THE MOST IMPORTANT BAND BLOG TO DATE... ALL THE INFORMATION THAT WE HAVE OR ARE WILLING TO DISSEMINATE AT THIS TIME. ****NEW INFO!!! UPDATED 8/1/06!!!****

It is extremely important that you PASS THIS INFORMATION ON TO PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT. Seriously!! Parents, students, anyone reading this, please tell at least one other person who you think may not know about this blog.

Keep checking this particular post, as I will continue to add to it. Eventually, (as in the next few hours) this post on the blog will include:

NEW INFO ON SQUAD LEADER/NEWBIE DAYS AND BAND PICTURES!

-Who made squad leader

-Exact times and information about band camp (When, where, what to bring etc.)

-the calendar for the ENTIRE YEAR

-announcements about UPCOMING INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS!!



Ok... We start with the SQUAD LEADER LIST. First, a few notes:

1. The squad leaders were picked from people who took and passed the squad leader test. If you did not take the test, you were not considered.

2. People on this list are not officially squad leaders until they attend the ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY LEADERSHIP SEMINAR on August 3rd from 9am-3pm, the NEW BAND MEMBER HEAD START SEMINAR on August 4th from 9am-3pm, and BAND CAMP from august 7th-11th (Sleepaway). If you are on the list and cannot make these dates, please let me know so I can give you spot to an alternate. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO DISCUSSION ABOUT MISSING ANY OF THIS STUFF. You want to be a squad leader, make the time.

3. You may not have any other commitments that interfere with the practices and performances of the Howell High School Marching Band. Regular members, maybe. Squad leaders, no way.

4. The alternate squad leaders shall be used if the starting squad leaders cannot fit the above requirements or if we have overflow after band camp. The alternate squad leaders are allowed to come to the seminar but it is optional.


And now, the SL LIST in alpha order:

(All people on this list must be present at the aforementioned dates)

Drum Majors:
Ben Dennis
Emily Ellison
Jane Galubenski

Majorette:
Jessica Hayes

Flags:
Meghan Altemus
Sara Pohl

Flute
Vonnie Bigham
Michelle Garrett
Rayna Glynn
Ashley Mcquillen
Aimee Muscoe
Autumn Reynolds

Clarinet
Andrea Fosshage
Brittany Green
Kat Jakrewski
Eric Joseph
Ashlin Murphy
Sam Slagell

Saxophones
Tiffany Dancer
Jeremy Ellens
Jason Simmerman
Jonathan Taylor
Kyle Webster

Horn
Alyssa Hayes

Trumpet
Anthony Barrow
Jacob Doefer
Kaitlyn Estes
Holly Williams

Trombone
Chaz Chappel
Josh Fenn
Brandon Wright

Euphonium
Brian Leyder

Tuba
Stephanie Smith

Drumline
Nick Hoornstra
Matt Ogg
Krystal Sexton
Andrew Williams

Alternates
Sara Candito
Danna Glynn
Jessica Kobylarz

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:

SANDALS OF ANY KIND ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE AT ANY MARCHING REHEARSAL. Neither are clogs, crocs, platform shoes or boots. ONLY ATHLETIC SHOES OR SPECIALIZED MARCHING SHOES ARE ACCEPTABLE.

Thursday, August 3, 2006 9am-3pm Squad Leader Seminar MANDATORY FOR ALL SQUAD LEADERS (see above for who must attend) Held at the HHS Band Room. Bring your instrument/equipment, a water bottle, proper shoes for marching, and a pencil. Bring YOUR OWN LUNCH

Friday, August 4, 2006 8:30am-9:30am Parent meeting for new members and anyone who wants to ask final questions. Held at HHS Band room and footbal field

Friday, August 4, 2006 9am-3pm (SAME DAY) New Member get-you-acclimated-so-band-camp-isn't-quite-so-confusing workshop. All new marching band members (regardless of grade level) are STRONGLY ADVISED to attend. It is MANDATORY for all squad leaders to attend this workshop. Bring your instrument/equipment, a water bottle, marching or athletic shoes, and a pencil. BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH.

Monday, August 7th 2006 6:45-7:00am DROP OFF STUDENTS FOR BAND CAMP!!!! (Suggested packing list and sample itinerary for each day TBA) The band camp is held away at EAGLE VILLAGE in Hersey, MI. For more information about the camp itself, please go to www.eaglevillage.org (I goofed earlier and said alc.org... sorry!)

(AUG 8,9,10 AWAY AND BAND CAMP WOO HOO!)

Friday, August 11, 2006 approx. 4pm PICK UP STUDENTS AT HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL RETURNING FROM BAND CAMP!! (This time may change slightly but the kids with cell phones usually do a mini fan-out on the bus....

Tues, August 15, 2006 7:30-9:30am Parade/halftime marching rehearsal
Wed, August 16, 2006 " "
Thurs, August 17, 2006 " "

Saturday, August 19, 2006 MELONFEST PARADE Report time 10:00AM... at Howell Police Dept. (this time may fluctuate to an hour earlier once we get more information)

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 7:30-9:30am Halftime/pregame marching rehearsal
Wednesday, august 23, 2006 7:30-9:30am " "
Thursday, August 24, 2006 7:30-9:30am " "

Friday August 25, 2006 HOWELL v. DAVISON AT HOME!!! Time TBA

Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday August 29, 30, 31 7:30-9:30am marching rehearsals...

Wednesday the 30th will be PICTURE DAY. The students will have a mass picture taken in the auditorium along with other rehearsal items


School begins... Regular rehearsals are monday nights (6:30ish to 8:30ishpm) tues-thusday directly after school for an hour. Exact times TBA once we get in touch with the athletic coaches.

9/8/2006 Home football game vs. MILFORD

9/29/2006 HOMECOMING vs. LAKELAND (Parade will be that day as well... the longest day of the year for band kids)

10/13/2006 Home Football Game vs. SOUTH LYON

10/20/2006 Home football Game vs. HIGHLAND PARK

10/26/2006 Fall Band Concert

10/27 and 10/30 composite band pictures

12/13, 12/14, or 12/19 Holiday band concert TBA (WE DON'T KNOW WHEN HOLIDAY VACATION IS YET SO WE CANNOT PUT THIS ONE IN INK)

Solo and Ensemble dates TBA

2/15/07 Pre festival band concert

3/3/07 BAND FESTIVAL

Howellpalooza TBA

April 17, or April 19, 2007... Collage Concert

May 22, 2007 Spring Band Concert

Lots of these items are still a little up in the air because the school calendar is not completely set yet, plus many things like Fantasy of lights, Hockey Band, Howell HS Pep Band (yes, it is coming back... WOOT!) and many other are still forthcoming.

IT SHOULD BE AN AWESOME YEAR!!! STILL MUCH MORE TO COME!!!!

OK... Take 2, This is a blog entry from over 4000 miles away!!! I am writing you from Krakow, POland! I have been traveling for the past couple of weeks! Here are the highlights:

I went on a cruise to the bahamas and key west florida. I caught a 3 foot baracuda fishing in the florida keys and I won $200 playing blackjack on the boat!!! (All skill, no luck of course!!!)

I snorkeled over a coral reef in the bahamas and I learned a new djembe beat from the captain of the boat. They have Bahamas/jamaican marching band. The music is called "junkanoo" (pronounced zshuh-kay-noo). It is really out of tune, but makes up for it in spirit and butt kicking factor!!!

I am now in poland for the next week and I will end my trip in Vienna, Austria. This year is the 250th birthday of his highness, Wolfgang amedeus mozart. There are supposedly 4 or five concerts a day of really really good mozart in vienna. I plan on listening to a lot of it....

Bottom line: If you are in band or percussion class, you will be exposed to Caribbean and or/mozart Music next year in some way (Trust me, it will be fun and inspiring!!!)

Poland is very inexpensive and beautiful!! The people speak polish, a little english and a little german, so I am doing ok (polish is very very hard to learn). I got an incredible meal with drinks for 40 zloty $1.00 = 3.08 zloty). It would have cost 25 or 30 bucks in the US. For instance, I am at the equivalent of LAN lords in poland, and it costs 5 zloty per hour. WHAT A VALUE!!!!

I have been thinking about this coming year. And I want you to know that I am very excited!!! I know I say this every year, but I mean it every year. The classes all have enough talent to run, and I feel very energized right now. I am VERY THANKFUL for the work that has already been put in by the minions over the summer. We will be having several more band wrokdays througout july and august. If you are interested, email me at smigellj@howellschools.com and I will include you on the "DL".

I also wanted to let everone know that the new booster board ROCKS. I cannot wait to work with them next year.

Ok.. so that is about it... it is time for the next world cup game. In Poland, they take thier Soccer, and wodka very seriously (I am only watching both, of course ;)


Smigell reporting from central europe.

Greetings all blog-o-licious bandos and their parents, and welcome to this entry of my blog! Here is all the most up-to-date information and news pertaining to the Howell High School band program:


PAST: When you look back on it, we have had an above average year. I would give it about a "B" grade. Some really fantasic things, and some disapointing things (nothing ever seems to be in the middle around here). Not bad at all, but we can do better. I would really like to thank the seniors for a particularly good job this year. They displayed leadership, creativity, and integrity all year long. Hats off! Speaking of hats off, yesterday, the memorial day parade was a scorcher. It is always a tough call to make on whether or not to wear full uniform when it is going to be that hot outside. At the time of the decision, the forcast was for the mid eighties. It ended up being in the low nineties! The kids were so strong through the entire parade and ceremony. I was very proud of them.


PRESENT:

-Awards banquet is tonight at 6pm in the high school cafeteria. If you want to come for the awards but not the meal, you can show up around 6:45pm.

-Flag tryouts are today after school in the high school band room. Good luck!

-Squad leader clinic is today and the squad leader test will be held this wednesday.

-Graduation band will play on Sunday, June 4th. Report time is 1:20pm. The performance at graduation is considered the final exam for the band class. If you come to graduation, you will be exempt from the final and do not have to come to that protion of exam day. If you do not attend, you will need to attend the exam and do the makeup assignment (TBA).


FUTURE: Band camp money is due June 9th. If you have problems getting the money in by that time, please call Mr. Smigell (517) 540 8001 or email Mr. Smigell smigellj@howellschools.com before the deadline.

-Band camp is August 7-11, 2006.
-New marching band member clinic is august 4th
-MANDATORY Squad leader clinic is august 3rd



Hope this helps!

-Smigell

Hey everybody!!

