As the holiday season approaches, it is important to ask ourselves what we can do to better the world. How can we, as musicians, use our skills and talents to bring some joy and light to the world? It is important to realize that sharing the gift of music, especially around the holidays, is very meaningful to people. Thus, we are excited to announce a performance opportunity for you all: performing Christmas Carols in the lobby of Magee Women's Hospital, spreading joy through music to people who need it most. On Sunday, December 22nd, from 11 am - 12 pm, Mr. Buckstein will be leading a group of PHS Band Students in performing Christmas Carols in the lobby of Magee Women's Hospital. This is a completely voluntary performance, but we hope you will strongly consider using your musical talents to enhance someone's holiday season. Details about this event can be found below:

1. DATE: The caroling performance will be on Sunday, December 22nd, from 11 am - 12 pm. The report time for the performance would be 10:45 am.

2. LOCATION: This event will take place in the lobby of Magee Women's Hospital in Oakland. The address is:

300 Halket St
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

The lobby is easy to find, just come in through the front entrance and you are there!

3. MUSIC: We will be performing many of the most famous and traditional Christmas Carols (Hark the Herald Angels, The First Noel, and more). You have 2 options for your music.
1. You may print out the lyre sized parts and simply bring a lyre.
2. You may print out the full size parts and bring a music stand.

Both options are acceptable, but you MUST have music in order to perform. You can't just hold your music, it must be in a lyre or on a music stand. You are responsible for printing out your own music. We have made it very simple, all the music is in one PDF, so with one click, all the music will come out in one print job. Access the music here:
 
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nEgz90gu1IcAt07jSm8-Gy-u9-4OnmF0

4. INSTRUMENTATION: The music we will be playing is arranged as chorales, which means there are no percussion parts, only wind parts. As such, this particular event will only be open to wind players.

5. TRANSPORTATION: If you would like to participate in this event, you must provide your own transportation. This means parents driving, driving yourself if you have a license, etc. We recommend carpooling with each other if possible. Mr. Buckstein will meet everyone at Magee to oversee and lead the performance. Again, you must provide your own transportation, we will not be providing a bus.

6. REHEARSALS:
-Wednesday, November 20th, 5:30-6:30 pm
-Wednesday, December 11th, 5:00-6:00 pm
-Thursday, December 19th, 4:30-5:30 pm

7. DRESS: The dress for this performance will be festive! We still must look professional, so no sweatpants or yoga pants. Tasteful black leggings and jeans are perfectly fine. No shorts permitted. Ugly sweaters and Santa hats are encouraged! If you want to wear something but are not sure whether or not it would be appropriate, please ask.

8. RECORDINGS: MP3 recordings of all parts for each song have been uploaded to the Google Folder. Please be prepared to play ANY part (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass). Until we have a finalized instrumentation, I will not be able to assign parts. Until then, please make sure you are able to play ALL the parts for each song. Once you master a part, I recommend playing along a harmony part (alto, tenor, bass), with the soprano recording, essentially creating a duet with yourself!

9. SIGN UP DEADLINE: The deadline to sign up will be THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19th.
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While this is a VOLUNTEER opportunity, we would love to see a nice turnout. It is important to leave the confines of PHS occasionally and experience the world, especially when you have something like the gift of music to share with others. Think about how much holiday cheer you will be bringing to the residents and visitors of Magee by playing Christmas Carols. If you have any questions, please let Mr. Buckstein know at bucksteinm@pbsd.net! As a great man once said "The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is playing loud for all to hear".