All grades for Orchestra, Beginning Band, Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble are complete and recorded in the gradebook! Concert Band grades are complete except for tomorrow's rehearsal points during the final. These grades should be complete by 12:15 pm tomorrow (30 minutes after the final).
If you have any reason to believe there is a mistake with your grade, contact me ASAP so that I can work with you to assure that each student's grade correctly represents his work throughout this semester.
No, you cannot turn in make up work or extra credit at this point- you should consider that next semester and get all work in on time or promptly upon missing any assignment.
I look forward to a new year filled with great music making! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
*****UPDATE 12/16 12:30 pm*****
All grades are now posted for all 5 classes and 177 students!
There were 13 students whose grade was within just 1% of a higher letter grade. This shows just how important every assignment is and how important it is to be on time, prepared and contribute in a positive way to every rehearsal and performance!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Finals Week
This week is Finals Week! I hope to have all student grades finalized by the afternoon after their final. While the final was mostly the December Concert, there will still be a large rehearsal grade given for the final period for all classes except Beginning Band. Beginning Band students will have their semester playing test during the final. This playing test will be in three parts; a line that the student selects and prepares (chosen from 91, 92, 95, 101, 104 or 109) worth 50 points, the concert Bb major scale worth 30 points and a line of my choosing to be announced at the start of the final (selected from Level 3) worth 20 points. This will be worth about 13% of the overall semester grade (the concert was also worth the same).
This week, the grab bag fundraiser from We Care Coffee Company will be delivered! Remember that all items sell for $13 each and you can collect cash or checks, payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts." All payments will be due the week we return in January. For those who didn't participate this time, or would like to sell more, we will reorder January 3-6 and items will be delivered about 4 weeks later. You can also continue to use the online store here.
Several folks have asked about the Big Band Dance. The 17th annual Big Band Dance will take place Saturday, February 11 from 7-10 in the PAC and involve students in Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. We will require help from families for set-up, clean-up, donations of appetizers & desserts, and of course in attendance. This year, we will keep the same ticket price of $20, but contribute $5 of each pre-order ticket to the selected student's account. This is in addition to the raffle proceeds, which will also directly benefit student accounts (when they pre-sell the tickets). All of the paperwork for the BBD will be distributed to students and posted online when we return in January. If you are interested in being more involved with this massive undertaking, let me know and I can put you in touch with our leadership team.
I have made a page with all of the information for West Side Story- the link at the top labeled WSS. Be sure to check out the rehearsal schedule, and ticket ordering info which will be posted when it's available.
When we return in January, there is a $150 payment due for the Disneyland trip. We will also be working to finalize our room assignments and itinerary (we are still waiting for details from Disney).
Finally, congratulation to Brian Hubbard who made principal horn in the Santa Clara County Honor Band! This is the first time in many years that Pioneer has a seat in the band, and Brian will represent us well. Be sure to catch the Honor Band performance on Sunday, January 15 at 2:00 at Gunn High School in Palo Alto. This will be a double credit review opportunity!
This week, the grab bag fundraiser from We Care Coffee Company will be delivered! Remember that all items sell for $13 each and you can collect cash or checks, payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts." All payments will be due the week we return in January. For those who didn't participate this time, or would like to sell more, we will reorder January 3-6 and items will be delivered about 4 weeks later. You can also continue to use the online store here.
Several folks have asked about the Big Band Dance. The 17th annual Big Band Dance will take place Saturday, February 11 from 7-10 in the PAC and involve students in Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. We will require help from families for set-up, clean-up, donations of appetizers & desserts, and of course in attendance. This year, we will keep the same ticket price of $20, but contribute $5 of each pre-order ticket to the selected student's account. This is in addition to the raffle proceeds, which will also directly benefit student accounts (when they pre-sell the tickets). All of the paperwork for the BBD will be distributed to students and posted online when we return in January. If you are interested in being more involved with this massive undertaking, let me know and I can put you in touch with our leadership team.
I have made a page with all of the information for West Side Story- the link at the top labeled WSS. Be sure to check out the rehearsal schedule, and ticket ordering info which will be posted when it's available.
When we return in January, there is a $150 payment due for the Disneyland trip. We will also be working to finalize our room assignments and itinerary (we are still waiting for details from Disney).
Finally, congratulation to Brian Hubbard who made principal horn in the Santa Clara County Honor Band! This is the first time in many years that Pioneer has a seat in the band, and Brian will represent us well. Be sure to catch the Honor Band performance on Sunday, January 15 at 2:00 at Gunn High School in Palo Alto. This will be a double credit review opportunity!
Winter Concert Wrap
Two great nights of performances! Congratulations to all of the students for their work this semester. Thanks to Patty Liebscher for leading up our hospitality and the other parents who helped as well (there were too many to list and I wouldn't want to leave someone off!). If you would like a video or audio recording of either performance, contact me ASAP- CD $10, DVD $20, or both for $25. Send a check payable to "Ryan Roberts." We were also able to collect about $400 in donations from the concerts. This money can buy 3-5 pieces of music -or- repair 2-5 small instruments -or- help subsidize our scholarship funds.
Again, I am proud of each ensemble and look forward to the spring semester! Mark our calendars for our upcoming concerts- Big Band Dance Feb 11, West Side Story in March and our Finale Instrumental concerts on May 16-17.
Again, I am proud of each ensemble and look forward to the spring semester! Mark our calendars for our upcoming concerts- Big Band Dance Feb 11, West Side Story in March and our Finale Instrumental concerts on May 16-17.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
December 5-9
This will be a busy week so buckle up!
Winter Concerts this week! Get all the info from the previous post, below. Please bring cookies or snacks for a reception to follow the concert each evening. Also note the call times for each student.
Live Review is due on Friday! I have entered those assignments which have been turned in so far, but most students are missing theirs so far. Don't forget that if you had an excused absence from a football game, you need to do an extra live review as a make up assignment. I am giving extra credit to students who attend the alternate night's performance, though this will not be full credit in place of the assignment itself.
Santa Clara County Honor Band auditions are Friday night at SJSU. Last year, we only had one PHS student audition, but this year we should have several. I hope that Pioneer will be represented in this ensemble. For more info, click here and talk with me on Monday. The concert will be Sunday, January 15 at 2:00 at Gunn HS in Palo Alto. This will be a double credit Live Review opportunity, mark your calendars now!
I am looking for about 2 or 3 more parent chaperones for our trip to Anaheim in February. We will have a great time, but we can only travel with adequate parent supervision. More info is here on my Tour 2012 page, or you can contact me. Check back soon as I will post our confirmed travel details as soon as they are set (hopefully prior to the Christmas holiday). We are still waiting on confirmed times for our events with Disney, and our other activities all are secondary to that scheduling.
Finally- Congratulations to the Pep Band and Football team for a great year! It is only the second time in the history of the school that the team has made it to the CCS Championship game and they did a great job. Congratulations also to the coaching staff for their work with the team. Time to hang up the pep band folders for the next 8 months.
Winter Concerts this week! Get all the info from the previous post, below. Please bring cookies or snacks for a reception to follow the concert each evening. Also note the call times for each student.
Live Review is due on Friday! I have entered those assignments which have been turned in so far, but most students are missing theirs so far. Don't forget that if you had an excused absence from a football game, you need to do an extra live review as a make up assignment. I am giving extra credit to students who attend the alternate night's performance, though this will not be full credit in place of the assignment itself.
Santa Clara County Honor Band auditions are Friday night at SJSU. Last year, we only had one PHS student audition, but this year we should have several. I hope that Pioneer will be represented in this ensemble. For more info, click here and talk with me on Monday. The concert will be Sunday, January 15 at 2:00 at Gunn HS in Palo Alto. This will be a double credit Live Review opportunity, mark your calendars now!
I am looking for about 2 or 3 more parent chaperones for our trip to Anaheim in February. We will have a great time, but we can only travel with adequate parent supervision. More info is here on my Tour 2012 page, or you can contact me. Check back soon as I will post our confirmed travel details as soon as they are set (hopefully prior to the Christmas holiday). We are still waiting on confirmed times for our events with Disney, and our other activities all are secondary to that scheduling.
Finally- Congratulations to the Pep Band and Football team for a great year! It is only the second time in the history of the school that the team has made it to the CCS Championship game and they did a great job. Congratulations also to the coaching staff for their work with the team. Time to hang up the pep band folders for the next 8 months.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Winter Concerts
Wednesday and Thursday, December 7 and 8 at 7:00 in the PAC. Both concerts are free and open to the public. Invite your friends with our facebook event! Click here for Wednesday's bands concert or click here for Thursday's concert. We are asking families to bring cookies or snacks to provide refreshments after each concert. Items can be dropped off at school during the day, or in the evening before the concerts. We also need a few parents each night to help with the setup prior to the concert (about 6:15) and to monitor the table after the program. If you have questions or can help, contact Patty Liebscher by email patty005[at]pacbell[dot]net or 323-9882. We will be taking ensemble yearbook photos in the PAC prior to the concert, so the PAC will not be open for audience members until about 6:30. Concerts will begin promptly at 7:00 and be about an hour each evening.
Monday- "S" period symphony rehearsal in the PAC
Call times for Wednesday-
Wind Ensemble 5:45
Concert Band 6:00
Beginning Band 6:10
Call times for Thursday-
Symphony 5:15, dress rehearsal!
String Orchestra 6:00
Jazz Band 6:10
Monday- "S" period symphony rehearsal in the PAC
Call times for Wednesday-
Wind Ensemble 5:45
Concert Band 6:00
Beginning Band 6:10
Call times for Thursday-
Symphony 5:15, dress rehearsal!
String Orchestra 6:00
Jazz Band 6:10
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Nov 28- Dec 2
Championship football is here! Pep Band will perform this Saturday, December 3 at the championship football game featuring the Pioneer and Los Gatos. We will meet at PHS at 5:30 (subject to change) and take a school bus over to the game. Kickoff is at 7. We will return to PHS by bus at about 10:00- depending on how the game goes. We may need parent chaperones. Watch the blog for any changes to the plans.
Join us for our first ever music fundraiser night at Chevy's on Almaden. If you bring this flier Chevy's will donate 25% of your ticket to our program. Join with friends and family for lunch, happy hour or dinner and support PHS Music while you do. Thanks to Ileen Urban for arranging this fundraiser.
Live reviews are due Friday, December 9. If you have not yet gone out to see a performance for your review, or if you have extra reviews required for any reason- check out my Live Music page for suggested performances over the next few weeks.
West Side Story information and first rehearsals are Monday and Tuesday from 6-8 in my room. We will discuss our rehearsal and production schedule and make part assignments at this time. Interested students must attend or make arrangements with me in advance!
Our Winter Concerts are Wednesday and Thursday December 7 & 8. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free and open to the public. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform on Wednesday night while String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Band will perform Thursday night. All members of the Symphony Orchestra will have a required rehearsal Monday, December 5 during S period and then again the night of our concert at about 5:00.
Have you paid for your dress, tux and other expenses? If not, please make payments ASAP! There are many students who have not yet paid for items. If you plan to fundraise- do so! If you have questions about your account, contact me and I can email you that information. Remember, all checks are made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Just 15 days left this semester! Do you need to do makeup work? Any late assignments lingering? Big projects to get done? Plan ahead while you have time to do these things- if you wait until finals, you may not get them done! Talk to your teachers and most important, follow through if they extend deadlines for you.
Join us for our first ever music fundraiser night at Chevy's on Almaden. If you bring this flier Chevy's will donate 25% of your ticket to our program. Join with friends and family for lunch, happy hour or dinner and support PHS Music while you do. Thanks to Ileen Urban for arranging this fundraiser.
Live reviews are due Friday, December 9. If you have not yet gone out to see a performance for your review, or if you have extra reviews required for any reason- check out my Live Music page for suggested performances over the next few weeks.
West Side Story information and first rehearsals are Monday and Tuesday from 6-8 in my room. We will discuss our rehearsal and production schedule and make part assignments at this time. Interested students must attend or make arrangements with me in advance!
Our Winter Concerts are Wednesday and Thursday December 7 & 8. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free and open to the public. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform on Wednesday night while String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Band will perform Thursday night. All members of the Symphony Orchestra will have a required rehearsal Monday, December 5 during S period and then again the night of our concert at about 5:00.
Have you paid for your dress, tux and other expenses? If not, please make payments ASAP! There are many students who have not yet paid for items. If you plan to fundraise- do so! If you have questions about your account, contact me and I can email you that information. Remember, all checks are made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Just 15 days left this semester! Do you need to do makeup work? Any late assignments lingering? Big projects to get done? Plan ahead while you have time to do these things- if you wait until finals, you may not get them done! Talk to your teachers and most important, follow through if they extend deadlines for you.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
November 21-23
Great job to the Pep Band for an outstanding job at last week's football game. We will not be playing for the 2nd round playoff game this Friday evening, but will play if the team makes it to the championship game on either Friday, December 2 or Saturday, December 3. The game will be off campus, but we will have school bus transportation provided.
This is the last push for fall fundraising! There are be two main options that students have to earn money- traditional and online. The traditional sale (grab bags) is the highest profit and works great for selling locally. Students request a grab bag and sell all the items (6 bags of coffee, 2 bags of cocoa and 2 bags of cookie dough mix) for a set profit of 50%. There is also a mini grab bag which includes only 2 coffees and 2 cocoas for 48% profit. This form has all the info about the grab bag sale- return this form to participate. Grab Bag request forms must be returned this week! The online store features a bigger catalog of items for purchase and can be shipped across the country. The online store is live now and can be promoted here! The grab bag order form is due before Thanksgiving and items will be delivered prior to Christmas break. For each grab bag you plan to sell, plan on about $50 profit. If you are in the online sale, the profit will be reported to me later in the course of the fundraiser.
