Thursday, October 26, 2017


Hi folks!  
We have enrichment project coming up, I thought I would repost the information for people that don't know what it is.


Enrichment Project:

This is for all classes (but marching band) - if you are in multiple classes, you only need to do one.

Purpose: To help each student help themselves get better and build skill in their instrument through selecting and completing an individual project.

Success: Being able to recognize and identify personal musical improvements resulting from the project, and being able to demonstrate this for an audience, teachers, or judge.

What Counts:
  • Performing at and receiving a rating at S&E (Jan 19th & 20th)
  • Taking at least 4 private lessons during the school year
  • Attending a Clinic Day on your Primary Instrument
  • Participating in an extra curricular ensemble (LCCB, Tuba Christmas, Jazz Band, Church Group, Flute Choir) must be approved by Smigell
  • Participating in an Honors Ensemble (LCHB, DYO, UMYO, MSUYO, etc.)
  • Performing a S&E piece for the class or Smigell
Things that are coming up that count / event information:
  • EMU AIM Clinic - Saturday, November 18, 2017 - Website / Information
  • S&E - Friday / Saturday, January 19th / 20th, 2018 @ Brighton HS
    • Solo - $10 (Usually plus $20 - $40 for accompanist)
    • Duet - $9 per student
    • Trios, Quartets, etc. - $8 per student
    • Intention is due by Monday, October 30th, 2017
    • Money is due by Tuesday, October 31st, 2017

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Updated Info and Forms for the FOUR Band Fundraisers / FoL Parade Float

Here are some fundraisers to help students raise money for their band accounts and the Band Booster Program.

BWW's Fundraiser benefits the whole Band Booster Program - the other three Fundraisers (Grand Traverse Pie Company, Jose Madrid Salsa and Meier Flowerland) mainly helps the students (90% goes into their band accounts, 10% goes to the Band Boosters).

Grand Traverse Pie Company, Jose Madrid Salsa and Meier Flowerland flyers have been in the Band Room's Sheet Shack for over a week now - more will be printed if they are gone but here are the online versions.

***Don't give the Order Forms or Money to Mr. Smigell. Place them in the Band Room Mailbox!***

BWW’s Fundraiser:

BBWs will donate 20% of total bill to the HHS Band Booster w/ flyer.

Date / Time: Monday, November 20th from 11am - Midnight

Form: HERE


Grand Traverse Pie Company Fundraiser:

You sell 9" Fruit Pie Certificates for $17 ea. - Students gets $4.50 for their band account, Band Boosters gets $.50.

Order and Money Due: Wednesday, November 1st
Certificates: Delivered on Friday, November 10th
Flyer: HERE


Jose Madrid Salsa Fundraiser:

Students sell jars of salsa for $6 per jar (shipping is included) - Students get $2.70 for their band account, Band Boosters gets $.30.

More information about the salsas are on josemadridsalsa.com.

Order and Money Due: Friday, November 17th
Certificates: Delivered on TBD

Flyer: HERE
Menu: HERE
Order Form: HERE

Meier Flowerland Fundraiser:

You sell $30 Gift Certificates or $40 "Flower of the Month" Cards.

Two Packages:
  • $30 - Gift Certificates
    • Students get $4.50 for their band account
    • Band Boosters gets $.50
  • $40 - Flower of the Month Card
    • Students get $6.30 for their band account
    • Band Boosters gets $.70
Order and Money Due: Friday, November 17th
Certificates: Delivered on TBD

Flyers and Order Form: HERE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Panera Fundraiser:

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, February 22nd.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fantasy of Lights Parade Float:

Message from our Band Booster President:

"Hi Friends -


We’ve been offered the chance to put the band trailer in the Fantasy of Lights parade for the first time. Very exciting. In order to make this work, we would need to form a special group to design and light the trailer. This would need to be a group effort so before we commit, I need to hear from folks who are willing to make time and who can loan holiday lighting and decorations. I’m also looking for someone to take charge of this effort and own it.


For more info see: http://www.howell.org/fantasy-of-lights/


Send me a note back indicating:
- Interest
- If you can contribute lights/decor
- If you can act as coordinator/organizer


Thank you. "

You can contact him (Dean Norton) at dean.norton@gmail.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Four Fundraisers

Here are some fundraisers to help students raise money for their band accounts and the Band Booster Program.

BWW's Fundraiser benefits the whole Band Booster Program - the other three Fundraisers (Grand Traverse Pie Company, Jose Madrid Salsa and Meier Flowerland) mainly helps the students (90% goes into their band accounts, 10% goes to the Band Boosters).

