HELLO FANTASTIC BANDOS!!!!

This is a fairly important post... sorry its a little late.

And now... in the news:


MARCHING BAND REPORT TIME FOR TOMORROW OCT 13 (yikes) is 4:00 PM

Students will need:
black sox
MB white gloves
green howell band shirt
show music
functioning instrument and equipment

Tailgate and 8th grader is 5:00pm

stepoff is at 6:30.

Pregame at 6:45

halftime approx. 7:45-8:00-ish

done/pickup time 9:30ish

BEWARE!!! It is supposed to be REALLY cold and snowy! Thermal underwear and long sleeve tshirts under the uniform are suggested. No jeans! Color guard and majorettes are allowed to bring letter jackets to the game or borrow them from someone else to keep warm.

We will be playing with the eighth graders in the stands!!! Let's all make them feel welcome and provide a good example!!!!

HOCKEY BAND RESULTS AND SCHEDULE:

These are the hockey band results. Hockey band personell are required to be at the 3 rehearsals (oct 25, 26, 27 2:30-3:30pm) and the performance on the late afternoon of oct. 28th (picked up at 5pm, the game is at 7pm, they will be home around 11:00 or 11:30pm. If you made the band but are unable to meet the obligations, you need to let me know RIGHT NOW.

Without further ado:


Flutes
Rayna Glynn
Vonnie Bigham
Michelle Garrett
Lona Cerwinski

Clarinets
Jordan Eschelman
Brittany Green
Kat Jakrewski
Eric Joseph
Dana Glynn

Alto Sax
Jeremy Ellens
Eric Grabijas
Mike Brown
Tiffany Dancer
Jack Palmer

Tenor Sax
Kyle Webster
Jane Galubensky
Ryan Heslip

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

Horn
Paul Clifton
Alyssa Hayes
Travis Helsper

Trombone
Connor Harlow
Josh Fenn (Tie2)
Brandon Wright (Tie2)
Eric Stants
Evan Wojtys
Dalton Matznik

Euphonium
Brian Leyder

Tuba
Matt Ogg
Gary Schomberger

Drumline
Andrew Williams-snare
David Kaplan-snare
Miranda Miller-snare
Nick Hoornstra-Tenors
Tim Bay-Tenors
Crystal Sexton-Bass1
Justin Hammack-Bass2
Kaitlyn Charette-Bass3
Brett Bansale-Bass4
Laura Cuthbertson-Cymbals
Adam Pasco-Cymbals

Ok... thats about it!!!

Smigell

Friday the 13th TAILGATE!!(8th grade night)
Main dish is Barbecued Brisket! Keep in mind it is going to be a cold day and evening so side dishes can be kept warm just prior to serving. We have invited the 8th graders(125 total) to attend the tailgate but have yet to hear if any will be attending.

Spiritwear will be on sale with reduced costs on inventory. Given the weather, bet you wish you already had your hoodie and flannel pants! Orders can be placed that night and received within two weeks. Cate Doefer will be there to take your orders.

Call me with you food selection for the evening ASAP!

Julie 517.303.4850 leave a message.

Hello all! NEWLY UPDATED!

Ok... I tried to put the link to the driving directions, but I failed. If you are reading this, then you can also go to a map website! Here is the address:

Walled Lake Western HS
600 Beck Rd
Walled Lake, MI 48390

Basically, it is near the Wixom/Walled Lake Exit off of I-96.




Today (October 10th)

Report time will be 4:15 PM for final runthrough and to get into uniforms. Our performance at WWLHS will be at 7:15 PM. We will be leaving HHS at about 5:15 PM on the busses. We will not be supplying food, so have the kids bring some snacks. I am feeling very good about our show right now, even though that is mixed with the normal nervousness. I hope you can all make it to the performance!!!
WE SHOULD BE BACK BETWEEN 9:00PM or 9:30PM


THERE IS NO PRACTICE ON WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY OF THIS WEEK! I thought that the kids would need a break after all the work that they have put in. Report time for Friday (home game vs. South Lyon)will be coming soon.

One last thing: We will be wearing BLACK SOCKS with the uniform from now on. My experiment failed... oh well.

I think that is it... till next time

Smigell

WELCOME TO HOMECOMING!!


And now, in the news...


Schedule for Homecoming day:

6th hour
Students will be dismissed at the end of 5th hour and shall go right to the band room, get their instruments, and proceed to the field house. The Drumline, the band, the majorettes, and the flags will all be performing!!! Yeah!

