Meal Kits & Spirit Week

Student Council has started an at-home Spirit Week!  Also....if you are in need of meal kits for the week, pick up is today (Monday, March 23rd) from 4 to 6 p.m. by the rock at the high school (circle drive that faces the football stadium).  The next meal kit pick up is Monday, March 30th from 4 to 6 p.m. 

Here's how to support bando Hailey Smith of TeamSHEAdy:

HPS Home Spirit Week starts... NOW!

• This is the first 2020 Senior Survivor challenge!! The survivor who gets the most people to participate and use the hashtags #TeamSHEAdy and #HPSHomeSpirit2020 will win $100 towards their bucket! I am the only senior survivor band representative this year so I really need your help!!

See above for each day's theme!
Post a picture on Instagram or Twitter (no Facebook!) of you in your best superhero outfit along with the hashtags #TeamSHEAdy and #HPSHomeSpirit2020 !!!
* Please include the hashtags on your post for it to count! *
-- Each day's Senior Survivor winner is announced by the end of that night! --

You can also watch this youtube video for more info and support your Senior Survivor:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=EjKqhY-7q_8&app=desktop

Smartmusic update, a resource for learning to read music, and other cool places on the internet.

Hello Everyone!

COVID-19 (There's a word I can't wait to stop using) is already here :( but something else is coming...

Something wonderful..

SMARTMUSIC is coming!!!!

Before I tell you about Smartmusic, scroll toward the end if you are one of the kids who has TROUBLE READING MUSIC* (or want to become theory wizards)

Smartmusic is piece of software (but can also be browser-based for Chromebooks) that has HUNDREDS of PIECES OF MUSIC for EVERY INSTRUMENT type for you to play along with.  You can also record yourself AND IT CAN GRADE YOUR PERFORMANCE for right notes and rhythms.  So here are some of the things I see us doing:

-You (the kids, and maybe even musician parents) being able to browse and pick out pieces of music to play for FUN!  I just checked and even with the free version you can play along with the accompaniment.  You can also have the computer play your part too if you are not sure how it goes.  If you like you can record it (This might be a way for people who got caught without their enrichment project done can fulfill it! ;)

-I can assign an etude for our audition pieces. If you have a microphone you can record it and send it to me.  The difference is that you can HAVE THE COMPUTER CHECK YOUR WORK, so you will be able to be a whiz!  I still am not sure if this is going to work the way I want it to, but its a start.  This particular thing would not be happening for at least a little while because we can't actually assign graded work just yet, so don't get worried (In this crazy new world, we all have bigger things to worry about than auditions so simmer down all you FELLOW ANXIETY BUNNIES!).

-If this quarantine goes for a long time I can, wait, WE can choose FULL BAND PIECES and PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES to rehearse separately and put together when we all return.  The software allows you to isolate your part, then play your part with the full band accompaniment.  It's a little "Texas" but it's still extremely cool!

The site is simply called SmartMusic.com, but it looks like I have to invite you. You know by now that I am a bit of technophobe so this will definitely be OUR journey.  Kids, as usual you will be helping me learn this software as we go.  It'll give us something to do!  We shall do it the way bandos do things: TOGETHER.  My application for smartmusic is pending so expect this to go up PROBABLY MONDAY.

*HAVING TROUBLE READING MUSIC?  I know there are kids in our program that really have trouble reading music.  You know who you are.  It's ok! But hey, wouldn't band be a lot more FUN if you weren't so FRUSTRATED keeping up when we are sight reading? Time to make something USEFUL out of the quarantine! https://www.musictheory.net/exercises this website has been around for a while, and it provides free lessons and exercises for reading music.  For those of you wanting to learn about theory it also has way MORE ADVANCED stuff as well.  If you really want to learn to read music better EMAIL ME and I'll work out a plan for you.  A little each day is the way!


Ok that's about it. I miss you folks so much.  I can feel you all bouncing off the walls wanting to get the heck out of the house.  Just remember you aren't being careful for YOURSELVES, you are being careful for EVERYBODY.  I know you can do it.  Hope is an important part of making it through a crisis like this.  You need to have something to look forward to.  I find that one of things I hang on to is that WE WILL COME TOGETHER AGAIN.  WE WILL MAKE MUSIC AGAIN. Count on it.

