Welcome to the last week of the Fall 2012 Semester! I wish that you all will be as successful on your final exams as you have prepared to be ;)
Only a few quick things to keep in mind this week-
If you have not yet turned in your Spring Tour contract and deposit (Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble & Orchestra), it is now past due. Please turn it in THIS WEEK! We are also looking for more parent chaperones. For more info, click on the Spring Trip 2013 page .
Tickets for the Band & Orchestra Benefit Concert on February 9 are now on sale! More info is on the Band & Orchestra Benefit tab above. VIP Tables are sold out and Reserved Tables are almost sold out, however there are plenty of individual tickets still available for purchase, as well as event DVD's and CD's. Don't forget to sign up for a volunteer shift when you order your tickets!
Live Reviews were due last Friday. Any student who still needs to turn theirs in should do so right away to minimize the late work deduction.
It is my goal to have students' grades nearly complete by the end of this week. I will post on Facebook as each class grades are complete. I plan to upload all class grades on Friday before taking time off for the holiday break. If they aren't, though, remember that I do have until our return in January to make sure everything is both accurate and complete.
From my family to yours, I sincerely wish you peace and joy this holiday season and many blessings in the new year.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
December 10-14
Congratulations to all of the student musicians for their wonderful performances last week! If you'd like to order a DVD or CD of either night's performance- click here.
Band & Orchestra Benefit ticket sales are now underway and our VIP Tables are sold out! As of this writing, we have only a couple of Reserved tables left, so if you are planning to book one, you will want to do the online order soon, or submit the paper form as early as possible. We have plenty of General Admission seats still available at this point. The online ticket purchasing process is quick, easy and secure- and you don't have to worry about sending a check with your student which might get misplaced on its way to me. You can also pre-order your DVD and CD with your online order.
Join us Thursday night at Blue Rock BBQ for our next Family Dinner Night! All of the information, including the flier, is available online here. Our program will earn 20% of your order total from 11am to 9pm- eat some great BBQ and support some outstanding musicians!
Our Spring Music Trip plans are coming along. I have posted quite a bit of information on the Spring Trip 2013 page. Please read the page- and turn in the Tour 2013 Revised contract- due Friday!
Have you done your Live Review yet? I'll be entering those grades starting this week, but if you still have a performance you need to see, get to it! Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble students can see either the Monday night concert of SJSU Symphonic Band with the Lincoln Wind Ensemble at SJSU at 7:30 or the Saratoga HS Bands concert at Saratoga on Thursday night at 7:30. I'm not aware of any Orchestra or Jazz concerts between now and the Friday due date. If I do find out, I'll let the students know.
Band & Orchestra Benefit ticket sales are now underway and our VIP Tables are sold out! As of this writing, we have only a couple of Reserved tables left, so if you are planning to book one, you will want to do the online order soon, or submit the paper form as early as possible. We have plenty of General Admission seats still available at this point. The online ticket purchasing process is quick, easy and secure- and you don't have to worry about sending a check with your student which might get misplaced on its way to me. You can also pre-order your DVD and CD with your online order.
Join us Thursday night at Blue Rock BBQ for our next Family Dinner Night! All of the information, including the flier, is available online here. Our program will earn 20% of your order total from 11am to 9pm- eat some great BBQ and support some outstanding musicians!
Our Spring Music Trip plans are coming along. I have posted quite a bit of information on the Spring Trip 2013 page. Please read the page- and turn in the Tour 2013 Revised contract- due Friday!
Have you done your Live Review yet? I'll be entering those grades starting this week, but if you still have a performance you need to see, get to it! Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble students can see either the Monday night concert of SJSU Symphonic Band with the Lincoln Wind Ensemble at SJSU at 7:30 or the Saratoga HS Bands concert at Saratoga on Thursday night at 7:30. I'm not aware of any Orchestra or Jazz concerts between now and the Friday due date. If I do find out, I'll let the students know.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Ticket Update
We have sold out of VIP Tables! There are still several reserved tables (for 6) available, and plenty of General Admission seats as well.
Winter Concerts
Congratulation to all student ensembles for their wonderful performances this week! If you would like to order a DVD or CD of the performance, you may do so online here. Orders will be delivered before the Christmas Vacation.
Band & Orchestra Benefit Concert
Order your tickets now! Online ticketing is now open and paper orders may now be turned in. All of the information is on the Band & Orchestra Benefit tab at the top of the page. If you are looking to order a VIP or Reserved table, you will want to do that as VIP tables are almost sold out and Reserved tables have also begun selling. General Admission tickets are available until we reach event capacity.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
December 3-7
Winter Concerts this week!!! Wednesday night's performance features Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. Thursday night's performance features Orchestra and Jazz Band. Both concerts begin at 7:00, are about an hour and a quarter and are free. There will be a professional video made of each performance which will be available for purchase at the door- credit cards are now accepted. Wednesday night's call times are 6:20 Wind Ensemble, 6:30 Concert Band and 6:40 Beginning Band. Thursday night's call times are 6:30 Jazz Band and 6:40 Orchestra.
Our Spring Trip plans have been published. Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Orchestra will all participate in a 2 day trip of the bay area April 26-27. Events include a musical exchange with another high school, a San Francisco Symphony Performance, clinics with the music faculty at Sonoma Sate University and more. The cost is just $200 for students and $150 for chaperones. The new tour contract will be released this week. It is my expectation that ALL students in these ensembles will participate. If there is a financial challenge, I can arrange extra fundraising or scholarship opportunities. For more complete info as it becomes available, check the "Spring Trip 2013" tab at the top of the page.
We have extra fundraising opportunities for the coffee sale for those who missed out! You'll be able to check out a Grab Bag or buy individual items at our concerts this week. Selling a Grab Bag will earn a student $50 account credit, or 25% of the spring trip cost! For those who did order their Grab Bags, they will arrive either late this week or early next week.
Our next Family Dinner Night is Thursday, December 13 at Blue Rock BBQ. Get more info and help us promote the event at our facebook page. When you eat at Blue Rock, they will donate back 20% of your order to our program!
Your Live Review is due next Friday, December 14. Get more info on the Live Music Page.
Our Spring Trip plans have been published. Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Orchestra will all participate in a 2 day trip of the bay area April 26-27. Events include a musical exchange with another high school, a San Francisco Symphony Performance, clinics with the music faculty at Sonoma Sate University and more. The cost is just $200 for students and $150 for chaperones. The new tour contract will be released this week. It is my expectation that ALL students in these ensembles will participate. If there is a financial challenge, I can arrange extra fundraising or scholarship opportunities. For more complete info as it becomes available, check the "Spring Trip 2013" tab at the top of the page.
We have extra fundraising opportunities for the coffee sale for those who missed out! You'll be able to check out a Grab Bag or buy individual items at our concerts this week. Selling a Grab Bag will earn a student $50 account credit, or 25% of the spring trip cost! For those who did order their Grab Bags, they will arrive either late this week or early next week.
Our next Family Dinner Night is Thursday, December 13 at Blue Rock BBQ. Get more info and help us promote the event at our facebook page. When you eat at Blue Rock, they will donate back 20% of your order to our program!
Your Live Review is due next Friday, December 14. Get more info on the Live Music Page.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
November 26-30
Thank you to Mrs Michels and Mrs Takeuchi for all your work on the Holiday Boutique. Thanks also to the many parents and students who volunteered throughout the day for helping us to earn some extra funds.
If you are interested in purchasing coffee, cookie mix or cocoa mix but didn't preorder items, I have many items that you can purchase individually including French Roast, Medium Roast, Decaf, Cocoa and Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. All items sell for $13 each. Items will also be available at the Winter Concerts next week.
Our Winter Concerts are next week! Join Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble on Wednesday the 5th and Orchestra and Jazz Band on the 6th. Both concerts are at 7:00 and should be about an hour. Admission is free. More info on the facebook event page for the- Wednesday -or- Thursday night performance. Call times for the groups are as follows- Beginning Band 6:40, Concert Band 6:30, Wind Ensemble 6:20. Jazz Band 6:30, Orchestra 6:40.
Don't forget that the Live Review assignment is due on December 14. For more information, and a listing of concerts you might attend, check out the Live Review link at the top of the page.
If you are interested in purchasing coffee, cookie mix or cocoa mix but didn't preorder items, I have many items that you can purchase individually including French Roast, Medium Roast, Decaf, Cocoa and Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. All items sell for $13 each. Items will also be available at the Winter Concerts next week.
Our Winter Concerts are next week! Join Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble on Wednesday the 5th and Orchestra and Jazz Band on the 6th. Both concerts are at 7:00 and should be about an hour. Admission is free. More info on the facebook event page for the- Wednesday -or- Thursday night performance. Call times for the groups are as follows- Beginning Band 6:40, Concert Band 6:30, Wind Ensemble 6:20. Jazz Band 6:30, Orchestra 6:40.
Don't forget that the Live Review assignment is due on December 14. For more information, and a listing of concerts you might attend, check out the Live Review link at the top of the page.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
November 19-21
Happy Thanksgiving!
Our next Boosters meeting is this Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 in my classroom. Join us for an update on dining partners, concerts, fundraisers and the Band & Orchestra Benefit.
Students who are working on art for the cover of the Benefit program should submit it to me this week not later than Wednesday at the end of the day. Artwork may be submitted on paper or digitally as a *.jpg file. See the Band & Orchestra Benefit page for more info.
You are invited to the Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 24 from 9-4 in the PAC. Shop from over 50 local vendors and craftspeople and get your holiday shopping off to a good start while supporting the Pioneer Performing Arts.
Winter Concerts are scheduled for December 5 & 6 at 7:00 in the PAC. Admission is free. Wednesday night will feature performances from Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble while Thursday night will feature the Orchestra and Jazz Band. Both concerts will be about an hour and a quarter long.
Our December family dinner night is scheduled for Thursday, December 13 at Blue Rock BBQ. More info about this coming soon.
Our next Boosters meeting is this Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 in my classroom. Join us for an update on dining partners, concerts, fundraisers and the Band & Orchestra Benefit.
Students who are working on art for the cover of the Benefit program should submit it to me this week not later than Wednesday at the end of the day. Artwork may be submitted on paper or digitally as a *.jpg file. See the Band & Orchestra Benefit page for more info.
You are invited to the Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 24 from 9-4 in the PAC. Shop from over 50 local vendors and craftspeople and get your holiday shopping off to a good start while supporting the Pioneer Performing Arts.
Winter Concerts are scheduled for December 5 & 6 at 7:00 in the PAC. Admission is free. Wednesday night will feature performances from Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble while Thursday night will feature the Orchestra and Jazz Band. Both concerts will be about an hour and a quarter long.
Our December family dinner night is scheduled for Thursday, December 13 at Blue Rock BBQ. More info about this coming soon.
Monday, November 12, 2012
November 13-16
The fall Coffee Fundraiser kicked off last week. I can accept the signup forms until Tuesday but online sales are ongoing. For more info, check out last week's post.
Please take a moment to review the information about the Band & Orchestra Benefit scheduled for February 9, 2013. Parents who are interested in updates about what's going on can join us at our next Booster meeting on November 20 at 7:30 in my room. Calling all artists- I would like to include a student designed cover for the program. Check out the event page for more info. I'll be updating that page with information as the event gets closer. I'm very excited for what promises to be a fun evening with engaging music, a raffle, a silent auction and more.
The Music Department is working with the Drama department to host the 5th annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 24 from 10-4 in the PAC. The event features some 50 local craftspeople and vendors and is a great place to go shopping for holiday gifts and other needs. This is also a fundraiser for us as each vendor pays a small fee to participate in the event. Debbie Michels & Michelle Takeuchi are coordinating our efforts and will need a few volunteers during the event. Please contact me if you would be able to help with this event in any way.
I have updated the Live Music page of my blog with some performances in November & December. If you haven't yet turned in your Live Review, be sure you go and see one of the many great local music ensembles and turn the review in. For those students with excused absences from prior events, you must submit your Live Review for the missed event to be excused. Please note on the review which event you missed so I can clear it more quickly.
Our next Booster Club meeting is on Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 in my room. Please join us and keep up with all that's going on.
Our Winter Concerts are scheduled for December 5 (Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble) and December 6 (Orchestra & Jazz Band). Both concerts are at 7:00 in the Pioneer PAC at 7:00 and admission is free.
Please take a moment to review the information about the Band & Orchestra Benefit scheduled for February 9, 2013. Parents who are interested in updates about what's going on can join us at our next Booster meeting on November 20 at 7:30 in my room. Calling all artists- I would like to include a student designed cover for the program. Check out the event page for more info. I'll be updating that page with information as the event gets closer. I'm very excited for what promises to be a fun evening with engaging music, a raffle, a silent auction and more.
The Music Department is working with the Drama department to host the 5th annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 24 from 10-4 in the PAC. The event features some 50 local craftspeople and vendors and is a great place to go shopping for holiday gifts and other needs. This is also a fundraiser for us as each vendor pays a small fee to participate in the event. Debbie Michels & Michelle Takeuchi are coordinating our efforts and will need a few volunteers during the event. Please contact me if you would be able to help with this event in any way.
I have updated the Live Music page of my blog with some performances in November & December. If you haven't yet turned in your Live Review, be sure you go and see one of the many great local music ensembles and turn the review in. For those students with excused absences from prior events, you must submit your Live Review for the missed event to be excused. Please note on the review which event you missed so I can clear it more quickly.
Our next Booster Club meeting is on Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 in my room. Please join us and keep up with all that's going on.
Our Winter Concerts are scheduled for December 5 (Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble) and December 6 (Orchestra & Jazz Band). Both concerts are at 7:00 in the Pioneer PAC at 7:00 and admission is free.
Monday, November 5, 2012
November 5-9
Congratulations to the Jazz Band for their performance Friday at the West Valley College Jazz Festival. Thanks to Mrs. Canteenwala, Mrs. Kanga, Mrs. Abusaidi and Mr Carrillo for making our trip possible by driving students and equipment.
