Announcements 12/6/20

1) We have had to move our Concert date once again.   It will now be on Sunday, December 13th at 3 pm in the Gym.  Students will report at 1:30 so that we can have some rehearsal time with the percussion.  It will be the normal concert attire - dress clothes, no jeans.  I apologize for another late date change especially during this busy season!  

2) Because of capacity limits in the Gym, students will receive tickets this week to give to family for attendance to the concert.  It will be free admission, but we will need to keep under the 550 person limit that includes students.  We will live stream and record the concert to post for those unable to attend.

3)  The Tumblers from the fundraiser will arrive at some point this week.  I will put a post up when they arrive so that you can be ready to pick them up.  

4)  If you are interested in learning about the Tournament of Roses Parade trip or want to find out about any updated prices or itineraries, remember the virtual meeting this Thursday at 6:30 pm.  The Zoom link will be re-posted later this week.  Also, help me get word to all the 8th graders who are interested in this trip as well.

Announcements 11/29/20

1)  We will have an afterschool rehearsal for the parade this Thursday from 3:30 to 5 pm.  This will be the only time we have to put the percussion with the rest of the band to prepare for Saturday's parade.

2)  Booster meeting this Thursday at 6:30 pm over Zoom.  The Zoom link will be sent out Thursday afternoon.

3)  The Medina Christmas Parade is this Saturday.  We will not be taking a bus - instead you will need to find your own way to the meeting place at Soul's Harbor Church at 487 South Main Street (this is where we always meet).  You can either be dropped off directly there or park at the old elementary school at the end of the parade route and walk to the meeting place.  Be there by 3 pm so we can warm up.  The parade starts at 4 pm and will be over at approximately 5:30 pm.  You will be dismissed to go home as soon as we get done.  Please keep safety as a top priority and keep your distance from others before, during, and after the parade.  

4)  You will need to bring your masks and wear them while we are not playing on Saturday at the parade.  Also, we will be wearing Khaki pants with something warm on top. It can be a sweatshirt, sweater, or hoodie, but it needs to be festive colors - Red, Green, White. It can be a solid color or include multiples of these colors. We just want that 3 color scheme throughout the band. And everyone will wear a plain Red and White Santa Hat.

5)  The Laundry detergent fundraiser is now scheduled to be delivered this week.  It was delayed due to school being shut down the last couple of weeks.  I will send out a message when they come in.  

Announcements 11/15/20

1)  We will be having practice at school just like last week for those who can make it on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  For those who can't make it, we will being doing online Zoom lessons again on Wednesday and Thursday.  On Friday, I will be asking for a memorization test - Christmas Angels March, measures 1-24. This will be done by everyone through Schoology.  You will upload a video of yourself playing the test straight into Schoology.

 

2)  Color Guard - for those of you who can make it to school, you can join us this week to rehearse the work you have received through videos.  Band and Guard will rehearse Monday-Wednesday from 1:30 to 2:50 outside the Band Room.  For those who can't make it, continue working from home using the videos.  Your test on Friday will depend on what we get done this week.

 

3)  We will not have time to safely try on uniforms for the parade, so we will be wearing Khaki pants with something warm on top.  It can be a sweatshirt, sweater, or hoodie.  But it needs to be festive colors - Red, Green, White.  It can be a solid color or include multiples of these colors.  We just want that 3 color scheme throughout the band.  And everyone will wear a plain Red and White Santa Hat.

 

4)  The final day for Tumbler orders is going to be this Wednesday, Nov. 18.  Make sure your customers get those orders in so that they get credited to your account and so they can receive them by Christmas Break. 

Announcements 11/8/20

1)  Anyone interested in Jazz Band can meet afterschool on Monday from 3:30 to 4:30.  We will play through some songs and get an idea of our instrumentation for the Winter Concert.

2)  The Medina Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday December 5 at 4 pm.  We will have an afterschool rehearsal on Thursday December 3 from 3:30 to 5 pm to prepare for the parade.

3)  The Winter Concert is now scheduled for Monday, December 14 at 7 pm in the Gym.  Students will need to report at 6:30 pm.  

4)  Seniors - if you want to make the performance video for the Virtual Rose Parade, get that in by Friday.  You can either make the video at home or at school.  You need to wear your uniform in video, but you do not have to have the music memorized.  We will help you with anything you need if you are interested in doing this!

Announcements 11/1/20

1)  One final shout out to the 2020 Marching Band - Wow!  You guys rocked Friday night and gave the Seniors the send-off they deserved!  What a fantastic job by every single student this year.  Your hard work, dedication, and fun that you brought to this unique year will never be forgotten.  The directors had so much fun this year and I hope you did too!!

2)  If anyone is interested in playing in the Jazz Band, we will meet Monday afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30 in the Band room for our introductory rehearsal.  More information about the Jazz Band will be given out at that rehearsal.

3)  Bring your Concert instruments starting this week if it is different from your Marching Instrument. We will be having Chair placement auditions on Tuesday and Thursday during class.

4)  Band Booster meeting this Thursday at 6:30 pm.  We will continue to have this meeting over Zoom.

Announcements 10/25/20

1)  We will have Rehearsal this Tuesday only to prepare for the Senior Night performance.  No afterschool rehearsal on Thursday.

2)  Report time on Friday is going to be at 5:30 pm at the practice field.  