Now hurry up and sit there and be safe!
-Smigell

p.s. I check my email once a day, if you need to talk to me, just drop me a line.  If you're one of those kids that likes to "check in" every day, you still can :)  I'm not gone, I'm sitting in my house, just like you!

DSO STREAMS BEETHOVEN'S 5TH TONIGHT!!!! MUSIC TRIUMPHS!!!!! (and a note about getting into the building)

Hello Bandos,

A unique opportunity (although hopefully one of many) is happening tonight.  Like many musical organizations, the DSO is live streaming a concert tonight!  The difference is, it is BEETHOVEN'S 5TH SYMPHONY!!  one of the most widely known and beloved pieces of music in all of western history.

This will occur TONIGHT AT 8PM on Facebook live (I don't know how to do that since I stopped doing Facebook a long time ago.) and with their proprietary streaming service below:

https://www.dso.org/watch-listen-and-connect/dso-replay/


Believe it or not, it's a rare opportunity to hear it "live" since orchestras don't play it that often (It's kind of like not wanting to sing "Piano Man" if you're Billy Joel).

C'mon, haven't you ever been curious about hearing what comes after "DA DA DA DUMM"?

(It's not like you had that much to do right now anyway ;)

I really like what the DSO said in their promo email for this:

" Music is courageous, healing, unifying, powerful, calming, and important, and it can’t be silenced in times of uncertainty."

Yes, it is all those things...  Not sure why the text got so small... oh well.



ONE NOTE ABOUT GETTING INTO THE HIGH SCHOOL FOR YOUR STUFF:

I unfortunately have no idea when there will be another opportunity to get in the band room or the building, but there will be one.  I am going to try and get ahold of admin and see about getting an opportunity where we get to let people know in advance.  I apologize about the jerky-jerky manner that this has been happening, but I think we all have to get used to it for at least a while.  I will say this, it doesn't pay to be a space cadet these days.  Kids, if you are normally someone who "misses the boat" on things, time to start checking the dock more often.  This is coming from Colonel Smigell of the space cadet corps himself before you get salty :D

Ok that's it for now.  Stay safe, follow the Governor's orders, practice good pandemic hygiene, and blessings to you all.

-Smigell

Hi Everyone! This is little update post during the COVID-19 downtime.

Hey folks!

I wanted to let you know I am still looking at some ways for you (the kids) can enrich yourselves in this interim period.  I bet your are getting bored.  This crisis has hammered home just how precious making music with people is to me.  Maybe one positive of having one's life brought to a crawl is that you learn what is really important to you. For me helping people is important, learning is important, and MUSIC IS IMPORTANT.

I hope everyone was able to get their instrument from the building.  Special thanks to Laura Allegoet for helping make that happen on Monday! If you didn't, I am not sure when the next opportunity will be.  Please email me and I will see what I can do.

This week I am putting together a "music stimulus package" with links to all kinds of cool stuff from theory lessons to online sheet music.  look for that in the next couple of days.

Parents, I urge you to realize the importance of some kind of normalcy to your child. This unfortunately might mean letting them practice in the house for a bit during the day even though everyone is home.  😉

Finally, you are all very important to me.  Please take care of yourselves and follow the Governor's orders.  I have faith in humanity, and I think we will come out of this stronger and wiser.  Don't watch too much of the news, be good to each other!

-Smigell

BAND & SCHOOL UPDATE 3/16

Please see the latest update from Howell Schools:  TODAY from 4 to 6 p.m. is the last day to pick up items from school:

http://howellschools.com/cms/one.aspx?pageId=14312180

The band room will be accessible if you need to get your instrument.

Take care - Mrs. Allegoet

MEAL KITS AVAILABLE 3/16, 23 & 30

On Monday, March 16, Monday, March 23, and Monday, March 30, from 4 to 6 p.m., our Food Service Department will be providing free meal kits to any families who need them. There is no ID or income requirement to receive a meal kit. The kits will contain seven days of breakfast and lunch foods. The meal kits will be available for pick-up from 4 to 6 p.m. in the circle driveway on the north side of Howell High School (near the rock).

