Concert Week!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band
and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble,
String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. Both concerts
are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the culmination of the great
work that the students have done this year! Share the facebook event with your friends- Wednesday night -or- Thursday night. Students who would like some extra credit can attend the concert for the night they aren't performing and complete a Live Review. This is NOT a regular live review- those are now past due- this is a small extra credit assignment. Also please note, students are required to attend the entire concert. The concert ends when the final group leaves the stage. Please make plans to arrive early enough to be seated by 7:00 pm and plan to stay for the duration of the program (only about 90 minutes or so each night). Our students have worked hard this year and every student in every ensemble deserves a great audience reception. Thanks for understanding.
Student call times are as follows;
Wednesday evening- Concert Band & Jazz Band 6:30, Beginning Band 6:45
Thursday evening- String Orchestra 6:30 & Wind Ensemble 6:45
With just 10 school days and three days of finals, graduation is fast approaching! All Wind Ensemble students are required to participate and all students moving into Wind Ensemble are invited to perform with us. Call time is 4:15 Thursday, June 6. Please dress in summer formal attire- boys should wear slacks, a dress shirt (collared, button up) and dress shoes, girls should wear something commensurate with the boys- girls who choose to wear a dress or skirt must wear something that is knee length when seated. It will most likely be hot and we'll be in the sun for about 90 minutes. Students may wear sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, etc. and should bring water. We'll bus to and from PHS, but students whose families are attending the graduation may make arrangements with me to ride with family. Students who must check in a school instrument must do so immediately following the ceremony back at Pioneer. The bus should have us back to Pioneer before about 8pm.
Do you need a summer instrument? I'll be making summer instrument contracts for students who are enrolled in band or orchestra for the fall starting after our concerts. Please know that students may use school instruments ONLY if they are returning to the band or orchestra program in the fall! Students MUST return the instrument check out contract in order to borrow a school instrument. If you have questions about this, let me know.
Do you still owe the program money? There are several students who still owe money for various things from the school year. Please make prompt full payment by cash or check to "Pioneer Performing Arts" right away. I'll be letting you know if and what you owe. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Showing posts with label Our performances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Our performances. Show all posts
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
May 13-17
Happy Mother's Day!
Did you get a chance to check out the 2013-2014 ensemble lists? Click here.
Remember that your Live Review is due on Friday! This is an important part of your grade! For concerts this week, click on the Live Music page. If you choose to review a concert that is 5/17-19, I will accept those papers on Monday, 5/20 with no deduction. Otherwise, all Live Reviews must be submitted by Friday!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. I am sorry about the conflict that some families have with a Castillero concert, but we are unable to reschedule at this time. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the culmination of the great work that the students have done this year!
Did you get a chance to check out the 2013-2014 ensemble lists? Click here.
Remember that your Live Review is due on Friday! This is an important part of your grade! For concerts this week, click on the Live Music page. If you choose to review a concert that is 5/17-19, I will accept those papers on Monday, 5/20 with no deduction. Otherwise, all Live Reviews must be submitted by Friday!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. I am sorry about the conflict that some families have with a Castillero concert, but we are unable to reschedule at this time. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the culmination of the great work that the students have done this year!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
May 6-10
Congratulations to the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra for their "Excellent" performances this past weekend at their CMEA festivals. All three of these ensembles have made tremendous musical gains over the past few years and are poised for great growth in the years to come. Special commendation goes to the musicians in Wind Ensemble, who through their perseverance and focus on strong musical fundamentals were able to earn a 95 in sight reading! What an incredible job!
Remember that all students need to do a Live Review this semester. I've updated my Live Music Page with information about upcoming performances- so please plan accordingly!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. I am sorry about the conflict that some families have with a Castillero concert, but we are unable to reschedule at this time. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the great work that the students have done this year!
