Week 24: February 6-11, 2023
MONDAY |
HS Concert Band Sections (Flutes, Oboe, Clarinets) (3:45pm-5:00pm) |
TUESDAY |
No Jazz Band This Week HS Concert Band Sections (Alto Saxes & Horns) (3:45pm-5:00pm) MS 7th/8th Grade Full Band Rehearsal (CANCELLED) |
WEDNESDAY |
HS Concert Band Sections (Trumpets) (3:45pm-5:00pm) |
THURSDAY |
HS Concert Band Sections (Low Brass/Low Reeds) (3:45pm-5:00pm) |
FRIDAY |
High School District Honor Band Event for selected high school students (more info below) |
SATURDAY |
High School District Honor Band Event for selected high school students (more info below) |
As always, please check the band's calendar at:
FROM THE DIRECTORS:
A child growing up with both music education and athletic participation can learn many valuable skills, both cognitive and physical, that lead to a more significant development and success in learning and potentially his or her future career. Therefore, kids should be encouraged to stay active in both music and sports as long as the desire and motivation are prevalent. As an adult, a combination of music and sports can provide many positive pathways to improving one’s ability and enjoyment in his or her chosen field of work. For what seems like two very different worlds of entertainment, music and sport are in fact more related and provide the perfect balance to improve and optimize one’s life.
At Cherokee Bluff, we are so fortunate to have students that participate in both athletics and music. We make it possible to do both - and our students do both really well. We are thankful for our Athletic department that fosters collaboration with us to allow our students the opportunity to be multi-facet. Sports and music are highly complementary to each other when you consider the most important qualities and skills a person should be developing throughout life, including dedication, work ethic, critical thinking, learning to work synergistically with others…the list goes on and on.
So, while it’s true that time spent on one area of emphasis takes away time available to spend developing talent in the other, I believe that a well-rounded person has a fully developed background in both sports and music.
At Cherokee Bluff, we are so fortunate to have students that participate in both athletics and music. We make it possible to do both - and our students do both really well. We are thankful for our Athletic department that fosters collaboration with us to allow our students the opportunity to be multi-facet. Sports and music are highly complementary to each other when you consider the most important qualities and skills a person should be developing throughout life, including dedication, work ethic, critical thinking, learning to work synergistically with others…the list goes on and on.
So, while it’s true that time spent on one area of emphasis takes away time available to spend developing talent in the other, I believe that a well-rounded person has a fully developed background in both sports and music.
CBBA GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

CBBA GENERAL MEETING
All parents are welcome to attend (Grades 6-12) as we work together to build an awesome experience for our kids.
Our next CBBA General Meeting is Tuesday, March 7 (7:00pm) in CBHS Band Room.
All parents are welcome to attend (Grades 6-12) as we work together to build an awesome experience for our kids.
Our next CBBA General Meeting is Tuesday, March 7 (7:00pm) in CBHS Band Room.

It's true that band is a wonderful experience for the students. It's also true that there's a lot of work required to support it! That's why we need you as a volunteer. And, yes, you really will have fun when you volunteer and get to know other parents and band students. Check out our SIGNUPGENIUS link to see how you can help us!
If you haven't already, join our Cherokee Bluff Band Parents Association - CBBA Facebook Group - this is a wonderful place to get answers, share photos, and talk with other band parents. Just search Cherokee Bluff Band Parents Association - CBBA (see image below.
Middle School Announcements:
6th Grade Band:
Pass off lines: Students have a list of 10 pass off lines to check off by the end of the 9 weeks that will be a significant portion of their grade. Pass-offs occur in class every Tuesday and Thursday and they help determine chair placements for concerts. Instruments should still be taken home at least 2-3 times per week and always on Fridays. At least 100 minutes of weekly practice will ensure progress is being made and individual growth is occurring.
7th and 8th Grade Band
- Honor Band Event: Congratulations to all our 7th and 8th Grade students who participated in the GMEA District 14 Middle School Honor Band this past weekend. The concert was outstanding and we are so proud of these students. Go Bears!