For families who are unable to secure transportation to pick up a kit, the district will offer delivery. If you need a kit delivered, please visit https://forms.gle/Y8k9Bke2ccotusjJ9

BAND CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 3/13/2020

HI EVERYONE!


I know that all these updates can be confusing, but I want to make sure you are all as informed as possible.  Here is the latest Howell Band news as it relates to the district, your children, and this crisis:


-Please make sure to read the latest update from the district (I'm not putting a link since it changes every few hours)

-All in-person practices for any Instrumental Music activities at Howell are cancelled until we get the "all clear" from the district.

-The school and the band room will be open today (3/13/2020) until 3pm.  Mr Schrock has also told me that he will be here on MONDAY (3/16/2020) 8-noon in case you were unable to come get your instrument. (No longer true)

-Everyone can get their instrument, including drumline, tubas, and school owned "borrowers".  If you are picking up an instrument for a friend, please make sure they know you are doing so.

-If you are a percussionist and want to borrow an instrument, call me first (Get my number from another parent or kid, about 60% of the band populace has it).  Call me twice so I know you're not a robocall)

-Make sure to check the blog every couple days.  I have some exciting ideas about distance learning that wil help you keep "the coronavirus blues" away! expect that update some time next week.

Ok that's about it.  ANY OR ALL OF THIS MAY CHANGE.  I urge you to be careful, be smart, and come back safe. Love you guys.

Mr. Smigell

COVID-19 Update!

March 12, 2020

Hello instrumental music family, 

These are interesting times we are living in.  Before we go any further, be aware that this current update may only be current for a few hours, as this situation with COVID-19 may literally change minute by minute.

First of all, please read the official statement put out by the combined superintendents of the Livingston County School Districts. 

Letter from Livingston County School Districts

Now, this is how these statements currently affect the instrumental music department:

-All performances from now until April 3rd 2020 are cancelled.  This includes Howellpalooza, Collage, and State Solo and Ensemble. 

-Pit rehearsals for Secret Garden are currently scheduled to continue next week.  

-Drumline auditions and practice are scheduled to continue.  

-The New York trip falls outside the current mandatory cancellation order, so it is still currently scheduled.  As stated many times before, this could change.   

I am heartbroken just like everyone else that we have had to cancel many of these performances, but I truly believe it is for the best and will aid us in stemming the spread of the virus.  One of the most frustrating things about our current situation is how uncertain things are right now for everyone.  Please know we are trying our very best to keep you current on all information regarding COVID-19 and Howell Public Schools. 

If you have any questions, you can email me at smigellj@howellschools.com .  I will do my very best to answer if I can.  Having said that, please do not ask me to speculate or predict what is going to happen after April 3rd, as I have no idea.  As always, the safety and well being of your children is our highest priority.  Lets all do our best to face this challenge and get through it together.

Sincerely,

Jason Smigell

Director, Howell HS Instrumental Music

BAND CAMP FORMS / SCRIPS FUNDRAISER INFO / UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCHING BAND / CAMP
Good Evening!!  As promised all of the paperwork from the band camp meeting is now here for your use.  Please click on what is needed, print it, fill it out in full and turn it in by the due date. Band camp forms are also available in the band room.  Please do not hesitate to ask questions of the people that are mentioned as helpers in the Marching Band Packet.  There are no silly questions.  Marching Band and Band Camp are AWESOME!!

MARCHING BAND STUDENT PACKET

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION - DUE APRIL 8TH

MARCHING BAND CHAPERONE PACKET

8TH GRADE INFORMATION

DRUMLINE INFORMATION

SCRIP PROGRAM

PAY FOR BAND CAMP AND OTHER BAND EXPENSES BY SHOPPING!

How much money do you spend in a month for regular expenses-  $600 for groceries, $200 for gas, $100 dining out…?  If you paid for those regular expenses using a gift card purchased from the HHS Band Scrip Program, you would get a rebate on each purchase, a rebate that  goes straight into your student's CHARMS fundraising account. Earn money for band camp, instrument lessons, future band trips, etc.