Grand Traverse Pie Company, Jose Madrid Salsa and Meier Flowerland flyers have been in the Band Room's Sheet Shack for over a week now - more will be printed if they are gone but here are the online versions.

***Don't give the Order Forms or Money to Mr. Smigell. Place them in the Band Room Mailbox!***

BWW’s Fundraiser:

Save The Date for a BWW’s fundraiser on Monday, November 20th.

Flyer and More details to come soon!


Grand Traverse Pie Company Fundraiser:

You sell 9" Fruit Pie Certificates for $17 ea. - Students gets $4.50 for their band account, Band Boosters gets $.50.

Order and Money Due: Wednesday, November 1st
Certificates: Delivered on Friday, November 10th
Flyer: HERE


Jose Madrid Salsa Fundraiser:

Students sell jars of salsa for $6 per jar (shipping is included) - Students get $2.70 for their band account, Band Boosters gets $.30.

More information about the salsas are on josemadridsalsa.com.

Order and Money Due: Friday, November 17th
Certificates: Delivered on TBD

Flyer: HERE
Menu: HERE
Order Form: HERE

Meier Flowerland Fundraiser:

You sell $30 Gift Certificates or $40 "Flower of the Month" Cards.

Two Packages:
  • $30 - Gift Certificates
    • Students get $4.50 for their band account
    • Band Boosters gets $.50
  • $40 - Flower of the Month Card
    • Students get $6.30 for their band account
    • Band Boosters gets $.70
Order and Money Due: Wednesday, November 1st
Certificates: Delivered on TBD

Flyer: HERE

Order Form: HERE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

First Band Concert / Basket Raffle, Boston Trip Update, and Concert Shirt Fittings


Marching Band Rehearsal for Concert:

The marching band will be having a rehearsal to go over entering / exiting the auditorium and all of the music covered in for this season. 

MB Rehearsal Date:
TODAY, October 17th
After School (2:30pm) until done (hopefully by 3:30pm or so)

First Band Concert - Wed, Oct. 18th @7pm:


Wednesday, October 18th at 7pm in the HHS / Rod Bushey Auditorium.  The concert will show all the concert ensembles, including the marching band.

Dress Code: "Dress nicely". This means NO TSHIRTS, SWEATSHIRTS/PANTS, JEANS, OR TENNIS SHOES. Obviously this also means that all clothing needs to be school appropriate as well. Gentlemen - a nice shirt and tie with slacks or khakis will do. Ladies - a nice blouse or sweater with a skirt or slacks put you in the clear. You will be changing into your uniform during the concert after you perform if you are in marching band, so bring your marching uniform (the season's black, fitness / pj shorts, all black socks and all black shoes).

Report Time For All: 6:30pm - Show up already in your nice outfit. :)

Basket Raffle:

Prior to our annual Fall Band Concert, the Boosters organize a BASKET RAFFLE FUNDRAISER.

We’re requesting members to kindly donate baskets/items for this raffle, volunteer your time and talents or purchase raffle tickets the night of the concert.

If you are donating a basket, please bring your baskets/items to the band room by the end of school on October 18th.

Volunteers are needed to help ensure a successful fundraiser. Please contact Lisa Grager (info below) if you can help set up / sell raffle tickets!

Setup: 4:30pm
Selling Starts: 6:00pm until the concert begins.

Mr. Smigell will raffle off the baskets in-between performances. Lots of neat baskets! 

Questions:
Chairperson: Lisa Grager

Email her at lgrager@gmail.com or text her at 517 672-2552.

Band Program - Boston Trip Forms / Update:

Students Spots Open: 45 (90 / 135)
Chaperones Spots Open: 0 (15 / 15 - w/ 3 on waitlist)

This is how things are being handled for Boston this year:

  • Payments are being made directly to the trip company.
  • Students can start signing up online today - limit of 135 spots for students. 
    • Students also need to fill out the Student Information Form and Health Info form which gets mailed to the P.O. Box or turned in to the band room mail box. Charms monies can only be used for 3rd and/or 4th payments.
  • Online registration for chaperones opens on November 1st with the trip company. 
    • Limit of 15 Chaperones on this trip due to the number of buses.
    • Chaperones must have their Central Registry Clearance done with the State of Michigan AND the high school paperwork done before they can get on the "eligible" list. Adults names will be put on a list in the order we received their paperwork. 
      • If you went to band camp - the CRC and HS paperwork is already in the districts system for the school year (one of the advantages of going to band camp).
    • If someone signs up online as a chaperone before November 1st or before we have their paperwork, they will be removed from the trip until after we receive their paperwork. Chaperones also need to fill out the General information sheet and health info form.