3)  I am going to reflect more on this marching season in a later post, but I want to express how proud I am of everyone involved in making this Marching Season a success!  From parents to leaders to students to the South Gibson community, everyone was supportive and encouraging in this completely new Marching Band experience.  It made the worry and trepidation of the first few weeks of school quickly turn into the joy and thrill of the past month!  Thank you all for successfully making this a truly, positively, memorable Marching Season!!!  

Announcements 10/18/20

1)  The final event in the SGC Band Competition series, the SGC Band State Championship, is this Friday at 7 pm!  Report time will be 30 minutes before your warm-up time and you will wear the same attire as always - polo shirt and khaki bottoms.  Tickets will be given to students on Monday and the Band-o-gram information will be posted then as well.  

2)  Rehearsal Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5 pm.

3)  Laundry Detergent fundraiser money and forms are due THURSDAY.  

4)  Once again, the students did a terrific job last Thursday at the competition.  Holy Cow!  What an improvement from every single group from the previous week!  You guys have been working so hard, and it shows.  I can't wait to see the end product this Friday!

Announcements 10/11/20

1)  The Bands of 'Merica Regional Championships, the second in our SGC Band competition series is this Thursday!  It will be from 8 - 9 pm.  This is a change from its original time of 7 pm due to a change of a Freshman football game.  The students will once again wear their band polos and khakis, and once again report 30 minutes before their warm up time.  Band-o-gram forms will be available on Monday and tickets will be also given to students who were not at school last Wednesday.  

2)  We will also perform at Friday night's home game.  Wear the same attire and report to the band practice field at 6 pm.  

3)  We will have rehearsal on Tuesday and Thursday until 5 pm.

4)  You still have a week and a half to sell the Laundry detergent!  I know people have been asking about them, so I encourage you to put it on social media to make sure that everyone knows how to buy them.  

Announcements 10/4/20

1)  The Goat City Invitational is this Tuesday!  If you know of anyone who needs tickets, we do have some in the Band room that have been returned.  Remember to get your Band-o-grams in by Tuesday at 3 pm.  We will also be livestreaming the event on our Facebook page so that no matter where in the world you are, you will be able to see these amazing groups!  Finally, per district guidelines - ALL ATTENDEES MUST WEAR MASKS!

2)  Students will wear Band Polos and khaki bottoms.  Group 1 and percussion will need to report at 6 pm, with the other groups reporting to the Band room 30 minutes before their warm-up time.

3)  We will go ahead and have rehearsal as planned on Tuesday. We need that last run-through with percussion before the event that night.

4) We will not have any rehearsals or performances during Fall Break.

5)  The Laundry Detergent sale has started!  For students planning on going on the Rose Parade trip, these profits will go toward your account.  For everyone else, you can choose to help one of those students with your profits.  Otherwise they will go in the general band account. 

Announcements 9/27/20

1)  Rehearsal this Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5 pm.

2)  Booster meeting this Thursday at 6:30.  We will be going over some details of upcoming fundraisers and the competition series coming up next month.

3)  This Tuesday, the tickets for the October 6 SGC Band Competition Series "Goat City Invitational" event will go on sale.  You must get the tickets from a Band student.  They are $2 and you must have the ticket to be able to get into the stadium. Details about "Band-o-grams" will be posted this Tuesday.

4)  School pictures are this Thursday morning.  You will need to bring your Band polos and khaki bottoms to wear for the Band picture.  You will be able to take your regular school picture and have plenty of time to change into the band clothes.  

5)  No game this Friday.

Announcements 9/20/20

1)  We will not have after school practice this Tuesday - except for the drumline.  The drumline, not Front Ensemble, will still have their Tuesday sectional from 3:30 to 5 pm.  Tuesday is the ACT day for seniors and they will be excused from school after they finish the ACT.  And besides that, I want them to be focused on succeeding on the ACT Test and not even have to think about the afterschool rehearsal. 

2)  We will have after school rehearsal on Thursday from 3:30 to 5 pm.

3)  No game this Friday.  And once again, great job last Friday night.  It is great to see the huge strides of improvement from week to week!  Thank you for your hard work every day!

Announcements 9/13/20

1)  Great job on Friday everyone!  That was the first time we played through the whole song and the first time we marched and played at the same time!  We are going to be adding a couple of sets for this week's performance, and make sure you are working on your memorization of the song.

2)  Rehearsals this Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5 pm.

3)  Report time this Friday will be 6 pm at the practice field again.  The schedule on Friday night will work the same as last week.  Attire will also remain the same.

4)  If you didn't get a chance to turn in your Smart Cards and money last week, make sure you get that turned in this week.

Announcements 9/7/20

I hope everyone enjoyed your Labor Day weekend.  It turned out to be a beautiful weekend!

1)  Rehearsal this Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5 pm.

2)  Home Game this Friday night.  Report time will be 6 pm at the practice field.  We will run through the songs in a quick rehearsal and then move to the field for the National Anthem just like last time.  We will be wearing the Band Polo shirts with khaki bottoms again.  And we will also be dismissed after halftime just like last time.  

3)  Smart cards and money are due back by this Thursday.  

Announcements 8/30/20

1)  Rehearsal this Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5 pm.  

2)  Booster meeting this Thursday at 6:30 pm over Zoom.  I will send out the Zoom link Thursday afternoon before the meeting.

3)  There is not a game this Friday, so we will not have anything going that night.  Enjoy your long, Labor Day weekend!

4)  Smart cards and money are going to be due on Thursday, September 9.  Remember to share the Hands-free option online if you are uncomfortable selling them door to door.  Our goal is to sell 10 cards per person, or if you don't want to sell any cards you can turn in a $50 donation.  

