10:30am (Performance begins at 9:50am)
Location: Centerpoint Church, 515 Sunrise Avenue, Roseville, CA 95661 MAP
Attire: Holiday! Wear your ugly sweater, cute sweater, warm sweater. Add a Santa hat or elf ears. Bonus points if you decorate your instrument with ornaments and/or lights.

We have been asked to perform at a special event on Sunday, December 8th. The Centerpoint Church recently made a donation to help fund our campus Kindness Center. In return, Mr. Brown has asked that we perform a "Thank you" concert, along with the Ballroom Dance program. 
We will perform at the church from 10:00-10:30am, in between their regular services. After the performance, families are invited to stay for breakfast and snacks if you would like.   

This is an optional performance opportunity and a chance for us to make community connections. The more musicians we have, the better we sound! Please RSVP with either a "yes, no, or maybe."


Winter Concert: Thursday, December 19th

Date: Thursday, December 19th
Location: Eich Gym
Call Time for Musicians: 6:40pm in the music room
Concert Start Time: 7:00pm (Doors to the gym will open at 6:40pm)
Attire: "Holiday Best" or Disneyland All Black

On Thursday, December 19th we will present our annual Winter Concert in the gym at Eich. The concert will begin at 7pm and will feature our Bands, Guitar Ensemble, and the Ballroom Dance program. The concert is free to attend so please invite all of your family and friends! 

All Band and and Guitar musicians are expected to attend the concert. We rehearse together every day and come to depend on the sound of every musician. It is very important that musicians have the opportunity to perform the same way we have been rehearsing. 
The event itself is not graded, however, students will be completing a summative reflection paper after the concert. 

I am asking students to wear their "holiday best" for the performance OR your Disneyland attire from last year. 
  • "Holiday Best" means collared shirt or blouse, slacks or skirts, and nice shoes. Any color is fine. Holiday themed sweaters are acceptable as long as they are school appropriate.
  • The Disneyland attire is all black: Slacks or ankle length skirt and a long-sleeve button up shirt with black shoes and socks 
The concert is free to attend but we will accept donations at the door and will offer the option to reserve seats for $10 each. This is optional. Order forms will be sent out after fall break. 

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

November 2024

Translations
en español
На русском языке
bah zaban farsi


Upcoming Performances

December Performance Calendar

December 8th: Centerpoint Church, 9:15am-10:30am All Guitar and Select Advanced Band

December 17th: Field Trip to District Office, Afternoon All Guitar and Select Advanced Band

December 19th: Winter Concert @ Eich, 7:00pm EVERYONE

December 20th: School Assembly @ Eich, 7th period assembly, EVERYONE


Spring Performance Calendar

February 11th: Eich IB Info Night, 5:30-8:00pm Advanced Band

March 8th: Golden Empire Music Festival @ American River College, Advanced Band Intermediate Band

March 15th: RCSD Music Festival @ TBD,   Guitar 

April 26th: Spring Trip, Guitar

May 3rd: Spring Trip, Advanced Band Intermediate Band



Centerpoint Church: Sunday, December 8th  

Date: Sunday, December 8th 
Time: 9:15am-10:30am (Performance begins at 9:50am)
Location: Centerpoint Church, 515 Sunrise Avenue, Roseville, CA 95661 MAP
Attire: Holiday! Wear your ugly sweater, cute sweater, warm sweater. Add a Santa hat or elf ears. Bonus points if you decorate your instrument with ornaments and/or lights.

We have been asked to perform at a special event on Sunday, December 8th. The Centerpoint Church recently made a donation to help fund our campus Kindness Center. In return, Mr. Brown has asked that we perform a "Thank you" concert, along with the Ballroom Dance program. 
We will perform at the church from 10:00-10:30am, in between their regular services. After the performance, families are invited to stay for breakfast and snacks if you would like.   

This is an optional performance opportunity and a chance for us to make community connections. The more musicians we have, the better we sound! Please RSVP with either a "yes, no, or maybe."


Winter Concert: Thursday, December 19th

Date: Thursday, December 19th
Location: Eich Gym
Call Time for Musicians: 6:40pm in the music room
Concert Start Time: 7:00pm (Doors to the gym will open at 6:40pm)
Attire: "Holiday Best" or Disneyland All Black

On Thursday, December 19th we will present our annual Winter Concert in the gym at Eich. The concert will begin at 7pm and will feature our Bands, Guitar Ensemble, and the Ballroom Dance program. The concert is free to attend so please invite all of your family and friends! 