Remember that all students need to do a Live Review this semester. I've updated my Live Music Page with information about upcoming performances- so please plan accordingly!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. I am sorry about the conflict that some families have with a Castillero concert, but we are unable to reschedule at this time. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the great work that the students have done this year!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
April 29- May 3
What a great weekend trip we had! The kids gave the Chick Corea concert rave reviews and our workshops at Sonoma State with Dr. Collinsworth and Dr. Leibinger were encouraging and helpful. Our weekend wouldn't have been possible without the help of 10 outstanding chaperones- thanks so much to Mr Carrillo, Mr Summers, Mr & Mrs Hubbard, Mrs Lipps, Mrs Archambault, Mrs Yetkinler, Mrs Raimondi, Mrs Liebscher and Mrs Thompson. A music program relies not only on committed students, but supportive parents as well. Please consider joining us in the future... like...
CMEA festival is this weekend for Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra!
Band students- your call time is 5:00 on Friday afternoon. We'll meet in our formal attire at the band room, bus to Gilroy High where we'll perform and then we'll bus back to Pioneer. We should be back to school by about 10:00 Friday night. I do need several parents who can ride along with us on the bus. This is a great way to help out and support our students with a minimal time investment. If you'd like to join us, please let me know.
Orchestra students- call time is 9:30 on Saturday morning at Pioneer. We'll meet dressed in our performing attire at Pioneer, bus to Independence where we'll perform, then back to Pioneer at about 12:30. There is not enough room in the bus for every orchestra student. We need parent drivers! If you can drive your child, have room for some instruments (like a bass or cello or two), please let me know! We need about 10 students to ride in private cars while the rest are on the bus. If you've filled out a Volunteer Driver Form with the school, you can drive other students as well. Please let me know ASAP as we are going to rely on many parents to make this day a success!
Remember that all students need to do a Live Review this semester. I've updated my Live Music Page with information about upcoming performances- so please plan accordingly!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. I am sorry about the conflict that some families have with a Castillero concert, but we are unable to reschedule at this time. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the great work that the students have done this year!
CMEA festival is this weekend for Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra!
Band students- your call time is 5:00 on Friday afternoon. We'll meet in our formal attire at the band room, bus to Gilroy High where we'll perform and then we'll bus back to Pioneer. We should be back to school by about 10:00 Friday night. I do need several parents who can ride along with us on the bus. This is a great way to help out and support our students with a minimal time investment. If you'd like to join us, please let me know.
Orchestra students- call time is 9:30 on Saturday morning at Pioneer. We'll meet dressed in our performing attire at Pioneer, bus to Independence where we'll perform, then back to Pioneer at about 12:30. There is not enough room in the bus for every orchestra student. We need parent drivers! If you can drive your child, have room for some instruments (like a bass or cello or two), please let me know! We need about 10 students to ride in private cars while the rest are on the bus. If you've filled out a Volunteer Driver Form with the school, you can drive other students as well. Please let me know ASAP as we are going to rely on many parents to make this day a success!
Remember that all students need to do a Live Review this semester. I've updated my Live Music Page with information about upcoming performances- so please plan accordingly!
Finale Concerts are May 22 & 23. Beginning Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra will perform on Thursday May 23. I am sorry about the conflict that some families have with a Castillero concert, but we are unable to reschedule at this time. Both concerts are at 7:00 in the PAC and are free admission. Come and hear the great work that the students have done this year!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
April 15-19
Audition week! Please make sure you've signed up for your audition time. If you haven't signed up for your classes for next year, or if you didn't sign up for band or orchestra, but you plan to continue- please make sure you let me know!
Have you checked out the bell schedule for the next few weeks? We'll be on a block schedule with different tests and things happening at various times- you need to know what's going on. Check out the Pioneer website, or get the schedules here.
Next weekend is our Spring trip! All participants will get a permission slip and final balance statement this week. All forms must be returned to travel!
CMEA festival for Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra is coming up May 3 & 4. Please get all the info here.
Our end of year concerts are scheduled for May 22 and 23 at 7:00 in the PAC. Beginning Band, Concert Band & Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra & Symphony will perform on Thursday the 23. Please note the changes to which groups are going which night.