HHS Band Scrip uses the Great Lakes Scrip Center for ordering cards. They have this great YouTube video that explains the basics of the program:

               

                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwkeGiRuYVY&list=PLB05706667A3B6471

You can sign up right away using enrollment code C436CCB458883 (to get to the Band Account).

Questions?  You can email our SCRIPS coordinator, Nancy Stebbing, at  howellbandscrip@gmail.com

Once you learn how the ordering system works, this is the easiest money you will ever earn for band expenses. And you earn the rebates on money you have to spend anyway. Put your spending to work for you!

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 17th - Howellpalooza at 7 p.m. (concert featuring Rock Class, Jazz Band, Perc Ensemble and other non-traditional performing groups)

March 19th - Drumline Leadership clinic & auditions:  from 6 to 9 pm

  (returning members in grades 10 - 12, if interested in a leadership position)

DRUMLINE CLINICS

March 21st from 10 am to 4 pm - Drumline clinic (see this blog post for detailed drumline information:  http://hhsbands.blogspot.com/2020/03/help-needed-band-camp-drumline-mtg.html)

March 24th from 6 to 8:30 pm

March 26th from 6 to 9 pm

March 25th - Collage Concert at 7 p.m. (featuring Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Perc Ensemble & Choir)
March 30 - April 3 - Spring Break
April 8 - Need-based Scholarship applications due
April 10 - No School!
April 17 - 19 - The Secret Garden musical at Rod Bushey Auditorium
April 23 - 26 - New York Trip (for those that have already signed up!)
May 1 - 1/2 day of school
May 5 - Band Banquet (awards ceremony) at 7 pm in the high school cafeteria
May 15 - Lock In
May 19 - Spring Concert at 7 p.m.
May 20 - Last day of school for seniors
May 25 - Memorial Day Parade (marching band) & No School!
May 30 - Graduation at MSU Breslin Center
June 4 - Last day of school

BAND CAMP MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 10TH AT 7 P.M.

BAND CAMP MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 10TH AT 7 P.M.

* Informational meeting for Marching Band Camp:

Tuesday, March 10th at 7 p.m. in the band room

This meeting is optional. Registration forms and detailed information will be available in the band room and on the band blog after the meeting if you can't attend.

Band Camp is Sunday, August 9th to Thursday, August 13th.  Squad leader day is August 6th and Newbie day (for all new marching band members) is August 7th.

FESTIVAL PERMISSION SLIP - DUE NOW!

If you still need to turn in a Festival permission slip for your student, here it is:

FESTIVAL PERMISSION SLIP

Students can turn them in tomorrow (Friday) or email to me at ALLEGOEL@HOWELLSCHOOLS.COM  We MUST have a permission slip for every student in order to attend Festival!

Detailed Festival info can be found on the February 28th blog post:  http://hhsbands.blogspot.com/2020/02/band-festival-march-6th-7th.html

HELP NEEDED / BAND CAMP & DRUMLINE MTG.

HELP NEEDED!  FESTIVAL CHAPERONES for WIND ENSEMBLE!
* Chaperones are still needed to ride the bus to and from the event AND help students and Mr. Smigell once you are at Festival.  ***If you can chaperone, please sign up by clicking on the Sign-Up Link below. 

CHAPERONE SIGN-UP LINK

All chaperones must have completed a "Volunteer Release Form" with the high school this school year in order to chaperone.  This form is available here Volunteer Release Form and may be returned to the band room or emailed to me at allegoel@howellschools.com by Wednesday, March 4th!  If you've already completed this form during the 2019-20 school year, we do not need you to fill it out again.

*  Detailed Festival schedule and info can be found below on the February 28th blog post!

FESTIVAL PERMISSION SLIPS:  Permission slips are due on Thursday, March 5th!  We are sending them home with students on Tuesday but, if you need a copy, you can find one here:

FESTIVAL PERMISSION SLIP

BAND CAMP MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 10TH AT 7 P.M.

* Informational meeting for Marching Band Camp:

Tuesday, March 10th at 7 p.m. in the band room

This meeting is optional. Registration forms and detailed information will be available in the band room and on the band blog after the meeting if you can't attend.

Band Camp is Sunday, August 9th to Thursday, August 13th.  Squad leader day is August 6th and Newbie day (for all new marching band members) is August 7th.

