Heather McDonald

Gettysburg's 4th, 5th, and 6th grade band

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

5th grader Rachel made a comic of how to teach beginners to play clarinet. I think she's spot on!

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

"Look, I'm famous!" One of our 6th grade percussionists spends his summers as a Civil War Reenactor and found himself in the Library of Congress database! Good job, Justin - way to represent our band!
https://t.co/V1aXli2bBF

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

88 Beginner Band students had their very first full band rehearsal today and we all survived! Not only that, they ROCKED it! They're totally ready for their concert tomorrow night! #BandFam #BeginnerBand #ThatsALotOfBeginners

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

These kids ROCKED on tour today!! We had such a fun (and busy) day that this is the only picture I got! Want to see more? Come out to the middle school for their concert 12/5 at 7 pm!!

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

Not my favorite way to start a Monday morning rehearsal...
#BandDirectorProblems #DeadLigature #ThankGoodnessForSpares

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

Having a great time developing as a professional at the #PMEA District 7 In-Service day! Thanks to all the presenters, especially Dr. Weller for this incredibly inspiring and motivating session!!

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

First large group practice for the James Gettys Advanced and Beginner bands! We all survived!! #BandFam #JamesGettysBand

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

Thanks to John, Ashton, Julia, Mason, Patrick, Jared, Cole, and Mr. Choplick for helping me demonstrate band instruments to all the 4th graders this week!! #RecruitmentSeason #BandRocks #BandFam #TheyreCrazyButILoveThem

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

These kiddos were my first group of beginners and now they're not mine anymore! @MrChoplick you're getting a great group of kids next year! I'm going to miss them so much! #SoLongSixthGrade #JustKiddingTheyWillAlwaysBeMine #BandFam

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

It was another beautiful morning for marching!! The 6-8 grade MegaBand marched about a mile and a half this morning and improved with every lap. Can't wait for the parade on Monday!

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

One of the high school saxophones 3D printed me some reeds to try! I was skeptical at first but I honestly LOVE them!! Now if only they were purple... #BandFam #STEAM #ForeverReeds

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

@MrChoplick Nothing wrong with a FrankenSousa 😂😂

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

Tuba boys are ready for the parade!!

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

It's a beautiful morning to learn to march!!

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

5th grade band had an awesome combined rehearsal today and they are SO ready for their concert next week!!

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

Leaky (or missing) pad the morning of a concert?? Don't freak out! It's nothing a little silly putty and plumbers tape can't fix!
#BandDirectorLife #InstrumentRepairHacks

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

Percussionist Davin was selected to be the mascot at Lincoln Elementary's Whale Done assembly that celebrates students who have given an exceptional effort this month! Great job, Davin!!

[Mr. Choplick @MrChoplick]

Our sixth grade tuba player may need to grow a little bit more before we take the Sousaphone to the streets!

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

When one of your 6th graders tells you she might want to be a teacher someday, you give her a baton and let her lead a lesson! Emma did a great job conducting, reading the score & helping her students through some tough spots in their music 🎶 #FutureTeacher #SoProud

[Heather McDonald @MsMcDonaldsBand]

6th grade flutes and clarinets had a bonus student in lessons today! Miss Maskin came to observe from Gettysburg College and I put her to work demonstrating what she's learned in woodwind methods so far!