April 18-22

Spring Tour 2011 to Anaheim is now in the books.  For pictures and a summary, click here.  All three of my ensembles  gave the most musical performances they've given all year!  I'm proud of their work!  I look forward to the next few weeks of this year as we build from this great foundation.

Spring Tour 2012 plans are coming along well.  Right now, we are planning to travel to Oahu April 9-13, 2012 (spring break).  The trip will include public performances, exchange/ clinic performances, cultural and tourist activities.  I hope to bring Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra on this trip. Be sure to check out the Tour 2012 page to get all the information about inclusions, activities, costs and fundraising opportunities.

We will begin a fundraiser this week!  We'll be selling dessert and snack items like cheesecakes and cookie dough.  Be sure to ask your student to share their brochure and order form with you at the end of this week.  The fundraiser will run until about April 29 and all items will be scheduled for delivery to the school Friday afternoon May 20.

Auditions, week one!  If you have signed up for an audition time for this week, please check the audition schedule posted in my room.  I tried to observe all schedule requests.  For the Castillero students, I will take students as they arrive after school- Tuesday for band and Friday for strings.  Castillero students who can't make it on their assigned day can sign up for any of the other dates at Pioneer.

CST exams continue this week.  Monday is an "S" period schedule.  Tuesday/ Thursday students attend periods 2, 4 and 6 and on Wednesday/ Friday students attend 1, 3, 5.

CMEA Band festival is Friday, May 6 at Gilroy HS.  Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will meet at school at 5:15 and we will take a school bus down to the festival.  We will not be back until about 11:00 that night.

CMEA Orchestra festival is Saturday, May 7 at Independence HS.  We are currently scheduled to perform in the morning, but I'm working to move that to an afternoon slot to avoid SAT conflicts.

End of year concerts are Wednesday and Thursday May 18 and 19 at 7:00 in the PAC.  Look for your ensemble's specific night by next week.  Graduation is also coming quickly- Thursday evening, June 2 at the beautiful San Jose Municipal Rose Garden.  More info to follow.

Most students still need to get out and see a live performance for their spring review.  Be sure to plan what performance you will see and get the review form turned in!

Anaheim Wrap-up

We had a great trip and got everyone home safely!  For photos and more, please check out my facebook page.

Anaheim Day 1

It's been a good first day.  We departed Pioneer just after 2:00 pm and arrived at our hotel at about 10:00 pm.  Aside from some snow over the grapevine, we arrived without incident.  It seems as if we have one bus which is the 'quiet bus' and the other, dubbed the 'party bus.'  Tomorrow will be a busy day with performances, park time and awards so it is comforting that the kids are all now fairly quiet in their rooms.  For a photo summary of the day, check out my facebook account- http://www.facebook.com/mccoysmusic

Look for more to come in tomorrow's posts!

April 4-8

Tour Week & CST Testing

Don't forget to get your Tour Medical/ Permission Forms turned in by Monday!  I will continue to update the Tour page of the blog with any information as it changes.  A reminder to all tour families that we will have our pre-tour meeting this Thursday, April 7 at 8:15 following the April Music Booster meeting.  There will also be a chaperone meeting preceding the Booster meeting at 6:30.

CST testing this week means the following schedule- Monday "S" period as usual, Tuesday/ Thursday periods 2, 4 and 6, Wednesday/ Friday periods 1, 3 and 5, class runs 7:25 am to 1:25 pm.  Seventh period meets every day from 1:30-2:20.  Students will be taking the English/ Language Arts CST exam.

Our April Music/ Drama Booster Club meeting is this Thursday, April 7 at 7:30 in the Faculty Dining Room.

If you haven't checked out the Audition Info, be sure that you do.  The page includes an important link so that you can sign-up for your audition time.  Auditions are scheduled by appointment during the two weeks of April 18 and April 25.  If you have specific scheduling requirements, be sure to schedule your appointment soon as I will take requests in the order I get them.  I will not be able to add additional slots to dates which fill up.  There is a spot on the online registration form for you to give me specific scheduling requests for the date of your choice.

Take time to get out to a live performance so that you can complete your Live Review.  I have provided several links to outside performing groups on the Live Music page of the blog.  Various groups are in the midst of the spring concert season.  Get out and support live music in the community while checking one assignment off your to do list!

March 28- April 1

42nd Street was a great show!  I'm so proud to have been a part of such an outstanding production.  For those who weren't able to get out and see the show, you missed out!  I hope you can make our next performances and productions.  Now that the show has closed, I look forward to a little sanity and a schedule which allows more time for me to focus on my classes and my family.