I FIANLLY have the posting for Symphonic Band!!! Listings are in alphabetical order:

Flutes
Lona Cerwinski
Kayla Dillon
Kim Hagadorn
Therese Jirasek
Kateri Maltby
Ashley Mcquillen
Kyndra Palinkas
Miranda Radelt
Autumn Reynolds

Clarinets
Heather Fergusen
Andrea Fosshage
Amanda Huband
Keegan Maltby
Ashlin Murphy
Andrea Prado
Emily Warren
Roxanne Pardee
Sarah Pohl
Jackie Rendall

Oboe
James Park

Bassoon
Bobby Kenney

Saxophones
Brianne Blankenship
Samantha Bonfiglio
Brew Buckner
Jane Galubensky
Evan Hansel
Ryan Heslip
vanessa Loge
Jack Palmer
Gary Schomberger
Kyce Soeries
Chris Shoner
Jason Simmerman


Trumpets
David Crawford
Jacob Doefer
Eric Graham
Kayla Kuiakai-Lalond
Brian Roskamp
Matt Rosemary
Kellen Reason
Zach Sequin

Horn
Travis Helsper

Trombones
Josh Fenn
Ronnie Heslip
Josh Markovich
Laurel Smutek
Adam Wurster

Euphonium
Jessica Bader



Tuba
Keith Parker
Stephanie Smith

Percussionist
To be announced



Ok people, Some of you are wondering... WHAT'S WITH ALL THE SAXOPHONES?

Well.. Seeing that we are really short on horns in this group, some of the saxes will become "Saxahorns"

Could there be errors? Yes... Is it likely? No... Things were veryu competetive in the flutes, saxophones, and flutes... oh, and the flutes. Several of the flutes and saxophones qualified for symphonic band but still did not make it because of former wind ensemble people taking their spots. If you are happy, congratulations, keep it to yourself and be classy. If you are upset, come talk to me.


Smigell

INFORMATION ABOUT DRUM MAJORS AND SQUAD LEADERS:

Anyone interested in being a drum major for the 2006-2007 marching season should attend the meetings on wed, thurs, and fri (may 10th, 11, and 12) from 2:30-3:30

Requirements: Must be currently in 10th or 11th grade, all instruments are elligible, but low brass are slightly discouraged (ever so slightly).

People interested in becoming a squad leader will have the squad leader clinic during the day on monday, may 8th. The squad leader test will be administered after school on wednesday (makeup tests can be taken individually)

-Smigell

Congratulations to those who made it into wind ensemble. Symphonic postings should be coming soon after.

Smigell


Howell High School 2006-2007 Wind Ensemble

All placing are in ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Flutes
Scott Archer
Ruth Belmont
Vonnie Bigham
Rayna Glynn
Kristin Oke
Aimee Muscoe
Sam Ryan

Oboes
Kristin Bartkowiak
Michelle Garett

Clarinet
Jordan Eschelman
Brittany Green
Candyce Hill
Joe Hillier
Kat Jakrewski
Eric Joseph
Jess Kobylarz
Sarah Pohl
Kaitlyn Simmons
Sam Slagell


Saxophones
Mike Brown
Sarah Candito
Tiffany Dancer
Jeremy Ellens
Eric Grabijas
Jonathan Taylor









Trumpets
Anthony Barrow
Mike Block
Ben Dennis
Kaitlyn Estes
Brian Tworek
Holly Williams
Scott Wittla



Horn
Paul Clifton
Keena Dixon
Alyssa Hayes




Trombone
Chaz Chappel
Connor Harlow
Dalton Matznik
Eric Stantz
Brandon Wright

Euphonium
Brian Leyder

Tuba
Matt Ogg
Gary Shomberger

Percussion
Cory Boomer
More tba

Hello Everyone!

This is a new post just to show that the blog is back up and running!!! The informational meeting will take place this Thursday, May 4th, at 6pm. ALL WILL BE REVEALED THEN.

'Till then,

Smigell

HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL BANDS HAS A NEW WEBSITE!!!!


ALL INFORMATION IS NOW GOING TO BE POSTED ON THIS SITE, STARTING NOW!!

(Including all information about BAND CAMP!)

READY?


goto www.howellbands.com

SEE YOU THERE!!

OH MY GOD THE MARCHING MUSIC JUST CAME IN AND IT IS TOTALLY SSSSSSWWWWEEEEEEET!


HOLY SSSSSMMMMMOOOOKES!!!!!



Our festival show this year..... (Drum Roll) IS THE INCREDIBLES!! For once, Hal Leonard has done justice to good music and written a fantastic arrangement for this great music!!!

EVERYONE IS GONE TO POOP THEIR PANTS WHEN THEY HEAR THIS MUSIC.

THE CROWD WILL BE THROWING CASH, FLOWERS, AND BABIES!


This on top of the fact that this already has been dubbed the first of "THE THREE GOLDEN YEARS"!!

We have the talent... We have the drive... The ship has come in... As far as the people part of the equation goes, EVERY aspect of the Howell High School Band program

(Marching Band, Concert Ensembles, Percussion, Tech, Irish, Jazz, Flags, Majorettes, Solo and ensemble, private lessons...

DID I MENTION THAT THE MUSICAL IS THE MUSIC MAN THIS YEAR!!! If you had to chose the best musical to play if you were in pit band, Music man would be in the top five!!

WWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW!!!!!

DID I MENTION THAT WE ARE GOING ON A TRIP THIS YEAR!?!?!?!?!?

I AM GOING INSANE!!!!!!

OK.. I'm feeling a little better.

We have two things standing in our way.

#1. Cash. Prepare to fundraise A LOT this year. Mitch Ryder set us back a bunch (It was nobody's fault, it just happended that way).

#2. Ourselves. Last year was not a bad year, but it wasn't one of our best. THE BAND PLANETS HAVE ALL ALIGNED (don't worry, I'm not actually into astrology). THIS YEAR COULD, AND SHOULD BE THE GREATEST YEAR HHSB HAS HAD IN 30 years!! EVERY PERSON NEEDS TO HAVE PASSION AND DRIVE! If we have a little drive, a little passion, and a little cash.


GAME OVER!!! BAND TAKES OVER THE WORLD!!!

Actual information, calenders, and schedules to follow very soon.


Peace out,

Smigell

Actual Schedule version of the blog!!

Hello all!

This will hopefully help everyone out who is curious about the schedule for the next few days.

Wednesday

2:30-Brief meeting for PIT BAND after school to pass out music for rehearsal and discuss rehearsal schedule. The meeting will take less than an hour.

7-9PM HOWELLPALOOZA DRESS REHEARSAL

Here is the lineup:

1. Jazz band
2. Color guard
3. Classicality
4. Majorettes
5. "Stool Sample"
6. Intermission
7. Highland Dancers
8. PIstol whipped kelly
9. liable to change
10. calamity
11. Percussion blowout fiesta

Thursday:

Howellpalooza report time is 6:30PM THe show starts at 7:00!!! Everyone should come!! THe show should be awesome!!!


Friday

Pit Band rehearsal 2:30-4:00PM


Next week: Pit rehearsal mon, tues, thurs friday of next week 2:30-4:30 pm.

OK... see you thursday night!

Smigell

HOWEL HIGH BANDS "FALSE ALARM" EDITION OF THE BAND BLOG!!!


Don't get too excited yet, folks! I just wanted to post this to let you know that I am still working on the audition placements. My dog had unexpected surgery again and I had to go out of town for a day as well, so things got pushed back a bit. I hope to have them done as well as some work on upcoming events as well. I hope that this break is as restful and regenerative or you as it has been for me. I CAN'T WAIT to get back in the saddle and actually start making music!!! If I get the placements done in time (along with all my other work, I've been coming in pretty regurlarly this week to get stuff done), I will make sure to post them.

SMigell

ALRIGHT PEOPLE, TIME TO SUCK IT UP AND DO THE BEST WE CAN!!!


I have to admit, I was a little alarmed when I heard that there was no school today. It is not the end of the world, however. We will do the best we can, that is all that can be asked of us.

Tomorrow and Friday, we will be doing a festival runthrough in all bands. This will consist of:

1. a brief warm up
2. a runthrough of the songs
3. a sight reading practice.

BE READY TO GO!!! THERE WILL BE NO PATIENCE FOR THE NORMAL SHENANIGANS!

Smigell

OK... checking to see if this post has comments available. Please read the entry a couple down in order to get all of your festival information.

Smigell

NOW YOU CAN COMMENT ON THE BLOGG!!!

Please read the previous entry so that you can get all of the important if for festival.

Smigell


P.S. stop snow dancing!

BIG TIME IMPORTANT!!! PLEASE READ!!!


#1: You can now post questions or comments on the blog!! I have realizede that I actually check the forums of Stimson's Ghetto more than I check my personal E-mail account, so I thought that this might be a another way to reach me. This also allows people to express ideas and other thoughts... Give it a shot!


#2 The itinerary for FESTIVAL is complete!



Wind Ensemble:

Performance Date: Friday, March 4, 2005

Location: Waterford Kettering HS (I know there have been many rumors and wrong announcements about this, but this is final. I got a letter from them today... This is the place)

Report time: 6:30PM Howell High School Busses leave approx. 7:00 pm conflicts need to see Mr. Smigell Immediately!!!

Performance time: 8:55PM

Return time: Approx. 11PM


9th grade/Varsity band:

Performance Date: Saturday, March 4, 2005

Location: South Lyon HS

Report time: 6:55 am at Howell HS Busses leave approx 7:15am. Conflicts need to see Mr Smigell immediately!

Performance time: 8:55 am

Return Time: Approx 10:30 AM



Symphonic Band:

Performance Date: Saturday, March 4, 2005
Location: South Lyon HS
Report time: 10:30 AM Howell High School Conflicts need to see mr. Smigell immediately!
Performance time: 1:00 PM
return time: 2:30- 3:30 PM



ALSO: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is playing PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION by Mossourgski on March 13th, 2005. This is an incredible opportunity to see some really well known classical music by a fantastic orchestra. Even if you have never heard of the piece, you will recognize much of the music. It is used in film and TV all the time.


Peace out,

Smigell

LET THERE BE PEACE ON THE NET!!!


Ok folks, for those of you who are regular visitors, this is an opinion entry, not an informational one. It is related to what is becoming a nasty little war on some of my student's blogs.

I must admit that I got sucked in and read it along with everyone else. It was the same part of me that turns to look at gruesome car wrecks on the highway and contribute to the gawker jams that result.

Listen people, there are some pretty hurtful things that are being traded back and forth, and although it was initially amusing, no good can come from further exchanges:

1. We are about to draw heat from the local press... I could just see this ballooning into something stupid that gets put on the local news. You know those tv people love to air crap like this!!! Just look back to the diversity flag fiasco and the KKK robe scandal. None of that was that big of a deal, but people love to look at other people's dirty laundry. I can just see it now: HOWELL CONTINUES TO DEMONSTRATE HATE.... THIS TIME IN CYBERSPACE. Is this what is really happening? No, but they don't care.