All Band and and Guitar musicians are expected to attend the concert. We rehearse together every day and come to depend on the sound of every musician. It is very important that musicians have the opportunity to perform the same way we have been rehearsing. 
The event itself is not graded, however, students will be completing a summative reflection paper after the concert. 

I am asking students to wear their "holiday best" for the performance OR your Disneyland attire from last year. 
  • "Holiday Best" means collared shirt or blouse, slacks or skirts, and nice shoes. Any color is fine. Holiday themed sweaters are acceptable as long as they are school appropriate.
  • The Disneyland attire is all black: Slacks or ankle length skirt and a long-sleeve button up shirt with black shoes and socks 
The concert is free to attend but we will accept donations at the door and will offer the option to reserve seats for $10 each. This is optional. Order forms will be sent out after fall break. 

T-Shirt and Sweatshirt Order

T-shirts/Sweatshirts from our first order have been handed out to students. At this time I do not have any extra shirts or sweatshirts available.   

Reeds (for Band musicians only)

If your musicians plays a reed instrument you will need to supply reeds. I am out of school budget money for reeds!!!!! Here are some Amazon links to suggested brands and strengths. You can also buy reeds at any of our local music stores. Musicians should have at least 3 working reeds at all times.

Clarinet:

Bass Clarinet

Oboe

Alto Saxophone

Tenor Saxophone

Bari Saxophone


Honor Band Opportunities

Honor Bands are a way of celebrating the top musicians in an area by putting them together for one time performance opportunity. There are two Honor Bands available in our area:

Middle School Honor Band: Open to advanced middle school musicians and requires an audition. Audition materials and information about the event can be found here: CMEA-CAP Section Honor Band

Director's Select Honor Band: Open to 7th grade intermediate musicians and is based on director nomination. Each school is allowed 5 nominations. I will be emailing families of nominated students this week. 

Drumline Schedule

The drumline is now rehearsing on a regular basis. Please make sure your musician is at every rehearsal. Your musician may be removed from the group if they miss too many rehearsals. 

Schedule:
Tuesdays @ Lunch
Thursdays @ 7:00am in the music room

Winter Concerts in our Area

Roseville Community Concert Band: Sunday, December 15th @ Maidu, 2:00pm
**Come see Mrs. Aldridge play flute! Student admission is free. Adults will need to purchase a ticket at the door. 
www.rosevilleband.com/

Sacramento Saxophone Christmas: Saturday, December 7th @ Various locations
**100's of saxophones of all sizes get together to perform holiday favorites. You can participate too! See the website for details.
www.sjsaxmas.com

Tuba Christmas: Various days and locations
**100's of tubas and euphoniums get together to perform holdau favorites. You can participate too. See the website for details
www.tubachristmas.com





Sunday, October 6, 2024

October 2024


October Events


There are no Guitar events this month


Oakmont Football Game: Friday, October 11th

Who: Advanced Band
Location: Oakmont Band Room/Stadium
Call Time: 6:00pm (Game begins @ 7:15pm)
Wear: Pink! In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the Viking are holding a "pink out."
Bring: Instrument, Music, Portable Music Stand (leave your case in the car)

We will be performing alongside the Oakmont Band for a High School football game. This is a chance for our musicians to make connections with the high school band students and director as well as get a taste of the high school band experience. We will be performing from the bleachers throughout the game. 

We will meet in the music room (first building/gate on the right as you enter the main parking lot) for a meet-n-greet and quick rehearsal. Then we will march with the high schoolers over to the stadium for the game. 

Students must remain with the Oakmont band for the entire time they are at the game, unless they are checked out by a parent.

Students may be picked up at the front gate after halftime (approximately 8:30pm) or may stay for the whole game. I will escort students to the main gate for pick-up after half-time

Students who remain for the whole game may be picked up near the music room approx. 15 min after the end of the game. 

Family wishing to attend the game will need to enter through the main gate and purchase a ticket.


Oakmont Field Show (National Anthem): Saturday, October 26th

Who: Advanced Band and select Intermediate Band
Location: Oakmont Stadium
Call Time: 2:30pm (SSB @ 2:55pm)
Wear: Eich Music Shirt if you have one or any Eich shirt
Bring: Instrument, Music, Portable Music Stand (leave your case in the car)

The Eich Band gets to be the opening act for the annual Oakmost High School Field Show Competition. This event brings together high school marching bands to perform their field shows in competition. Many of the top bands in the greater Sacramento area will be at this event. 