Student Forms and Information Packet:
Student Packet Here

Chaperone Forms and Information Packet:




Concert Shirt Fittings:

This refers to any 9th grade, new student to the program or any student needing a new shirt.

Mr. Bourbonias from the Brighton Tux Shop is coming in Friday, October 20th during 7th hr to do white formal shirt fittings.

The shirts / ties will come in mid-November.

Prices are (about*):

White Formal Shirt - $16
Black Tie -$4
Combo - $20 (Shirt + Tie)

* - These have been the prices the last few years. We are working on the official prices still but wanted to give a heads up to how much they have traditionally cost.


You pay by cash or check made to Howell HS Bands - and you can pay when the shirts / ties are delivered - up until the day of the concert.



If anyone has any money troubles, please contact Mr. Smigell ASAP. The program has a few items to help out those in need.

Band Program Calendar:

This School Year's Band Program Calendar is available here:

BAND CALENDAR

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

Thursday, October 12, 2017

(Posted by Jason Smigell for Laura Allegoet)

Hello Band Families!

We have had an inquiry about the initial deposit payment for the Boston trip:  When signing up for the Boston trip, you MUST make the entire $215 deposit payment to hold your spot.  If only partial payment is made, you will be moved to the wait list and students that have paid in full will take precedent over the partial payment travelers.

If you have any questions, please contact me at allegoel@howellschools.com or Mr. Smigell at smigellj@howellschools.com

Thank you!

- Laura Allegoet
Howell High School Band Assistant


Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Boston Trip Packets and Marching Band Rehearsal for Concert

Band Program - Boston Trip Forms:

This is how things are being handled for Boston this year:

  • Payments are being made directly to the trip company.
  • Students can start signing up online today - limit of 135 spots for students. 
    • Students also need to fill out the Student Information Form and Health Info form which gets mailed to the P.O. Box or turned in to the band room mail box. Charms monies can only be used for 3rd and/or 4th payments.
  • Online registration for chaperones opens on November 1st with the trip company. 
    • Limit of 15 Chaperones on this trip due to the number of buses.
    • Chaperones must have their Central Registry Clearance done with the State of Michigan AND the high school paperwork done before they can get on the "eligible" list. Adults names will be put on a list in the order we received their paperwork. 
      • If you went to band camp - the CRC and HS paperwork is already in the districts system for the school year (one of the advantages of going to band camp).
    • If someone signs up online as a chaperone before November 1st or before we have their paperwork, they will be removed from the trip until after we receive their paperwork. Chaperones also need to fill out the General information sheet and health info form.

Student Forms and Information Packet:
Student Packet Here

Chaperone Forms and Information Packet:

Marching Band Rehearsal for Concert:

The marching band will be having a rehearsal to go over entering / exiting the auditorium and all of the music covered in for this season. 

MB Rehearsal Date:
Tuesday, October 17th
After School (2:30pm) until done (hopefully by 3:30pm or so)

Blogpost Made Earlier Today:


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

Events Coming Up - MB Pictures Order Form

Band Program Trip - Boston Meeting:

  • October 10, 2017
  • 6:30pm
  • High School Band Room
Its been a Howell Bands tradition that every two years Mr. Smigell takes arranges a trip to another city to expand the horizons of the bandos. Highlights include taking in the city sights, good eats, a ball game, a play or museum, a symphony performance, and a clinic opportunity with a luminary of the music world. In NYC during our last trip, the clinician was Michael Adelson, the cover conductor for the New York Philharmonic and Conductor of the Auros Group for New Music in Boston. Typically each student has a chance to go on two trips, usually New York and Boston.

This year’s trip will be to Boston. We were last in Boston in 2014. Check out the trip video composed by then-student Kousa Yamaoka here.

Please attend if you are interested in the trip this school year.  There will be information for students and interested chaperones.  This has been announced in classes.

Marching Band Pictures - Wed, Oct. 11th:

The HHSMB will be having it's picture taken on Wednesday, October 11th right after school.

Students can request to have their individual picture taken at this time too - but they must ask to be photographed individually because he isn't taking every individual student's photo (only those who are wanting them done).