2. The band program is loosley connected to this whole thing because the warring factions are in band.

3. It is going to start interferring with class... not to mention people relations.


Mike, if you read this, I respect your right to free speech, but you need to be careful. With that freedom comes responsibility. Lawsuits have been started over less. If you really wanted it to be private, you would have used that option on the blog dashboard. I think you are a good person. You're better than this. You're probably surprised by aall the fuss. Settle your differences face to face and people will respect you more

Joe and anyone else that has been responding angrily: Just stop reading it. Haven't you figured out that he wants you to be mad and respond to him? As I said with Mike, you guys are better than this. I know I laughed at what was being written, but I realized quickly after that that was wrong. Nothing good is going to come from this.


THE BIG POINT TO GET HERE: It is very easy to say bad things on the internet because it is not face to face. I have made some pretty massive mistakes this way, so I speak from experience.

SOME TIPS TO KEEP FROM GETTING TOO MEAN ON THE NET:

1. Save your post as a draft, wait an hour or two then read it again before you post. You frequently will edit what you wrote, or delete it all together.

2. NEVER PUT ANYTHING UNTRUE ABOUT SOMEONE... Even if it is a joke, you are crossing over into defamation, which is illegal.

3. RESPONDING JUST MAKES EVERYONE MORE ANGRY AND ESCALATES THE CONFLICT.

You know that I don't usually get involved in students' private lives, but by posting all of this on the net, you have made it public. Everyone take a deep breath and be at peace.


Smigell

FESTIVAL HOME STRETCH EDITION PART 1...


Hello Bloggers!

There is a correction from the last blog!

The location for the Wind ensemble for festival is waterford kettering!!! Where that is... your guess is as good as mine!!


Just a reminder that the pre-festival concert is THIS THURSDAY!!!!

-Start time is 7:00 pm report time all groups is 6:30 pm.

-Attire is standard band concert outfit (Black bottom and formal shirt with bowtie for the freshman ensemble, Same for gentlemen in the symph band, ladies of Symphonic Band wear thier prescribed skirts and the formal shirt with bowtie. The ladies of the Wind ensemble wear the same as the symphonic band and the gentlemen of the wind ensemble wear the super old beat up tuxes with white formal shirt and bowtie.

-ONLY THE FRESHMAN BAND, THE SYMPHONIC BAND, AND THE WIND ENSEMBLE PARTICIPATE IN THE PREFESTIVAL CONCERT!!

-This is our least populated concert of the year, so please make a point of coming out to see the show!! The kids will appreciate it!!

MORE ON SPECIFIC FESTIVAL TIMES AND ITINERARY COMING VERY SOON!!!

Festival Info edition of the band blog!

Greetings Bloggo-comrades!

This is all the information I currently have about the Band and orchestra festival, along with the information for State solo and ensemble festival.



BAND AND ORCHESTRA INFORMATION!!!

SITE: South Lyon High School

Wind Ensemble Performs March 4th, (friday night) at 8:50 PM

Symphonic Band Performs March 5th 1:00 PM

Ninth Grade Band Performs March 5th 8:50 AM

Please mark this on your calendars!



State Solo and Ensemble Festival is March 19th!!!

Presumed site will be Chelsea High School

If you received a "1" rating at districts, you are elligible to play at states. I must have the money by Wednesday, Feb 9 in order to send the forms in on time.

Here are the prices:

9th grade solo: $12.00
10-12 Grade solo: $16.00
Piano solo:$19.00
Perc solo: $19.00
Duet: $12.50
Trio: $14.00
Quartet:$15.50
Quintet: $17.00

Checks payable to HHS Band or cash only. NO STUDENT ACCOUNTS.

Also, don't forget about our Festival Prep Concert on Thursday, Feb 24th at 7pm in the HHS Auditorium.

And now, I'm outta here.

SMigell

MLK Day Blog:

Greeting Band Folk throughout this great community of Howell. Let us first take a moment to think about what this day means. When I think of Martin Luther King Jr, I think of a man that helped to set great changes in motion. Great changes in tolerance, love, and equality for all people in the United States of America. I think that things are much better than they were in the struggle for civil rights, but I think we still have work to do. Recently our community has been the object of scrutiny again due to it's past transgressions and an act of what I consider to be poor taste. Once again, the misjudgement of a few has put the burden on all of us. If we want our town to be respected and judged as safe and fair, we need to continue to show tolerance, civility, and compassion to everyone we meet. I know I am preaching to the choir, it's just that I know Howell is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. It frustrates me when people from outside the community judge us because of a few isolated incedents.

Anyway, here is the next few days outlined for the band program.

Bands: We will rehearse on Tuesday, and for a portion of the final exam. If you have successfully passed your audition (for band) or end of the semester playing exam (for percussion), then you may be exempt from coming to the final. Talk with Mr. Smigell for more details.

Perc:We will be finishing up Playing exams, then on the day of the final, we will hopefully be working on blue man group.

SOLO AND ENSEMBLE IS COMING UP FEB. 5... DO YOU HAVE YOUR MUSIC PICKED OUT YET?

NEXT CONCERT FOR THE BANDS IS ON FEB 24th. THERE WILL BE NO JAZZ BAND OR PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE AT THIS CONCERT.

BAND CAMP IS LOOKING TO BE THE WEEK OF AUGUST 8th... BUT DON't QUOTE ME!!! THERE WILL DETAILS ON THIS VERY SOON. EXPECT A SMALL PRICE HIKE (SORRY!!)

ok... that's it for now,

Mr. Smigell

Welcome Bliggity Blogs!


This is a post in accordance with my new resolution to blog more often (I am determined to keep at least one of my new year's resolutions).


Here are some of the happenings in the Howell High School Band program right now:


-Jazz band will begin rehearsal as usual on monday, jan 10th for ALL members (Woodwinds included) from 2:45-4:45. All members will go from 2:45-3:45, then it will be just the big band for the last hour.

-The first rehearsal of the Livingston County honors band will also be on jan 10th, 2005 from 7-9pm. The second LCHB rehearsal will be from 8am-4 pm jan 29th at three fires middle school, and the last rehearsal will be all day jan 31st. The concert starts at 7:30 pm on Jan 31st.

-Solo and ensemble Festival is coming up! In fact, it is about a month away! Location tba, and times will be given out soon, but the festival itself happens on februrary 5th, 2005 (a Saturday)

well.... I think that is it for now.

Smigell

Happy New Year Blog!!!


Hey everyone, It's been a long time, so tell everyone who craves the blog to check it!!!


Let's get the business out of the way first!!

Schedule for the next few days....


Monday:

-Start of new technical exercises for all bands! Perc ensemble will have a new test piece for thier final exam.

-Bands will warm up with the tech exercises, a touch of chorales perhaps, then there will be time to practice audition pieces for the rest of the hour. Wind ensemble will have a bit of sightreading today instead, then have a practice day on tuesday.

perc ensemble will have the new test piece distributed to them on monday for the final exam. The planning will also begin for the green man group action

THERE WILL BE NO JAZZ BAND ON MONDAY!!!


Tuesday:

Freshman and Symphonic band: Auditions begin!
W.E. Practice day for auds
Perc: Major planning session for green man group


Wednesday:

Auds All bands
Perc begin testing for volunteers.

A couple of my new year's resolutions for the band program:

-I will practice at least 3 hours a week on my instrument or on score study
-I will have better and more worthwhile technical exercises for my groups to help prepare them for festival
-I willl do 2 hours of paper work a week whether I need to or not
-I will post on the blog twice a week whether I need to or not

Coming up in the next blog: Mitch Ryder and Spyder Turner!!! WOWWWWWOOWOWOWWOWWOW... WOW!!!

FANTASY OF LIGHTS EDITION!


Hello all! Very sorry for not getting this up sooner!

Report time for kids is 5 pm NO EARLIER!

we will get into our uniforms and get on the bus....


The stepoff is at 7 pm.... we should be done around 8:30.... the bus will have us back at the high school around 9:00 or 9:30


We will stay on the bus as long as possible while waiting, but the kids will be out in the cold for a while. long underwear, spandex, and turtlenecks are suggested underneather the uniform. PLEASE DON'T WEAR SWEATSHIRTS OR JEANS UNDERNEAATH THE UNIFORMS, AS IT WILL CAUSE THE UNIFORMS TO TEAR!!!


Good luck and see you there!!!!


Smigell

SOLO AND ENSEMBLE EDITION!


Hello all! I have some information for you about this year's solo and ensemble festival:



-Solo and ensemble is an event where students get to play music by themselves or in small groups to be rated for a judge. It is very beneficial for their musical development and I highly suggest students to "take the plunge".

-The S&E festival is held all day on saturday, feb 5, 2005 at lake orion high school

-The cost to participate is $8.00 for a solo, $7.00 per person for an ensemble. The money is non refundable and is due NEXT MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15th, 2004.

-You do not need to know which piece of music you are playing yet, but I would suggest you know before the holiday vacation so you have a full 2 months to prepare.

-Any other questions, please call the band office at 517 540-8001 or email me at smigellj@howellschools.com

Cheers!

Smigell

A message from the sickbed

Hello everybody,

I have been out for a long time and I thought some of you might want to know what has been going on.

At first I just had a bad cold and a throat infection. The bacteria moved into my ear late tuesday and now I have an inner ear infection. It affects my balance and makes me very sick to my stomach. On top of that, loud noises seem to make it worse, thus making teaching band a little out of the questions. I was telling Mr. Shouldice that I have not been this bored, sick and by myself in about 6 years! The antibiotics seem to be working, but they are working slowly. Friday will be my last day out of school, I promise!!

When I get back, we are going to start jazz band auditions, re-vamping and updating the tech lab, getting ready for the veteran's dya assembly and sight reading for the holiday concert and for festival.

I will still be answering my email (smigellj@howellschools.com) if you need to get ahold of me.

Cheers,

Mr. Smigell

BAND CONCERT EDITION OF THE BLOG!! ALSO INFORMATION ABOUT THE PLAYOFF GAME!!


Hello Blog readers!

Tonight there is a concert! Ninth grade band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Percussion class are required to perform tonight. Marching band is not performing tonight.

Report time is 6:30pm for percussion, 9th grade, and Symphonic band. Report time for Wind ensemble is 6:45pm. Dress for the concert is semi formal (no tshirts, sweatshirts, jeans, or tennis shoes). The concert should be a short one, but full of nifty and interesting pieces.

