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!
Showing posts with label CMEA Festival. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CMEA Festival. Show all posts
Sunday, April 28, 2013
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, 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!
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.
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.
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, January 29, 2012
1/30-2/3
In this week's announcements-
CMEA Jazz- This Saturday
Jazz Band Joint Venture gig- Next Friday
Big Band Dance- Next Saturday!
Disney Meeting & tour- 3-4 weeks!
Music In the Parks Festival- April 28
Extra Credit opportunity (bands)
CMEA Jazz Festival is this Saturday afternoon at Santa Teresa HS from 1:10- 3:15 pm. Park in the student lot by the field and there will be signs to the theater, which is where we will meet. Transportation is on your own, but if you need to arrange a ride, I can help you do that.
Jazz Band was hired to perform for the Joint Venture Silicon Valley Conference on Friday, February 10. Our call time at Pioneer is 6:45 AM. I know this is early- if you need a ride to school, let me know! We need parent drivers to take us to the convention center downtown. The performance is on and off until 10:00. We will return to school by about 10:30, in time for 4th period. Currently, Mr Carrillo and Mrs Higa will be driving, but we 2 or 3 more parent drivers. Let me know if you can drive for us.
Big Band Dance is just 2 weeks away! Students should make sure and sell as many tickets as possible in advance and get their orders turned in this week! Don't have a ticket form? Click here and get one. Parents are reminded that we need each family A-K to bring a dessert and L-Z to bring an appetizer. Also, we are in need of more parents to volunteer for simple shifts before, during and after the event. These shifts are short, easy and require just a small bit of your time. If every family pitches in, we will have a great event. Please indicate how you would like to help on the ticket forms as you return them and we will contact you with further information. Note- Raffle tickets will be distributed this week! Students are not required to participate, but do make 80% of all raffle tickets they sell in advance. This is an easy way to earn money directly toward their account. Raffle winners need not be present to win.
Disneyland Trip- mandatory meeting for students and a parent on Monday, February 13 from 7:30-8:30 pm. We will discuss itinerary, inclusions, expectations and all of the final details. We are scheduled to depart PHS Wednesday the 22nd at 8am, but that may change depending on Jazz Band's performance and clinic times later that day in the park. We will return Saturday late afternoon at about 4:00 or so. More updated info is on the tour page.
Music In the Parks Festival- we are hosting a festival on Saturday, April 28 all day on the PHS campus. I need parents who can assist with this event in various (simple) capacities. We will earn at least $1,000 for our program by hosting this event! Let me know if this is something you are interested in. All tasks are simple, instructions are provided and students do the heavy work of moving equipment. I also would like a parent to run concessions for the day. ALL of the funds we raise from the concessions go directly to our program!
On a personal note- I will be at Castillero all day on Monday for recruitment and collaboration with Messrs Bowman and Krijnen. The most important thing we can do to promote great ensembles at Pioneer for the long run is to communicate with our younger musicians the importance of continuing their music education with us at Pioneer. If you can share how important high school music is with your friends, that can be a critical bond to help students choose to continue in music.
Extra Credit concert this week! The band from St. Olaff College will be performing Thursday and Friday at 7:30. Band students who complete an extra live review of this performance can earn 20 extra credit points (when used in addition to another review) or use this as a free (for students) review opportunity! They are one of the top college bands and their director is a wonderful musician and composer who has worked with the Santa Clara County Honor band before. I can't encourage you enough to attend. Thursday is at Saratoga HS and Friday night is at Gunn HS in Palo Alto.
CMEA Jazz- This Saturday
Jazz Band Joint Venture gig- Next Friday
Big Band Dance- Next Saturday!
Disney Meeting & tour- 3-4 weeks!
Music In the Parks Festival- April 28
Extra Credit opportunity (bands)
CMEA Jazz Festival is this Saturday afternoon at Santa Teresa HS from 1:10- 3:15 pm. Park in the student lot by the field and there will be signs to the theater, which is where we will meet. Transportation is on your own, but if you need to arrange a ride, I can help you do that.