2:30 -3:30 Homecoming dress rehearsal at the stadium

3:30-4:30 get in uniforms

4:30 get on busses for parade

5:00 Parade (begins at paige field)

6:00-6:30 Bus back and food

6:30 Step off

6:45 Pregame

The choir will be singing the national anthem.

We will be playing a portion of Malaguena during pregame halftime will be occupied by the court (We will be participating, but only playing an accompanying role).

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT YOUR CHILD WILL BE GONE ALL DAY LONG!!!!


Things to bring:
Green howell band shirt
Black shoes
white socks (Yes white socks. I will be happy to explainif you like)

Things you can wear under the uniform:
underwear
tshirts
spandex
thermal underwear
long sleeve t shirt
underarmor (or equivalent clothing)
thin shorts

Things you cannot wear under the uniform:
JEANS
Hoodies
Sweatshirts
clothing that will show outside the uniform
Nothing at all.. you should have at least a pair of shorts and a tshirt on underneath your uniform
jean shorts
cargo shorts

WE WILL BE USING FABREEZE ON THE UNIFORMS TO MAKE THEM A LITTLE "FRESHER". If you (The student) are allergic to fabric fresheners or any kind of detergents, please let us know first thing tomorrow morning, and we will set it aside.

IMPORTANT!!! IF YOU HAVE NOT TURNED IN YOUR GRADING RATIONALE SLIP, YOU HAVE TO GET IT IN OR YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MARCH AT HOMECOMING!!!

Ok... I think that is it.. Here are some dates coming up:

Next Tuesday: Extra rehearsal from 6-7:30pm
Next Friday: Extra rehearsal from 3-4:30PM
Next Friday: Pep Band at Brighton (Optional)
Tuesday october 10th, 2006 MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL IN WALLED LAKE!!!!! Super Important!

October 28th, 2006 University of Michigan Hockey Pep band Substitution gig!!! (I'll explain very soon more about this... this group is by audition and TONS OF FUN!!!

PIT BAND: We are doing Guys and Doll this year. The auditions for Pit Band will be probably next week or so.... more information soon.

ok... that really is it...

SEE YOU TOMORRROW!!!

Smigell

ATTENTION... ATTENTION!!!

There is no practice tonight, Monday, sept 25, 2006. I am sick and Mr. Stimson had a family emergency. The perfect storm. We are trying to reschedule the evening rehearsal for sometime this week. I will let you know more about it tomorrow. I WILL be in come heck or high water. Very sorry about all this. Don't worry, we will be ok.

Smigell

HOMECOMING TAILGATE FEAST!!! This coming Friday is one of the last three tailgates provided to the band members. We have on the menu: Mostacholli(sp?), Vegetable Lasagna(GNC is great for these two), salads and Garlic toast. Should you wish to bring one of these dishes or a dish not listed(fruit,veggie tray?), please let me know by Wed. the 27th. Powdered mix beverages(enough for two 5 gal. containers) and all desserts are appreciated also!! Stay to serve and eat also.

Julie Dennis 517.303.4850 cell. Please leave message!

IMPORTANT CHANGE OF INFORMATION!!! THE FOOTBALL GAME IS AT PINCKEY MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!
RECHECK THE ADDRESS!!! TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS!!!

Hello Folks... I just had a meeting with Mr. Breiner and Mr. Smith (the new HS principal) today and they told me that we were mentioned at the KVC principal's meeting!!! Apparently, Novi just thinks we are the coolest thing since sliced bread. They were really impressed with our pep band... They asked our people how we get the band to come out... I guess we just have fun and it shows!


Having said that... The next pep band gig is TOMORROW SEPT 22, 2006 at PINCKNEY!!! Time to show our stuff again and have a blast while we're doing it! Here are the guidelines:

1. The kids show up at 6:30PM at Pinckney HS. Everyone needs to find their own ride (times, they are tough, very sorry), but the students get in the game for free.

2. Students can get their instruments between 5:30 and 6 pm at the high school if they do not want to bring it home on the bus. The band room will not be open after the game.

3. ANYONE in the Howell High School Instrumental Music Program is invited to the game!! Even if you are not in marching band!!! Just make sure to wear one of our yearly band shirts, and you are set (If you don't have one, see me during school and we will hook you up)

4.There are no permission slips since everyone finds their own way there. We find that this has worked the best in case it rains at the game or a student needs to leave early.