Have you checked out the bell schedule for the next few weeks? We'll be on a block schedule with different tests and things happening at various times- you need to know what's going on. Check out the Pioneer website, or get the schedules here.
Next weekend is our Spring trip! All participants will get a permission slip and final balance statement this week. All forms must be returned to travel!
CMEA festival for Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra is coming up May 3 & 4. Please get all the info here.
Our end of year concerts are scheduled for May 22 and 23 at 7:00 in the PAC. Beginning Band, Concert Band & Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday the 22 while Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra & Symphony will perform on Thursday the 23. Please note the changes to which groups are going which night.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
April 1-5
Join the Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band for our Spring Concert on Wednesday at 7:00 in the PAC! More information, including program info is posted on Facebook, here. Call time for band students is 6:30, orchestra students is 6:45. Students who are swimming the final events in the swim meet should plan accordingly! Because the track meet was moved to Thursday, the performance will still begin at 7:00 in the PAC. Admission is free!
Audition Information- for questions or to sign up for your audition time, check out the Audition Info page. If you're a new freshman next year, be sure to attend Freshman Planning Night this Tuesday from 6:00- 7:30 in the PAC. Whatever band class you plan to audition for, know that everyone just signs up for band and I'll place you in the correct ensemble. Orchestra is the same- just sign up for orchestra then do your audition after the break.
There has been a change of plans for our Spring Trip April 26-27. Due to the SF Symphony strike, I had to cancel our booking with the SFS and have instead booked tickets for us to see jazz legend Chick Corea in concert Friday night! This will be a great program! Check out the Tour 2013 page for more info.
Times for CMEA for Wind Ensemble & Orchestra have now been announced. Concert Band & Wind Ensemble perform on Friday, May 3 at Gilroy HS. We will depart PHS at 5:00 pm and return to PHS at 10:00 pm. We will be taking school buses and will need several parents to ride along with us and watch us perform. Orchestra will perform Saturday, May 4 at Independence HS. Transportation TBD, but our window is from about 10:00 am to noon.
Audition Information- for questions or to sign up for your audition time, check out the Audition Info page. If you're a new freshman next year, be sure to attend Freshman Planning Night this Tuesday from 6:00- 7:30 in the PAC. Whatever band class you plan to audition for, know that everyone just signs up for band and I'll place you in the correct ensemble. Orchestra is the same- just sign up for orchestra then do your audition after the break.
There has been a change of plans for our Spring Trip April 26-27. Due to the SF Symphony strike, I had to cancel our booking with the SFS and have instead booked tickets for us to see jazz legend Chick Corea in concert Friday night! This will be a great program! Check out the Tour 2013 page for more info.
Times for CMEA for Wind Ensemble & Orchestra have now been announced. Concert Band & Wind Ensemble perform on Friday, May 3 at Gilroy HS. We will depart PHS at 5:00 pm and return to PHS at 10:00 pm. We will be taking school buses and will need several parents to ride along with us and watch us perform. Orchestra will perform Saturday, May 4 at Independence HS. Transportation TBD, but our window is from about 10:00 am to noon.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
February 4-8
Our Benefit Concert is on Saturday! If you missed the email I sent out earlier this afternoon, read it here. There's lots of important information about volunteering, tickets, raffle, student call times and more! Don't forget that you must get your tickets by Wednesday for your student to earn their $5 credit for each ticket sold. Get your tickets here! Raffle tickets are also due by Wednesday for your student to earn their 80% account credit. Use this link to our facebook page to invite your friends, too.
Congratulations to the Jazz Band for their outstanding performance at CMEA on Saturday! This week, we have our Joint Venture gig at the convention center downtown (Parkside Hall). We need parent drivers for this event! We will meet at school at 6:30 am (I know, it's early) and return some time during 4th period (around 11:30). We need drivers for each direction, but you don't have to stay the whole time. Students will even have quite a bit of time off stage to work on homework or other things. We've done this performance since 2005! Let's continue to show these valley leaders what Pioneer can do! For more info about Joint Venture, check out their website.