Be sure to get all of the latest tour information on the Tour Page including the Permission form!

Auditions are coming up in just 3-4 weeks!  I will be publishing an online audition sign up for students this week.  More audition info is on my Audition Page.

Please take time to review the school's CST testing schedule which will impact what classes meet when from April 4-29.  We need all students to do their best, so please plan ahead.  Plus, I don't want anyone to leave their materials at home on a day when we meet as an ensemble.  I'll provide weekly reminders of the schedule in my weekly announcements.

March 21-25

42nd Street is going great!  All of my students can earn extra credit by attending one of the performances, greeting me there and turning in their ticket with their name on it the following day.

With just three weeks to go until our 2011 music tour to Anaheim, we are in final phase of musical and logistical preparations.  Later this week, I will send home (email and hard copy) details regarding our schedule, what to pack, travel rules, etc. for all tour participants.  Please watch for this!

Auditions will take place the weeks of April 18 & 25.  For more info, check out my Audition & Info page.  Students looking to advance their skills who are interested in lessons with me should contact me to arrange lessons.  I work at a low rate for students and will teach here at Pioneer.  Contact me for more information.

CMEA Band festival is scheduled for Friday night, May 6 at Gilroy High School.  We will depart PHS at about 5:30 pm and return to PHS at about 11:00 pm.  I will need about 10 parents who would like to join us to travel along as chaperones.  The event is free, open to the public, and features performances by several local school ensembles.  School bus travel has already been arranged for all students, but travel is contingent upon enough adult volunteers.  This is one of our most significant performances and with sight-reading for Wind Ensemble, represents the peak of our musical achievement for the year.  I know that many students will be taking AP Exams that day, but these will be finished in plenty of time for students to arrive in the afternoon dressed in their performing attire, already having eaten dinner.  Let me know if you'd like to travel with us.

CMEA Orchestra festival will be on Saturday, May 7 at Independence HS.  The schedule has not been published yet.  I will share that information once it's available.

Our End of Year concerts have been changed slightly to May 18 & 19 at 7:00.  Each student will only be performing one night and those nights have not yet been assigned.

Don't forget to get out and see a live performance!  Many students have already completed their Live Review requirement for this semester.  Don't get caught at the end of May unable to get out to a concert.

March 7-11

Word on the street is out- 42nd Street is going to be great!

 

Mark your calendar for March 18-19 or 23-26, all shows at 7:00 pm in the Pioneer HS PAC.  Tickets are $7 students or $15 for adults.  All instrumental music students will get extra credit for attending!

Don't forget to turn in your listening journals on Monday.  If you missed Friday's listening assignment for any reason, you can get the info on my previous post.

There are several concerts coming soon for students who would like to get out and do their Live Review.  Take a few moments and check out the links to outside performing groups and plan to attend a performance which is appropriate to your ensemble and which fits into your families schedule.  Complete information, and links to outside ensembles are on the Live Music page.

Tour details continue to fall in to place.  For the most current info on travel, performance and lodging check the Tour page.  Students and chaperones with any balance due should continue to make payments as all funds must be turned in this month.  If you have questions about finances, please contact me.  We do now have enough chaperones.  Those who were unable to travel with us this year, plans are already in the works for a great trip in the spring of 2012 for the ensembles of the Pioneer Music Department.  Once our destination is settled, I will announce dates and costs to give all families the information they need in a timely fashion.

For those of you keeping track, the instrumental program is still owed $3,471.49.

February 14-18

$9,584.99

That's how much money students currently owe the instrumental music program!  There are still students who owe for part of their tour, performing attire or other miscellaneous items.  Every student will receive a balance statement in class tomorrow showing their current standing.  Please ask your student to share this information with you and send payment (cash or check to "Pioneer Music/ Drama Boosters) ASAP.  Also, we are looking for 2-4 more parent chaperones for our trip.  The cost is $425, but I'm working to lower that by up to $50.  If you are interested, contact me ASAP.  I will be off campus attending the California All-State music conference (CMEA/ CBDA/ CODA/ CAJ) Thursday and Friday, so please send all payments by Wendesay.  Contact me if you know you will need some financial extension.

Beginning Band students will take their final playing test in the red book Tuesday & Wednesday of this week on the solo at the back of the book.  Students should purchase the blue book during the break and bring that with them when classes resume February 28.

