Candid Band photos:(amended 9/26)

There were some pictures taken of the band at the last two home football games bytwo photographers. MillerMediavision.com has them posted on their website to view now along with football etc. Another local photographer, Richard Lim has taken some also and are currently posted on his proof viewing gallery. That gallery is 8eight8.com. Check out both! Our band website contains picks currently from last year by parents Bob Schiebold, Rick Kobylarz etc. The Press and Argus has given a few photos in their photo galllery every Friday too. The website will be updated soon with pics from drum major, band camp and the parades to get us up to speed. Keep checking!

Julie

Please scroll down and review last director's blog...if you haven't already.

Hello Everybody,

As always.. READ THE POST BELOW THIS ONE!!! It explains a lot about the uniform situation, and provides a nice game recap. I was particularly proud of the kids for WORKING THIER BEHINDS OFF on Friday. Even when they were thrown a few curve balls, they adapted nicely. GREAT JOB!

Couple pieces of news.....


#1. I will not be in regular school tomorrow (Monday, sept. 23, 2007), but I WILL BE THERE FOR THE EVENING MARCHING BAND REHEARSAL... which brings us to the second big piece of news:

#2. We are going to adding a half hour to every one of our rehearsals until we are done with festival (Oct. 9). Here are the reasons:

a. We have a great show but by my count we have lost a week and a day of regular rehearsals due to the new building growing pains.

b. We have an exceptional group of kids and we want them to do well at festival

c. We only 9 rehearsals left (just about 2 weeks) and the big event in our season is done. I know it is a bit of an inconvenience, but I am hoping that people will understand and will appreciate the results in the end.

so, that means that the practice schedule looks like this for the next two weeks

Monday 5:30-8:30pm at the Parker football field.
Tuesday-Thursday 3-4:30pm at the stealth field.

Kids (and parents), if you have conflicts with either your job or school, please let me know. Otherwise, I expect to see everyone there during the new times. I understand that some of you will have to leave early because of some things that you cannot get out of this week, but please make an effort first, and let me know if you are leaving early.

ok... I think that is it for now... more information soon!

-Smigell

I can't begin to list the many parents that donated, coordinated the food, helped by walking in the parade, talked with 8th grade parents, worked the uniforms with Bert Schomberger before and afterward! Thank you, your kids appreciate and notice! It can get crazy and we love it!

Speaking of uniforms, if you haven't received a copy of the letter that details the fundraiser between Snedicors and the band boosters please contact myself or Bert(517.546.1993/magefire@hughes.net)to find out the details. It is possible that this information will be mailed within a week to your home. MB students, after selling the first book will be entitled to cleanings, repairs etc. of their uniform along with submitting the profits to their student account. Non marching band students can also benefit after the sale of the first book. Student accounts can be applied to the New York trip or music related needs only. Details to follow.

Spiritwear, whether band booster Tshirts, flannel bottoms and hoodies are available too. We have a few orders and will be placing it shortly. Parents, yes you are a band booster member as a band parent. We don't ask for much just to support you child in the program, so order a shirt! The cost is not for profit. The flannel bottoms can be personalized along with the hoodie and there will be samples at the next band booster meeting. Even though you may have placed an order of the spiritwear at orientation or wish to purchase now please contact me ASAP! Turnaround time is quick! great gifts for your kids or yourself.

Also, if any parent wants to see a Kodak moment? Get to the loading dock after a win and watch how proud the band is with their hats on backwards and then allowed to dance to their own music. Awesome! great job with the craziness yesterday Mr. Smigell! that was lots of work on your part!

Julie Dennis
517.546.0996 home before 8:30
517.303.4850 cell anytime
americanframingco@charter.net

Food update
We are good with:
Mostacholli
garlic bread
napkins and plates
a salad

Could use a more desserts, another salad with toppings
and lots of WATER!
Please bring items to the tailgate area by 3:oo.(I will be there at 2:30 if you want to earlier) We may not notice items placed in the band room. If your child is bringing to school, please have them set in the instrument room by our pile of items along the wall :). Mr. Smigell is kind enough not to complain about this. Only two more games after Friday.

KIDS, remember to bring or preferably wear your pirate shirt, bring or wear your khaki shorts, black socks and solid black shoes Friday (you have the Pep assembly anyway!), weather permitting just in case.