Intermediate Band musicians who are able to play the Star Spangled Banner are welcome to join us for this performance. 

We will meet in outside the front gate of the Oakmont Football Stadium. 

Parents who would like to watch our performance will need to enter the stadium with the band and watch from the sidelines. You will remain on the track/sidelines for the performance and then leave the stadium with band after the performance.

Musicians will be excused immediately after the Star Spangled Banner

Students who wish to stay for the band competition will get free admission. Parents will need to purchase a ticket. Students will not be supervised by Mrs. Aldridge after the performance. 


Department Spirit-Wear

Order your 2024/25 Eich Music T Shirt and/or Hoodie now. We will wear this design at several performances throughout the year. You are welcome to order extras for family and friends to show their support too!


Grading Updates

As you know, we are halfway through the 1st Trimester. All classes have now had at least one summative. 

Summative Retakes

Musicians may retake any performance summative for a higher grade. Retakes must be resubmitted in the trimester they were originally assigned. Retakes can be recorded at home or in the music room at lunch, before, or after school. 

Missing Assignments

Missing formative (practice) assignments are optional to make-up. These are practice assignments that lead up to our summates. If your student is a missing a formative it is up to them if they want to pursue completing and turning in the assignment. I do not grade make-up formatives after the corresponding summative has been given. 

Missing Summative (final) assignments can be completed up until the end of the trimester. 
Performance summatives can be recorded during class or at home.
Written summatives must be taken in class

Proficient and Mastery Criterion

A Proficient (5/6) grade means that your musician is performing at exactly the level that we have been practicing towards. 
A Mastery (7/8) grade means your musician is performing at a level beyond what we have been practicing in rehearsal. Meaning they are extending their skill and knowledge by seeking out advanced performance skills. Each assessment comes with a discussion about the difference between Proficient and Mastery skills. 

Drumline

All musicians in the music department are eligible to join our Eich Drumline!
The Drumline meets after school two days a week and plays on special marching percussion equipment. We perform several times a year at rallies, concerts, and other community events. 
Our Drumline is limited to 12 musicians. 
We will have an informational meeting for students at lunch on Tuesday, October 15th. 
Practices will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00-7:45am beginning October 22nd. 

If your musician is interested in Drumline, please complete this form


Reeds (for Band musicians only)

If your musicians plays a reed instrument you will need to supply reeds. Here are some Amazon links to suggested brands and strengths. You can also buy reeds at any of our local music stores. Musicians should have at least 3 working reeds at all times.

Clarinet:

Bass Clarinet

Oboe

Alto Saxophone

Tenor Saxophone

Bari Saxophone

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

September 2024

 Instrument Shortage

We are currently out of instruments to loan to students and do not have enough to cover our 6th grade beginning band class! Since the beginning band class is only 12 weeks long, these students use school instruments. 
If your musician is currently using one of the school-owned instruments listed below, I am once again asking and encouraging you to consider renting or purchasing an instrument for the school year. 

Instruments to consider renting/purchasing:
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone

Rentals and Purchases
Our local music stores all offer great quality rental instruments beginning at $25/month. They also include a rent-to-own program. This is a short list of stores that I have personal experience with. There are many others in the greater Roseville area that also offer quality services. I encourage you to shop local when it comes to instruments as some larger chain stores do not offer the same quality. Please reach out of you have any questions or would like suggestions if considering purchasing an instrument. 

*Offers an online rental experience. If you choose the "delivery" option then the instrument will be dropped off at Eich or I will pick it up. 

*15% off coupon for accessories




Instrument Contract

Musicians with school instruments have been given an Instrument Contract for your signature. Please complete as much of the form as you can, and then sign and return it. We will complete the instrument information (serial number, brand etc) in class. 

We are asking for a voluntary $30 donation to help cover the maintenance costs for the instruments. This includes any minor repairs that may be needed throughout the school. 
Donations can be made in cash or check made out to "Eich Middle School."



Calendar Update

  • Saturday, October 26th @ afternoon(TBD): Oakmont Field Show 
    • Advanced Band will perform the National Anthem at the opening of the Field Show Competition at Oakmont High School. 

Reeds

If your musicians plays a reed instrument you will need to supply reeds. Here are some Amazon links to suggested brands and strengths. You can also buy reeds at any of our local music stores. Musicians should have at least 3 working reeds at all times.

Clarinet:

Bass Clarinet

Oboe

Alto Saxophone

Tenor Saxophone

Bari Saxophone

 


Thursday, August 8, 2024

August 2024: Welcome Back!