I have accepted late work all semester at no deduction so far- and will no longer accept without deduction beyond Wednesday! All make up journal entries must be turned in by Wednesday. I will still accept late work, but will begin to take deductions.
Live reviews are due Friday, December 9. If you have not yet gone out to see a performance for your review, or if you have extra reviews required for any reason- check out my Live Music page for suggested performances over the next few weeks.
Join us at Chevy's on December 1! If you bring this flier Chevy's will donate 25% of your ticket to our program. Join with friends and family for lunch, happy hour or dinner and support PHS Music while you do. Thanks to Ileen Urban for arranging this fundraiser.
West Side Story information and first rehearsals are the week after Thanksgiving. All students interested should plan to attend both days- Monday and Tuesday the 28 and 29 from 6-8 in my room. We will discuss our rehearsal and production schedule and make part assignments at this time.
Our Winter Concerts are Wednesday and Thursday December 7 & 8. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free and open to the public. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform on Wednesday night while String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Band will perform Thursday night. All members of the Symphony Orchestra will have a required rehearsal Monday, December 5 during S period and then again the night of our concert at about 5:00.
This is the last push for fall fundraising! There are be two main options that students have to earn money- traditional and online. The traditional sale (grab bags) is the highest profit and works great for selling locally. Students request a grab bag and sell all the items (6 bags of coffee, 2 bags of cocoa and 2 bags of cookie dough mix) for a set profit of 50%. There is also a mini grab bag which includes only 2 coffees and 2 cocoas for 48% profit. This form has all the info about the grab bag sale- return this form to participate. Grab Bag request forms must be returned this week! The online store features a bigger catalog of items for purchase and can be shipped across the country. The online store is live now and can be promoted here! The grab bag order form is due before Thanksgiving and items will be delivered prior to Christmas break. For each grab bag you plan to sell, plan on about $50 profit. If you are in the online sale, the profit will be reported to me later in the course of the fundraiser.
I have accepted late work all semester at no deduction so far- and will no longer accept without deduction beyond Wednesday! All make up journal entries must be turned in by Wednesday. I will still accept late work, but will begin to take deductions.
Live reviews are due Friday, December 9. If you have not yet gone out to see a performance for your review, or if you have extra reviews required for any reason- check out my Live Music page for suggested performances over the next few weeks.
Join us at Chevy's on December 1! If you bring this flier Chevy's will donate 25% of your ticket to our program. Join with friends and family for lunch, happy hour or dinner and support PHS Music while you do. Thanks to Ileen Urban for arranging this fundraiser.
West Side Story information and first rehearsals are the week after Thanksgiving. All students interested should plan to attend both days- Monday and Tuesday the 28 and 29 from 6-8 in my room. We will discuss our rehearsal and production schedule and make part assignments at this time.
Our Winter Concerts are Wednesday and Thursday December 7 & 8. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free and open to the public. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform on Wednesday night while String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Band will perform Thursday night. All members of the Symphony Orchestra will have a required rehearsal Monday, December 5 during S period and then again the night of our concert at about 5:00.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
November 14-18
What a wonderful Veteran's Day program! Those of you who missed it can catch the pictures here
The mighty Mustang varsity football has made it to the playoffs! This means that Pep Band will perform this Friday, November 18 at 7:00. Call time will be 6:00 for all band students. If we win, there is a possibility of a game the day after Thanksgiving. Please keep this as a possibility on your schedule.
Join us in our at Chevy's on December 1! If you bring this flier Chevy's will donate 25% of your ticket to our program. Join with friends and family for lunch, happy hour or dinner and support PHS Music while you do. Thanks to Ileen Urban for arranging this fundraiser.
Speaking of fundraising- our fall fundraiser is now in progress! We will again use the We Care Coffee Company to provide our group with the highest quality local coffee and food products. There will be two main options that students have to earn money- traditional and online. The traditional sale (grab bags) is the highest profit and works great for selling locally. Students request a grab bag and sell all the items (6 bags of coffee, 2 bags of cocoa and 2 bags of cookie dough mix) for a set profit of 50%. There is also a mini grab bag which includes only 2 coffees and 2 cocoas for 48% profit. This form has all the info about the grab bag sale- return this form to participate. The online store features a bigger catalog of items for purchase and can be shipped across the country. The online store is live now and can be promoted here! The grab bag order form is due before Thanksgiving and items will be delivered prior to Christmas break. For each grab bag you plan to sell, plan on about $50 profit. If you are in the online sale, the profit will be reported to me later in the course of the fundraiser.
All of this fundraising is to support students in their expenses. Tour Payment #2 is now due! This payment is $150. Those who haven't paid their deposit should pay $250 to be current! There are many students who RSVP'd yes to the trip, but have yet to pay any deposit or do any fundraising. Please get a payment in right away! Contact me with any questions about finances.
The mighty Mustang varsity football has made it to the playoffs! This means that Pep Band will perform this Friday, November 18 at 7:00. Call time will be 6:00 for all band students. If we win, there is a possibility of a game the day after Thanksgiving. Please keep this as a possibility on your schedule.
Join us in our at Chevy's on December 1! If you bring this flier Chevy's will donate 25% of your ticket to our program. Join with friends and family for lunch, happy hour or dinner and support PHS Music while you do. Thanks to Ileen Urban for arranging this fundraiser.
Speaking of fundraising- our fall fundraiser is now in progress! We will again use the We Care Coffee Company to provide our group with the highest quality local coffee and food products. There will be two main options that students have to earn money- traditional and online. The traditional sale (grab bags) is the highest profit and works great for selling locally. Students request a grab bag and sell all the items (6 bags of coffee, 2 bags of cocoa and 2 bags of cookie dough mix) for a set profit of 50%. There is also a mini grab bag which includes only 2 coffees and 2 cocoas for 48% profit. This form has all the info about the grab bag sale- return this form to participate. The online store features a bigger catalog of items for purchase and can be shipped across the country. The online store is live now and can be promoted here! The grab bag order form is due before Thanksgiving and items will be delivered prior to Christmas break. For each grab bag you plan to sell, plan on about $50 profit. If you are in the online sale, the profit will be reported to me later in the course of the fundraiser.
All of this fundraising is to support students in their expenses. Tour Payment #2 is now due! This payment is $150. Those who haven't paid their deposit should pay $250 to be current! There are many students who RSVP'd yes to the trip, but have yet to pay any deposit or do any fundraising. Please get a payment in right away! Contact me with any questions about finances.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Veteran's Day Photos
Thanks to Mr. Carrillo for sharing his photos of the event with us. Click any image for the whole gallery.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
November 7-11
Great job to the Jazz Band for their performance at the West Valley Jazz
Festival on Friday. Thanks to Mrs Grimaud, Mrs Smith, Mrs Canteenwala,
Mrs Kanga, Mr Higa and Mr Carrillo for driving us safely.
Wind Ensemble- mandatory rehearsal Monday during S period to rehearse with the choirs. Also, mandatory rehearsal after school Wednesday (except those with a 7th period or PHS team sport). We will set up in the PAC first thing after school prior to our run through. The rehearsal will last until about 3:45. Student call time will be 6:15 in room 107, but is subject to change.
The Veteran's Day program is Wednesday at 7:00 in the PAC. There will be a reception prior to the program from about 5-6:30 in the Library where students and families can meet our guest of honor, Medal of Honor winner Jon Cavaiani. Those who plan to attend the concert should arrive early as it is likely to be standing room only.
The last football game of the year is Thursday! I know, there is no school Thursday, but there is still a mandatory football game for the Pep Band. Call time is 6:00, the schedule and expectations are all the same for this game. This is senior night, so be sure and support the 18 band seniors who will be recognized just before the game!
Tour Payment #2 is now due! This payment is $150. Those who haven't paid their deposit should pay $250 to be current! There are many students who RSVP'd yes to the trip, but have yet to pay any deposit or do any fundraising. Please get a payment in right away!
Speaking of fundraising- our fall fundraiser is now in progress! We will again use the We Care Coffee Company to provide our group with the highest quality local coffee and food products. There will be two main options that students have to earn money- traditional and online. The traditional sale (grab bags) is the highest profit and works great for selling locally. Students request a grab bag and sell all the items (6 bags of coffee, 2 bags of cocoa and 2 bags of cookie dough mix) for a set profit of 50%. There is also a mini grab bag which includes only 2 coffees and 2 cocoas for 48% profit. This form has all the info about the grab bag sale- return this form to participate. The online store features a bigger catalog of items for purchase and can be shipped across the country. The online store is live now and can be promoted here! The grab bag order form is due before Thanksgiving and items will be delivered prior to Christmas break. For each grab bag you plan to sell, plan on about $50 profit. If you are in the online sale, the profit will be reported to me later in the course of the fundraiser.
Finally; if you have yet to get out and see a performance for your Live Review- click on the Live Music page and plan a time to get out and see a concert and complete this assignment! This is due December 9!
Wind Ensemble- mandatory rehearsal Monday during S period to rehearse with the choirs. Also, mandatory rehearsal after school Wednesday (except those with a 7th period or PHS team sport). We will set up in the PAC first thing after school prior to our run through. The rehearsal will last until about 3:45. Student call time will be 6:15 in room 107, but is subject to change.
The Veteran's Day program is Wednesday at 7:00 in the PAC. There will be a reception prior to the program from about 5-6:30 in the Library where students and families can meet our guest of honor, Medal of Honor winner Jon Cavaiani. Those who plan to attend the concert should arrive early as it is likely to be standing room only.
The last football game of the year is Thursday! I know, there is no school Thursday, but there is still a mandatory football game for the Pep Band. Call time is 6:00, the schedule and expectations are all the same for this game. This is senior night, so be sure and support the 18 band seniors who will be recognized just before the game!
Tour Payment #2 is now due! This payment is $150. Those who haven't paid their deposit should pay $250 to be current! There are many students who RSVP'd yes to the trip, but have yet to pay any deposit or do any fundraising. Please get a payment in right away!
Speaking of fundraising- our fall fundraiser is now in progress! We will again use the We Care Coffee Company to provide our group with the highest quality local coffee and food products. There will be two main options that students have to earn money- traditional and online. The traditional sale (grab bags) is the highest profit and works great for selling locally. Students request a grab bag and sell all the items (6 bags of coffee, 2 bags of cocoa and 2 bags of cookie dough mix) for a set profit of 50%. There is also a mini grab bag which includes only 2 coffees and 2 cocoas for 48% profit. This form has all the info about the grab bag sale- return this form to participate. The online store features a bigger catalog of items for purchase and can be shipped across the country. The online store is live now and can be promoted here! The grab bag order form is due before Thanksgiving and items will be delivered prior to Christmas break. For each grab bag you plan to sell, plan on about $50 profit. If you are in the online sale, the profit will be reported to me later in the course of the fundraiser.
Finally; if you have yet to get out and see a performance for your Live Review- click on the Live Music page and plan a time to get out and see a concert and complete this assignment! This is due December 9!
Monday, October 31, 2011
October 31- November 4
What an incredible concert last week! Great job to those who performed and thanks to the parents who helped- we wouldn't have a successful program without everyone working to row the ship.
West Valley Jazz Festival this Friday! Jazz Band will miss periods 1-4 on Friday for the festival. Students will report in uniform to room 107 at the start of first period. Parent drivers need to be in the front loop at 7:35 (to allow the before school traffic to clear) and we will leave by 7:45. We will warm up at about 8:30, perform at 9:00, clinic immediately following, watch a bit then return to PHS for 4th period (by 10:35). The following parents are going to drive- Carrillo, Grimaud, Higa, Smith & Kanga.
Our fall fundraiser kicks off this week! We will again use the We Care Coffee Company to provide our group with the highest quality local coffee and food products. There will be two main options that students have to earn money- traditional and online. The traditional sale (grab bags) is the highest profit and works great for selling locally. Students request a grab bag and sell all the items (6 bags of coffee, 2 bags of cocoa and 2 bags of cookie dough mix) for a set profit of 50%. There is also a mini grab bag which includes only 2 coffees and 2 cocoas for 48% profit. This form has all the info about the grab bag sale- return this form to participate. The online store features a bigger catalog of items for purchase and can be shipped across the country. The online store is live now and can be promoted here!
Our Veteran's Day Tribute performance is next week! Wind Ensemble will have a required rehearsal with the choir Monday 11/7 during S period as well as a staging rehearsal Wednesday after school which will be required for students not in an in season PHS athletic practice or class. The call time for performers will be about 6:00 (TBD). If you plan to attend the program, you will want to arrive early as seating is expected to be at capacity- the concert will begin at 7:00. Please take time to share the facebook event page with those who may be interested in our performance.
The second grading period has closed. All grades will be posted by Tuesday after school. If you find that you are still missing assignments or have excessive absences, come in so that you can make them up! There are many students who are missing one (or more) assignment(s) and their grade has dropped because of it- don't let this happen to you!
West Valley Jazz Festival this Friday! Jazz Band will miss periods 1-4 on Friday for the festival. Students will report in uniform to room 107 at the start of first period. Parent drivers need to be in the front loop at 7:35 (to allow the before school traffic to clear) and we will leave by 7:45. We will warm up at about 8:30, perform at 9:00, clinic immediately following, watch a bit then return to PHS for 4th period (by 10:35). The following parents are going to drive- Carrillo, Grimaud, Higa, Smith & Kanga.