Join us on Thursday night at the Sandwich Mill for our next dinner partners night. No flier needed- just mention Pioneer when you order and we'll get a percentage of your order back as a donation! Take out is encouraged, but dine in works too!
The last regular season home football game is Friday night. We will be offering student dinners again this game. For $7, students and families can order a chili dinner. Thanks to Mrs Hubbard who is coordinating this week's efforts. If you'd like to help, email me. Students can pre-order their dinner with me in class through Wednesday. There will be a limited number of meals available to those who do not preorder.
We will begin our fall fundraiser this week, again this year with the We Care Coffee Company. This time, we will not only do a grab bags, but also online sales. Students can do either or both. The Grab Bag fundraiser is where a family gets an assortment of coffee, cookies & cocoa to sell. These items are all custom roasted and custom labeled for Pioneer Music and are the highest quality. The Gourmet Grab Bag contains 6 (12 oz.) bags of coffee, 2 bags (2 lbs.) of chocolate chip cookie mix and 2 bags of hot cocoa mix. These items sell for $13 each and bring in $130. Of that, each student earns $50 profit. The Mini Grab Bag contains 2 bags of coffee and 2 bags of cocoa. Items sell for $13 and bring in $52. Of that, $20 is credited to the student. Because the food items are fresh roasted and ground, students who wish to participate must return this informational form, indicating how many Grab Bags they would like. The Grab Bag forms are due next Friday 11/9 for delivery the first week of December- in time for holiday parties and gifts! Custom assortments of specific coffee/ cocoa are also possible if you let me know in advance. Online sales are easy to promote through facebook or you can email this link.
Join us on Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 in my classroom for our November Booster meeting. We will update our current activities as well as hear reports from the parents who are coordinating our Benefit Concert. This will be a very important meeting and I hope many parents will be able to attend.
Join us on Thursday night at the Sandwich Mill for our next dinner partners night. No flier needed- just mention Pioneer when you order and we'll get a percentage of your order back as a donation! Take out is encouraged, but dine in works too!
The last regular season home football game is Friday night. We will be offering student dinners again this game. For $7, students and families can order a chili dinner. Thanks to Mrs Hubbard who is coordinating this week's efforts. If you'd like to help, email me. Students can pre-order their dinner with me in class through Wednesday. There will be a limited number of meals available to those who do not preorder.
We will begin our fall fundraiser this week, again this year with the We Care Coffee Company. This time, we will not only do a grab bags, but also online sales. Students can do either or both. The Grab Bag fundraiser is where a family gets an assortment of coffee, cookies & cocoa to sell. These items are all custom roasted and custom labeled for Pioneer Music and are the highest quality. The Gourmet Grab Bag contains 6 (12 oz.) bags of coffee, 2 bags (2 lbs.) of chocolate chip cookie mix and 2 bags of hot cocoa mix. These items sell for $13 each and bring in $130. Of that, each student earns $50 profit. The Mini Grab Bag contains 2 bags of coffee and 2 bags of cocoa. Items sell for $13 and bring in $52. Of that, $20 is credited to the student. Because the food items are fresh roasted and ground, students who wish to participate must return this informational form, indicating how many Grab Bags they would like. The Grab Bag forms are due next Friday 11/9 for delivery the first week of December- in time for holiday parties and gifts! Custom assortments of specific coffee/ cocoa are also possible if you let me know in advance. Online sales are easy to promote through facebook or you can email this link.
Join us on Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 in my classroom for our November Booster meeting. We will update our current activities as well as hear reports from the parents who are coordinating our Benefit Concert. This will be a very important meeting and I hope many parents will be able to attend.
Monday, October 29, 2012
October 29- November 2
Sorry this is a day late... was watching as the Giants steamrolled the Tigers this weekend...
Congratulations to all the ensembles that performed last week! We had a great turnout and a great concert. I'm pleased at the early progress that all three of the groups are making this year. Also, thanks to the generous support of families, we collected over $400 in donations as well.
Jazz Band will be participating in the West Valley Jazz Festival next Friday, November 2. We need parent drivers who can be with us throughout the day- 18 students plus our gear. If you are able to drive, contact me ASAP. All volunteer drivers must have the SJUSD Driver forms on file with the school office current this school year. Let me know if you have questions about these forms. All students will go to first period, then meet in my room at the beginning of second and get dressed to perform. We will be at Castillero from 9-11 for recruitment to interact with their band students. We'll go to lunch at the food court at Oakridge then go to West Valley for the festival. We'll be back at Pioneer by about 3:00.
We will begin our fall fundraiser this week, again this year with the We Care Coffee Company. This time, we will not only do a grab bags, but also online sales. Students can do either or both. The Grab Bag fundraiser is where a family gets an assortment of coffee, cookies & cocoa to sell. These items are all custom roasted and custom labeled for Pioneer Music and are the highest quality. The Gourmet Grab Bag contains 6 (12 oz.) bags of coffee, 2 bags (2 lbs.) of chocolate chip cookie mix and 2 bags of hot cocoa mix. These items sell for $13 each and bring in $130. Of that, each student earns $50 profit. The Mini Grab Bag contains 2 bags of coffee and 2 bags of cocoa. Items sell for $13 and bring in $52. Of that, $20 is credited to the student. Because the food items are fresh roasted and ground, students who wish to participate must return this informational form, indicating how many Grab Bags they would like. The Grab Bag forms are due next Friday 11/9 for delivery the first week of December- in time for holiday parties and gifts! Custom assortments of specific coffee/ cocoa are also possible if you let me know in advance. Online sales are easy to promote through facebook or you can email this link.
Join us for our next Dinner Partner night next Thursday, November 8 at The Sandwich Mill on Kooser next to Chuck-E-Cheese. The Sandwich Mill has supported our programs in the past and continues to support not just Pioneer but other local schools as well. No flier is needed- just mention Pioneer!
Congratulations to all the ensembles that performed last week! We had a great turnout and a great concert. I'm pleased at the early progress that all three of the groups are making this year. Also, thanks to the generous support of families, we collected over $400 in donations as well.
Jazz Band will be participating in the West Valley Jazz Festival next Friday, November 2. We need parent drivers who can be with us throughout the day- 18 students plus our gear. If you are able to drive, contact me ASAP. All volunteer drivers must have the SJUSD Driver forms on file with the school office current this school year. Let me know if you have questions about these forms. All students will go to first period, then meet in my room at the beginning of second and get dressed to perform. We will be at Castillero from 9-11 for recruitment to interact with their band students. We'll go to lunch at the food court at Oakridge then go to West Valley for the festival. We'll be back at Pioneer by about 3:00.
We will begin our fall fundraiser this week, again this year with the We Care Coffee Company. This time, we will not only do a grab bags, but also online sales. Students can do either or both. The Grab Bag fundraiser is where a family gets an assortment of coffee, cookies & cocoa to sell. These items are all custom roasted and custom labeled for Pioneer Music and are the highest quality. The Gourmet Grab Bag contains 6 (12 oz.) bags of coffee, 2 bags (2 lbs.) of chocolate chip cookie mix and 2 bags of hot cocoa mix. These items sell for $13 each and bring in $130. Of that, each student earns $50 profit. The Mini Grab Bag contains 2 bags of coffee and 2 bags of cocoa. Items sell for $13 and bring in $52. Of that, $20 is credited to the student. Because the food items are fresh roasted and ground, students who wish to participate must return this informational form, indicating how many Grab Bags they would like. The Grab Bag forms are due next Friday 11/9 for delivery the first week of December- in time for holiday parties and gifts! Custom assortments of specific coffee/ cocoa are also possible if you let me know in advance. Online sales are easy to promote through facebook or you can email this link.
Join us for our next Dinner Partner night next Thursday, November 8 at The Sandwich Mill on Kooser next to Chuck-E-Cheese. The Sandwich Mill has supported our programs in the past and continues to support not just Pioneer but other local schools as well. No flier is needed- just mention Pioneer!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
October 22-26
Our Fall Concert is Wednesday at 7:00 in the PAC.
This free concert will feature our Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and String
Orchestra as well as special guests the Castillero Jazz Band and Chamber
Orchestra. We've been making some great music this year and you won't
want to miss out! This is a great opportunity for us to put on display
the things which make Pioneer so great- and our music ensembles and
parent support are outstanding! Let's show our guests what a great
opportunity they have here! Get more concert info and invite your family and friends with our facebook event page! Call times for each ensemble are as follows-
String Orchestra 6:15
Wind Ensemble 6:20
Jazz Band 6:30
Students should get their instruments and put them in the PAC in the case. All students will watch the performance, unless there isn't enough space, in which case, Orchestra will wait in the classroom until they go on stage to save room for the audience.
Homecoming Football is this Friday. Pep Band students are reminded that they are to wear blue jeans and their pep band polo shirt. The only thing performers may wear over their polo is their band jacket. Students may, however, wear a solid color long sleeved shirt that is blue, black, grey or white. I have a few extra jackets for sale for $40 each.
Jazz Band will be participating in the West Valley Jazz Festival next Friday, November 2. The plan is to visit Castillero in the morning, have lunch on the way over to the college and participate in the festival after lunch. We should be back to Pioneer by about 3:30. We parent drivers who can be with us throughout the day- 18 students plus our gear. If you are able to drive, contact me ASAP. All volunteer drivers must have the SJUSD Driver forms on file with the school office current this school year. Let me know if you have questions about these forms. Final schedule TBD.
String Orchestra 6:15
Wind Ensemble 6:20
Jazz Band 6:30
Students should get their instruments and put them in the PAC in the case. All students will watch the performance, unless there isn't enough space, in which case, Orchestra will wait in the classroom until they go on stage to save room for the audience.
Homecoming Football is this Friday. Pep Band students are reminded that they are to wear blue jeans and their pep band polo shirt. The only thing performers may wear over their polo is their band jacket. Students may, however, wear a solid color long sleeved shirt that is blue, black, grey or white. I have a few extra jackets for sale for $40 each.
Jazz Band will be participating in the West Valley Jazz Festival next Friday, November 2. The plan is to visit Castillero in the morning, have lunch on the way over to the college and participate in the festival after lunch. We should be back to Pioneer by about 3:30. We parent drivers who can be with us throughout the day- 18 students plus our gear. If you are able to drive, contact me ASAP. All volunteer drivers must have the SJUSD Driver forms on file with the school office current this school year. Let me know if you have questions about these forms. Final schedule TBD.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
October 15-19
Booster Club meeting this Wednesday at 7:30pm in my classroom. For the first few minutes we will cover old business and general information. The bulk of this meeting will focus on planning for the Band & Orchestra Benefit concerts in February. Make sure you attend as we will lay our our plans for successful events!
Thursday night will be our second dining partner night of the year. Join us Thursday at Le Bon on Santa Teresa from 5-9 and bring this flier! Here's their website, and here are some helpful Yelp reviews if you aren't familiar with their food. Le Bon is located across from Oakridge in the same shopping center as Babies R Us and Mandarin Gourmet, next to the Vitamin Shop. Get more info and invite your friends with this Facebook event.
Jazz Band- did you turn in your Reno contract and deposit yet? We need all 18 students and 4 parents to make this event successful. Saturday, Jazz Band will perform at the Allen at Steinbeck walk-a-thon from 10:30-11:00 am. Students should wear their casual performing attire and plan to be there by 10:00 to set up. Friday November 2 is the WVC Jazz Festival. We are scheduled for an afternoon performance, so I'm working with Mr. Bowman to schedule a recruitment visit to Castillero.
Our Fall Concert is next Wednesday, October 24 at 7:00 in the PAC. This free concert will feature our Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and String Orchestra as well as special guests the Castillero Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra. We've been making some great music this year and you won't want to miss out! This is a great opportunity for us to put on display the things which make Pioneer so great- and our music ensembles and parent support are outstanding! Let's show our guests what a great opportunity they and their student will have here!
Our next football game is Friday, October 26. There will not be a group dinner as there will be other activities associated with homecoming. The following game is November 9 and there will be a chili dinner hosted by Christy Hubbard. If we make playoffs, the first game will be November 16.
All Tuxes will be delivered on Tuesday! Please make payment of $145 for the complete tux to "Pioneer Performing Arts" if you have not yet done so. You must take your tuxedo home on Tuesday! If you have sports or some after school activity, your parent can pick it up after school for you. If you are unable to do this, contact me so that you can arrange a pick up time on Tuesday. Please try on your tux and make sure it fits. Tuxes were measured a bit big so that growing students would be able to wear the tux for more than one season. If alterations are needed, take it to Selix across from the Pruneyard in Campbell.
Thursday night will be our second dining partner night of the year. Join us Thursday at Le Bon on Santa Teresa from 5-9 and bring this flier! Here's their website, and here are some helpful Yelp reviews if you aren't familiar with their food. Le Bon is located across from Oakridge in the same shopping center as Babies R Us and Mandarin Gourmet, next to the Vitamin Shop. Get more info and invite your friends with this Facebook event.
Jazz Band- did you turn in your Reno contract and deposit yet? We need all 18 students and 4 parents to make this event successful. Saturday, Jazz Band will perform at the Allen at Steinbeck walk-a-thon from 10:30-11:00 am. Students should wear their casual performing attire and plan to be there by 10:00 to set up. Friday November 2 is the WVC Jazz Festival. We are scheduled for an afternoon performance, so I'm working with Mr. Bowman to schedule a recruitment visit to Castillero.
Our Fall Concert is next Wednesday, October 24 at 7:00 in the PAC. This free concert will feature our Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and String Orchestra as well as special guests the Castillero Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra. We've been making some great music this year and you won't want to miss out! This is a great opportunity for us to put on display the things which make Pioneer so great- and our music ensembles and parent support are outstanding! Let's show our guests what a great opportunity they and their student will have here!
Our next football game is Friday, October 26. There will not be a group dinner as there will be other activities associated with homecoming. The following game is November 9 and there will be a chili dinner hosted by Christy Hubbard. If we make playoffs, the first game will be November 16.
