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.
Showing posts with label Fundraising. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fundraising. Show all posts
Sunday, February 10, 2013
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, December 2, 2012
December 3-7
Winter Concerts this week!!! Wednesday night's performance features Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. Thursday night's performance features Orchestra and Jazz Band. Both concerts begin at 7:00, are about an hour and a quarter and are free. There will be a professional video made of each performance which will be available for purchase at the door- credit cards are now accepted. Wednesday night's call times are 6:20 Wind Ensemble, 6:30 Concert Band and 6:40 Beginning Band. Thursday night's call times are 6:30 Jazz Band and 6:40 Orchestra.
Our Spring Trip plans have been published. Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Orchestra will all participate in a 2 day trip of the bay area April 26-27. Events include a musical exchange with another high school, a San Francisco Symphony Performance, clinics with the music faculty at Sonoma Sate University and more. The cost is just $200 for students and $150 for chaperones. The new tour contract will be released this week. It is my expectation that ALL students in these ensembles will participate. If there is a financial challenge, I can arrange extra fundraising or scholarship opportunities. For more complete info as it becomes available, check the "Spring Trip 2013" tab at the top of the page.
We have extra fundraising opportunities for the coffee sale for those who missed out! You'll be able to check out a Grab Bag or buy individual items at our concerts this week. Selling a Grab Bag will earn a student $50 account credit, or 25% of the spring trip cost! For those who did order their Grab Bags, they will arrive either late this week or early next week.
Our next Family Dinner Night is Thursday, December 13 at Blue Rock BBQ. Get more info and help us promote the event at our facebook page. When you eat at Blue Rock, they will donate back 20% of your order to our program!
Your Live Review is due next Friday, December 14. Get more info on the Live Music Page.
Our Spring Trip plans have been published. Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Orchestra will all participate in a 2 day trip of the bay area April 26-27. Events include a musical exchange with another high school, a San Francisco Symphony Performance, clinics with the music faculty at Sonoma Sate University and more. The cost is just $200 for students and $150 for chaperones. The new tour contract will be released this week. It is my expectation that ALL students in these ensembles will participate. If there is a financial challenge, I can arrange extra fundraising or scholarship opportunities. For more complete info as it becomes available, check the "Spring Trip 2013" tab at the top of the page.
We have extra fundraising opportunities for the coffee sale for those who missed out! You'll be able to check out a Grab Bag or buy individual items at our concerts this week. Selling a Grab Bag will earn a student $50 account credit, or 25% of the spring trip cost! For those who did order their Grab Bags, they will arrive either late this week or early next week.
Our next Family Dinner Night is Thursday, December 13 at Blue Rock BBQ. Get more info and help us promote the event at our facebook page. When you eat at Blue Rock, they will donate back 20% of your order to our program!
Your Live Review is due next Friday, December 14. Get more info on the Live Music Page.
Monday, November 5, 2012
November 5-9
Congratulations to the Jazz Band for their performance Friday at the West Valley College Jazz Festival. Thanks to Mrs. Canteenwala, Mrs. Kanga, Mrs. Abusaidi and Mr Carrillo for making our trip possible by driving students and equipment.
Join us on Thursday night at the Sandwich Mill for our next dinner partners night. No flier needed- just mention Pioneer when you order and we'll get a percentage of your order back as a donation! Take out is encouraged, but dine in works too!
The last regular season home football game is Friday night. We will be offering student dinners again this game. For $7, students and families can order a chili dinner. Thanks to Mrs Hubbard who is coordinating this week's efforts. If you'd like to help, email me. Students can pre-order their dinner with me in class through Wednesday. There will be a limited number of meals available to those who do not preorder.
We will begin our fall fundraiser this week, again this year with the We Care Coffee Company. This time, we will not only do a grab bags, but also online sales. Students can do either or both. The Grab Bag fundraiser is where a family gets an assortment of coffee, cookies & cocoa to sell. These items are all custom roasted and custom labeled for Pioneer Music and are the highest quality. The Gourmet Grab Bag contains 6 (12 oz.) bags of coffee, 2 bags (2 lbs.) of chocolate chip cookie mix and 2 bags of hot cocoa mix. These items sell for $13 each and bring in $130. Of that, each student earns $50 profit. The Mini Grab Bag contains 2 bags of coffee and 2 bags of cocoa. Items sell for $13 and bring in $52. Of that, $20 is credited to the student. Because the food items are fresh roasted and ground, students who wish to participate must return this informational form, indicating how many Grab Bags they would like. The Grab Bag forms are due next Friday 11/9 for delivery the first week of December- in time for holiday parties and gifts! Custom assortments of specific coffee/ cocoa are also possible if you let me know in advance. Online sales are easy to promote through facebook or you can email this link.
Join us on Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 in my classroom for our November Booster meeting. We will update our current activities as well as hear reports from the parents who are coordinating our Benefit Concert. This will be a very important meeting and I hope many parents will be able to attend.
Join us on Thursday night at the Sandwich Mill for our next dinner partners night. No flier needed- just mention Pioneer when you order and we'll get a percentage of your order back as a donation! Take out is encouraged, but dine in works too!
The last regular season home football game is Friday night. We will be offering student dinners again this game. For $7, students and families can order a chili dinner. Thanks to Mrs Hubbard who is coordinating this week's efforts. If you'd like to help, email me. Students can pre-order their dinner with me in class through Wednesday. There will be a limited number of meals available to those who do not preorder.