Announcements 8/23/20

1)  Our home game is scheduled for this Friday.  Since we aren't having classes Friday, the Band will report to the practice field at 5 pm for a rehearsal.  Go ahead and have your Polo shirts that we will get this week along with your khaki shorts or pants and comfortable shoes that you can march in.  We will play the National Anthem at 6:55, then come inside the building until halftime.  Group 1 will wait in the Band Room, Group 2 will wait in the Cafeteria, Group 3 will wait in the Main Gym, and Group 4 and percussion will wait in the Aux. Gym.  After halftime, you will be dismissed.  You are allowed to use your flip folders during the halftime show this week.  Also, any time we are inside you must wear your masks and practice social distancing.  

2)  Rehearsal Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5 pm.  And be prepared to go outside every day that weather allows.

3)  If you need more smart cards, just let me know and I can get you more.  You have until September 9 to sell those.  

Announcements 8/16/20

1) I advise you not to bring your instruments on Monday.  We are not going to be playing in class, so it might be better to wait until Tuesday morning to bring your instruments.  If you do want to go ahead and bring them, I should be in the cafeteria to let you down the Fine Arts wing to the band room.  You will need to go back to the gym after you drop off your instrument, though.  

2) If you are a Digital Learner coming to class, do not come to class tomorrow since we won't be playing.  Wait until Tuesday.  You will enter through the school's main office to get your temperature taken, then go to the Band Room.

3)  After school rehearsal this Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5 pm.

4)  Our first fundraiser, the Smart Savings Cards, will be handed out tomorrow.  Also tomorrow I will give more information on how to sell these cards online if that is your preferred method of sale.

Announcements 8/9/20

1)  I am expecting the main part of the NY refund to arrive this week.  I will send out a notice when that happens.  I plan to have a pickup area outside the band room for you to come by and pick the checks up from your car.  

2)  Band fees are being reduced to $50 for everyone.  Please get this in by the end of the month so that we can take care of expenses toward our group performances at football games.  If you had previously turned in the $150 Band fee, you can get that check back this week at the same time I have the NY refunds available outside the band room.

3)  We will have the band split into four groups at halftime this year.  Each group will perform 1 song.  Groups will be revealed this week and music will be ready to hand out the first day of school.  The entire band will perform the National Anthem before the game and then go inside during the game due to capacity limits in the stadium. During the first half, the band will be waiting in the school in four different areas to help with social distance, and will be dismissed after halftime.  I plan on everyone wearing polos with khaki bottoms for the performances, so I will be sending out a questionnaire this week to get student shirt sizes.

4)  Afterschool rehearsals are going to start on Tuesday August 18, and will go from 3:30 to 5 pm.  Be ready to go outside every day - which means have a change of clothes ready or wear summer clothes underneath your school clothes for a quick change.  Also, we need as much bottled water as we can get.  I encourage you to find some on sale every time you go to the store, or if you know of a business or individual who would donate a large amount please let me know.  

Announcements 8/2/20

1)  Since we still don't know when the hotel in NY will open, we are going to distribute the refunds that we have right now, and distribute the portion of the refund from that one hotel whenever they open back up.  Starting this week, Thomas Tours will begin crediting payments made by credit card back to that card.  For all other payments made out of pocket, they will send refund checks to the school where I will then distribute them.  I will let you know when those checks come in.

2)  Seniors - If you can make it to the school between 10 am and noon on Monday, August 3, I want to get you in your uniform and take your picture for the senior banner.  If you can't make it during that time, message me so that we can find a time this week to get that done.

3)  Booster meeting this Thursday at 6:30 pm over Zoom.  

Announcements 7/26/20

1)  I have talked to the leadership team about our goals for Marching Band this year as move forward into the fall.  We are currently working on a plan to still have all the fun, keep the passionate and competitive spirit within our band, and continue growing as a top notch program this year.  We still plan on being outside when we can during class, still plan on improving marching fundamentals, and still plan on performing when we can, even it's in smaller groups.  More detailed information will come later since much of what we do depends on what the beginning of school actually looks like.  Either way, we are going to have fun and get everyone involved, whether it's at home or at school!

2)  The props team will be working again Tuesday night at 6:30.  

3)  I don't have any updates from NY.  I will send out a message ASAP if I hear anything new this week.  

Fall Announcement

It is with sadness that the SGCHS Band announces the cancellation of their Fall Competitive Marching Band season.  The risk of the safety of the students was too great. At marching competitions they would have been exposed to people from dozens of communities at a time and at rehearsals we could not have more than 50 people at a time without unnecessarily raising the risk of exposure to the virus.  Also, many competitions have recently been announcing their cancellation, limiting the performance opportunities available to us this fall.  Specifically, with today’s announcement that the Division II State Marching Band Championships were cancelled, we saw no reason to risk student safety by proceeding with a traditional competitive marching schedule.
  

Along with this comes the announcement of the cancellation of the 2020 Hornet Invitational.  I will begin contacting the judges and vendors to let them know.  I thank those who have already put in work for this event, and I look forward to hosting this great event again as soon as we can.


We are still going to have Marching Band this fall in some form.  It is going to look different but I am still going to put the same effort and passion into making this year just as memorable for the Band as any other year.  Be prepared to roll with the punches, be willing to change directions and plan on a dime, and be ready to have fun as we look forward to being together again in the SGC Band this fall!  Go Band!

