The final week of school!!!
Not much left to cover, but here we go-
Would you like a CD/ DVD of our last concert (or any of our concerts over the year)- click here!
Do you need a summer instrument? Students who are enrolled in
band or orchestra next year may check out an instrument over the summer
time. I'll distribute contracts Monday and Tuesday which must be returned for a student to take an instrument home. If you have questions, let me know.
Graduation is Thursday! All Wind Ensemble students are required to participate and all students
moving into Wind Ensemble are invited to perform with us. Call time is
4:15 Thursday, June 6. Please dress in summer formal attire- boys should
wear slacks, a dress shirt (collared, button up) and dress shoes, girls
should wear something commensurate with the boys- girls who choose to
wear a dress or skirt must wear something that is knee length when
seated. It could be hot - check the forecast - and we'll be in the sun for about 90
minutes. Students may wear sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, etc. and should
bring water. We'll bus to and from PHS, but students whose families are
attending the graduation may make arrangements with me to ride with
family. Students who must check in a school instrument must do so
immediately following the ceremony back at Pioneer. The bus should have
us back to Pioneer before about 8pm.
Finals Schedule- My classes will NOT be using the extended finals time. Periods 1 and 3 will begin at 8:25, periods 2, 4 & 6 will end at 12:25. Any student who fails to attend the final will earn a ZERO grade for their final. There are no make ups for the final! Please be with us!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Video Orders
Would you like to order a DVD or CD of one of our Finale Concerts? Click here to order them online. The sooner you order them, the sooner they'll be delivered to the school.
Monday, May 27, 2013
May 28-31
Welcome to the penultimate week of the school year!
What wonderful concerts last week. I'm proud of how well each group did and so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with you over the past three years. I know that we've done much work, but much is yet to do. Remember, making music isn't about any one individual- it's about the story we get to tell together and all that goes into the telling of that story. I am confident that as each of you continue in band or orchestra next year, that making great music will be your ultimate goal. And that you will work well with your peers and new director as you strive for musical excellence.
Finals- Students who have not yet performed for their finals will do so this week. Wind Ensemble students will be working on music for graduation, Jazz Band students will be doing scales and sight reading; Orchestra, Beginning Band and Concert Band students who did not do an audition for me in April will do their audition now as their final. It is my goal to have grades mostly complete by the end of this week. Any student who misses their final next week (or the graduation performance) will get a zero for their final and that will drop their grade. Even though we've done our playing, all students must continue to attend all classes.
Do you need a summer instrument? Students who are enrolled in band or orchestra next year may check out an instrument over the summer time. Ideally, each student will take home the instrument they are currently using. If not, I will be collecting instruments this week after students play their finals and getting them cleaned up for summer storage or summer use. Students must have a signed summer instrument contract to keep an instrument! If you have questions, let me know.
Graduation is next week! All Wind Ensemble students are required to participate and all students moving into Wind Ensemble are invited to perform with us. Call time is 4:15 Thursday, June 6. Please dress in summer formal attire- boys should wear slacks, a dress shirt (collared, button up) and dress shoes, girls should wear something commensurate with the boys- girls who choose to wear a dress or skirt must wear something that is knee length when seated. It will most likely be hot and we'll be in the sun for about 90 minutes. Students may wear sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, etc. and should bring water. We'll bus to and from PHS, but students whose families are attending the graduation may make arrangements with me to ride with family. Students who must check in a school instrument must do so immediately following the ceremony back at Pioneer. The bus should have us back to Pioneer before about 8pm.
What wonderful concerts last week. I'm proud of how well each group did and so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with you over the past three years. I know that we've done much work, but much is yet to do. Remember, making music isn't about any one individual- it's about the story we get to tell together and all that goes into the telling of that story. I am confident that as each of you continue in band or orchestra next year, that making great music will be your ultimate goal. And that you will work well with your peers and new director as you strive for musical excellence.
Finals- Students who have not yet performed for their finals will do so this week. Wind Ensemble students will be working on music for graduation, Jazz Band students will be doing scales and sight reading; Orchestra, Beginning Band and Concert Band students who did not do an audition for me in April will do their audition now as their final. It is my goal to have grades mostly complete by the end of this week. Any student who misses their final next week (or the graduation performance) will get a zero for their final and that will drop their grade. Even though we've done our playing, all students must continue to attend all classes.
Do you need a summer instrument? Students who are enrolled in band or orchestra next year may check out an instrument over the summer time. Ideally, each student will take home the instrument they are currently using. If not, I will be collecting instruments this week after students play their finals and getting them cleaned up for summer storage or summer use. Students must have a signed summer instrument contract to keep an instrument! If you have questions, let me know.
Graduation is next week! All Wind Ensemble students are required to participate and all students moving into Wind Ensemble are invited to perform with us. Call time is 4:15 Thursday, June 6. Please dress in summer formal attire- boys should wear slacks, a dress shirt (collared, button up) and dress shoes, girls should wear something commensurate with the boys- girls who choose to wear a dress or skirt must wear something that is knee length when seated. It will most likely be hot and we'll be in the sun for about 90 minutes. Students may wear sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, etc. and should bring water. We'll bus to and from PHS, but students whose families are attending the graduation may make arrangements with me to ride with family. Students who must check in a school instrument must do so immediately following the ceremony back at Pioneer. The bus should have us back to Pioneer before about 8pm.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
May 20-24
Concert Week!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the culmination of the great work that the students have done this year! Share the facebook event with your friends- Wednesday night -or- Thursday night. Students who would like some extra credit can attend the concert for the night they aren't performing and complete a Live Review. This is NOT a regular live review- those are now past due- this is a small extra credit assignment. Also please note, students are required to attend the entire concert. The concert ends when the final group leaves the stage. Please make plans to arrive early enough to be seated by 7:00 pm and plan to stay for the duration of the program (only about 90 minutes or so each night). Our students have worked hard this year and every student in every ensemble deserves a great audience reception. Thanks for understanding.