We will begin our fall fundraiser this week, again this year with the We Care Coffee Company. This time, we will not only do a grab bags, but also online sales. Students can do either or both. The Grab Bag fundraiser is where a family gets an assortment of coffee, cookies & cocoa to sell. These items are all custom roasted and custom labeled for Pioneer Music and are the highest quality. The Gourmet Grab Bag contains 6 (12 oz.) bags of coffee, 2 bags (2 lbs.) of chocolate chip cookie mix and 2 bags of hot cocoa mix. These items sell for $13 each and bring in $130. Of that, each student earns $50 profit. The Mini Grab Bag contains 2 bags of coffee and 2 bags of cocoa. Items sell for $13 and bring in $52. Of that, $20 is credited to the student. Because the food items are fresh roasted and ground, students who wish to participate must return this informational form, indicating how many Grab Bags they would like. The Grab Bag forms are due next Friday 11/9 for delivery the first week of December- in time for holiday parties and gifts! Custom assortments of specific coffee/ cocoa are also possible if you let me know in advance. Online sales are easy to promote through facebook or you can email this link.
Join us on Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 in my classroom for our November Booster meeting. We will update our current activities as well as hear reports from the parents who are coordinating our Benefit Concert. This will be a very important meeting and I hope many parents will be able to attend.
Monday, October 29, 2012
October 29- November 2
Sorry this is a day late... was watching as the Giants steamrolled the Tigers this weekend...
Congratulations to all the ensembles that performed last week! We had a great turnout and a great concert. I'm pleased at the early progress that all three of the groups are making this year. Also, thanks to the generous support of families, we collected over $400 in donations as well.
Jazz Band will be participating in the West Valley Jazz Festival next Friday, November 2. We need parent drivers who can be with us throughout the day- 18 students plus our gear. If you are able to drive, contact me ASAP. All volunteer drivers must have the SJUSD Driver forms on file with the school office current this school year. Let me know if you have questions about these forms. All students will go to first period, then meet in my room at the beginning of second and get dressed to perform. We will be at Castillero from 9-11 for recruitment to interact with their band students. We'll go to lunch at the food court at Oakridge then go to West Valley for the festival. We'll be back at Pioneer by about 3:00.
We will begin our fall fundraiser this week, again this year with the We Care Coffee Company. This time, we will not only do a grab bags, but also online sales. Students can do either or both. The Grab Bag fundraiser is where a family gets an assortment of coffee, cookies & cocoa to sell. These items are all custom roasted and custom labeled for Pioneer Music and are the highest quality. The Gourmet Grab Bag contains 6 (12 oz.) bags of coffee, 2 bags (2 lbs.) of chocolate chip cookie mix and 2 bags of hot cocoa mix. These items sell for $13 each and bring in $130. Of that, each student earns $50 profit. The Mini Grab Bag contains 2 bags of coffee and 2 bags of cocoa. Items sell for $13 and bring in $52. Of that, $20 is credited to the student. Because the food items are fresh roasted and ground, students who wish to participate must return this informational form, indicating how many Grab Bags they would like. The Grab Bag forms are due next Friday 11/9 for delivery the first week of December- in time for holiday parties and gifts! Custom assortments of specific coffee/ cocoa are also possible if you let me know in advance. Online sales are easy to promote through facebook or you can email this link.
Join us for our next Dinner Partner night next Thursday, November 8 at The Sandwich Mill on Kooser next to Chuck-E-Cheese. The Sandwich Mill has supported our programs in the past and continues to support not just Pioneer but other local schools as well. No flier is needed- just mention Pioneer!
Congratulations to all the ensembles that performed last week! We had a great turnout and a great concert. I'm pleased at the early progress that all three of the groups are making this year. Also, thanks to the generous support of families, we collected over $400 in donations as well.
Jazz Band will be participating in the West Valley Jazz Festival next Friday, November 2. We need parent drivers who can be with us throughout the day- 18 students plus our gear. If you are able to drive, contact me ASAP. All volunteer drivers must have the SJUSD Driver forms on file with the school office current this school year. Let me know if you have questions about these forms. All students will go to first period, then meet in my room at the beginning of second and get dressed to perform. We will be at Castillero from 9-11 for recruitment to interact with their band students. We'll go to lunch at the food court at Oakridge then go to West Valley for the festival. We'll be back at Pioneer by about 3:00.
We will begin our fall fundraiser this week, again this year with the We Care Coffee Company. This time, we will not only do a grab bags, but also online sales. Students can do either or both. The Grab Bag fundraiser is where a family gets an assortment of coffee, cookies & cocoa to sell. These items are all custom roasted and custom labeled for Pioneer Music and are the highest quality. The Gourmet Grab Bag contains 6 (12 oz.) bags of coffee, 2 bags (2 lbs.) of chocolate chip cookie mix and 2 bags of hot cocoa mix. These items sell for $13 each and bring in $130. Of that, each student earns $50 profit. The Mini Grab Bag contains 2 bags of coffee and 2 bags of cocoa. Items sell for $13 and bring in $52. Of that, $20 is credited to the student. Because the food items are fresh roasted and ground, students who wish to participate must return this informational form, indicating how many Grab Bags they would like. The Grab Bag forms are due next Friday 11/9 for delivery the first week of December- in time for holiday parties and gifts! Custom assortments of specific coffee/ cocoa are also possible if you let me know in advance. Online sales are easy to promote through facebook or you can email this link.
Join us for our next Dinner Partner night next Thursday, November 8 at The Sandwich Mill on Kooser next to Chuck-E-Cheese. The Sandwich Mill has supported our programs in the past and continues to support not just Pioneer but other local schools as well. No flier is needed- just mention Pioneer!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
October 8-12
Welcome Back! I hope you have had a good time during your week off.
Booster Parents- be aware that we'll be having a Big Band & Orchestra Benefit planning meeting soon. Once the date and time is set, I'll let you know.
Jazz Band will be performing at the Allen-at-Steinbeck walk a thon on Saturday, October 20 from 10:30-11:00 am. The campus is the same as Castillero, and we will be performing on the outdoor stage just outside the band room. Half of the band will meet at Pioneer before hand to load our equipment, while half of the band will return and unload. Call time at Pioneer to load will be 9:30, our performance will end at 11:00 and those doing the unloading should be done at PHS before 12:00.
Also, Jazz Band will be participating in the West Valley Jazz Festival on Friday, November 2. I hope to visit Castillero in the morning and then go to the festival after that, but will not know the details until I get them from WVC.
Fall Concert- is Wednesday, October 24 at 7:00 in the PAC. Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band & String Orchestra will be joined by Castillero's Chamber Strings and Jazz Band. This will be a wonderful joint performance and a great opportunity to welcome the Castillero students and families to Pioneer. Please encourage your friends and family to arrive early as the concert will begin promptly at 7:00.
There are many performances to go see this month! Look at the Live Music page and see if you can get to one of the many opportunities. Remember that your Live Review is due within one week of the concert you attend.
I have posted a Tour 2013 update for Jazz Band. Please review the details. I will be posting information for Wind Ensemble and Orchestra as soon as I am able to confirm more details. I hope to have these quite soon.
Finally, we will begin our next fundraiser soon with the We Care Coffee Company. Look for a separate blog post later this week with more info. In the meantime, you can check them out online.
Booster Parents- be aware that we'll be having a Big Band & Orchestra Benefit planning meeting soon. Once the date and time is set, I'll let you know.
Jazz Band will be performing at the Allen-at-Steinbeck walk a thon on Saturday, October 20 from 10:30-11:00 am. The campus is the same as Castillero, and we will be performing on the outdoor stage just outside the band room. Half of the band will meet at Pioneer before hand to load our equipment, while half of the band will return and unload. Call time at Pioneer to load will be 9:30, our performance will end at 11:00 and those doing the unloading should be done at PHS before 12:00.
Also, Jazz Band will be participating in the West Valley Jazz Festival on Friday, November 2. I hope to visit Castillero in the morning and then go to the festival after that, but will not know the details until I get them from WVC.
Fall Concert- is Wednesday, October 24 at 7:00 in the PAC. Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band & String Orchestra will be joined by Castillero's Chamber Strings and Jazz Band. This will be a wonderful joint performance and a great opportunity to welcome the Castillero students and families to Pioneer. Please encourage your friends and family to arrive early as the concert will begin promptly at 7:00.
There are many performances to go see this month! Look at the Live Music page and see if you can get to one of the many opportunities. Remember that your Live Review is due within one week of the concert you attend.
I have posted a Tour 2013 update for Jazz Band. Please review the details. I will be posting information for Wind Ensemble and Orchestra as soon as I am able to confirm more details. I hope to have these quite soon.
Finally, we will begin our next fundraiser soon with the We Care Coffee Company. Look for a separate blog post later this week with more info. In the meantime, you can check them out online.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
September 10-14
The Entertainment Book fundraiser wraps up Monday. Students can return all unsold books to me on Monday. Any unsold books not returned can still be sold and will still benefit the student. All money for the books ($30 each, checks to Pioneer Performing Arts) should be turned in this week.
Thank you to the Carrillo family for hosting dinner for our first football game. We were able to sell almost 50 burritos and raise some much needed funding for the band. This week, the Sandwich Mill will be hosting dinner. Students and families may pre-order a roast beef, turkey, ham or veggie sandwich through the end of school on Thursday. Dinner will be $7 each and include the sandwich, drink, chips and dessert.
The Tour 2013 Contract is due on Friday. Please take time to carefully consider your student's participation and your participation as a chaperone. It is so important that we have a great turnout in order to make for the most positive musical opportunity for all. I know that finances are a concern to some, but I want you to know that there are many students who have already raised a significant amount of money. We have also begun to put in place more effective fundraising and scholarship opportunities as well. I sincerely hope that these efforts will enable as many students to participate as possible.
On Wednesday, we will have our first dining partner dinner at Pizza My Heart on Blossom Hill (across from Oakridge). From 4-9 pm, just mention Pioneer Performing Arts when ordering, and we will get a 30% cut of your order- no fliers needed! Offer is valid on dine in, take out or delivery.
Finally, all students will receive a balance statement this week reflecting all the money paid, earned and charged so far this year. If you have already paid for your tuxedo, dress or pep band attire, thank you. If not, please send a check in to "Pioneer Performing Arts" this week. All students who have made a payment will get a receipt, and all future payments will get a receipt as soon as I receive them. For those of you who may be considering a donation, remember that all gifts are tax deductible and directly benefit our students. If you have questions about finances, please don't hesitate to email me.
Thank you to the Carrillo family for hosting dinner for our first football game. We were able to sell almost 50 burritos and raise some much needed funding for the band. This week, the Sandwich Mill will be hosting dinner. Students and families may pre-order a roast beef, turkey, ham or veggie sandwich through the end of school on Thursday. Dinner will be $7 each and include the sandwich, drink, chips and dessert.
The Tour 2013 Contract is due on Friday. Please take time to carefully consider your student's participation and your participation as a chaperone. It is so important that we have a great turnout in order to make for the most positive musical opportunity for all. I know that finances are a concern to some, but I want you to know that there are many students who have already raised a significant amount of money. We have also begun to put in place more effective fundraising and scholarship opportunities as well. I sincerely hope that these efforts will enable as many students to participate as possible.
On Wednesday, we will have our first dining partner dinner at Pizza My Heart on Blossom Hill (across from Oakridge). From 4-9 pm, just mention Pioneer Performing Arts when ordering, and we will get a 30% cut of your order- no fliers needed! Offer is valid on dine in, take out or delivery.
