Concert attendance is MANDATORY: A concert is a culmination of everything we have learned up until that point. We perform to celebrate the musical learning that has taken place and to share it with others.  Excused absences result only from a family emergency, religious holiday, illness, or another situation approved by the principal.  If you have a conflict with a concert, please let Mrs. Schneider know ASAP!

Freedom Middle School 2010-2011 Concert Dates include:

DATE	LOCATION	TIME	EVENT
Thursday, 9/23/10	Heritage MS	3:30-4:30p.m.	7th/8th marching percussion rehearsal
Wednesday, 9/29/10	Heritage MS	6-8 p.m.	7th/8th Houby Day Rehearsal
Saturday, 10/2/10	Heritage MS Gym	10 a.m.-12 p.m.	7th/8th Houby Day Rehearsal
Sunday, 10/03/10	Heritage MS	10:45am arrival	7th/8th Houby Day Parade
Thursday, 12/9/10	Freedom MS	6:30 p.m.	6th-8th Band & Choir  Winter Concert
Tuesday, 2/1/11	Freedom MS	6:30 p.m.	5th Grade Beginning Band Concert
Saturday, 2/19/11	River Grove	TBA	Solo & Ensemble Contest (6th-8th)
Friday, 3/18/11	Freedom MS	TBA	Freedom’s Finest (Jazz band and small groups of music/dance/drama)
Thursday, 4/28/11	Freedom MS	6:30 p.m.	Spring Band & Choir Concert (5th-8th)
Saturday, 4/30/11	TBA School/ Six Flags G.A.	8 a.m.-9 p.m.	7th/8th “Music in the Parks” Contest & Day at Great America
Date TBA	Safari Land Trip	Evening TBA.	6/7/8 reward trip to Safari Land
Wednesday, 6/1/11	Morton West HS	6:30 p.m.	Graduation Performance -6/7/8 Band

Concert Attire: See below for all concerts, unless otherwise stated.

Ladies – White blouse and black skirt or black dress pants.  Skirt length is recommended to go to the knees or longer.  Dark, clean, dress shoes.

Gentlemen – White dress shirt, black or very dark dress slacks, tie (optional), and dark, clean, dress shoes. 

No jeans, t-shirts, denim, mini-skirts, gym shoes, capris pants, sleeveless tops or filthy shoes! 

Concert Etiquette:

Helpful Hints for Performers: 

• Always look your best, be dressed in appropriate concert dress.
• Never talk during a concert, always be alert and respectful.
• Count your rests quietly, and do not tap your foot loudly.
• Do not leave to use the restroom at any time.
• Do not wave at audience members that you know; politely smile instead.
• Play your best, this is your chance to shine!

Helpful Hints for Audience Members:

• Please be seated before the starting time of the concert.
• If you are bringing small children, please stress the importance of being quiet while the music is being performed. 
• If you must leave for any reason, please do so between musical selections.  Please re-enter between selections also. 
• If you have a small child who will not stop crying or cannot sit still, please take them out of the room quickly and quietly. 
• Please do not try to speak to anyone while they are seated and ready to perform.
• Please listen to the music respectfully; try not to talk, whisper, cough, or make other audible noises.  That will distract performers. 
• Please do not move around during the performance.  Others are trying to listen to the music.
• Please do not call out your child’s name.
• Do not applaud between movements of a song.
• Wait to applaud until the conductor’s hands go down and you are sure the piece is finished.  Please only clap with hands; do not cheer, yell or boo. 
• After the concert, let your child know that he or she did well and you appreciate their efforts.