Jazz Band was hired to perform for the Joint Venture Silicon Valley Conference on Friday, February 10. Our call time at Pioneer is 6:45 AM. I know this is early- if you need a ride to school, let me know! We need parent drivers to take us to the convention center downtown. The performance is on and off until 10:00. We will return to school by about 10:30, in time for 4th period. Currently, Mr Carrillo and Mrs Higa will be driving, but we 2 or 3 more parent drivers. Let me know if you can drive for us.
Big Band Dance is just 2 weeks away! Students should make sure and sell as many tickets as possible in advance and get their orders turned in this week! Don't have a ticket form? Click here and get one. Parents are reminded that we need each family A-K to bring a dessert and L-Z to bring an appetizer. Also, we are in need of more parents to volunteer for simple shifts before, during and after the event. These shifts are short, easy and require just a small bit of your time. If every family pitches in, we will have a great event. Please indicate how you would like to help on the ticket forms as you return them and we will contact you with further information. Note- Raffle tickets will be distributed this week! Students are not required to participate, but do make 80% of all raffle tickets they sell in advance. This is an easy way to earn money directly toward their account. Raffle winners need not be present to win.
Disneyland Trip- mandatory meeting for students and a parent on Monday, February 13 from 7:30-8:30 pm. We will discuss itinerary, inclusions, expectations and all of the final details. We are scheduled to depart PHS Wednesday the 22nd at 8am, but that may change depending on Jazz Band's performance and clinic times later that day in the park. We will return Saturday late afternoon at about 4:00 or so. More updated info is on the tour page.
Music In the Parks Festival- we are hosting a festival on Saturday, April 28 all day on the PHS campus. I need parents who can assist with this event in various (simple) capacities. We will earn at least $1,000 for our program by hosting this event! Let me know if this is something you are interested in. All tasks are simple, instructions are provided and students do the heavy work of moving equipment. I also would like a parent to run concessions for the day. ALL of the funds we raise from the concessions go directly to our program!
On a personal note- I will be at Castillero all day on Monday for recruitment and collaboration with Messrs Bowman and Krijnen. The most important thing we can do to promote great ensembles at Pioneer for the long run is to communicate with our younger musicians the importance of continuing their music education with us at Pioneer. If you can share how important high school music is with your friends, that can be a critical bond to help students choose to continue in music.
Extra Credit concert this week! The band from St. Olaff College will be performing Thursday and Friday at 7:30. Band students who complete an extra live review of this performance can earn 20 extra credit points (when used in addition to another review) or use this as a free (for students) review opportunity! They are one of the top college bands and their director is a wonderful musician and composer who has worked with the Santa Clara County Honor band before. I can't encourage you enough to attend. Thursday is at Saratoga HS and Friday night is at Gunn HS in Palo Alto.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
January 23-27
We've got lots coming up- CMEA Jazz in 2 weeks, Big Band Dance in 3 weeks and Disneyland in 4 weeks!
CMEA Jazz- Saturday, February 4 at Santa Teresa HS. Call time there is 1:00. The performance and events should conclude by about 3:15.
Big Band Dance- we will have our next meeting this week on Thursday night at 7:30 in my room. Also, make sure you get your ticket order form in early!
Disneyland trip- we will have our mandatory meeting with parents, students and chaperones on Monday, February 13 in lieu of our West Side Story pit rehearsal at 7:30. Any outstanding balance will be due Monday the 13th- the night of the meeting.
A financial update- all students except beginning band students got an account statement detailing what they've paid and what they owe for everything throughout the year. I thoroughly explained how to read these forms in class and answered specific student questions. The bottom line is the "Net Account Total" on the bottom line- if it is a negative number, that indicates the amount you owe, if it is a positive number, that indicates the amount you have credited for future student use. If you believe there is a mistake, please contact me so that I can try and fix it. Some of the boys who paid Selix directly for their tux got their names mixed up- if you see a tux charge and you paid Selix directly, just show me the cancelled check and I will remove the charge. If you've yet to pay, please make prompt payment for your account to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Right now, there is over $10,000 in payments due to the program, so any payments that you can make on your account will help us greatly.
