August 23-27

The music making has begun in all of the instrumental music classes here at Pioneer!  From Beginning Band trying to play assorted brass instruments last week to Wind Ensemble & Jazz Band starting to work through the music library to Concert Band's work on fundamentals and the first sounds of strings at Pioneer in nearly twenty years, it is an exciting time of music making.  I'm excited to be a part of this program and hope that you are too.

Instruments- All students (except Beginning Band) should now have a school instrument and should have returned a signed contract for that instrument.  Remember, we ask that all students using school instruments, including all percussion, make a $50 donation to the Pioneer Music/ Drama Boosters to offset the cost of keeping and maintaining our inventory.  There are several students who will be learning new instruments this year to help their ensembles be better balanced.  Those students are not expected to pay for their instrument, and will also be given extra help after school.

Listening- Students are reminded that they must submit their weekly listening logs every Monday in class.  Any student who misses Friday's listening in class must make it up upon return to class.  We listen first thing every Friday in class- don't miss it!

Outfits- At the end of this week all boys needing a tux will be fitted by a rep from Selix Formalwear.  The tux will be purchased directly from Selix at a cost of about $125.  Girls will be selecting their ensemble dresses later this week as well.  Once selected, we will begin the sizing and ordering process.  I hope to keep cost between $50-$80.  We also may change the Pep Band polo shirt this year.  Once that has been decided, we will begin to place orders for all students.  We hope to cap the price for the polo at $15 and the hoodie or windbreaker at $25.

Payments- Any time your student makes a payment or donation of any kind, I will issue a receipt.  Please keep all receipts for your records in the event of questions about payments.

Performances- We will have our first performances as a Pep Band at the Football games on October 15 & 29 and November 12.  November 12 is senior night, and I look forward to recognizing the outstanding contributions of the seniors in the bands.  Remember, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band are all required to participate in the football games.  There are a few other events this semester, and I'll post more about them as they draw near.

Spring Tour- is tentatively scheduled for April 8-11 in LA.  We cannot leave until CST testing is concluded on Friday, and will continue our trip into the first weekend of spring break.  As of now, Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble are scheduled to travel, but there is a chance that Orchestra may travel with us, as well.  Please block off this weekend in your schedule.  No details are confirmed yet.

Students have selected Student Leaders from each ensemble.  These students will work with me throughout the year both to help me and help their classmates.  These student leaders are examples for the new students to follow and are held to higher standards than other members of the ensemble and will be expected to assist me in various tasks throughout the year.