We are still looking for a few more parents to join us as chaperones on our Spring Trip to San Francisco. The cost for chaperones is just $150 for the weekend! We are going to have a great time, but we need more parents to make it happen. Check out the info here, and be sure to send in your tour contract so I can add you to our list!
Hello, Dolly! practice this week is Monday from 6:30-9:30. Next week, we'll rehearse Monday and Wednesday 6:30-9:30. Please be prompt so we can start on time! Remember your pencil!
Congratulations to the Jazz Band for their outstanding performance at CMEA on Saturday! This week, we have our Joint Venture gig at the convention center downtown (Parkside Hall). We need parent drivers for this event! We will meet at school at 6:30 am (I know, it's early) and return some time during 4th period (around 11:30). We need drivers for each direction, but you don't have to stay the whole time. Students will even have quite a bit of time off stage to work on homework or other things. We've done this performance since 2005! Let's continue to show these valley leaders what Pioneer can do! For more info about Joint Venture, check out their website.
We are still looking for a few more parents to join us as chaperones on our Spring Trip to San Francisco. The cost for chaperones is just $150 for the weekend! We are going to have a great time, but we need more parents to make it happen. Check out the info here, and be sure to send in your tour contract so I can add you to our list!
Hello, Dolly! practice this week is Monday from 6:30-9:30. Next week, we'll rehearse Monday and Wednesday 6:30-9:30. Please be prompt so we can start on time! Remember your pencil!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
January 27- February 1
Jazz Band CMEA festival on Saturday! We will meet at Santa Teresa HS at 8:10 am in front of the theater. We'll warm up, then perform
at 8:50, then sight reading, then group photo and dismissal around 9:50
am.
Jazz Band will be performing at the Joint Venture Conference downtown next Friday, 2/8. Call time for students is 6:30 (yes, I know it's early, but there will be doughnuts!). Students will miss periods 1-3. We do need parent drivers who can drive us to the gig and then back to school (about 11:30). This conference puts us on stage before about 1,000 of the valley's leading figures in business, politics and education and we've been a part of it since 2005!
The Band & Orchestra Benefit Concert is just 2 weeks away! Tickets are selling fast as we approach our goal of 2 tickets sold per performer. Be sure to order your tickets this week so that your student can earn their $5 account credit from each seat sold. Raffle tickets are also a great way to raise money for your student. Our grand prize is a $500 Apple gift card! Tickets are just $3 each or 4 for $10. Students earn 80% of the proceeds from raffle tickets they sell in advance. If your student has brought the tickets home, return the payment and the tickets (with name & phone number) in the envelope provided. If your student hasn't picket up a packet of tickets yet, encourage them to do so soon! I'm very excited about this event. Each ensemble has some fun music, plus we have great raffle prizes and some incredible items for our silent auction! You don't want to miss out- it's our most important fundraising performance of the year!
Rehearsal for Hello, Dolly this week is on Monday from 6:30-9:30. Please be ready to start rehearsal on time!
On a totally non musical note, the flu and all sorts of sickness are going around. Please, eat well, wash up often and get as much sleep as you can. We need everyone at their best for our performances!
Jazz Band will be performing at the Joint Venture Conference downtown next Friday, 2/8. Call time for students is 6:30 (yes, I know it's early, but there will be doughnuts!). Students will miss periods 1-3. We do need parent drivers who can drive us to the gig and then back to school (about 11:30). This conference puts us on stage before about 1,000 of the valley's leading figures in business, politics and education and we've been a part of it since 2005!