Student call times are as follows;
Wednesday evening- Concert Band & Jazz Band 6:30, Beginning Band 6:45
Thursday evening- String Orchestra 6:30 & Wind Ensemble 6:45
With just 10 school days and three days of finals, graduation is fast approaching! All Wind Ensemble students are required to participate and all students moving into Wind Ensemble are invited to perform with us. Call time is 4:15 Thursday, June 6. Please dress in summer formal attire- boys should wear slacks, a dress shirt (collared, button up) and dress shoes, girls should wear something commensurate with the boys- girls who choose to wear a dress or skirt must wear something that is knee length when seated. It will most likely be hot and we'll be in the sun for about 90 minutes. Students may wear sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, etc. and should bring water. We'll bus to and from PHS, but students whose families are attending the graduation may make arrangements with me to ride with family. Students who must check in a school instrument must do so immediately following the ceremony back at Pioneer. The bus should have us back to Pioneer before about 8pm.
Do you need a summer instrument? I'll be making summer instrument contracts for students who are enrolled in band or orchestra for the fall starting after our concerts. Please know that students may use school instruments ONLY if they are returning to the band or orchestra program in the fall! Students MUST return the instrument check out contract in order to borrow a school instrument. If you have questions about this, let me know.
Do you still owe the program money? There are several students who still owe money for various things from the school year. Please make prompt full payment by cash or check to "Pioneer Performing Arts" right away. I'll be letting you know if and what you owe. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the culmination of the great work that the students have done this year! Share the facebook event with your friends- Wednesday night -or- Thursday night. Students who would like some extra credit can attend the concert for the night they aren't performing and complete a Live Review. This is NOT a regular live review- those are now past due- this is a small extra credit assignment. Also please note, students are required to attend the entire concert. The concert ends when the final group leaves the stage. Please make plans to arrive early enough to be seated by 7:00 pm and plan to stay for the duration of the program (only about 90 minutes or so each night). Our students have worked hard this year and every student in every ensemble deserves a great audience reception. Thanks for understanding.
Student call times are as follows;
Wednesday evening- Concert Band & Jazz Band 6:30, Beginning Band 6:45
Thursday evening- String Orchestra 6:30 & Wind Ensemble 6:45
With just 10 school days and three days of finals, graduation is fast approaching! All Wind Ensemble students are required to participate and all students moving into Wind Ensemble are invited to perform with us. Call time is 4:15 Thursday, June 6. Please dress in summer formal attire- boys should wear slacks, a dress shirt (collared, button up) and dress shoes, girls should wear something commensurate with the boys- girls who choose to wear a dress or skirt must wear something that is knee length when seated. It will most likely be hot and we'll be in the sun for about 90 minutes. Students may wear sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, etc. and should bring water. We'll bus to and from PHS, but students whose families are attending the graduation may make arrangements with me to ride with family. Students who must check in a school instrument must do so immediately following the ceremony back at Pioneer. The bus should have us back to Pioneer before about 8pm.
Do you need a summer instrument? I'll be making summer instrument contracts for students who are enrolled in band or orchestra for the fall starting after our concerts. Please know that students may use school instruments ONLY if they are returning to the band or orchestra program in the fall! Students MUST return the instrument check out contract in order to borrow a school instrument. If you have questions about this, let me know.
Do you still owe the program money? There are several students who still owe money for various things from the school year. Please make prompt full payment by cash or check to "Pioneer Performing Arts" right away. I'll be letting you know if and what you owe. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
May 13-17
Happy Mother's Day!
Did you get a chance to check out the 2013-2014 ensemble lists? Click here.
Remember that your Live Review is due on Friday! This is an important part of your grade! For concerts this week, click on the Live Music page. If you choose to review a concert that is 5/17-19, I will accept those papers on Monday, 5/20 with no deduction. Otherwise, all Live Reviews must be submitted by Friday!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. I am sorry about the conflict that some families have with a Castillero concert, but we are unable to reschedule at this time. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the culmination of the great work that the students have done this year!
Did you get a chance to check out the 2013-2014 ensemble lists? Click here.
Remember that your Live Review is due on Friday! This is an important part of your grade! For concerts this week, click on the Live Music page. If you choose to review a concert that is 5/17-19, I will accept those papers on Monday, 5/20 with no deduction. Otherwise, all Live Reviews must be submitted by Friday!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. I am sorry about the conflict that some families have with a Castillero concert, but we are unable to reschedule at this time. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the culmination of the great work that the students have done this year!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Ensemble Lists
I've posted ensemble lists! All lists are alphabetical by section within each ensemble. If you signed up or auditioned and don't see your name on any of the lists, please contact me. The Jazz Band list will not be posted yet. Any student who wants to be in Jazz Band needs to be in a Band or Orchestra class as well. For more information, please read the posting here.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
May 6-10
Congratulations to the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra for their "Excellent" performances this past weekend at their CMEA festivals. All three of these ensembles have made tremendous musical gains over the past few years and are poised for great growth in the years to come. Special commendation goes to the musicians in Wind Ensemble, who through their perseverance and focus on strong musical fundamentals were able to earn a 95 in sight reading! What an incredible job!
Remember that all students need to do a Live Review this semester. I've updated my Live Music Page with information about upcoming performances- so please plan accordingly!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. I am sorry about the conflict that some families have with a Castillero concert, but we are unable to reschedule at this time. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the great work that the students have done this year!