Announcements 7/19/20

1)  Since the Tournament of Rose Parade has been moved to next year, all payments toward the trip have been delayed by a year.  So do not worry about the payment coming up next month.  You may even get an automated email saying that the payment is due soon, but we have been told by the tour company to ignore that if it still goes out to anyone.  Look for the email that the tour company sent out about the next steps to take for the Rose Parade.

2)  The Props work team will be working this Thursday night at 6:30.  

3)  A decision about the Fall will be made next week.  Our plan when we postponed Band Camp was to re-evaluate the COVID-19 situation at the end of July and decide our next move toward the fall.  I want to re-iterate that whether a student chooses to attend school or stay at home, it will not affect their status as a member of the Band.  It may look different and work a little different, but everyone will be a part of this band and a part every performance that we are able to have

Tournament of Roses Parade

It is now official.  The Tournament of Roses Parade has been postponed for a year.  According to their press release:

"With reluctance and tremendous disappointment, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association announces that, in accordance with Governor Newsom’s Phase IV re-opening schedule, and after thoughtful consideration of the restrictions and guidelines in place as a result of COVID-19, we are unable to host the 2021 Rose Parade.

Click here for the full statement: https://tournamentofroses.com/pasadena-tournament-of-roses-unable-to-host-2021-rose-parade-on-new-years-day/

We will now be performing as a Mass Band in the January 1, 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade.  Current Seniors will still be eligible if they choose to perform with us, and current 8th graders will now be eligible since it will be their freshman year when we perform.  More updates will be given as they arrive.  

Announcements 7/12/20

1)  We will have a booster meeting over Zoom this Tuesday at 6:30 pm.  I will send the link out Tuesday afternoon. 

2)  Props build team will work Thursday starting at 6:30 pm.  

3)  We are still waiting on the hotels to open up to get our refunds from the NY Trip.  I will give you an update early this week when I ask for another update.  I am still expecting it any day now.  

4)  As everyone ponders on your decision of how to return to school, know that as far as band goesyou will still be a part of the band whether you decide to stay home or attend school.  My primary concern is the student's safety and well-being.  We still don't entirely know what the fall brings, but know that I will work with every student to make sure they are improving as musicians and improving as Color Guard performers whether they are at school or at home.  "Flexible" is going to continue to be the key word this fall, and I intend to do what it takes to make sure every student stays safe yet still continues to learn. 

Announcements 6/28/20

1)  With Band Camp not happening in July now, it's time to get creative on how we can keep our musical and physical abilities improving before we are able to get back together.  Students, talk to your section leaders about some ways that could help you stay sharp musically, and some ways that we could keep in shape while keeping it fun.  Then the leaders can share any ideas with me so that we can fine tune them.  Remember we will be re-evaluating at the end of July what the next month or so of Band will look like. 

2)  The props team will still meet Monday night at 6:30 to work on the props.

3)  The email I received from Thomas Tours regarding hotels opening back up slowly was that the hotels were hoping to get the refunds out to all the groups "very soon".  This is a good time to let you know how refunds will be handled when they do come in.  We will set up times at the front office of the high school where the school bookkeeper and administration can help me give refunds out in an organized manner.  For those not going to the Rose Parade:  Only money paid out of your pocket will be refunded, so double check your checkbook to make sure we are paying you back the correct amount.  Any money raised by fundraisers will go back into the general Band account.  For those going on the Rose Parade:  You have the option of receiving back money that you paid for the NY trip, or transferring it straight into your Rose Parade trip account.  Any money raised by NY fundraisers will be automatically transferred to your Rose Parade account.  More details will come when we get a definite date for the refunds.  

Announcements 6/21/20

1)  Our final June rehearsal will be this Wednesday at the same time and places as the last few weeks.  Leaders have been doing such a great job, and I have appreciated the great attendance at these rehearsals!

2)  Props team will meet on Tuesday this week at 6:30.

3)  Remember to stay vigilant with your social distancing especially at school.  Many states are seeing an increase in cases the last few days so we don't need to get lax while we are at rehearsal.  

4)  To all the Band Dads:  Happy Father's Day!  Your help and support of your children in the band means the world to me, and to your children!  

Announcements 6/14/20

1)  Our third June rehearsal will be this Wednesday with the same times and social distance procedures as the last two.  The Leadership team has done an outstanding job running these sectionals the last two weeks, and I thank everyone for the extra effort that you are putting in to give us a head start to the year!

2)  The props build team will meet again Monday at 6:30.  If anyone knows of a company or individual that could donate some 3/4 inch plywood, that is the first bit of material we need to get started on our projects.  We are looking for approximately 10 boards that are 8 ft by 4 ft.  

3)  I am still in search of a way to perform our parade songs.  If you noticed on the press release about the 4th of July Celebration, the city of Medina specifically mentioned "there will be no activities before the fireworks display due to social distancing requirements."  I will continue to contact the city to make sure they know we are itching to perform for the community whenever we get the opportunity. 

Announcements 6/7/20

1)  We are having our second summer rehearsal this Wednesday at the same times as last week. I will repost those times this Tuesday.  I thought rehearsal went well this past week - the section leaders worked hard and deserve credit for making the rehearsal run effectively!  However, there is one thing we need to improve on - keep the social distancing procedures in mind.  It was great to see so many of you light up at seeing your friends you haven't seen in a while.  But... while at a school event, you have to refrain from hugging and high-fiving, etc.  Now this is what we call a good problem, but it is still something we need to do a better job of until this unknown danger either passes or we find out more about it. 