All Tuxes will be delivered on Tuesday! Please make payment of $145 for the complete tux to "Pioneer Performing Arts" if you have not yet done so. You must take your tuxedo home on Tuesday! If you have sports or some after school activity, your parent can pick it up after school for you. If you are unable to do this, contact me so that you can arrange a pick up time on Tuesday. Please try on your tux and make sure it fits. Tuxes were measured a bit big so that growing students would be able to wear the tux for more than one season. If alterations are needed, take it to Selix across from the Pruneyard in Campbell.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
October 8-12
Welcome Back! I hope you have had a good time during your week off.
Booster Parents- be aware that we'll be having a Big Band & Orchestra Benefit planning meeting soon. Once the date and time is set, I'll let you know.
Jazz Band will be performing at the Allen-at-Steinbeck walk a thon on Saturday, October 20 from 10:30-11:00 am. The campus is the same as Castillero, and we will be performing on the outdoor stage just outside the band room. Half of the band will meet at Pioneer before hand to load our equipment, while half of the band will return and unload. Call time at Pioneer to load will be 9:30, our performance will end at 11:00 and those doing the unloading should be done at PHS before 12:00.
Also, Jazz Band will be participating in the West Valley Jazz Festival on Friday, November 2. I hope to visit Castillero in the morning and then go to the festival after that, but will not know the details until I get them from WVC.
Fall Concert- is Wednesday, October 24 at 7:00 in the PAC. Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band & String Orchestra will be joined by Castillero's Chamber Strings and Jazz Band. This will be a wonderful joint performance and a great opportunity to welcome the Castillero students and families to Pioneer. Please encourage your friends and family to arrive early as the concert will begin promptly at 7:00.
There are many performances to go see this month! Look at the Live Music page and see if you can get to one of the many opportunities. Remember that your Live Review is due within one week of the concert you attend.
I have posted a Tour 2013 update for Jazz Band. Please review the details. I will be posting information for Wind Ensemble and Orchestra as soon as I am able to confirm more details. I hope to have these quite soon.
Finally, we will begin our next fundraiser soon with the We Care Coffee Company. Look for a separate blog post later this week with more info. In the meantime, you can check them out online.
Booster Parents- be aware that we'll be having a Big Band & Orchestra Benefit planning meeting soon. Once the date and time is set, I'll let you know.
Jazz Band will be performing at the Allen-at-Steinbeck walk a thon on Saturday, October 20 from 10:30-11:00 am. The campus is the same as Castillero, and we will be performing on the outdoor stage just outside the band room. Half of the band will meet at Pioneer before hand to load our equipment, while half of the band will return and unload. Call time at Pioneer to load will be 9:30, our performance will end at 11:00 and those doing the unloading should be done at PHS before 12:00.
Also, Jazz Band will be participating in the West Valley Jazz Festival on Friday, November 2. I hope to visit Castillero in the morning and then go to the festival after that, but will not know the details until I get them from WVC.
Fall Concert- is Wednesday, October 24 at 7:00 in the PAC. Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band & String Orchestra will be joined by Castillero's Chamber Strings and Jazz Band. This will be a wonderful joint performance and a great opportunity to welcome the Castillero students and families to Pioneer. Please encourage your friends and family to arrive early as the concert will begin promptly at 7:00.
There are many performances to go see this month! Look at the Live Music page and see if you can get to one of the many opportunities. Remember that your Live Review is due within one week of the concert you attend.
I have posted a Tour 2013 update for Jazz Band. Please review the details. I will be posting information for Wind Ensemble and Orchestra as soon as I am able to confirm more details. I hope to have these quite soon.
Finally, we will begin our next fundraiser soon with the We Care Coffee Company. Look for a separate blog post later this week with more info. In the meantime, you can check them out online.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
September 24-28
We are now into the second grading period. I am a bit behind in posting grades for some students, but all will be accurate before Tuesday at 4:00pm. If you have grade questions, please hold off until that time so the grade will be accurate.
As you may have heard by now, we will not be taking a big music tour this spring because of low numbers. I am working to plan a short, inexpensive trip so that all students will be able to participate. This may be simply a day trip, or just one or two nights away. I will hold onto deposits until such time as I can announce what the revised plan will be. Thank you for your patience as I make these plans. I will continue to update the Tour 2013 page as details are worked out.
Our first concert is coming up on Wednesday, October 24th at 7:00 in the PAC. The Castillero Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra will join the Pioneer Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and String Orchestra. This will be a great concert and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Please remember that if you have not yet paid for your Entertainment Books, Pep Band attire or Dress, that money is past due. Please make payment as soon as possible. Checks can be made out to "Pioneer Performing Arts." If you have a question about money you owe or have paid, email and I'll give you details for your student.
Jazz Band students have been invited to perform at the Allen at Steinbeck walk-a-thon on Saturday, October 20. I don't have our performance time yet, but have asked that we be scheduled for the morning. Once I confirm these details, I'll let you know. This will be a great way for us to reach out to our community and support one of our SJUSD schools.
Finally, as September rolls to a close and October comes in, there will be many Live Review opportunities for you. Please take a moment and review the Live Music page so that you can understand this assignment. I have added details about some October concerts you may choose to attend.
As you may have heard by now, we will not be taking a big music tour this spring because of low numbers. I am working to plan a short, inexpensive trip so that all students will be able to participate. This may be simply a day trip, or just one or two nights away. I will hold onto deposits until such time as I can announce what the revised plan will be. Thank you for your patience as I make these plans. I will continue to update the Tour 2013 page as details are worked out.
Our first concert is coming up on Wednesday, October 24th at 7:00 in the PAC. The Castillero Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra will join the Pioneer Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and String Orchestra. This will be a great concert and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Please remember that if you have not yet paid for your Entertainment Books, Pep Band attire or Dress, that money is past due. Please make payment as soon as possible. Checks can be made out to "Pioneer Performing Arts." If you have a question about money you owe or have paid, email and I'll give you details for your student.
Jazz Band students have been invited to perform at the Allen at Steinbeck walk-a-thon on Saturday, October 20. I don't have our performance time yet, but have asked that we be scheduled for the morning. Once I confirm these details, I'll let you know. This will be a great way for us to reach out to our community and support one of our SJUSD schools.
Finally, as September rolls to a close and October comes in, there will be many Live Review opportunities for you. Please take a moment and review the Live Music page so that you can understand this assignment. I have added details about some October concerts you may choose to attend.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
September 17-21
Tour Update-
I will accept additional contracts on Monday. Of the contracts which have been turned in, most indicate San Diego, so that will be our destination, if I collect enough contracts. If enough students and chaperones do not commit, we will not travel this spring. For more information, check out the Tour 2013 page.
The Entertainment Book fundraiser is over. Please turn in $30 for each book, $10 of which gets credited directly to the student. Checks should be made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts." There are still more opportunities to come throughout this year to raise money.
We will have our first Boosters meeting on Wednesday the 19th at 7:00 in my classroom (following the other parent activities that evening). Please make a point to attend as we work to plan for our Band and Orchestra Benefits and much more! We've had a great turnout so far this year, and I look forward to continuing to build our Boosters organization.
Pep Band attire and dresses have been delivered and will be passed out to students. Please make payments for these items as soon as possible. Checks should be made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts." The dress is $70. The Pep Band polo is $25, the jacket is $40, but if you bought both, you got a $5 discount to $60. If you have questions about the money you owe, I'll be passing out balance sheets this week.
The first grading period is ending soon. Students who are missing assignments need to turn them in Monday. I will work with students during "S" period and after school to help them catch up on any missing work. After this point, there will be a late work deduction and the grade may not be entered by the grading period.
Did you see the information about CMEA festivals for each group? Here's what you need to know.
I will accept additional contracts on Monday. Of the contracts which have been turned in, most indicate San Diego, so that will be our destination, if I collect enough contracts. If enough students and chaperones do not commit, we will not travel this spring. For more information, check out the Tour 2013 page.
The Entertainment Book fundraiser is over. Please turn in $30 for each book, $10 of which gets credited directly to the student. Checks should be made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts." There are still more opportunities to come throughout this year to raise money.
We will have our first Boosters meeting on Wednesday the 19th at 7:00 in my classroom (following the other parent activities that evening). Please make a point to attend as we work to plan for our Band and Orchestra Benefits and much more! We've had a great turnout so far this year, and I look forward to continuing to build our Boosters organization.
Pep Band attire and dresses have been delivered and will be passed out to students. Please make payments for these items as soon as possible. Checks should be made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts." The dress is $70. The Pep Band polo is $25, the jacket is $40, but if you bought both, you got a $5 discount to $60. If you have questions about the money you owe, I'll be passing out balance sheets this week.
The first grading period is ending soon. Students who are missing assignments need to turn them in Monday. I will work with students during "S" period and after school to help them catch up on any missing work. After this point, there will be a late work deduction and the grade may not be entered by the grading period.
Did you see the information about CMEA festivals for each group? Here's what you need to know.
Monday, September 10, 2012
CMEA Festivals
Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band and Orchestra will all be participating in CMEA Ensemble Festivals next semester. The dates have been added to our 2012-13 Calendar page, but are as follows;
CMEA Jazz Festival
Saturday, February 2 at Santa Teresa HS. Morning, TBA
CMEA Bands
Friday, May 3 at Gilroy HS (transportation to be provided). Evening, TBA
CMEA Orchestra
Saturday, May 4 at Independence HS. Morning, TBA
All dates are confirmed, but the times will not be set until about a month or so before each event. Please be aware that these are required performances and are the most important performance of the year. Where other subjects have CST's or are covered by various exams, these festival performances give our students an opportunity to demonstrate the best of their abilities for feedback to top level local music teachers. Please reserve these dates in your calendar now. I will confirm all details as they become available in the coming months.
CMEA Jazz Festival
Saturday, February 2 at Santa Teresa HS. Morning, TBA
CMEA Bands
Friday, May 3 at Gilroy HS (transportation to be provided). Evening, TBA
CMEA Orchestra
Saturday, May 4 at Independence HS. Morning, TBA
All dates are confirmed, but the times will not be set until about a month or so before each event. Please be aware that these are required performances and are the most important performance of the year. Where other subjects have CST's or are covered by various exams, these festival performances give our students an opportunity to demonstrate the best of their abilities for feedback to top level local music teachers. Please reserve these dates in your calendar now. I will confirm all details as they become available in the coming months.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
September 10-14
The Entertainment Book fundraiser wraps up Monday. Students can return all unsold books to me on Monday. Any unsold books not returned can still be sold and will still benefit the student. All money for the books ($30 each, checks to Pioneer Performing Arts) should be turned in this week.
Thank you to the Carrillo family for hosting dinner for our first football game. We were able to sell almost 50 burritos and raise some much needed funding for the band. This week, the Sandwich Mill will be hosting dinner. Students and families may pre-order a roast beef, turkey, ham or veggie sandwich through the end of school on Thursday. Dinner will be $7 each and include the sandwich, drink, chips and dessert.
The Tour 2013 Contract is due on Friday. Please take time to carefully consider your student's participation and your participation as a chaperone. It is so important that we have a great turnout in order to make for the most positive musical opportunity for all. I know that finances are a concern to some, but I want you to know that there are many students who have already raised a significant amount of money. We have also begun to put in place more effective fundraising and scholarship opportunities as well. I sincerely hope that these efforts will enable as many students to participate as possible.
On Wednesday, we will have our first dining partner dinner at Pizza My Heart on Blossom Hill (across from Oakridge). From 4-9 pm, just mention Pioneer Performing Arts when ordering, and we will get a 30% cut of your order- no fliers needed! Offer is valid on dine in, take out or delivery.
Finally, all students will receive a balance statement this week reflecting all the money paid, earned and charged so far this year. If you have already paid for your tuxedo, dress or pep band attire, thank you. If not, please send a check in to "Pioneer Performing Arts" this week. All students who have made a payment will get a receipt, and all future payments will get a receipt as soon as I receive them. For those of you who may be considering a donation, remember that all gifts are tax deductible and directly benefit our students. If you have questions about finances, please don't hesitate to email me.
Thank you to the Carrillo family for hosting dinner for our first football game. We were able to sell almost 50 burritos and raise some much needed funding for the band. This week, the Sandwich Mill will be hosting dinner. Students and families may pre-order a roast beef, turkey, ham or veggie sandwich through the end of school on Thursday. Dinner will be $7 each and include the sandwich, drink, chips and dessert.
The Tour 2013 Contract is due on Friday. Please take time to carefully consider your student's participation and your participation as a chaperone. It is so important that we have a great turnout in order to make for the most positive musical opportunity for all. I know that finances are a concern to some, but I want you to know that there are many students who have already raised a significant amount of money. We have also begun to put in place more effective fundraising and scholarship opportunities as well. I sincerely hope that these efforts will enable as many students to participate as possible.
On Wednesday, we will have our first dining partner dinner at Pizza My Heart on Blossom Hill (across from Oakridge). From 4-9 pm, just mention Pioneer Performing Arts when ordering, and we will get a 30% cut of your order- no fliers needed! Offer is valid on dine in, take out or delivery.
Finally, all students will receive a balance statement this week reflecting all the money paid, earned and charged so far this year. If you have already paid for your tuxedo, dress or pep band attire, thank you. If not, please send a check in to "Pioneer Performing Arts" this week. All students who have made a payment will get a receipt, and all future payments will get a receipt as soon as I receive them. For those of you who may be considering a donation, remember that all gifts are tax deductible and directly benefit our students. If you have questions about finances, please don't hesitate to email me.
Monday, September 3, 2012
September 4-7
Football Week! All of the information is here for food, call time and more. Additionally, in the likely event that our pep band polos do not come in before this game, I have asked students to wear some blue Pioneer shirt (their pride package shirt is a good choice) instead.
Back to School night is this Thursday! I will offer extra credit to all Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band members who can play a few pep band tunes in the quad from 5:30 to 5:45 (5:15 call, blue jeans & Pioneer blue shirts). I know it's short notice, but it would work the same way is it did last year. Plus, you get to start the year with extra credit :) I hope to see all parents there as we go over our start of year information and, most importantly, Tour 2013 information.
The Entertainment Book fundraiser is going on now! Click here for all the info.
Fittings will be this Wednesday during class! Boys who need a tux and girls who need a dress will be measured in class on Wednesday. For girls, the dress will be $65-$75 depending on sizing and shipping costs and is payable when the dresses arrive. For boys, the tux cost went up a bit this year. Prices are as follows for parts of the tux- poly coat $72, poly pants $27, shirt $18, vest $20, bowtie $8 and the studs and cuff links are included on a complete package. That makes a package this year $145. Shoes will be $45. While the prices are up, all tuxes will be furnished new rather than rental return. If a student needs a discount on shoes please contact me so that we can arrange to have you buy rental return (used) shoes.
Checks for dresses and tuxes should be made payable to Pioneer Performing Arts. Students who are participating in fundraising may use that to help with these costs. Students who plan to use fundraising to cover tour costs should pay for these directly.
Playing tests and seating changes will begin this week in all ensembles but Beginning Band. Students should be prepared to play scales and any of the music that I give them in class.
Beginning Band students will select instruments on Tuesday. There will be a small quiz to cover some of the information we have gone over these few weeks and that will play in to the instrument assignments. Ultimately, instrumentation is at my sole discretion. With 35 students in class, it will be something like 6 flutes, 6 clarinets, 5 saxophones, 6 trumpets, 6 trombones and 5 percussion. There is also the option for oboe or bassoon (must be rented through a local shop), baritone, tuba and French horn as well. We do not have enough saxophones to give, even to 5 students. Sax players will likely be asked to rent or purchase an instrument on their own. We do have instruments to check out for students playing any of the rest. There is a $50 Instrument Donation that we ask for all students who use school instruments.
Back to School night is this Thursday! I will offer extra credit to all Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band members who can play a few pep band tunes in the quad from 5:30 to 5:45 (5:15 call, blue jeans & Pioneer blue shirts). I know it's short notice, but it would work the same way is it did last year. Plus, you get to start the year with extra credit :) I hope to see all parents there as we go over our start of year information and, most importantly, Tour 2013 information.
The Entertainment Book fundraiser is going on now! Click here for all the info.
Fittings will be this Wednesday during class! Boys who need a tux and girls who need a dress will be measured in class on Wednesday. For girls, the dress will be $65-$75 depending on sizing and shipping costs and is payable when the dresses arrive. For boys, the tux cost went up a bit this year. Prices are as follows for parts of the tux- poly coat $72, poly pants $27, shirt $18, vest $20, bowtie $8 and the studs and cuff links are included on a complete package. That makes a package this year $145. Shoes will be $45. While the prices are up, all tuxes will be furnished new rather than rental return. If a student needs a discount on shoes please contact me so that we can arrange to have you buy rental return (used) shoes.
Checks for dresses and tuxes should be made payable to Pioneer Performing Arts. Students who are participating in fundraising may use that to help with these costs. Students who plan to use fundraising to cover tour costs should pay for these directly.
Playing tests and seating changes will begin this week in all ensembles but Beginning Band. Students should be prepared to play scales and any of the music that I give them in class.
Beginning Band students will select instruments on Tuesday. There will be a small quiz to cover some of the information we have gone over these few weeks and that will play in to the instrument assignments. Ultimately, instrumentation is at my sole discretion. With 35 students in class, it will be something like 6 flutes, 6 clarinets, 5 saxophones, 6 trumpets, 6 trombones and 5 percussion. There is also the option for oboe or bassoon (must be rented through a local shop), baritone, tuba and French horn as well. We do not have enough saxophones to give, even to 5 students. Sax players will likely be asked to rent or purchase an instrument on their own. We do have instruments to check out for students playing any of the rest. There is a $50 Instrument Donation that we ask for all students who use school instruments.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
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 each 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 the 2 books they already have, we will earn nearly $5,000 for the
program! Most of these funds ($10 from each book) directly credit to the student who sold the books for performing attire, travel and other expenses. A small portion of the profits are
kept for the program as a whole for things like music, instruments, scholarships and more.
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 and turned into more profit...)
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 10! Yes, books may be returned in good condition (no missing coupons!) if you are unable to sell them.
UPDATE: To sell books online, go to sellersection.entertainment.com. Our account number is 1006190. Using this online tool, students can earn credit selling books to areas across the country outside San Jose. This is great if you have friends and family outside the area who can participate in this fundraiser.
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 and turned into more profit...)
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 10! Yes, books may be returned in good condition (no missing coupons!) if you are unable to sell them.
UPDATE: To sell books online, go to sellersection.entertainment.com. Our account number is 1006190. Using this online tool, students can earn credit selling books to areas across the country outside San Jose. This is great if you have friends and family outside the area who can participate in this fundraiser.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Pep Band Dinners
This year, the Pep Band will host dinners as a fundraiser prior to the football games. Band students and their families will be invited to participate and have dinner prior to the games with the proceeds going to the Instrumental Music program. Costs will vary from game to game depending on the food. Students will be able to RSVP for meals Monday- Wednesday the week of the game. There may also be additional meals for those who don't RSVP.
For the first game on Friday, September 7, the Carrillo family will be hosting a burrito night! For $7 each, students and families can choose from a bean, rice & cheese or bean, rice, cheese & beef burrito, chips & salsa (the famous Carrillo recipe!), cookie and water. Dinner will be served from 5:00-5:30. Student call time will be 5:30, so students will get first priority in line.
Looking ahead, the Sandwich Mill will cater the game on Friday, September 14. More info TBA.
If you are interested in hosting or assisting with one of our dinners, please contact me. We need parents not only to handle the food, but set up, clean up and money as well. If you plan to go to the game, you'll get there in plenty of time. If you don't plan to attend the game, you still need dinner, so why not help out the Instrumental Music program?
For the first game on Friday, September 7, the Carrillo family will be hosting a burrito night! For $7 each, students and families can choose from a bean, rice & cheese or bean, rice, cheese & beef burrito, chips & salsa (the famous Carrillo recipe!), cookie and water. Dinner will be served from 5:00-5:30. Student call time will be 5:30, so students will get first priority in line.
Looking ahead, the Sandwich Mill will cater the game on Friday, September 14. More info TBA.
If you are interested in hosting or assisting with one of our dinners, please contact me. We need parents not only to handle the food, but set up, clean up and money as well. If you plan to go to the game, you'll get there in plenty of time. If you don't plan to attend the game, you still need dinner, so why not help out the Instrumental Music program?
Sunday, August 26, 2012
August 27-31
Football season kicks off next week! All members of the Pep Band (Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band) will be participating in the first game of the season next Friday, September 7. Call time will be about 5:30. Starting this year, we are going to be hosting a dinner fundraiser before the games. This time around the Carrillo family will be hosting with burritos. While the details aren't set, students will be able to purchase dinner before the game and the proceeds will benefit our program, rather than the athletic department concessions during the game. Students will be able to sign up in advance and any extra meals that we have will be available to other band students and then to friends and family. More info on this will be posted next week.
Did you turn in your Course Handbook form? It is so important that every student gets this form signed and turned in. Please check if you will need a tux or dress as well as your size information for polo shirts and jackets. The polos and jackets are required of Pep Band and optional to others. Read the handbook for more info.
Have you completed and turned in your first two Listening Logs? I guide you through these assignments in class and give you time to complete them. If you need extra help with these, or if you didn't do them yet, come in after school or during S period and I can make sure you understand how to complete these assignments successfully. Check the PIV to see if you have any missing work to this point.
We will begin our first fundraiser this week! Students will sell Entertainment Books for $30 each- of which about $10 is profit back to us. Checks can be made to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Money students raise can be used for a tuxedo, dress, polos, or even our trips. While $30 may seem like an investment for coupons, remember that with $10 profit, it's only about a $20 book and that is easily made up by using just two of the restaurant coupons. In addition to those, there are retail coupons, travel coupons and much, much more. I have personally made great use of the Entertainment Book I got last year.
This week- bands will be getting ready for the football season, Beginning Band will be working on the brass family and continue note and rhythm reading, Orchestra will begin to do some playing tests, ensembles will finish student leadership and all classes will kick off the Entertainment Book fundraiser.
Finally, if you haven't taken time to look at the information for the 2013 Spring Tour, please do so. I hope to have as many students and parent chaperones participating as possible. If you have any questions, let me know.
Did you turn in your Course Handbook form? It is so important that every student gets this form signed and turned in. Please check if you will need a tux or dress as well as your size information for polo shirts and jackets. The polos and jackets are required of Pep Band and optional to others. Read the handbook for more info.
Have you completed and turned in your first two Listening Logs? I guide you through these assignments in class and give you time to complete them. If you need extra help with these, or if you didn't do them yet, come in after school or during S period and I can make sure you understand how to complete these assignments successfully. Check the PIV to see if you have any missing work to this point.
We will begin our first fundraiser this week! Students will sell Entertainment Books for $30 each- of which about $10 is profit back to us. Checks can be made to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Money students raise can be used for a tuxedo, dress, polos, or even our trips. While $30 may seem like an investment for coupons, remember that with $10 profit, it's only about a $20 book and that is easily made up by using just two of the restaurant coupons. In addition to those, there are retail coupons, travel coupons and much, much more. I have personally made great use of the Entertainment Book I got last year.
This week- bands will be getting ready for the football season, Beginning Band will be working on the brass family and continue note and rhythm reading, Orchestra will begin to do some playing tests, ensembles will finish student leadership and all classes will kick off the Entertainment Book fundraiser.
Finally, if you haven't taken time to look at the information for the 2013 Spring Tour, please do so. I hope to have as many students and parent chaperones participating as possible. If you have any questions, let me know.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Sax Update
Thanks to the saxophone players who played for me in class. The following is the new ensemble list for the saxophone sections. Students whose name is in italics are a new assignment and need to see me for your new schedule first thing in the morning. I will pass out new Instrument Contracts for any student who needs one. List below the jump-
Sunday, August 19, 2012
August 20-24
I am so glad for the great work we have already achieved in the first three days of class! I will begin counting rehearsal points tomorrow, so all students should be prepared to play with reeds, valve oil, rosin or any other supplies needed. Don't forget that the signature page for the course handbook is due this Friday. Also, please take time to indicate sizes of polo shirts, jackets and need for a tuxedo or dress on the back page.
Listening Logs are due tomorrow. If you have a question, or were unable to complete this assignment, I will be assisting students Monday during S period. All journals must be turned in by the end of the day Monday.
All students who need to use a school instrument (except Beginning Band) this year should have already gotten a blue contract. No student is allowed to take an instrument home without turning in this blue contract. Families who are able to make the Instrument Donation are asked to make checks to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Students are reminded to consider opportunities for student leadership this week. I will meet with all candidates prior to elections. In addition to the officers, as we begin to play, I will be working to determine section leaders for the year.
Due to a last minute personnel change, there is one sax opening in Jazz Band. I will take time to hear every sax player in Wind Ensemble and Concert Band audition Monday as there may be some shuffling taking place this week. Schedule changes will only be available with administrative approval because the school year has already started.
We will also begin our first fundraiser of the year- Entertainment Book sales. Similar to last year, I ask every family to sell just two books. If we do just that, we will raise about $4,000- most of which goes directly into student credit for performing attire, travel and more. Books will retail for $30 with a profit of $10 each. Checks can be made to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Many students have begun to turn in tour contracts. Please remember that there is a $250 deposit which must be submitted with the contract. More information, and a tour contract are available on the Tour 2013 page of my blog. This contract is due Friday, September 14 and checks should be made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Listening Logs are due tomorrow. If you have a question, or were unable to complete this assignment, I will be assisting students Monday during S period. All journals must be turned in by the end of the day Monday.
All students who need to use a school instrument (except Beginning Band) this year should have already gotten a blue contract. No student is allowed to take an instrument home without turning in this blue contract. Families who are able to make the Instrument Donation are asked to make checks to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Students are reminded to consider opportunities for student leadership this week. I will meet with all candidates prior to elections. In addition to the officers, as we begin to play, I will be working to determine section leaders for the year.
Due to a last minute personnel change, there is one sax opening in Jazz Band. I will take time to hear every sax player in Wind Ensemble and Concert Band audition Monday as there may be some shuffling taking place this week. Schedule changes will only be available with administrative approval because the school year has already started.
We will also begin our first fundraiser of the year- Entertainment Book sales. Similar to last year, I ask every family to sell just two books. If we do just that, we will raise about $4,000- most of which goes directly into student credit for performing attire, travel and more. Books will retail for $30 with a profit of $10 each. Checks can be made to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Many students have begun to turn in tour contracts. Please remember that there is a $250 deposit which must be submitted with the contract. More information, and a tour contract are available on the Tour 2013 page of my blog. This contract is due Friday, September 14 and checks should be made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Friday, August 17, 2012
Sax Players- URGENT!
On Monday, I would like to hear all of the saxophone players in Wind Ensemble and Concert Band audition again for me during class. There is now an opening in Jazz Band which may result in a subsequent opening or changes to Wind Ensemble as well. I would like to hear all sax players as I may be asking some to change to a different kind of sax to make the strongest possible ensembles.
I know this is short notice, and I appreciate your best efforts. Even with these auditions, I may or may not be able to change an individual schedule depending on the classes. I will, however, make my best efforts and work with the administration to give every student the best opportunity and each ensemble the best instrumentation.
I look to hear the students play scales, something prepared and sight reading. If you have questions, please contact me ASAP.
I know this is short notice, and I appreciate your best efforts. Even with these auditions, I may or may not be able to change an individual schedule depending on the classes. I will, however, make my best efforts and work with the administration to give every student the best opportunity and each ensemble the best instrumentation.
I look to hear the students play scales, something prepared and sight reading. If you have questions, please contact me ASAP.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Welcome Back!
Welcome to the 2012-13 School Year!
A new year brings new energy, optimism and hope for great things. I look forward to working with Pioneer's student musicians as we continue to build a legacy of great musical achievement. I have ordered over 40 new pieces for Pep Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Orchestra and can't wait to get into them!
The first day of school will be full of information for students and parents. I will review the Instrumental Music Handbook in all my classes. This gives students and parents information regarding course expectations for grades, discipline and much more. Please take the time to review it as the last page is due back, signed by student and parent, Friday, August 24. On that page is also an order form for polo shirts and jackets. I have a complete sizing line for students to try on here in my room.
In addition to this, I will be going over the Spring 2013 Tour plans. Please take time to read the information posted on the Tour 2013 page on my blog! There is a Tour Contract there which must be filled out by every participant- one for each student and chaperone. This form is not due until Friday, September 14 to allow families to plan carefully for this event, and to participate in at least one fundraiser.
Finally, I will collect information from students who may need school instruments so that I can begin to check those out as soon as possible. No student can use a school instrument until I get a signed instrument contract back.
Thursday will be a day for checking out school instruments and going over basic procedures regarding instrument storage and such. It is unlikely that we will be able to perform in any classes yet, though all students should bring their instruments.
On Friday, students will need a composition book as we will do our first Listening Log. Since this is the first of the year, it will take the whole period for most of the classes. I will also complete instrument checkout for all classes except Beginning Band. Students will get a grade for having this in class- and it can't be made up later!
Next week- I hope to have all ensembles except Beginning Band playing in class on Monday! All students who need a tuxedo or dress will be fitted for those later in the week. We will also have an opportunity for students interested in student leadership positions to run for those. Also coming up is our first football game- Friday, September 7. For a complete schedule of this year's performances, be sure to review the 2012-13 Calendar which is linked at the top of the page.
A successful program is not only the work of students and a director, but also parent involvement. If you are interested in working with our Boosters either in a leadership or support role, please contact me. We need help in all sorts of areas, and you can volunteer for those things which interest you (or you could even expand your comfort zone, too). We'll have meetings throughout the year and I will keep you informed as those come up.
A final note- I try to be as organized as possible and work to communicate as much information as I'm able. I update this blog every week before school starts on Sunday night so that parents can have the information needed to ensure student success. Please make it a point to check in often so that you can have the latest information for all student.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Registration & Orientation 2012
Registration Week 2012
As you wrap up your summer excitement and begin to think about school again (gasp) I want you to know that I am looking forward to a great year of music making with over 190 student musicians this year.
I make an effort to communicate information in a timely manner, which means I update this blog at least every week. You'll find information for students and parents about performances, activities, classwork, fundraisers and much more. Be sure to follow my blog and check back every week.
Registration information-
If you have questions about your schedule, I'll be around Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the day to talk with you about your schedule. As of now, there are 56 students in Orchestra, 36 in Beginning Band, 41 in Concert Band, 42 in Wind Ensemble and 19 in Jazz Band.
Want to get a jump start on the year?
Check out the Instrumental Music Handbook (my syllabus). The last page will be due by Friday, August 24. Do you need a school instrument during the year? Stop by during registration to let me know so that I can get the paperwork to you sooner. If you haven't been practicing, you will want to spend a few minutes to get the feel for your instrument again- scales, long tones, range and endurance are all going to be challenging if you've not touched your instrument since May.
Want to check out our performance schedule?
Click on the 2012-13 Calendar link at the top of the page. Please take the time to review this information so that we don't have any last minute schedule conflicts or problems.
Are you a parent who wants to be involved?
I am looking for a group of parents who can help throughout the year. We will meet periodically throughout the year to plan and do various events. If you would like to know more, please email me chris _ mccoy [at] sjusd [dot] org and I'll keep you up to date with all the info.
As you wrap up your summer excitement and begin to think about school again (gasp) I want you to know that I am looking forward to a great year of music making with over 190 student musicians this year.
I make an effort to communicate information in a timely manner, which means I update this blog at least every week. You'll find information for students and parents about performances, activities, classwork, fundraisers and much more. Be sure to follow my blog and check back every week.
Registration information-
If you have questions about your schedule, I'll be around Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the day to talk with you about your schedule. As of now, there are 56 students in Orchestra, 36 in Beginning Band, 41 in Concert Band, 42 in Wind Ensemble and 19 in Jazz Band.
Want to get a jump start on the year?
Check out the Instrumental Music Handbook (my syllabus). The last page will be due by Friday, August 24. Do you need a school instrument during the year? Stop by during registration to let me know so that I can get the paperwork to you sooner. If you haven't been practicing, you will want to spend a few minutes to get the feel for your instrument again- scales, long tones, range and endurance are all going to be challenging if you've not touched your instrument since May.
Want to check out our performance schedule?
Click on the 2012-13 Calendar link at the top of the page. Please take the time to review this information so that we don't have any last minute schedule conflicts or problems.
Are you a parent who wants to be involved?
I am looking for a group of parents who can help throughout the year. We will meet periodically throughout the year to plan and do various events. If you would like to know more, please email me chris _ mccoy [at] sjusd [dot] org and I'll keep you up to date with all the info.
Monday, May 28, 2012
5/29-5/31
Congratulations! We've made it to the end of another school year!
Graduation is Thursday! Wind Ensemble (and guests) will meet at 3:30 on Thursday to bus over to the Rose Garden and return by bus by approximately 8:00 pm. Attire is summer formal. Boys should wear dress slacks, a dress shirt and tie. Girls should wear a summer dress or skirt that is at least knee length when seated (or pants) and a nice top. All students should bring water, sunglasses and a hat as we'll be in the sun for about 90 minutes. Students with a school instrument who do not have a summer contract must return their instrument to me back at PHS after the ceremony. No exceptions.
Summer Instruments- only students who are playing in an ensemble next fall may check out an instrument over the summer. Students can pick up contracts for instruments Tuesday through Thursday. Instruments will only be checked out to the student when the signed contract is returned. All other instruments MUST be returned to me right away or immediately following the graduation ceremony for those performing.
Summer Lessons- I will be giving summer lessons for brass players on Wednesdays in the morning. Those who sign up should attend their assigned time on a weekly basis. Lessons will be 30 minutes each and will cost $20 per lesson. If I don't contact you this week with an assigned time, please let me know right away so that I can schedule you.
Graduation is Thursday! Wind Ensemble (and guests) will meet at 3:30 on Thursday to bus over to the Rose Garden and return by bus by approximately 8:00 pm. Attire is summer formal. Boys should wear dress slacks, a dress shirt and tie. Girls should wear a summer dress or skirt that is at least knee length when seated (or pants) and a nice top. All students should bring water, sunglasses and a hat as we'll be in the sun for about 90 minutes. Students with a school instrument who do not have a summer contract must return their instrument to me back at PHS after the ceremony. No exceptions.
Summer Instruments- only students who are playing in an ensemble next fall may check out an instrument over the summer. Students can pick up contracts for instruments Tuesday through Thursday. Instruments will only be checked out to the student when the signed contract is returned. All other instruments MUST be returned to me right away or immediately following the graduation ceremony for those performing.
Summer Lessons- I will be giving summer lessons for brass players on Wednesdays in the morning. Those who sign up should attend their assigned time on a weekly basis. Lessons will be 30 minutes each and will cost $20 per lesson. If I don't contact you this week with an assigned time, please let me know right away so that I can schedule you.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Concert DVD or CD
If you would like to order a DVD and/ or CD of our performances this year, visit this website. You can order past performances and have items mailed to you directly so you don't miss something now that school is almost out. Our videos are done by Ryan Roberts of Endless Memories.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
5/21-5/25
Congratulations to all of the students for their outstanding performances this past week! I am so proud of the progress we've made this year and the music we are able to make in performance. If you missed these concerts, you missed some truly great music making!
All students should be ready to perform their final audition Monday in class. It may take several days to get through everyone, but all students should be prepared Monday. Students who elect not to play when it's their turn will earn a zero grade for this final assignment which will drop their overall grade.
Join us Wednesday night at Blue Rock BBQ (Meridian & Foxworthy) for our last dinner fundraiser of the year. Bring the flier from your concert program last week, or from your student this week and present it when you order and 20% will be donated back to the Pioneer music program! The fundraiser runs all day from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Jazz Band will perform Thursday night at the Senior Awards night from 5:30-6:00. Call time for setup is 5:00 and we should be done with clean up at about 6:15. Formal attire. Seniors will join us during the performance dressed as they will be to attend the ceremony.
Graduation is next week! Wind Ensemble (and guests) will meet at about 3:30 on Thursday the 31st to bus over to the Rose Garden and return by bus by approximately 8:00 pm. Attire is summer formal. Boys should wear dress slacks, a dress shirt and tie. Girls should wear a summer dress or skirt that is at least knee length when seated (or pants) and a nice top. All students should bring water, sunglasses and a hat as we'll be in the sun for about 90 minutes. Students with a school instrument who do not have a summer contract must return their instrument to me back at PHS after the ceremony. No exceptions.
Finally, I asked for signups for parents who are interested in joining our Booster group next school year. If you didn't sign up for that, or don't remember, please send me an email with your name so that I can have a list of interested parents before school lets out. We will have at least one organizational meeting during the summer.
All students should be ready to perform their final audition Monday in class. It may take several days to get through everyone, but all students should be prepared Monday. Students who elect not to play when it's their turn will earn a zero grade for this final assignment which will drop their overall grade.
Join us Wednesday night at Blue Rock BBQ (Meridian & Foxworthy) for our last dinner fundraiser of the year. Bring the flier from your concert program last week, or from your student this week and present it when you order and 20% will be donated back to the Pioneer music program! The fundraiser runs all day from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Jazz Band will perform Thursday night at the Senior Awards night from 5:30-6:00. Call time for setup is 5:00 and we should be done with clean up at about 6:15. Formal attire. Seniors will join us during the performance dressed as they will be to attend the ceremony.
Graduation is next week! Wind Ensemble (and guests) will meet at about 3:30 on Thursday the 31st to bus over to the Rose Garden and return by bus by approximately 8:00 pm. Attire is summer formal. Boys should wear dress slacks, a dress shirt and tie. Girls should wear a summer dress or skirt that is at least knee length when seated (or pants) and a nice top. All students should bring water, sunglasses and a hat as we'll be in the sun for about 90 minutes. Students with a school instrument who do not have a summer contract must return their instrument to me back at PHS after the ceremony. No exceptions.
Finally, I asked for signups for parents who are interested in joining our Booster group next school year. If you didn't sign up for that, or don't remember, please send me an email with your name so that I can have a list of interested parents before school lets out. We will have at least one organizational meeting during the summer.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
5/14-5/18
The penultimate week of classes! Before we are done, though- we have several very important things to take care of. If you missed the tour information, get it here. If you are looking for the ensemble rosters for next year, click here. Also note that the 2012-2013 performing schedule is posted as well!
Your Live Review is due Friday! If you've not done this yet- get all the info on the Live Music page and get out to a concert!
Finale Concerts- Wednesday & Thursday at 7:00 in the PAC, free admission. Wednesday night will feature Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. Thursday night will feature String Orchestra and Jazz Band. Call time for performers is 6:30. Please be prompt and plan to stay through the duration of the concert. Both concerts should be about an hour and a half in length.
BBQ Dinner Fundraiser- Wednesday the 23rd at Blue Rock BBQ. Bring the flier and the band & orchestra will get 20% of your dinner bill. Join us for great BBQ and support your student's music education at the same time.
Jazz Band @ Senior Awards Night- Thursday the 24th here at PHS in the quad. Formal performing attire. Seniors may dress as they will to attend the ceremony. Call time 5:00 to set up, then we will perform from 5:30-6:00 to play families into the PAC. We will not play at the end of the event as we did last year.
Graduation- Wind Ensemble students and those who are invited to join us- Thursday, June 1. Call time at PHS will be about 3:30. We will bus over to the rose garden and bus back after (approx. return time 7:30-8:30, depending on the ceremony and traffic). All students performing with a school instrument MUST check the instrument in with me back at PHS after the performance. Students with personal instruments or summer instrument contracts are not required to return to PHS.
Finally, if you are among the 22 students who owe the program a combined $1,578, please make your payments immediately! I can no longer delay payments as we are at the end of the year. If you have questions about your balance, contact me. To those of you with a positive balance, you will carry that over to start next year.
Your Live Review is due Friday! If you've not done this yet- get all the info on the Live Music page and get out to a concert!
Finale Concerts- Wednesday & Thursday at 7:00 in the PAC, free admission. Wednesday night will feature Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. Thursday night will feature String Orchestra and Jazz Band. Call time for performers is 6:30. Please be prompt and plan to stay through the duration of the concert. Both concerts should be about an hour and a half in length.
BBQ Dinner Fundraiser- Wednesday the 23rd at Blue Rock BBQ. Bring the flier and the band & orchestra will get 20% of your dinner bill. Join us for great BBQ and support your student's music education at the same time.
Jazz Band @ Senior Awards Night- Thursday the 24th here at PHS in the quad. Formal performing attire. Seniors may dress as they will to attend the ceremony. Call time 5:00 to set up, then we will perform from 5:30-6:00 to play families into the PAC. We will not play at the end of the event as we did last year.
Graduation- Wind Ensemble students and those who are invited to join us- Thursday, June 1. Call time at PHS will be about 3:30. We will bus over to the rose garden and bus back after (approx. return time 7:30-8:30, depending on the ceremony and traffic). All students performing with a school instrument MUST check the instrument in with me back at PHS after the performance. Students with personal instruments or summer instrument contracts are not required to return to PHS.
Finally, if you are among the 22 students who owe the program a combined $1,578, please make your payments immediately! I can no longer delay payments as we are at the end of the year. If you have questions about your balance, contact me. To those of you with a positive balance, you will carry that over to start next year.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
5/7-5/11
Are you looking for the personnel list? Check the post below
Congratulations to the Orchestra for a very strong performance on Friday night at the CMEA festival!
All band and orchestra families for next year are invited to an informational meeting about the spring 2013 tour on Wednesday night at 7:00 in the PAC. Please join us as I share my vision for our possible spring music trip.