5. I will give cell number to the kids in class tomorrow (I'd rather not leave it on the internet) so you can reach me if there is a problem.

6. In the event that it rains.... Check the blog before you leave. If we cancel our part of the game, it will be posted by 6pm tomorrow. Otherwise, assume the game is on.

Directions: THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM BEFORE!
If you are reading this, you can also go to mapquest (or your other favorite map site) and plan your route:

Pinckney Middle School (Yes, they have the football games at the old high school)
2100 East M-36
pinckney, MI 48169

See you there!!!

Stay tuned!!! Coming soon... A FULL CALENDAR!!! Hockey pep band!! Info on upcoming concerts, marching festival and MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!


Smigell

Hi all - Put this date on your calendar: Saturday, October 28. It is the date for our next fundraiser called Tag Day. On Tag Day, band students, color guard and majorettes will wear their uniforms and ask for contributions in front of local businesses. In exchange for a donation, they are given a "tag" which states "Thanks for supporting the Howell Band". They will have a bucket for contributions, and may have a folding "Support the Howell Band" sign. Traditionally, this has been our biggest fundraiser, so please have your child participate! Money the students earn can be used to pay for band camp, lessons, instruments, the band trip next year, etc. We will need parental help with driving the kids to various locations in town. More information on this to come, but save the date on your calendar!

Tag Day is going to be held the same day as "The Legend of Sleepy Howell" so downtown should be bustling with activity. The organizers are looking for some drumline members to lead a parade around 5:30 pm of kids in costume. Let me know if you are interested in that.

Margaret Bigham 517.548.2324

Sunday night greetings everyone!!!


And now... in the news...


1. PLEASE GET YOUR GRADING RATIONALE SIGNED AND RETURNED ASAP!!! You will not be allowed to march in a home game until you turn it in!!

2. The band room is a little messy. I will be in at about 7:00 am on Monday to clean it up a little. Anyone willing to help should be there and receive my eternal thanks.

3. Even though the schedule is for rain... We MUST rehearse at the field tomorrow for our evening rehearsal. Bring a change of clothes, or a rain jacket if you can... Because we are marching in anything but Thunder and lightning.

See you tomorrow!

SMigell

Outcome of car wash totaled over $650.00 to be distributed between the 26 students who participated and the band booster's general fund. We had great weather, donated food and beverage by the owner of Cruz N Express, John Hummel, who drove in from Laingsburg to oversee the car wash. He monitored the oil changes and gave me a check totaling $120.00, which was 10% of the oil changes or services that day alone!(this is included in total). All in all, the kids were given their positions , worked great together and handled themselves very well, even in their playful moments! We had board members to Harleys(which I had my picture taken on), DTE and Comcast employees. Yeh, even Mr. Smigell, who was basking in the glow of the Howell win over Novi the night before. All these kids were at the game the night before and showed up at their designated time. Thanks to all who participated and made overseeing you quite fun as usual. I have plenty of towels, two laundry baskets and even a picnic basket from the last tailgate(call me and I will coordinate you obtaining). I am finishing the laundering of these and will bring and place near the back wall of the band room by the drinking fountain this week for those who would like them returned. I received so many, I couldn't tell you whose was whose so good luck. They were all used so thank you again! So remember if you continue to cater your oil changes to this facility, 10% will be given back to the band boosters! Look for oil change cards from this store soon to be available for purchase too! Hey, did I mention the Glynn's famous stromboli! Thanks Pam!!it was Yummy!

Julie Dennis
517.303.4850 business cell/please leave a message

A FAUX HEART ATTACK, AND PEP BAND INFORMATION!

Hello everyone!!

I woke up yesterday morning, and had pain in my chest and left arm. I went to the hospital and they held me there all day. My symptoms were aparently realistic enough for them to give me nitro and give me a stress test, along with many ekg's, blood tests and examinations. In the end, they determined that I am in good health and must have had a panic attack. Thanks for everyone's concern!


OK..... IN THE NEWS:


PEP BAND AT NOVI IS TONIGHT!!! Everyone in the band program is invited to go!!! It is a lot of fun, and it can be counted toward making up time for band/marching band.

here is the info:
-You have to find your own transportation. If you are reading this, you have the internet! Go to one of the map site (mapquest, google maps... etc) and look up this address 24062 TAFT RD, NOVI, MI 48375
-Report time at the game will be 6:30ish. If you want to get in for free (just the band students, that is), you must be at the gate of the stadium (we should be easy to spot. You also should wear a Howell Band shirt (doesn't have to be this years, but it should be a band shirt) To help identify us.
-I will be at the school from 5 to 5:45 if people want to pick up their instrument (like the tubas and the drums). I WILL NOT BE RETURNING TO HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL AFTER THE GAME, so you will need to bring your instrument back on Monday.