Look for updates even the day of.
Julie Dennis
517.303.4850 leave a message
americanframingco@charter.net

scroll down to the directors notes for the remainder of the week and Homecoming please!

Food Menu for Friday!


Need:
Mostacholli
Garlic bread
tossed salad with selection of toppings
cookies/doughnuts
gatorade or lemonade mix for 5qts. containers
foam bowls(200 ct or more)
small cups(200 ct. or more)
napkins
and WATER, WATER, WATER!!!

Right now we have one large pan of mostacholli and strudel from Pam Glynn
Pan of mostacholli from Mrs. Kobylarz

Help is needed to feed, help with uniforms, greet 8th graders, ride the bus with directors and walk the parade route with the kids.

Donations of food and times call or email me.

Julie Dennis
517.303.4850 cell
517.546.0996 before 8:30 p.m.
americanframingco@charter.net

Please scroll below for the director's comments about Homecoming practice and Friday's happenings!

Hello everyone!


Here is the Homecoming edition of the blog (yay!)

Wednesday: Rehearsal for HSMB (High School Marching Band) from 3-4 pm Start inside for film then outside

Thursday: Rehearsal for HSMB from 3-4pm Outside
Drumline rehearsal 6:30-8:30PM

Friday: HOMECOMING!!! High Schoolers please read all of this! Middle schoolers, please read all of this!
6th hour all HSMB goto the pep rally.
Right after school HSMB rehearses at the parker football field
Around 3:30 HSMB (only) gets fed and gets into uniforms
4:30ish HSMB gets on bus
5:30 HSMB steps off for the homecoming parade (begins at Paige Field, ends at the Presb. Church)
5:45 MIDDLE SCHOOLERS arrive at parker high school and drop their things off at the band room. Pick up a donut at the tailgate (only light snacks available before the game).Goto the "Stealth Field" People will be there to show you. UNIFORM FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS TO BE DETERMINED BY THEIR MS DIRECTOR (Mr. Stimson/Mr. Marzewski). It will probably be something like a Howell Band shirt and either jeans or shorts.
6:00 EVERYBODY PRACTICES AT THE STEALTH FIELD
6:30 Step-off for the stadium Middle school parents, the performing eighth graders get in free, but unfortunately if you want to watch them, you have to pay.
6:45 PREGAME WITH THE HSMB AND THEIR WONDERFUL MIDDLE SCHOOL GUESTS!!!
7:00 Kickoff
Around 7:40ish (could be later or earlier) Halftime and homecoming wonderfulness.
9-9:30ish game over. Please pick up your child promptly, as they lock the building up tight at 10pm nowadays.

Couple of other facts:

HSMB will be wearing their actual Marching Uniforms. The forecast is still favorable at this time. HOWEVER, PLEASE BRING YOUR 07-08 BAND SHIRT AND KHAKI SHORTS IN CASE THE WEATHER IS DIFFERENT. Please do not worry, we will not bake you! (or your child)

HSMB will be fed at the early tailgate (menu and details to come soon). Only snacks will be provided for everyone at the later tailgate (Again, more info to come)

Ok.. In reference to all of the people waiting for audition postings, they might come tonight, they might be up tomorrow on the blog. I will try hard to add them up tonight.

Also.... please mark oct 9th on your calendar... HSMB has MARCHING FESTIVAL THAT DAY.

Finally, Angie Kimball (bagpiper teacher extraordinaire) is back in town. Josie and Kaitlyn are currently our only two pipers (glad to have them!). We need a few more pipers! Angie is giving lessons and has asked me to post her contact #s:

517 618 9019 (home)

Angie, I wasn't sure if you wanted the cell posted as well, let me know (smigellj@howellschools.com) if you do.

OK... I think that is it!!!

-Smigell

p.s. HOORAY FOR EIGHTH GRADERS!! You all marched pretty well! It was cool to meet you all and work with you for a little bit. You all need to join marching band next year!! AWESOME!!!!

Hey All!

First of all READ THE POST BELOW THIS ONE!!! I cannot thank the parents that have helped me enough!! Holy cow would I be lost without you (those parents listed below plus many more, but especially those listed below).

Thanks to ALL OF THE KIDS FOR A GREAT SHOW ON FRIDAY!!! I know a little of it was stressful, but you really came through! The team is going to win some, and lose some. Don't let that affect the way you feel about your performance! SUPER DOOPER! Still lots of dings, but coming along nicely. We hopefully will have some film to look at and we can address things sometime on Monday.