Finally, all students will receive a balance statement this week reflecting all the money paid, earned and charged so far this year. If you have already paid for your tuxedo, dress or pep band attire, thank you. If not, please send a check in to "Pioneer Performing Arts" this week. All students who have made a payment will get a receipt, and all future payments will get a receipt as soon as I receive them. For those of you who may be considering a donation, remember that all gifts are tax deductible and directly benefit our students. If you have questions about finances, please don't hesitate to email me.
Monday, September 3, 2012
September 4-7
Football Week! All of the information is here for food, call time and more. Additionally, in the likely event that our pep band polos do not come in before this game, I have asked students to wear some blue Pioneer shirt (their pride package shirt is a good choice) instead.
Back to School night is this Thursday! I will offer extra credit to all Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band members who can play a few pep band tunes in the quad from 5:30 to 5:45 (5:15 call, blue jeans & Pioneer blue shirts). I know it's short notice, but it would work the same way is it did last year. Plus, you get to start the year with extra credit :) I hope to see all parents there as we go over our start of year information and, most importantly, Tour 2013 information.
The Entertainment Book fundraiser is going on now! Click here for all the info.
Fittings will be this Wednesday during class! Boys who need a tux and girls who need a dress will be measured in class on Wednesday. For girls, the dress will be $65-$75 depending on sizing and shipping costs and is payable when the dresses arrive. For boys, the tux cost went up a bit this year. Prices are as follows for parts of the tux- poly coat $72, poly pants $27, shirt $18, vest $20, bowtie $8 and the studs and cuff links are included on a complete package. That makes a package this year $145. Shoes will be $45. While the prices are up, all tuxes will be furnished new rather than rental return. If a student needs a discount on shoes please contact me so that we can arrange to have you buy rental return (used) shoes.
Checks for dresses and tuxes should be made payable to Pioneer Performing Arts. Students who are participating in fundraising may use that to help with these costs. Students who plan to use fundraising to cover tour costs should pay for these directly.
Playing tests and seating changes will begin this week in all ensembles but Beginning Band. Students should be prepared to play scales and any of the music that I give them in class.
Beginning Band students will select instruments on Tuesday. There will be a small quiz to cover some of the information we have gone over these few weeks and that will play in to the instrument assignments. Ultimately, instrumentation is at my sole discretion. With 35 students in class, it will be something like 6 flutes, 6 clarinets, 5 saxophones, 6 trumpets, 6 trombones and 5 percussion. There is also the option for oboe or bassoon (must be rented through a local shop), baritone, tuba and French horn as well. We do not have enough saxophones to give, even to 5 students. Sax players will likely be asked to rent or purchase an instrument on their own. We do have instruments to check out for students playing any of the rest. There is a $50 Instrument Donation that we ask for all students who use school instruments.
Back to School night is this Thursday! I will offer extra credit to all Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band members who can play a few pep band tunes in the quad from 5:30 to 5:45 (5:15 call, blue jeans & Pioneer blue shirts). I know it's short notice, but it would work the same way is it did last year. Plus, you get to start the year with extra credit :) I hope to see all parents there as we go over our start of year information and, most importantly, Tour 2013 information.
The Entertainment Book fundraiser is going on now! Click here for all the info.
Fittings will be this Wednesday during class! Boys who need a tux and girls who need a dress will be measured in class on Wednesday. For girls, the dress will be $65-$75 depending on sizing and shipping costs and is payable when the dresses arrive. For boys, the tux cost went up a bit this year. Prices are as follows for parts of the tux- poly coat $72, poly pants $27, shirt $18, vest $20, bowtie $8 and the studs and cuff links are included on a complete package. That makes a package this year $145. Shoes will be $45. While the prices are up, all tuxes will be furnished new rather than rental return. If a student needs a discount on shoes please contact me so that we can arrange to have you buy rental return (used) shoes.
Checks for dresses and tuxes should be made payable to Pioneer Performing Arts. Students who are participating in fundraising may use that to help with these costs. Students who plan to use fundraising to cover tour costs should pay for these directly.
Playing tests and seating changes will begin this week in all ensembles but Beginning Band. Students should be prepared to play scales and any of the music that I give them in class.
Beginning Band students will select instruments on Tuesday. There will be a small quiz to cover some of the information we have gone over these few weeks and that will play in to the instrument assignments. Ultimately, instrumentation is at my sole discretion. With 35 students in class, it will be something like 6 flutes, 6 clarinets, 5 saxophones, 6 trumpets, 6 trombones and 5 percussion. There is also the option for oboe or bassoon (must be rented through a local shop), baritone, tuba and French horn as well. We do not have enough saxophones to give, even to 5 students. Sax players will likely be asked to rent or purchase an instrument on their own. We do have instruments to check out for students playing any of the rest. There is a $50 Instrument Donation that we ask for all students who use school instruments.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Entertainment Books
We are in the midst of our first fundraiser of the year! All
students in all classes have been given 2 Entertainment Books (coupon/
discount books) to sell. Books sell for $30 each and can be paid in cash or
check to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Students who wish to sell more can
bring in money from what they have already sold and request more. If
every student sells just the 2 books they already have, we will earn nearly $5,000 for the
program! Most of these funds ($10 from each book) directly credit to the student who sold the books for performing attire, travel and other expenses. A small portion of the profits are
kept for the program as a whole for things like music, instruments, scholarships and more.
All students will receive one FREE book for each five sold. Students can earn an unlimited number of free books (which can then be sold and turned into more profit...)
Also, the Entertainment Books go on sale at Costco later this fall for $35- so you are getting a great deal and supporting a great program!
All money or unsold books are due on MONDAY SEPTEMBER 10! Yes, books may be returned in good condition (no missing coupons!) if you are unable to sell them.
UPDATE: To sell books online, go to sellersection.entertainment.com. Our account number is 1006190. Using this online tool, students can earn credit selling books to areas across the country outside San Jose. This is great if you have friends and family outside the area who can participate in this fundraiser.