The two days after the concert will be "picture days". During the school day, we will be taking individual photos for composite picture. Students have the option of having their picture in their band uniform or concert attire (formal shirt and pants/skirt). If students want to take the picture in their concert attire, they need to bring it from home (except in the case of the ninth graders. We have extras that they can use just for the picture). Color guard should come in during 2nd or third hour to get their pictures taken.

We have information for the PLAYOFF GAME!!!

We will be traveling to Ann Arbor Pioneer to play them on friday at 7pm. The band will be playing in a pep band format. Dress will be the band tshirt (Wear more underneath for warmth and the band raincoat (we will distribute on the day of the game). Transportation is not provided due to budget cuts. Maps will be provided later in the week.


That's all for now!!

Smigell

FINAL MARCHING FALL MARCHING BAND EDITION OF THE BAND BLOG


Here is all of the information that you have been waiting for! If you are reading this, pass it along that the blog is up with a new entry to everyone you know that reads it.


Tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 22, 2004

Final regular season home game of the year.

report time is 5:30

Senior parents are asked to be at the track at 6:30 pm

the tailgate will begin at 4:30 pm

The drawing for the "win a band performance" raffle will be held friday night at halftime


THERE IS A CONCERT MONDAY NIGHT. THE MARCHING BAND IS NOT PERFORMING AT IT. The symphonic band, the varsity band, the wind ensemble, and the percussion ensemble will be performing. The concert starts at 7pm and the dress is "something nice", meaning no jeans, tshirts, tennis shoes, or sweatshirts.


see you tomorrow night!

Smigell

POST FESTIVAL BLOG...


Hello everyone! Well, The Howell Highlander Marching Band attended MSBOA distict IV marching festival yesterday night. The staff and I were very pleased with the results. We received a division II rating (The best being a I, the worst being a V), and qualified for our first medal in over twenty years. The kids performed their very best, and also recieved compliments for being polite and classy. This has been a fantastic maiden voyage for the marching band and we look forward to improving next year. Special thanks to Sherry Dingman, Pat Keeney, Shannon Dingman, Robin Keeney, Sue Baker, Vicky Kihn, and anyone else I forgot for either chaperoning or helping out at the festival (I know I forgot someone... Really sorry!)

SO.... WHAT'S NEXT?!?!?


Great question! Here are some of the things happening over the next few weeks:

NO SCHOOL OR PRACTICE ON THURSDAY OCT. 7

-HOME FOOTBALL GAME THIS FRIDAY vs. South lyon. The eighth graders will be joining us on the field for our annual recruiting performance. Report time for High Schoolers is 5:30pm Report time is 5:45 for 8th graders. Eighth graders, High Schoolers and all parents are invited to partake in tasty food and soft drinks at the booster tailgate outside the band room at approx. 4:30ish.

MONDAY OCT. 11 tryouts for the University of Michigan Hockey Pep Band gig! We will be taking 45 members of the Howell High School band to sub for the U of M hockey pep band on oct. 16 (saturday). Any instrument playing member of the band program may try out for this group. Music will be passed out on Friday for auditions. See entry for oct 16th below for morer details. MB PRACTICE IS ON MONDAY FROM 5-7pm

TUESDAY, OCT 12, WEDNESDAY, OCT 13 and THURSDAY, OCT 14 MANDATORY HOCKEY BAND REHEARSALS FROM 3:30-4:30 If made it into hockey band, you MUST attend 2 of the 3 rehearsals for hockey band. You may only miss if you have an excuse. We have a lot of music to go over, so be ready!

FRIDAY, OCT 15th PEP BAND AT HARTLAND! Transportation is NOT provided, but all members of HHS bands are welcome to join us.

SATURDAY, OCT 16 HOCKEY BAND
The hockey band currently has a report time of 4:30PM at Howell High School. This may change slightly as we get more information. A U of M charter bus will pick us up, take us down to Ann Arbor Michigan. The students will receive a free shirt, hot dog, and drink (You may want to send them with a little cash to supplement). The game will take until 9:30pm. So plan on a return around 11:30PM. Because I am bringing along a school administrator, no chaperones are needed. However, Everyone is invited to join us at the game! Tickets for the game (versus St. Lawrence) are available on the net. Click on www.mgoblue.com for ticket info.

That's it for next week. Couple of other things:

The performance for the UM basketball team is indefinitely on hold. Not enough interest was shown (mostly because it will be on dec 29 and many people are out of town), so we had to pass.

FALL SHOWCASE CONCERT will be on Monday, Oct 25. More information is on the way. Dress will be "nice clothes" (dress casual) for the first concert, and uniform shirts for the remaining concerts. Thus, NEW PARENTS, YOUR CHILD DOES NOT NEED ANY SPECIAL UNIFORM CLOTHING YET... No sweat.

FINAL HOME GAME will be Oct 22. This is also senior night. Anyone interested in helping prepare this special night for our 4 year members please email me at smigellj@howellschools.com.


Ok.... TTFN!

A Tree, A log, I think I'll Write a BLOG...


Hello everyone!! Here is the latest band news:


PERFORMANCE TIME FOR MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL:

Our performance time at Walled Lake Western High School is 7:15 PM on Tuesday, Oct 5th. Our bus will depart at 5:30pm from the high school. Thus, we need to load our busses at around 5pm. Everyone under the sun is invited to come see us!


Basketball Band invitation: We have been invited, along with our hockey band engagement (Oct 16th) to play for the UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN BASKETBALL team during their game versus Delaware State. Here's the problem... THE GAME IS ON DECEMBER 29th! How many people would be able to make it? We need to let the folks at the marching band know by this thursday...

Pep band is at Brighton this week... Every child is welcome, and parents too! (If they pay)

ok.... that's all the news that's fit to print!

Smigell

Band BLOG... Stardate 9/23/04. We have sighted a strange object up ahead... We think it may be HOMECOMING!



Band Blog Homecoming Edition:

-Friday is homecoming. Basically, it means that if you are in marching band, you will get up, go to school and come home at 10:30pm. You should bring your black socks, band shirt, and anything else you need with you to school in the morning.

Here is the schedule:

12:40pm Marching Band is dismissed for pep rally. The pep band goes until the end of the school day.

2:30 pm Band goes to the field to have a homecoming dress rehearsal and field show run through

4:00 band gets a 1/2 hour dinner break

4:30 Jump into the uniforms!

5:00 Line up for the parade by the bus drop off area (the parade is on campus this year)

5:30 Homecoming parade!

6:00 arrive in the stadium and chill out.

6:30ish- pre game

7:00 Kick off and BEAT LAKELAND!!


ALUMNI: You are most welcome to join us in the stands! If we have enough people show up for the parade, you can even march with us. We will be playing "Howell High Forever", so you should be fine for the parade. Depending on the amount of people showing up, we might even put you on the field. This is the first year where there has been serious interest to have people come back, so we will have to play it by ear. We will be playing "A Whole New World" on the field. We will have extra copies for those who want to be really brave. If everyone is flexible, we should be just fine and have a great time!


That is it for now. Sorry about the distance between blogs. They should be shorter in the future.

Greetings all blog-ites!



Here is the latest and greatest news from the band:


Right now we are auditioning in all of the bands. Auditions will conclude either Monday or Tuesday of next week. Results will either be posted Tuesday or Wednesday.

Percussion class will probably conclude their performance testing on Tuesday or Wednesday.

THERE IS NO MARCHING BAND PRACTICE TOMORROW 9/10/04!!!

HOWEVER, THERE IS THE FIRST ROAD PEP BAND GIG OF THE YEAR!!

Howell Vs. Novi (A House Divided)
That's right! Every band member is invited (even non marching band members) to travel to Novi, MI to support our intrepid Highlanders as they clash with the always pesky Novi Wildcats. Unfortunately due to budget constraints, there will be no transportation provided. There are many parents and kids carpooling, however. Admission to the game is free if you are with the pep band. Maps are available in the band room.

REPORT TIME TOA GET IN FREE AT NOVI IS 6:30PM AT THE MAIN TICKET GATE AT THE NOVI HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM

I will be present at Howell High School until about 5PM if you want to pick up instruments.

THIS ACTIVITY IS OPTIONAL, BUT HIGHLY RECCOMENDED BECAUSE OF THE IMMENSE FUN!!!


Practice schedule for next week:

MONDAY 9/13/04 Practice at the stadium field 5-7pm

TUESDAY,WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY Practice will be at the STADIUM FIELD from 2:30 until 3:20PM


Ok... That's about it!

Go HIGHLANDERS!

CAN'T GO TO BED... GUESS I'LL BLOG!!

The crazy thing about this season is that it is one third over, and we have only been "back to school" for 3 days!!!! Since I have been blessed/cursed with insomnia this night, I suppose I will embark upon a state of the band blog:

Game overview:

Hello all. I returned from our 21-7 thrashing of Milford a few hours ago. Playoffs are cold but involved audiences are hot!!!! I will always take a win over a loss! The football team is looking inspired and so is the band. I was very pleased with the band's perfirmance. Both in the stands and on the field. The new location of the band closer to the student section has it's ups and downs. One of the big ups is that the students can interact with the members of the band for cheers.... it was very successful in the latter half of the game when the action was hot. The downside is that about 5,000,000 people try to get through on the ground level and complicate things greatly. All in all I think we will try to stay there and make it work. Mr. Paige, our athletic director said that he will assist in diverting civilian traffic to other stairs so that we get less interferrence.


Thanks to Mr. Buckner, Mrs. Shaine (sp?) and all the other folks that helped our passing out the water

Thanks to Sue Baker for being Sue Baker (keep working on the flute chops Sue)

Thanks to the Hubbels and ther Clarks in particular for a wonderful tailgate!

Thanks to Sue Hemond and Joe Provenzano for stalwartly undertaking a new and exciting fundraiser (auctioning/raffling the band). I know this will be a success.

Anyone who taped the show, I would appreciate sending the tape with their child on Tuesday. It would be a great help for the kids to see the show from above so we can correct our mistakes.

Thanks to Jeff stimson for writing KILLER drill and being the angel AND devil on my shoulder.

Thanks to Jim Shouldice for being the exemplary assistant director. A classier, more steady minded, more comepetant, mature, fantastic musician would be very difficult to find. "The Shouldice" is very welcome in Howell.

We have been taking the flags for granted this year because there is NO DRAMA and they ROCK. That is largely because of their fearless instructor, Allison Hardin. She brings home the bacon, fries it up in a pan, writes awesome routines, and puts up with the 3 directors' flatulent humor. She does the impossible and makes it look easy.