Information and Order Form: FORM

Questions?
E-Mail
Monica Hacker at hackerm@howellschools.com
Dan Zappa at dzproductions1@hotmail.com

The photographer will make the announcement about due dates at the time of the pictures being taken.

Band Booster Meeting  - Wed, Oct. 11th:

Message from the Band Booster President:

"Hi everyone -

Due to some scheduling conflicts, we will be rescheduling this week’s Booster meeting one week to next Wednesday. So our next booster meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 PM in the HHS Band Room. I hope you can join us. I’ll send another reminder next week.

Thank you.

Dean"

Pep Band  - Friday, October 13th:

When: Friday Night - October 13th @6:30pm - End (~9pm unless a shut out, weather, time outs, etc.)
Where: Hartland HS - 10635 Dunham Rd, Hartland, MI 48353 // Meeting at Visitor Gate
What (to wear / bring): Instrument, Flip-Folder of Music (Upperclassmen bring any extra music you have from the past yrs to help with the new members), W/E your instrument may need (extra reeds, valve oil, etc.) and you MUST wear this seasons' MB shirt (Star Wars)

Pep Band is not required - it goes towards your band letter / medals and it is fun. ^.^ You meet Mr.Smigell at the gates at 6:30pm to get in free (for students - parents must pay ~$5 at the admission gate to enter). Mr. Smigell will be at the game the whole time. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Hartland HS (ask if you need a ride - Smigell will help you find a ride with another student (don't be afraid to ask)). Be sure to bring home your instrument Friday after school - there will be no way to get into the band room Friday evening (and remember to bring them back to school on Monday). Parents are welcome to cheer on the band / football team.


First Band Concert - Wed, Oct. 18th @7pm:

Wednesday, October 18th at 7pm in the HHS / Rod Bushey Auditorium.  The concert will show all the concert ensembles, including the marching band.

Dress Code: "Dress nicely". This means NO TSHIRTS, SWEATSHIRTS/PANTS, JEANS, OR TENNIS SHOES. Obviously this also means that all clothing needs to be school appropriate as well. Gentlemen - a nice shirt and tie with slacks or khakis will do. Ladies - a nice blouse or sweater with a skirt or slacks put you in the clear. You will be changing into your uniform during the concert after you perform if you are in marching band, so bring your marching uniform (the season's black, fitness / pj shorts, all black socks and all black shoes).

Report Time For All: 6:30pm - Show up already in your nice outfit. :)


Band Program Calendar:

This School Year's Band Program Calendar is available here:

BAND CALENDAR

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

Friday, October 06, 2017

We need your help! (WE ALSO NEED YOU TO READ THE POST BELOW!)



Hi everybody!

FIRST OF ALL, READ THE POST BELOW THIS ONE!  IT IS BRIMMING WITH INFO ABOUT HOMECOMING AND OTHER THINGS!!

OK now that that is out of the way,  Emily Vincent and Nick Shields need your help!

Nick and Em are on yearbook staff and they need Band Camp pics!  Our band students are wonderful, fantastic, hard working kids, but they apparently don't like submitting photos :-/  Parents, can you help us?  If you went to camp or have any school appropriate photos of band camp or pre-Labor Day band activities, please email them to this address:

ev67203@howellschools.com


Thanks so much!


Tuesday, October 03, 2017

SUPER MEGA POST

This is a big and busy week for the band. Super large blogpost with a lot of info - I tried to arrange the events by date to help organize everything on calendars.

Home Game #4 - vs. Canton:
Friday, October 6th - @7pm

This is the official schedule - unless it rains. Please check the blog if the weather is bad on Friday for any updates.


