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.