- LGPE Letter: Click HERE to see the letter sent home with students with all details for our LGPE rehearsals and performances. We will have several after-school rehearsals over the next two months as we prepare for this very important event. Please mark these dates on your calendars. Attendance at rehearsals and performances are mandatory and count as grades.
- Upcoming Sectionals and Rehearsals: The Full Band Rehearsal for 7th and 8th Grade Band students scheduled for this Tuesday, February 7th has been CANCELLED. Next week will be a High Voices Sectional (Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets, Alto Saxes, Trumpets, Horns) on Tuesday, February 14th until 5:00pm. As always, students receive grades for attendance at after school rehearsals and concerts.
High School Announcements:
- District Honor Band Event this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. You can find the schedule HERE. The organizers have made a slight alteration to the schedule. Students in the 9/10 and 11/12 Honor Band will be at Jefferson High School and the 9/12 Clinic Band will be at Jackson Co. High School. Additional information can be found HERE. (but please follow the updated schedule at the link above). As previously stated, parents/students are responsible for the transportation to these rehearsals/performances. This is an incredible event for our students to play in an "all-star" group. Please let Mr. Cantrell know if you have any questions.
- Our next performance will be for Large Group Performance Evaluations (LGPE), also known as Festival. LGPE is our evaluative performance where we are judged by band directors who give us feedback and scores. After our Prep Camps this weekend, we will be scheduling several after-school sectionals and rehearsals as we prepare for this very important event. Please mark these dates on your calendars. Attendance at rehearsals and performances are mandatory and count as grades.
- Upcoming Sectionals and Rehearsals: As indicated in the Band's Calendar, sectional rehearsals continue this week with Concert Band. Next week our students will have Full Band rehearsals after school. Please study the calendar carefully to know when you/your child has a sectional rehearsal. As always, students receive grades for attendance at after school rehearsals and concerts. Please contact Mr. Cantrell if you have any questions.
- SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION! The Kiwanis Club of Gainesville invites all band students (9-12) at Cherokee Bluff to participate in the 2023 Kiwanis Performing Arts Showcase. This competition provides an opportunity for high school students to receive county and statewide recognition for their talent and hard work. In addition, this is an opportunity for our students to win scholarship funds to help finance their college education. 1st place is $2,500, 2nd place is $1,500, and 3rd place is $1,000. Additional information, along with the application can be found HERE.
- Fine Arts Diploma Seal Information: Mr. Cantrell met with senior band members regarding the Fine Arts Diploma Seal Application. This is a fantastic opportunity for seniors to earn an additional distinction on their diploma and be recognized during graduation ceremonies. More information can be found HERE.
- SCROLL DOWN AND LOOK AT ALL OF THE EVENT DATES ON THE CALENDAR! There is a list of events and a calendar. All parents and students need to mark these events on their calendar. There is no excuse for not knowing what's going on...please mark your calendars!
- Attendance: Every parent and student should read the ATTENDANCE POLICY. Please be reminded that if you see that you are going to be absent from class or rehearsal, please notify Mr. Cantrell so that we can plan accordingly for our rehearsals. It is recommended that you notify him well in advance (NOT THE DAY OF THE ABSENCE!). This is the link for the ABSENCE REQUEST FORM if you know you will be missing a rehearsal/event.
Disney Trip 2023
(HS Band Students & 8th-Grade Students in the Marching Band only)
Thank you for your interest in the CBHS Band/Chorus Spring Break Trip to Walt Disney World being held in Orlando April 1 - 5, 2023. Below are a few links that you will need to access in order to get the details of the trip, fill out the traveler information form, process the payment for the initial deposit, and to opt-in to the Cancel For Any Reason travel Protection.
Use this link for the information that was discussed at the Disney Trip Informational Meeting:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14I2NQLwjpaX6Zvm-n7y0iqkO9_4oqSsp?usp=sharing
Action Items to complete:
Payment Schedule (per person/non-refundable):*
We are currently not offering parent/family packages as part of this program, however, if you are interested in going to Walt Disney World during this time, please email me separately and I can build you a package for the rest of your family to enjoy a magical vacation!