Thanks again to all the parents who helped to produce the Big Band Dance!  Through their help, and through your attendance and support, we were able to raise more money this year than we ever have- thanks in no small part to the amazing silent auction chaired by Dan Vezinaw.  We are looking for a few parents to join us next year as we plan for Big Band Dance 2012.  I hope you will consider partnering with us in support of your child's music education.

***** UPDATE 2/15 2:30pm*****
-$7,954.29
Let's keep those payments coming in!

February 7-11

Thanks to all who came out and supported us at the 16th Annual Big Band Dance!  The students did a great job, the desserts were great and we had some very active items in our silent auction.  Thanks to Beth Linvill and all of the parents on her team, without whose work this event would not have happened!

The final payment for our LA Tour is due on Friday, February 11.  Students who have not participated in any fundraising and have made their payments ($250 so far) will owe $250.  Those who participated in various fundraising opportunities will owe less than that.  Once we get our final count from the BBD Raffle this week, I will send account statements home with students.  As always, parents are welcome to email me and ask about any funds that they owe.

42nd Street Pit Orchestra will rehearse Monday and Thursday this week from 7-9.  All participating students should be working on their music regularly outside of rehearsal time.  Students who need a copy of the recordings should bring in a blank CD or flash drive so that I can make those available.

This week will mark the end of the first grading period using our new Infinite Campus gradebook system.  I hope that as I work through the grades this week, they will accurately reflect the work each individual student has completed to this point.  If you have questions about your grade, please let me know at the end of the week so that I can check it out for you.  Remember that this is a progress report and does impact athletic eligibility, but does not stay on transcripts.

November 29- December 3

I hope that you and your family had a good time together this Thanksgiving holiday.

Time is flying by and we are quickly approaching the half way mark in the year, and that means it's time for our Winter Concerts!  Every instrumental student will perform- Beginning Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and String Orchestra all perform on Thursday, December 9 at 7:00 in the PAC.  The call time for all students is 6:00 in room 107.  In all ensembles except Beginning Band, students are to wear their ensemble dress and tuxedo.  For Beginning Band, students wear concert black.  That means males wear black dress shoes, dress slacks and a white button up dress shirt; a tie is optional.  Females may choose to wear a dress/ skirt that falls below the knees when seated or elegant black slacks and top.  If you have questions about appropriate performing attire, contact me ASAP.  With our first formal performance comes a reminder about grades- students must be academically eligible to perform (2.0 minimum GPA with not more than 2 F's).  If a student's grades are too low, the student is still required to attend the performance, but will be required an alternate assignment.  There is NO excused absence for any student for any reason from our performance.  Students who miss this performance may fail the ensemble for the semester.

The Music/ Drama Boosters meeting will be Thursday night at 7:30.  I urge you to attend.  We cannot be successful without a strong contingent of parent support at our booster meetings.  So far, attendance has been scarce at best.  The agenda will be along these lines- 7:30 booster business, 7:40 teacher announcements, 7:50 parent planning and feedback time.  If you are a parent of a freshman or sophomore (not excluding juniors and seniors, but you will be graduating soon, too), we need you there!  Immediately following the Booster meeting will be our Big Band Dance committee meeting.  We are also looking for Wind Ensemble & Jazz Band parents who can help carry on the work now being done by parents whose students are juniors and seniors.  It's a great group to work with and with everyone doing their part, no single role is too daunting.

Our tour plans for LA 2010 are coming along well.  All students and chaperones should have paid at least $150 toward the tour costs by this point.  We have had a few students join us in the recent weeks, and we are looking for several more chaperones.  It is an important job and we cannot travel without enough adults- but I try to keep it fun too!  If you'd like more info, let me know or ask at our upcoming booster meeting.  For all the info, go to the Tour 2011 page.

Have you gone to see and review a live performance yet?  There are several performances this week.  Be sure to check my Live Music page for more information about outside performances as well as the form to complete.

November 15-19

Congratulations to the Pioneer Performing Arts for a wonderful Veterans Day tribute!  The PAC was packed to standing room only, with the audience spilling out the back door into the quad.  The audience was treated to a thoughtful, moving tribute to our country and those who have served her.

PHS Orchestra

PHS Wind Ensemble

PHS Jazz Band

Football season is now over.  All students should return their flip folders with all pep band music to me.  I will file all of the music so that next fall it is all ready for distribution.

This week is a little lighter, but there are still some key activities to be aware of.  The second payment for our LA Tour is now past due.  All participants, including parent chaperones, should have turned in $150 so far.  Checks can be made out to "Pioneer Music & Drama Boosters." If you have questions about the details of our trip, please see the tour page here.

