What’s New?

Smart Parents Program

The St. Marys City Schools Bands are participating in the Conn-Selmer “Smart Parents” rewards program. Parents in grades 5 through 7 who have purchased or rented a Conn-Selmer instrument can earn 5 points for our account by registering your instrument at www.firstinstrument.com. A complete list of qualifying instruments is available on this website. Enter our SMART ID code: CS0577 and follow the instructions to complete registration of your instrument, including the serial number (which can be found on your instrument or on the rental contract.) Parent registration began on April 1 for the 2008-09 school year.

Our school can collect points and redeem them for free instruments through Conn-Selmer, the largest band instrument manufacturer in North America. As we collect points, we can redeem them for some of the larger instruments most commonly owned by schools.

Alumni Update/MHS Band Hall of Fame

We are aware of several Memorial High School band alumni who will be performing in a college or university band this fall. Congratulations to:

• College of Mt. St. Josephs Marching Band: Mallory Koch (’06)
• Kent State University Marching Band: Kelly Byer (’07) – picture below!
• Miami University Marching Band: Jennifer Miller (’05)
• Mount Vernon Nazarene: Kenta Gumbert (’06)
• Ohio Dominican Marching Band: Katie Muhlenkamp (’08)
• Ohio Northern University Steel Drum Band: Lindsey Newlove (’06)
• Purdue University Marching Band: Brandon Kill (’07) – picture below!
• University of Dayton Marching Band: Jarrod Kinkley (’08) – Ed Larkin (’08)
• University of Dayton Wind Ensemble: Jarrod Kinkley (’08)
• University of Findlay: Sara Yahl (’05)
• University of Missouri at Kansas City (grad school): Adam Uhlenhake (’04)

Please contact Mr. Newlove at the High School Band Office with any other alumni names that we may have missed so we can share this good news!

MHS Band alumni who have performed at least one quarter or semester in a college, military, or community band or orchestra are eligible for the Memorial High School Band Hall of Fame award. The members of the Hall of Fame serve as models of our philosophy that “Music is for a Lifetime.” A copy of a program, picture, or some verification is needed. Click here for a listing of almost 100 current members. Please contact Mr. Newlove at the High School Band Office with any names that are eligible for induction during the 2008-2009 school year. This years induction will be at the annual Winter Band Concert on Sunday, January 11, 2009, at 2 PM in the Performing Arts Center.

Above left: MHS graduates Chris Falkner (middle) and Greg Falkner (right) join their father Dick in the

2006 Notre Dame Alumni Band. Over 1200 alumni participated in the event (picture on the right.)

Why Music is Important!

According to the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, “Considerable research suggests that the early years of a person’s life are the most important in establishing his or her values, shaping an outlook on life, and developing patterns of learning. Participation in musical activities can play a vital role in all three of these areas.”

With the threat of budget cuts affecting Music and the Fine Arts in schools throughout Ohio and the United States, it is important that all are aware of the importance of these subjects in the school curriculum. Studies have shown that student participation in the arts leads to increased test scores, attendance, graduation rates, and decreased discipline problems in the school setting. Check out the following websites for other interesting facts regarding the importance of Music Education in our schools:

Music Educator’s National Conference

Support Music

Music For All

American Music Conference

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