In other news regarding upcoming events- we will be hosting 2 carwashes and a music festival this spring. The music festival is Saturday, April 28 for Music In The Parks- we will not be performing, just hosting the event at Pioneer and using it as a fundraiser. This is the same event we helped to host last spring at the Boardwalk, for those who were involved in that. We will need several parents to assist throughout the day in various capacities as well as a concession stand. The carwash dates aren't yet set, but I hope to have one Saturday in each March and May. These will be great ways to earn much needed money for our programs, but will need support from parents and students to make them successful.
Finally- I got a chance to see West Side Story at the San Jose CPA this afternoon. This is such a wonderful show, I'm so excited about our performances in March. Broadway San Jose brings in some great national tour shows throughout the year- and I encourage you to get out and support live performances. Later this year, there will be performances of Beauty and the Beast, In the Heights, and Marry Poppins. More info is at their website here.
CMEA Jazz- Saturday, February 4 at Santa Teresa HS. Call time there is 1:00. The performance and events should conclude by about 3:15.
Big Band Dance- we will have our next meeting this week on Thursday night at 7:30 in my room. Also, make sure you get your ticket order form in early!
Disneyland trip- we will have our mandatory meeting with parents, students and chaperones on Monday, February 13 in lieu of our West Side Story pit rehearsal at 7:30. Any outstanding balance will be due Monday the 13th- the night of the meeting.
A financial update- all students except beginning band students got an account statement detailing what they've paid and what they owe for everything throughout the year. I thoroughly explained how to read these forms in class and answered specific student questions. The bottom line is the "Net Account Total" on the bottom line- if it is a negative number, that indicates the amount you owe, if it is a positive number, that indicates the amount you have credited for future student use. If you believe there is a mistake, please contact me so that I can try and fix it. Some of the boys who paid Selix directly for their tux got their names mixed up- if you see a tux charge and you paid Selix directly, just show me the cancelled check and I will remove the charge. If you've yet to pay, please make prompt payment for your account to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Right now, there is over $10,000 in payments due to the program, so any payments that you can make on your account will help us greatly.
In other news regarding upcoming events- we will be hosting 2 carwashes and a music festival this spring. The music festival is Saturday, April 28 for Music In The Parks- we will not be performing, just hosting the event at Pioneer and using it as a fundraiser. This is the same event we helped to host last spring at the Boardwalk, for those who were involved in that. We will need several parents to assist throughout the day in various capacities as well as a concession stand. The carwash dates aren't yet set, but I hope to have one Saturday in each March and May. These will be great ways to earn much needed money for our programs, but will need support from parents and students to make them successful.
Finally- I got a chance to see West Side Story at the San Jose CPA this afternoon. This is such a wonderful show, I'm so excited about our performances in March. Broadway San Jose brings in some great national tour shows throughout the year- and I encourage you to get out and support live performances. Later this year, there will be performances of Beauty and the Beast, In the Heights, and Marry Poppins. More info is at their website here.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
1/9-1/13
West Side Story kicks off this week! Those who are looking for the info from Mr. Dini for the cast should click here. Those playing in the pit will meet Monday and Wednesday this week from 7-9 in my room. If you don't already have a practice CD, bring me 2 blank disks and I can make those for you. This is a hard musical and will require dedication, but when we get to the performances, the reward will be great! Be sure to check out the West Side Story page for more details.
Big Band Dance is coming quickly! We have a planning meeting this Thursday the 12 at 7:30 in my classroom. Please join us as we are still in need of parents to help with decorations, raffle and the auction. If you are a parent of a new band student, this is the best way to help your child have a successful program, just join us this week and see how you can fit in. This single event raises the funds that our students rely on for the entire year for music, instruments, supplies, festivals and much more. Get more info on the Big Band Dance page.
A tour payment of $150 is NOW DUE! Students who have participated in fundraising can ask me about their balance, or parents, I can send you a PDF account statement. We will be staying at the Homewood Suites- 12005 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove 92840. If you plan to travel along with us, I can get you our group rate on the hotel and the Disney tickets, but you need to contact me ASAP. Please note that I need to schedule a pre-trip meeting, mandatory for all trip participants and a parent in early February. I will confirm this evening meeting in my announcements next week.