Remember that all students need to do a Live Review this semester. I've updated my Live Music Page with information about upcoming performances- so please plan accordingly!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. I am sorry about the conflict that some families have with a Castillero concert, but we are unable to reschedule at this time. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the great work that the students have done this year!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
April 29- May 3
What a great weekend trip we had! The kids gave the Chick Corea concert rave reviews and our workshops at Sonoma State with Dr. Collinsworth and Dr. Leibinger were encouraging and helpful. Our weekend wouldn't have been possible without the help of 10 outstanding chaperones- thanks so much to Mr Carrillo, Mr Summers, Mr & Mrs Hubbard, Mrs Lipps, Mrs Archambault, Mrs Yetkinler, Mrs Raimondi, Mrs Liebscher and Mrs Thompson. A music program relies not only on committed students, but supportive parents as well. Please consider joining us in the future... like...
CMEA festival is this weekend for Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra!
Band students- your call time is 5:00 on Friday afternoon. We'll meet in our formal attire at the band room, bus to Gilroy High where we'll perform and then we'll bus back to Pioneer. We should be back to school by about 10:00 Friday night. I do need several parents who can ride along with us on the bus. This is a great way to help out and support our students with a minimal time investment. If you'd like to join us, please let me know.
Orchestra students- call time is 9:30 on Saturday morning at Pioneer. We'll meet dressed in our performing attire at Pioneer, bus to Independence where we'll perform, then back to Pioneer at about 12:30. There is not enough room in the bus for every orchestra student. We need parent drivers! If you can drive your child, have room for some instruments (like a bass or cello or two), please let me know! We need about 10 students to ride in private cars while the rest are on the bus. If you've filled out a Volunteer Driver Form with the school, you can drive other students as well. Please let me know ASAP as we are going to rely on many parents to make this day a success!
Remember that all students need to do a Live Review this semester. I've updated my Live Music Page with information about upcoming performances- so please plan accordingly!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. I am sorry about the conflict that some families have with a Castillero concert, but we are unable to reschedule at this time. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the great work that the students have done this year!
CMEA festival is this weekend for Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra!
Band students- your call time is 5:00 on Friday afternoon. We'll meet in our formal attire at the band room, bus to Gilroy High where we'll perform and then we'll bus back to Pioneer. We should be back to school by about 10:00 Friday night. I do need several parents who can ride along with us on the bus. This is a great way to help out and support our students with a minimal time investment. If you'd like to join us, please let me know.
Orchestra students- call time is 9:30 on Saturday morning at Pioneer. We'll meet dressed in our performing attire at Pioneer, bus to Independence where we'll perform, then back to Pioneer at about 12:30. There is not enough room in the bus for every orchestra student. We need parent drivers! If you can drive your child, have room for some instruments (like a bass or cello or two), please let me know! We need about 10 students to ride in private cars while the rest are on the bus. If you've filled out a Volunteer Driver Form with the school, you can drive other students as well. Please let me know ASAP as we are going to rely on many parents to make this day a success!
Remember that all students need to do a Live Review this semester. I've updated my Live Music Page with information about upcoming performances- so please plan accordingly!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. I am sorry about the conflict that some families have with a Castillero concert, but we are unable to reschedule at this time. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the great work that the students have done this year!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
April 22-26
Spring Trip this weekend! For updated info including suggested packing list- check out the Tour 2013 page! Please note, all chaperones are asked to attend a brief orientation meeting Wednesday night during the parent meetings in my room at 8:00. Parents are encouraged to drive their students to school on Friday morning so that student's cars are NOT left in the parking lot over night.
Auditions should now be complete. If you did not audition last week during the audition window, please plan to play for me Monday or Tuesday after school. Are you a saxophone player? Thanks to an abundance of sax players- I need volunteers to try another section. If you would like to learn trombone, baritone, tuba or maybe even percussion- let me know as soon as possible. I will be able to check you out a school instrument for you to work on over the summer. Remember that the more instruments you play, the more opportunities you have in the future (and more scholarship possibilities, too). For those students who may be waiting on admission to PHS, please audition for me anyway. I'm working with our administration and the school district to get as many music students into our program as possible.
CMEA Band & Orchestra is coming up next weekend. Concert Band & Wind Ensemble will go to Gilroy Friday night and the Orchestra will be at Independence HS Saturday morning. All the details are on the CMEA Festival Post.
Our end of year concerts are scheduled for May 22-23 at 7:00 in the PAC. Wednesday will feature Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band. Thursday will feature Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony. I'm aware of the Castillero concerts the 23 and 24 and am trying to figure out a way to work around those. Until you hear otherwise, our concerts will proceed as scheduled.
Auditions should now be complete. If you did not audition last week during the audition window, please plan to play for me Monday or Tuesday after school. Are you a saxophone player? Thanks to an abundance of sax players- I need volunteers to try another section. If you would like to learn trombone, baritone, tuba or maybe even percussion- let me know as soon as possible. I will be able to check you out a school instrument for you to work on over the summer. Remember that the more instruments you play, the more opportunities you have in the future (and more scholarship possibilities, too). For those students who may be waiting on admission to PHS, please audition for me anyway. I'm working with our administration and the school district to get as many music students into our program as possible.
CMEA Band & Orchestra is coming up next weekend. Concert Band & Wind Ensemble will go to Gilroy Friday night and the Orchestra will be at Independence HS Saturday morning. All the details are on the CMEA Festival Post.
Our end of year concerts are scheduled for May 22-23 at 7:00 in the PAC. Wednesday will feature Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band. Thursday will feature Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony. I'm aware of the Castillero concerts the 23 and 24 and am trying to figure out a way to work around those. Until you hear otherwise, our concerts will proceed as scheduled.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
April 15-19
Audition week! Please make sure you've signed up for your audition time. If you haven't signed up for your classes for next year, or if you didn't sign up for band or orchestra, but you plan to continue- please make sure you let me know!
Have you checked out the bell schedule for the next few weeks? We'll be on a block schedule with different tests and things happening at various times- you need to know what's going on. Check out the Pioneer website, or get the schedules here.
Next weekend is our Spring trip! All participants will get a permission slip and final balance statement this week. All forms must be returned to travel!
