Mustang Memo

As we approach the start of the school year, we will continue to update this Summer Mustang Memo with the latest information regarding summer band activities and the start of the school year. Please check out the entire memo for all of the latest details. A brief summary of updates can be found below:

July 3rd Updates

Rockwall ISD posts webpage with the latest planning for the start of 2020-2021
Mustang Music Mondays have been canceled for July
Ben Sumrak named new Rockwall ISD Director of Fine Arts; new RHHS director to be announced soon
Private lessons will remain online for through July

Original Announcements

Jump Start camp will be August 3-6 and 10-13; additional details coming later in July
Summer practice packets are available for download
There are dozens of wonderful summer band camps that are now virtual

Please bookmark this link (https://www.cainmustangband.org/summer) and check back regularly for the most current information!

Rockwall ISD Planning for 2020-2021

Earlier this week, Rockwall ISD sent out an email with a link to a page with the latest updates and information regarding the start of the school year:

https://www.rockwallisd.com/Page/15262

We strongly encourage all parents to check this page often as we approach the first day of school. As the state and district make decisions, this page will be updated first.

Mustang Music Mondays - CANCELLED

Due to the ongoing spike in COVID-19 cases and the current construction at Cain Middle School (replacing A/C,) we are canceling all July Mustang Music Monday rehearsals.

We appreciate your flexibility and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact your child's band director.

Ben Sumrak Named Director of Fine Arts

Congratulations to our Rockwall-Heath High School head director, Mr. Benajmin Sumrak, for being named our new Director of Fine Arts for Rockwall ISD! Mr. Sumrak replaced Mr. Chris Kosterman who retired at the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

The hiring of a new Mighty Hawk head band director is nearly complete! We will share more information about them soon.

Summer Lessons - Online

If your student is taking lessons or would like to start taking private lessons, they can do so over the summer! Our entire private lesson staff is available over the summer for weekly online lessons.

We strongly encourage all band students and especially those students in Honors and Symphonic bands to take private lessons over the summer. With the online learning in March, April, and May, your child is behind in their band education! Taking private lessons, even digitally, can help close the gap before the first day of school.

If you are interested in having your student take lessons over the summer, contact their teacher directly to set up a summer schedule. If you need contact information, you can visit our website at http://www.cainmustangband.org/lessons/

Cain Middle School Band Jump Start Camp

In August, come join us for a two-week jump-start camp for any interested 7th, or 8th grade student. The camp will be taught and led by the Cain Middle School band staff, including private teachers.

At the middle school jump-start camp, students will "catch up" on tone and technique in preparation for the upcoming school year, and cover topics such as scales, tuning, tone production, vibrato, and much more. We will also learn all of the pep songs for the Fall semester and have fun activities each day.

Due to COVID-19, times, locations, and procedures are still to be determined. Below is the most current information:

Who: Any returning band student in the 7th or 8th grade
When: August 3-6 and 10-13 (must attend both weeks)
Where: Location TBD
Cost: $15
Registration: Coming soon! Check back for a link later this summer.
Registration Deadline: August 1st, 2020
Music Packets: Click Here

Summer Practice Packets

To help with summer practicing, we have created a summer music packet for all band students. This packet includes our band warm-ups, technique sheets, scales, and pep music for the Fall semester.

Summer music packets are free to download by clicking the button below. Make sure you download and print the correct instrument!

If you are unable to print a packet and need one mailed to you, please email Mr. Ousey directly at trevor.ousey@rockwallisd.org

Summer Camps

Even with COVID-19, many regular summer camps have now gone digital! This is a great opportunity to take part in a summer band camp without having to leave the comfort of your own home!

These multi-day events offer opportunities to work with renowned faculty and staff in world-class venues and facilities. Additionally, your student will get the opportunity to meet and play with students from around the state who share the passion of music-making. Not to mention, summer music camps are a lot of fun!

Most camps have some level of financial commitment depending on the time frame and other factors. Below are several camps around our area that you may want to research. Many have great websites that give you all of the information you would need.

On a personal note, Mr. Ousey participated in summer music camps all through middle school and high school, and continues to teach and several around the country. These are a wonderful way to have fun in the summer and learn more about the instrument and the process of music-making!