BAND & CHOIR
NEWSLETTER
January 2024
Semester Overview
We have kicked off January working on New
Music in all classes, and our choirs are
getting a taste of some world languages!
Our choirs are preparing for our District
Choir Festival on March 12 at Miller Middle
School. This festival is always a ton of fun,
and the students get to sing with their peers
from around the District. More details to
come.
Spring Trip for 7th/8th Grade!
Thank you to those of you who have
expressed interest in helping plan our Spring
Trip for 7th and 8th Grade music students. I
will be reaching out soon with ways you may
be able to help. Mr Jones and I are finalizing
the date for this trip which was tentatively
planned for May 4-5th. Any potential changes
will be communicated promptly.
Band/ Instrument Reminders:
There has been an uptick in instruments
being left at home this month. No alternative
assignment can replace the act of physically
playing an instrument, and I do not wish for
any students to fall behind. I kindly ask for
your cooperation in reminding students to
bring their instrument to school so they can
participate fully in class!
If you have any questions, please reach out
anytime at bsmith@durangoschools.org.
EscalanteMusic.weebly.com
B.A.S.H. & C.A.S.H
Band After School Help, or BASH, AND Choir
After School Help, or CASH, meets on
Tuesdays after school until 4:30pm.
Before School Open Practice:
Open Practice is available on Thursday
mornings before school from 7:30-8:00am,
for any students who could benefit from
BASH/CASH but cannot make it after school.
Music Shirts & Payment:
All Students should now have a music shirt. If
you are missing any extras you may have
ordered, please reach out. If you still need to
pay for your shirt, please follow this link to
pay online: Pay for shirts link (The page says
“Band Shirt” but works for choir as well.)
Please send me an email once you complete
this payment or if you have an questions.
bsmith@durangoschools.org. (If you have
already paid, thank you and please ignore)
UPCOMING EVENTS/DATES*:
FEBRUARY 4-5:
FORT LEWIS HONOR BAND
MARCH 7:
FORT LEWIS JAZZ FESTIVAL
MARCH 12:
DURANGO 9R CHOIR FESTIVAL
 Spring 2024 EMS Band/Choir Dates
Some dates/ times may change.

Quarters 3 & 4 - 2024:

February 2-3 | Fort Lewis College Select Band, CCH
February/ March | Informal Virtual Band Concert (TBD)
March 7 | Fort Lewis College Jazz Festival, CCH
March 12 | 9-R Choir Festival| 6pm, MMS
March 14 | DHS Showcase Concert, DHS
April 18 | CHSAA Large Group Festival in Bayfield.
May 2 | ABQ Send-off Concert | 6pm, EMS
May 4-5th | 7th/ 8th Grade to Albuquerque
May 9 | 6th Grade Band and Choir Concert | 6pm, EMS

School Instrument Return Deadline: Wednesday, May 17th.

CCH = Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis

EMS = Escalante Middle School
MMS = Miller Middle School
DHS = Durango High School