The Band & Orchestra Benefit Concert is just 2 weeks away! Tickets are selling fast as we approach our goal of 2 tickets sold per performer. Be sure to order your tickets this week so that your student can earn their $5 account credit from each seat sold. Raffle tickets are also a great way to raise money for your student. Our grand prize is a $500 Apple gift card! Tickets are just $3 each or 4 for $10. Students earn 80% of the proceeds from raffle tickets they sell in advance. If your student has brought the tickets home, return the payment and the tickets (with name & phone number) in the envelope provided. If your student hasn't picket up a packet of tickets yet, encourage them to do so soon! I'm very excited about this event. Each ensemble has some fun music, plus we have great raffle prizes and some incredible items for our silent auction! You don't want to miss out- it's our most important fundraising performance of the year!
Rehearsal for Hello, Dolly this week is on Monday from 6:30-9:30. Please be ready to start rehearsal on time!
On a totally non musical note, the flu and all sorts of sickness are going around. Please, eat well, wash up often and get as much sleep as you can. We need everyone at their best for our performances!
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.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
December 10-14
Congratulations to all of the student musicians for their wonderful performances last week! If you'd like to order a DVD or CD of either night's performance- click here.
Band & Orchestra Benefit ticket sales are now underway and our VIP Tables are sold out! As of this writing, we have only a couple of Reserved tables left, so if you are planning to book one, you will want to do the online order soon, or submit the paper form as early as possible. We have plenty of General Admission seats still available at this point. The online ticket purchasing process is quick, easy and secure- and you don't have to worry about sending a check with your student which might get misplaced on its way to me. You can also pre-order your DVD and CD with your online order.
Join us Thursday night at Blue Rock BBQ for our next Family Dinner Night! All of the information, including the flier, is available online here. Our program will earn 20% of your order total from 11am to 9pm- eat some great BBQ and support some outstanding musicians!
Our Spring Music Trip plans are coming along. I have posted quite a bit of information on the Spring Trip 2013 page. Please read the page- and turn in the Tour 2013 Revised contract- due Friday!
Have you done your Live Review yet? I'll be entering those grades starting this week, but if you still have a performance you need to see, get to it! Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble students can see either the Monday night concert of SJSU Symphonic Band with the Lincoln Wind Ensemble at SJSU at 7:30 or the Saratoga HS Bands concert at Saratoga on Thursday night at 7:30. I'm not aware of any Orchestra or Jazz concerts between now and the Friday due date. If I do find out, I'll let the students know.
Band & Orchestra Benefit ticket sales are now underway and our VIP Tables are sold out! As of this writing, we have only a couple of Reserved tables left, so if you are planning to book one, you will want to do the online order soon, or submit the paper form as early as possible. We have plenty of General Admission seats still available at this point. The online ticket purchasing process is quick, easy and secure- and you don't have to worry about sending a check with your student which might get misplaced on its way to me. You can also pre-order your DVD and CD with your online order.
Join us Thursday night at Blue Rock BBQ for our next Family Dinner Night! All of the information, including the flier, is available online here. Our program will earn 20% of your order total from 11am to 9pm- eat some great BBQ and support some outstanding musicians!
Our Spring Music Trip plans are coming along. I have posted quite a bit of information on the Spring Trip 2013 page. Please read the page- and turn in the Tour 2013 Revised contract- due Friday!
Have you done your Live Review yet? I'll be entering those grades starting this week, but if you still have a performance you need to see, get to it! Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble students can see either the Monday night concert of SJSU Symphonic Band with the Lincoln Wind Ensemble at SJSU at 7:30 or the Saratoga HS Bands concert at Saratoga on Thursday night at 7:30. I'm not aware of any Orchestra or Jazz concerts between now and the Friday due date. If I do find out, I'll let the students know.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Winter Concerts
Congratulation to all student ensembles for their wonderful performances this week! If you would like to order a DVD or CD of the performance, you may do so online here. Orders will be delivered before the Christmas Vacation.
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.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
November 19-21
Happy Thanksgiving!
Our next Boosters meeting is this Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 in my classroom. Join us for an update on dining partners, concerts, fundraisers and the Band & Orchestra Benefit.
Students who are working on art for the cover of the Benefit program should submit it to me this week not later than Wednesday at the end of the day. Artwork may be submitted on paper or digitally as a *.jpg file. See the Band & Orchestra Benefit page for more info.