Thanks to Brian Riorden, a fantastic spanish teacher and the now OFFICIAL ANNOUNCER for the HHSMB. I never thought that I would have a Carl Grapentine (those of you close to the Michigan Marching Band will know what I mean), but it appears that I do....

Matt Sabin... Crusty but incredible... Keep making the drumline fantastic.

There are literally a hundred other people I should thank, but have forgotten. Please do not be offended. Simply know that children have benefited from your help; that you have touched a young person's life and made it better. If you are one of those young people and have helped me thus far.... either as a minion or outof the goodness of your heart, You are learning an extremely valuable lesson. The lesson is: True happiness comes from serving other people. True satisfaction comes from doing your job well and helping other people. True leadership comes from putting the needs of those you are in charge of over your own.


Marching Band will now settle down into a rhythm. We have weathered an incredible storm. We have performed three times by September 3rd. Our next obstacle shall be homecoming and the looming of marching festival. This is the first time that Howell will be going to marching festival in recent memory. We are hungry for success, and I think we will find it.


THE SCHEDULE FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS!!!

Monday, Labor Day: NO practice

Tuesday, 9/7/04 Rehearsal 2:30-3:00 in the band room. Everbody except pipers should be there
Wed, Thurs, and Friday rehearsal AT THE STADIUM from 2:30- 3:30 pm

FRIDAY is our first away game against Novi!!! This is completely optional, but it is a lot of fun. Because of budget constraints, there is no transportation provided by the district. Carpools need to be organized for this trip to Novi High School next friday evening. Admission is free, and the fun will be plentiful!!

Next week starting Wednesday, 9/8/04, audtitions will begin for the Varsity Band, Symphonic Band, and the Wind Ensemble. These auditions will be for a grade, and they will determine chair postitions until the holiday break. Audtion materials have been available since Wednesday, Sept 1, 2004.

The next home game is 9/24/04 This is HOMECOMING!!! If you are an Alum, Email me and let me know that you coming!! I would like to have a full alumni band to join us at the game!!




My Impressions of the classes so far:


The ninth graders are a breath of fresh air!!! I have started calling them the "Little Giants" Because they have so much potential!! I honestly believe that some of the kids could easily make it into wind ensemble right now, but lack the social maturity to pull it off. Who knows where the jumbo shrimp can go this year? I look forward to pushing, molding, and shaping this group of unique and wonderful youngsters.

The symphonic band is ready to roar!! I simply need to get this fantastic group of talented young people to realized how special they are (get these great young people to stop screwing around and perform to the top of their ability level, which is quite high when they are focused). If we can tame these wild horses...we could have a breakout year for this previously malinged unit within the Howell High School Instumental Music Program. We could make everybody forget that this is the middle ensmeble within the program. We could actually bring some hardware home from festival. I know you can do it!

The Wind Ensemble's future is unclear.... Last year we a had a handful of standouts who pulled the band along. I believe that the overall talent level is higher in the group this year than last year, but it is more spread out and the group is much younger. This group could be the greatest thing that Howell has seen in 15 years or the greatest dissapointment in the last 4. I am sounding ominous on purpose... This is a challenge to the members of this group!! I would much rather have hard workers than talented people any day of the week. WE COULD MAKE SUCH INCREDIBLE MUSIC THIS YEAR!!!! This is an invatation to those who are wavering in committment. Let us raise the bar and really make our ensemble shine!!! It could be so easy and spectacular if everybody helps to share the load. Our greatest challenge is complacancy... We need to work harder than last year to achieve similar results. However, if we do work harder, I sincerely feel that we can VASTLY SURPASS the musical and technical standards set by our talented predecessors!

We have begun brainstorming in percussion class! This group is smaller (by design) and no longer is burdened with wind band duty. Thus we are able to focus all of our attention on incredible creative endeavors and bettering ourselves as well rounded percussionists. Expect big things out of this ensemble. I have changed the complexion of this class to allw the creative juices to flow, and for the wonder to begin!

Our new independant study-Music theory-Music and Technology Class has started with a BANG!! It really is an experiment and so far it is a success!for more information about this team taught class, email Jason Smigell at smigellj@howellschools.com

The Jazz Band will begin 2nd quarter! After last year, I think we might try taking the jazz band on the road again!!! This time to MSBOA Jazz festival. This Ensemble is open to ANYONE in the program... EVEN NINTH GRADER$!! In the past we have taken a modern lean on the repertiore selection of this group and I intend to continue the trend. For some reason, the HHSJB loves funk. I love funk.... Why mess with it? This is not to say that the HHSJB will not play swing or blues or latin... We will diversify... maybe even with a little gospel (my new infatuation). But the main focus shall be funk... for now.

I STILL AM TRYING TO DRUM UP ENTUSIASM FOR IRISH FOLK MUSIC!!! I will be talking to the kids about this in the near future...

THERE WILL BE A MUSICAL THIS YEAR.... but we don't know yet what it is.. I will let you know as soon as Ms. Pringle decides. Any way you slice it... There will be a pit band!!


OK... I think that that is it!!! Sometimes it takes a long time to get the blog out, but the following blog is enormous. It have not been this excited about the start of the year since my first year here (I mean it!!) The boundries truly are governed by the STUDENTS within the program.

Mr. Smigell


P.s. MINIONS... CHECK THE MINION'S BLOG!!!

Everything you ever wanted to know about band !!! (well, at least for the next couple of weeks)


Hi folks! Here are the facts for the next couple of weeks:
If you are reading this, please email everybody you know that is in band that the blog is updated!

MINIONS: Read the minion's blog at www.bandminions.blogspot.com I will be updating it very soon! as in tonight!

Tomorrow, Thursday aug 26th, 2004

Rehearsal 7:00 am -10:00 am starting inside
You will be receiving the fight song and the star spangled banner. Be ready to rock!


Friday, August 27th 2004
GAMEDAY!

-Tailgate (food!) begins at 4:00pm at the mesa (the flat grassy area near the band room). Main entree provided. Bring dessert and snacky things to share if you wish.

-OFFICIAL REPORT TIME FOR ALL BAND MEMBERS IS 4:45PM

-OFFICIAL UNIFORM FOR THIS GAME IS THE SUMMER UNIFORM (band shirt, khaki shorts, tennis shoes). Sue, please note this so you don't kill me! I made this decision with Mrs. Hamill due to the high of 86f and predicted temp of 80f at game time. Next week is supposed to be at least 10 degrees cooler, so we will be swtiching back to normal uniforms at that time.

-Pregame performance time is 6:45pm, Kickoff is at 7:00pm, band will be all done around 9:30 or 10:00pm

Monday, Aug 30st, 2004

All Marching band members report for practice at the stadium at 5:00PM (not morning)and practice until 7:00 pm

Tuesday aug 31st, wed sept 1, thursday sept 2nd 2004 Practices each day from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.

Friday GAMEDAY!!! TBA


OKay... Now for some juicy dirt!

This is unnoficial, but soon to be come official. U of M called gave me two dates for this year's athletic band sub program! The two dates are:

Oct 16th Hockey band vs. St. Lawernce 4pm-10:30 pm committment

and.... Drum roll please....

dec 31 MEN'S BASKETBALL BAND vs UNC (ashville)... WOW! Committment 1pm-about 5:00 pm

Both of these dates are tentative. Have a veteran tell you more about this if you are new to the program. To put it in a nutshell, even if you are a sparty fan, YOU REALLY WANT TO GO ON THESE TRIPS.

Also, I have begun to resolve my backlog of phone messages and emails. If you have not already gotten a call or email back from me, expect one either tomorrow or friday (aug 27th)

ok... that's it for now...

Hello Bando Bloggers!

Here is some more information that will hopefully be helpful:

PAY YOUR BAND CAMP FEE! $165.00


Squad leader seminar:

August 5, 2004
Report time is 8:00 we hope to be done by 2pm. Lunch will be served. Bring your instrument and marching shoes!


New member orientation:

August 6th, 2004
Report time is 8 am. We hope to be done by 1pm. Lunch will be served. People required to be there are all squad leaders, drum majors and ANYONE WHOSE FIRST YEAR IN MARCHING BAND IS THE 2004-2005 SCHOOL YEAR. Bring your instrument and tennis shoes. We will be marching outside so wear "active" clothing and bring sunscreen/bugdope. If you need to sign out a school owned instrument, you will be able to sign it out then. If you have not been fitted for a uniform, you can be fitted then. Part of new member orientation is to let the kids know what to bring, what to expect, and what not to bring to camp. There will be a sheet sent home with them so parents can see as well.


All members:
-If you need to sign out an instrument, stop in on thursday or friday, or be there at least 1/2 hour before report time on monday august 9th (the day we leave for camp).

-If you still need to be fitted for a uniform, Mrs. Baker will be in 9am-12noon on thursday for returning members.

-You may bring one piece of luggage, one bag for bedding (sheet, pillow, sleeping bag), and your instrument. Make sure to bring raingear, sunscreen, extra socks, bug spray, extra gear for your instrument, and a flip folder.

-DON'T BRING TV's, VIDEO GAMES, CDPLAYERS, OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT PEOPLE LIKE TO STEAL.

-DON'T BRING FOOD BECAUSE THE ANIMALS LIKE TO SHARE!

-REPORT TIME FOR EVERYONE IN MARCHING BAND IS 7AM MONDAY MORNING. It will take a long time to load the bus, so dont be late.

-YOU MUST HAVE YOU MED FORM FILLED OUT AND SIGNED BY THE TIME YOU GET ON THE BUS OR YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GO!!!

-RETURN TIME FROM BAND CAMP IS BETWEEN 3 AND 4PM on friday. PLan on giving a brief parent performance.

OK.. I think that is it. Anything else, check the previous 3-4 posts on this blog. If you still have questions after that, email me at smigellj@howellschools.com

Mr. Smigell

 

HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL BANDS FAQ SECTION:

#1 Can I still sign up for band camp?

YES YOU CAN!!! bring $165.00 to the high school with name, address, what instrument you play, and what year in high school you will be next year attached on a piece of paper and leave it c/o Jason Smigell, Band Camp!  No form needed!  You can still sign up, Mr. Stimson is writing a few extra spots for the band in anticipation of latecomers.  However, once the spots are gone, you will be unable to march the first show, which this year is half the season.

 
#2. Do I have to go to band camp?
YES!!  There are some exceptions, but you must get in touch with Mr Smigell SOON.  Band camp is going to be especially important this year because we will be learning most of the show for FESTIVAL

#3 Are we going to marching festival? 
YES.  It will october 5th.  We will be learning the show at band camp.  This show will be much longer and complex than our normal shows.  We will be showing a portion of it at the first game, a portion of it at the second game and perhaps the whole thing at homecoming pregame. 