Speaking of Monday, That is the rehearsal with our future Bandos, the EIGHTH GRADERS!!! Hooray! The practice goes from 5:30PM-8PM monday 9/17/07. The eighth graders will be practicing with us until 7:30. We will do a little bit on our own after they are done. It will begin in the Parker Band ROOM at 5:30 SHARP/

Rehearsals tues, wed, and thurs next week are normal (3pm-4pm, at the bus lot "stealth" field).

This is also the week of HOMECOMING. Much more info will be coming very soon, but basically FRIDAY IS THE LONGEST DAY OF THE YEAR FOR MARCHING BAND PEOPLE. They have the pep assembly, the parade, and the game, with almost no breaks in between. They will not have any time to go home in between, so they must have everything with them. It is fun, but exhausting. Again, more info about uniforms, stepoff times, and everything else by tuesday at the latest, but keep in mind FRIDAY IS TOTALLY OCCUPIED BY HOMECOMING (Don't worry, it's cool, I just want to get the point across).

In the day classes, we are still doing auditions for placements. I hope to be done either tomorrow or Tuesday. Percussion class is busy performing their first playing tests of the year and researching pieces for our upcoming "video game" concert.


Seniors who want a rec letter for college, get in touch with me soon (at least to let me know when you need it). I write a decent rec letter, but if they all come at once, it gets tough

Seniors who want to major in music WE NEED TO TALK SOON about your auditions and which schools you want to send applications. I would really like to help you on this. Please let me know.

NEW YORK TRIP INFORMATION AND A FULL YEAR CALENDAR WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON!

Props go out to my staff, Michelle, Elise, and Quade!

Julie and Bert... What else can I say about how wonderful you two are?

Sue, constant medstaff! Thanks!

Louis... Sweet website!

My Bosses Mr. Smith, Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Sharp, Mr. Borders, and Mr. Shrock I know you are doing the best you can! Keep it up!


Last but CERTAINLY not least (In no particular order): Thanks to Joe, Mike, Kat, Matt, Gary, Jess, Jack, Tim, Will, Michelle, Kim, Laura, Kevin,Lauren, Jeremy, Ben, Britanny and anyone else I have forgotten (I know I have forgotten somebody... no biggy let me know and I will edit you into the post) THE MINION CORPS!!!! Making every day great and better than expected.

Oh yes, finally, I have a really crazy idea that would be life changing if we could pull it off. Goto this address:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=132227881&blogID=310603189

it is my myspace blog. It is about my idea for a human-powered concert tour.

ok... I think that is it.

Until very soon,

-Smigell

Thanks to all the parents who donated food for the tailgate last night! Pam and Rayna Glynn, James Donovan, Louis Sequin(and son), Sherri Kobylarz, Connie Brown(last I saw) and others came early to prepare and served the food. I was inside (all too much this past and last week)with crazy Bert Schomberger unpacking and organizing the uniforms. Giselle Palmer, Joann Radelt, Rita Ogg, Bea Cuthbertson, Elinor Block, Bob Schiebold (and others I may have missed)were instrumental in fitting the newbies. We hope to address additional tweeks on the previous band kids this week. Be patient kiddos :)

Friday the 21st is Homecoming and 8th grade night. Already Pam Glynn offerred to make a large pan of mostacholli and apple strudel(MMmmm!). Additional suggestions were tossed salads and garlic bread. Treats and coffee for the parents will be provided. Monday night the blog will detail more. Suggestions are always appreciated.

Please RSVP food and attendance because parents are always welcome.

Hey, thanks Mr. Smigell for keeping it together for the kids amidst all the craziness. You are appreciated!

Julie Dennis
517.303.4850

FOOD FOR FRIDAY! Kids show your parents :)

We are going to prepare subs of turkey and ham. We currently have lots of meat and about 100 buns. (there are approximately 120 kids and a half doz. assistants to feed) Cider will be served along with lemonade and water of course.

Needed condiments are as follows:
cheese
Shredded lettuce
mustard
tomato slices
more sub buns
(3)pasta, potato, or reg. salads
(3)fruit platters
(3)veggie platters
*identify your dishes if you wish them returned. they will be left in the band room for pick up after the game.

Any of the above donations or your suggested items to bring to feed the kids would be appreciated. (treats are okay too) Stick around too, parents are always welcome.