You are invited to the Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 24 from 9-4 in the PAC. Shop from over 50 local vendors and craftspeople and get your holiday shopping off to a good start while supporting the Pioneer Performing Arts.
Winter Concerts are scheduled for December 5 & 6 at 7:00 in the PAC. Admission is free. Wednesday night will feature performances from Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble while Thursday night will feature the Orchestra and Jazz Band. Both concerts will be about an hour and a quarter long.
Our December family dinner night is scheduled for Thursday, December 13 at Blue Rock BBQ. More info about this coming soon.
Our next Boosters meeting is this Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 in my classroom. Join us for an update on dining partners, concerts, fundraisers and the Band & Orchestra Benefit.
Students who are working on art for the cover of the Benefit program should submit it to me this week not later than Wednesday at the end of the day. Artwork may be submitted on paper or digitally as a *.jpg file. See the Band & Orchestra Benefit page for more info.
You are invited to the Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 24 from 9-4 in the PAC. Shop from over 50 local vendors and craftspeople and get your holiday shopping off to a good start while supporting the Pioneer Performing Arts.
Winter Concerts are scheduled for December 5 & 6 at 7:00 in the PAC. Admission is free. Wednesday night will feature performances from Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble while Thursday night will feature the Orchestra and Jazz Band. Both concerts will be about an hour and a quarter long.
Our December family dinner night is scheduled for Thursday, December 13 at Blue Rock BBQ. More info about this coming soon.
Monday, November 12, 2012
November 13-16
The fall Coffee Fundraiser kicked off last week. I can accept the signup forms until Tuesday but online sales are ongoing. For more info, check out last week's post.
Please take a moment to review the information about the Band & Orchestra Benefit scheduled for February 9, 2013. Parents who are interested in updates about what's going on can join us at our next Booster meeting on November 20 at 7:30 in my room. Calling all artists- I would like to include a student designed cover for the program. Check out the event page for more info. I'll be updating that page with information as the event gets closer. I'm very excited for what promises to be a fun evening with engaging music, a raffle, a silent auction and more.
The Music Department is working with the Drama department to host the 5th annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 24 from 10-4 in the PAC. The event features some 50 local craftspeople and vendors and is a great place to go shopping for holiday gifts and other needs. This is also a fundraiser for us as each vendor pays a small fee to participate in the event. Debbie Michels & Michelle Takeuchi are coordinating our efforts and will need a few volunteers during the event. Please contact me if you would be able to help with this event in any way.
I have updated the Live Music page of my blog with some performances in November & December. If you haven't yet turned in your Live Review, be sure you go and see one of the many great local music ensembles and turn the review in. For those students with excused absences from prior events, you must submit your Live Review for the missed event to be excused. Please note on the review which event you missed so I can clear it more quickly.
Our next Booster Club meeting is on Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 in my room. Please join us and keep up with all that's going on.
Our Winter Concerts are scheduled for December 5 (Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble) and December 6 (Orchestra & Jazz Band). Both concerts are at 7:00 in the Pioneer PAC at 7:00 and admission is free.
Please take a moment to review the information about the Band & Orchestra Benefit scheduled for February 9, 2013. Parents who are interested in updates about what's going on can join us at our next Booster meeting on November 20 at 7:30 in my room. Calling all artists- I would like to include a student designed cover for the program. Check out the event page for more info. I'll be updating that page with information as the event gets closer. I'm very excited for what promises to be a fun evening with engaging music, a raffle, a silent auction and more.
The Music Department is working with the Drama department to host the 5th annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 24 from 10-4 in the PAC. The event features some 50 local craftspeople and vendors and is a great place to go shopping for holiday gifts and other needs. This is also a fundraiser for us as each vendor pays a small fee to participate in the event. Debbie Michels & Michelle Takeuchi are coordinating our efforts and will need a few volunteers during the event. Please contact me if you would be able to help with this event in any way.