All students will receive one FREE book for each five sold. Students can earn an unlimited number of free books (which can then be sold and turned into more profit...)
Also, the Entertainment Books go on sale at Costco later this fall for $35- so you are getting a great deal and supporting a great program!
All money or unsold books are due on MONDAY SEPTEMBER 10! Yes, books may be returned in good condition (no missing coupons!) if you are unable to sell them.
UPDATE: To sell books online, go to sellersection.entertainment.com. Our account number is 1006190. Using this online tool, students can earn credit selling books to areas across the country outside San Jose. This is great if you have friends and family outside the area who can participate in this fundraiser.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
August 27-31
Football season kicks off next week! All members of the Pep Band (Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band) will be participating in the first game of the season next Friday, September 7. Call time will be about 5:30. Starting this year, we are going to be hosting a dinner fundraiser before the games. This time around the Carrillo family will be hosting with burritos. While the details aren't set, students will be able to purchase dinner before the game and the proceeds will benefit our program, rather than the athletic department concessions during the game. Students will be able to sign up in advance and any extra meals that we have will be available to other band students and then to friends and family. More info on this will be posted next week.
Did you turn in your Course Handbook form? It is so important that every student gets this form signed and turned in. Please check if you will need a tux or dress as well as your size information for polo shirts and jackets. The polos and jackets are required of Pep Band and optional to others. Read the handbook for more info.
Have you completed and turned in your first two Listening Logs? I guide you through these assignments in class and give you time to complete them. If you need extra help with these, or if you didn't do them yet, come in after school or during S period and I can make sure you understand how to complete these assignments successfully. Check the PIV to see if you have any missing work to this point.
We will begin our first fundraiser this week! Students will sell Entertainment Books for $30 each- of which about $10 is profit back to us. Checks can be made to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Money students raise can be used for a tuxedo, dress, polos, or even our trips. While $30 may seem like an investment for coupons, remember that with $10 profit, it's only about a $20 book and that is easily made up by using just two of the restaurant coupons. In addition to those, there are retail coupons, travel coupons and much, much more. I have personally made great use of the Entertainment Book I got last year.
This week- bands will be getting ready for the football season, Beginning Band will be working on the brass family and continue note and rhythm reading, Orchestra will begin to do some playing tests, ensembles will finish student leadership and all classes will kick off the Entertainment Book fundraiser.
Finally, if you haven't taken time to look at the information for the 2013 Spring Tour, please do so. I hope to have as many students and parent chaperones participating as possible. If you have any questions, let me know.
Did you turn in your Course Handbook form? It is so important that every student gets this form signed and turned in. Please check if you will need a tux or dress as well as your size information for polo shirts and jackets. The polos and jackets are required of Pep Band and optional to others. Read the handbook for more info.
Have you completed and turned in your first two Listening Logs? I guide you through these assignments in class and give you time to complete them. If you need extra help with these, or if you didn't do them yet, come in after school or during S period and I can make sure you understand how to complete these assignments successfully. Check the PIV to see if you have any missing work to this point.
We will begin our first fundraiser this week! Students will sell Entertainment Books for $30 each- of which about $10 is profit back to us. Checks can be made to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Money students raise can be used for a tuxedo, dress, polos, or even our trips. While $30 may seem like an investment for coupons, remember that with $10 profit, it's only about a $20 book and that is easily made up by using just two of the restaurant coupons. In addition to those, there are retail coupons, travel coupons and much, much more. I have personally made great use of the Entertainment Book I got last year.
This week- bands will be getting ready for the football season, Beginning Band will be working on the brass family and continue note and rhythm reading, Orchestra will begin to do some playing tests, ensembles will finish student leadership and all classes will kick off the Entertainment Book fundraiser.
Finally, if you haven't taken time to look at the information for the 2013 Spring Tour, please do so. I hope to have as many students and parent chaperones participating as possible. If you have any questions, let me know.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
August 20-24
I am so glad for the great work we have already achieved in the first three days of class! I will begin counting rehearsal points tomorrow, so all students should be prepared to play with reeds, valve oil, rosin or any other supplies needed. Don't forget that the signature page for the course handbook is due this Friday. Also, please take time to indicate sizes of polo shirts, jackets and need for a tuxedo or dress on the back page.
Listening Logs are due tomorrow. If you have a question, or were unable to complete this assignment, I will be assisting students Monday during S period. All journals must be turned in by the end of the day Monday.
All students who need to use a school instrument (except Beginning Band) this year should have already gotten a blue contract. No student is allowed to take an instrument home without turning in this blue contract. Families who are able to make the Instrument Donation are asked to make checks to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Students are reminded to consider opportunities for student leadership this week. I will meet with all candidates prior to elections. In addition to the officers, as we begin to play, I will be working to determine section leaders for the year.
Due to a last minute personnel change, there is one sax opening in Jazz Band. I will take time to hear every sax player in Wind Ensemble and Concert Band audition Monday as there may be some shuffling taking place this week. Schedule changes will only be available with administrative approval because the school year has already started.
We will also begin our first fundraiser of the year- Entertainment Book sales. Similar to last year, I ask every family to sell just two books. If we do just that, we will raise about $4,000- most of which goes directly into student credit for performing attire, travel and more. Books will retail for $30 with a profit of $10 each. Checks can be made to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Many students have begun to turn in tour contracts. Please remember that there is a $250 deposit which must be submitted with the contract. More information, and a tour contract are available on the Tour 2013 page of my blog. This contract is due Friday, September 14 and checks should be made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Listening Logs are due tomorrow. If you have a question, or were unable to complete this assignment, I will be assisting students Monday during S period. All journals must be turned in by the end of the day Monday.