To offset some of the costs of our program, students are able to participate in fund raising opportunities.  The first round of our first fund raiser is going on now.  Students who have their grab bag of coffee and cookie mix should collect all money ($12 coffee/ $13 cookie mix) and turn it in to me by Friday.  Checks should be made payable to "Pioneer Music & Drama Boosters."  Did you miss out on the first round, but still hope to participate and make some money?  Review this fundraising form and submit it by this Friday.  For those who join us this time, we anticipate delivery of the product in early December, with plenty of time to distribute items before the Christmas holiday season.

A plug for our Boosters club- we need parents!  In an effort to connect more parents, we may change our meeting format.  If it would help attract more involvement, we will start at 7:30.  The agenda would generally follow this format- 7:30-7:40 general booster management and budget information, 7:40-7:50 program specific information from the directors (instrumental, vocal, drama), 7:50-8:00 parent brainstorming & project work time.  Then at 8:00, each discipline would have time to work with their director for more specific planning.  This means the meetings would be 30 minutes each month, with integrated time for parent feedback and involvement.  For band, we would follow the meeting with a Big Band Dance planning meeting.  We have a great need for parent involvement.  If you find this schedule more helpful for your involvement, let us know so that we can set our schedule accordingly.  Our next meeting is Thursday, December 2.

If you are looking ahead, our next performance is Thursday, December 9 at 7:00.  All instrumental groups will perform.  I have encouraged several more advanced students to consider auditioning for the Santa Clara County Honor Band. Those auditions are December 10.  We will then have our Big Band Dance on February 5.

Don't forget that your Live Review is due on December 10.  Get more info about this assignment, as well as the worksheet on the Live Music section of my site.

Finally, all dresses should be delivered this week.  Girls are reminded that they owe $65 if they haven't paid yet.  Also, there are about 12 boys who have yet to pay for their tux.  I have already paid for them and need families to either pay right away or make arrangements with me for a payment schedule.  If a family needs extra financial aid, I can arrange that if you contact me.

November 8-12

It's been a busy few weeks here at Pioneer!  On Friday, October 29, the Mustangs won the homecoming game against Leigh- go Mustangs!  This morning, the Jazz Band performed at the annual West Valley College Jazz Festival and did a great job.  Thanks to Mrs. Linvill, Mrs. Kanga, Mrs. Canteenwala, Mrs. Grimaud, and Mrs. Higa for driving us.  Next week will be our Veteran's Day Tribute performance as well as the final football game of the year.

Monday- another box of dresses will arrive.  Please assure proper fit of your dress immediately and make needed alterations quickly so that as many girls as possible can wear their ensemble dress for the Veteran's Day performance.

Also on Monday the first round of coffee/ cookie mix will be delivered from the We Care Coffee Company for the fundraiser.  The students who requested to participate in writing will receive their materials Monday after school.  Please sell the product as quickly as possible.  All payments for materials should be made to "Pioneer Music/ Drama Boosters."  Any student who would like to order additional materials or who would like to participate for the first time will be able to place an additional order by Monday, November 29.  Those who participate in this round will take delivery prior to the Christmas holiday and will be able to sell over the break.  If you missed out on round one and would like to join us, or just want to sell more, the order form is online here.

Veteran's Day Tribute, Wednesday
2:30-4:30 mandatory rehearsal in the PAC (7th period students excused from the rehearsal)
6:15 all student call time dressed in room 107.
7:00 program begins
After the program all students must first strike the stage into room 107, then they will be dismissed from the band room.  We ask that families bring a plate of cookies or similar snack food for this event.  As a free event open to the community, we want to put our best foot forward and welcome them to Pioneer and thank those veterans who have served.  A reminder about attire- all boys must be in tuxes and all girls should be in their current ensemble dress.  If a girl's dress is not yet in, she may wear last year's dress or elegant concert black.  Skirts/ dresses must fall below the knee when seated and the blouse/ top must cover the shoulder.  Slacks are also acceptable.

Also on Wednesday- LA Tour Payment #2 of $100 is due.  All students who have paid the deposit and turned in the contract should continue to make these payments.  In order for us to pay our travel company, we must to have money from all participants.  We are still looking for several chaperones.  If you are interested, contact me or submit your deposit and contract.  Students who have not yet paid a deposit may still join us with a $150 payment and submission of the Tour Contract.  All tour info is on my blog.

Friday, November 12 is our final home football game of the 2010 season.  I know that the students are out of class that day, but we will still perform for our football team.  Call time is 6:00 in room 107 as usual.