CMEA festival for Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra is coming up May 3 & 4. Please get all the info here.
Our end of year concerts are scheduled for May 22 and 23 at 7:00 in the PAC. Beginning Band, Concert Band & Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra & Symphony will perform on Thursday the 23. Please note the changes to which groups are going which night.
Have you checked out the bell schedule for the next few weeks? We'll be on a block schedule with different tests and things happening at various times- you need to know what's going on. Check out the Pioneer website, or get the schedules here.
Next weekend is our Spring trip! All participants will get a permission slip and final balance statement this week. All forms must be returned to travel!
CMEA festival for Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra is coming up May 3 & 4. Please get all the info here.
Our end of year concerts are scheduled for May 22 and 23 at 7:00 in the PAC. Beginning Band, Concert Band & Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra & Symphony will perform on Thursday the 23. Please note the changes to which groups are going which night.
Band & Orchestra CMEA
Band CMEA- Wind Ensemble & Concert Band-
Friday May 3, 5:00- 10:30 pm @ Gilroy HS
We will meet at the band room at 5, dressed in our performing attire and take school buses down to Gilroy. Concert Band performs at 6:45 and Wind Ensemble performs at 8:35. Students will warm up, perform, then have a clinic or sight reading performance then a group photo. Once Wind Ensemble's photo is done, we'll bus back to Pioneer. We will need a few parents to chaperone and watch the performances, if you are interested, please let me know.
Orchestra CMEA
Saturday May 4 9:30 am- 12:30 pm @ Independence HS
We will meet at Pioneer at 9:30 am dressed in our performing attire and take the bus to Independence HS. We'll warm-up together, perform at 11:00, do our sight reading session, then take our group photo and head back to Pioneer. Students who need to meet us at Independence will need to turn in a note to me in advance.
Friday May 3, 5:00- 10:30 pm @ Gilroy HS
We will meet at the band room at 5, dressed in our performing attire and take school buses down to Gilroy. Concert Band performs at 6:45 and Wind Ensemble performs at 8:35. Students will warm up, perform, then have a clinic or sight reading performance then a group photo. Once Wind Ensemble's photo is done, we'll bus back to Pioneer. We will need a few parents to chaperone and watch the performances, if you are interested, please let me know.
Orchestra CMEA
Saturday May 4 9:30 am- 12:30 pm @ Independence HS
We will meet at Pioneer at 9:30 am dressed in our performing attire and take the bus to Independence HS. We'll warm-up together, perform at 11:00, do our sight reading session, then take our group photo and head back to Pioneer. Students who need to meet us at Independence will need to turn in a note to me in advance.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
April 1-5
Join the Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band for our Spring Concert on Wednesday at 7:00 in the PAC! More information, including program info is posted on Facebook, here. Call time for band students is 6:30, orchestra students is 6:45. Students who are swimming the final events in the swim meet should plan accordingly! Because the track meet was moved to Thursday, the performance will still begin at 7:00 in the PAC. Admission is free!
Audition Information- for questions or to sign up for your audition time, check out the Audition Info page. If you're a new freshman next year, be sure to attend Freshman Planning Night this Tuesday from 6:00- 7:30 in the PAC. Whatever band class you plan to audition for, know that everyone just signs up for band and I'll place you in the correct ensemble. Orchestra is the same- just sign up for orchestra then do your audition after the break.
There has been a change of plans for our Spring Trip April 26-27. Due to the SF Symphony strike, I had to cancel our booking with the SFS and have instead booked tickets for us to see jazz legend Chick Corea in concert Friday night! This will be a great program! Check out the Tour 2013 page for more info.
Times for CMEA for Wind Ensemble & Orchestra have now been announced. Concert Band & Wind Ensemble perform on Friday, May 3 at Gilroy HS. We will depart PHS at 5:00 pm and return to PHS at 10:00 pm. We will be taking school buses and will need several parents to ride along with us and watch us perform. Orchestra will perform Saturday, May 4 at Independence HS. Transportation TBD, but our window is from about 10:00 am to noon.
Audition Information- for questions or to sign up for your audition time, check out the Audition Info page. If you're a new freshman next year, be sure to attend Freshman Planning Night this Tuesday from 6:00- 7:30 in the PAC. Whatever band class you plan to audition for, know that everyone just signs up for band and I'll place you in the correct ensemble. Orchestra is the same- just sign up for orchestra then do your audition after the break.
There has been a change of plans for our Spring Trip April 26-27. Due to the SF Symphony strike, I had to cancel our booking with the SFS and have instead booked tickets for us to see jazz legend Chick Corea in concert Friday night! This will be a great program! Check out the Tour 2013 page for more info.
Times for CMEA for Wind Ensemble & Orchestra have now been announced. Concert Band & Wind Ensemble perform on Friday, May 3 at Gilroy HS. We will depart PHS at 5:00 pm and return to PHS at 10:00 pm. We will be taking school buses and will need several parents to ride along with us and watch us perform. Orchestra will perform Saturday, May 4 at Independence HS. Transportation TBD, but our window is from about 10:00 am to noon.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
March 25-29
Congratulations to all those who were a part of making Hello, Dolly! such a success! We entertained well over 1,200 guests over the course of 6 performances on two weekends. Now that the show is over, I hope you take some time to get caught back up with your school work and with your families.
Audition Information- for questions or to sign up for your audition time, check out the Audition Info page.
Jazz Band will be performing with Castillero's Jazz Around Town fundraiser on Saturday night at San Jose State University. Call time for our students is 7:15 in the lobby to the music building. Once we meet together, we'll head to a warm up room while we wait for our turn on stage. I expect that we'll be finished by about 8:30 or so. Please know that this is Castillero's big fundraising performance and so if you'd like tickets, please let me know. Also be aware that because the performance is on the campus of SJSU most parking will have a cost, so please plan accordingly.