All students who need to use a school instrument (except Beginning Band) this year should have already gotten a blue contract. No student is allowed to take an instrument home without turning in this blue contract. Families who are able to make the Instrument Donation are asked to make checks to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Students are reminded to consider opportunities for student leadership this week. I will meet with all candidates prior to elections. In addition to the officers, as we begin to play, I will be working to determine section leaders for the year.
Due to a last minute personnel change, there is one sax opening in Jazz Band. I will take time to hear every sax player in Wind Ensemble and Concert Band audition Monday as there may be some shuffling taking place this week. Schedule changes will only be available with administrative approval because the school year has already started.
We will also begin our first fundraiser of the year- Entertainment Book sales. Similar to last year, I ask every family to sell just two books. If we do just that, we will raise about $4,000- most of which goes directly into student credit for performing attire, travel and more. Books will retail for $30 with a profit of $10 each. Checks can be made to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Many students have begun to turn in tour contracts. Please remember that there is a $250 deposit which must be submitted with the contract. More information, and a tour contract are available on the Tour 2013 page of my blog. This contract is due Friday, September 14 and checks should be made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Sunday, May 13, 2012
5/14-5/18
The penultimate week of classes! Before we are done, though- we have several very important things to take care of. If you missed the tour information, get it here. If you are looking for the ensemble rosters for next year, click here. Also note that the 2012-2013 performing schedule is posted as well!
Your Live Review is due Friday! If you've not done this yet- get all the info on the Live Music page and get out to a concert!
Finale Concerts- Wednesday & Thursday at 7:00 in the PAC, free admission. Wednesday night will feature Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. Thursday night will feature String Orchestra and Jazz Band. Call time for performers is 6:30. Please be prompt and plan to stay through the duration of the concert. Both concerts should be about an hour and a half in length.
BBQ Dinner Fundraiser- Wednesday the 23rd at Blue Rock BBQ. Bring the flier and the band & orchestra will get 20% of your dinner bill. Join us for great BBQ and support your student's music education at the same time.
Jazz Band @ Senior Awards Night- Thursday the 24th here at PHS in the quad. Formal performing attire. Seniors may dress as they will to attend the ceremony. Call time 5:00 to set up, then we will perform from 5:30-6:00 to play families into the PAC. We will not play at the end of the event as we did last year.
Graduation- Wind Ensemble students and those who are invited to join us- Thursday, June 1. Call time at PHS will be about 3:30. We will bus over to the rose garden and bus back after (approx. return time 7:30-8:30, depending on the ceremony and traffic). All students performing with a school instrument MUST check the instrument in with me back at PHS after the performance. Students with personal instruments or summer instrument contracts are not required to return to PHS.
Finally, if you are among the 22 students who owe the program a combined $1,578, please make your payments immediately! I can no longer delay payments as we are at the end of the year. If you have questions about your balance, contact me. To those of you with a positive balance, you will carry that over to start next year.
Your Live Review is due Friday! If you've not done this yet- get all the info on the Live Music page and get out to a concert!
Finale Concerts- Wednesday & Thursday at 7:00 in the PAC, free admission. Wednesday night will feature Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. Thursday night will feature String Orchestra and Jazz Band. Call time for performers is 6:30. Please be prompt and plan to stay through the duration of the concert. Both concerts should be about an hour and a half in length.
BBQ Dinner Fundraiser- Wednesday the 23rd at Blue Rock BBQ. Bring the flier and the band & orchestra will get 20% of your dinner bill. Join us for great BBQ and support your student's music education at the same time.
Jazz Band @ Senior Awards Night- Thursday the 24th here at PHS in the quad. Formal performing attire. Seniors may dress as they will to attend the ceremony. Call time 5:00 to set up, then we will perform from 5:30-6:00 to play families into the PAC. We will not play at the end of the event as we did last year.
Graduation- Wind Ensemble students and those who are invited to join us- Thursday, June 1. Call time at PHS will be about 3:30. We will bus over to the rose garden and bus back after (approx. return time 7:30-8:30, depending on the ceremony and traffic). All students performing with a school instrument MUST check the instrument in with me back at PHS after the performance. Students with personal instruments or summer instrument contracts are not required to return to PHS.
Finally, if you are among the 22 students who owe the program a combined $1,578, please make your payments immediately! I can no longer delay payments as we are at the end of the year. If you have questions about your balance, contact me. To those of you with a positive balance, you will carry that over to start next year.
Sunday, 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, March 25, 2012
3/26- 3/30
 | |
| Now a family of 5 |
West Side Story was great! If you missed last weekend, you can still catch shows this Wednesday through Saturday night at 7:00 in the PAC. There are plenty of tickets for Wednesday or Thursday, but the weekend is nearly sold out, so be sure to arrive early.
Fundraiser orders are now due. Please turn in your brochure order forms and payments Monday or Tuesday so that we can get our orders placed on time and still take delivery as scheduled the week after Spring break.
Audition Information and course sign up information is online here- check it out! Sign-ups for specific dates and times will follow by next week.
Keep in mind our festival on Saturday, April 28. I will need not only student helpers, but parent helpers throughout the day for various tasks. We'll have a planning meeting as the date approaches, but in the meantime, just keep this date open. Again, we are not performing, just hosting. There will be performances from about 8 am to 3 pm in both the PAC and the Gym and we'll be using several other rooms across the campus. Thanks in advance for your support this weekend as it is a great fundraiser for the program!
I will be working to catch up on the many things which have piled up on my "to do" list these past days. I appreciate your patience in advance as I try and catch up on grading, emails and the many other things left undone while I was out.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
3/19- 3/23
West Side Story opens this week! You won't want to miss this one! Friday & Saturday this week and next Wednesday to Saturday, all shows at 7:00 in the PAC. Click here for ticket information. Performers are reminded that their call this week Monday to Thursday is 6:30. Call time for performances is 6:00. This Saturday, we will host a dinner for all performers, including the pit, before the show at about 4:00 in the PAC. Students will get more info at rehearsal this week.