#4 Won't it suck to have only one show all year
See question 5

#5 How many shows are we doing this year?
3 shows: The festival which we will be working on the first half of the season.  A short middle school play along show with the eighth graders, and a super sweet senior show to finish the season.

#5 What are the shows?

Here are the songs:

Festival show: (A Berry Berry Beatles show....  Chuck Berry and the Beatles... get it?)
Magical Mystery tour
Rock and Roll Music
Saw her standing there
Roll over Beethoven

 
Middle school show
TBA

Senior show:
In a Young Man's Mind (Killer rock funk)
The contender (Jump Swing action from Royal Crown Review)
School Days (HOLY SMOKES hot Chuck Berry tune)

 
THESE SHOWS ARE ON FIYUH (fire)!!!  Thanks to Tonia, Shelby,and  Brian the music is copied and you can get a copy during the mass picture taking on July 26th

#6. When is band camp and the schedule and all the other stuff that has been sent out at least 3 times by Mr Smigell, the boosters and word of mouth?

No problem, I will be attaching them as soon as I figure out how to attach things to the blog.

#7 is there another band director this year?

YES, his name Jim Shouldice joins us for band camp and the whole year as another fine addition to the Howell Instrumental Music Program.

 
okay, that's all for now, the information on band camp will be very soon, as soon as I figure out how to attach it.

 

 

Hello bloggers!


Here are some little tidbits of information that is very important:

#1: If you have not turned in your money for band camp, you still can, but YOU MUST DO IT SOON!! If you have not signed up for marching band at all, there is still time but you must do it NOW!!!!


If you are a new marching band member, you need to get your uniform fitted on july 22, 2004 between 9am-12pm or 4pm-7pm

Everybody needs to show up on july 26th for pictures!!! Refits of old members happens between 10am and 12pm. Pictures will be taken at 1pm in the fieldhouse.

any questions, email me at smigellj@howellschools.com

special thanks to sue baker, charlene baker, tonia bragg, noah gordon, kim zepp, brian mulvihill, shelby schmidbauer, luke collier, sherry dingman, vicky kihn, robin keeney and the booster board for all of their fine work during the summer so far!

special thanks to luke, ricky and meghan for helping me move.

OK..... The moment you have all been waiting for....


SQUAD LEADER ANNOUNCEMENT:

These are the PROBATIONARY squad leaders for next year:


Flute:
Charlene Baker
Amanda Reisedge


Clarinet:
Tonia Bragg
Heidi Bensinger (Only if you can make it to all of camp plus the 5th and 6th)
Lara Hubbel
Erin Meyer
Lauren Parker
Amanda Withrow

Saxophone
Chris Joseph
Shayna Kamilar
Jon Langley
Garrett Reinig
Jay Sell
Joe Tyler

Trumpets/Horns
Keegan Cooper
Shell Hopkins
Mischa Cox
Heather Todd

Low Brass
Nicole Bader
Nick Borgelt
Mary Hemond
Eric Major
Ashley Smith

Flag
Lindsay Marsh
Ann Marie Gostomski

Majorette
Amanda Hicks

Percussion
Nick Harlow
Rob Precord
Luke Collier
Bass Leader to be named by Sabin
cymbal Leader to be named by Sabin

Drum Majors:
Brian Mulvhill
Shelby Schmidbauer
Possibly one more to be named

Thanks to everyone who applied and took the test. Everyone listed here will need to be at the Squad Leader seminar on August 5th and the new person seminar on august 6th. Please make proper plans as these dates, along with all of band camp, are MANDATORY for all leadership personnel. All leadership folks are on probation until the conclusion of band camp, where at the conclusion they will become fully commissioned. Obviously there are some sections that have more squad leaders than others. Some of the squad leaders from other sections will be assigned to sections needing help. I chose these people on the basis of their test scores, demonstrated leadership throughout the year, demonstrated responsibility over the year, demonstrated marching skill over the year, and what they wrote on the application.


If you have any questions, feel free to email (smigellj@howellschools.com) or call the office (517 540 8001)

Thanks much!!

Jason Smigell

Hello Band bloggers!

For those of you freaking out about squad leader postings, continue to freak out just a little longer. I will be posting them some time this evening. For those of you also wondering about the show music, I am also working on that as well with Mr. Stimson. All in good time! I wanted to drop everybody a line so they didn't think I was blowing them off! Don't worry very soon you shall have what you seek!

By the way... Because the programs need to get to the printers so early, we are going to be having an emergency photo shoot for marching band pictures on July 26th! Please leave that day open!!!!

Until very soon...

Mr. Smigell

READ AGAIN!!! THE INFORMATION HAS CHANGED AGAIN!!


HOWELL'S PARTICIPATION IN THE ALMA PARADE IS BACK ON!! WE ARE PERFORMING AT ALMA!!! Report time is 7:30 am may 29th in the high school band room. the parade in alma begins at 11:00 am.


Here is some important information about the upcoming parade!


Practices:

This Wednesday 2/26 from 2:30-3:30

This Friday 2/28 from 2:30-3:30




Report time for the parade:

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE:
Report time is 8:30am in the high school band room. Students will put on their uniforms and then proceed to the "BAY" gas station on grand river. Parade steps off at 10:00am. We should be done by 11:00 or 11:30. There is a picnic thrown by the boosters in the city park right after the kids go back to the band room and put their uniforms away. Admission is $1.00 in advance, and $5.00 if you show up and pay (this is because it costs $5.00 per car to get in the park).


Any questions, please email me at smigellj@howellschools.com

thanks!

Jason Smigell

Hello Band brothers and sisters!!!



Here is the layout for the next few days!


Friday May 21, 2002

I will be gone on a Jazz Gig with the Jazz Band

SUB PLANS:

1st hour prep
2nd hour freshman band
3rd hour prep
4th hour concert band
5th hour symphony band
6th hour percussion ensemble

ALL GROUPS HAVE THE SAME OBJECTIVEs:

LISTEN TO THE ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-Remember that there is parade/banquet practice on monday from 4:00-5:30 THe band banquet performance begins at 6:00 Uniform is your green band shirt and a pair of jeans. There are a few banquet tickets available at the door.

PASS IN MUSIC!

Here are the EXACT INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Go one piece of music at a time
2. Call out each instrument type to pass their music to their section rep.
3. then call up the section reps in this order:

FLute/picc
Oboe (some groups do not have oboes, they will let you know)
Clarinets
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet/Cornet
French (F) Horn (some groups do not have french horns)
Trombones
Baritone/Euphonium
Tuba/basses
Percussion

4. Stack the pieces in neat piles on the piano. The librarian will take care of it from there.

After passing in music, please have the students from each class nominate seniors for the john phillip sousa award. This award is given to the most dedicated and skilled student in the band program. The person must be a senior. Have students raise their hands and one at a time tell you the names of seniors they would like to be nominated. Have one student record the names and give the list to a student aide. They will type up a ballot to be used on monday.

PLEASE MAKE SURE THE STUDENTS NOMINATE THE JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA AWARD CANDIDATES BEFORE THE END OF THE HOUR, EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO STOP PASSING IN THE MUSIC EARLY. THEY CAN FINISH UP ON MONDAY.



SUB PLANS FOR MONDAY MAY 24th 2004

See schedule above for which class happens when

During prep: Copy award ballot that has been typed up by the student aides(X240), copy senior information form (x40, and key signature pretest (x240)


ALL GROUPS:

1. MAKE THE SAME ANNOUNCEMENT AS FRIDAY and Finish passing in music if needed.

2. Have students vote on the John phillip Sousa award. They may only vote once. Have students turn in the ballots to you and put them on my desk DO NOT COUNT THEM OR ANNOUNCE A WINNER! Winner will be announced at the banquet monday night.

3. Have any seniors in the class fill out the senior information sheet and place them on my desk

4. Have every single person take the KEY SIGNATURE PRETEST.


If you have any questions, ask one of the "Minions" (They will introduce themselves, very helpful)

If you have problems with individual students, write down their names and they will be DEALT WITH when I get back.

Thanks a lot,

Jason Smigell

Ah readers, here is the layout for the rest of the year (For the moment)......


A MOSTLY COMPLETE CALENDAR FOR THE REST OF THE BAND'S 03-04 SCHOOL YEAR:

Wed 5/12 (TOmorrow) Jazz Band 2:30-4:00 and flag tryouts 4:30-5:15

Thurs 5/13 Jazz gig (small ensemble) for senior honors night

Friday 5/14 Spring fling dance tickets $5.00 prepay and $7.00 at the door 7-11 pm band and choir kids only.

mon 5/17 Jazz Band practice 2:30-4:00

Tue 5/18 Spring concert 7:00 pm in the aud

wed 5/19 MB practice 2:30-3:30 PM

5/21 Large ensemble jazz band gig at 3 fires all day

5/24 parade/banquet practice 4:00-5:30 and then the BANQUET PERFORMANCE AND DINNER at 6:00

5/26 Parade practice 2:30-3:30 (subject to cancellation pending working one's butt off)

5/28 Parade practice 2:30-3:30

5/29 ALMA

5/31 Memorial Day Parade

6/5 Graduation

6/6 through july... BREATHE A SIGH OF RELIEF!!!


Layout for wednesday, May 12 2004


Fresh, concert, and symphony bands:

REcord for percussion

Percussion class...

Play along with recordings!!!

Hello Gentle Readers!

-No Jazz Band monday, may 3rd. There WILL be Jazz band monday, may 10th and may 17th

-Welcome back from New York!

-The trip was a blast!

-Our ratings are being mailed to us and will be here soon

-If you took pictures at New York and would like to have them included in the video, please have them developed and give them to mr. smigell

-Yes, we are going to alma this year. It is the saturday of memorial day.

-More information on Marching band rehearsals will be posted very soon!!!

-The spring concert is coming up on may 18th, and the band banquet/ concert is coming up on may 24th.

Layout for the next few days:

tuesday and thursday May 4th and 6th 2004

concert:
Warm up, Tune

The great steam boat chase
SR the last concert song

Symph:

Warm up, tune

Circus bee
PIrates

Perc:
assign Playing test

Begin to distribute parts for spring concert.


OK... Thats it for now!

If you have questions, email me at smigellj@howellschools.com!

SUPER IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS!! IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT NORMALLY CHECK THE BLOG, TELL THEM TO CHECK! IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT LOOK ON THE INTERNET, CALL THEM AND TELL THEM ABOUT THIS!


#1. We are no longer going to State Band Festival. Reasons include:
a. Too many choir kids in conflict with their state solo and ensemble
b. too much to get ready with collage and New York Trip
c. Too many kids saying they could not make it
We apologize if this inconveniences anyone. Although it is disapointing, we feel that this will make things a little easier and less crazy.