Finale Concerts are coming up next week! Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform Wednesday night while Orchestra and Jazz Band will perform Thursday night. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC. Both nights will feature some great music making so please invite your friends & family, arrive on time and plan to stay for the duration of the concert. I will also have the opportunity to recognize outstanding members of the ensembles for their contributions throughout the year. I hope to see you there!
Graduation is Thursday, May 31. All current members of Wind Ensemble are required to perform, and those moving into Wind Ensemble next year are invited to join us. We will depart PHS for the Rose Garden at about 3:30 and return following the ceremony. Students may leave after the ceremony with family members with written permission in advance. The bus should return to PHS at about 7:45. Students are dismissed once they check their school instrument in with me or take a personal instrument home.
School instruments will be available for summer check-out to those students continuing in music at PHS in the fall. Students must return a signed Summer Instrument contract after the Finale Concerts before they are permitted to take any instrument home. Once the student has performed next week, all instruments are to stay at the school.
There are many live performances this week and next. If you have yet to do your Live Review, get out to one of these concerts and get the assignment turned in. All the info is on the Live Music page!
Finally, there are currently 34 students who owe the program money totaling about $2,414. Families need to get any balance paid as students can not end the year with a negative balance! Students who end the year with a positive balance, though, are able to keep that credit and start the year off with a credit!
Congratulations to the Orchestra for a very strong performance on Friday night at the CMEA festival!
All band and orchestra families for next year are invited to an informational meeting about the spring 2013 tour on Wednesday night at 7:00 in the PAC. Please join us as I share my vision for our possible spring music trip.
Finale Concerts are coming up next week! Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform Wednesday night while Orchestra and Jazz Band will perform Thursday night. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC. Both nights will feature some great music making so please invite your friends & family, arrive on time and plan to stay for the duration of the concert. I will also have the opportunity to recognize outstanding members of the ensembles for their contributions throughout the year. I hope to see you there!
Graduation is Thursday, May 31. All current members of Wind Ensemble are required to perform, and those moving into Wind Ensemble next year are invited to join us. We will depart PHS for the Rose Garden at about 3:30 and return following the ceremony. Students may leave after the ceremony with family members with written permission in advance. The bus should return to PHS at about 7:45. Students are dismissed once they check their school instrument in with me or take a personal instrument home.
School instruments will be available for summer check-out to those students continuing in music at PHS in the fall. Students must return a signed Summer Instrument contract after the Finale Concerts before they are permitted to take any instrument home. Once the student has performed next week, all instruments are to stay at the school.
There are many live performances this week and next. If you have yet to do your Live Review, get out to one of these concerts and get the assignment turned in. All the info is on the Live Music page!
Finally, there are currently 34 students who owe the program money totaling about $2,414. Families need to get any balance paid as students can not end the year with a negative balance! Students who end the year with a positive balance, though, are able to keep that credit and start the year off with a credit!
Friday, May 4, 2012
2012-13 Personnel
Want to find out about plans for Spring Tour 2013? All students in Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band and Orchestra for next year and their parents are invited to an informational meeting next Wednesday, May 9 at 7:00 in the PAC at Pioneer. We will discuss my vision for why we travel, and most importantly where we might go next year! There will also be former parent chaperones in attendance who can help answer questions as well. Please join us!
Also, most of our dates for the 2012-13 school year are already booked! Please check out the 2012-13 Calendar link and pencil in the information.
Band students- I need more tuba, (bass) clarinet and french horn players. Students who are interested in trying a new instrument and let me know soon. I have school instruments that I can check out and can get you started before summer so that you can work on it, take lessons, and be ready to start the year strong. You might also audition for me again at registration time in August for a new placement. I have also left two spots for trombone open in Jazz Band. If you are a trombone player who would like to audition again, please take lessons over the summer and audition again in August at registration for possible reassignment.
Orchestra students- We no not yet know if there will be one or two orchestra classes. As of right now, I have made just one class list. If we are able to offer two orchestra classes next fall, I will publish that information and let Mr. Krijnen know as soon as I do. If we split, we will add an advanced section.
You're Invited to our Finale Concerts- Wednesday, May 16th and Thursday the 17th, both at 7:00 in the PAC. Wednesday night features Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. Thursday night features Orchestra and Jazz Band. Both nights are free and open to the public.
Here's what you've been waiting for- 2012-13 Rosters- all listed alphabetically by section
Also, most of our dates for the 2012-13 school year are already booked! Please check out the 2012-13 Calendar link and pencil in the information.
Band students- I need more tuba, (bass) clarinet and french horn players. Students who are interested in trying a new instrument and let me know soon. I have school instruments that I can check out and can get you started before summer so that you can work on it, take lessons, and be ready to start the year strong. You might also audition for me again at registration time in August for a new placement. I have also left two spots for trombone open in Jazz Band. If you are a trombone player who would like to audition again, please take lessons over the summer and audition again in August at registration for possible reassignment.
Orchestra students- We no not yet know if there will be one or two orchestra classes. As of right now, I have made just one class list. If we are able to offer two orchestra classes next fall, I will publish that information and let Mr. Krijnen know as soon as I do. If we split, we will add an advanced section.
You're Invited to our Finale Concerts- Wednesday, May 16th and Thursday the 17th, both at 7:00 in the PAC. Wednesday night features Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. Thursday night features Orchestra and Jazz Band. Both nights are free and open to the public.
Here's what you've been waiting for- 2012-13 Rosters- all listed alphabetically by section
Thursday, May 3, 2012
CMEA Orchestra
NEW PLANS!
We will have a bus to take us from PHS to Independence. Student call time remains 6:30 pm here at the orchestra room, dressed in concert attire. When we get to Independence, we will have time to watch one or two groups perform before we warm up. Our performance time is 8:50pm followed by sight reading at 9:15 and a group photo at 9:45. All parents should be at the performance (it's free, and of course you want to see your star performer) and then you will be ready to leave on time by about 10pm.
Parents must be present to take students home! We DO NOT have a bus to get us back to PHS (long story). Students may go home with their parents or another family member. If a students is to go home with another family member, I need a note in writing, signed by the parents before we leave PHS tomorrow evening. There will be a small number of seats available to come back to PHS with myself, Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Slyngstad.
Directions to Independence HS Theater (use these, online directions will get you to the wrong part of the campus)-
87 N
280 S
101 N
Exit Julian/ McKee to the right/ east/ onto McKee Rd
Left N Jackson Ave
Left into parking lot (left driveway) before football field
We will have a bus to take us from PHS to Independence. Student call time remains 6:30 pm here at the orchestra room, dressed in concert attire. When we get to Independence, we will have time to watch one or two groups perform before we warm up. Our performance time is 8:50pm followed by sight reading at 9:15 and a group photo at 9:45. All parents should be at the performance (it's free, and of course you want to see your star performer) and then you will be ready to leave on time by about 10pm.
Parents must be present to take students home! We DO NOT have a bus to get us back to PHS (long story). Students may go home with their parents or another family member. If a students is to go home with another family member, I need a note in writing, signed by the parents before we leave PHS tomorrow evening. There will be a small number of seats available to come back to PHS with myself, Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Slyngstad.
Directions to Independence HS Theater (use these, online directions will get you to the wrong part of the campus)-
87 N
280 S
101 N
Exit Julian/ McKee to the right/ east/ onto McKee Rd
Left N Jackson Ave
Left into parking lot (left driveway) before football field
Sunday, April 29, 2012
4/30-5/4
Thanks to those students and parents who worked at our Music In The Parks festival on Saturday. We ran a wonderful festival and provided a great performance opportunity to 16 student ensembles I would like to thank the Carrillo family for running our snack bar and netting us some extra funds- great work guys.
Friday evening is our CMEA Orchestra festival at Independence High School. We will be taking a school bus to and from the event. Students are to be at the orchestra room at 6:30 PM, in formal attire and ready to go. The event is free and open to the public, so any family or friends who wish to watch may meet us there and see our performance which is at about 8:30 PM. Those parents who attend the performance may take their students home from Independence. Otherwise, we should be back at Pioneer shortly after 10.
Students who still wish to audition for next year's ensembles must contact me and arrange the audition ASAP. I plan to post ensemble lists Friday night when we get back from CMEA (about 10 PM). Once those lists are posted, it becomes much more difficult for me to request changes to student schedules to get them into an ensemble. I also plan to post information about our 2012-2013 calendar at that time so that students and families can begin planning for the events which occur throughout the year.
Our Finale Concerts are coming up May 16 and 17. On Wednesday, the Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform. On Thursday, the Orchestra and Jazz Band will perform. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and admission is free. These performances are the best way for you to show your support for the great work our students have been doing all year long and to hear the progress that they have made. I'm so pleased at the work they have done and am excited to showcase their achievements.
We will be hosting a dinner fundraiser on Wednesday, May 23 at Blue Rock BBQ on Meridian at Foxworthy. I'll be passing out a flier at our concerts and posting it online as the date gets closer. We've been able to raise about $450 with our two prior dinner fundraisers- let's see if we can raise another $300 this time! It's great BBQ and we all have to eat dinner anyway :)
Friday evening is our CMEA Orchestra festival at Independence High School. We will be taking a school bus to and from the event. Students are to be at the orchestra room at 6:30 PM, in formal attire and ready to go. The event is free and open to the public, so any family or friends who wish to watch may meet us there and see our performance which is at about 8:30 PM. Those parents who attend the performance may take their students home from Independence. Otherwise, we should be back at Pioneer shortly after 10.
Students who still wish to audition for next year's ensembles must contact me and arrange the audition ASAP. I plan to post ensemble lists Friday night when we get back from CMEA (about 10 PM). Once those lists are posted, it becomes much more difficult for me to request changes to student schedules to get them into an ensemble. I also plan to post information about our 2012-2013 calendar at that time so that students and families can begin planning for the events which occur throughout the year.
Our Finale Concerts are coming up May 16 and 17. On Wednesday, the Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform. On Thursday, the Orchestra and Jazz Band will perform. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and admission is free. These performances are the best way for you to show your support for the great work our students have been doing all year long and to hear the progress that they have made. I'm so pleased at the work they have done and am excited to showcase their achievements.
We will be hosting a dinner fundraiser on Wednesday, May 23 at Blue Rock BBQ on Meridian at Foxworthy. I'll be passing out a flier at our concerts and posting it online as the date gets closer. We've been able to raise about $450 with our two prior dinner fundraisers- let's see if we can raise another $300 this time! It's great BBQ and we all have to eat dinner anyway :)
Sunday, April 22, 2012
4/23-4/27
Do you need to audition but haven't yet? Check out the Audition Page for last minute sign-ups and information. It is very important that all students who plan to join our program, or move up ensembles play an audition for me. I have added times on Monday the 23rd as well as Tuesday the 24th. Expect audition results to be posted on or about the evening of Friday, May 4.
We are hosting a Music In The Parks festival on Saturday here at Pioneer. All parents and students who plan to help us on Saturday must attend our planning meeting Monday evening. On the agenda will be things like job descriptions, what to expect, concessions planning, scheduling and much more. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm in my classroom and should be over within an hour (except for concessions planning). There are about 5 parents who have contacted me to help- even if I've not responded to you directly, please do join us! If you have questions, contact me.
The Jazz Band and Orchestra will be performing in joint concert Friday night with the Castillero Orchestra and Jazz Band. The concert will begin at 7:00. Student performers call time will be 6:15. Part of our festival setup will include concert setup on Friday after school.
Orchestra will be participating in CMEA festival on Friday night, May 4. Times have yet to be announced, but as soon as I know more, I will let you know! Unfortunately, we were only able to secure a performance for Orchestra this year, and not for Concert Band or Wind Ensemble. This is purely a schedule conflict, not because I wanted to avoid the performance- both bands are doing a great job this year!
It's almost time for our Finale Concerts! In just 3 weeks, all 5 ensembles will be performing their last formal concert of the year (except for graduation). Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform on Wednesday, May 16 while Orchestra and Jazz Band will perform on Thursday the 17th. Both concerts will begin at 7:00 in the PAC.
Live Reviews are due on Friday, May 18. Make sure that you take time if you haven't yet to get out and support live music! More information is on my Live Music page.
Graduation will be Thursday evening, May 31. All current Wind Ensemble students (non-seniors) and all students who are placed in Wind Ensemble for next year will be performing. There will be a school bus to take students to and from the event and our approximate times are 3:00 to 7:00.
We are hosting a Music In The Parks festival on Saturday here at Pioneer. All parents and students who plan to help us on Saturday must attend our planning meeting Monday evening. On the agenda will be things like job descriptions, what to expect, concessions planning, scheduling and much more. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm in my classroom and should be over within an hour (except for concessions planning). There are about 5 parents who have contacted me to help- even if I've not responded to you directly, please do join us! If you have questions, contact me.
The Jazz Band and Orchestra will be performing in joint concert Friday night with the Castillero Orchestra and Jazz Band. The concert will begin at 7:00. Student performers call time will be 6:15. Part of our festival setup will include concert setup on Friday after school.
Orchestra will be participating in CMEA festival on Friday night, May 4. Times have yet to be announced, but as soon as I know more, I will let you know! Unfortunately, we were only able to secure a performance for Orchestra this year, and not for Concert Band or Wind Ensemble. This is purely a schedule conflict, not because I wanted to avoid the performance- both bands are doing a great job this year!
It's almost time for our Finale Concerts! In just 3 weeks, all 5 ensembles will be performing their last formal concert of the year (except for graduation). Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform on Wednesday, May 16 while Orchestra and Jazz Band will perform on Thursday the 17th. Both concerts will begin at 7:00 in the PAC.
Live Reviews are due on Friday, May 18. Make sure that you take time if you haven't yet to get out and support live music! More information is on my Live Music page.
Graduation will be Thursday evening, May 31. All current Wind Ensemble students (non-seniors) and all students who are placed in Wind Ensemble for next year will be performing. There will be a school bus to take students to and from the event and our approximate times are 3:00 to 7:00.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
4/16- 4/20
Audition week! For more information about auditions- click here. Please note that I opened up audition times at PHS on Monday, April 23 from 1:45- 5:45. Click the audition page for more info.