A reminder about money- all students must pay for their performing attire!  Tuxes are $125 and dresses $65.  Students who did not take advantage of the current fundraiser are expected to make payment in full or in part right away.  Students who would like to make payments need to make those arrangements with me directly as soon as possible.

Jazz Band at the 2010 West Valley Jazz Festival

Hannah already banging away on the drums!

Homecoming Rally 2010

September 27- October 1

Can you believe it's October this week?  With six weeks down, each ensemble has made great progress and most students should have several pieces of music in their folder that they are practicing.  While I don't require a practice card, I do expect that students will practice a minimum of 30 minutes five times a week.  Students who need extra help can come in before or after school and I will be happy to help them with whatever they need.  Parents, you can be a great help by making sure your student is practicing outside of class time.

Just a reminder that the tour details are online as well as the tour contract.  It is due when we return from furlough, but it would help out greatly if you could turn it in this week.  Get the info here.

In the ongoing saga of performing attire, boys who were measured in the first round (most of Wind Ensemble and Concert Band) will receive their tuxedos at the end of this week!  Orchestra and those who were measured later will receive theirs after the furlough.  Again, families will pay Selix Formalwear directly $120 for a tux or $125 with shoes.  Students who requested only specific pieces will pay for those as agreed.  Girls will be measured for their dresses this week.  The dress will be $59 plus taxes or shipping, as necessary.  We will pay for the dresses in one invoice and students will pay the Music/ Drama Boosters upon delivery.

We will have our next Music/ Drama Boosters meeting on Thursday, October 14.  Our general meeting will take place at 6:00 in the faculty dining room (to the left of the PAC).  This will be followed by a PTSA meeting at 7.  As soon as that is over, we will have our first Big Band Dance planning meeting of the year.  Many of you indicated that you want to help and be involved- this is the way to do it!  It seems like a long night, but we'll have a good time together and it's better than multiple nights out.  Many hands make light work.  I look forward to seeing you there!


On Wednesday, November 10 at 7:00, the Pioneer Performing Arts department will present our annual Veterans' Day tribute.  This year we will feature Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Choirs and selected readings performed by drama students.  Be sure to invite friends and family members who have served or currently serve.

I will be assigning ensemble seating this week.  While I do not do challenges for seating, I do change seating at times and for various pieces.  The most important thing that I consider as I place students is their ability and the balance of the section.  There will be playing tests throughout the semester and some of those may result in seating changes, but others may not.  All students must remember that none of us is better than any part of piece of music which I we will play.  We are all in music first and foremost to make great music.

Next week is furlough week.  More info is here from SJUSD Superintendent Dr. Matthews.

On a personal note, my wife and I are expecting our second child on October 3.  As you know, he could come later tonight, or in three weeks.  In the event I miss class, students will still be expected to work on their music.  I will try to post something to let everyone know, but that may not be among the first things I think of as we head to the hospital.  I thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

September 20-24

Pep Band kicked off the season with a great showing at Friday's game against Terra Nova High School.  The band had a great time and provided some great music through the evening.  If you missed us, make sure to catch our next performance at the next Pioneer home football game on Friday, October 15.  If you have pictures or video to share- jump to the Pioneer Band and Orchestra Facebook page and post them there!

All grades on the PIV accurately reflect the first grading period.  If you have questions about individual grades, please contact me.  Regarding participation, students with excused absences can make up their missed points with 30 minutes of practice time for each day missed before school (6:45-7:15) or after school (after 6th or 7th).  There will still be a lower grade for the week where participation was missed, but the week where the student does the makeup will show the extra points. Students who miss on a Friday must make up their listening assignment the week they return.  Failure to complete makeup work promptly may result in a deduction for doing the work late.

Boys in Orchestra will be measured for tuxes on Tuesday.  This is also the day that any boys in band must be measured.  Please remember that students must pay for tuxes upon delivery- $120/ $125 with shoes to Selix Formalwear.  I will let you know when the tuxes will be delivered.  Jazz Band boys will get their ties this week and will need to pay $20 to the Pioneer Music/ Drama Boosters.

We have set the price and a preliminary itinerary for our Spring Tour 2011.  Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Orchestra and Advanced Choir will travel April 8-11, 2011 (Friday- Monday).  Student price will be $500 and chaperone price will be $425.  Some of you may see this price as higher than in previous years and that is largely due to increased transportation costs.  Please check out the Tour 2011 page for complete details!

This week, all Pep Band ensembles will be back to performing regular ensemble literature.  Please make sure you have all of your music together in a binder or folder and a pencil with you every day!  We will get some more music next week and spend a few days reviewing football music then.