Normal (But Shortened) School Day:
  • Drumline plays at the end of 5th hr
  • Entire MB goes to Pep Rally // MB, Color Guard, Drumline Plays
  • Right after school, the MB goes to the Stadium (may already be there if the weather is nice, if not - the pep rally would be in the field house)
  • MB does dress rehearsal with the court
Uniforms: After Dress Rehearsal
Load the Buses/Leave: 4:00pm
Arrive / Unload the Buses: 4:15pm
Parade: 5:00pm

~~~ Performs in the Homecoming Parade ~~~

Tailgate: 5:45pm (If you or your parents volunteered to bring stuff for it, please remember ^.^)
Uniforms: 6:20pm - Be back in Uniform
Step Off: 6:35pm
Pregame: 6:45pm - MB Performs Halftime / PreGame Show
Kickoff: 7:00pm - MB Performs During Halftime (with Court stuff)
Game Ends: 9:30pm-ish (Depending on timeouts, injuries, etc.) This will be a longer performing game due to the special things that happen during Pre-Game, Half-time, and Post-Game.

STUDENTS WILL NOT HAVE A CHANCE TO GO BACK HOME UNTIL EVERYTHING IS DONE. Students must bring their lunch (a large one is recommended due to the amount of energy they will be using until Tailgate), this season's MB shirt, black socks, black shoes, etc.

Tailgate for the Fourth Game* - Friday, Oct 6th @ 5:45pm:
Everyone needs to bring $3 per person please if you are not donating something or helping with something (listed on the Sign Up link). 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. This helps with the extra costs needed to feed everyone. Thanks!

Sign Ups for what is needed for the tailgate is here: SIGN UP LINK

Please contact Heather Miner at 517-518-4809 or heather.marie.miner@gmail.com if you have any questions. Thank you!!

Band Program Trip - Boston Meeting:

  • October 10, 2017
  • 6:30pm
  • High School Band Room
Its been a Howell Bands tradition that every two years Mr. Smigell takes arranges a trip to another city to expand the horizons of the bandos. Highlights include taking in the city sights, good eats, a ball game, a play or museum, a symphony performance, and a clinic opportunity with a luminary of the music world. In NYC during our last trip, the clinician was Michael Adelson, the cover conductor for the New York Philharmonic and Conductor of the Auros Group for New Music in Boston. Typically each student has a chance to go on two trips, usually New York and Boston.

This year’s trip will be to Boston. We were last in Boston in 2014. Check out the trip video composed by then-student Kousa Yamaoka here.

Please attend if you are interested in the trip this school year.  There will be information for students and interested chaperones.  This has been announced in classes.

Marching Band Pictures - Wed, Oct. 11th:

The HHSMB will be having it's picture taken on Wednesday, October 11th right after school. 

Students can request to have their individual picture taken at this time too - but they must ask to be photographed individually because he isn't taking every individual student's photo (only those who are wanting them done).

Prices and the order form for the pictures will be available soon - but they are pretty reasonable.

Band Booster Meeting Rescheduled - Wed, Oct. 11th:

Message from the Band Booster President:

"Hi everyone -

Due to some scheduling conflicts, we will be rescheduling this week’s Booster meeting one week to next Wednesday. So our next booster meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 PM in the HHS Band Room. I hope you can join us. I’ll send another reminder next week.

Thank you.

Dean"

Pep Band  - Friday, October 13th:

When: Friday Night - October 13th @6:30pm - End (~9pm unless a shut out, weather, time outs, etc.)
Where: Hartland HS - 10635 Dunham Rd, Hartland, MI 48353 // Meeting at Visitor Gate
What (to wear / bring): Instrument, Flip-Folder of Music (Upperclassmen bring any extra music you have from the past yrs to help with the new members), W/E your instrument may need (extra reeds, valve oil, etc.) and you MUST wear this seasons' MB shirt (Star Wars)

Pep Band is not required - it goes towards your band letter / medals and it is fun. ^.^ You meet Mr.Smigell at the gates at 6:30pm to get in free (for students - parents must pay ~$5 at the admission gate to enter). Mr. Smigell will be at the game the whole time. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Hartland HS (ask if you need a ride - Smigell will help you find a ride with another student (don't be afraid to ask)). Be sure to bring home your instrument Friday after school - there will be no way to get into the band room Friday evening (and remember to bring them back to school on Monday). Parents are welcome to cheer on the band / football team.


First Band Concert - Wed, Oct. 18th @7pm:

Wednesday, October 18th at 7pm in the HHS / Rod Bushey Auditorium.  The concert will show all the concert ensembles, including the marching band.

Dress Code: "Dress nicely". This means NO TSHIRTS, SWEATSHIRTS/PANTS, JEANS, OR TENNIS SHOES. Obviously this also means that all clothing needs to be school appropriate as well. Gentlemen - a nice shirt and tie with slacks or khakis will do. Ladies - a nice blouse or sweater with a skirt or slacks put you in the clear. You will be changing into your uniform during the concert after you perform if you are in marching band, so bring your marching uniform (the season's black, fitness / pj shorts, all black socks and all black shoes).

Report Time For All: 6:30pm - Show up already in your nice outfit. :)


Band Program Calendar:

This School Year's Band Program Calendar is available here:

BAND CALENDAR

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett