UBPC General Membership Meeting

Tuesday, April 13 at 7pm - Watch our communications channels for more details including Zoom link.

Resource Night

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

We have to tell you how proud we are of the progress our students have made so far this year! Not long ago they were just learning how to take their instruments out of the cases, and sometimes they had to be sitting at home and learning from a screen — and now listen to them! Looking back to those first days of playing, it’s easy to see the growth, but as many of us band teachers parents ourselves, we know there have been times where you may have asked yourself if your child was progressing quickly enough. This is especially true in a pandemic.

Like most important endeavors, success on an instrument takes time and perseverance. We are living in a society of instant gratification, and it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that there are still things that can’t be learned overnight. It’s impossible to know whether your child will be good at music after a week, a month or even six months of playing his/her instrument. Some young musicians don’t really find their groove until the second or third year of playing, or later. And that is OK!

Failure is part of the process. In fact, it’s how we learn best. Famous trumpeter Wynton Marsalis tells young musicians:

“Practice every day. You don’t have to practice for hours. Just get on your instrument every day and listen to the people who really can play. Don’t be discouraged. Just try to keep going and develop.”

If you are concerned, there are some things you can consider.

· First, reach out to us. Let’s have a conversation about your child’s progress. That’s why we are here – to support you and your child!

· Second, make sure that your child sets both short and long-term goals for their musical growth, and make sure they practice regularly.

· Third, let us know if you’d like to consider private lessons for your child. One-on-one attention from a specialist on your child’s instrument can really help boost their confidence and skill level, and can even help the student who’s already confident and engaged take accelerated steps in musical growth. We can help connect you with just the right private teacher if you are interested (click here for more info now).

In the meantime, ask your child to play some of his/her favorite songs for the family at home. Celebrate their success!

~Union Bands Faculty

New Popcornopolis Fundraiser

Start Selling Now! Orders and money are due on April 22nd. Popcorn will be delivered the week of May 10th. This is a great fundraiser and 50% of your sales total will be applied to your CHARMS account. Popcorn is a yummy treat and also a great spring gift for friends, families, coworkers, teachers etc.! All 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

Drillers First Event - April 10

More info about this event can be found HERE

Tuttle Concessions Volunteers - April 23

Help us staff concessions during the Tulsa Signature Symphony Performance at Tuttle Stadium. We will close in time for you to watch your student perform. Details can be found HERE.

Work at the Wanenmacher Gun Show - This Saturday and Sunday (April 10 and 11)

Find details and the signups HERE.

Work the Koe Wetzel Concert at OneOK Stadium - Saturday (April 10)

Find details and the signups HERE.

WGI Fundraising Telethon

“The impact of canceling two World Championships and the entire 2021 competitive season cut a deep wound in the financial health of WGI Sport of the Arts”, says Director of Operations Bart Woodley. Union Indoor Percussion and Guard would have competed in those events.

Adam Bruce, Union Percussion Programs Director explained: “Union has a long history of competing and performing in WGI dating back to the 80s when indoor color guard and marching percussion were first forming. In recent years, the indoor drumline has competed in A, Open, and World class divisions at WGI, seeing success in each division. Students and parents alike love the spotlight that is shown upon the percussionists through WGI. It has been one of the premier activities that we take part in that has helped to perpetuate generations of successful percussion sections at Union.”

As you may know, we traditionally host a WGI event at Union, and the organization and program are also a huge part of our Guard program and its success over the year.

Please consider participating in this fundraising event to keep advanced marching arts alive. Find the details and donate any time or tune in to the live Telethon HERE.