Jazz Band- remember we have upcoming performances on January 19 in the gym from 6-7:15 for recruitment night, CMEA Jazz is on Saturday, February 4 at Santa Teresa HS, time TBA, and finally the downtown gig for Joint Venture at the convention center is Friday morning Feb 10 from 7:00- 10:30. I do need parent drivers for this downtown gig! Please let me know if you are able. All gigs are in formal attire.
Finally, I can't stress enough that I need to collect funds from those who have yet to pay for their tuxes, dresses, fundraising or other items. Please arrange payment with me as soon as possible. If you don't know what you owe, I can provide a statement detailing any charges. Let me know how I can help with this process.
Big Band Dance is coming quickly! We have a planning meeting this Thursday the 12 at 7:30 in my classroom. Please join us as we are still in need of parents to help with decorations, raffle and the auction. If you are a parent of a new band student, this is the best way to help your child have a successful program, just join us this week and see how you can fit in. This single event raises the funds that our students rely on for the entire year for music, instruments, supplies, festivals and much more. Get more info on the Big Band Dance page.
A tour payment of $150 is NOW DUE! Students who have participated in fundraising can ask me about their balance, or parents, I can send you a PDF account statement. We will be staying at the Homewood Suites- 12005 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove 92840. If you plan to travel along with us, I can get you our group rate on the hotel and the Disney tickets, but you need to contact me ASAP. Please note that I need to schedule a pre-trip meeting, mandatory for all trip participants and a parent in early February. I will confirm this evening meeting in my announcements next week.
Jazz Band- remember we have upcoming performances on January 19 in the gym from 6-7:15 for recruitment night, CMEA Jazz is on Saturday, February 4 at Santa Teresa HS, time TBA, and finally the downtown gig for Joint Venture at the convention center is Friday morning Feb 10 from 7:00- 10:30. I do need parent drivers for this downtown gig! Please let me know if you are able. All gigs are in formal attire.
Finally, I can't stress enough that I need to collect funds from those who have yet to pay for their tuxes, dresses, fundraising or other items. Please arrange payment with me as soon as possible. If you don't know what you owe, I can provide a statement detailing any charges. Let me know how I can help with this process.
Monday, January 2, 2012
January 3-6
Happy New Year!
I know there are those who think the world may end later this year, but if Marty McFly visited the year 2015 in Back to the Future, we should have nothing to worry about...
West Side Story rehearsals begin next week and continue Monday & Wednesday nights through the first of March. Be sure you check out the full details on the West Side Story page.
Jazz Band will be performing on Thursday, January 19 as a part of the Pioneer recruitment night. Time is approximately 6:15-7:15. Details are forthcoming. Please mark this on your schedule. Jazz Band also has 2 other gigs in early February. On Saturday, Saturday 4 is CMEA Santa Teresa HS- time TBA. We will also play for the Join Venture breakfast on Friday morning, February 10. We will need drivers that morning to take us from PHS to the convention center downtown from about 7:00-11:00 am, times TBA.
The 17th annual Big Band Dance is coming up Saturday, February 11 from 7-10 pm. Be sure to mark your calendar as this is the biggest fundraiser of the year for our program. I will be distributing informational letter and ticket order this week to all students in Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. Students will be able to earn money not only through the raffle this year, but also through ticket sales- raffle tickets will earn a student 80% of sale and the event ticket, which still costs $20 will earn a student $5 per ticket. All details will be sent home this week. We are still looking for parents to help with decorations and the silent auction- there is a parent in charge, we just need you to help out and learn the ropes! If you are able to help, contact me.
Can you or your employer make a donation to our raffle or silent auction? Consider starting the 2012 tax year out right with your tax deductible donation to Pioneer Performing Arts! Great raffle and silent auction items range anywhere from sports merchandise to event tickets to dining and travel packages to technology items and more. Perhaps you or your employer could donate to support us. Donation thank-you letters will be provided, including our tax # for your records.