#2. Dress rehearsal for collage begins at 6pm for Jazz band large ensemble and 7:00pm for symphony band and percussion ensemble

#3. COllage is at 7:30 pm THursday april 22nd in the high school auditorium. Yes, I know all other events in the band universe start at 7:00 pm, but this is a choir hosted event (Howellpallooza was a band hosted event).

#4. There is a mandatory parent/ student meeting in the choir room tomorrow night (tuesday, april 20th) concerning the new york trip. All information and forms will be distributed at that time.

#5. All percussion people involved in cecillia and the central park performance will need to attend a rehearsal with ryan edwards this wednesday afternoon from 3:30pm to 5:30 pm.



OK... that is it for now... plans for the week coming tomorrow

Hey all band folk out there! Long time no blog!! Here is the plan for the next few days and some important announcements!!


Thursday April Fool's Day 2004


Freshman and concert band:

-SERIOUS tuning with smigell

-Sightread FIREDANCE with Pichini


Symphony Band:

-SERIOUS tuning

-SIght read "circus Bee"

-If time, SIght read mallet maniacs

Percussion: TOOL WOrkout, Cecilia planning and mario set work

Announcements:
-POint sheets are due next thursday (point sheets are used to determine if people get thier letter. If there are any questions, ask Ricky Barnes

-Howellpalooza dress rehearsal is 5-7:00 pm next monday night. Don't be late!
Acts in howellpalooza include: Jazz band, percussion extravaganza (secret plan), FANBOY, SIGNAL 107, Flag corp, Majorettes, Classicality, calamity, and highland dancers. Tell your family and friends! It is next wednesday at 7Pm! Tickets just 3$!

- All those interested in becoming the drum major next year should sign up on the black board in the band room.


Friday, april 2 2004

Fresh band and concert band:

Tuning intervals (shorter than yesterday, but more important)

Continue firedance!


Symphony Band;

Interval tuning

Continue the circus bee

if time, sightread mallet maniacs and pirates

Well here it is the postings of the new bands next year. The band names are a little different. Wind ensemble is the top band and symphony band is replacing the concert band. So here it is:
WIND ENSEMBLE
Flutes
Rushlow
Glynn
Pheney
Rossow
Schmidbauer
Reisidge
Prochaska

Oboe
Matznick

Clarinet
Hopkins
Fartell
Parker
Withrow
Dzierwa
Eschelman
Meyer
Bragg

Bass Clarinet
Eric Joseph

Contrabass
Hocking

Bassoon
Webster

Saxophone
Sell
Tyler
Jirasek
Joseph
Michaluk
Langley
McKay
Kamilar

Trumpets
Cox
Warsop
Hershberger
Trickett
Demers
Dingman
Gupte

Horns
Provinzano
Cooper
Hayes

Euphonium
Hemond
Bader

Tuba
Ashley Smith

Trombone
Major
Wright
Borgelt
Jacobs

SYMPHONIC BAND

Flute Trumpet
Sexton Edmonds
Muscoe Sredzinski
Bigham Flierman
Oke Rushlow
Anderson Bortels
Clark Ellison
Kearns Barnard
Jirasek Barrow
McCarty Lofgren
Kennedy Crawford
Clark Knapp
Obrien
Michaluk
Shoner

Clarinet
Hubbel Horn
Slagell Bensinger
Graham Witjes
Pohl Reich
Murphy
Warren
Barrera Euphonium
Arnold Miller
Barnaby Leyder

Saxophone Tuba
Simmerman
Gubala Stephanie Smith
Eubanks
Blankenship
Gorski Trombone
Allison Wright
Trickett Wurster
Buckner Poppe
Taylor Kamilar
Ruff
Galubensky
Shoner
Arold
Passino



Wind Ensemble Probation
Baker
Todd
Bensinger
Gilligan

Yet to Audition
Heslip
Olbrich
Reinig
Halek
Harris
Kamilar
Sidge

Well that's how it is if you have any questions please call me or email me I will be happy to talk to you about anything you need to or want to know.

OK!! Here is the layout for the rest of festival week!


wednesday, march 3, 2004


Freshman band:

Nice warm up and tune

END OF NORMANDY!

Sight reading!


Concert band:

Warm up and tune

Apollo March!

transitions in loch and mountain

Remember you are with percussion 6th hour

Symphony band:

Warm up and tune (very well)

just the beginning of parchutes (flute crispness)

tempered steel run the things that we changed (mp during first saxophone dah dah dah dah, solo sections, finishing phrases, run it!

Sight read!!

Percussion: work with concert band and sight read with them!


Announcements:

Please check the blog for report times on saturday!!! Minions prepare a permission slip and turn in the buss form!

next week will begin auditions for next year!!


LAYOUT FOR THURSDAY march 4, 2004

Freshman:

Warm up and tune

Holiday with pichini

Irish gaurd

normandy

Today you will be coming back 6th hour to practice with the percussion

Concert:

Full run through and sight reading

Symphony:

Full run through and sight reading

Percussion:

Work with freshman and full run through with sight reading


FRIDAY March 5, 2004

FULL CONCERT RUNTHROUGHS and sight reading in all three bands percussion will be coming to the band

Percussion will take sixth hour to prepare equipment for festival.

Bliggity bliggity blog!

PRACTICE!!!

Did I mention practice?

Okay, here is the layout for Feb 26th, 2004


CONCERT DAY!

-All groups are in the Auditorium for dress rehearsal

-All percussionists are to report for their band's hour for a dress rehearsal (there will be school excused absences via email)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-Concert tonight: Uniform is: White formal shirt and bowtie with black pants/skirt for Varsity band, same for concert band except wear your concert band skirt if you are a female. Symphony band wears the same as concert band except males wear the tux coat as well.

-Report times are as follows:
Percussionists report at 6:20
Varsity band reports 6:30
Concert band reports 6:40
Symphony band reports 6:45

-Just a reminder that FESTIVAL IS NEXT WEEKEND! (sat, march 6th)

Varsity band reports at 6:50 am in the HOWELL high school band room, goes to brighton, performs at 8:25 am and will be back around 10:00 am

Concert band reports to HOWELL high school at 10:00 am, performs at 11:25 am and returns around 1:15

SYmphony band reports to HOWELL high school at 1:45PM performs at 3:20 PM and will be back around 5:30

Welcome back blog readers!


Well, we are now down to the stretch run of festival time. Things are pretty straight up at this point in time. No frills, just getting the job done.

YOU NEED TO PRACTICE!!!

I know everybody says this and everybody agrees it is a good idea, but if we do not prepare properly, we only have ourselves to blame. LET'S GET THIS JOB DONE!!!

Freshman/Freshwoman Band:

-Serious TUNING

-SERIOUS WORK ON NORMANDY

-Run Irish Guard

Concert Band:

-Serious Tuning!

TODAY WE HAMMER APollo MARCH INTO YOUR SKULL! Hope you enjoy!

Symphony Band:

-Serious Tuning!

TODAY WE Marinate YOUR BRAIN IN TEMPERED STEEL Especially the ending and then we run it!!!


PErcussion:

Everbody need to be accountable for the Keyboard test coming up! If you are ready to take it, have ms. Pichini or myself hear you play it and be done with it!

Today, we work normandy, loch and mountain, and apollo (new march)



Announcements:

PRACTICE! Please practice! Want that nice rating? Do you part!!


The Solo and Ensemble date is March 18th at this point. Let me know what you think.

REMEMBER THAT WE HAVE A CONCERT ON thursday.... this thursday. All perc, varsity, concert, and symphony personell have a concert this thursday at 7 pm. Report time is around 6 30 ish.

Yes, It is a record. Two days in a row!

Layout for thursday, feb 12, 2004


Fresh Band:

Ms. Pichini on the scene with march of irish guard and HOLIDAY (don't whine)


Concert:

MASSSIVE SECTIONAL WORKOUT ON BLOCK M MARCH


Symphony:

Ms. PICHINI on Masque

Perc. We take a slight turn into african drumming!!!


Announcements:
Read yesterday's announcements, they are all still important.

-Pizza money was due today (wednesday)... The order goes out tomorrow(thursday). After that, there is nothing we can do.

NEW YORK MONEY!!! GET IT IN!!!

TAKE THE THEORY CLASS!

BLOG ON BROTHERS AND SISTERS!

Layout for wednesday, feb 11, 2004

Fresh band:

-Articulation exercises via ear to hand

-tune

More work on HOmage to Normandy


CONCERT BAND:

-Articulation exercises through ear to hand

-More work on Anthem for winds and percussion

Symphony Band:

-Articulation exercises through ear to hand

-Tune

Final work on Steel greatest hits:
281-317

169-250
338-364

Percussion:
Anthem for winds and percussion
paratoopers
any other pieces that we missed.

Announcements:

TAKE THE INDIPENDENT THEORY COURSE! ASK YOUR COUNSELOR! TALK TO SMIGELL FOR MORE DETAILS!

HOWELLPALOOZA IS APRIL 7th FOR SURE!!! MARK YOUr CALENDARS!

PERFORMANCE TIMES FOR FESTIVAL:
We are in Brighton on March 6th 2004

Fresh (Varsity) Band performs 8:25am

Concert Band performs 11:25 am

Symphony Band performs 3:20 pm

LET'S GET IT ON!

LOCK IN IS MARCH 19th!

ok... peace out!

Greetings all!

Just so you know, the two themes for the next few weeks are:

"The power of will" and

"I have had enough crap for now, thanks!" (I'll explain in class)

Here's the plan for when I'm gone on monday:

Freshman, concert, and symphony band:

-You will have a worksheet that I will have myself and Ms. Pichini actually GRADE and PUT IN THE GRADE BOOK! It will concern your music for festival.

-Percussion, you will be dealing with african drums during 6th hour and after school (until 5:00 or so) Be ready to soak skins!

JAZZ BAND IS CANCELLED for monday. I have a proposition for jb as well: What if we made the wednesday rehearsal after school? How many people would not be able to make it? Email me at smigellj@howellschools.com with your opinion.

Livingston county honors band participants, you have been school excused already for monday. Report time for all day rehearsal is right now set for 8:00 am BEGIN time at the new hartland high school. Check the blog on sunday night and I will have all of the details. You are responsible for getting to and from the school. Any questions, please email me at smigellj@howellschools.com

IMPORTANT JAZZ BAND CANCEL INFORMATION! PLEASE TELL ALL OF YOUR JAZZ BAND FRIEND TO CHECK THE BLOG OR CALL THEM IF YOU KNOW THEY DON't USE THE INTERNET!!!! DON'T ASSUME!!!


