Your child has enjoyed remarkable growth in their musical skills. They have beamed with pride at the conclusion of each performance. They are eager to show off the newest note, the newest song, the newest rhythm they learned in rehearsal.

But lately, you may noticed a change in attitude when it comes to participating in music. And, after a little digging, you’ve come to find out that it’s not the instrument, not the director, not the music…it’s their peers.

Some of their friends have used the worst four-letter-word in music. They have friends who are going to QUIT.

It’s a surprise to few parents that the social aspect of middle school can be tough for even the most self-aware, secure child. Many students begin their adventure in music because their friends are trying it too — and that’s perfectly fine! But once the “quit” word starts getting thrown around in a social group, it can spread faster than a wildfire. Young kids can be easily moved by peer pressure, if their views about music and performing an instrument are grounded in extrinsic motivators.

But YOU know how important music and the arts are. So, what can you do in this situation?

Be willing to take that option off the table.
Kids are smart, and they’re good at finding chinks in your armor. If they figure out that they can get out of music, they can be likely to take that option when peer pressure mounts, or when the going gets tough. If, however, they know from the start that quitting music is a non-starter, they can be removed from the changing whims of social groups. Sure, there might be some pushback, but in the end they will respect you and feel much more secure if the plan from the start is that music is here to stay.

Reach out to us.
We are here to help. If you sense a change in your child’s feelings about music, please let us know. You know your child best, and recognizing the change early can make the difference. This partnership in your child’s music education can be a powerful factor in determining their trajectory. There are many ways we can address this challenge, and the early warning improves their effectiveness. Please know that it’s not too late to re-enroll your student back into band if they have already selected a different elective for next school year; we can help you with this – just let us know.

There can be legitimate, healthy reasons for a child to leave our music program. In most cases, however, students need help seeing the investment they are making in a long-term activity. We’re here, ready to partner with you to make your child’s experience the best it can be!

The Union Bands Teaching Team

Resource Night

Thursday, April 22, 8:30p - 9:15p in the High School Bus Loop. More details HERE.

"Its Time to get started"

We are starting to work on next year’s props for the Renegade Regiment Competitive Marching Show, and we’re in need of your help. If you are interested or want to learn about helping building, setting up, and pushing the props on and off of the field for contests and Friday Nights, our first meeting will be Tuesday, April 27th, at 6 pm on the visitor side of the stadium. We get great sneak peeks into the show, front row, field access to the action, and lots of interaction with the students during some awesome moments like coming out of th tunnel at a big contest. There is no experience necessary, and if you can hold a paint brush, we can definitely use your talents. If you have any questions please send an email to propertymanager@unionbands.com

See you Next week,

Jason Myers, Property Manager, UBPC

New Popcornopolis Fundraiser

Orders and money are due TONIGHT. More info HERE

Current Individual Fundraisers

More info about these Fundraisers can be found HERE

World’s Finest Chocolate - Now Available for In School Pickup
Beef Jerky - Now Available for In School Pickup
Shop with Scrips
Print Happy

Tuttle Concessions Volunteers - April 23

Help us staff concessions during the Tulsa Signature Symphony Performance at Tuttle Stadium and earn money for your student’s band/guard account! Details can be found HERE.

Tulsa FC Soccer

Come work the concession stand at OneOK field for the Tulsa FC Soccer Game Saturday, May 1 and earn money for your student’s band/guard account! Find more details HERE.

Darryl Starbird Car Show

Come work concessions at the Darryl Starbird Car Show on Friday, April 30, Saturday, May 1, or Sunday, May 2 and earn money for your student’s band/guard account. Find more information HERE.

Login to Charms

It’s a great time of year to login to Charms and make sure your information is all up to date!

Macy’s Payment Due

The next Macy's Fee was due April 15. Please log into CHARMS and check your account balance.

Helpers Needed!

We need parent volunteers to help us feed and water the band and tear down rehearsal and performance equipment on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings (April 21, 22, and 23) leading up to the Signature Symphony Concert. This is a great way to get behind the scenes and help out the high school band/guard students! Sign Up to help HERE!