Speaking of fundraising- those students who participated in the first round of sales through the We Care Coffee Company should have sold all of their items and should make their payments this week. A regular grab bag (10 items) returns $130 total, of which about $50 is credited directly to the student. Those who sold the mini grab bag (4 items) will return $52 of which about $20 will go directly to the student. Didn't participate the first time, but would like to now? We will reorder items this week! Please see this form for more information and to place your order (it's the fall form, just change the due date of the order form to this Friday, January 6). We hope for delivery by the Big Band Dance.
There are some questions about our Disneyland trip this February. 1) We are going, 2) Jazz Band will be performing and doing a recording session, 3) the students from Wind Ensemble and Orchestra who are going will combine for a Symphony Orchestra performance and recording session (pending Disney approval, which shouldn't be a problem). I am disappointed that we will have a lower turnout this year, but know that this will make a great performance opportunity! We are looking for a few more chaperones! Please let me know if you are able to come- we have a great time! Even if you aren't going on our trip this year, keep in mind that we are working towards a large trip in the spring of 2013 that will be both longer and more costly. Keep raising funds and saving any money you are able!
Finally- start this semester out right! When I offer opportunities for extra credit, alternate credit or makeup credit- do the work, please. The first extra credit opportunity will be the county honor band concert Sunday, January 15 at 2:00 at Gunn HS in Palo Alto. For all band students, this is a double credit opportunity, meaning you can earn up to 100/50 points. For Jazz and Orchestra students, this is an extra credit review opportunity, meaning you can earn up to 50 extra credit review points. Mark your calendar and be sure to support Brian Hubbard, as he plays principal French Horn in the band and represents Pioneer among some of the best young musicians in the state!
I know there are those who think the world may end later this year, but if Marty McFly visited the year 2015 in Back to the Future, we should have nothing to worry about...
West Side Story rehearsals begin next week and continue Monday & Wednesday nights through the first of March. Be sure you check out the full details on the West Side Story page.
Jazz Band will be performing on Thursday, January 19 as a part of the Pioneer recruitment night. Time is approximately 6:15-7:15. Details are forthcoming. Please mark this on your schedule. Jazz Band also has 2 other gigs in early February. On Saturday, Saturday 4 is CMEA Santa Teresa HS- time TBA. We will also play for the Join Venture breakfast on Friday morning, February 10. We will need drivers that morning to take us from PHS to the convention center downtown from about 7:00-11:00 am, times TBA.
The 17th annual Big Band Dance is coming up Saturday, February 11 from 7-10 pm. Be sure to mark your calendar as this is the biggest fundraiser of the year for our program. I will be distributing informational letter and ticket order this week to all students in Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. Students will be able to earn money not only through the raffle this year, but also through ticket sales- raffle tickets will earn a student 80% of sale and the event ticket, which still costs $20 will earn a student $5 per ticket. All details will be sent home this week. We are still looking for parents to help with decorations and the silent auction- there is a parent in charge, we just need you to help out and learn the ropes! If you are able to help, contact me.
Can you or your employer make a donation to our raffle or silent auction? Consider starting the 2012 tax year out right with your tax deductible donation to Pioneer Performing Arts! Great raffle and silent auction items range anywhere from sports merchandise to event tickets to dining and travel packages to technology items and more. Perhaps you or your employer could donate to support us. Donation thank-you letters will be provided, including our tax # for your records.
Speaking of fundraising- those students who participated in the first round of sales through the We Care Coffee Company should have sold all of their items and should make their payments this week. A regular grab bag (10 items) returns $130 total, of which about $50 is credited directly to the student. Those who sold the mini grab bag (4 items) will return $52 of which about $20 will go directly to the student. Didn't participate the first time, but would like to now? We will reorder items this week! Please see this form for more information and to place your order (it's the fall form, just change the due date of the order form to this Friday, January 6). We hope for delivery by the Big Band Dance.
There are some questions about our Disneyland trip this February. 1) We are going, 2) Jazz Band will be performing and doing a recording session, 3) the students from Wind Ensemble and Orchestra who are going will combine for a Symphony Orchestra performance and recording session (pending Disney approval, which shouldn't be a problem). I am disappointed that we will have a lower turnout this year, but know that this will make a great performance opportunity! We are looking for a few more chaperones! Please let me know if you are able to come- we have a great time! Even if you aren't going on our trip this year, keep in mind that we are working towards a large trip in the spring of 2013 that will be both longer and more costly. Keep raising funds and saving any money you are able!