2)  The parents who are interested in working on props will meet outside the Band Room Monday night at 6:30.  We will go over what we are building and brainstorming on how to do it.

Announcements 5/31/20

1)  Our first summer rehearsal is this Wednesday.  I had sent out a schedule last week, but that may change slightly.  I am meeting with school administration tomorrow to review some new safety guidelines from the district and state.  What's likely to happen is that I will need to stagger the arrival times of each section by 15 minutes or so.   Our priority as a school right now is to take the proper precautions and follow provided social distancing procedures to keep the students safe through these summer practices. 

2)  I will be meeting with the Leadership team on Monday at 10 am in the Band room.  We will discuss summer rehearsals, band camp, and sectionals.  Be sure to sit at least 6 feet apart from each other as you come in to the Band room.

3)  We have a Booster meeting scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 pm, and I want to try to have it through Zoom.  I will send the link out later this week.  We will be discussing Band camp, the Hornet Invitational, and other things. 

Updates 5/24/20

1)  June Rehearsals - We are still having the June Rehearsals every Wednesday in June.  I am restructuring the times to fit within the social distance guidelines, which I will have finalized by this week.  For Freshman parents, these June Rehearsals are bonus time to get a head start on the music, marching fundamentals, and just getting to know each other.  If you are on vacation, don't worry about that week's rehearsal.  Basically, I take the approach of "if you are in town, come on out to the Band Room and help us get better!"  Every Wednesday in June.

2)  Possible Summer Parade - I don't have any updates on this until we get clearance from our Governor and Mayor to have large gatherings.  The "parades" we have seen recently for graduates have been car parades or small gathering parades at schools that only include seniors and faculty.  Ultimately, we are still hoping to play Star Wars Parade Sequence and Tennessee Pride for the South Gibson Community.

3)  New York refunds - Right now we are at about 90% refunded.  We have to wait for hotels to reopen before they can write us a refund check.  As soon as they do, here is how the money will be distrubuted:  Any money paid out of pocket will be directly returned to you unless you specify that you want it transferred to the Rose Parade trip.  I will have a Google Form document for this when the time comes.  Any money fundraised will be transferred to the Rose Parade trip.  If you are not attending the Rose Parade trip, that fundraising money will be returned to the General Band fund.  

4)  Rose Parade trip - There are a lot of options that the tour company and Rose Parade committee have in place depending on how the next few months go.  One possibility is to still have the parade without spectators and just do the parade for the TV cameras.  Another possibility is to have the parade but with only 30% of the usual spectators.  Not ideal but that gives you an idea of everything the Rose Parade Committee has to consider.  In the event that the parade is cancelled, we will still have the invitation open for the next year with those Seniors having the option of still performing with the Mass Band after they graduate. 

Announcements 5/17/20

1)  Guard auditions will be Tuesday.  Make sure you look over the assigned times and procedures that I sent out last week.  It is important that we adhere to the guidelines of social distancing - no physical contact, remain 6 feet apart, etc. 

2)  Percussion auditions are Wednesday.  Same as Guard - look over the assigned times that I sent out last week and make sure that we adhere to the social distancing guidelines.

3)  This week as you come to school and return items to your other teachers, I need you to return your uniform if you still have it at home from cleaning it after the Christmas Parade.  Since I will be having auditions this week, go ahead and take them to the gym where we will have a place for you to return the uniforms.  

Announcements 5/10/20

1)  This Tuesday, I will send a link to the youtube video that will serve as our end-of-the-year celebration.  It will include the senior wills, the slideshow, and highlights of the year.  I will have the video scheduled to premiere at 7 pm Tuesday night.

2)  We will not be playing at Graduation this week.  There are many logistical problems that deal with social distancing that we cannot get past.  

3)  We will not be having sectionals again this week because teachers are going to be at school from 8-3 Tuesday to Thursday closing out grades and getting ready for graduation.  If you need to bring anything to the school or pick anything up, this is the time to do it.  I am still aiming for a parade, but I know that it won't be this month due to the directive by the Governor that specifically prohibits festivals and parades.  

4)  It looks like we won't quite get back all of the money from every entity from the New York trip, but it is coming up on the time to get back what we can.  I will continue to keep you up to date.  And when the money comes in, I will let you know and set up the system to get the refunds where they are supposed to be.  

5)  Percussion and Guard, prepare for Auditions to happen in the next couple of weeks - probably next week.  We are seeing new procedures from the state that allow 10 people to gather in a school practice setting.  I will set up a schedule and let you know ASAP exactly when they will take place.  

Announcements 5/3/20

1)  We will not have sectionals on Zoom this week because I will be conducting Leadership interviews throughout the week.

2)  The good news is that we will be able to have Guard and Percussion sectionals in the Band room one person at a time in allotted time slots.  The bad news is that I still don't know exactly when we will be cleared to do that.  It will be by the end of May, definitely, and I will give exact dates for those as soon as I have them.

3)  Seniors - Get your Senior Will videos to me by this Friday.  I am going to put together a video that will serve as our Band Banquet this year.  Unfortunately, we are not going to be able to have a Band Banquet in a live setting, but I plan on trying to make this End-of-the-year video good enough to make a lasting memory for you!