I am so excited to help your students with their Spring Break trip! Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need anything else from me. I am here to help make this an amazing trip for your student!
Kim Daffron (kimdaffron@travelmation.net)
Use this link for the information that was discussed at the Disney Trip Informational Meeting:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14I2NQLwjpaX6Zvm-n7y0iqkO9_4oqSsp?usp=sharing
Action Items to complete:
- Register student(s) for the event. Process $250 deposit payment through the registration link below. The CBHS Band/Chorus Event Page has all the information, details, and costs related to the event.
- CLICK HERE IF PAYING BY CREDIT CARD OR BANK TRANSFER: A Transaction/Convenience fee for processing will be applied at checkout.
- CLICK HERE IF PAYING BY CHECK: Make checks payable to Travelmation LLC and put 'CBHS Band/Chorus" in the subject line. Mail them to: Travelmation Finance, 1180 N. Federal Hwy Unit 903, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304. NOTE: the registration system will require you to input credit card details, but this will only be used if payments are past due. Nothing will be charged without prior approval.
- Basic Travel Insurance is included in the total price, but click here to purchase the Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Option. This will cover your non-refundable payments in case of cancellation. A refund of $30 will be applied to your final payment if this insurance is purchased. (see attached for more details)
Payment Schedule (per person/non-refundable):*
- February 3, 2023 – $165 students (this amount will be adjusted for add-ons/credits applied to account)
*Convenience Fees for credit cards/bank transfers are not included in the amounts listed.
We are currently not offering parent/family packages as part of this program, however, if you are interested in going to Walt Disney World during this time, please email me separately and I can build you a package for the rest of your family to enjoy a magical vacation!
I am so excited to help your students with their Spring Break trip! Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need anything else from me. I am here to help make this an amazing trip for your student!
Kim Daffron (kimdaffron@travelmation.net)
MARCHING BEARS ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Tues. May 9: 2023 Marching Band Registration Meeting (TBA)

Looking ahead to 2023:
Guard & Percussion Camp: June 26 - June 30 (All Colorguard and Percussion students must attend!)
Parent Meeting: July 16 (CBHS Theater - 5:00pm)
Marching Bears Pre-Camp Rehearsals: July 17-18, July 20-21 (All Marching Bears members must attend)
Marching Bears Band Camp: July 24 - July 28 (All Marching Bears members must attend)
*Please note that the above dates are required for full participation in the Marching Bears.
You can NOT miss any of those dates - NO EXCUSES!
Guard & Percussion Camp: June 26 - June 30 (All Colorguard and Percussion students must attend!)
Parent Meeting: July 16 (CBHS Theater - 5:00pm)
Marching Bears Pre-Camp Rehearsals: July 17-18, July 20-21 (All Marching Bears members must attend)
Marching Bears Band Camp: July 24 - July 28 (All Marching Bears members must attend)
*Please note that the above dates are required for full participation in the Marching Bears.
You can NOT miss any of those dates - NO EXCUSES!
Marching Bears Weekly Practice Schedule
WEEKLY PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
Mondays: Guard & Percussion Sectionals (4pm-6pm) / Winds Sections (TBA)
Tuesdays: FULL BAND (All Students) (4pm-7pm)
Thursdays: FULL BAND (All Students) (4pm-7pm)
Fridays: Football Game Performances
Saturdays: 9/16, 9/30, 10/7
Mondays: Guard & Percussion Sectionals (4pm-6pm) / Winds Sections (TBA)
Tuesdays: FULL BAND (All Students) (4pm-7pm)
Thursdays: FULL BAND (All Students) (4pm-7pm)
Fridays: Football Game Performances
Saturdays: 9/16, 9/30, 10/7
Student attendance at ALL rehearsals are required. Failure to communicate pre-arranged absences will result in penalty or withdrawal from the group. In order for us to be successful, we need ALL STUDENTS at rehearsal ALL OF THE TIME!
CHEROKEE BLUFF BAND CORPORATE SPONSORS
2022-2023