Also, Tell everyone you know on the net (in the band) That the blog is back in business! Bringing you band information faithfully since 2003!

Hey All!

Hope you are enjoying your SNOW DAY!!! Kind of a bummer for the african drum scene, but we will work it out. I thought that I would outline some of the things going on tomorrow (and there will be school tomorrow, don't kid yourself). Well, here goes:


JAZZ BAND 6:30 AM IS CANCELLED! I know there will be school, but it still will be pretty crappy right in the early morning. No need to put people in harm's way.

9th grade band:
Ms. Pichini takes the entire band for the first time! Hooray and hold on tight!

Concert band:
Sectionals on anthem for winds and percussion

Symphony band:
pretend this is tuesday. There will be a sub for this hour. Work in sectionals on the items that you as sections agreed upon. Don't waste time! Make tempered steel shine!!!!

Percussion:
You will take "A" lunch and get ready for african drums. Report down to the band room when you are done with lunch and get ready to have some fun and work hard! This is all contingent upon you having your permission slip signed

Announcements:

-WE ARE SELLING PIZZA AGAIN! There are forms available in the band room. Forms and money are due feb 3 2004

-Hey! There is a PEP BAND gig coming up this friday!! Sign up to play in the band room!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT HONORS BAND CANCELATION BELOW! PASS THIS ON TO ANYONE ELSE YOU KNOW THAT IS IN HONORS BAND!!!!

ATTENTION! HONORS BAND INFORMATION!! ATTENTION!!

We were unable to get in touch with all of the Livingston County band directors. Only Hartland, Brighton, and Howell were able to talk to one another. We all agree that it is a bad idea to have a rehearsal tonight. Unfortunately, there are some kids who are going to be coming simply because no one was able to call them. I suggest NOT GOING. This will make the decision for stopping rehearsal early much easier. The three of us agreed that no one will be penalized for not coming to the rehearsal. So... is it canceled? um... No. Should you go? I SAY NO. Will you be in trouble if you do not go? NO. So... NO, NO, and, NO


Mr. Smigell

Welcome back to Band Blog!

Here we are in the middle of auditions!

-Basically, we are testing and auditioning for the remainder of finals week.

-We are going to try very hard, but auditions may run into Tuesday. If that is the case, chair placements will be posted on wednesday, January 21




Jazz Band Schedule for the next couple of weeks:

-Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004: 6:30 am- 7:30 am Woodwinds only, no rhythm section needed.

-No JB on MLK Jr. Day

-JB Large ensemble on wednesday jan 21, 2004 6:30 am-7:30 am

-JB Large ensemble On Wednesday Jan 26, 2:30-5:00PM

-JB woodwinds WEdnesday Jan 28 6:30-7:30 am


-NEW YORK money is due again! THe second payment of $180 is due. please turn the money in to Mr. Smigell

-Student accounts have been updated (Thank you, Mrs. D!) Please check the board in the band room to see how much you have!

Hey everybody!

Hope you are having a wonderful break (there ARE still 2 days left! ENJOY THEM!) I have had a fantasic one! Let's get ready to hit the ground running!

LAYOUT FOR THE FIRST FEW DAYS BACK!

Monday, January 5, 2004


Ninth grade Band, Concert band, Symphony band:

-Nice long warm up!
-Work on some sight reading.

Perc Class: Pass out tests for keyboard and snare. This will be the jury to determine who stays and who goes in the class. Since we are overloaded, everyone must be pulling their share of the weight in order to remain!

NO JB ON MONDAY!!! BAND ROOM WILL BE CLOSED RIGHT AFTER SCHOOL FOR WINTER TURNOVER!!

Announcements:
We will be having Jazz Band Auditions for the second semester next week signups will be coming soon.

There will be no pep band for the boys basketball team this friday! We are still working on getting our act together.

I will be gone this thursday... There will be an assignment! Proper behavior is VERY IMPORTANT!

WE HAVE A STUDENT TEACHER!!! WOW!!! Her name is Ms. Pichini and comes to us from the University of Michigan! Her primary instrument is Trumpet and has experience as a sectional coach and is marching band person as well. Please make her feel welcome and pay attention to her (Or forecast could call for "RAIN OF FIRE")! We all will be able to learn from her as she learns about being a band director.

AUDITIONS FOR ALL ENSEMBLES, INCLUDING JAZZ BAND WILL BEGIN FRIDAY DURING THE DAY!! PLEASE Prepare well for these auditions as they determine your chair placement for the next few months... I can give you limited help on rhythms and other things, but this is mostly meant to see how well you prepare on your own


Tuesday, Jan 6, 2004

Ninth Grade band, Concert band, Symphony band:

-Warm up on Ear to hand, tune

-Work on audition piece

-Sightread festival pieces

Percussion:

-Warm up on test pieces
-Throw serious time into beginning Green man group and other Howellpazlooza stuff!

Hello everybody!
CONCERT TONIGHT!

Report time for Varsity and concert is 6:30PM in the band room.

Report time for Symphony is 6:40

Report time for Jazz bands and percussion is 6:15 (for sound check

Uniform for everyone is white formal shirt on top with black pants or skirt. Symphony band gentlemen wear a tux jacket as well.

We are having a canned food drive during the concert for the livingston county food bank. Please bring a canned food item to help feed the hungry in your area.

Refreshments will be served in the cafeteria after the concert (they are trying to keep the lobby area more clean)

If you are taping the concert, please have your child bring in the tape on wednesday, we would like to watch it!

Mrs. Baker (one of the fabulous uniform ladies) will be around at 6:30 to help with any uniform problems before the concert.

Jazz band rehearsal for 6:30 am tomorrow HAS BEEN CANCELED! If you show up tomorrow, you will be by yourself!

New York Money will not be accepted after today. The trip is almost completely full and we already have enough chaperones.

OK... I think that is it.... See you at the concert tonight!!!

Cancel the 1st hour rehearsal for perc ensemble.

-Also, please refrain from sending emails to the administration regarding the private lesson issue. We are still speaking with them and nothing definite has been worked out yet.

HEY EVERYONE!!! LONG TIME NO BLOG!
Been sick and really busy.... Anyway, Here goes!

Layout for Monday Dec 15, 2003


-There will be a first hour Jammin Jingle rehearsal to help shore things up a bit.

Varsity Band, Symphony Band, Concert Band: we are in the auditorium. We will be working with the percussion.

Percussion class: We will be working on the jingle to get it right!

Jazz band after school Monday FLutes 2:30-3:00, Clarinets 3:00-3:30, Large ensemble 3:30-5:00


Announcements:
The New York Money is due on monday! This is the first payment of $50.00. Parents interested in being chaperones need to turn in their money along with their child. We want to have as close to 110 people going as possible. If we go over, we will unfortunately have to start turning chaperones away, perhaps even those who got their money in on time. If we have to turn away chaperones, we will begin with those who paid last.

Our holiday Concert is Tuesday (dec 16) at 7:00pm
report time for now for all groups isw 6:30

LIvingston county Honors Band rehearsal monday night 7:00-9:00pm at howell high school

There will be no Jazz Band rehearsal wednesday dec 18

Layout for the next few days:

Wednesday, dec 3, 2003

REMEMBER!! JB REHEARSAL (LARGE ENSEMBLE) 6:30-7:30 AM ON WEDNESDAY... CALL AND REMIND YOUR FRIENDS!!

Varsity:

Warmup- Technicises #2 and #3

Tune!

Sight read holiday music


Concert:

First 5 minutes, work with Sara and Amanda on the solo in FUSION

Warmup-Technicise #3, more polished

Tune!

Sight read holiday music

Symphony:

Same as yesterday because we did holiday sight reading yesterday instead.

Perc. COntinue the work on the holiday composition... Brief brainstorming session and then try to put it together. If time, we will work on sabre and fusion


Announcements: Remember that there is a carol band to play at the meadowlands... or something like that, during 6th hour wednesday. Make sure to have the note signing you out!!!

All classes have received the new york flyer! First payment is $50.00 and due dec 15th!

LAyout for thursday:

I WILL NOT BE HERE (I have another one of those nifty second high school meetings all day....

If you need a tux shirt, it is $20.00 (with the bowtie included). The dude fitting it will be here on friday. You must pay on site.

Mrs. Baker will be in concert and symphony band to fit skirts and jackets... BE NICE!

All classes will have the BLUE MAN GROUP to watch for an assignment. The Percussion class is going to be doing a spinoff of this act. You must write a 1/4-1/2 page idea about what part of the DVD performance we could use in the howell version.

Layout for 12/2/03, Tuesday

For the next couple of weeks, we will be focusing on rhythmic stability, internal pulse and precision during warm-ups. Most of our other work will center around preparation for our upcoming holiday concert on 12/16/03 at 7:pm


Varsity Band:

Warm up:
Technicises! Let's try #2 today! This one helps with precision

Tune

Work on: The end of Sabre Dance


Concert.

Technicises! Let's do #2 and perhaps #3. See if you can figure out the rhythms through counting

Tune up!

Work on: Fusion mm 56- the end


Symphony Band:

Technicises in F MAJOR hmm... Could it be a preparation for...

SHEPHERD'S HEY WORKOUT! PREPARE FOR TECHNICAL RUMP KICKING!


Percussion.

BEGIN REHEARSING STUDENT COMPOSITIONS (Rockin around Christmas tree)


ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-Bottle drive this Saturday

-We need some Stalwart young lads and lasses to play for the convalescent center on wednesday. It would be during 6th hour and a little bit after school. No cash, just goodness of your heart.

-Make sure to take the New York Trip Flyer to your parents! It has all of the information about the New York Trip. Bottom line: 592.00 for kids to go. Dates are April 28-may 2, 2004. First payment to show committment is $50.00 by 12/15/03. All band members including Majorettes, Flags, Pipers, and anyone I have forgotten are invited and elligible to go, pending co- curricular academic elligibility.

-Things are looking worse for Solo and Ensemble. This is no one's fault but mine. Here is(are) the bottom line(s)

1. I was originally 2 business days late. I was told that there were no exceptions for turning in the materials late. I told them fine, we will not be hosting state solo and ensemble (a big problem for them). I am waiting for a reply, but it does not look good.

2. If we are not able to send in the forms, we will be doing our own solo and ensemble festival. I will hire a set of judges that are either comparable or better than the judges seen at district S&E, they will not have to go to farmington, it will cost less per kid, and the students will get a longer time to receive comments and help from the clinicians. Actually, not too bad eh?

3. I still feel awful about the whole thing. I humbly apologize for any inconvenience or disapointment this may have caused.