SEE YOU THERE!!!!! LET'S GO GET EM!!!!

SMIGELL

Shalom, all you Cyber-bandos!

Now... In the news!!

WE ARE TAKING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD!!! The athletic director from Novi has given us the green (and gold)light to perform at the HOWELL/NOVI game in Novi this Friday!!!!! Everyone in the band program is invited... More news on that very soon

GRading rationales are finally being distributed to your children... Please make sure to sign them and return them when they come home to you....


Ok.... peace out... it's time for rehearsal!!

CAR WASH head count needed by Wed.!! Currently there are approximately 17 kids working each shift. A majority are working all day. The sign up sheet will remain on the chalkboard until Wed. After that you may call me to let me know if you want to work all day or a four hr. shift. I also need to know that if you are working you will donate a towel. Currently I have few supplies offered. We need lots of towels, sponges, car wash detergent and a few more hoses. Purchased donations can be tax deductible. Temperature looks clear and warm so please dress appropriately, you may wish to bring something to drink and eat. Parents are needed of course!

Remember that the money you earn can be used for band expenses: trips, band camp, lessons, repairs etc.

Julie Dennis
517.303.4850 (this is my business phone, so please leave a detailed message)

You are all invited to the first Band Booster meeting of the year - Tuesday, Sept. 12
at 7:00 pm, in the high school band or choir room.

Margaret B.

Thanks to all who provided food and water and then stayed to serve at the tailgate last night!! Lots of laughs!! What a variety of food we received. Yummy!

Three more home games, two of which are very special and festive: Homecoming and Senior recognition(Parents are welcome to stay and partake at any game!! We even have fun in the stands surrounding the band... embarrassing our kids of course!). Will update the closer they get.

I am overwhelmed (in a good way) with the offers of help. Thanks again!!!

Julie Dennis 517.303.4850 cell/leave message!

HELLO BAND BLOGGERS!!!


Now.... In the news....

UNIFORM FOR THE FOOTBALL GAME WILL BE THE SAME AS THE FIRST... THIS MEANS BAND SHIRT, KHAKI SHORTS, WHITE SOCKS, BLACK BAND SHOES.

REPORT TIME FOR THE FOOTBALL GAME WILL 4:00 PM. Run down as follows:

4-5pm Runthrough and rehearsal

5-6 tailgate

6-6:30 prepare

6:30 stepoff

etc.etc.

rehearsal times for monday will be as follows:

after school until 3:30: optional sectionals

5:30-7:30 mandatory rehearsal at the stadium

Hope this helps,

Smigell

Psst! The car wash is listed on WHMI's website and will be announced next week on our behalf. Spread the word!*car wash and oil changes*... Did you sign up for a shift yet? Bring a towel...we will need many!

Remember to always scroll down in case you missed any of the other announcements or amendments. Check daily, things can change in a moments notice.

Julie 517.303.4850

Tailgate Donations needed for Friday September 8!! We are looking at hot dogs and hamburgers as the main menu for the upcoming tailgate. There are approximately 128 kids to feed(and a few directors) so keep in mind the amount needed. The determination on whether we will be able to have a tailgate at each home game will be based on the amount of donated items. Fruit and veggie trays go over well. Perhaps pork and beans, corn or other side dishes might be provided by you. Please contact me by Wednesday September 6 to sign you up! The kids appreciate since they may not have an opportunity to leave the school to grab a bite or have a family member available to bring them something before the game.
We also need water to dispense in the stands!!!

Julie Dennis 517.303.4850

PLEASE READ THIS MESSAGE AND PASS ALONG TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT "WEB SAVVY":

The 8/29, 8/30, and 8/31 posting are all very important to the upcoming events of the HHS Band program. Make sure to take a look at these so you don't miss out on a single moment of this fantastic year!!

now in the news:

- I hope you like this blog thing, because I find it to be very helpful for me getting out information. Until we get a comprehensive web identity (many ideas are in the works... I'll explain soon), I would like this to remain the primary method for getting info to you.

-The Senior picnic was a success! I think we might have one next year too! Thanks to the kids (and lets face it, some parents too) for bringing all those delicious side dishes! Also, thanks to Denise Alexander for stopping by and helping out!