 Welcome to the 2024/25 school year in the music room! In this blog you will find all of the start up information for the music department. This is the same information that was presented at Back to School Night (plus a little more). Please reach out if you have any questions! I look forward to making lots of music with your students this year!


Syllabus



Student Teacher

I am very excited to welcome Jacob Green to the Music Room. Mr. Green is currently an studying for his teaching credential at Sacramento State and will be student teaching with me this year. If you see him around, please give him a big Eich welcome!

Supplies

Everyone 

  • Binder - black, 1" with "clearview" front and inside pockets
  • Sheet protectors x 25
  • Dividers x 5
  • Binder Paper
  • Pencil

Instrument Specific Supplies

  • Clarinet/Saxophone
    • Reeds: Size 3 for your specific instrument (ex, size 3 for Tenor Saxophone)
      • Brands: Rico, Rico Royal, Vandoran
      • Please have 2-3 working reeds at all times
  • Oboe/Bassoon
    • Reeds: Medium or Medium Soft strength for your instrument
      • Brands: Jones, Forrest
      • Please have at least 2 working reeds at all times
  • Brass (Tumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba)
    • Valve Oil
      • Preferred Brands: Yamaha, Al Cass, Blue Juice
  • Percussion/Drums
    • Sticks: size 5A or 5B
  • Guitar
    • Picks: Any style or strength
    • Capo
    • Clip on tuner


Instruments 

Guitar
Each student will have access to a school guitar to use in class. 
Students may choose to use a personal guitar as long as it is an acoustic (non-electric) model.
Students may store personal guitars in the music room. The music room is open at 7:45am every morning for instrument drop-off and until 2:30pm each day for pick-up. 

Band

Instrument Choice
If your student played a band instrument last year they are encouraged to continue playing the same instrument this year. The exceptions are for our less common instruments that may not have been available last year OR in the case that we have too many musicians on the same instrument. 

If your student is new to band then we will be exploring the available instrument options in class. Expect them to be assigned an instrument by the end of next week. 

My goal is to get every student on an instrument that excites them, fits their physical features, and is readily available to them.  We also need a "balanced" ensemble with representation from all of the instrument voices. With all of this in mind, it may be possible that your student's best option is their 2nd or 3rd choice instrument. I encourage students to keep an open mind and give the instrument 3-4 weeks of effort before we discuss making a change.  


Inventory
The school has a limited instrument inventory to loan to students. 
Most of our smaller, more common instruments, are reserved for our 6th grade Beginning Band students. 
Musicians in our yearlong band classes are asked to consider renting or purchasing their own instrument. The larger, less common (and more expensive!) instruments are generally available to loan to our yearlong students. 
This table lists the instruments on the Rental vs Loan list. 

Family Rental/Purchase**

School Loan 

Flute

Oboe

Bb Clarinet

Bassoon

Eb Alto Saxophone

Bass Clarinet

Trumpet

Bb Tenor Saxophone

Trombone

Eb Bari Saxophone

Percussion Kit (Snare/Xylophone)

F Horn


Euphonium/Baritone


Tuba

**If your student plays one of these instruments and needs to loan one from the school, please reach out and I will make every effort to have one available. If the instrument is not available then we will look at other instrument options.  

Rentals and Purchases
Our local music stores all offer great quality rental instruments beginning at $25/month. They also include a rent-to-own program. This is a short list of stores that I have personal experience with. There are many others in the greater Roseville area that also offer quality services. I encourage you to shop local when it comes to instruments as some larger chain stores do not offer the same quality. Please reach out of you have any questions or would like suggestions if considering purchasing an instrument. 

*Offers an online rental experience. If you choose the "delivery" option then the instrument will be dropped off at Eich or I will pick it up. 

*15% off coupon for accessories

*Had a limited inventory remaining as of last week



Performance Calendar

This is the calendar for all four of our performance groups. But, not all groups perform at every event. Be sure to look for your student's class before adding the event to your calendar. 
I will send details and reminders for each event as we get closer to the date. 
  • Friday, October 11th, evening @ Oakmont Stadium: Oakmont Football Game w/OHS Band
    • Advanced Band will perform alongside the Oakmont High School Band in the stands for the football game

  • Sunday, December 8th, morning @ Centerpoint Church
    • Guitar Ensemble will perform our annual "thank you" concert for the Centerpoint Church community along with the Ballroom Dance program

  • Thursday, December 19th, 7pm @ Eich Gym: Winter Showcase 
    • Advanced Band Intermediate Band Guitar Ensemble will perform a combined concert along with the Ballroom dance program. 