Our fall fundraiser kicks off this week! We will again use the We Care Coffee Company to provide our group with the highest quality local coffee and food products. There will be two main options that students have to earn money- traditional and online. The traditional sale (grab bags) is the highest profit and works great for selling locally. Students request a grab bag and sell all the items (6 bags of coffee, 2 bags of cocoa and 2 bags of cookie dough mix) for a set profit of 50%. There is also a mini grab bag which includes only 2 coffees and 2 cocoas for 48% profit. This form has all the info about the grab bag sale- return this form to participate. The online store features a bigger catalog of items for purchase and can be shipped across the country. The online store is live now and can be promoted here!
Our Veteran's Day Tribute performance is next week! Wind Ensemble will have a required rehearsal with the choir Monday 11/7 during S period as well as a staging rehearsal Wednesday after school which will be required for students not in an in season PHS athletic practice or class. The call time for performers will be about 6:00 (TBD). If you plan to attend the program, you will want to arrive early as seating is expected to be at capacity- the concert will begin at 7:00. Please take time to share the facebook event page with those who may be interested in our performance.
The second grading period has closed. All grades will be posted by Tuesday after school. If you find that you are still missing assignments or have excessive absences, come in so that you can make them up! There are many students who are missing one (or more) assignment(s) and their grade has dropped because of it- don't let this happen to you!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
October 24-28
Concert and Football week!
Join us for our Fall Concert on Wednesday night at 7:00 in the PAC- admission is free. The PAC will not open to parents until about 6:40 pm. This will be a great concert and I encourage you to invite friends and family. The concert should be about 90 minutes long. Students are to wear their formal performance attire- tuxes for the boys and dresses for the girls. Call time for Jazz Band is 6:00, Wind Ensemble is 6:10 and Orchestra is 6:20. Again, parents please note that the PAC will not be open for seating until about 6:40.
Speaking of tuxes and dresses- payment for these is now past due! All payments should be made out to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Boys who bought a complete tux owe $140. Girls owe $65 for their dress. All payments should be made to Pioneer Performing Arts as soon as possible. If you have a question about finances, or need to pay over time or plan to participate in more fundraising, let me know.
We also have our fourth football game of the year Friday night. Call time is 6:00. Thanks to Ms. Cooper who will pick up the pizzas for the band students! We will have just one game left- on Thursday, November 10, again with a 6:00 call time. I know, this is a staff development day, but it is a required performance nonetheless.
Important Tour 2012 update- just over half of the families who have committed to the trip actually paid their deposit or turned in the tour contract. The next payment for the trips is $150 and is due in just 2 weeks. This means that those who have not yet paid will need to turn in $250. If we do not get sufficient numbers to get their payments and contracts in, we may have to cancel the trip. If this happens, all funds would be returned to the families.
The West Valley Jazz Festival featuring Gordon Goodwin is next Friday, November 4. We will depart Pioneer just after the start of first period at about 7:45 am as we have a 9:00 scheduled performance. We are awaiting word about a possible performance at Castillero. If this happens, we will return to PHS at about 2:15, if not, we will return by lunch time. The tickets for the Gordon Goodwin concert
Have you seen a concert for your Live Review yet? If not, there is a San Jose Wind Symphony concert Sunday at 3:00 at Saratoga HS which would be great for band students to review. Those students not in the Glue Factory, Fall Concert or Veteran's Day performances can complete a review at those performances for extra credit. This will not count as a full credit review- just extra credit.
Finally, Wind Ensemble will present our annual Veteran's Day tribute performance in conjunction with the choirs and readings by select drama students. The concert is titled "Uncommon Valor... beyond the call of duty" and is dedicated to those heroes who have been recognized with the Medal of Honor. We are even scheduled to have a Medal of Honor recipient with us at the performance. You won't want to miss this evening of great music and a stirring tribute to the heroism of those who dedicated themselves in service to our country. Thursday, November 10 at 7:00 in the PAC. Admission free.
Join us for our Fall Concert on Wednesday night at 7:00 in the PAC- admission is free. The PAC will not open to parents until about 6:40 pm. This will be a great concert and I encourage you to invite friends and family. The concert should be about 90 minutes long. Students are to wear their formal performance attire- tuxes for the boys and dresses for the girls. Call time for Jazz Band is 6:00, Wind Ensemble is 6:10 and Orchestra is 6:20. Again, parents please note that the PAC will not be open for seating until about 6:40.
Speaking of tuxes and dresses- payment for these is now past due! All payments should be made out to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Boys who bought a complete tux owe $140. Girls owe $65 for their dress. All payments should be made to Pioneer Performing Arts as soon as possible. If you have a question about finances, or need to pay over time or plan to participate in more fundraising, let me know.
We also have our fourth football game of the year Friday night. Call time is 6:00. Thanks to Ms. Cooper who will pick up the pizzas for the band students! We will have just one game left- on Thursday, November 10, again with a 6:00 call time. I know, this is a staff development day, but it is a required performance nonetheless.
Important Tour 2012 update- just over half of the families who have committed to the trip actually paid their deposit or turned in the tour contract. The next payment for the trips is $150 and is due in just 2 weeks. This means that those who have not yet paid will need to turn in $250. If we do not get sufficient numbers to get their payments and contracts in, we may have to cancel the trip. If this happens, all funds would be returned to the families.
The West Valley Jazz Festival featuring Gordon Goodwin is next Friday, November 4. We will depart Pioneer just after the start of first period at about 7:45 am as we have a 9:00 scheduled performance. We are awaiting word about a possible performance at Castillero. If this happens, we will return to PHS at about 2:15, if not, we will return by lunch time. The tickets for the Gordon Goodwin concert
Have you seen a concert for your Live Review yet? If not, there is a San Jose Wind Symphony concert Sunday at 3:00 at Saratoga HS which would be great for band students to review. Those students not in the Glue Factory, Fall Concert or Veteran's Day performances can complete a review at those performances for extra credit. This will not count as a full credit review- just extra credit.
Finally, Wind Ensemble will present our annual Veteran's Day tribute performance in conjunction with the choirs and readings by select drama students. The concert is titled "Uncommon Valor... beyond the call of duty" and is dedicated to those heroes who have been recognized with the Medal of Honor. We are even scheduled to have a Medal of Honor recipient with us at the performance. You won't want to miss this evening of great music and a stirring tribute to the heroism of those who dedicated themselves in service to our country. Thursday, November 10 at 7:00 in the PAC. Admission free.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Bells Are Ringing!
Come out to the Glue Factory production of Bells are Ringing tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7:00 in the PAC! Students who complete a Live Review of the musical will get extra credit! Tickets are available at the door, arrive early. Please turn in your review next week to get extra credit.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
October 16-21
Our Fall Concert is next week- Wednesday, October 26 at 7:00 in the PAC. Student call time will be between 5:45 and 6:15. The program will include Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band and last approximately 90 minutes. Click here for the Facebook event where you can invite your friends and family!
All the girls' dresses have been delivered and distributed. Dresses will need to be hemmed for length, and may need slight alterations for sizing, but overall the fittings went well. Please make payment of $65 to "Pioneer Performing Arts" as soon as possible. The boys' tuxedos will be delivered this week and will cost $140. Checks should be made out to "Selix Formalwear" on pickup. Students planning to use fundraising, or to pay over time will be paying "Pioneer Performing Arts." Please arrange payment as soon as possible.
Have you checked out the information about outside performances you can attend on the Live Music page? Every student is required to complete one Live Review each semester. Students who have been given an extra Live Review as an alternate assignment will have a "0" in the original assignment until the Live Review is submitted. Contact me if you have questions about this assignment.
Many students who RSVP'd yes to our 2012 Tour have not yet turned in their deposit! PLEASE- the deposit and tour contract MUST be turned in ASAP otherwise we will not be able to travel! The second payment of $150 is due November 7 (just 3 weeks). This means that every student and chaperone should have paid or fundraised up to $250 by that point! If you have questions about the trip, or RSVP'd yes and need to change that information, please contact me right away!
Our Pep Band has been much more successful after they have had a chance to eat pizza at the games. I need a parent who can pick up the pizza (about 10 of them) at the Costco on Almaden at about 5:00 and bring it to my room. You do not have to order the pizza or pay for the pizza- just pick it up at about 5:00 and bring it back to PHS. I have done this for the last 2 games but cannot continue this additional project on an already busy performance day. If you can help with this, please contact me. The next games are Friday, October 28 and Thursday, November 9
The Jazz Band will be performing at the West Valley Jazz Festival on Friday, November 4. Details are TBA, but I will need 3-5 parent drivers for the day. If you have your driver forms turned in to the office, and are able to drive- please contact me to let me know.
Did you do your Program Notes? If not- get them turned in! Better late for a partial deduction than not at all for no credit. Don't remember what that is? Read the assignment info here. (Only applies to Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band.)
All the girls' dresses have been delivered and distributed. Dresses will need to be hemmed for length, and may need slight alterations for sizing, but overall the fittings went well. Please make payment of $65 to "Pioneer Performing Arts" as soon as possible. The boys' tuxedos will be delivered this week and will cost $140. Checks should be made out to "Selix Formalwear" on pickup. Students planning to use fundraising, or to pay over time will be paying "Pioneer Performing Arts." Please arrange payment as soon as possible.
Have you checked out the information about outside performances you can attend on the Live Music page? Every student is required to complete one Live Review each semester. Students who have been given an extra Live Review as an alternate assignment will have a "0" in the original assignment until the Live Review is submitted. Contact me if you have questions about this assignment.
Many students who RSVP'd yes to our 2012 Tour have not yet turned in their deposit! PLEASE- the deposit and tour contract MUST be turned in ASAP otherwise we will not be able to travel! The second payment of $150 is due November 7 (just 3 weeks). This means that every student and chaperone should have paid or fundraised up to $250 by that point! If you have questions about the trip, or RSVP'd yes and need to change that information, please contact me right away!
Our Pep Band has been much more successful after they have had a chance to eat pizza at the games. I need a parent who can pick up the pizza (about 10 of them) at the Costco on Almaden at about 5:00 and bring it to my room. You do not have to order the pizza or pay for the pizza- just pick it up at about 5:00 and bring it back to PHS. I have done this for the last 2 games but cannot continue this additional project on an already busy performance day. If you can help with this, please contact me. The next games are Friday, October 28 and Thursday, November 9
The Jazz Band will be performing at the West Valley Jazz Festival on Friday, November 4. Details are TBA, but I will need 3-5 parent drivers for the day. If you have your driver forms turned in to the office, and are able to drive- please contact me to let me know.
Did you do your Program Notes? If not- get them turned in! Better late for a partial deduction than not at all for no credit. Don't remember what that is? Read the assignment info here. (Only applies to Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band.)
Monday, October 10, 2011
Program Notes
Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Jazz Band students are required to write program notes for our Fall Concert. These are due this Friday, October 14. Program notes should include a bit about the composer and a bit on the composition. Information should be engaging to a non-musical audience and provide a bit of background and some insight in what to listen to in the performance.
Here is an example of what one could write about Frank Ticheli's piece, Amen
Allegro- 1st violin
Shepherd's Hey- 2nd violin
Four Royal Dances- viola
Lullaby- cello/ bass
Wind Ensemble as follows;
Belgian Paratroopers- A - DiLeonard
Sleepers, Wake- Dueck- Macdonald
Symphony #5- Macon- Z
Jazz Band as follows;
I Remember Stan- Robert, Ryan S, Natalie T
Jazz Police- David, Erica, Joseph
Love for Sale- Justin Victor, Elliot
Malaguena- Tatiana, Carl, Maria
Nardis- Alex, Steven, Ryan A
A Night in Tunisia- Mina, Mac, Meghan
Street Music- Jake, Noah, Natalie K
Here is an example of what one could write about Frank Ticheli's piece, Amen
Frank Ticheli is one of the most prominent contemporary composers for band. His works include those from younger bands to the most experienced. “Amen!” takes on an upbeat, somewhat bluesy, gospel style, suggesting an impassioned preacher sharing some bit of good news. After an introductory “call to order,” our preacher (here the clarinet section) gives us the main tune over a series of simple, bopping quarter-note chords. Later, the full ensemble bursts out in a fit of joy- the choir and the congregation have joined in, dancing and shouting in full agreement. The good news is driven home in the concluding coda over a series of plagal (“Amen”) chord progressions, and one final joyful shout.Students should also include a brief personal statement about themselves and music. This could be why they chose to play, what they love about playing or anything along those lines. For example-
-Frank Ticheli (adapted)
I love band! I’ve been playing trombone since the sixth grade and can’t imagine life without music. My joy is seeing young people learn about music and grow in their musical skills and develop their own love for symphonic music.Orchestra as follows;
Allegro- 1st violin
Shepherd's Hey- 2nd violin
Four Royal Dances- viola
Lullaby- cello/ bass
Wind Ensemble as follows;
Belgian Paratroopers- A - DiLeonard
Sleepers, Wake- Dueck- Macdonald
Symphony #5- Macon- Z
Jazz Band as follows;
I Remember Stan- Robert, Ryan S, Natalie T
Jazz Police- David, Erica, Joseph
Love for Sale- Justin Victor, Elliot
Malaguena- Tatiana, Carl, Maria
Nardis- Alex, Steven, Ryan A
A Night in Tunisia- Mina, Mac, Meghan
Street Music- Jake, Noah, Natalie K
Sunday, October 9, 2011
October 10-14
Thanks to the Pep Band for a great showing last Friday! It seems like the pizza worked out well last week, so we will do the same thing this week- $5 and you get pizza and waters at the game. This week there will again be activities after school for the members of the Pep Band. Otherwise, the call time is again 6:00 for the game this Friday.