Finally- start this semester out right! When I offer opportunities for extra credit, alternate credit or makeup credit- do the work, please. The first extra credit opportunity will be the county honor band concert Sunday, January 15 at 2:00 at Gunn HS in Palo Alto. For all band students, this is a double credit opportunity, meaning you can earn up to 100/50 points. For Jazz and Orchestra students, this is an extra credit review opportunity, meaning you can earn up to 50 extra credit review points. Mark your calendar and be sure to support Brian Hubbard, as he plays principal French Horn in the band and represents Pioneer among some of the best young musicians in the state!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
May 9-13
Congratulations to Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra for their performances this past weekend at the CMEA festivals. Special kudos to the Orchestra for earning three 'Excellent' ratings in their performance and a 'Superior' for their sight-reading! Thanks also to all the parents who chaperoned and drove students and equipment- without parent help, we would not be able to be successful.
This week will be a quiet week as we work towards our final concerts. Any students who need to do make up work for their listening journals, or who may still need to play their audition with me need to do so right away. I will be publishing the 2011-12 PHS Ensemble lists on Friday afternoon both here and on the display near my classroom. In order to insure accuracy, all students who plan to play need to audition! On that note, I have an abundance of saxophone players who have auditioned- more than I can use effectively. If you are a sax player and you would like to broaden your musical horizons, I need low brass players! If you are willing to switch now, I can get you started with an instrument and possible lessons through the summer. More info about this will be posted when I post the lists Friday.
Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will give their end of year concert on Wednesday, May 18. Orchestra, full orchestra (all strings and select wind & percussion) and Jazz Band will perform on Thursday, May 19. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC. Performances are free and open to the public, though we will, as always, solicit donations. Invite your friends with the facebook event pages!
Live review forms are due by the end of next week, Friday, May 20. I have listed several performances that may be suitable for you to review on the Live Music page.
This week will be a quiet week as we work towards our final concerts. Any students who need to do make up work for their listening journals, or who may still need to play their audition with me need to do so right away. I will be publishing the 2011-12 PHS Ensemble lists on Friday afternoon both here and on the display near my classroom. In order to insure accuracy, all students who plan to play need to audition! On that note, I have an abundance of saxophone players who have auditioned- more than I can use effectively. If you are a sax player and you would like to broaden your musical horizons, I need low brass players! If you are willing to switch now, I can get you started with an instrument and possible lessons through the summer. More info about this will be posted when I post the lists Friday.
Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will give their end of year concert on Wednesday, May 18. Orchestra, full orchestra (all strings and select wind & percussion) and Jazz Band will perform on Thursday, May 19. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC. Performances are free and open to the public, though we will, as always, solicit donations. Invite your friends with the facebook event pages!
Live review forms are due by the end of next week, Friday, May 20. I have listed several performances that may be suitable for you to review on the Live Music page.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
CMEA Orchestra UPDATE
It has come to my attention that it would be easier for many families to drive their student directly to Independence HS on Saturday rather than coming to PHS first. If you plan to drive your student directly to Independence, I need a note from you stating that ASAP (not later than in class on Friday). Students are not to drive themselves and students may only travel with their parents. For those who meet us at Independence, we will meet at 10:15 am outside the theater. Students who meet us there must bring their own instrument!
Carpool info- We still need several more parent drivers! Several students brought driver forms home today. If you are able to drive, please get that filled out and returned tomorrow. You can also download the Parent Driver form here if your student did not bring a form. Please confirm with me that you will drive and how many seats (excluding yourself) are in your vehicle. For students traveling by carpool, we will meet at PHS at 9:20 am.
Performance info- Students should arrive to their call time (9:20 @ PHS or 10:15 @ Independence) dressed in their performing attire with their instrument. I will collect all music in class on Friday and bring that box. The performances are free and open to the public. We have a scheduled warm-up time, then our performance, then sight reading, then our group photo. We should finish at Independence at 12:15.
