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.

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?

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.

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-

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."

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.

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.

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.