Have you paid your tour deposit? Many who plan to go on our 2012 Tour have not turned in the deposit! You MUST get your deposit turned in and your tour contract ASAP! If you have questions, contact me directly after you check out the Tour 2012 page.
Jazz Band will participate in the West Valley Jazz festival with special guest Gordon Goodwin on Friday, November 4. Details are TBA, but we will need several parent drivers who can get their PHS driver paperwork into the office and drive us that day. Click here for more info about the parent driver/ volunteer driver forms. Ideally, we will be able to perform for Castillero in the morning for a recruitment visit before going to West Valley for our festival performance. Also, for students who requested tickets to the Gordon Goodwin concert that night, those are $5 each and I'll get those to you as soon as I get them.
I have updated the Live Music page with many performances that are coming up during the month of October. If you get your review done early, turn in your form so I can grade it and you are done for the semester. If you have to do an extra review as a make up assignment, make sure you plan to attend multiple performances!
Have you paid your tour deposit? Many who plan to go on our 2012 Tour have not turned in the deposit! You MUST get your deposit turned in and your tour contract ASAP! If you have questions, contact me directly after you check out the Tour 2012 page.
Jazz Band will participate in the West Valley Jazz festival with special guest Gordon Goodwin on Friday, November 4. Details are TBA, but we will need several parent drivers who can get their PHS driver paperwork into the office and drive us that day. Click here for more info about the parent driver/ volunteer driver forms. Ideally, we will be able to perform for Castillero in the morning for a recruitment visit before going to West Valley for our festival performance. Also, for students who requested tickets to the Gordon Goodwin concert that night, those are $5 each and I'll get those to you as soon as I get them.
I have updated the Live Music page with many performances that are coming up during the month of October. If you get your review done early, turn in your form so I can grade it and you are done for the semester. If you have to do an extra review as a make up assignment, make sure you plan to attend multiple performances!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
October 3-7
Congratulations to the Jazz Band for a great gig at the Santa Teresa church festival this afternoon. Thanks to Mr Carrillo, Mrs Higa and Mrs Smith for helping us drive during the event.
I will not be at school on Monday. Students in Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Orchestra should be working in sectionals. Students in Beginning Band should be working for their playing test. Students in Concert Band should work on their football music. As such, please make sure you have your tour contract and deposit on Tuesday.
Tour contracts are due Tuesday, October 4 (since I'll be gone Monday). If you need a new tour contract, get yours here, along with all the tour information.
We will have our first Band Booster meeting on Thursday, October 6 at 7:30 in the band room. Come find out ways that you can be involved and help out our program. Big or small, we have so many ways to be involved that can suit your interests and abilities.
October is a big concert month. Be sure and check out the many opportunities out there for Live Music on the Live Music section of my blog. If you get out to a performance now, you can get your review turned in and not have to worry about it later in the semester as you get more busy.
Football resumes this month with games the next 4 out of 6 weeks. A reminder about expectations- Football games are required performances for all students in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. The only excused absence is for a student who is on varsity football or cheer. I'm 'out of town' or I 'couldn't be there' are not excused absences and will result in a zero grade. I encourage students to hang out in the band room after school Fridays as we have pizzas and games before most Football games. The call time is 6:00. The only reason a student should be late is if he is attending a practice for a PHS sports team. Students who do not have time to eat before the game may eat during the game, but someone should bring the food to them. As the concession lines can be very long and band students are at the game to perform, I do not dismiss the band for a break. Students should plan accordingly and eat before the game or have friends or family drop off food.
Our Fall Concert is coming up quickly. Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Jazz Band will perform Wednesday night, October 26 at 7:00 in the PAC. Call time for each group is TBD. Be sure to invite family and friends to the first performance of the year.
Our Veteran's Day Tribute performance will be on Wednesday, November 9 at 7:00 in the PAC. The Wind Ensemble will perform with the choir and selected drama students in this annual tradition which brings in hundreds of spectators from across the Pioneer community. You don't want to miss this one! Wind Ensemble students should plan on a required dress rehearsal that afternoon. More info is TBA.
Tour contracts are due Tuesday, October 4 (since I'll be gone Monday). If you need a new tour contract, get yours here, along with all the tour information.
We will have our first Band Booster meeting on Thursday, October 6 at 7:30 in the band room. Come find out ways that you can be involved and help out our program. Big or small, we have so many ways to be involved that can suit your interests and abilities.
October is a big concert month. Be sure and check out the many opportunities out there for Live Music on the Live Music section of my blog. If you get out to a performance now, you can get your review turned in and not have to worry about it later in the semester as you get more busy.
Football resumes this month with games the next 4 out of 6 weeks. A reminder about expectations- Football games are required performances for all students in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. The only excused absence is for a student who is on varsity football or cheer. I'm 'out of town' or I 'couldn't be there' are not excused absences and will result in a zero grade. I encourage students to hang out in the band room after school Fridays as we have pizzas and games before most Football games. The call time is 6:00. The only reason a student should be late is if he is attending a practice for a PHS sports team. Students who do not have time to eat before the game may eat during the game, but someone should bring the food to them. As the concession lines can be very long and band students are at the game to perform, I do not dismiss the band for a break. Students should plan accordingly and eat before the game or have friends or family drop off food.
Our Fall Concert is coming up quickly. Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Jazz Band will perform Wednesday night, October 26 at 7:00 in the PAC. Call time for each group is TBD. Be sure to invite family and friends to the first performance of the year.
Our Veteran's Day Tribute performance will be on Wednesday, November 9 at 7:00 in the PAC. The Wind Ensemble will perform with the choir and selected drama students in this annual tradition which brings in hundreds of spectators from across the Pioneer community. You don't want to miss this one! Wind Ensemble students should plan on a required dress rehearsal that afternoon. More info is TBA.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Jazz Band Gig 10/2
Info- 1:30 call time at PHS in new band polo and jeans. Students will load equipment and then travel to Santa Teresa Church (on the corner of Cahalan and Calero, behind the fire station). We will arrive at the church at about 2 and set up on the stage at 2:15. Our set is from 2:30-3:15. Following the set, students will load our gear back into the van. Food will be provided for us and we will eat after we load up the gear. After that, we will head back to PHS to unload (about 4:00). If you have any questions on the day of the event, contact me on my cell phone.
Contract and Deposit Now Due!
All three groups are confirmed for the trip! For more info, click over to the Tour 2012 page. Don't forget that your deposit and tour contract are due Monday! All students were given an account statement this week showing a current balance. Students with a positive balance may use that for their deposit, but must turn in the contract and write on the contract to use that amount for the deposit. Students with under $100 credit still need to turn in a payment for the balance due. Did your student not bring home a statement? Let me know by email chris _ mccoy [at] sjusd [dot] org and I can email you a PDF copy. I am also looking for a couple of additional band parents to chaperone. If you are interested, contact me or return a contract this week.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
9/26-9/30
Thank you to Mr. Bill Connor, grandfather of Wind Ensemble horn player Brian Hubbard. Mr. Connor owned a music shop for nearly 30 years, but closed his doors many years ago. In the meantime, he has been storing a treasure trove of instruments which he has generously donated to us. Over the next few weeks, I will be working to get some of these into playable or salable condition. Thank you, Mr. Connor! Do you have unused instruments in your home? If you donate them to us, we can put them directly to work either in the hands of students or by using the profits from the sale to restore other instruments in our inventory. Just like with cash donations, donations of property (including instruments) are tax deductible.
There are about 30 students who have not returned the tour survey (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra or Jazz) which was due this past Friday. This must be returned so that I can continue to confirm details of our February trip to Anaheim. The details as they stand are on the Tour 2012 page. Jazz Band students are confirmed for the trip, but until I get more RSVP's back from Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, I can't be sure. Once each group is confirmed, I will remind students to begin to turn in their trip contract forms along with their deposits.
This week, I will distribute to all students account statements. These will reflect any positive carry-over from last year as well as any fundraising, costs and payments made thus far this year. If your student does not bring this home, please contact me and I can email you the same as a PDF file.
Now is a great time to plan to attend a live concert! Most ensembles- including high schools, colleges and community ensembles will have a concert in October. Complete requirements for the Live Review, as well as links to several local ensembles and schools are on the Live Music section of my blog. Please plan ahead!
We will have had a month off of football, but Pep Band resumes in earnest in October with games on the 7th, 14th and 28. Please remember that these are required performances for all students in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. Our new polo shirts and jackets will arrive this week. If you've not yet paid for your order, please do so now. You can refer to your account statement if you don't remember.
Jazz Band has been requested to perform on Sunday, October 2 from about 2-4 at a carnival at Santa Teresa Church on Calero at Cahalan. We will meet at PHS at 1:30 to load our gear. We will unload and set up on stage at 2:25 and perform from about 2:30-3:15. Students will get free food at the festival. This is not part of the church's regular religious functions. Students who are unable to help with set up will help us return the equipment to PHS after the gig. Students must let me know any schedule concerns or conflicts not later than Monday!
Also for Jazz Band, we will need parent drivers on Friday, November 4 for our performance at West Valley College. More details are TBA, but if you are able to drive us that day, please contact me and get your paperwork into the office ASAP. Questions? Let me know.
There are about 30 students who have not returned the tour survey (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra or Jazz) which was due this past Friday. This must be returned so that I can continue to confirm details of our February trip to Anaheim. The details as they stand are on the Tour 2012 page. Jazz Band students are confirmed for the trip, but until I get more RSVP's back from Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, I can't be sure. Once each group is confirmed, I will remind students to begin to turn in their trip contract forms along with their deposits.
This week, I will distribute to all students account statements. These will reflect any positive carry-over from last year as well as any fundraising, costs and payments made thus far this year. If your student does not bring this home, please contact me and I can email you the same as a PDF file.
Now is a great time to plan to attend a live concert! Most ensembles- including high schools, colleges and community ensembles will have a concert in October. Complete requirements for the Live Review, as well as links to several local ensembles and schools are on the Live Music section of my blog. Please plan ahead!
We will have had a month off of football, but Pep Band resumes in earnest in October with games on the 7th, 14th and 28. Please remember that these are required performances for all students in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. Our new polo shirts and jackets will arrive this week. If you've not yet paid for your order, please do so now. You can refer to your account statement if you don't remember.
Jazz Band has been requested to perform on Sunday, October 2 from about 2-4 at a carnival at Santa Teresa Church on Calero at Cahalan. We will meet at PHS at 1:30 to load our gear. We will unload and set up on stage at 2:25 and perform from about 2:30-3:15. Students will get free food at the festival. This is not part of the church's regular religious functions. Students who are unable to help with set up will help us return the equipment to PHS after the gig. Students must let me know any schedule concerns or conflicts not later than Monday!
Also for Jazz Band, we will need parent drivers on Friday, November 4 for our performance at West Valley College. More details are TBA, but if you are able to drive us that day, please contact me and get your paperwork into the office ASAP. Questions? Let me know.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
September 19-23
Thank you to the members of the Pep Band who performed at the grand opening ceremony on Saturday morning at Orchard! Your brief performance earned the program a $250 donation! Thanks also to Alfonso Carrillo for driving our equipment from PHS to Orchard! We couldn't have a successful program without supportive parents.
Our Entertainment Book sale is now over. Books can no longer be returned, but you can still sell outstanding books and get credit for the profit. Sold or not, however, the $30 per book is now due.
Tour 2012 survey and information will be sent home with each student in Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Orchestra on Monday. The survey is due back not later than Friday. We cannot proceed with planning until we have a more accurate count of students and parents who wish to participate. You can get the survey here (1/2 sheet, due Friday) or the information sheet here. (due with deposit on 10/3) Click on my Tour 2012 page for more details and updated info throughout the year.
The first grading period ends this Friday, 9/23. Please check all grades and submit all missing work for my review. Grades are in progress until Friday, but if you have a question, don't hesitate to contact me for clarification as I'll be entering quite a few grades this week.
A word on donations and payments- A big THANK YOU to the families who have made donations this year. We have collected roughly $1,500 already this year! We do ask for $50 for those who use a school instrument, and with well over 100 students using school instruments, we have a long way to go to meet our $5,000 goal. All donations go right into making this a successful program; from the music we perform to the instruments we purchase and maintain to the scholarships we provide and the events in which we participate- none of it would be possible without those who support us! THANK YOU!
Checks can be made to "Pioneer Performing Arts" and all donations are tax deductible. Every student who makes a payment at any point in the year gets a receipt from me and those which are deductible say "donation" on the memo line. Please make sure your students give you those receipts when you send money. Also, I will be sending home accounting sheets this week for each student showing all transactions which have already occurred this year. Be sure to ask your student about this later this week.
Our Entertainment Book sale is now over. Books can no longer be returned, but you can still sell outstanding books and get credit for the profit. Sold or not, however, the $30 per book is now due.
Tour 2012 survey and information will be sent home with each student in Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Orchestra on Monday. The survey is due back not later than Friday. We cannot proceed with planning until we have a more accurate count of students and parents who wish to participate. You can get the survey here (1/2 sheet, due Friday) or the information sheet here. (due with deposit on 10/3) Click on my Tour 2012 page for more details and updated info throughout the year.
The first grading period ends this Friday, 9/23. Please check all grades and submit all missing work for my review. Grades are in progress until Friday, but if you have a question, don't hesitate to contact me for clarification as I'll be entering quite a few grades this week.
A word on donations and payments- A big THANK YOU to the families who have made donations this year. We have collected roughly $1,500 already this year! We do ask for $50 for those who use a school instrument, and with well over 100 students using school instruments, we have a long way to go to meet our $5,000 goal. All donations go right into making this a successful program; from the music we perform to the instruments we purchase and maintain to the scholarships we provide and the events in which we participate- none of it would be possible without those who support us! THANK YOU!