Directions- Independence HS is located at 1776 Educational Park Dr, but DO NOT use GPS or an online map to get you there as it will put you in the wrong place on the campus! From 680 north, exit McKee west or left (toward 101) then turn right on N Jackson Ave. You will turn left into the parking lot on your left before the football field. From 101 north, exit McKee east or right (toward 680) then turn left on N Jackson Ave. You will turn left into the parking lot on your left before the football field.
Carpool info- We still need several more parent drivers! Several students brought driver forms home today. If you are able to drive, please get that filled out and returned tomorrow. You can also download the Parent Driver form here if your student did not bring a form. Please confirm with me that you will drive and how many seats (excluding yourself) are in your vehicle. For students traveling by carpool, we will meet at PHS at 9:20 am.
Performance info- Students should arrive to their call time (9:20 @ PHS or 10:15 @ Independence) dressed in their performing attire with their instrument. I will collect all music in class on Friday and bring that box. The performances are free and open to the public. We have a scheduled warm-up time, then our performance, then sight reading, then our group photo. We should finish at Independence at 12:15.
Directions- Independence HS is located at 1776 Educational Park Dr, but DO NOT use GPS or an online map to get you there as it will put you in the wrong place on the campus! From 680 north, exit McKee west or left (toward 101) then turn right on N Jackson Ave. You will turn left into the parking lot on your left before the football field. From 101 north, exit McKee east or right (toward 680) then turn left on N Jackson Ave. You will turn left into the parking lot on your left before the football field.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
April 25-29
Auditions week 2- audition times for this week are posted on the door to my classroom. Students who still need to sign-up can do so in any of the blank slots (there are only a few left). Castillero students who were unable to make it to last week's auditions can email me- mccoysmusic at gmail . com to set up a time.
Fundraiser week 2- All orders and money for the Simply Delicious fundraiser are due this Friday, April 29. This is the first big fundraising opportunity students have to raise money for their accounts for the coming school year and our planned Hawai'i trip!
CMEA festival- Wind Ensemble and Concert Band students will be participating in the annual spring CMEA Band festival at Gilroy HS on Friday night, May 6. The call time for all students in my room on Friday afternoon is 5:15, dressed in performing attire. We will not return to Pioneer until about 11:15. We still need several parent chaperones. If you are able to join us, please contact me. Members of the PHS swim team will be at league finals, day 2, that day. Students will need to arrange a carpool and meet us at Gilroy HS in their performing attire with instrument, music and anything else needed to perform. Students should eat before we go, but there will be a snack bar available.
CMEA Orchestra festival Saturday, May 7- we will meet at PHS to carpool to Independence HS at 9:30 Saturday morning. We will be finished with our performance around 12:15 pm. We will need many parent drivers for this activity. Please contact me if you are able to drive.
Wednesday, May 18- Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble finale concert.
Thursday, May 19- Jazz Band, String Orchestra & Full Orchestra finale concert.
Both concerts at 7:00pm in the PAC. Admission free.
Fundraiser week 2- All orders and money for the Simply Delicious fundraiser are due this Friday, April 29. This is the first big fundraising opportunity students have to raise money for their accounts for the coming school year and our planned Hawai'i trip!
CMEA festival- Wind Ensemble and Concert Band students will be participating in the annual spring CMEA Band festival at Gilroy HS on Friday night, May 6. The call time for all students in my room on Friday afternoon is 5:15, dressed in performing attire. We will not return to Pioneer until about 11:15. We still need several parent chaperones. If you are able to join us, please contact me. Members of the PHS swim team will be at league finals, day 2, that day. Students will need to arrange a carpool and meet us at Gilroy HS in their performing attire with instrument, music and anything else needed to perform. Students should eat before we go, but there will be a snack bar available.
CMEA Orchestra festival Saturday, May 7- we will meet at PHS to carpool to Independence HS at 9:30 Saturday morning. We will be finished with our performance around 12:15 pm. We will need many parent drivers for this activity. Please contact me if you are able to drive.
Wednesday, May 18- Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble finale concert.
Thursday, May 19- Jazz Band, String Orchestra & Full Orchestra finale concert.
Both concerts at 7:00pm in the PAC. Admission free.
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