Announcements 4/26/20

1)  Sectionals will work a little bit different this week.  I am only able to do it on Monday and Thursday this week and I wanted to approach them a little differently anyway.  This week is going to be more geared to next year's Marching Band, with us returning to the parade music next week (with the exception of percussion, who will continue working on the parade music this week during sectionals).  We will be watching a series of short videos about Body position and the vocabulary of Body visuals in the Marching Band.  In between each video will be opportunity for questions about anything we just watched.  I still plan on the sectional lasting 30-45 minutes.  This will mainly apply to  current 8th - 11th graders, but seniors are more than welcome to attend.  Monday - Brass at 11 am, Woodwinds at 1 pm.  Thursday - Guard at 11 am and Percussion at 1 pm. 

2)  I am trying to schedule our parade performance around whatever time is finalized to hold the graduation ceremony, whether it is in May, June, or July.  And my plan right now is to start at the Park and march down Middle School Rd.  That's really all of the semi-details I have, but I will update you as much as I can.

3)  I am still trying to finalize exactly how the Band Banquet could work. I hope to have definitive details by the end of this week.  

Announcements 4/19/20

1)  I have moved flags, rifles, and instruments to the Small Band Trailer for those of you who need to get those.  The trailer is parked in front of the band room in the parking lot.  I put enough flags for all current high schoolers and 8th graders to get one to practice with.  I put 4 snare drums and 2 quint drums for the students playing the Parade music.  And I put some mallets for the 8th grade percussionists to practice 4 mallet technique with.  And if you messaged me with a request to get your instrument or mouthpiece, I put those in there too.

2)  Wow!  The Zoom meeting went great on Friday!  The program maxes out at 100 people and when I last looked we had at 93 on there at once!  If you were unable to get on there, it might have been because we had maxed out our meeting.  That's why we are going to be doing it in sections this week.  Also, after talking to the seniors on Friday, they still want to go ahead with the Parade music for a potential Summer South Gibson area performance if the quarantine orders are lifted by then.  So keep working on the Parade music.  

3)  We are still trying to get full refunds from the NY trip from a couple of the businesses in New York.  It is a slower process than usual since everyone in every company we are working with is working from home.  Getting to talk to the managers is a lot more complicated and time-consuming!

4)  Here is how we are going to do Zoom  sectionals this week: Monday - Clarinets at 11 am and Alto Saxes at 1 pm, Tuesday - Baritone/Tuba at 11 am and Trumpets at 1 pm, Wednesday - Guard at 11 am and Trombone/Tenor Saxes at 1 pm, Thursday - Percussion at 11 am and French Horns at 1 pm, Friday - Flutes at 11 am.  Sectionals will last between 30-45 minutes. We will mainly be working Parade music but also use the time to just catch up and see each other.  8th graders in these sections are invited to be a part of the sectionals, even if it's just to observe.  We want to go ahead and start getting to know you guys!

5)  I am working on exactly how I want to do the Band Banquet this year, but here is what I do know - I want to do the Senior Wills and the Slide Show.  I am asking everyone who has good pictures from this year to send no more than 10 of those pictures to Amy Sorsoleil at lildsmom79@gmail.com.  Seniors, send me a pre-recorded video of your Senior Will and I will put it together into one video.  I will create a chat in the Band app for Seniors for you to upload your video.  This seems to work better than email because usually the video files are too big to email.

Announcements 4/12/20

1)  I wish I had more updates for you about the remainder of the school year, but know that I will keep you updated as I learn more about the schedule for the semester.  A lot of it rests of the decisions of the Governor and State Department of Education.

2)  For this week, work on memorizing the following:

Star Wars: The entire song.  Practice moving your feet by marching or marking time while you play.

Tennessee Pride - Beginning to D.

Percussion Cadence - Beginning to D.  Move your feet as you play it.

3)  Guard, for the auditions make sure you are working on fundamentals, marking time, free hands, etc.  I will get more detailed audition material out soon.  But fundamentals are going to be even more important than ever.  

Announcements 4/5/20

1)  I hope everyone is staying safe and paying heed to the safe distance recommendations that are out there.  This virus is not something to mess with.  As we begin another week of online school work, be diligent about your education and use the lessons given by the teachers to learn new things.  In fact, I encourage you to use some of this extra time most of us have to learn a new skill, such as sewing, changing the tire on a car, puppetry, or making youtube videos. 

2)  There are a lot of uncertainties over the next few weeks and months as far as the band schedule and procedures.  I am working on multiple ways of progressing, whether we get started back in May or don't get back until July.  I will communicate any changes in procedure as they happen.  Right now, the thing you need to look for is Tuesday when I post the 2020 Marching season information forms that you will need to fill out by Friday.  Also remember that I will post the 2020 Field Show at 7 pm on Tuesday!

3)  Percussion and Guard, right now I plan on having auditions in May.  Guard, I will have audition requirements sometime before that.  If that changes, I will let you know.  

4)  Leadership applications will also happen in May.  If that changes, I will let you know.

5)  This week, I want you to work on memorizing these selections of the Parade tunes as I still plan on performing these by the end of the school year:

Star Wars: Beginning to 85 (remember to skip from 20 to 77)

Tennessee Pride: Beginning to C

Percussion Cadence: Beginning to C

Announcements 3/29/20

1)  No memorization assignments this week.  Enjoy your Spring Break!

2)  With school now out until April 24, the Spring Concert and Jazz Concert have been cancelled.  If possible, I would like to play some kind of Spring Performance in May before school lets out, so keep that music worked up.

3)  The directors of the Mass Band have been talking, and we are working to get this performance in at some point, even if it means performing the Mass Band in the summer.  So keep the Tennessee Pride song worked up.  Guard, all of the bands involved in this never got a chance to get uniforms together for the spring parades, including us.  We are looking at doing something easy, such as black leggings and a plain color top.  Keep an eye out for further details on all of this.