Checks can be made to "Pioneer Performing Arts" and all donations are tax deductible. Every student who makes a payment at any point in the year gets a receipt from me and those which are deductible say "donation" on the memo line. Please make sure your students give you those receipts when you send money. Also, I will be sending home accounting sheets this week for each student showing all transactions which have already occurred this year. Be sure to ask your student about this later this week.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
September 12-16
Entertainment Books are DUE MONDAY! All money (checks made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts") or unsold books must be returned! Refer to the Entertainment Books posting for more info.
This Saturday, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band will perform at the Grand Opening Celebration for the new Orchard store on Blossom Hill/ Meridian. Students meet at PHS at 8:00. We will walk over to Orchard shortly after that and we will perform there from about 9:15-9:45. Following our performance, I will return to PHS and students may drop off their equipment at that time. Students who do not return to PHS may bring their equipment back Monday morning. Students should wear the same pep band attire as at the football game on 9/2. This is a graded performance- students who miss must have a signed note from home stating the reasons for missing. Students will be given an alternate assignment to make up credit.
It was good to see so many parents at Back-to-School night last week! If you missed any of the information, remember that the most important thing is to check this site regularly as just about all of the things going on in class go up here in my announcements first! If you have any further questions, you can reach me by email- chris _ mccoy [at] sjusd [dot] org. I will be sending out information for Booster meetings and other ways for parents to be involved over this year. If you do not get an email from me by the end of this week, let me know so that I can be sure to add your address to my list.
This week I will survey Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band regarding our February performance trip to Anaheim. I need a commitment from families for payment and fundraising and scheduling before I give our final confirmation to travel. In order for us to have a successful trip, we need the highest participation possible for each ensemble. For more info, click on the Tour 2012 link here or at the top of the page.
This Saturday, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band will perform at the Grand Opening Celebration for the new Orchard store on Blossom Hill/ Meridian. Students meet at PHS at 8:00. We will walk over to Orchard shortly after that and we will perform there from about 9:15-9:45. Following our performance, I will return to PHS and students may drop off their equipment at that time. Students who do not return to PHS may bring their equipment back Monday morning. Students should wear the same pep band attire as at the football game on 9/2. This is a graded performance- students who miss must have a signed note from home stating the reasons for missing. Students will be given an alternate assignment to make up credit.
It was good to see so many parents at Back-to-School night last week! If you missed any of the information, remember that the most important thing is to check this site regularly as just about all of the things going on in class go up here in my announcements first! If you have any further questions, you can reach me by email- chris _ mccoy [at] sjusd [dot] org. I will be sending out information for Booster meetings and other ways for parents to be involved over this year. If you do not get an email from me by the end of this week, let me know so that I can be sure to add your address to my list.
This week I will survey Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band regarding our February performance trip to Anaheim. I need a commitment from families for payment and fundraising and scheduling before I give our final confirmation to travel. In order for us to have a successful trip, we need the highest participation possible for each ensemble. For more info, click on the Tour 2012 link here or at the top of the page.
Monday, September 5, 2011
September 6-9
Great job to the Pep Band for their performance at the first game of the season! We had a great time and there is nothing like a Friday night football game to kick off a long weekend. I hope everyone enjoyed their day off.
Here is what's coming up this week-
Boys who need all or part of a tux will be measured on Wednesday in class. Unfortunately, the price for the tuxedo has gone up to $140 this year, but it will be a new tux rather than a previously rented tux. I will be distributing forms Monday for each student to indicate what parts (or all) of the tux he needs.
Back-to-School night is Thursday! Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band will perform in the quad before the classes start. Their call time is 5:30 and they will be done by 6:00, before parents begin first period. Students should wear the same things they wore at the football game. Be sure to attend and find out what's going on in your student's class and how you can support your student!
All beginning band students have been assigned their instrument for this year. Students should make arrangements to purchase the other accessories that go with their instrument, as I indicated on the information sheet I gave out last week.
Keep selling Entertainment Books! Students can earn $10-$13 per book depending on our overall sales volume. Get more info here.
Next week, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band will have a similar performance for the Grand Opening of Orchard at Blossom Hill and Meridian. The performance is Saturday the 17th from 8:00-11:00. We will meet at the school, walk down to Orchard where we'll perform for about 30 minutes then drop our things off back at the school. As part of our performance, Orchard will make a donation to our program!
Here is what's coming up this week-
Boys who need all or part of a tux will be measured on Wednesday in class. Unfortunately, the price for the tuxedo has gone up to $140 this year, but it will be a new tux rather than a previously rented tux. I will be distributing forms Monday for each student to indicate what parts (or all) of the tux he needs.
Back-to-School night is Thursday! Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band will perform in the quad before the classes start. Their call time is 5:30 and they will be done by 6:00, before parents begin first period. Students should wear the same things they wore at the football game. Be sure to attend and find out what's going on in your student's class and how you can support your student!
All beginning band students have been assigned their instrument for this year. Students should make arrangements to purchase the other accessories that go with their instrument, as I indicated on the information sheet I gave out last week.
Keep selling Entertainment Books! Students can earn $10-$13 per book depending on our overall sales volume. Get more info here.
Next week, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band will have a similar performance for the Grand Opening of Orchard at Blossom Hill and Meridian. The performance is Saturday the 17th from 8:00-11:00. We will meet at the school, walk down to Orchard where we'll perform for about 30 minutes then drop our things off back at the school. As part of our performance, Orchard will make a donation to our program!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Back to School Night
The Pep Band has been asked to perform as part of Back to School night next week on Thursday, September 8. Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band students have a 5:30 call time, will perform from 5:45-5:55 and then we'll be done. Students with already existing conflicts are excused, but students able to play will earn extra performance credit! Students should wear their old polo if possible or some Pioneer blue.
Entertainment Books
We are in the midst of our first fundraiser of the year! All students in all classes have been given 2 Entertainment Books (coupon/ discount books) to sell. Books sell for $30 and can be paid in cash or check to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Students who wish to sell more can bring in money from what they have already sold and request more. If every student sells just 3 books, we will earn nearly $8,000 for the program! I direct most of the profit from each sale to the student who sells the books as an incentive. A small portion of the profits are kept for the program as a whole.
Do you want to sell books to friends and family outside our area? Log on to the Entertainment sellers section and follow the prompts and enter our account #10061901. You are creating a solicitation email to your friends and family who can buy an Entertainment Book for their local area and the profits go to our fundraising program!
All students will receive one FREE book for each five sold. Students can earn an unlimited number of free books (which can then be sold...)
Also, the Entertainment Books go on sale at Costco later this fall for $35- so you are getting a great deal and supporting a great program!
All money or unsold books are due on MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12! Yes, books may be returned in good condition (no missing coupons!) if you are unable to sell them.
Do you want to sell books to friends and family outside our area? Log on to the Entertainment sellers section and follow the prompts and enter our account #10061901. You are creating a solicitation email to your friends and family who can buy an Entertainment Book for their local area and the profits go to our fundraising program!
All students will receive one FREE book for each five sold. Students can earn an unlimited number of free books (which can then be sold...)
Also, the Entertainment Books go on sale at Costco later this fall for $35- so you are getting a great deal and supporting a great program!
All money or unsold books are due on MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12! Yes, books may be returned in good condition (no missing coupons!) if you are unable to sell them.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
August 29- September 2
It's the third week of school and things are going well! There is much activity this week, so please be aware of all that is going on.
Football Friday- Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band will play at this Friday's pre-season football game at home against Mitty. Students with old band polos and hoodies should wear those. Students without should wear something Pioneer apparel that is blue. Students may wear jeans. The call time is 5:30, kickoff is at 7 and the game usually goes to about 9:45 or so.
First Fundraiser- All students in all ensembles will participate in the first fundraiser of the year selling Entertainment Books starting on Wednesday running through about September 12. The books are loaded with coupons and sell for $30 and the students make $10-$13 per book, depending on our volume of sales. If all of my students sell just 3 books, we would earn over $7,800!! All checks should be made out to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Funds raised by students can go toward polos, jackets and other performing attire, instrument donations, or even money for travel.
Speaking of travel- We have had to reevaluate our travel plans for the spring of 2012. Our revised travel plans are only now being worked out, but are as follows- four days, three nights to Anaheim/ Disneyland where each ensemble will give a performance in the park and participate in a backstage music workshop where the students will work with a Disney musician and record tracks to Disney films. The primary reason for this shift is to allow more time for larger scale fundraising for a big trip- so the cost of this trip will be capped at about $500 per student. Details are still forthcoming, but I will update the Tour 2012 page as the information is available. Also, please not the change in travel dates! For the best opportunities to perform and workshop with Disney, we will travel during the February break from Wednesday morning, February 22 through Saturday, February 25. We will not miss any classes as this is during the break. This is also after the Big Band Dance, so funds raised through then will be able to go toward this trip.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 8 and join us for Pioneer's Back-To-School night!
Football Friday- Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band will play at this Friday's pre-season football game at home against Mitty. Students with old band polos and hoodies should wear those. Students without should wear something Pioneer apparel that is blue. Students may wear jeans. The call time is 5:30, kickoff is at 7 and the game usually goes to about 9:45 or so.
First Fundraiser- All students in all ensembles will participate in the first fundraiser of the year selling Entertainment Books starting on Wednesday running through about September 12. The books are loaded with coupons and sell for $30 and the students make $10-$13 per book, depending on our volume of sales. If all of my students sell just 3 books, we would earn over $7,800!! All checks should be made out to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Funds raised by students can go toward polos, jackets and other performing attire, instrument donations, or even money for travel.
Speaking of travel- We have had to reevaluate our travel plans for the spring of 2012. Our revised travel plans are only now being worked out, but are as follows- four days, three nights to Anaheim/ Disneyland where each ensemble will give a performance in the park and participate in a backstage music workshop where the students will work with a Disney musician and record tracks to Disney films. The primary reason for this shift is to allow more time for larger scale fundraising for a big trip- so the cost of this trip will be capped at about $500 per student. Details are still forthcoming, but I will update the Tour 2012 page as the information is available. Also, please not the change in travel dates! For the best opportunities to perform and workshop with Disney, we will travel during the February break from Wednesday morning, February 22 through Saturday, February 25. We will not miss any classes as this is during the break. This is also after the Big Band Dance, so funds raised through then will be able to go toward this trip.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 8 and join us for Pioneer's Back-To-School night!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
August 22-26
It's only the second week of class, but we are off to a great year! Here's what's on tap for this week-
All students are reminded to turn in the back page of the handbook form. This was due Friday, but needs to be turned in regardless. Students should turn in both the signature page, as well as the page regarding performance attire. The polos and jackets are new this year for Pep Band, but are also available to the other classes and family members for purchase. All students should turn in their listening journals on Monday. Students using a school instrument rental should return their instrument rental contracts as well.
FYI- Please make all check payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts" unless otherwise noted!
This week, Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble will begin work for the fall football season and will work on pep band music. I provide the music and the flip folders, but each student will need a lyre specific to his or her instrument. These can be purchased at a local music shop like Music Village, Starving Musician or Music-Go-Round. I'll demonstrate these in class this week to clear up any confusion. With our first game on Friday, September 2, we have quite a bit to do and only a few rehearsals to get there. For our first game only, students may wear the old band polos and hoodies as our new items won't be in yet. Students without these may wear other blue PHS attire. Students may also wear jeans. Once we are comfortable with the football music, we will continue to work on our band repertoire.
Concert Band will spend this week focused on fundamentals of mature individual and ensemble performance. We will mix in scales, sight reading and band literature. Concert Band will not play the September 2 game, but will join the games starting October 7.
Beginning Band has been introduced to the basics of notation, rhythm, brass and woodwind instruments. This week we will continue our intro to the instruments with hands on experience and more instruction in notation and rhythm. By next week, students will be getting to select instruments.
Orchestra has also begun rehearsal in earnest. We have several selections for this fall and we may begin our first playing tests next week.
All students are reminded to turn in the back page of the handbook form. This was due Friday, but needs to be turned in regardless. Students should turn in both the signature page, as well as the page regarding performance attire. The polos and jackets are new this year for Pep Band, but are also available to the other classes and family members for purchase. All students should turn in their listening journals on Monday. Students using a school instrument rental should return their instrument rental contracts as well.
FYI- Please make all check payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts" unless otherwise noted!
This week, Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble will begin work for the fall football season and will work on pep band music. I provide the music and the flip folders, but each student will need a lyre specific to his or her instrument. These can be purchased at a local music shop like Music Village, Starving Musician or Music-Go-Round. I'll demonstrate these in class this week to clear up any confusion. With our first game on Friday, September 2, we have quite a bit to do and only a few rehearsals to get there. For our first game only, students may wear the old band polos and hoodies as our new items won't be in yet. Students without these may wear other blue PHS attire. Students may also wear jeans. Once we are comfortable with the football music, we will continue to work on our band repertoire.
Concert Band will spend this week focused on fundamentals of mature individual and ensemble performance. We will mix in scales, sight reading and band literature. Concert Band will not play the September 2 game, but will join the games starting October 7.
Beginning Band has been introduced to the basics of notation, rhythm, brass and woodwind instruments. This week we will continue our intro to the instruments with hands on experience and more instruction in notation and rhythm. By next week, students will be getting to select instruments.