Spring Fundraising is beginning to wrap up this week. All brochure orders are due this week. Also, students who have checked out boxes of candy bars should pay the $50 for those as soon as the items are sold. If I am out of the office during the day- students should NOT give any money or paperwork to a sub! I have fewer than 10 boxes of chocolate remaining, for those students who would like to participate. Each box is 50 chocolate bars at $1 each and 50% profit to the program/ student.
Congratulations to the Jazz Band for a great performance Friday night with the West Valley College! With so many performances recently, it will be nice to take a few weeks and focus on the joy of playing music for its own sake. We'll pick back up after spring break, but in the mean time- some quality time to focus on fundamentals and the simple joy of music making.
Spring Fundraising is beginning to wrap up this week. All brochure orders are due this week. Also, students who have checked out boxes of candy bars should pay the $50 for those as soon as the items are sold. If I am out of the office during the day- students should NOT give any money or paperwork to a sub! I have fewer than 10 boxes of chocolate remaining, for those students who would like to participate. Each box is 50 chocolate bars at $1 each and 50% profit to the program/ student.
Congratulations to the Jazz Band for a great performance Friday night with the West Valley College! With so many performances recently, it will be nice to take a few weeks and focus on the joy of playing music for its own sake. We'll pick back up after spring break, but in the mean time- some quality time to focus on fundamentals and the simple joy of music making.
Monday, March 12, 2012
3/13- 3/16
CAHSEE week! Sophomores are testing Tuesday and Wednesday and the school will be on an "S" Period schedule for those days. Thursday and Friday are both regular days (no "C" period) with 60 minute classes.
Join the Jazz Band and West Valley Jazz Band on Friday night at 8:00 at West Valley College for a great evening of live jazz. We may have some free tickets left at the end of the week, otherwise, the performance is $10 admission. I will offer extra credit to students who do a review of this performance- it does not count for the review assignment, however. Jazz Band, your call will be 6:00 at West Valley (yes, earlier than I had anticipated).
West Side Story pit rehearsals this week are 6:30-10:00. Tuesday we will have to move our equipment into the PAC and set up our chairs, lights and other equipment during S period. We will leave as much set up as possible to minimize extra time. Next week, we will be rehearsing every night- so please plan ahead! If you've got projects or big assignments or exams to study for, don't put them off! Get working now so that you don't fall behind in your other classes over the final 3 weeks of the show.
Audition information for the 2012-2013 school year is now posted! All current students in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble or Jazz Band are able to continue without an audition. Band students who hope to move up and all continuing Orchestra students are required to audition. Check out the audition page for all the info.
Our Spring Fundraising continues this week. Students who are participating in the candy bar sale should turn in their $50 as soon as they sell the last candy bar. There are a few boxes of candy bars left for interested students. Orders for the brochure items are not due until next week! You can continue to collect orders through Monday, 3/18. All checks should be made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Student participation in our fundraising efforts is so important. Please encourage your child to take an active role in supporting our program.
****UPDATE**** Live Review opportunity- San Jose State University Wind Ensemble, Thursday at 7:30. Free admission with letter I can give to interested students. There are some great pieces on the program- get there!
Join the Jazz Band and West Valley Jazz Band on Friday night at 8:00 at West Valley College for a great evening of live jazz. We may have some free tickets left at the end of the week, otherwise, the performance is $10 admission. I will offer extra credit to students who do a review of this performance- it does not count for the review assignment, however. Jazz Band, your call will be 6:00 at West Valley (yes, earlier than I had anticipated).
West Side Story pit rehearsals this week are 6:30-10:00. Tuesday we will have to move our equipment into the PAC and set up our chairs, lights and other equipment during S period. We will leave as much set up as possible to minimize extra time. Next week, we will be rehearsing every night- so please plan ahead! If you've got projects or big assignments or exams to study for, don't put them off! Get working now so that you don't fall behind in your other classes over the final 3 weeks of the show.
Audition information for the 2012-2013 school year is now posted! All current students in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble or Jazz Band are able to continue without an audition. Band students who hope to move up and all continuing Orchestra students are required to audition. Check out the audition page for all the info.
Our Spring Fundraising continues this week. Students who are participating in the candy bar sale should turn in their $50 as soon as they sell the last candy bar. There are a few boxes of candy bars left for interested students. Orders for the brochure items are not due until next week! You can continue to collect orders through Monday, 3/18. All checks should be made payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts." Student participation in our fundraising efforts is so important. Please encourage your child to take an active role in supporting our program.
****UPDATE**** Live Review opportunity- San Jose State University Wind Ensemble, Thursday at 7:30. Free admission with letter I can give to interested students. There are some great pieces on the program- get there!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
3/5-3/9
Jazz Gigs
Softball Gig- this Saturday 3/10. We will play 2 sets, one from 10:30-11:00 and a short set after the ceremony from about 11:20- 11:45. Students will be required either to load equipment at PHS in the morning and do set-up or break down after the gig and return the equipment to PHS after. Load in will begin at the band room at 9:45. Break down will be immediately following the gig. Call time for students not doing loading in the morning is at Graystone is 10:15. We will be in jeans and our polo shirts for this gig.
West Valley College joint performance- next Friday 3/16 at 8:00 pm. I don't know what time our sound check will be, but anticipate a call time at about 7:00 at the West Valley College theater. We will not have to bring any of our equipment with us- students will just have to have their instruments and music. We have 75 tickets to distribute for free- I will need to know from all students how many their family plans to use this week so I can distribute those. There will be additional tickets available at the door for $10. All tickets are general admission. We are opening for the WVC Jazz Band, which will follow our performance. I expect all performers and audience members to remain for the duration of the concert- it is poor concert etiquette to arrive late or leave early from any performance. Plus, it's a great opportunity for a free live review!