I have updated the Live Music page of my blog with some performances in November & December. If you haven't yet turned in your Live Review, be sure you go and see one of the many great local music ensembles and turn the review in. For those students with excused absences from prior events, you must submit your Live Review for the missed event to be excused. Please note on the review which event you missed so I can clear it more quickly.
Our next Booster Club meeting is on Tuesday, November 20 at 7:30 in my room. Please join us and keep up with all that's going on.
Our Winter Concerts are scheduled for December 5 (Beginning Band, Concert Band & Wind Ensemble) and December 6 (Orchestra & Jazz Band). Both concerts are at 7:00 in the Pioneer PAC at 7:00 and admission is free.
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 21, 2012
October 22-26
Our Fall Concert is Wednesday at 7:00 in the PAC.
This free concert will feature our Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and String
Orchestra as well as special guests the Castillero Jazz Band and Chamber
Orchestra. We've been making some great music this year and you won't
want to miss out! This is a great opportunity for us to put on display
the things which make Pioneer so great- and our music ensembles and
parent support are outstanding! Let's show our guests what a great
opportunity they have here! Get more concert info and invite your family and friends with our facebook event page! Call times for each ensemble are as follows-
String Orchestra 6:15
Wind Ensemble 6:20
Jazz Band 6:30
Students should get their instruments and put them in the PAC in the case. All students will watch the performance, unless there isn't enough space, in which case, Orchestra will wait in the classroom until they go on stage to save room for the audience.
Homecoming Football is this Friday. Pep Band students are reminded that they are to wear blue jeans and their pep band polo shirt. The only thing performers may wear over their polo is their band jacket. Students may, however, wear a solid color long sleeved shirt that is blue, black, grey or white. I have a few extra jackets for sale for $40 each.
Jazz Band will be participating in the West Valley Jazz Festival next Friday, November 2. The plan is to visit Castillero in the morning, have lunch on the way over to the college and participate in the festival after lunch. We should be back to Pioneer by about 3:30. We 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. Final schedule TBD.
String Orchestra 6:15
Wind Ensemble 6:20
Jazz Band 6:30
Students should get their instruments and put them in the PAC in the case. All students will watch the performance, unless there isn't enough space, in which case, Orchestra will wait in the classroom until they go on stage to save room for the audience.
Homecoming Football is this Friday. Pep Band students are reminded that they are to wear blue jeans and their pep band polo shirt. The only thing performers may wear over their polo is their band jacket. Students may, however, wear a solid color long sleeved shirt that is blue, black, grey or white. I have a few extra jackets for sale for $40 each.
Jazz Band will be participating in the West Valley Jazz Festival next Friday, November 2. The plan is to visit Castillero in the morning, have lunch on the way over to the college and participate in the festival after lunch. We should be back to Pioneer by about 3:30. We 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. Final schedule TBD.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
September 24-28
We are now into the second grading period. I am a bit behind in posting grades for some students, but all will be accurate before Tuesday at 4:00pm. If you have grade questions, please hold off until that time so the grade will be accurate.
As you may have heard by now, we will not be taking a big music tour this spring because of low numbers. I am working to plan a short, inexpensive trip so that all students will be able to participate. This may be simply a day trip, or just one or two nights away. I will hold onto deposits until such time as I can announce what the revised plan will be. Thank you for your patience as I make these plans. I will continue to update the Tour 2013 page as details are worked out.
Our first concert is coming up on Wednesday, October 24th at 7:00 in the PAC. The Castillero Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra will join the Pioneer Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and String Orchestra. This will be a great concert and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Please remember that if you have not yet paid for your Entertainment Books, Pep Band attire or Dress, that money is past due. Please make payment as soon as possible. Checks can be made out to "Pioneer Performing Arts." If you have a question about money you owe or have paid, email and I'll give you details for your student.
Jazz Band students have been invited to perform at the Allen at Steinbeck walk-a-thon on Saturday, October 20. I don't have our performance time yet, but have asked that we be scheduled for the morning. Once I confirm these details, I'll let you know. This will be a great way for us to reach out to our community and support one of our SJUSD schools.