They eat immediately at 5:30, so anything should be there by 4:30-5:00 please. I will be there by 4:00 to set up and make subs. Your help is appreciated to :)

Call to let me know what you will bring.

Julie Dennis
517.546.0996 before 9:00 p.m.
517.303.4850 cell anytime and please leave a message with your phone number if you want a call back.

Always scroll down to previous blogs....just so you don't miss anything important!!!!!

Hello!

Hey, I just wanted everybody that sent me CARPOOL emails to know that I sent them all to Mr. Sequin, our fabulous webmaster of www.howellhighlanderbands.org. If you are having trouble getting a ride (or ride for your kids) with the new schedules, take a look two or three posts ago on this blog!

More info about everything coming up very soon (including a CALENDAR!!! WOW!)


-Smigell

p.s. The Kraken drill almost worked!! A little tweeking and it should be sweet!

Game is on. No tornado. If you want to come to Milford, go ahead! Great fun awaits.

Hello All,
Pep Band will happen UNLESS it is raining at 6:30. It looks like the rain will blow over by then anyway, no worries.
Game's at Milford, maps in the band room, provide your own transportaton... yadda yadda yadda
GO HOWELL!!!
Kat

Newest Info Installment!


Hello everyone! Here is the latest and most up to date information I can give you!


#1. It has ended up that Wind Ensemble will NOT be performing for the Sept. 11 ceremony. There are simply too many other obligations we have to meet right now, and the performance space was the wrong size for our group.

#2. The "ad-hoc-grass-roots" Jazz Band (Veteran memebers of Jazz Band or Band Veterans who are interested) WILL be performing at the Parker High School dedication ceremony on Sunday Sept 9th at 1:45pm. Report time will be 1:15PM in the Parker High Band room. WE WILL BE PRACTICING FROM 3:00-4:30PM TOMORROW, FRIDAY, SEPT 7!!!

#3. There is a pep band away game TOMORROW NIGHT FRIDAY SEPT 7th, 2007 IN MILFORD. Kids must wear their band shirt (the pirate one) in order to get in for free. They also must sign up at school beforehand so we know how many kids are coming. REPORT TIME AT MILFORD HS is 6:30PM AT THE MAIN TICKET GATE. Maps to Milford High will be available in school. Please read the post about 2 or 3 back to learn more about pep band. I must say, these are usually SUPER DOOPER (sp?) FUN!!!

#4. Auditions for all bands (concert, symphonic, and wind ensemble) will begin on Tuesday, Sept 11. Audition pieces will be passed out tomorrow in class.

#5. MB PRACTICE SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEK
Monday 9/10/07: Evening rehearsal 5:30-8PM at parker football field
Tuesday 9/11/07: 3-4pm SOMEWHERE AT PARKER IF WE HAVE TO LINE THE CAFETERIA AND MARCH THERE!!
Wed 9/12/07: Same as Tuesday
Thurs9/13/07: Same as Tuesday
Friday9/14/07 HOME GAME VS NOVI: Current report time is 4:30PM Current uniform is same as last week (Pirate band shirt, COMPLETELY BLACK SHOES, Black Socks, Khaki shorts. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND that we are now enforcing the strict uniform policy, students will not be allowed to march if they do not have the right uniform. Tailgate will begin around 5:20PM (more info on that soon) Stepoff will be at around 6:45 and the game usually ends around 9:30PM.

#6. I will not be in school during the normal school day tomorrow. I WILL BE AT THE AFTER SCHOOL JAZZ BAND REHEARSAL AND AT THE PEP GAME!!!! HAVE NO FEAR.

#7. I am forwarding the carpool requests to Mr. Sequin. Please read the blog below and other previous blogs for important info....


Ok.. I think that is it. Sorry for being cranky today kids, I am trying to make sure you get you the best situation possible, I promise.

Hey Everybody!!!

I have an interesting idea... There are a lot of people who have been asking me about having trouble finding rides both to school (for zero hour) and after school (i.e. marching band). Suddenly it dawned on me: "Hey, we have an enormous pool of people with same problems but lots of combined rescources... Let's use our size to our advantage!!!"

OK.. I may live to regret this, but I am going to propose that we set up a forum or something to pair up these people with each other... Band power in action!!