4)  Next week, I will have google forms ready for next year's Marching Band members to fill out.  It's the usual information forms that we normally fill out on paper plus a new one for this year.  The big Fall kickoff meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, but now that will have to be done online.  More details next week.  

5)  Thomas Tours has been working to get us as much refund as possible from the NY trip.  So far businesses have been cooperative.  The last hurdle seems to be the hotel room refunds, and the hotels in NY have been recently shut down themselves.  So that should work out.  If you are going to the Rose Parade this winter, all of your individual account fundraising money from NY will be transferred to your Rose Parade account.  

Announcements 3/22/20

1)  I hope everyone is staying safe and not going crazy yet.  Last week was very stressful and I know there is still a lot of uncertainty about the next few weeks.  Please thank your teachers for continuing to adapt how they teach and provide instruction.  They are, on the fly, having to completely rethink how to teach.  I encourage you to do the work assigned, not for the grade, but for the continuation of learning.  The grades will work themselves out and I can assure you that teachers and administration are working hard to make sure that grades will not be unfairly affected.  You must do your part, though, and complete the work assigned to you. 

2)  Neither the Teapot Parade nor the Strawberry Festival have been cancelled yet.  I am keeping daily tabs on their websites and looking for emails from both parties.  I will tell you that I want to perform these two parade songs.  If the parades are cancelled, it will become my goal to march a parade somewhere by the time the Seniors graduate, even if it's down the streets of Medina.  I want to give the seniors their final performance.  That being said, here are your memorization assignments for this week:

Star Wars - beginning to 20, memorized by Friday.

Tennessee Pride - beginning to letter B, memorized by Friday

Percussion Cadence - beginning to letter B, memorized by Friday.

I am not asking for videos of you playing the excerpts yet, but it could happen if we are still out of school in April.  

Color Guard - we are working on the routine now and will have videos ASAP.

3)  Nothing in April has been cancelled yet.  That includes the Spring Concert, the Jazz Concert, and the Fall Kickoff meeting on April 7.  Band, keep working on the concert tunes including the new one that was handed out Friday.  

Announcements 3/15/20

1)  It was with a heavy heart that the decision was made not to go to New York, but ultimately it would have been irresponsible to send the students to New York in the current situation and put them at risk for sickness.  Seniors, I am sorry this is happened during your final year, but I want you to know how much you have meant to me and this program during your tenure here.  You have continued to carry the tradition of excellence and pushed the band to even newer heights.  I ask now that everyone be patient as we begin the process of recouping our funds as much as possible over the next few weeks.  I will keep you updated during the process.

2)  Tomorrow's NY rehearsal has been cancelled, but I am going to keep the Jazz Band Rehearsal on Tuesday.  Monday's are usually when teachers have called staff meetings and the odds of a meeting happening tomorrow are high, I am sure.

3)  The mattress fundraiser is the Saturday!  I am going to be sending out lots of reminders and marketing information out this week as we let the community know about our first fundraiser geared toward the Rose Parade.  I will also be asking for a few student volunteers to stand outside the school on Saturday to help publicize the event throughout the day.  

4)  I want to congratulate the Band again on their accomplishment at Concert Festival last Thursday.  Such a great concert! It made it into the top 4 highlights of this school year! 

5)  Happy Pi Day everyone!

Announcements 3/8/20

1)  Rehearsal for the New York Trip will be Monday from 3:30 to 5:00.  Guard will be in the cafeteria.  If it stops raining long enough, the plan would be to eventually go out in the parking lot and practice together like we would at the Statue of Liberty.

2)  Jazz Band will be on Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30.

3)  Concert Festival is Thursday.  Band students will report to the Band Room during Focus time to load instruments on the small Band trailer.  Concert attire is needed for this performance.  We will depart and eat at Brooksie's Barn for lunch.  The buffet is $12.95 plus tax with soft drinks and tea $2 more if you don't want water. We will then go to Lane College and perform at 3:40 in the Chamber/McClure Academic Building.  Parents are welcome to watch this performance for free.  After Sight-reading we will depart Lane at approximately 5:00 and get back to school by 5:30.  Students can be picked up from Lane.

Announcements 3/1/20

1)  Jazz Band will have to meet on Tuesday.  There is a mandatory Faculty Meeting Monday that will last a while.  That means that for the next three weeks we will be meeting on Tuesday. 

2)  This Thursday is the booster meeting at 6:30.  Many of you might remember last year that we had a representative come in last year for the Mattress Fundraiser and they gave $5 to the band account for every adult in attendance at the meeting.  They do this to get the excitement and interest built up for the fundraiser.  This year, the mattress fundraiser is the first fundraiser toward individual Rose Parade trip accounts.  At the meeting Thursday night, for every adult up to 100 adults, $5 will be put in the account of the student of choice.  You will sign in and then put the student's name beside your name that you want the $5 to go toward.  

3) For students who signed up for Solo and Ensemble, the event is Saturday morning at Northside HS.  Our allotted time is from 8:50 to 9:30.  You will have to find your own way there as I will be there all morning.  When you get there you will warmup in the cafeteria and then go to the room that is assigned to your instrument.  There will be a list posted in the Cafeteria.  After you perform, you are free to leave.  I will pick up the medals at the end of the morning.  

Announcements 2/23/20

1)  Thanks to everyone who helped at the Miss Harmony pageant.  The event went smoothly and the Jazz Band was terrific!