Finally, as September rolls to a close and October comes in, there will be many Live Review opportunities for you. Please take a moment and review the Live Music page so that you can understand this assignment. I have added details about some October concerts you may choose to attend.
As you may have heard by now, we will not be taking a big music tour this spring because of low numbers. I am working to plan a short, inexpensive trip so that all students will be able to participate. This may be simply a day trip, or just one or two nights away. I will hold onto deposits until such time as I can announce what the revised plan will be. Thank you for your patience as I make these plans. I will continue to update the Tour 2013 page as details are worked out.
Our first concert is coming up on Wednesday, October 24th at 7:00 in the PAC. The Castillero Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra will join the Pioneer Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and String Orchestra. This will be a great concert and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Please remember that if you have not yet paid for your Entertainment Books, Pep Band attire or Dress, that money is past due. Please make payment as soon as possible. Checks can be made out to "Pioneer Performing Arts." If you have a question about money you owe or have paid, email and I'll give you details for your student.
Jazz Band students have been invited to perform at the Allen at Steinbeck walk-a-thon on Saturday, October 20. I don't have our performance time yet, but have asked that we be scheduled for the morning. Once I confirm these details, I'll let you know. This will be a great way for us to reach out to our community and support one of our SJUSD schools.
Finally, as September rolls to a close and October comes in, there will be many Live Review opportunities for you. Please take a moment and review the Live Music page so that you can understand this assignment. I have added details about some October concerts you may choose to attend.
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Welcome Back!
Welcome to the 2012-13 School Year!
A new year brings new energy, optimism and hope for great things. I look forward to working with Pioneer's student musicians as we continue to build a legacy of great musical achievement. I have ordered over 40 new pieces for Pep Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Orchestra and can't wait to get into them!
The first day of school will be full of information for students and parents. I will review the Instrumental Music Handbook in all my classes. This gives students and parents information regarding course expectations for grades, discipline and much more. Please take the time to review it as the last page is due back, signed by student and parent, Friday, August 24. On that page is also an order form for polo shirts and jackets. I have a complete sizing line for students to try on here in my room.
In addition to this, I will be going over the Spring 2013 Tour plans. Please take time to read the information posted on the Tour 2013 page on my blog! There is a Tour Contract there which must be filled out by every participant- one for each student and chaperone. This form is not due until Friday, September 14 to allow families to plan carefully for this event, and to participate in at least one fundraiser.
Finally, I will collect information from students who may need school instruments so that I can begin to check those out as soon as possible. No student can use a school instrument until I get a signed instrument contract back.
Thursday will be a day for checking out school instruments and going over basic procedures regarding instrument storage and such. It is unlikely that we will be able to perform in any classes yet, though all students should bring their instruments.
On Friday, students will need a composition book as we will do our first Listening Log. Since this is the first of the year, it will take the whole period for most of the classes. I will also complete instrument checkout for all classes except Beginning Band. Students will get a grade for having this in class- and it can't be made up later!
Next week- I hope to have all ensembles except Beginning Band playing in class on Monday! All students who need a tuxedo or dress will be fitted for those later in the week. We will also have an opportunity for students interested in student leadership positions to run for those. Also coming up is our first football game- Friday, September 7. For a complete schedule of this year's performances, be sure to review the 2012-13 Calendar which is linked at the top of the page.
A successful program is not only the work of students and a director, but also parent involvement. If you are interested in working with our Boosters either in a leadership or support role, please contact me. We need help in all sorts of areas, and you can volunteer for those things which interest you (or you could even expand your comfort zone, too). We'll have meetings throughout the year and I will keep you informed as those come up.
A final note- I try to be as organized as possible and work to communicate as much information as I'm able. I update this blog every week before school starts on Sunday night so that parents can have the information needed to ensure student success. Please make it a point to check in often so that you can have the latest information for all student.
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