Send me an email (smigellj@howellschools.com) with "CARPOOL" in all caps in the subject line. Let me know where you live (general area) and what time your kid needs a ride. I will forward these postings to Mr. Sequin and see if he he can make a bulletin board out of them... hopefully this can help everyone get to school more conveniently... (Louis, sorry if this catches you off guard, but I will forget if I don't post this now).

What do you think?

-Smigell

Hello Everybody!

I can't tell you how pleased I was with every single aspect of the game, because there isn't a word for GALACTICALLY PLEASED! The parents who helped before, during, and after the game made the impossible possible. The KIDS... HOLY SMOKES! Now, nobody get a big head (We have a LONG way to go!), but that was the best first performance I have seen out of this marching band. If we continue to work hard and practice well, I know we will be able to achieve our goals (and play a really SWEET show!). Thanks to every single person involved!

OK... this is the kind of year that will keep us busy (and surprised) from the first day until the very last one in June. I want you all to know that in addition to trying new and wonderful things and making all kinds of music with the kids, one of my big personal goals is to keep the students and parents better informed. Having said that, I have only little bits of information for you because a lot of things are still changing minute to minute. Parker is a cool building, but it is a new building, and it will take at least a few weeks before things settle down. Here is the best that I can offer for you right now:

#1. Rehearsals at this point will begin at 3:00PM and end at 4:00 except on Fridays and Mondays. Monday rehearsal will be in the evening and friday will either have a home game or a pep game, so there usually is just a report time. Friday will be slightly different each week.

#2. There IS rehearsal tomorrow at 3:00 PM in the Parker Band Room. We will not be marching but BRING YOUR INSTRUMENT!! It will go unil 4:00PM. 9th graders don't forget to get on the bus to get to parker for 6th hour. There will not be school provided transportation after marching band practice. Most people either carpool with parents or drive themselves. Please let me know in class if you have problems.

#3. If you heard rumors about us practicing in the parking lot, those rumors are mostly true(Don't worry! It works great and many many bands do this, including U of M!). However, they have not gotten around to painting the lines for us, so we are trying to find an alternative rehearsal spot that does not have conflicts. This will be an up to the minute thing so please CHECK THIS BLOG frequently!

#4. The Monday rehearsal time will be set very soon, as soon as I can get an administrator to give his/her blessing.

#5. The Auditorium at Old Howell High School will not be ready for the fall, so this has a large effect on our calendar. we hope to have the SOLID calendar up and out to you by the end of this week. One thing is for certain, the musical will not be in the fall, it will be in the early spring. I think that our first concert ensemble ("sit-down band") performance will stay at the same time and date, but be performed at Parker HS (This coming Oct. 30th 7:00pm)

#6. The next performance for the Marching Band is an optional one. It is the away game at Milford HS, this Friday, Sept. 7th. For those who have not gone to an away game, they are a lot of fun, it is a more relaxed atmosphere and the kids earn points toward their Varsity letter in band. The game is usually free for the kids but they have to find their own way to the game. More information on this by tomorrow.

#7. The next MANDATORY performance of the Marching Band is next Friday Sept 14th, Vs. Novi. Report times and such will be forthcoming.

#8. WE HAVE LOCKABLE LOCKERS THIS YEAR! However I am not sure if we are going to be provided locks... more info on that very soon.

OK... That is it for now. If you have any questions, please email me at smigellj@howellschools.com or jsmigell@mac.com. The phones have been a little nutty at Parker and I cannot guarantee that you will get through.

-Smigell

P.s. Thank you for all of the kind words and support regarding my crazy week(almost dead dog, really dead deer, no power, etc)! It humbled me, becuase I know that many of you are in a bigger jam than me ALL THE TIME. Times are a little tough in Michigan and in Livingston Schools, and I want you to know that your stories of overcoming things inspires me to do my very best for you all (Or your kids, depending on who is reading this!). That's a promise! Hang in there! It will be alright in the end!

Hope you had a great weekend!

Thanks to all parents who donated the huge selection of donuts, ice, water and cider and also to the Looney Baker who donated 8 doz. for the tailgate at the first football game. Next tailgate will be sub sandwiches so far. Look for blog as that gets closer.

Practices for Marching band will be after school for an hour or so. (let me confirm the days before I commit). Freshman, you are there with Mr. Smigell sixth hour so stay if you are in Marching Band.

Any seamstresses with some time during the day (or if you can take some home at your leisure?) to help with uniforms? Contact Bert Schomberger @ 517.304.3521 or Julie Dennis @ 517.546.0996.