Homecoming Week!
This Friday is homecoming and a 50 year all Pioneer reunion. From 4:30-6:30 in the quad, there will be activities and groups representing both current groups and groups from Pioneer's past. The football game will kick off at 7:00 against Leigh. The Music boosters will be out there soliciting support from alumni and connecting past performers with our current ensembles. Please invite your friends and neighbors who may have attended Pioneer. Band students have a 6:00 call time.
Next week, Jazz Band will participate in the West Valley Jazz Festival. We will depart Pioneer after 1st period (about 8:30) and return during 5th period (about 1:00). We need parent drivers! If you have turned in driver forms to the office, let me know. If you need driver forms, I can get those to you. We are looking for seats for 22 students. I would like to know this week which parents will be driving us so that we aren't scrambling at the last minute. Students should not drive themselves.
The following week is our Veterans' Day tribute as well as our last football game. The Veterans' Day tribute will feature students from across the Performing Arts, including Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. There will be an after school rehearsal before the show. Curtain will be at 7:00 on Wednesday, November 10. Then, even though there is no school, we will perform at the last football game of the year on November 12. As this is the last home game of the year, it will be senior night- the night when all the seniors will be recognized.
All students will need to see one live performance each semester. Acceptable performances include high school, college, community or professional ensembles within the students own discipline- bands, orchestra or jazz. I have created a Live Music page on this site with links to outside groups to help you find opportunities to see live music. If you have suggestions of groups I can link to, please let me know. For more info, and to get the assignment PDF, go to the Live Music page on my site.
A reminder to the following boys- Michael, Devin, Steven,
Orlando, Devarius, Tim, Will, Leebneding, Andrew, Chad,
Austin, Kelly, Richard, Matt, and John- you owe for your
tuxedo. Please pay by cash or check (Pioneer Music/ Drama
Boosters) as soon as possible or contact me if you plan to use
fundraising or need assistance with you with these costs.
Girls dresses
are ordered and pending delivery. The final cost came out to $65 per
dress. The 4 girls who needed a tall size please add $5. Please make
payment by cash or check (Pioneer Music/ Drama Boosters) as soon as
possible or contact me if you plan to use fundraising to help with
costs. All dresses will ship without a bottom hem and some may need
minor alterations. If you are willing and able to help with this,
please let me know, otherwise, I encourage girls to get to a tailor as
soon as possible to ensure the best fit.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
October 11-15
Welcome back! I hope that you were able to relax a bit and spend some time with family and friends during the furlough week. If you missed the news, my family grew by one this week! Check out my previous post about Owen for that info. There is much coming up this week, so please note the following-
Tour contracts are now due! I have very few contracts and need these contracts to book our travel. Please get this in ASAP or contact me directly with questions. All the info is here on the tour page of my blog.
Thanks to the following parents- Mrs. Linvill, Mrs. Liebscher, Mrs. Kanga, Mr. Daley, Mr. Rossi, Mrs. McDougal and Mrs. Hoefer all helped on Friday, October 1 measure for dresses and distribute tuxes. The day would not have gone smoothly without their help. Thanks so much!
Speaking of parent involvement, we have our October Booster meeting on Thursday at 6:00 in the Faculty Dining Room (left of the PAC). This is just under an hour and covers all the business of the music & drama programs including funding. This is followed at 7:00 by a brief PTSA meeting and then the first Big Band Dance planning meeting at 7:30 in the band room. Many of you have indicated that you are willing to help and be involved. We have a critical need for parent involvement on the Boosters board as well as with the Big Band Dance group. It seems like a long night, but it's just one night and in the company of friends, the time will pass quickly! I look forward to seeing you there.
Wind Ensemble, Concert Band & Jazz Band boys all got their tuxes before the furlough. There were several boys who forgot their money at that time. Those boys will need to make payments to the Pioneer Music/ Drama Boosters for the amount due on their tux. If you have questions, please let me know. Also, Jazz Band boys should have paid their $20 for the tie by now.
Orchestra tuxes will be delivered Friday this week. Boys will need to make payments to Pioneer Music/ Drama Boosters by Friday. No tux will be distributed without payment.
