First Home Football Game and Practices Info

Extra Practice:

We may need to add an extra rehearsal due to the rainy weather. After polling the students, we found out this Wednesday, August 30th from Noon until 1:30pmish on the field should be good for almost everyone. We will announce at the end of rehearsal tomorrow if we need to schedule this rehearsal or not.

THERE IS NO NEED FOR BONUS PRACTICE TOMORROW (WED 8/30) - BE READY ON THE FIELD AT 4:30PM ON THURS (8/31)! <3 Practices During the School Year:

Yes - After School Practices start on the first day of school (Tuesday, Sept 5th) - and they go from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.

There is no Monday practice on Labor Day, September 4th.

Practices:

Monday Night: 6:30pm - 8:30pmish @ HHS Football Stadium
Tues - Thurs After School: 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Friday: No After School Practice (except Homecoming Game Day); Practice before Tailgate on Home Game Nights

HHS Home Football Games - Season 2017:

• Home vs Salem - Thursday, August 31st@ 7pm
• Home vs Novi - Friday, September 8th @ 7pm
• Home vs Livonia Franklin (Senior Show)* - Friday, September 22nd @ 7pm
• Home vs Canton (Homecoming)* - Friday, October 6th @ 7pm

* The Senior Show and Homecoming switched their traditional order due to having a short / early home game schedule (too close to the beginning of school to plan the dance).

Home Game #1 - vs. Salem:
Thursday, August 31st - @7pm

Report Time: 4:30pm ON THE FIELD*** (Please try not to be late, we only have enough time to run through the whole thing a couple times)
Tailgate: 5:30pm (If you or your parents volunteered to bring stuff for it, please remember ^.^)
Uniforms: 6:00pm - Bring your solid Black socks and shoes. You will get this seasons t-shirt to wear.
Step Off: 6:35pm
Pregame: 6:45pm - MB Performs Pregame Show
Kickoff: 7:00pm - MB Performs During Halftime
Game Ends: 9:00pm-ish (Depending on timeouts, injuries, etc.)

Tailgate for the First Game* - Thursday, August 31st @ 5:30pm:

Tailgate is PIZZA. Everyone needs to bring $3 per person please. You can drop off money early in an envelope in the mailbox in the band room w/your name (and your families names) on it.

Sign Ups for what else is needed for the tailgate is here: SIGN UP LINK *
* - We are completely full - YAY! <3 Thank you all who signed up! 

Bottled water is always welcomed (since we go through a lot every school year - especially in the fall). Powdered Gatorade / Powerade is also something we use a lot in the fall season.

Uniform for the First Game* - Thursday, August 31st @ 7pm:

• This Seasons' Marching Band T-Shirt (They will get the day of the first game)
• Khaki Shorts - School Appropriate, No Stains or Rips/Tears 
• All Black Socks
• All Black Shoes - No White/Colored Logo, Trim or Soles

*This uniform is used throughout the school year.


Uniform Fittings Left:

Wednesday, August 30th @8am - Noon: New Members

Parents help needed! Please contact Christyne MacDermaid at: (734) 476 - 0312 or christynemacdermaid@gmail.com if you can help!

Senior Show Songs:

There was a tie - and Smigell is still determining how to break it - which will depend on how fast we can get the music ordered / in. It will be announced soon.

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I hope everyone have an awesome first game of the season - and a fun / safe / relaxing Labor Day Weekend!

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

HHSMB Senior Show Voting has Started

This message is for the HHS MB Seniors.

School hasn't started yet - but I need to get the songs for the Senior Show picked out before Labor Day. Our Senior Show is way earlier this year than normal too because our early Home game schedule and switching the Senior Show and Homecoming games.

This means I have to start writing the Senior Show much earlier than in the past to make sure Smigell has it before the 2nd Home Game (Sept 8th) - so you guys have 2 weeks to prepare for Senior Show Game (Sept 22nd).

Seniors -

Please vote now!

HHSMB SENIORS VOTE HERE!

Due date for entries is Sunday, August 20th.
Voting starts on Monday, August 21st and ends on Friday, August 25th. A blogpost with the link will be posted.

Results will be announced on Saturday, August 26th.

P.S. Please check the other blogposts about practices, uniform try-ons, and more about this season!

P.S.S. Aerial Pictures taken from my father's fly-by at Band Camp are available here:
BAND CAMP 2017 PICS


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~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

UNIFORM FITTINGS
SCHEDULE OF FITTINGS AND PLEA FOR HELP

ALL VETS MUST TRY ON THEIR UNIFORM TO CONFIRM FIT AND TO CONFIRM YOUR UNIFORM DID NOT GET MIXED UP IN THE CLEANING SHUFFLE!!!