-There have been murmuring of a "Battle of the KVC drumlines" hosted at Brighton HS... What does the D-line think?

REMINDER: THERE IS NO PRACTICE ON MONDAY, BUT THERE IS PRACTICE ON TUESDAY!!! 2:30-3:30PM
REMINDER: MB NEEDS TO SHOW UP AT 7:15AM ON TUESDAY TO PLAY FOR THE THE STUDENTS


Enjoy your weekend and see you on Tuesday!

Smigell

Uniforms - Please Read!

If anyone does not have a marching band uniform yet, or if you need some alterations to your uniform, you must see Mrs. Baker on Thursday, Sept. 7, during your band class time. This is your last chance before the game on Friday, Sept. 8.


Margaret Bigham

NEWLY UPDATED on 8/31/06!! EVERYBODY PLEASE READ!!!1ST DAY OF SCHOOL EDITION!!! Seniors please note the picnic time change! Everyone else look at the 1st day instructions!!!

Our motto this year (among other things, but this is the main one): "If we do what we've always done, we will always get the same results. Good isn't good enough anymore!!!"

Hello everybody!! First things first, there is one more practice before school starts and that is tomorrow morning, thursday August 31st, 2006 from 7 am-8 ish(squad leaders may wish to extend practice to as long as 9am. Remember there is no practice on labor day.

Read the previous blog for information about weekly practices.

Now, in the news:

MR. SMITH, OUR NEW PRINCIPAL, IS TRYING TO CHANGE THE SOCIAL CLIMATE OF THE HIGH SCHOOL!! HE WANTS US TO PLAY AS THE KIDS COME IN ON THE FIRST DAY!! Please come in a 7:15 am is you can on tuesday morning (the first day of school). Squad leaders, please email this around so everyone gets the message!!!! Drumline, flags, and majorettes, this means you too! BE THERE!!!

THE BAND HAS BEEN INVITED ONCE AGAIN TO PLAY FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HOCKEY TEAM!! Every year for the past 5 years, the HHS pep band has been invited to fill in for the hockey pep band when the U of m band is on the road. Well once again (Drum Roll)... THEY HAVE ASKED US TO DO IT!!! HOORAY! the date is saturday october 28th. Tryouts for this group will occur shortly after school starts.

I NEED A MEMBER OF THE COLOR GUARD TO BRING IN THEIR VARSITY LETTER. I am finalizing an order for more varsity letters and I am going through a different company. They need a xerox of the design so they can duplicate it.

THE MARCHING BAND WILL BE PLAYING FOR THE STUDENTS IN THE MORNING ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL... I'll will explain at practice tomorrow.

SENIOR PICNIC IS AT MY PLACE 7061 HERBST (mapquest it) PLEASE READ THIS!!! THE PICNIC STARTS AT 5:30 (seniors, call the people you know that don't check this blog. if people show up at 4, I won't be there yet!!!) , the picnic goes till... whenever. I supply the burgers and dogs,and 3 acres, y'all supply the side dishes and softdrinks (See Emily Ellison or jane or kristine alexander about who is bringing what. Don't just bring chips!!). This picnic will have other band parents present, and it obviously is a picnic steeped in MORAL VALUES, so have no fear! IF you run into other non MB but still in the band program seniors, pass this along!! It would be cool to see them too!

very well... capital work! .... Carry on... harrrumph... so forth...

Smigell

INFORMATION CLARIFICATION!!!!

There was a little mixup involving whether or not there was practice this morning. There was not. It has been posted on the blog for a while, but I realized that we could be a bit more clear. Until I figure out a way to do that with links and files, let me point out a few of the more important posts:

The las two after the football game.

the post orgiginally published on July 13th and updated on 8/1/06.

These provide the most important information regarding our organization


BUT JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

There IS practice tomorrow August 30th from 7am-8am. AFTER THAT, THERE WILL BE GROUP PICTURES UNTIL 9:30

There will be practice again on August 31st from 7-8 am. THERE IS NO GAME OR ROAD PEP BAND FOR THIS WEEK. Our next performance is on 9/8/06 (next friday versus Milford)

THERE WILL BE NO PRACTICE ON LABOR DAY!!!

Enjoy the long weekend!!!

Smigell

SPIRITWEAR ON SALE NOW!!