We will begin our first fundraising effort this week and next. This is a very easy fundraiser through the We Care Coffee Company. Students will have the opportunity to sell custom ground Pioneer Music coffee and cookies. Students can request one of two grab bags- one is just coffee and has 10 12 oz bags of medium, French roast and decaf. The coffee is already in the bag and sells for $12 and the student earns 50% as profit to offset any of his or her expenses ($60). The other grab bag includes four bags of coffee ($12 ea) and four bags of chocolate chip cookie mix ($13 ea) and also earns 50% profit $50). Once we get rolling, students will also have the opportunity to sell items through the website to friends and family across the country and also earn credit. There are no returns on the bags, though, so plan your order carefully and know that we can always order more. All students requesting grab bags need to turn in this request form. The best part of this sale is that there is NO brochure, and NO waiting to collect money! We will have several fundraising opportunities this year, this is just the first. For more info, attend the Booster meeting Thursday @ 6:00.
Friday, October 15 is our second football game of the year! Call time will be 6:00 for the 7:00 game and students are reminded that they are expected to wear khaki color pants. It doesn't matter to me the style; dockers, denim or slacks- just the color. This time around, we will have a pregame party as soon as school gets out with games and activities in and around the band room. While not required, it is encouraged as this is a great time for students to get to know other students in the band program. Please plan to attend and cheer on the band and Mustang football!
Tour contracts are now due! I have very few contracts and need these contracts to book our travel. Please get this in ASAP or contact me directly with questions. All the info is here on the tour page of my blog.
Thanks to the following parents- Mrs. Linvill, Mrs. Liebscher, Mrs. Kanga, Mr. Daley, Mr. Rossi, Mrs. McDougal and Mrs. Hoefer all helped on Friday, October 1 measure for dresses and distribute tuxes. The day would not have gone smoothly without their help. Thanks so much!
Speaking of parent involvement, we have our October Booster meeting on Thursday at 6:00 in the Faculty Dining Room (left of the PAC). This is just under an hour and covers all the business of the music & drama programs including funding. This is followed at 7:00 by a brief PTSA meeting and then the first Big Band Dance planning meeting at 7:30 in the band room. Many of you have indicated that you are willing to help and be involved. We have a critical need for parent involvement on the Boosters board as well as with the Big Band Dance group. It seems like a long night, but it's just one night and in the company of friends, the time will pass quickly! I look forward to seeing you there.
Wind Ensemble, Concert Band & Jazz Band boys all got their tuxes before the furlough. There were several boys who forgot their money at that time. Those boys will need to make payments to the Pioneer Music/ Drama Boosters for the amount due on their tux. If you have questions, please let me know. Also, Jazz Band boys should have paid their $20 for the tie by now.
Orchestra tuxes will be delivered Friday this week. Boys will need to make payments to Pioneer Music/ Drama Boosters by Friday. No tux will be distributed without payment.
We will begin our first fundraising effort this week and next. This is a very easy fundraiser through the We Care Coffee Company. Students will have the opportunity to sell custom ground Pioneer Music coffee and cookies. Students can request one of two grab bags- one is just coffee and has 10 12 oz bags of medium, French roast and decaf. The coffee is already in the bag and sells for $12 and the student earns 50% as profit to offset any of his or her expenses ($60). The other grab bag includes four bags of coffee ($12 ea) and four bags of chocolate chip cookie mix ($13 ea) and also earns 50% profit $50). Once we get rolling, students will also have the opportunity to sell items through the website to friends and family across the country and also earn credit. There are no returns on the bags, though, so plan your order carefully and know that we can always order more. All students requesting grab bags need to turn in this request form. The best part of this sale is that there is NO brochure, and NO waiting to collect money! We will have several fundraising opportunities this year, this is just the first. For more info, attend the Booster meeting Thursday @ 6:00.
Friday, October 15 is our second football game of the year! Call time will be 6:00 for the 7:00 game and students are reminded that they are expected to wear khaki color pants. It doesn't matter to me the style; dockers, denim or slacks- just the color. This time around, we will have a pregame party as soon as school gets out with games and activities in and around the band room. While not required, it is encouraged as this is a great time for students to get to know other students in the band program. Please plan to attend and cheer on the band and Mustang football!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Owen Scott
Owen Scott was born at 10:22 am on Tuesday, October 5, 2010. He weighed
in at a hefty 10 lbs 12.8 ozs! Mom and baby are doing well.
Here is the first family photo-
Here is the first family photo-
Sunday, September 26, 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.
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.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)