This week will be CST block schedule meaning that on Monday students will have "S" period, Tuesday & Thursday periods 1, 3, 5 then Wednesday & Friday periods 2, 4 and 6. For more information, check out this schedule from Pioneer HS website.
Next week we will have our parent & student Festival planning meeting Monday, April 23 at 7:00 in my room. All parents and students who plan to work need to attend to get all the details and job assignments. Thanks to the parents who have let me know they would like to help out- if you haven't let me know, you can still join us Monday night at the planning meeting.
Next Friday, April 27, the Pioneer Jazz Band and String Orchestra will host a joint performance with Castillero's Jazz Band. This will be a great (and short) concert. Come out and support your friends and classmates next Friday at 7:00 in the PAC!
This week will be CST block schedule meaning that on Monday students will have "S" period, Tuesday & Thursday periods 1, 3, 5 then Wednesday & Friday periods 2, 4 and 6. For more information, check out this schedule from Pioneer HS website.
Next week we will have our parent & student Festival planning meeting Monday, April 23 at 7:00 in my room. All parents and students who plan to work need to attend to get all the details and job assignments. Thanks to the parents who have let me know they would like to help out- if you haven't let me know, you can still join us Monday night at the planning meeting.
Next Friday, April 27, the Pioneer Jazz Band and String Orchestra will host a joint performance with Castillero's Jazz Band. This will be a great (and short) concert. Come out and support your friends and classmates next Friday at 7:00 in the PAC!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
4/2- 4/6
Congratulations to the outstanding work from the musicians, cast and crew of West Side Story. In our six performances, we played for nearly 2,000 guests, including over 500 closing night alone! What a great experience this has been! Also, if you haven't seen this glowing review yet, you should really check it out.
Be sure to save Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 on your calendar. The 27th will be a joint performance with Castillero's Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra and our Jazz Band and Orchestra. Saturday we are hosting a festival for Music In the Parks. Look for a volunteer planning meeting one evening after spring break so that parents, students and I can all be on the same page and we can run an outstanding event.
Students who have yet to turn in their money from the candy bars should do so right away. I will pass out account statements to all students this week showing what money students may owe or may have credited at this point. While some students have done very well with fundraising and have significant account credits, there are still a few students with lingering debt which must be paid. If you have questions about this or need financial assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.
The second grading period of this semester ends this week and I am working to get caught up on grades for everyone. With the new baby and the musical, some of these things have fallen behind where they should be- but all grades will be accurate prior to the time they are uploaded and sent home. Keep watching as more info will be published in the grade book every day this week. Thanks for your understanding with this.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
3/26- 3/30
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| Now a family of 5 |
West Side Story was great! If you missed last weekend, you can still catch shows this Wednesday through Saturday night at 7:00 in the PAC. There are plenty of tickets for Wednesday or Thursday, but the weekend is nearly sold out, so be sure to arrive early.
Fundraiser orders are now due. Please turn in your brochure order forms and payments Monday or Tuesday so that we can get our orders placed on time and still take delivery as scheduled the week after Spring break.
Audition Information and course sign up information is online here- check it out! Sign-ups for specific dates and times will follow by next week.
Keep in mind our festival on Saturday, April 28. I will need not only student helpers, but parent helpers throughout the day for various tasks. We'll have a planning meeting as the date approaches, but in the meantime, just keep this date open. Again, we are not performing, just hosting. There will be performances from about 8 am to 3 pm in both the PAC and the Gym and we'll be using several other rooms across the campus. Thanks in advance for your support this weekend as it is a great fundraiser for the program!
I will be working to catch up on the many things which have piled up on my "to do" list these past days. I appreciate your patience in advance as I try and catch up on grading, emails and the many other things left undone while I was out.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
3/19- 3/23
West Side Story opens this week! You won't want to miss this one! Friday & Saturday this week and next Wednesday to Saturday, all shows at 7:00 in the PAC. Click here for ticket information. Performers are reminded that their call this week Monday to Thursday is 6:30. Call time for performances is 6:00. This Saturday, we will host a dinner for all performers, including the pit, before the show at about 4:00 in the PAC. Students will get more info at rehearsal this week.
Spring Fundraising is beginning to wrap up this week. All brochure orders are due this week. Also, students who have checked out boxes of candy bars should pay the $50 for those as soon as the items are sold. If I am out of the office during the day- students should NOT give any money or paperwork to a sub! I have fewer than 10 boxes of chocolate remaining, for those students who would like to participate. Each box is 50 chocolate bars at $1 each and 50% profit to the program/ student.
Congratulations to the Jazz Band for a great performance Friday night with the West Valley College! With so many performances recently, it will be nice to take a few weeks and focus on the joy of playing music for its own sake. We'll pick back up after spring break, but in the mean time- some quality time to focus on fundamentals and the simple joy of music making.
Spring Fundraising is beginning to wrap up this week. All brochure orders are due this week. Also, students who have checked out boxes of candy bars should pay the $50 for those as soon as the items are sold. If I am out of the office during the day- students should NOT give any money or paperwork to a sub! I have fewer than 10 boxes of chocolate remaining, for those students who would like to participate. Each box is 50 chocolate bars at $1 each and 50% profit to the program/ student.
Congratulations to the Jazz Band for a great performance Friday night with the West Valley College! With so many performances recently, it will be nice to take a few weeks and focus on the joy of playing music for its own sake. We'll pick back up after spring break, but in the mean time- some quality time to focus on fundamentals and the simple joy of music making.
Monday, March 12, 2012
3/13- 3/16
CAHSEE week! Sophomores are testing Tuesday and Wednesday and the school will be on an "S" Period schedule for those days. Thursday and Friday are both regular days (no "C" period) with 60 minute classes.
Join the Jazz Band and West Valley Jazz Band on Friday night at 8:00 at West Valley College for a great evening of live jazz. We may have some free tickets left at the end of the week, otherwise, the performance is $10 admission. I will offer extra credit to students who do a review of this performance- it does not count for the review assignment, however. Jazz Band, your call will be 6:00 at West Valley (yes, earlier than I had anticipated).
West Side Story pit rehearsals this week are 6:30-10:00. Tuesday we will have to move our equipment into the PAC and set up our chairs, lights and other equipment during S period. We will leave as much set up as possible to minimize extra time. Next week, we will be rehearsing every night- so please plan ahead! If you've got projects or big assignments or exams to study for, don't put them off! Get working now so that you don't fall behind in your other classes over the final 3 weeks of the show.
Audition information for the 2012-2013 school year is now posted! All current students in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble or Jazz Band are able to continue without an audition. Band students who hope to move up and all continuing Orchestra students are required to audition. Check out the audition page for all the info.
Our Spring Fundraising continues this week. Students who are participating in the candy bar sale should turn in their $50 as soon as they sell the last candy bar. There are a few boxes of candy bars left for interested students. Orders for the brochure items are not due until next week! You can continue to collect orders through Monday, 3/18. All checks should be made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Student participation in our fundraising efforts is so important. Please encourage your child to take an active role in supporting our program.
****UPDATE**** Live Review opportunity- San Jose State University Wind Ensemble, Thursday at 7:30. Free admission with letter I can give to interested students. There are some great pieces on the program- get there!
Join the Jazz Band and West Valley Jazz Band on Friday night at 8:00 at West Valley College for a great evening of live jazz. We may have some free tickets left at the end of the week, otherwise, the performance is $10 admission. I will offer extra credit to students who do a review of this performance- it does not count for the review assignment, however. Jazz Band, your call will be 6:00 at West Valley (yes, earlier than I had anticipated).
West Side Story pit rehearsals this week are 6:30-10:00. Tuesday we will have to move our equipment into the PAC and set up our chairs, lights and other equipment during S period. We will leave as much set up as possible to minimize extra time. Next week, we will be rehearsing every night- so please plan ahead! If you've got projects or big assignments or exams to study for, don't put them off! Get working now so that you don't fall behind in your other classes over the final 3 weeks of the show.
Audition information for the 2012-2013 school year is now posted! All current students in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble or Jazz Band are able to continue without an audition. Band students who hope to move up and all continuing Orchestra students are required to audition. Check out the audition page for all the info.
Our Spring Fundraising continues this week. Students who are participating in the candy bar sale should turn in their $50 as soon as they sell the last candy bar. There are a few boxes of candy bars left for interested students. Orders for the brochure items are not due until next week! You can continue to collect orders through Monday, 3/18. All checks should be made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Student participation in our fundraising efforts is so important. Please encourage your child to take an active role in supporting our program.
****UPDATE**** Live Review opportunity- San Jose State University Wind Ensemble, Thursday at 7:30. Free admission with letter I can give to interested students. There are some great pieces on the program- get there!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
3/5-3/9
Jazz Gigs
Softball Gig- this Saturday 3/10. We will play 2 sets, one from 10:30-11:00 and a short set after the ceremony from about 11:20- 11:45. Students will be required either to load equipment at PHS in the morning and do set-up or break down after the gig and return the equipment to PHS after. Load in will begin at the band room at 9:45. Break down will be immediately following the gig. Call time for students not doing loading in the morning is at Graystone is 10:15. We will be in jeans and our polo shirts for this gig.
West Valley College joint performance- next Friday 3/16 at 8:00 pm. I don't know what time our sound check will be, but anticipate a call time at about 7:00 at the West Valley College theater. We will not have to bring any of our equipment with us- students will just have to have their instruments and music. We have 75 tickets to distribute for free- I will need to know from all students how many their family plans to use this week so I can distribute those. There will be additional tickets available at the door for $10. All tickets are general admission. We are opening for the WVC Jazz Band, which will follow our performance. I expect all performers and audience members to remain for the duration of the concert- it is poor concert etiquette to arrive late or leave early from any performance. Plus, it's a great opportunity for a free live review!
Fundraiser
This week we kick off our spring fundraising efforts. There will be two parts to this- the first is a regular $1 candy bar sale and the other is a catalog sale of frozen dessert and snack items. The candy bars will net 50% profit (40% to the student) and the catalog will net 40% profit (30% to the student). The candy bar sale will be ongoing for about 3 weeks and we can reorder as many as we need as long as students continue to sell. Students will be allowed to take one box at a time and can check out as many more as they want when they return the $50 from the sale of the candy. Students will take orders from the brochure for about 2 or 3 weeks. Students should collect funds- cash or checks are fine- checks should be payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Grading Update
This week, I am going to start Weekly Quizzes in each class. This will give me an opportunity to check in with each student in each class at least once a week to monitor individual progress on whatever it is we happen to be working on at the time. This will be a part of the students' performance grade. While each week isn't going to be a huge grade, the cumulative result of a student's work will impact his overall grade.
Many students have not turned in their written work. I will accept make up work without deduction until this Friday. Beyond that point, the first 4 journals which we have done (in class, with much guidance from me, and with many opportunities for after school help) must be turned in, or they will be subject to a late work deduction.
West Side Story is kicking into high gear! With rehearsals 4 nights a week this week and next, students should be reminded to make use of every available moment during the day to keep up with school work and other things. Please be careful with your health, too, as a busy schedule can weaken your immune system. Monday to Wednesday of this week, I am going to push our rehearsals from 7-9:30. Starting Thursday, all rehearsals are scheduled 6-10 in the PAC with the cast. We have already sold some $5,000 worth of tickets, so get your ticket order form in early to secure the best seats at your choice performance.
On Friday, April 27, we have a joint performance with Castillero at Pioneer at 7:00 in the PAC. The Castillero Jazz Band and Chamber Strings will be joining our Jazz Band and Symphony (?) Orchestra. We will need parent help to produce this concert. If you are interested, let me know.
On Saturday, April 28, we will be hosting a festival for Music In The Parks. Much of the set-up will be done Friday prior to our concert. I will need many parents to help throughout the day to set-up, run various parts of the event and then work with clean up. If you are able to help, let me know. This event will raise at least $1,000 for our program- so let's make this a great event that we can use every year.
Softball Gig- this Saturday 3/10. We will play 2 sets, one from 10:30-11:00 and a short set after the ceremony from about 11:20- 11:45. Students will be required either to load equipment at PHS in the morning and do set-up or break down after the gig and return the equipment to PHS after. Load in will begin at the band room at 9:45. Break down will be immediately following the gig. Call time for students not doing loading in the morning is at Graystone is 10:15. We will be in jeans and our polo shirts for this gig.
West Valley College joint performance- next Friday 3/16 at 8:00 pm. I don't know what time our sound check will be, but anticipate a call time at about 7:00 at the West Valley College theater. We will not have to bring any of our equipment with us- students will just have to have their instruments and music. We have 75 tickets to distribute for free- I will need to know from all students how many their family plans to use this week so I can distribute those. There will be additional tickets available at the door for $10. All tickets are general admission. We are opening for the WVC Jazz Band, which will follow our performance. I expect all performers and audience members to remain for the duration of the concert- it is poor concert etiquette to arrive late or leave early from any performance. Plus, it's a great opportunity for a free live review!
Fundraiser
This week we kick off our spring fundraising efforts. There will be two parts to this- the first is a regular $1 candy bar sale and the other is a catalog sale of frozen dessert and snack items. The candy bars will net 50% profit (40% to the student) and the catalog will net 40% profit (30% to the student). The candy bar sale will be ongoing for about 3 weeks and we can reorder as many as we need as long as students continue to sell. Students will be allowed to take one box at a time and can check out as many more as they want when they return the $50 from the sale of the candy. Students will take orders from the brochure for about 2 or 3 weeks. Students should collect funds- cash or checks are fine- checks should be payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Grading Update
This week, I am going to start Weekly Quizzes in each class. This will give me an opportunity to check in with each student in each class at least once a week to monitor individual progress on whatever it is we happen to be working on at the time. This will be a part of the students' performance grade. While each week isn't going to be a huge grade, the cumulative result of a student's work will impact his overall grade.
Many students have not turned in their written work. I will accept make up work without deduction until this Friday. Beyond that point, the first 4 journals which we have done (in class, with much guidance from me, and with many opportunities for after school help) must be turned in, or they will be subject to a late work deduction.