Our Spring Concert is next Wednesday, April 3 at 7:00 in the PAC and features Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. Admission will be free.
Audition Information- for questions or to sign up for your audition time, check out the Audition Info page.
Jazz Band will be performing with Castillero's Jazz Around Town fundraiser on Saturday night at San Jose State University. Call time for our students is 7:15 in the lobby to the music building. Once we meet together, we'll head to a warm up room while we wait for our turn on stage. I expect that we'll be finished by about 8:30 or so. Please know that this is Castillero's big fundraising performance and so if you'd like tickets, please let me know. Also be aware that because the performance is on the campus of SJSU most parking will have a cost, so please plan accordingly.
Our Spring Concert is next Wednesday, April 3 at 7:00 in the PAC and features Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. Admission will be free.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
March 11-15
Audition Information has been posted! Be sure to get the information and sign up for your audition time. Click here to go to my Audition Info page.
Come check out the Pioneer production of Hello, Dolly! this Friday and Saturday and next Wednesday through Saturday. Curtain is at 7:00 and tickets are available at lunch in the quad or at the door prior to each production.
The Jazz Band will be performing with Castillero for their annual "Jazz Around Town" fundraiser concert Saturday evening March 30 at San Jose State. I don't have the details yet, but anticipate the call time will be between 6-7 and the students should be done by about 9:30. For information about ticket orders, please contact me.
A gentle reminder as we get back into our Listening Logs; students who are absent are welcome to make up their work on Monday during S period. Also, if students need extra time or additional help with the writing process, they should come in during S period. This week, I will even grant an extension to those students who were in class, but just wasted time and didn't get the assignment done. Moving forward, however, students who are in class but don't do the assignment will not get any additional support. Students who are absent or students who need more support will always be welcome to come in during S period and complete their work.
Plan to join us on Wednesday, April 3 for our Spring Concert. Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band will be presenting all new music that we've been working on since the Benefit Concert. The program will begin at 7:00 and admission will be free.
I'd like to thank the following parents who are scheduled to chaperone our San Francisco weekend; Mr and Mrs Hubbard, Mrs Liebscher, Mrs Raimondi, Mrs Schumway Lipps, Mrs Yetkinler, Mrs Archambault, Mrs Thompson and Mr Carrillo. We are looking for one more dad who could travel with us. If you can join us, please contact me ASAP- chris_mccoy [at] sjusd [dot] org. If you have any payments left, please make those right away. If you need to extend your payments, do extra fundraising or need more financial help, let me know so that I can arrange that for you.
Come check out the Pioneer production of Hello, Dolly! this Friday and Saturday and next Wednesday through Saturday. Curtain is at 7:00 and tickets are available at lunch in the quad or at the door prior to each production.
The Jazz Band will be performing with Castillero for their annual "Jazz Around Town" fundraiser concert Saturday evening March 30 at San Jose State. I don't have the details yet, but anticipate the call time will be between 6-7 and the students should be done by about 9:30. For information about ticket orders, please contact me.
A gentle reminder as we get back into our Listening Logs; students who are absent are welcome to make up their work on Monday during S period. Also, if students need extra time or additional help with the writing process, they should come in during S period. This week, I will even grant an extension to those students who were in class, but just wasted time and didn't get the assignment done. Moving forward, however, students who are in class but don't do the assignment will not get any additional support. Students who are absent or students who need more support will always be welcome to come in during S period and complete their work.
Plan to join us on Wednesday, April 3 for our Spring Concert. Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band will be presenting all new music that we've been working on since the Benefit Concert. The program will begin at 7:00 and admission will be free.
I'd like to thank the following parents who are scheduled to chaperone our San Francisco weekend; Mr and Mrs Hubbard, Mrs Liebscher, Mrs Raimondi, Mrs Schumway Lipps, Mrs Yetkinler, Mrs Archambault, Mrs Thompson and Mr Carrillo. We are looking for one more dad who could travel with us. If you can join us, please contact me ASAP- chris_mccoy [at] sjusd [dot] org. If you have any payments left, please make those right away. If you need to extend your payments, do extra fundraising or need more financial help, let me know so that I can arrange that for you.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
March 4-8
Audition information is now posted! If you are interested in joining the Pioneer Band and Orchestra program or moving into a more advanced ensemble, please check out the Audition Info page! Auditions will take place April 15-19, when we return from Spring Break. There will be a day at Castillero for current CMS Band students and another day for current CMS Orchestra students. All other times are at Pioneer and are open to all new and returning students. You must sign up for your time online, so please plan in advance to avoid conflicts with sports and other activities.
These next few weeks have little going on outside of class time, but please be aware of the following; Jazz Band will be the guest performers for Castillero's Jazz Around Town performance on Saturday night, March 30 at San Jose State. Our call time will be sometime between 6-7 and we should be done sometime before 9 or 10 pm. This is Castillero's big fundraising concert, so contact me for ticket ordering info.
Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday, April 3 in our Spring Concert. All of the music will be new following our successful benefit concert in February. Please come out and enjoy a great performance.
I'd like to thank the following parents who are scheduled to chaperone our San Francisco weekend; Mr and Mrs Hubbard, Mrs Liebscher, Mrs Raimondi, Mrs Schumway Lipps, Mrs Yetkinler, Mrs Archambault, Mrs Thompson and Mr Carrillo. We are looking for one more dad who could travel with us. If you can join us, please contact me ASAP- chris_mccoy [at] sjusd [dot] org. If you have any payments left, please make those right away. If you need to extend your payments, do extra fundraising or need more financial help, let me know so that I can arrange that for you.
These next few weeks have little going on outside of class time, but please be aware of the following; Jazz Band will be the guest performers for Castillero's Jazz Around Town performance on Saturday night, March 30 at San Jose State. Our call time will be sometime between 6-7 and we should be done sometime before 9 or 10 pm. This is Castillero's big fundraising concert, so contact me for ticket ordering info.
Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday, April 3 in our Spring Concert. All of the music will be new following our successful benefit concert in February. Please come out and enjoy a great performance.
I'd like to thank the following parents who are scheduled to chaperone our San Francisco weekend; Mr and Mrs Hubbard, Mrs Liebscher, Mrs Raimondi, Mrs Schumway Lipps, Mrs Yetkinler, Mrs Archambault, Mrs Thompson and Mr Carrillo. We are looking for one more dad who could travel with us. If you can join us, please contact me ASAP- chris_mccoy [at] sjusd [dot] org. If you have any payments left, please make those right away. If you need to extend your payments, do extra fundraising or need more financial help, let me know so that I can arrange that for you.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
February 11-15
THANK YOU to everyone who put in so much work to make our Benefit Concert a success! Thanks to Mrs Summers, Mrs Kanga and Mrs Taher for leading our efforts and to the dozen other parent leaders and the dozen or two more volunteers who made that evening possible.
In addition to our Benefit Concert, Jazz Band performed Friday morning for nearly 1,000 valley leaders. Thanks to Mrs Grimaud, Mrs Canteenwala and Mr Carrillo for driving for us and making this event possible!
This week will be a much slower week in classes. Monday will be a day to clean up and debrief. There will even be a day or two this week where Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Jazz Band may have a homework or practice day.
Rehearsal for Hello, Dolly! will be on Monday and Wednesday at 6:30-9:15. Please be prompt!
Join us at California Pizza Kitchen on Wednesday for our next dining partner event! CPK will donate 20% of your order (including alcoholic beverages) back to our program. Good from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm and for either dine in or take out orders! You must present this flier to your server. You can also
We'll begin our final arrangements for our Spring Trip this week. We are looking for a couple more parent chaperones, so if you'd like to join us please let me know. Also, last minute student additions need to happen this week as we begin to work on our rooming list. If you have any questions about this- check out the Tour 2013 page.
In addition to our Benefit Concert, Jazz Band performed Friday morning for nearly 1,000 valley leaders. Thanks to Mrs Grimaud, Mrs Canteenwala and Mr Carrillo for driving for us and making this event possible!
This week will be a much slower week in classes. Monday will be a day to clean up and debrief. There will even be a day or two this week where Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Jazz Band may have a homework or practice day.
Rehearsal for Hello, Dolly! will be on Monday and Wednesday at 6:30-9:15. Please be prompt!
Join us at California Pizza Kitchen on Wednesday for our next dining partner event! CPK will donate 20% of your order (including alcoholic beverages) back to our program. Good from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm and for either dine in or take out orders! You must present this flier to your server. You can also
We'll begin our final arrangements for our Spring Trip this week. We are looking for a couple more parent chaperones, so if you'd like to join us please let me know. Also, last minute student additions need to happen this week as we begin to work on our rooming list. If you have any questions about this- check out the Tour 2013 page.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
February 4-8
Our Benefit Concert is on Saturday! If you missed the email I sent out earlier this afternoon, read it here. There's lots of important information about volunteering, tickets, raffle, student call times and more! Don't forget that you must get your tickets by Wednesday for your student to earn their $5 credit for each ticket sold. Get your tickets here! Raffle tickets are also due by Wednesday for your student to earn their 80% account credit. Use this link to our facebook page to invite your friends, too.
Congratulations to the Jazz Band for their outstanding performance at CMEA on Saturday! This week, we have our Joint Venture gig at the convention center downtown (Parkside Hall). We need parent drivers for this event! We will meet at school at 6:30 am (I know, it's early) and return some time during 4th period (around 11:30). We need drivers for each direction, but you don't have to stay the whole time. Students will even have quite a bit of time off stage to work on homework or other things. We've done this performance since 2005! Let's continue to show these valley leaders what Pioneer can do! For more info about Joint Venture, check out their website.
We are still looking for a few more parents to join us as chaperones on our Spring Trip to San Francisco. The cost for chaperones is just $150 for the weekend! We are going to have a great time, but we need more parents to make it happen. Check out the info here, and be sure to send in your tour contract so I can add you to our list!
Hello, Dolly! practice this week is Monday from 6:30-9:30. Next week, we'll rehearse Monday and Wednesday 6:30-9:30. Please be prompt so we can start on time! Remember your pencil!
Congratulations to the Jazz Band for their outstanding performance at CMEA on Saturday! This week, we have our Joint Venture gig at the convention center downtown (Parkside Hall). We need parent drivers for this event! We will meet at school at 6:30 am (I know, it's early) and return some time during 4th period (around 11:30). We need drivers for each direction, but you don't have to stay the whole time. Students will even have quite a bit of time off stage to work on homework or other things. We've done this performance since 2005! Let's continue to show these valley leaders what Pioneer can do! For more info about Joint Venture, check out their website.
We are still looking for a few more parents to join us as chaperones on our Spring Trip to San Francisco. The cost for chaperones is just $150 for the weekend! We are going to have a great time, but we need more parents to make it happen. Check out the info here, and be sure to send in your tour contract so I can add you to our list!
Hello, Dolly! practice this week is Monday from 6:30-9:30. Next week, we'll rehearse Monday and Wednesday 6:30-9:30. Please be prompt so we can start on time! Remember your pencil!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
January 27- February 1
Jazz Band CMEA festival on Saturday! We will meet at Santa Teresa HS at 8:10 am in front of the theater. We'll warm up, then perform
at 8:50, then sight reading, then group photo and dismissal around 9:50
am.
Jazz Band will be performing at the Joint Venture Conference downtown next Friday, 2/8. Call time for students is 6:30 (yes, I know it's early, but there will be doughnuts!). Students will miss periods 1-3. We do need parent drivers who can drive us to the gig and then back to school (about 11:30). This conference puts us on stage before about 1,000 of the valley's leading figures in business, politics and education and we've been a part of it since 2005!