  • Saturday March 15th: RCSD Music Festival
    • Guitar Ensemble will participate in the music festival. We will be evaluated and rated by judges (non-competitive).
    • Usually the first Saturday in March. I will update you once the schedule is released

  • Saturday TBD March: American River College Music Festival
    • Advanced Band Intermediate Band will participate in the music festival. We will be evaluated and rated by judges (non-competitive).
    • Usually the second or third Saturday in March. I will update you once the schedule is released

  • Saturday, May 3rd: Six Flags Spring Trip
    • Advanced Band Intermediate Band a one day trip to compete in the Music in the Parks festival and celebrate at the Six Flags theme park

  • Thursday, May 22nd, 7pm @ Eich Gym: Spring Concert
    • Advanced Band Intermediate Band Guitar Ensemble will perform a combined concert along with the Ballroom dance program. 

Performance Uniform

Families are responsible for providing a performance uniform for their musician. 

Formal Uniform - for concerts and festivals/competition

  • All Black "from toes to elbows"
    • Black, closed toed shoes
    • Black pants or skirt/dress with tights
    • Black shirt with full length or 3/4 length sleeves

Informal Uniform - for school rallies, field trips or other community events

  • Optional music department T-shirt - available for purchase soon
  • Eich branded shirts 


Week-at-a-Glance

The Week-at-a-Glance (WAG) document will be updated each Monday to include the weekly activities, assignments, and practice goals. The WAG is posted in OTUS and Clever. We will access and view this document daily in class. If a student is absent for any reason, they should access the WAG to keep up with the class. 


Assignments

All assignments will be posted and graded in OTUS. Parents can view the description and rubric for each assignment. You will not be able to view the student work if you are logged in as a parent. 
There are three types of assignments in music class:
  1. Performance Tests - video recorded in OTUS
  2. Written Assignments - written analysis of the music we are exploring and composition assignments.
  3. Reflections - Written reflections on our process and progress
Assignments and assessments fall under the four IB Objectives for Visual and Performing Arts: 
A: Investigating
i. investigate a movement or genre in their chosen arts discipline, related to the statement of inquiry
ii. critique an artwork or performance from the chosen movement or genre.
B: Developing Skills
i. practically explore ideas to inform development of a final artwork or performance
ii. present a clear artistic intention for the final artwork or performance in line with the statement of
inquiry.
C: Creating and Performing
i. create or perform an artwork.
D: Evaluating
i. appraise their own artwork or performance
ii. reflect on their development as an artist.

Assignment names will include the Criterion and strands that are being assessed. Students will get a grade for each criterion assessed. Some assignments may have 1-2 grades, other may have 5-6 grades. OTUS will calculate an overall grade for each assignment. 

Example assignment name: "Ai, Bii, Ci, Cii, Diii - What's in a Name Composition"

Each Objective strand will be graded twice per year (not per trimester). 


Grading

All assignments are graded on the school-wide 8 Point Rubric. 
  • 7-8 Mastery = going above and beyond the expected 
  • 5-6 Proficient = grade level work
  • 3-4 Approaching = approaching grade level work
  • 1-2 Beginning = below grade level work
  • IE Insufficient Evidence = missing or incomplete assignment
Students may revise and resubmit any assignment for a higher score
Late or missing assignments are accepted until the end of the current trimester


About Me!

I began playing the flute in 4th grade and never stopped! Currently I am the principal flute player in the Roseville Community Concert Band where I also play piccolo and the occasional Bassoon. You can also find me in various pit orchestras for local theater groups. 

My Alma Maters include Yuba Community College (AA in Music), The University of Southern California (BA in Music Education, California Teaching Credential), and Sam Houston State University (MM in Music Pedagogy and Instrumental Conducting). 

The 2024/25 school year will be my 19th year teaching! I have taught every grade level from Kindergarten to the Community College level. Middle school remains my favorite age group to teach. 

I have had the opportunity to perform all over the world including Canada, France, Italy, Japan,  and China. And with many celebrity musicians such as Earth, Wind and Fire, System of a Down, the Offspring, KC and the Sunshine Band. 
My favorite performance of all time was at the 2004 Rosebowl Game where USC beat Michigan (Fight On!) and the USC band got to perform the National Anthem with John Williams conducting (he composed the music for Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and many other blockbusters). Here's the video and if you pause at 0:24 you will see me playing flute in the left hand corner!