Hoodies and Flannel Jammy pants are featured again this year and are a favorite with the kids! Sizes range from small to 2X ($2 for 2x) in both. Hoodies are $30. and are available as green with gold lettering or gold with green lettering and can be personalized(add $5.). Great for the upcoming school year in order to show your band pride! Flannel jammy pants run $23. and are green and gold Howell plaid. These can be personalized down the leg with "Howell Band" or your name(add $5.). Orders can be made by contacting Cate Doefer at 517.552.9245 and can take approximately one week. All orders must be prepaid with check or money order and made out to HBBA, P.O. Box 2113, Howell, Michigan 48843. Order forms are in the band room also. She is also at tailgates with some additional items like: tshirts, sweatshirts, bandanas and a few waterproof blankets at reasonable prices. We are hoping to add additional items like the much needed water bottle and baseball caps once the logo is determined.

Does anyone keep hearing or whistling the Chicken Song? I have to quit hanging out by the band! :)

Parents! According to Mr. Smigell, Wednesday's practice is between 7:00am-8:00am with pictures following. If all goes well they could be finished before 9:30am. We need some parental assistance in passing out uniforms and putting them back once the shots have been completed so be prepared to stay the whole time. The photographer may also ask for your help in organizing groups. Please let me know if you wish to help. 517.303.4850.

Band members: Bring water bottles with your name on it so you can take it to the field with you during practice.

CAR WASH UPDATE! The date for the Car Wash has been changed to September 16, same time. This event is open to all band members! As stated previously, you can stay for a four hour shift morning or afternoon, or stay all day if you like. Money earned will be applied to each student account according to hours worked. We are in need of donated towels(and we will need lots and lots!), sponges, car wash detergent, long hoses, buckets and parents to supervise!! The owner is not only letting us use his facility and water that day but any service he receives, he will give 10% to the band boosters. So Parents, if you are in need of an oil change, like me, hold off and have it done that day!! Sign up board on the chalk board.

Tailgate donation update to follow next week for the 9/8 game. Thanks to all who provided the food and served! Many of the kids told me how much they appreciated it. We are in need of water!! They are supposed to be given water after they return into the stands following their opening performance, not when they first arrive to the stadium. After half time they have a brief break from 'the stands' and are on their own if they are hungry or thirsty. Should we have extra water they are definitely allowed to take. Call me if you are interested in donating water. Keep in mind there are approximately 128 band members.

Gosh, I am sure that I am forgetting something!?

Julie Dennis 517.303.4850

GAME WRAP UP (Edited)

What a game!!!! I really hope out of all this that four things are understood:

1. I want all the MB students to know how very proud I was to be their director tonight. You know that this isn't sunshine (because it wasn't all sunshine tonight, right?), this is the best beginning I have ever had to a year as a band director. Some of it is due to a new attitude on my part, but most of it has to do with all you band members picking up the vibe and rolling with it!! 95% of the night went CLOSE TO PERFECT (we'll get to what I thought wasn't perfect in a minute). THUMBS UP, FOLKS!

2. To the boosters who helped at the football game: THANK YOU SO MUCH! I have never had so much widespread help. It seemed like there were twice as many people assisting us tonight, and doing a great job. In the past, the work was shouldered by a valiant, frazzled few who always were burnt out by the end of the season. I would really like to prevent that this year by coninuing to involve even more (WAY MORE) people so that we get just as much (if not way more) done and keep from having the lifeforce sucked out of you!!


3. I hope the football team takes this as a learning experience rather than a crushing defeat. They played their hearts out and should be proud of themselves. They were never supposed to be even close and they almost won. These guys are worth supporting and so we shall....


4. We all have to try EVEN HARDER if we want to get where we want to go this year.


Ok... Here is the rest of the take on the football game. I was mad because We looked so great the rest of the night and it was reallyout of hand on the way back. This was a departure from our occasional "casual marches" that have happened in the past. It was everybody's fault, including my own for not being more specific. We will have a talk about how we conduct ourselves at the end of the night. In retrospect, it was not toobad, but compared to everything else that happened (your excellent march to the stadium, nice pregame, super enthusiasm in the stands, and great performance on the field), it really stuck out. There, I said it.

INFORMATION FOR THE FOOTBALL GAME!!!



Hello Band Bloggites!

Here is the information for the football game tomorrow!

Report time: 3:30 PM with instrument, music, black shoes, white socks, khaki shorts, and the CURRENT BAND SHIRT (If you were not at the parade, we will have your band shirt for you there. THIS UNIFORM MUST BE ADHERED TO!!