Tuesday August 22 Volunteers needed
I need help on this morning with organizing the uniform room for fittings.  This would be from 7:30am to 11:30am.  Any adult available please text or call Christyne MacDermaid 734-476-0312.  No experience necessary.  If I don't get enough volunteers there's a possibility we would be done by 9:30am.

Tuesday August 22 Vets try on only
10:30-11:30am
If vets don't have somewhere to be right after practice, please try your uniform on to confirm fit.  We must see your uniform on this year!!  If I don't get enough volunteers for this day, we will do this on the next scheduled dates.  Due to time and my day job, I cannot refit on this day.  Unfortunately, if we need to refit you it will need to be done on Aug 23, below.

Wednesday August 23 Vets fittings
10:30am-1:30pm
I will need volunteers from 9:30-1:30

Thursday August 24 Newbies fittings
10:30am-12:00pm
If you are new to marching band, you need to pick a newbie day and wait after practice in line to be fit.  I'll need volunteers from 10am-12:00pm.

Weds Aug 30 Newbies fittings
8am-12:00pm
I'll need volunteers from 7:45am-12:00pm

I understand that students work, as do the parents that drive them.  Newbies please pick a day and time from the above newbie date to be fit.  Volunteers, please text or call me with the day or days you can help out.  734-476-0312

Vets if the refitting date does not work for you, please choose a newbie date instead.

Thanks everyone!!

Bandos have left camp!!  Estimated arrival back to Howell High is 3:30-4pm.  See you there.  Please have your student get their medication from the nurse.

ATTN MB Seniors

This message is for the HHS MB Seniors.

I know school hasn't started yet - but I would like to get the songs for the Senior Show picked out before Labor Day. Our Senior Show is way earlier this year than normal too because our early Home game schedule and switching the Senior Show and Homecoming.

This means I have to start writing the Senior Show much earlier than in the past to make sure Smigell has it before the 2nd Home Game (Sept 8th) - so you guys have 2 weeks to prepare for Senior Show Game (Sept 22nd).

Seniors -

Please send an email to me at hhsbandjade@gmail.com with your name and your entry of 1 to 3 songs you want the Seniors to vote on for the Senior Show.

Some websites we use to buy music from:

1) Arrangers' Publishing Company Website / Youtube
2) Hal Leonard Website / Youtube
3) JW Pepper Website

Please provide the link to your entries - so it makes it easier for me to compile the entries into a survey form w/links.

Due date for entries is Sunday, August 20th.
Voting starts on Monday, August 21st and ends on Friday, August 25th. A blogpost with the link will be posted.

Results will be announced on Saturday, August 26th.

P.S. There was a HUGE blogpost made last night about Band Camp, practices, this season, and more. Please check it out!
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~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

Band Camp and Beyond!

Band Camp:

Report Times for Home Band Camp:

• Leadership Day: (Drum Majors / Squad Leaders) 
• @HHS: Thursday, August 10th: 8:30am to Noon
• If you applied and passed the test, you are required to show up to "graduate" in becoming a Squad Leader. This is mandatory!
• New Member Day:
• @HHS: Friday, August 11th: 8:30am to Noon
• Anyone new to Marching Band and Squad Leaders need to be at this. This is mandatory, unless cleared by Mr. Smigell, Mrs. Allegoet, and Mrs. MacDermaid.

Report Times for Away Band Camp:

• Sunday, August 13th: Everyone - To Go To Eagle Village
• @HHS: 7am - Check-In, Instrument Assignment, Load Trailer / Buses
• Thursday, August 17th: Everyone - Return To School
• @HHS: ~ 2:30pm / 3pm (Watch the Blog / FB Groups for exact ETA)

Packing List:

Dress to the weather - Currently it's being reported for Hersey, MI for us to have mid/high 70s weather and being partly cloudy. But this is MICHIGAN, where weather can change in a blink of an eye!

What To Bring:

Only 1 piece of luggage please.

• Instrument
• Bedding - Pillow, Sleeping bag/blanket, sheets
• Jacket
• Sunscreen
• Flashlight
• Bug Spray
• Flip Folder and Lyre
• Water Bottle w/name on it
• Any extra instrument parts like reeds, neck straps, sticks, oil, etc.
• Pencils
• Bathing suit and beach towel (unless planning to air dry)
• Clothing for all weather (check the weather sites for the forecast and prepare for "Michigan Weather")
• Sunglasses / Hat
• Two pairs of shoes that can get dirty
• Extra socks
• 1 or 2 Bathtowels
• Fan* (Optional for males, females will be in the Peak and won't need any)

What Not To Bring:

• Weapons / Knives / Razers of any kind
• Cigarettes, Alcohol, Drugs or anything else forbidden in the District/School Code of Conduct
• Televisions, Full Blown Video Game Systems or Stereo Systems
• Large Coolers
• Extra Food (it attracts beasties and bugs!)
• Expensive (electronic) items that scream "Steal me!"
• Hairdryers the size of Volkswagens
• District/School Dress Codes Apply - No Short-Shorts / Miniskirts, etc.
• Your own bed
• Anything else that you can do without for 5 days and 4 nights

All medication needs to be in their original container (w/ the prescription label) and handed in to the head nurse. Check with the head nurse about any emergency medication that needs to be carried.