Orchestra has also begun rehearsal in earnest. We have several selections for this fall and we may begin our first playing tests next week.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Student Leaders
Congratulations to the 2011-12 student leadership-
Concert Band
President- Roger
Vice President- Brandon
Librarian- Ilse
Historian- Taran
Rep- Derek
Wind Ensemble
President- Kartik
Vice President- Greg
Librarian- Steven
Historian- Megan & Natalie
Rep- Analuna & Matt
Jazz Band
President- Erica
Vice President- Natalie
Librarian- Meghan
Historian- Maria
Rep- Ale
Orchestra
President- Ilea
Vice President- Kyle
Librarian- Tiffany
Historian- Bethannie & Christian
Rep- Javier & Kai
Friday Reminder
Don't forget that the signature page of the 2011-12 Instrumental Music Handbook (our syllabus) is due tomorrow! Don't have a copy? Download a copy and return that last 2 pages. One side is for contact information while the other is regarding performance attire. We do have polos and jackets in the classroom to check sizing.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Pep Band Attire
This year, Pep Band students will wear new embroidered polo shirts and
windbreaker jackets! The jacket
is royal blue with white trim and has the embroidered Pioneer Music logo on the left chest. Students may also choose to have their name embroidered on the right front.
The polo shirts are the following style- but the color is royal blue and the logo will be our own. Also, the polo shirts are male/ female size specific.
The logo for both the polo and jacket will look like this- with white thread for the text and red thread for the mustang.
All music students and their parents are welcome to purchase these items. Every student has ordering information as a part of their Music Handbook. Forms are due back this Friday, August 19! I ask that students not order these items for siblings who are high school age or younger and not in the program.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Welcome Back!
Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year! I'm excited to be back at Pioneer working with many new and returning young musicians. With the new year comes new challenges, circumstances and opportunities for success.
Items of note- I know that the beginning of the year presents lots of new information, which is one reason I keep this blog all year long with information useful both to parents and students. Please make a point to subscribe to or follow my blog, or check in every week. I will post information at least weekly usually on Sunday evening before the week begins.
This week- All students will receive the Instrumental Music Handbook (my syllabus) on the first or second day of classes. The back page (signature form and performing attire info) must be signed by student and parent and returned by this Friday, August 19.
On Monday, I will ask students who needs school instruments so that by Tuesday I can begin to get instruments into their hands. I will also pass out a short survey. Students may complete this in class, or may complete it at home and return it on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, students with summer instruments or their own instruments should bring them to school.
By Wednesday, all ensembles except Beginning Band will be playing in class. Students who use a school instrument must return a signed contract for the instrument before I am able to allow a student to use the equipment.
On Wednesday or Thursday, we will hold elections for student leadership.
On Friday, the signature page of the handbook is due! We will have our first in class listening assignment today as well. Students must have a composition book (like they use for math, but without the grids) in class today.
Football kicks off early this year with our first game on Friday, September 2. For this game, I will use Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. As our new polos and jackets will not be in yet, students may wear last year's polos and hoodies. Students without those may wear other blue Pioneer attire. Our next home game isn't until October, when Concert Band will join us and our new attire will be in. For complete schedule info, click the 2011-2012 Calendar link here or above.
Need another class? If you would like to TA, there are several periods where I could use your help. If you would like to learn a new instrument, I can put you into an additional ensemble. Let me know ASAP so that we can get your schedule set.
Parents- we need you, too! The Pioneer Performing Arts cannot survive without active parent involvement. We need parents of all kinds, some to be leaders, some with great ideas, some to lead events and many to work with those events. Keep watching my blog for information about opportunities to connect with and support this program.
Items of note- I know that the beginning of the year presents lots of new information, which is one reason I keep this blog all year long with information useful both to parents and students. Please make a point to subscribe to or follow my blog, or check in every week. I will post information at least weekly usually on Sunday evening before the week begins.
This week- All students will receive the Instrumental Music Handbook (my syllabus) on the first or second day of classes. The back page (signature form and performing attire info) must be signed by student and parent and returned by this Friday, August 19.
On Monday, I will ask students who needs school instruments so that by Tuesday I can begin to get instruments into their hands. I will also pass out a short survey. Students may complete this in class, or may complete it at home and return it on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, students with summer instruments or their own instruments should bring them to school.
By Wednesday, all ensembles except Beginning Band will be playing in class. Students who use a school instrument must return a signed contract for the instrument before I am able to allow a student to use the equipment.
On Wednesday or Thursday, we will hold elections for student leadership.
On Friday, the signature page of the handbook is due! We will have our first in class listening assignment today as well. Students must have a composition book (like they use for math, but without the grids) in class today.
Football kicks off early this year with our first game on Friday, September 2. For this game, I will use Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. As our new polos and jackets will not be in yet, students may wear last year's polos and hoodies. Students without those may wear other blue Pioneer attire. Our next home game isn't until October, when Concert Band will join us and our new attire will be in. For complete schedule info, click the 2011-2012 Calendar link here or above.
Need another class? If you would like to TA, there are several periods where I could use your help. If you would like to learn a new instrument, I can put you into an additional ensemble. Let me know ASAP so that we can get your schedule set.
Parents- we need you, too! The Pioneer Performing Arts cannot survive without active parent involvement. We need parents of all kinds, some to be leaders, some with great ideas, some to lead events and many to work with those events. Keep watching my blog for information about opportunities to connect with and support this program.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Finals Spring 2011
The last week of the 2010-11 school year is upon us! For schedule details, go to the Pioneer HS website. I will not be holding extended finals.
Summer Instrument check-out- students who wish to check out an instrument this summer must be enrolled in a band or orchestra class for the fall. I will make contracts and once those are returned signed, I will allow the student to take the instrument home.
Summer Lessons- I will be offering private lessons to brass players on Wednesday afternoons at PHS. Lessons will be just $20 per half hour. Contact me ASAP if you are interested. I can make referrals for students who would be interested in lessons on other instruments.
Wind Ensemble graduation info reminder- non-senior Wind Ensemble students will be performing at Graduation on Thursday evening, June 2. We will meet at the band room at 4:15 to ride the bus over to the Rose Garden. The ceremony will run from about 6-7:10. Students will have 10 minutes after the ceremony for time with friends, then will be required to load our equipment back onto the truck. We should arrive back to PHS at 8:15. Boys are required to wear slacks and a collared, button up shirt (tie optional). Girls may wear a skirt, dress or pants and top, but the skirt length must be appropriate, and cannot be sleeveless or spaghetti straps. Jeans, flipflops, t-shirts, etc. are not acceptable. Students who do not dress appropriately or miss this event will have a deduction in their grade. Students may arrange independent transportation to or from the graduation. Any student not riding the bus either way MUST give me a note stating who will be responsible for the student. I must have that note in class Thursday morning! Remember, parking is terrible, you should plan to park at Lincoln HS (on Dana Ave @ Brooklyn Ave) and allow at least 15 minutes from parking to arrival at the performance area. Students should bring water, hat, sunblock and sunglasses as we'll be in the sun for the duration of the ceremony.
Grades for Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band are complete. Wind Ensemble and Orchestra grades should be complete by Tuesday evening. Any questions regarding grades must be directed to me before finals are done on Thursday! I will not revisit grades after graduation.
Our last Music/ Drama Booster meeting will take place Tuesday, May 31 at 7:30 in the Faculty Dining Room. We need as many parents as possible to turn out as there are several areas of leadership we need filled for next year. We have had a solid and growing group of parents this year- won't you join us? We will need a rep for bands and orchestras, as well as club leadership positions.
Summer Instrument check-out- students who wish to check out an instrument this summer must be enrolled in a band or orchestra class for the fall. I will make contracts and once those are returned signed, I will allow the student to take the instrument home.
Summer Lessons- I will be offering private lessons to brass players on Wednesday afternoons at PHS. Lessons will be just $20 per half hour. Contact me ASAP if you are interested. I can make referrals for students who would be interested in lessons on other instruments.
Wind Ensemble graduation info reminder- non-senior Wind Ensemble students will be performing at Graduation on Thursday evening, June 2. We will meet at the band room at 4:15 to ride the bus over to the Rose Garden. The ceremony will run from about 6-7:10. Students will have 10 minutes after the ceremony for time with friends, then will be required to load our equipment back onto the truck. We should arrive back to PHS at 8:15. Boys are required to wear slacks and a collared, button up shirt (tie optional). Girls may wear a skirt, dress or pants and top, but the skirt length must be appropriate, and cannot be sleeveless or spaghetti straps. Jeans, flipflops, t-shirts, etc. are not acceptable. Students who do not dress appropriately or miss this event will have a deduction in their grade. Students may arrange independent transportation to or from the graduation. Any student not riding the bus either way MUST give me a note stating who will be responsible for the student. I must have that note in class Thursday morning! Remember, parking is terrible, you should plan to park at Lincoln HS (on Dana Ave @ Brooklyn Ave) and allow at least 15 minutes from parking to arrival at the performance area. Students should bring water, hat, sunblock and sunglasses as we'll be in the sun for the duration of the ceremony.
Grades for Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band are complete. Wind Ensemble and Orchestra grades should be complete by Tuesday evening. Any questions regarding grades must be directed to me before finals are done on Thursday! I will not revisit grades after graduation.
Our last Music/ Drama Booster meeting will take place Tuesday, May 31 at 7:30 in the Faculty Dining Room. We need as many parents as possible to turn out as there are several areas of leadership we need filled for next year. We have had a solid and growing group of parents this year- won't you join us? We will need a rep for bands and orchestras, as well as club leadership positions.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
May 23-27
We have made it to the last week of classes of the 2010-2011 school year!
This week, all students who have not yet played their final/ audition will do so. Beginners, Concert Band and Orchestra students who have already played their final will turn in their school instruments or take home their personal instruments after completing the final. I also hope to have all grades mostly complete by Friday afternoon. Any student with makeup work (listening logs especially) should get that turned in this week.
Come out to the PHS Choir concert on Tuesday night at 7 in the PAC!
Jazz Band will play at the senior awards night on Thursday, May 26. Call time is 5:00 for setup. Seniors should report at 5:30. We play from 5:30-6:00, then seniors go to the awards and non-seniors go to the band room for a pizza dinner (provided). After the ceremony, we'll play again while families are milling about the quad. I anticipate we'll wrap up by about 8, but it all depends on how long the ceremony goes.
The last meeting of the Music/ Drama Boosters will take place Tuesday, May 31 at 7:30 in the Faculty Dining Room. We will need as may parents as possible as there are several key roles which need to be filled. Please don't miss out!
Wind Ensemble will play at the graduation on Thursday, June 2. We will take a school bus from PHS at 4:15 and return by bus to PHS at approximately 8:00. Students should wear summer formal- boys in slacks and a collared button up dress shirt. Girls may wear a summer dress or skirt, but it must be appropriate length (at least to the knees when seated). No jeans, shorts, flip-flops or t-shirts may be worn. Students with school instruments who do not return a summer check out form MUST return to PHS and check in their instruments after the graduation! NO EXCEPTIONS!
Summer Instrument checkout- students signed up for band next year who need a school instrument over the summer will be able to check out instruments. I'll pass out contracts by the end of this week which must be signed and returned by the final. Students who return the contract will be able to take home a school instrument for the summer.
Summer lessons- I'll be offering summer lessons for brass players at a reduced rate of just $20 per half hour lesson. We will meet on a weekly basis at Pioneer. For more info or to sign up, contact me soon.
This week, all students who have not yet played their final/ audition will do so. Beginners, Concert Band and Orchestra students who have already played their final will turn in their school instruments or take home their personal instruments after completing the final. I also hope to have all grades mostly complete by Friday afternoon. Any student with makeup work (listening logs especially) should get that turned in this week.
Come out to the PHS Choir concert on Tuesday night at 7 in the PAC!
Jazz Band will play at the senior awards night on Thursday, May 26. Call time is 5:00 for setup. Seniors should report at 5:30. We play from 5:30-6:00, then seniors go to the awards and non-seniors go to the band room for a pizza dinner (provided). After the ceremony, we'll play again while families are milling about the quad. I anticipate we'll wrap up by about 8, but it all depends on how long the ceremony goes.
The last meeting of the Music/ Drama Boosters will take place Tuesday, May 31 at 7:30 in the Faculty Dining Room. We will need as may parents as possible as there are several key roles which need to be filled. Please don't miss out!
Wind Ensemble will play at the graduation on Thursday, June 2. We will take a school bus from PHS at 4:15 and return by bus to PHS at approximately 8:00. Students should wear summer formal- boys in slacks and a collared button up dress shirt. Girls may wear a summer dress or skirt, but it must be appropriate length (at least to the knees when seated). No jeans, shorts, flip-flops or t-shirts may be worn. Students with school instruments who do not return a summer check out form MUST return to PHS and check in their instruments after the graduation! NO EXCEPTIONS!
Summer Instrument checkout- students signed up for band next year who need a school instrument over the summer will be able to check out instruments. I'll pass out contracts by the end of this week which must be signed and returned by the final. Students who return the contract will be able to take home a school instrument for the summer.
Summer lessons- I'll be offering summer lessons for brass players at a reduced rate of just $20 per half hour lesson. We will meet on a weekly basis at Pioneer. For more info or to sign up, contact me soon.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
May 16-20
Did you see the 2011-12 ensemble lists yet?
Finale Concerts are this week! Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble will perform Wednesday the 18th. Call times are; Wind Ensemble 6:00, Concert Band 6:15, and Beginning Band 6:30. String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Band perform Thursday the 19th. Symphony students will rehearse at 5:45, Jazz Band students call is 6:15. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC. Use our facebook event page- here for bands- here for orchestra and jazz- to invite your friends and family! After the concerts, students who have not yet played their audition will play their audition as their final. I can take about 5-8 students per period, and will start with volunteers, but once those run out, I'll just call students up- be ready!