The Band & Orchestra Benefit Concert is just 2 weeks away! Tickets are selling fast as we approach our goal of 2 tickets sold per performer. Be sure to order your tickets this week so that your student can earn their $5 account credit from each seat sold. Raffle tickets are also a great way to raise money for your student. Our grand prize is a $500 Apple gift card! Tickets are just $3 each or 4 for $10. Students earn 80% of the proceeds from raffle tickets they sell in advance. If your student has brought the tickets home, return the payment and the tickets (with name & phone number) in the envelope provided. If your student hasn't picket up a packet of tickets yet, encourage them to do so soon! I'm very excited about this event. Each ensemble has some fun music, plus we have great raffle prizes and some incredible items for our silent auction! You don't want to miss out- it's our most important fundraising performance of the year!
Rehearsal for Hello, Dolly this week is on Monday from 6:30-9:30. Please be ready to start rehearsal on time!
On a totally non musical note, the flu and all sorts of sickness are going around. Please, eat well, wash up often and get as much sleep as you can. We need everyone at their best for our performances!
Jazz Band will be performing at the Joint Venture Conference downtown next Friday, 2/8. Call time for students is 6:30 (yes, I know it's early, but there will be doughnuts!). Students will miss periods 1-3. We do need parent drivers who can drive us to the gig and then back to school (about 11:30). This conference puts us on stage before about 1,000 of the valley's leading figures in business, politics and education and we've been a part of it since 2005!
The Band & Orchestra Benefit Concert is just 2 weeks away! Tickets are selling fast as we approach our goal of 2 tickets sold per performer. Be sure to order your tickets this week so that your student can earn their $5 account credit from each seat sold. Raffle tickets are also a great way to raise money for your student. Our grand prize is a $500 Apple gift card! Tickets are just $3 each or 4 for $10. Students earn 80% of the proceeds from raffle tickets they sell in advance. If your student has brought the tickets home, return the payment and the tickets (with name & phone number) in the envelope provided. If your student hasn't picket up a packet of tickets yet, encourage them to do so soon! I'm very excited about this event. Each ensemble has some fun music, plus we have great raffle prizes and some incredible items for our silent auction! You don't want to miss out- it's our most important fundraising performance of the year!
Rehearsal for Hello, Dolly this week is on Monday from 6:30-9:30. Please be ready to start rehearsal on time!
On a totally non musical note, the flu and all sorts of sickness are going around. Please, eat well, wash up often and get as much sleep as you can. We need everyone at their best for our performances!
Monday, January 21, 2013
January 22-25
The Band & Orchestra Benefit Concert is fast approaching! On Friday, we'll be taking photos during each of the three classes and students need to have their performing attire. Orchestra students should come dressed in their dresses and tuxes and bring a change of clothes. Wind Ensemble & Jazz band students should bring their clothes to change into during class time. These photos will then be available for purchase at the concert. VIP and Reserved tables have already sold out, but there are plenty of individual tickets still available. Raffle ticket pre-sales also kicked off last Friday. Much more information is available in an email I sent to all participating students and parents. If you missed that, get the details here.
On Friday, I distributed account statements to students in Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. There are still many students who have yet to pay for expenses from the first semester. It is imperative that you either pay for those costs, or use the fundraising opportunities for the Benefit Concert to help you. Remember, students earn $5 credit for each ticket and 80% of the raffle tickets sold in advance. Fundraising info for the Benefit Concert is on the Benefit Concert page.
I'm glad to see the number of students participating in our Spring Trip continues to increase. I am looking for several more chaperones though. If you are interested, please contact me or get more info on the Spring Trip page. There are a few families who paid the original deposit and still have an extra positive account balance. In this case (and this case only, since it was my mistake), I am happy to give you Benefit Concert tickets and raffle tickets up to the value that you over paid. There are only a few families in this situation, but if you'd like to take advantage of it, please email me so that I can set aside your admission and raffle tickets.
Because there was no school on Monday, rehearsal for Hello, Dolly pit orchestra is Wednesday. Students have asked for rehearsal to be moved to 6:30-9:30. This will be our rehearsal time until after the ski week break in February.
On Friday, I distributed account statements to students in Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. There are still many students who have yet to pay for expenses from the first semester. It is imperative that you either pay for those costs, or use the fundraising opportunities for the Benefit Concert to help you. Remember, students earn $5 credit for each ticket and 80% of the raffle tickets sold in advance. Fundraising info for the Benefit Concert is on the Benefit Concert page.
I'm glad to see the number of students participating in our Spring Trip continues to increase. I am looking for several more chaperones though. If you are interested, please contact me or get more info on the Spring Trip page. There are a few families who paid the original deposit and still have an extra positive account balance. In this case (and this case only, since it was my mistake), I am happy to give you Benefit Concert tickets and raffle tickets up to the value that you over paid. There are only a few families in this situation, but if you'd like to take advantage of it, please email me so that I can set aside your admission and raffle tickets.
Because there was no school on Monday, rehearsal for Hello, Dolly pit orchestra is Wednesday. Students have asked for rehearsal to be moved to 6:30-9:30. This will be our rehearsal time until after the ski week break in February.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
January 14-18
Band & Orchestra Benefit Concert- This week, students will get raffle tickets to begin selling. Tickets sell for $3 each or 4 for $10, and students make 80% of that as account credit. The grand prize this year is going to be an iPad! Raffle winner need not be present to win, so sell those tickets to friends, neighbors and anyone else who wants to support our program and have a shot at an iPad! In addition to the raffle, we continue to collect donations for our Silent Auction including dinners, hotel stays, golf, entertainment packages and more. If you would like to help us purchase some of the things that go with the raffle and auction, please consider sending in a $10 donation to "Pioneer Performing Arts" and we'll include a free raffle ticket! VIP tickets are sold out, but we have several reserved tables (seats 6) and plenty of individual seats available. Students earn $5 to their account for every ticket in advance.