Clothing at Band Camp: 

We know it is hot and the students will be outside - but it is important for the students to follow the Howell District's dress code (Pg. 35 -36). Please make sure there are no short booty shorts or miniskirts and no revealing tops.

Drillbook Next App:

Band Camp will soon be among us - and there is an app for that ;P

Three years ago, I introduced a drill app called "Drillbook Next" to the HHSMB - where I went to the app's website and uploaded the show's drill and students/staff was able to get the app and have the show on their phones / tablets.

I was told by the squad leaders / upperclassmen / staff that downloaded the app that it was amazing - not only did it help out getting coords for any marcher on the field - it showed the formations movement too.

This app is not for free sadly - it is $2.99 - but it is NOT required in order to be in marching band. This is just an option for students who don't like carrying the drill/coords and want to see how everything is (and help out their fellow nearby band mates).  We will still be passing out coordinate papers to each member and we will still be giving all the squad leaders the formation/set packets for the whole show.

Once again - this is NOT required and totally optional. The reason why I am mentioning it now - before band camp - is so students who don't have the app but want it, can buy/download it (especially before the we leave cause cell phones lack signal up @Eagle Village). And to tell the returning students who have the app (and the people who just bought it) - that the show's info / password is:

Organization: Jade
Show: Star Wars  (the 2nd show if there are two)
Author: Jade
Password: Hansshot1st   (Han S shot first (as in Han Solo)).

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drillbooknext.DBN_Reader&hl=en

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/drillbook-next-reader/id795739546?mt=8

http://www.drillbooknext.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU_YqFIVOtY

Post-Band Camp Practices:

Tuesday, August 22nd: 7:30am - 10:30am -> Main Football Stadium
Wednesday, August 23rd: 7:30am - 10:30am -> Main Football Stadium
Thursday, August 24th: 7:30am - 10:30am -> Main Football Stadium

Monday, August 28th: 7:30am - 10:30am -> Main Football Stadium
Tuesday, August 29th: 7:30am - 10:30am -> Main Football Stadium

**First Football Game - Additional Practice / TailGate / Etc. will be announced after Band Camp**

We try to have morning post band camp practices because of the heat / sun (which is the same reason we don't have the students wear their marching band uniform on the first (and very rare second) home game.

We understand that School Orientation is during the week of the 21st. We got it okayed for students to get theirs done on Monday or during the afternoon sessions of their grades assigned day (if they have a morning session). The only thing the students have to do is to tell the staff that they are with the Marching Band.

Uniform Fittings:

More info coming after Band Camp.

HHS Home Football Games - Season 2017:

• Home vs Salem - Thursday, August 31st@ 7pm
• Home vs Novi - Friday, September 8th @ 7pm
• Home vs Livonia Franklin (Senior Show)* - Friday, September 22nd @ 7pm
• Home vs Canton (Homecoming)* - Friday, October 6th @ 7pm

* The Senior Show and Homecoming switched their traditional order due to having a short / early home game schedule (too close to the beginning of school to plan the dance).

Also, this is a four home regular game season - Smigell and I personally checked today with the Varsity Football Coach and the Athletic Department.

Uniform for the First Game* - Thursday, August 31st @ 7pm:

• This Seasons' Marching Band T-Shirt (They will get the day of the first game)
• Khaki Shorts - School Appropriate, No Stains or Rips/Tears 
• All Black Socks
• All Black Shoes - No White/Colored Logo, Trim or Soles

*This uniform is used throughout the school year. More information about the first home football game will be announced after band camp, closer to the date.


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~ I'm in Michigan and excited to start the season!

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

I am officially ON DUTY :)

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to let you all know that I'M OFFICIALLY BACK from vacation :D

I am now checking my work email (smigellj@howellschools.com) daily and if you need to talk on the phone, email me and I'll give you a call.

I'M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS UPCOMING YEAR!!! I have some new ideas and I've heard alot of you have some too!

We have some great marching band music picked out and the drill is EPIC.

Special thanks to Kris, Christine, Laura, Dean, Don, Jade/Nicole, Joe, Kayla, and anyone else that helped the ship run during the summer!

Be sure to read the posts coming down the pipe from Christyne and Jade/Nicole, as they will have the details of the upcoming year's calendar and schedule.

LET'S ROCK!

-Smigell