Live Review forms are due this week! Be sure to check out the Live Music page for more info!
Students who participated in the Simply Delicious fundraiser- your items will be delivered to school Friday at about 2:30 (after school). These items are delivered frozen, so you must arrange to get the items distributed on Friday!
Jazz Band has been asked to perform at the Senior Awards night on Thursday, May 26. We will perform from 5:30-6:00, break for the awards, then play after the awards ceremony. We will provide a pizza dinner to the non-seniors during the ceremony. After the ceremony, we will play while those in attendance are socializing in the quad.
Graduation is Thursday, June 2! All non-seniors in Wind Ensemble are required to perform. This will be part of the students' final grade. Students will not be in concert black, but rather in summer resort casual. Boys in slacks and a collared shirt (long sleeves encouraged), girls may wear skirts or dresses (appropriate length) or pants. No students may wear shorts or jeans! We will ride over on a school bus at about 4:30 for the ceremony which is at 6:00. Students may ride home with their parents following the ceremony if they check out with me first, but any student with a school instrument without a summer contract MUST return to the school to return the instrument! The bus will return us to PHS immediately following the ceremony (by 8:00). We'll be out in the sun, so I encourage students to bring water, hats, sunglasses and sun block.
Finale Concerts are this week! Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble will perform Wednesday the 18th. Call times are; Wind Ensemble 6:00, Concert Band 6:15, and Beginning Band 6:30. String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Band perform Thursday the 19th. Symphony students will rehearse at 5:45, Jazz Band students call is 6:15. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC. Use our facebook event page- here for bands- here for orchestra and jazz- to invite your friends and family! After the concerts, students who have not yet played their audition will play their audition as their final. I can take about 5-8 students per period, and will start with volunteers, but once those run out, I'll just call students up- be ready!
Live Review forms are due this week! Be sure to check out the Live Music page for more info!
Students who participated in the Simply Delicious fundraiser- your items will be delivered to school Friday at about 2:30 (after school). These items are delivered frozen, so you must arrange to get the items distributed on Friday!
Jazz Band has been asked to perform at the Senior Awards night on Thursday, May 26. We will perform from 5:30-6:00, break for the awards, then play after the awards ceremony. We will provide a pizza dinner to the non-seniors during the ceremony. After the ceremony, we will play while those in attendance are socializing in the quad.
Graduation is Thursday, June 2! All non-seniors in Wind Ensemble are required to perform. This will be part of the students' final grade. Students will not be in concert black, but rather in summer resort casual. Boys in slacks and a collared shirt (long sleeves encouraged), girls may wear skirts or dresses (appropriate length) or pants. No students may wear shorts or jeans! We will ride over on a school bus at about 4:30 for the ceremony which is at 6:00. Students may ride home with their parents following the ceremony if they check out with me first, but any student with a school instrument without a summer contract MUST return to the school to return the instrument! The bus will return us to PHS immediately following the ceremony (by 8:00). We'll be out in the sun, so I encourage students to bring water, hats, sunglasses and sun block.
Friday, May 13, 2011
2011-12 PHS Ensemble Rosters
Congratulations to all who auditioned! I look forward to working with such a strong group of student musicians next fall. Students are listed alphabetically by section within each ensemble.
Please note- if you have not yet auditioned with me but signed up for a band or orchestra class, you will automatically be placed into Beginning Band. Those who still need to play for me can do so either before June 2, or during registration week at the end of summer. I will be able to make ensemble placements as needed.
Saxophones- As I've mentioned to each of you, I have many sax players and have had to shift some students around within the sax section to maintain the strongest possible sections and ensembles.
For those looking to expand their musical skills, I need more trombone, tuba and horn players! I'd be happy to loan you a school instrument this summer and give you lessons. Students who switch to an instrument where there is more need have a better chance of moving up faster.
Please note- if you have not yet auditioned with me but signed up for a band or orchestra class, you will automatically be placed into Beginning Band. Those who still need to play for me can do so either before June 2, or during registration week at the end of summer. I will be able to make ensemble placements as needed.
Saxophones- As I've mentioned to each of you, I have many sax players and have had to shift some students around within the sax section to maintain the strongest possible sections and ensembles.
For those looking to expand their musical skills, I need more trombone, tuba and horn players! I'd be happy to loan you a school instrument this summer and give you lessons. Students who switch to an instrument where there is more need have a better chance of moving up faster.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
May 9-13
Congratulations to Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra for their performances this past weekend at the CMEA festivals. Special kudos to the Orchestra for earning three 'Excellent' ratings in their performance and a 'Superior' for their sight-reading! Thanks also to all the parents who chaperoned and drove students and equipment- without parent help, we would not be able to be successful.
This week will be a quiet week as we work towards our final concerts. Any students who need to do make up work for their listening journals, or who may still need to play their audition with me need to do so right away. I will be publishing the 2011-12 PHS Ensemble lists on Friday afternoon both here and on the display near my classroom. In order to insure accuracy, all students who plan to play need to audition! On that note, I have an abundance of saxophone players who have auditioned- more than I can use effectively. If you are a sax player and you would like to broaden your musical horizons, I need low brass players! If you are willing to switch now, I can get you started with an instrument and possible lessons through the summer. More info about this will be posted when I post the lists Friday.
Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will give their end of year concert on Wednesday, May 18. Orchestra, full orchestra (all strings and select wind & percussion) and Jazz Band will perform on Thursday, May 19. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC. Performances are free and open to the public, though we will, as always, solicit donations. Invite your friends with the facebook event pages!
Live review forms are due by the end of next week, Friday, May 20. I have listed several performances that may be suitable for you to review on the Live Music page.
This week will be a quiet week as we work towards our final concerts. Any students who need to do make up work for their listening journals, or who may still need to play their audition with me need to do so right away. I will be publishing the 2011-12 PHS Ensemble lists on Friday afternoon both here and on the display near my classroom. In order to insure accuracy, all students who plan to play need to audition! On that note, I have an abundance of saxophone players who have auditioned- more than I can use effectively. If you are a sax player and you would like to broaden your musical horizons, I need low brass players! If you are willing to switch now, I can get you started with an instrument and possible lessons through the summer. More info about this will be posted when I post the lists Friday.
Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will give their end of year concert on Wednesday, May 18. Orchestra, full orchestra (all strings and select wind & percussion) and Jazz Band will perform on Thursday, May 19. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC. Performances are free and open to the public, though we will, as always, solicit donations. Invite your friends with the facebook event pages!
Live review forms are due by the end of next week, Friday, May 20. I have listed several performances that may be suitable for you to review on the Live Music page.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
CMEA Orchestra UPDATE
It has come to my attention that it would be easier for many families to drive their student directly to Independence HS on Saturday rather than coming to PHS first. If you plan to drive your student directly to Independence, I need a note from you stating that ASAP (not later than in class on Friday). Students are not to drive themselves and students may only travel with their parents. For those who meet us at Independence, we will meet at 10:15 am outside the theater. Students who meet us there must bring their own instrument!
Carpool info- We still need several more parent drivers! Several students brought driver forms home today. If you are able to drive, please get that filled out and returned tomorrow. You can also download the Parent Driver form here if your student did not bring a form. Please confirm with me that you will drive and how many seats (excluding yourself) are in your vehicle. For students traveling by carpool, we will meet at PHS at 9:20 am.
Performance info- Students should arrive to their call time (9:20 @ PHS or 10:15 @ Independence) dressed in their performing attire with their instrument. I will collect all music in class on Friday and bring that box. The performances are free and open to the public. We have a scheduled warm-up time, then our performance, then sight reading, then our group photo. We should finish at Independence at 12:15.
Directions- Independence HS is located at 1776 Educational Park Dr, but DO NOT use GPS or an online map to get you there as it will put you in the wrong place on the campus! From 680 north, exit McKee west or left (toward 101) then turn right on N Jackson Ave. You will turn left into the parking lot on your left before the football field. From 101 north, exit McKee east or right (toward 680) then turn left on N Jackson Ave. You will turn left into the parking lot on your left before the football field.
Carpool info- We still need several more parent drivers! Several students brought driver forms home today. If you are able to drive, please get that filled out and returned tomorrow. You can also download the Parent Driver form here if your student did not bring a form. Please confirm with me that you will drive and how many seats (excluding yourself) are in your vehicle. For students traveling by carpool, we will meet at PHS at 9:20 am.
Performance info- Students should arrive to their call time (9:20 @ PHS or 10:15 @ Independence) dressed in their performing attire with their instrument. I will collect all music in class on Friday and bring that box. The performances are free and open to the public. We have a scheduled warm-up time, then our performance, then sight reading, then our group photo. We should finish at Independence at 12:15.
Directions- Independence HS is located at 1776 Educational Park Dr, but DO NOT use GPS or an online map to get you there as it will put you in the wrong place on the campus! From 680 north, exit McKee west or left (toward 101) then turn right on N Jackson Ave. You will turn left into the parking lot on your left before the football field. From 101 north, exit McKee east or right (toward 680) then turn left on N Jackson Ave. You will turn left into the parking lot on your left before the football field.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
May 2-6
CMEA festivals are this week! These are the most significant musical performances of the year, and students have an opportunity to demonstrate the best of what they have achieved this year.
CMEA Wind Ensemble and Concert Band festival is Friday, May 6. Students will meet in the band room by 5:15 dressed in their performing attire, ready to go. The only students who will not ride the bus are the several students at swimming league finals who have already made arrangements to get to Gilroy HS separately. After the performances, all students will ride back to PHS on the buses at about 11:15. There will be a snack bar there if students choose to buy dinner, but students are encouraged to eat before we leave PHS. I do need one parent to drive to Gilroy as we may not have enough under bus storage for some of our equipment. If you have an SUV or van, and are able to drive, please let me know. You do not need a driver form as you will not be driving students.
CMEA Orchestra festival is Saturday, May 7 at Independence HS. We do not have a bus, so we will travel by carpool to the performance. We will meet at PHS at 9:30, and depart shortly after that. We will be finished there by about 12:15 and return to PHS at that time. We will need 8-12 parent drivers. If you have turned in driver forms, you are good to go, if you need driver forms, I can send them home with your student. We need as many drivers as possible with vans and SUV's so that we have seats for students and space for instruments.
Students who did not turn in their Simply Delicious fundraiser order and money need to do so Monday! All items will be dropped of at PHS on Friday, May 20 for delivery. Items will be frozen and will need to be delivered promptly on that Friday afternoon.
Reminder that several students and parents are signed up to work at the Music in the Parks festival at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk on Saturday May 7 and the 14. Those workers who are confirmed must show up for their assigned date according to the details that I'll provide for each weekend. I do still need one more parent for Saturday, May 7. If you have questions about this, contact me. I will provide the final details for this weekend in the next few days.
Our end of the year concerts are May 18 and 19. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform Wednesday the 18th while Jazz Band, String Orchestra and full orchestra will perform on Thursday the 19th. Make sure you make arrangements to attend these performances and bring friends and family! Concerts will be at 7:00 in the PAC and admission will be free, though we will be collecting donations.
Auditions for the 2011-12 school year are complete. If you or someone you know was unable to attend these auditions for any reason, please contact me and I will arrange a time for you to play for me. You can expect ensemble lists to be posted on Friday, May 13. Any musician who is new to the program and does not complete an audition will be placed in Beginning Band until I can asses his playing level.
CMEA Wind Ensemble and Concert Band festival is Friday, May 6. Students will meet in the band room by 5:15 dressed in their performing attire, ready to go. The only students who will not ride the bus are the several students at swimming league finals who have already made arrangements to get to Gilroy HS separately. After the performances, all students will ride back to PHS on the buses at about 11:15. There will be a snack bar there if students choose to buy dinner, but students are encouraged to eat before we leave PHS. I do need one parent to drive to Gilroy as we may not have enough under bus storage for some of our equipment. If you have an SUV or van, and are able to drive, please let me know. You do not need a driver form as you will not be driving students.
CMEA Orchestra festival is Saturday, May 7 at Independence HS. We do not have a bus, so we will travel by carpool to the performance. We will meet at PHS at 9:30, and depart shortly after that. We will be finished there by about 12:15 and return to PHS at that time. We will need 8-12 parent drivers. If you have turned in driver forms, you are good to go, if you need driver forms, I can send them home with your student. We need as many drivers as possible with vans and SUV's so that we have seats for students and space for instruments.
Students who did not turn in their Simply Delicious fundraiser order and money need to do so Monday! All items will be dropped of at PHS on Friday, May 20 for delivery. Items will be frozen and will need to be delivered promptly on that Friday afternoon.
Reminder that several students and parents are signed up to work at the Music in the Parks festival at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk on Saturday May 7 and the 14. Those workers who are confirmed must show up for their assigned date according to the details that I'll provide for each weekend. I do still need one more parent for Saturday, May 7. If you have questions about this, contact me. I will provide the final details for this weekend in the next few days.
Our end of the year concerts are May 18 and 19. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform Wednesday the 18th while Jazz Band, String Orchestra and full orchestra will perform on Thursday the 19th. Make sure you make arrangements to attend these performances and bring friends and family! Concerts will be at 7:00 in the PAC and admission will be free, though we will be collecting donations.
Auditions for the 2011-12 school year are complete. If you or someone you know was unable to attend these auditions for any reason, please contact me and I will arrange a time for you to play for me. You can expect ensemble lists to be posted on Friday, May 13. Any musician who is new to the program and does not complete an audition will be placed in Beginning Band until I can asses his playing level.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
April 25-29
Auditions week 2- audition times for this week are posted on the door to my classroom. Students who still need to sign-up can do so in any of the blank slots (there are only a few left). Castillero students who were unable to make it to last week's auditions can email me- mccoysmusic at gmail . com to set up a time.