West Side Story is kicking into high gear! With rehearsals 4 nights a week this week and next, students should be reminded to make use of every available moment during the day to keep up with school work and other things. Please be careful with your health, too, as a busy schedule can weaken your immune system. Monday to Wednesday of this week, I am going to push our rehearsals from 7-9:30. Starting Thursday, all rehearsals are scheduled 6-10 in the PAC with the cast. We have already sold some $5,000 worth of tickets, so get your ticket order form in early to secure the best seats at your choice performance.
On Friday, April 27, we have a joint performance with Castillero at Pioneer at 7:00 in the PAC. The Castillero Jazz Band and Chamber Strings will be joining our Jazz Band and Symphony (?) Orchestra. We will need parent help to produce this concert. If you are interested, let me know.
On Saturday, April 28, we will be hosting a festival for Music In The Parks. Much of the set-up will be done Friday prior to our concert. I will need many parents to help throughout the day to set-up, run various parts of the event and then work with clean up. If you are able to help, let me know. This event will raise at least $1,000 for our program- so let's make this a great event that we can use every year.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
2/27-3/2
Welcome Back! We had a great trip to Disneyland this week. Sixty seven students, seven parents, two bus drivers, one administrator and myself had a great time and a valuable musical experience. We had great clinics in the recording studio on the Disney property which all of my classes will get to see Monday. Each ensemble worked with professional musicians in a studio environment learning what it's like to sight read and record. In the process, everyone learned valuable rehearsal tips that I look forward to bringing to our rehearsals. We also had strong performances on a professional stage with top notch performance production quality audio/ visual support. I am sure that the students and the parent chaperones would be happy to share the value of this experience with you- just ask! For more info, check out the blog posts from the trip. If you have pictures or video you'd like to share, please bring it in on USB or CD so that I can share that with everyone. Thanks to Mrs. Collins, Mrs. DiLeonardo, Mrs. Hubbard, Mrs. Shumway-Lipps, Mrs. Liebscher, Mr. & Mrs. Ricco and especially our AP of Curriculum and Instruction, Mrs. Richardson who filled a last minute void when she volunteered to join our trip just 15 hour before our departure! Thanks so much to each of these adults who gave up their time and money to help give our students a great trip!
The weekend before the trip, I was in Fresno at the California All-State Music Education Conference. While there, I saw performances from outstanding musicians of all ages that reminded me of how exciting and moving a performance can be. I also saw several workshops from the best educators around- and I look forward to bringing some of their ideas to the classroom to strengthen our programs at Pioneer. Congratulations to Brian Hubbard who was a member of the All-State bands and gave a wonderful performance. This is the first time that I know of that Pioneer has been represented at this level- congratulations Brian!
West Side Story is coming up in just 4 weeks! Those students involved in the production are going to get very busy this month, so please begin to plan ahead, look at long term projects and assignments and plan how to fit in all of the work that you are going to be expected to do in your various classes, and the practice time needed to make for a successful performance. Performances are 3/23-24, 28-31 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are already selling fast, so get yours here. Remember, this is a very difficult musical, and students are expected to perform at the highest levels to ensure a successful performance.
Jazz Band will be participating in a joint performance with the West Valley College Jazz Band on Friday, March 16 at 8:00 pm. We will have 75 comp tickets to share, but additional tickets will be available for purchase as well. We will be able to use all of their equipment, so students just need to bring their instruments and music. Jazz Band has also been hired to perform for the opening day of Almaden girls softball on Saturday morning, March 10 with a set at 10:30-11 and 12- 12:30. We will have to meet before this at school to load equipment and return after to unload. This is a paid gig!
In April, we will host a joint performance with our Jazz Band and Symphony and the Jazz Band and Chamber Strings from Castillero on Friday, April 27 at 7:00. This will be a great chance for our kids to work with and perform for the younger musicians. I hope for this to become an annual tradition- working together should help get more families connected to Pioneer and increase retention between schools.
On Saturday, April 28, we will be hosting an all day music festival at Pioneer for Music-In-the-Parks. I will be looking for parents to help in several key areas as well as many student volunteers. We'll have a few meetings during school with students and one evening meeting just before the event to make sure everyone will know what to expect and what to do.
If you can help with either of these April events, please contact me!
As you can see, while there is much going on we aren't under the high pressure of back to back to back performances that we have been under for a few months. I look forward to taking this time to really teach students to work towards the highest level of musical achievement. In music, we strive to achieve 100% accuracy in our performance- in virtually all other areas of life (academics, sports, etc.) that is unheard of. We will get to dive deeply into our music in the next weeks and learn what it takes to really become masters of our parts.
The weekend before the trip, I was in Fresno at the California All-State Music Education Conference. While there, I saw performances from outstanding musicians of all ages that reminded me of how exciting and moving a performance can be. I also saw several workshops from the best educators around- and I look forward to bringing some of their ideas to the classroom to strengthen our programs at Pioneer. Congratulations to Brian Hubbard who was a member of the All-State bands and gave a wonderful performance. This is the first time that I know of that Pioneer has been represented at this level- congratulations Brian!
West Side Story is coming up in just 4 weeks! Those students involved in the production are going to get very busy this month, so please begin to plan ahead, look at long term projects and assignments and plan how to fit in all of the work that you are going to be expected to do in your various classes, and the practice time needed to make for a successful performance. Performances are 3/23-24, 28-31 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are already selling fast, so get yours here. Remember, this is a very difficult musical, and students are expected to perform at the highest levels to ensure a successful performance.
Jazz Band will be participating in a joint performance with the West Valley College Jazz Band on Friday, March 16 at 8:00 pm. We will have 75 comp tickets to share, but additional tickets will be available for purchase as well. We will be able to use all of their equipment, so students just need to bring their instruments and music. Jazz Band has also been hired to perform for the opening day of Almaden girls softball on Saturday morning, March 10 with a set at 10:30-11 and 12- 12:30. We will have to meet before this at school to load equipment and return after to unload. This is a paid gig!
In April, we will host a joint performance with our Jazz Band and Symphony and the Jazz Band and Chamber Strings from Castillero on Friday, April 27 at 7:00. This will be a great chance for our kids to work with and perform for the younger musicians. I hope for this to become an annual tradition- working together should help get more families connected to Pioneer and increase retention between schools.
On Saturday, April 28, we will be hosting an all day music festival at Pioneer for Music-In-the-Parks. I will be looking for parents to help in several key areas as well as many student volunteers. We'll have a few meetings during school with students and one evening meeting just before the event to make sure everyone will know what to expect and what to do.
If you can help with either of these April events, please contact me!
As you can see, while there is much going on we aren't under the high pressure of back to back to back performances that we have been under for a few months. I look forward to taking this time to really teach students to work towards the highest level of musical achievement. In music, we strive to achieve 100% accuracy in our performance- in virtually all other areas of life (academics, sports, etc.) that is unheard of. We will get to dive deeply into our music in the next weeks and learn what it takes to really become masters of our parts.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Disney 2012
Check back daily for updates and photo links. Also, find updates on my facebook- www.facebook.com/mccoysmusic
DAY 1-
We traveled safely and had a good first few hours in the parks! We arrived in Anaheim at 3:30 and spent about an hour in Downtown Disney. After that, we checked in to the hotel and had dinner before heading over to the parks for some fun times. Here is a sample of photos from throughout the day. Tomorrow will be more fun in the park and a workshop/ recording session.
DAY 2-
Today started with breakfast at the hotel and free time in the parks. Both Jazz Band and Symphony had workshops from 12:00- 2:30. That was followed by free time, dinner at the hotel and more time at the parks until closing. During the workshops, a professional musician worked with each of the groups to record music in a Disney studio. This was a great chance for students to learn from a great musician and perform at a high level with virtually no rehearsal time. I look forward to bringing some of their ideas into the regular classroom to strengthen each of the ensembles. The kids also got to hear a bit of the personal stories from each of these guys who bring a wealth of professional musical experience to the table from recording to TV to movies to musicals and in many various outlets- the kids had an incredible opportunity. Check out some of the pictures from today on my facebook here. Unfortunately, photos are strictly prohibited backstage in the studio area, so there aren't any photos from today's workshops- but they were so profitable. Tomorrow is performance day, so look for many photos from that and other antics tomorrow night.
DAY 3-
Your Pioneer students did so well today in their performances! The Symphony Orchestra gave a strong performance and the Jazz Band was outstanding! Our Disney staff host said that Jazz Band was the best ensemble he had hosted! It was great to be able to perform on a professional stage with great equipment and top notch, production quality technical support with sound and lights. I hope that the students had as good a time performing as I know the audience had. The kids were in the parks today from 9:45 this morning to midnight with the performances just after noon and many of them were dragging by the time we made it back to the hotel. I look forward to a quiet bus ride home! If you haven't yet checked out the photos- check them out here. If you have photos you'd like me to share, you can email them to me- mccoysmusic [at] gmail [dot] com or get them to me on a USB drive. We plan to depart tomorrow at 9:30 for arrival back at Pioneer at 5:00 in the afternoon. Students will call home after lunch to update families with a more accurate ETA. Please, pick your students up promptly! Our chaperones have worked very hard over these last few days and they should be able to go home when we arrive.
DAY 1-
We traveled safely and had a good first few hours in the parks! We arrived in Anaheim at 3:30 and spent about an hour in Downtown Disney. After that, we checked in to the hotel and had dinner before heading over to the parks for some fun times. Here is a sample of photos from throughout the day. Tomorrow will be more fun in the park and a workshop/ recording session.
DAY 2-
Today started with breakfast at the hotel and free time in the parks. Both Jazz Band and Symphony had workshops from 12:00- 2:30. That was followed by free time, dinner at the hotel and more time at the parks until closing. During the workshops, a professional musician worked with each of the groups to record music in a Disney studio. This was a great chance for students to learn from a great musician and perform at a high level with virtually no rehearsal time. I look forward to bringing some of their ideas into the regular classroom to strengthen each of the ensembles. The kids also got to hear a bit of the personal stories from each of these guys who bring a wealth of professional musical experience to the table from recording to TV to movies to musicals and in many various outlets- the kids had an incredible opportunity. Check out some of the pictures from today on my facebook here. Unfortunately, photos are strictly prohibited backstage in the studio area, so there aren't any photos from today's workshops- but they were so profitable. Tomorrow is performance day, so look for many photos from that and other antics tomorrow night.
DAY 3-
Your Pioneer students did so well today in their performances! The Symphony Orchestra gave a strong performance and the Jazz Band was outstanding! Our Disney staff host said that Jazz Band was the best ensemble he had hosted! It was great to be able to perform on a professional stage with great equipment and top notch, production quality technical support with sound and lights. I hope that the students had as good a time performing as I know the audience had. The kids were in the parks today from 9:45 this morning to midnight with the performances just after noon and many of them were dragging by the time we made it back to the hotel. I look forward to a quiet bus ride home! If you haven't yet checked out the photos- check them out here. If you have photos you'd like me to share, you can email them to me- mccoysmusic [at] gmail [dot] com or get them to me on a USB drive. We plan to depart tomorrow at 9:30 for arrival back at Pioneer at 5:00 in the afternoon. Students will call home after lunch to update families with a more accurate ETA. Please, pick your students up promptly! Our chaperones have worked very hard over these last few days and they should be able to go home when we arrive.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
2/13-2/17
A BIG thank you to the families who helped with our Big Band Dance! Thanks to Tanya Summers, Mary Jane & Percy Kanga, Katy Cooper, Suzanne Higa, Miriam Taher, Laura & Alfonso Carrillo and so many others who worked so hard to help produce this great evening.
Thanks also to Mrs Grimaud, Mrs Higa and Mr Carrillo for their help driving Jazz Band students to our gig downtown on Friday- we had a great time getting to perform for about 1,000 of the valley's major corporate, political, labor and educational leadership.
Tour 2012 is coming up quickly! There is a MANDATORY meeting for all students and parents Monday at 7:30 in my room. We'll have symphony perform first, then go over schedule and expectations and take questions. Plan for this meeting to last about an hour. Our meeting with chaperones will take place immediately following this meeting and last about 30 minutes. (One long night is better than 2 nights out.) All students should have turned in their Tour Permission & Medical form. According to my list, Brian H, Jose M, Josefa M, Dylan M, Austin R, and David W need to turn in their forms! These MUST be turned in to go with us on the trip! Many students made money on the Big Band Dance, and I will pass out a final accounting so that families know their amount due and can make payment this week.
The first grading period of the semester is complete. As of this posting, Orchestra, Beginning Band and Jazz Band grades are posted and final. Wind Ensemble & Concert Band grades will be complete prior to our tour meeting Monday evening. Many students have neglected to turn in their journals- this does count on the grade. Also, when students miss their rehearsal points, they are able to make them up by practicing after school- 30 minutes of practicing counts for 1 excused absence.
Thanks also to Mrs Grimaud, Mrs Higa and Mr Carrillo for their help driving Jazz Band students to our gig downtown on Friday- we had a great time getting to perform for about 1,000 of the valley's major corporate, political, labor and educational leadership.
Tour 2012 is coming up quickly! There is a MANDATORY meeting for all students and parents Monday at 7:30 in my room. We'll have symphony perform first, then go over schedule and expectations and take questions. Plan for this meeting to last about an hour. Our meeting with chaperones will take place immediately following this meeting and last about 30 minutes. (One long night is better than 2 nights out.) All students should have turned in their Tour Permission & Medical form. According to my list, Brian H, Jose M, Josefa M, Dylan M, Austin R, and David W need to turn in their forms! These MUST be turned in to go with us on the trip! Many students made money on the Big Band Dance, and I will pass out a final accounting so that families know their amount due and can make payment this week.
The first grading period of the semester is complete. As of this posting, Orchestra, Beginning Band and Jazz Band grades are posted and final. Wind Ensemble & Concert Band grades will be complete prior to our tour meeting Monday evening. Many students have neglected to turn in their journals- this does count on the grade. Also, when students miss their rehearsal points, they are able to make them up by practicing after school- 30 minutes of practicing counts for 1 excused absence.
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