Tailgate (Food for all band members and some guests too!) approx 4:30. We may have to practice a little into the tailgate time (the rain chewed up some of our time yesterday), but we will make sure that there is at least a half hour to eat.

Get ready: 5:30 PM

Step off: 6:10 PM

Stake out stadium 6:25

Pregame: 6:45

Kickoff: 7:00

halftime Approx 7:40 (very approximate time... Could later, could be sooner, you never know..)

Yes, you have to stay until the end of the game!!!

Game will be done around 9:30 or 10pm

EVEN IF IT IS RAINING... ALWAYS SHOW UP!!! A LARGE BOAT FULL OF ANIMAL PAIRS WOULD HAVE TO FLOAT BY WITH LOTS OF THUNDER AND LIGHTNING IN ORDER FOR THE GAME TO GET CANCELLED IN ADVANCE!!!

Couple of other important announcements!


NO PRACTICE NEXT TUESDAY!

PRACTICE NEXT WEDNESDAY AND NEXT THURSDAY START AT 7:00 AM INSTEAD OF 7:30 AM!!!! Practice on Wednesday will go only until 8:00 am but practice on Thursday will go until 9:30 am.

PRACTICE TIME HAS CHANGED FOR EVERY MONDAY DURING THE SEASON. We are bumping it back either an hour or half hour, stay tuned, (As in a few hours) and the blog will be updated.

Julie, Margaret, is there anything I've missed? Kat, Big J, other minions, have I skipped anything important? EMAIL ME.


See you tomorrow... I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

Smigell

Hi everyone! Thanks, Jason, for giving us the opportunity to blog. I'm proud to be part of the band booster board, along with Julie Dennis, Debbie Hayes and Becky Chappel. Our trustees are Rick Kobylarz, Julie Belmont, Cindy Joseph, and Jay and Lynn Harrison.

Jason was pleased (and should be) with last year's events such as "getting a medal for the second time after only two years attending marching band festival, the numbers of kids attending solo and ensemble festival, the smokin' jazz band, Irish Band, technology class; the fantastic entertainment of Howellpalooza and Collage Concert" - and this year is shaping up to be even better! I can't wait to see what Jason and the bands have in store for us. It's gonna be an awesome year!

To start off the year, I have news from the Majorettes. Jessica Hayes and Kayla Dillon each won their overall title for their age division at the national competition! Way to go girls!

IMPORTANT NEWS - Students, please have your parents read this section regarding uniforms and tailgates!

MARCHING BAND UNIFORM FITTINGS - FRESHMEN or any others new to the band program - We kindly ask that you stay after band practice on Thursday, Aug. 24, to be fitted for your uniform. We will have several volunteers available to get this done as quickly as possible. If you cannot stay after on that day, we will also be able to fit you on Thursday, August 31. August 31 is also the 9th grade orientation day at the Freshman campus. We will be in the band room each day from 9:30 am to approx. 11 am.

TAILGATE - The place to be on Friday, August 25, beginning at 4:30 pm! We need some donations for our menu of Tacos and fixings! We would like to get some donations of shredded cheese, lettuce, soft taco shells, and lemonaid mix. Please call or email Julie Dennis to let her know what you can bring at 517-303-4850, email http://www.blogger.com/. We won't ever turn down a dessert, so you are welcome to send those in also. Parents, you are encouraged and welcomed to join us! Bring your own chair; we meet on the lawn outside the band room. If you cannot send in plates, napkins, cups, or food, we gladly accept gifts of cash to pay for the dinner. A donation jar will be on the table. See you Friday!

If you have any questions about band booster events, please give me a call at 548-2324 or email http://www.blogger.com/.

Margaret Bigham

Hello band members and Parents! I thank you too Mr. Smigell for allowing the Band boosters to utilize this communication area to keep in touch with everyone. We have a very promising year!

We have a CarWash set up for Saturday, September 9, between 8:30ish and 4:30ish. This is to be held at the Cruz N Valvoline on Grand River across from Brighton Ford. Mr. John Hummel had presented this opportunity when he agreed to a program with Brian Doefer on 10% of any services and the proceeds going to the Boosters. The day is broken up into two shifts and we encourage you to participate for half or all day. It should be a lot of fun! We have to provide the hoses, buckets, sponges, and lots of dry towels, etc. so if you sign up I will be calling to find out what you will be bringing that day. Based on how many hours worked the funds will be directed into your student account which is designed to offset costs for band camp etc. Look for the sign up sheet in the band room or contact me directly. Parents would be great in supervising and moving the cars along so please come join us.