Fundraiser week 2- All orders and money for the Simply Delicious fundraiser are due this Friday, April 29. This is the first big fundraising opportunity students have to raise money for their accounts for the coming school year and our planned Hawai'i trip!
CMEA festival- Wind Ensemble and Concert Band students will be participating in the annual spring CMEA Band festival at Gilroy HS on Friday night, May 6. The call time for all students in my room on Friday afternoon is 5:15, dressed in performing attire. We will not return to Pioneer until about 11:15. We still need several parent chaperones. If you are able to join us, please contact me. Members of the PHS swim team will be at league finals, day 2, that day. Students will need to arrange a carpool and meet us at Gilroy HS in their performing attire with instrument, music and anything else needed to perform. Students should eat before we go, but there will be a snack bar available.
CMEA Orchestra festival Saturday, May 7- we will meet at PHS to carpool to Independence HS at 9:30 Saturday morning. We will be finished with our performance around 12:15 pm. We will need many parent drivers for this activity. Please contact me if you are able to drive.
Wednesday, May 18- Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble finale concert.
Thursday, May 19- Jazz Band, String Orchestra & Full Orchestra finale concert.
Both concerts at 7:00pm in the PAC. Admission free.
Fundraiser week 2- All orders and money for the Simply Delicious fundraiser are due this Friday, April 29. This is the first big fundraising opportunity students have to raise money for their accounts for the coming school year and our planned Hawai'i trip!
CMEA festival- Wind Ensemble and Concert Band students will be participating in the annual spring CMEA Band festival at Gilroy HS on Friday night, May 6. The call time for all students in my room on Friday afternoon is 5:15, dressed in performing attire. We will not return to Pioneer until about 11:15. We still need several parent chaperones. If you are able to join us, please contact me. Members of the PHS swim team will be at league finals, day 2, that day. Students will need to arrange a carpool and meet us at Gilroy HS in their performing attire with instrument, music and anything else needed to perform. Students should eat before we go, but there will be a snack bar available.
CMEA Orchestra festival Saturday, May 7- we will meet at PHS to carpool to Independence HS at 9:30 Saturday morning. We will be finished with our performance around 12:15 pm. We will need many parent drivers for this activity. Please contact me if you are able to drive.
Wednesday, May 18- Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble finale concert.
Thursday, May 19- Jazz Band, String Orchestra & Full Orchestra finale concert.
Both concerts at 7:00pm in the PAC. Admission free.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Simply Delicious
All students have been given an order form and catalog for our spring fundraiser. All the information is in the packet for them, but just so all the parents know- the current catalog features cookie dough, cakes, cheesecakes and snack items which are all sold at $14 each. Students make about $4+ profit per item sold. For every 10 items sold, the student will receive one free order of chocolate chip cookie dough! Order forms are out now through next Friday, April 29. All items will be delivered to us after school Friday, May 20. All items are frozen and will need to be picked up and delivered that afternoon. If you plan to participate in this fundraiser, be sure your student has taken home all of the information. More order forms are available for those who need extra.
All order forms and money are due by Friday, April 29.
All order forms and money are due by Friday, April 29.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
April 18-22
Spring Tour 2011 to Anaheim is now in the books. For pictures and a summary, click here. All three of my ensembles gave the most musical performances they've given all year! I'm proud of their work! I look forward to the next few weeks of this year as we build from this great foundation.
Spring Tour 2012 plans are coming along well. Right now, we are planning to travel to Oahu April 9-13, 2012 (spring break). The trip will include public performances, exchange/ clinic performances, cultural and tourist activities. I hope to bring Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra on this trip. Be sure to check out the Tour 2012 page to get all the information about inclusions, activities, costs and fundraising opportunities.
We will begin a fundraiser this week! We'll be selling dessert and snack items like cheesecakes and cookie dough. Be sure to ask your student to share their brochure and order form with you at the end of this week. The fundraiser will run until about April 29 and all items will be scheduled for delivery to the school Friday afternoon May 20.
Auditions, week one! If you have signed up for an audition time for this week, please check the audition schedule posted in my room. I tried to observe all schedule requests. For the Castillero students, I will take students as they arrive after school- Tuesday for band and Friday for strings. Castillero students who can't make it on their assigned day can sign up for any of the other dates at Pioneer.
CST exams continue this week. Monday is an "S" period schedule. Tuesday/ Thursday students attend periods 2, 4 and 6 and on Wednesday/ Friday students attend 1, 3, 5.
CMEA Band festival is Friday, May 6 at Gilroy HS. Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will meet at school at 5:15 and we will take a school bus down to the festival. We will not be back until about 11:00 that night.
CMEA Orchestra festival is Saturday, May 7 at Independence HS. We are currently scheduled to perform in the morning, but I'm working to move that to an afternoon slot to avoid SAT conflicts.
End of year concerts are Wednesday and Thursday May 18 and 19 at 7:00 in the PAC. Look for your ensemble's specific night by next week. Graduation is also coming quickly- Thursday evening, June 2 at the beautiful San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. More info to follow.
Most students still need to get out and see a live performance for their spring review. Be sure to plan what performance you will see and get the review form turned in!
Spring Tour 2012 plans are coming along well. Right now, we are planning to travel to Oahu April 9-13, 2012 (spring break). The trip will include public performances, exchange/ clinic performances, cultural and tourist activities. I hope to bring Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra on this trip. Be sure to check out the Tour 2012 page to get all the information about inclusions, activities, costs and fundraising opportunities.
We will begin a fundraiser this week! We'll be selling dessert and snack items like cheesecakes and cookie dough. Be sure to ask your student to share their brochure and order form with you at the end of this week. The fundraiser will run until about April 29 and all items will be scheduled for delivery to the school Friday afternoon May 20.
Auditions, week one! If you have signed up for an audition time for this week, please check the audition schedule posted in my room. I tried to observe all schedule requests. For the Castillero students, I will take students as they arrive after school- Tuesday for band and Friday for strings. Castillero students who can't make it on their assigned day can sign up for any of the other dates at Pioneer.
CST exams continue this week. Monday is an "S" period schedule. Tuesday/ Thursday students attend periods 2, 4 and 6 and on Wednesday/ Friday students attend 1, 3, 5.
CMEA Band festival is Friday, May 6 at Gilroy HS. Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will meet at school at 5:15 and we will take a school bus down to the festival. We will not be back until about 11:00 that night.
CMEA Orchestra festival is Saturday, May 7 at Independence HS. We are currently scheduled to perform in the morning, but I'm working to move that to an afternoon slot to avoid SAT conflicts.
End of year concerts are Wednesday and Thursday May 18 and 19 at 7:00 in the PAC. Look for your ensemble's specific night by next week. Graduation is also coming quickly- Thursday evening, June 2 at the beautiful San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. More info to follow.
Most students still need to get out and see a live performance for their spring review. Be sure to plan what performance you will see and get the review form turned in!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Anaheim Wrap-up
We had a great trip and got everyone home safely! For photos and more, please check out my facebook page.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Anaheim Day 1
It's been a good first day. We departed Pioneer just after 2:00 pm and arrived at our hotel at about 10:00 pm. Aside from some snow over the grapevine, we arrived without incident. It seems as if we have one bus which is the 'quiet bus' and the other, dubbed the 'party bus.' Tomorrow will be a busy day with performances, park time and awards so it is comforting that the kids are all now fairly quiet in their rooms. For a photo summary of the day, check out my facebook account- http://www.facebook.com/mccoysmusic
Look for more to come in tomorrow's posts!
Look for more to come in tomorrow's posts!
Bon Voyage!
Here we are, just an hour away from departure! I have set up a facebook account for professional purposes which I'll update with travel info, photos and other things. If you'd like to keep up with this, you can friend me on facebook here- http://www.facebook.com/mccoysmusic I will try and post a daily summary online and include photos every night (it will be posted very late). I'll also post the daily summary to the blog as well, though the photos and videos are much faster to load on facebook.
See you all again on Monday, April 11!
See you all again on Monday, April 11!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
April 4-8
Tour Week & CST Testing
Don't forget to get your Tour Medical/ Permission Forms turned in by Monday! I will continue to update the Tour page of the blog with any information as it changes. A reminder to all tour families that we will have our pre-tour meeting this Thursday, April 7 at 8:15 following the April Music Booster meeting. There will also be a chaperone meeting preceding the Booster meeting at 6:30.
CST testing this week means the following schedule- Monday "S" period as usual, Tuesday/ Thursday periods 2, 4 and 6, Wednesday/ Friday periods 1, 3 and 5, class runs 7:25 am to 1:25 pm. Seventh period meets every day from 1:30-2:20. Students will be taking the English/ Language Arts CST exam.
Our April Music/ Drama Booster Club meeting is this Thursday, April 7 at 7:30 in the Faculty Dining Room.
If you haven't checked out the Audition Info, be sure that you do. The page includes an important link so that you can sign-up for your audition time. Auditions are scheduled by appointment during the two weeks of April 18 and April 25. If you have specific scheduling requirements, be sure to schedule your appointment soon as I will take requests in the order I get them. I will not be able to add additional slots to dates which fill up. There is a spot on the online registration form for you to give me specific scheduling requests for the date of your choice.
Take time to get out to a live performance so that you can complete your Live Review. I have provided several links to outside performing groups on the Live Music page of the blog. Various groups are in the midst of the spring concert season. Get out and support live music in the community while checking one assignment off your to do list!
Don't forget to get your Tour Medical/ Permission Forms turned in by Monday! I will continue to update the Tour page of the blog with any information as it changes. A reminder to all tour families that we will have our pre-tour meeting this Thursday, April 7 at 8:15 following the April Music Booster meeting. There will also be a chaperone meeting preceding the Booster meeting at 6:30.
CST testing this week means the following schedule- Monday "S" period as usual, Tuesday/ Thursday periods 2, 4 and 6, Wednesday/ Friday periods 1, 3 and 5, class runs 7:25 am to 1:25 pm. Seventh period meets every day from 1:30-2:20. Students will be taking the English/ Language Arts CST exam.
Our April Music/ Drama Booster Club meeting is this Thursday, April 7 at 7:30 in the Faculty Dining Room.
If you haven't checked out the Audition Info, be sure that you do. The page includes an important link so that you can sign-up for your audition time. Auditions are scheduled by appointment during the two weeks of April 18 and April 25. If you have specific scheduling requirements, be sure to schedule your appointment soon as I will take requests in the order I get them. I will not be able to add additional slots to dates which fill up. There is a spot on the online registration form for you to give me specific scheduling requests for the date of your choice.
Take time to get out to a live performance so that you can complete your Live Review. I have provided several links to outside performing groups on the Live Music page of the blog. Various groups are in the midst of the spring concert season. Get out and support live music in the community while checking one assignment off your to do list!
Monday, March 28, 2011
March 28- April 1
42nd Street was a great show! I'm so proud to have been a part of such an outstanding production. For those who weren't able to get out and see the show, you missed out! I hope you can make our next performances and productions. Now that the show has closed, I look forward to a little sanity and a schedule which allows more time for me to focus on my classes and my family.
Be sure to get all of the latest tour information on the Tour Page including the Permission form!
Auditions are coming up in just 3-4 weeks! I will be publishing an online audition sign up for students this week. More audition info is on my Audition Page.
Please take time to review the school's CST testing schedule which will impact what classes meet when from April 4-29. We need all students to do their best, so please plan ahead. Plus, I don't want anyone to leave their materials at home on a day when we meet as an ensemble. I'll provide weekly reminders of the schedule in my weekly announcements.
Be sure to get all of the latest tour information on the Tour Page including the Permission form!
Auditions are coming up in just 3-4 weeks! I will be publishing an online audition sign up for students this week. More audition info is on my Audition Page.
Please take time to review the school's CST testing schedule which will impact what classes meet when from April 4-29. We need all students to do their best, so please plan ahead. Plus, I don't want anyone to leave their materials at home on a day when we meet as an ensemble. I'll provide weekly reminders of the schedule in my weekly announcements.
Monday, March 21, 2011
March 21-25
With just three weeks to go until our 2011 music tour to Anaheim, we are in final phase of musical and logistical preparations. Later this week, I will send home (email and hard copy) details regarding our schedule, what to pack, travel rules, etc. for all tour participants. Please watch for this!
Auditions will take place the weeks of April 18 & 25. For more info, check out my Audition & Info page. Students looking to advance their skills who are interested in lessons with me should contact me to arrange lessons. I work at a low rate for students and will teach here at Pioneer. Contact me for more information.
CMEA Band festival is scheduled for Friday night, May 6 at Gilroy High School. We will depart PHS at about 5:30 pm and return to PHS at about 11:00 pm. I will need about 10 parents who would like to join us to travel along as chaperones. The event is free, open to the public, and features performances by several local school ensembles. School bus travel has already been arranged for all students, but travel is contingent upon enough adult volunteers. This is one of our most significant performances and with sight-reading for Wind Ensemble, represents the peak of our musical achievement for the year. I know that many students will be taking AP Exams that day, but these will be finished in plenty of time for students to arrive in the afternoon dressed in their performing attire, already having eaten dinner. Let me know if you'd like to travel with us.
CMEA Orchestra festival will be on Saturday, May 7 at Independence HS. The schedule has not been published yet. I will share that information once it's available.
Our End of Year concerts have been changed slightly to May 18 & 19 at 7:00. Each student will only be performing one night and those nights have not yet been assigned.
Don't forget to get out and see a live performance! Many students have already completed their Live Review requirement for this semester. Don't get caught at the end of May unable to get out to a concert.
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