Today, I saw Brian Hubbard (11th grade, French Horn) perform with the Santa Clara County Honor Band. What a great performance! If you attended, be sure you turn in your Live Review this week to get your extra credit! I will not give extra credit for honor band reviews beyond the one week deadline.
If you participated in the We Care Coffee fundraiser, please get your money turned in right away!
Musicians for Hello, Dolly! should check out the new page on my blog which includes rehearsal schedule and performance information.
Jazz Band will be performing at the 8th grade recruitment night Thursday in the gym. Call time is 6:00 and we'll perform from about 6:30-6:50. Students will be dismissed as soon as we are done cleaning up at about 7:00. Recruitment night is casual performance in jeans and band polo. For CMEA on Saturday February 2, we will meet at Santa Teresa HS at 8:10 am. We'll warm up, then perform at 8:50, then sight reading, then group photo and dismissal around 9:50 am. The Joint Venture gig downtown is Friday, February 8. We'll meet at school early at about 6:30 am and return to school for classes after lunch. We will need parent drivers that morning! Both the CMEA festival and the downtown gig are formal performing attire.
Spring Trip is coming up fast! There is still time to get your contract & deposit in this week. We need a few more chaperones! If you can help, please send in a contract and deposit, or if you have questions, send me an email. All the info is here.
Today, I saw Brian Hubbard (11th grade, French Horn) perform with the Santa Clara County Honor Band. What a great performance! If you attended, be sure you turn in your Live Review this week to get your extra credit! I will not give extra credit for honor band reviews beyond the one week deadline.
If you participated in the We Care Coffee fundraiser, please get your money turned in right away!
Musicians for Hello, Dolly! should check out the new page on my blog which includes rehearsal schedule and performance information.
Jazz Band will be performing at the 8th grade recruitment night Thursday in the gym. Call time is 6:00 and we'll perform from about 6:30-6:50. Students will be dismissed as soon as we are done cleaning up at about 7:00. Recruitment night is casual performance in jeans and band polo. For CMEA on Saturday February 2, we will meet at Santa Teresa HS at 8:10 am. We'll warm up, then perform at 8:50, then sight reading, then group photo and dismissal around 9:50 am. The Joint Venture gig downtown is Friday, February 8. We'll meet at school early at about 6:30 am and return to school for classes after lunch. We will need parent drivers that morning! Both the CMEA festival and the downtown gig are formal performing attire.
Spring Trip is coming up fast! There is still time to get your contract & deposit in this week. We need a few more chaperones! If you can help, please send in a contract and deposit, or if you have questions, send me an email. All the info is here.
Monday, January 7, 2013
January 8-11
Welcome to the Spring 2013 semester!
The Band & Orchestra Benefit Concert is in just 33 days (February 9, 7 pm)! Concert and ticket information is all online at the Benefit Concert tab at the top of the page. Be sure to get your tickets ordered in advance because your student earns an account credit for each ticket sold.
If you participated in the We Care Coffee fundraiser, you need to turn in your money this week! As a reminder, for each Gourmet Grab Bag you turn in $130 and make $50 account credit and for each Mini Grab Bag you turn in $52 and make $20 account credit. Checks should be payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Sign-Ups for our Spring Music Trip are past due. We have over 75 students signed up, but there are more who still need to get their form and deposit turned in! Also, I am looking for about 3 more parents who would be willing to accompany us as a chaperone. Complete info, including the tour contract is on the Spring Trip 2013 tab above. We'll have a great musical experience with clinics and the SF Symphony and fun times as well. I hope all students in Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra are able to participate.
Jazz Band has a busy schedule this six weeks. On Thursday the 17th we'll be performing at the 8th grade recruitment night here at the school, details tba, but expect to be here from about 6-7:15. The CMEA Jazz Festival on Saturday, February 2 is at Santa Teresa HS. I have requested a morning time, but don't have the details from the host yet. Once I know more, I'll pass that along. On Friday, February 8 we will again be performing for the Joint Venture Silicon Valley State of the Valley conference downtown. We have the morning shift again and students should plan to miss periods 1-3 that morning. We will need parent drivers for kids and equipment that morning, with a possible window of 6:30 am to noon. Once I get our specifics, I'll let you know.
Students interested in performing as part of the pit orchestra for Hello, Dolly! need to let me know this week. We are looking for up to 3 violin, 1 viola, 1 cello, 1 bass, 4 reed players who can double (I fl, cl, alto; II cl, alto; III cl, tenor; IV cl, bass cl, bari), 3 trumpets, 2 trombone, 2 percussion and a guitar/ banjo. Look for rehearsals to begin next week. I anticipate one or two nights a week (about 6-9:30, based on student scheduling) until ski week. After ski week, rehearsal will kick into high gear with Monday to Thursday nights 6-10. Performances are March 15, 16, 20-23 at 7:00. While missing a performance is non-negotiable, it may be possible for a member of the pit to have conflicts the earlier rehearsals by advance notice. All student musicians are given a semester elective credit for their work in the production! I can also assure you that there are no rehearsals on Fridays, weekends, or over the ski week. The only Friday/ Saturday commitment is the performances themselves.
Extra Credit Live Review Opportunity- All band students can go to the Santa Clara County Honor Band performance on Sunday, January 13 at 2:00 at Evergreen Valley HS and earn double credit on their spring semester Live Review! Many students earned a lower grade in the Fall Semester because they simply chose not to do or turn in their written work. Don't let this happen to you- start the semester off strong!
Finally, if you've not looked at the 2012-2013 Performance Calendar, please do so. All of our events are scheduled in advance (most of them before the year even starts) so that you can plan accordingly.
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