Again, along with the car wash, we have an ongoing agreement that with any oil change a percentage goes to the band boosters providing you tell them that. Please look for the flyer on the band room wall and at the five tailgates. Stop by!

Julie Dennis 517.303.4850 cell

Parade Recap and News:


Hey everybody!

GREAT JOB at the parade yesterday!!! I received many many comments from people that there is "something different about us this year" and that "you guys look a lot better this year" (they then had to backpedal and say "not that you looked bad before"). My take on it is this. Every year, we talk about doing things differently, this year, we are actually DOING THEM.

"GOOD" ISN'T "GOOD ENOUGH" ANYMORE!!!

LET'S KEEP IT UP! I mean, why not, right? We can do it!!


ok.. in the news:

Please welcome Margret Bigham and Julie Dennis to the blog!!-
Margret and Julie now will be posting things on this blog for the boosters. Stay tuned for info on the uniforms, car washes, and something else I forgot.....

INSTRUMENT AND RAINCOAT WARNING!!
-After the parade, you should have left your instrument out to dry and your raincoat draped over something to air out. If the instrument is in it's case or the raincoat is crumpled up, FIX IT!!! Both run the risk of catching the dreaded PURPLE DOT DISEASE!!! Please take care of your equipment and bring the raincoat back to the band room on tuesday, august 22, 2006 at 7:30 am (BECAUSE THAT IS OUR NEXT PRACTICE!!!)

ok.. once again, great job at the parade, and see you tuesday!!!

Smigell

NEWS FLASH!!!! YES THERE IS STILL A PARADE... FOR NOW!!!

Hello bandos accross the district... The weather radar indicates that this system will pass before the stepoff time. We have raincoats (nice ones actually) To protect both student and instrument!! Report time is still as listed in the previous post.

See you there...

Smigell

p.s. For future reference... A PARADE IS ALMOST NEVER CALLED OFF!! Tornados have to be sucking up spectators for the parade to be cancelled. That's why we are the few, the proud, the band!

PARADE INFORMATION SNAKES ON A PLANE WARNING AND OTHER JUICY TIDBITS.....


SOAP (Snakes on a Plane) WARNING
Hello Band Blog readers,

As many of you know, I have been hyping SNAKES ON A PLANE for the past few weeks. It has occurred to me that I should warn everyone that snakes on a plane (The coolest movie in the world even though I have not seen it yet) may not be cool for everyone to see. I just found out that the movie is rated "R" and that there is swearing, limited nudity, and lots of death by snakebite in it. Kids, make sure your parents know what you are going to see if you go tonight. Let it be known that SoaP is not sanctioned, recommended or suggested viewing by HHS bands in any way. Having said that... ON TO THE REAL INFORMATION...


PARADE INFORMATION:

Date:August 19th, 2006

Report time:10:30am at the Howell Police Department parking lot (The street closes at 11:00 am, so don't be late!!)

Band room opens: 9:30am for anyone who needs to get in there....

Parade starts: 12:00 noon

Uniform: The new band shirt (these will be distributed AT THE PARADE SITE), Khaki Shorts, White socks, Tennis shoes (Preferably white).

Water will be distributed after the parade at the parking lot across from CITIZEN's INSURANCE.

For those curious, I also provided a picture of the shirt design (we are using one of the new Howell Logos)


Good luck, and sorry if my SoaP warning keeps any of you bandos from getting to see the movie tonight.

Smigell

p.s. other information about the season and a calendar can be found 2 posts back from this one ;)

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!

Please call everyone you know that doesn't check this blog!! Squad leaders, call your squadlings! THERE IS NO PRACTICE NEXT TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2006. There will be practice on wednesday, August 16, and Thursday, august 17, both from 7:30am to 9:30am.

PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS INFORMATION TO PEOPLE YOU KNOW!!


This week in the news:

-Band camp went very very well!! Mr. Stimson and I both agree that this was the best camp that we have had since we arrived at Howell. I am REALLY looking forward to starting the season!

-Mr. Shouldice will not be working with Howell Schools anymore. He has decided to move on and accept the position of DIrector of Bands at Highland Middle School (feeding Milford HS). Although we are going to miss him very much, we knew it was just a matter of time before he got to captain his own ship. We wish him all the best.

-First performance comin up is the MELONFEST PARADE!! Check the previous entry (Scroll below) for details on this and many many other things!


SMIGELL

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!!!