2)  The field commander clinic will be in the Chorus room on Monday.  The clinician will not be able to be there until 4, so use that time to go over your routine and the other prerequisites.  The auditions and interviews will be Thursday in the Band Room.  This will give you time to make any adjustments to the routine that you get from feedback on Monday.

3)  Jazz Band will meet Monday after school.  Again, thank you for the great job you did on Saturday!

4)  The Ensemble Concert is Tuesday at 7 pm!  Admission is free so invite all of your family and friends to the gym to watch this great night of Chamber Ensemble music.  Report time for students is 6:30.  Wear standard concert attire.  

5)  New York Trip participating students:  You need to add two dates to your schedule in March to rehearse the music that we are playing at the Statue of Liberty:  Monday, March 9 and Monday March 16 from 3:30 to 5 pm.  This is for Band and Guard.  Jazz Band will practice on Tuesdays those two weeks.  These Mondays were the best times to avoid overlapping with Theater rehearsals.  

Announcements 2/16/20

1)  Jazz Band will rehearse on Tuesday since school is going to be out on Monday.  Remember for the Miss Harmony pageant on Saturday that you need to wear all black.

2)  The Miss Harmony pageant is this Saturday.  I still need a handful of students to sign up to help.  You will get community service hours for this event.  You will report at noon and will be done around 7 pm that evening.  We will also feed you supper at the school.  

Announcements 2/9/20

1)  Concert Band yearbook picture tomorrow (Monday) during Focus time!  I ask that you wear concert attire for the pictures.  You will come to the band room, get your instrument, and then head straight to the gym for the picture.  This needs to move quickly since it is during Focus time.

2)  Guard signed up to go to the Rose Parade - we are sizing for uniforms tomorrow (Monday) after school starting at 3:40.  

3)  Band members signed up to go to the Rose Parade - you will need to try on a sample uniform top that we are using as a Mass Band so that we can get your size for the actual top we are using for the parade.  If you are not in class, you will need to come in during Focus time or afterschool on Monday or Tuesday.  

4)  Jazz Band will meet from 3:30 to 4:30 on Monday as usual.  

5)  Butter Braid pastries will be delivered Wednesday to the Band Room at 1:30.  Students will help unload them, and they need to be taken home or picked up that afternoon so they won't thaw out overnight.

Announcements 02/02/2020

1)  February 2 - Happy Palindrome Day!  The first time in 909 years!  (Look it up)

2)  Jazz Band will rehearse on Monday from 3:30 to 4:30.

3)  For students going to New York, the second song that we are playing at the Statue of Liberty will be available later this week.

4)  Booster meeting Thursday at 6:30 pm.  The plan is to talk about the Miss Harmony Beauty pageant and have a chaperone list ready for the New York trip.  

Announcements 1/26/20

1)  Jazz Band will rehearse Monday from 3:30 to 4:30.

2)  Butter Braid fundraiser money and forms will be due on Thursday.  

3)  The first song for the New York trip will be available later this week.  You will need to put this in your Flip Folder unless you want to memorize it.  We will also be playing the Star Spangled Banner.

Announcments 1/20/20

1)  Jazz Band will rehearse Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30 as of right now.  I have been called in for Jury Duty on Tuesday and I don't know how long it is going to last.  I will try to keep the Jazz Band informed through the Band app if I am unable to make it back by 3:30.

2)  Students going on the New York trip - I will have bus signups and Hotel Room signups available this week in the Band Room.  I will have the music that we are performing at the Statue of Liberty available next week.  As we get into March, I will communicate any need for rehearsals for this music. 

3)  Students going to UTM Honor Band this weekend - I will be communicating more information to you all this week through the Band app.

Announcements 1/12/20

1)  Jazz Band will rehearse Monday from 3:30 to 4:30.

2)  We will have a special Meet-and-Greet Rehearsal with the 8th graders this Thursday night from 6:30 to 8 pm in the Band Room.  The Guard will start in the Band room and move to the Cafeteria where they will go over fundamentals and basics of a standard routine.  This is something we do every year to help the 8th graders feel more comfortable as they prepare to sign up for High School classes later this month.  Everyone in the band and guard are encouraged to be there this Thursday to welcome the future of this awesome program!

3)  On Monday, the five High School Band Directors of Gibson County will be touring West Tennessee promoting the Mass Band's performance in the Rose Parade .  Between 6 and 6:30 am, we will be on WBBJ-TV, then will be on Victory 93.7 in Milan at 7:30 am.  We will then be presenting to the Gibson County Commission at 9 am in Trenton, and ending up at the City of Gibson Board meeting at 7 pm that evening.  This entire process is such a great opportunity for the West Tennessee area (and beyond) to see what the directors already know: These are top tier Band programs here in Gibson County.  Great programs, great supportive parents, and great students!  

Announcements 1/5/20

1)  Hope everyone enjoyed your break!  Time to get right back into it.  Be prepared to play instruments on Monday as we start preparing for our Spring Performances.

2)  Booster meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 in the Band room.  We are having it on Tuesday because of the District Board meetings that are always scheduled on the 2nd Thursday of each month.  

3)  Jazz Band will not be meeting this week.  However, I will be talking to the students in the Jazz Band this week about the preferred rehearsal day for this semester - Monday or Tuesday.   Look over your schedules for the semester so that you can tell me which day would work better for the next couple of months. 

 

4)  FYI: We will be starting our final fundraiser next week for the New York trip - the Butter Braid pastry sales.