Fundraiser
This week we kick off our spring fundraising efforts. There will be two parts to this- the first is a regular $1 candy bar sale and the other is a catalog sale of frozen dessert and snack items. The candy bars will net 50% profit (40% to the student) and the catalog will net 40% profit (30% to the student). The candy bar sale will be ongoing for about 3 weeks and we can reorder as many as we need as long as students continue to sell. Students will be allowed to take one box at a time and can check out as many more as they want when they return the $50 from the sale of the candy. Students will take orders from the brochure for about 2 or 3 weeks. Students should collect funds- cash or checks are fine- checks should be payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Grading Update
This week, I am going to start Weekly Quizzes in each class. This will give me an opportunity to check in with each student in each class at least once a week to monitor individual progress on whatever it is we happen to be working on at the time. This will be a part of the students' performance grade. While each week isn't going to be a huge grade, the cumulative result of a student's work will impact his overall grade.
Many students have not turned in their written work. I will accept make up work without deduction until this Friday. Beyond that point, the first 4 journals which we have done (in class, with much guidance from me, and with many opportunities for after school help) must be turned in, or they will be subject to a late work deduction.
West Side Story is kicking into high gear! With rehearsals 4 nights a week this week and next, students should be reminded to make use of every available moment during the day to keep up with school work and other things. Please be careful with your health, too, as a busy schedule can weaken your immune system. Monday to Wednesday of this week, I am going to push our rehearsals from 7-9:30. Starting Thursday, all rehearsals are scheduled 6-10 in the PAC with the cast. We have already sold some $5,000 worth of tickets, so get your ticket order form in early to secure the best seats at your choice performance.
On Friday, April 27, we have a joint performance with Castillero at Pioneer at 7:00 in the PAC. The Castillero Jazz Band and Chamber Strings will be joining our Jazz Band and Symphony (?) Orchestra. We will need parent help to produce this concert. If you are interested, let me know.
On Saturday, April 28, we will be hosting a festival for Music In The Parks. Much of the set-up will be done Friday prior to our concert. I will need many parents to help throughout the day to set-up, run various parts of the event and then work with clean up. If you are able to help, let me know. This event will raise at least $1,000 for our program- so let's make this a great event that we can use every year.
Softball Gig- this Saturday 3/10. We will play 2 sets, one from 10:30-11:00 and a short set after the ceremony from about 11:20- 11:45. Students will be required either to load equipment at PHS in the morning and do set-up or break down after the gig and return the equipment to PHS after. Load in will begin at the band room at 9:45. Break down will be immediately following the gig. Call time for students not doing loading in the morning is at Graystone is 10:15. We will be in jeans and our polo shirts for this gig.
West Valley College joint performance- next Friday 3/16 at 8:00 pm. I don't know what time our sound check will be, but anticipate a call time at about 7:00 at the West Valley College theater. We will not have to bring any of our equipment with us- students will just have to have their instruments and music. We have 75 tickets to distribute for free- I will need to know from all students how many their family plans to use this week so I can distribute those. There will be additional tickets available at the door for $10. All tickets are general admission. We are opening for the WVC Jazz Band, which will follow our performance. I expect all performers and audience members to remain for the duration of the concert- it is poor concert etiquette to arrive late or leave early from any performance. Plus, it's a great opportunity for a free live review!
Fundraiser
This week we kick off our spring fundraising efforts. There will be two parts to this- the first is a regular $1 candy bar sale and the other is a catalog sale of frozen dessert and snack items. The candy bars will net 50% profit (40% to the student) and the catalog will net 40% profit (30% to the student). The candy bar sale will be ongoing for about 3 weeks and we can reorder as many as we need as long as students continue to sell. Students will be allowed to take one box at a time and can check out as many more as they want when they return the $50 from the sale of the candy. Students will take orders from the brochure for about 2 or 3 weeks. Students should collect funds- cash or checks are fine- checks should be payable to "Pioneer Performing Arts."
Grading Update
This week, I am going to start Weekly Quizzes in each class. This will give me an opportunity to check in with each student in each class at least once a week to monitor individual progress on whatever it is we happen to be working on at the time. This will be a part of the students' performance grade. While each week isn't going to be a huge grade, the cumulative result of a student's work will impact his overall grade.
Many students have not turned in their written work. I will accept make up work without deduction until this Friday. Beyond that point, the first 4 journals which we have done (in class, with much guidance from me, and with many opportunities for after school help) must be turned in, or they will be subject to a late work deduction.
West Side Story is kicking into high gear! With rehearsals 4 nights a week this week and next, students should be reminded to make use of every available moment during the day to keep up with school work and other things. Please be careful with your health, too, as a busy schedule can weaken your immune system. Monday to Wednesday of this week, I am going to push our rehearsals from 7-9:30. Starting Thursday, all rehearsals are scheduled 6-10 in the PAC with the cast. We have already sold some $5,000 worth of tickets, so get your ticket order form in early to secure the best seats at your choice performance.
On Friday, April 27, we have a joint performance with Castillero at Pioneer at 7:00 in the PAC. The Castillero Jazz Band and Chamber Strings will be joining our Jazz Band and Symphony (?) Orchestra. We will need parent help to produce this concert. If you are interested, let me know.
On Saturday, April 28, we will be hosting a festival for Music In The Parks. Much of the set-up will be done Friday prior to our concert. I will need many parents to help throughout the day to set-up, run various parts of the event and then work with clean up. If you are able to help, let me know. This event will raise at least $1,000 for our program- so let's make this a great event that we can use every year.
Sunday, 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.
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!
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