DRUMLINE MEETING & AUDITIONS

Drumline is our first marching band group to get started for the 2020-21 season!  Below is a schedule of events:

Leadership clinic & auditions:  March 19th from 6 to 9 pm

  (returning members in grades 10 - 12, if interested in a leadership position)

Audition Clinics:  March 21st from 10 am to 4 pm

                           March 24th from 6 to 8:30 pm

                           March 26th from 6 to 9 pm

All clinics are held in the high school band room.  You must attend all of the audition clinics and band camp in order to be a member of drum line.  Drumline members will be announced at the end of the last clinic.  See the link below for detailed info:

DRUMLINE CLINIC & AUDITION INFO / DATES

BAND FESTIVAL - MARCH 6TH & 7TH

Festival Info:

Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Highlander Band, and Wind Ensemble will go to the MMEA Festival on Friday, March 6th (HB & WE) and Saturday, March 7th (CB & SB). They will be performing at Fowlerville High School (click here for map).  All are welcome to attend!  This is a mandatory performance for students in the performing bands. 

Each band will report to the band room at different times. Once attendance is taken, the students will be driven via school bus to FHS.  After their performance and judging, the students will be taken back to HHS via school bus.

It is important that the students arrive at the band room on time and in their respective ensemble's uniform to prevent any tardiness. Students will need to make sure they have their instrument (including any extra needs like reeds, oil, etc.) and sheet music.

Highlander Band and Wind Ensemble students will receive a "school related" absence during the time they will be gone from school.  This absence is excused and not counted against them for days missed.  Field trip permission slips will be coming home with students on Tuesday and need to be signed and returned by Thursday.

Here is the report / performance times for Festival for each ensemble (please note that all band members will need to make arrangements for a ride home):

Highlander Band: Friday, March 6th
Report Time: 11:45 am
Performance Time: 1:50 pm

Return at HHS: ~ 3:15 pm

Wind Ensemble: - Friday, March 6th
Report Time: 1:00 pm (this is an earlier time than previously noted)
Performance Time: 4:10 pm
Return at HHS: ~ 5:30 pm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Concert Band: Saturday, March 7th
Report Time: 12:15 pm
Performance Time: 2:05 pm
Return at HHS: ~ 3:30 pm

Symphonic Band: Saturday, March 7th
Report Time: 1:45 pm
Performance Time: 3:40 pm
Return at HHS: ~5:30 pm

There are snacks / drinks available for purchase at Festival.  

CHAPERONES
* Chaperones are needed to ride the bus to and from the event AND help students and Mr. Smigell once you are at Festival.  ***If you can chaperone, please sign up by clicking on the Sign-Up Link below. 

CHAPERONE SIGN-UP LINK

All chaperones must have completed a "Volunteer Release Form" with the high school this school year in order to chaperone.  This form is available here Volunteer Release Form and may be returned to the band room or emailed to me at allegoel@howellschools.com by Wednesday, March 4th!  If you've already completed this form during the 2019-20 school year, we do not need you to fill it out again.

NYC TRIP PAYMENT DUE THURSDAY!

NEW YORK TRIP PAYMENT DUE THURSDAY the 20TH!
Final, total cost for the New York trip is $1,038.  You can look up your balance due on the trip company website.  REMEMBER:  If you used any Charms fundraising money, subtract that from the amount you are paying.  The amount due will not change on your on-line account.  Once the trip company receives your Charms monies from us, they will post it to your account (early next week).

Final payment for the trip is due by this Thursday, February 20th!  Balance must be paid in full on or before February 20th!  Payment coupons are available in the band room or by clicking on the link below:  DO NOT DROP OFF YOUR PAYMENT IN THE BAND ROOM!  YOU MUST MAIL CHECKS TO EDUCATIONAL TOURS YOURSELF!

NEW YORK TRIP PAYMENT COUPON & INFO

Pre-Festival/Winter Concert - Tuesday, February 25th at 7 p.m.

For:  Concert, Symphonic, Highlander Bands & Wind Ensemble

Where:  Rod Bushey Auditorium

When:  Report time for students is 6:30 p.m.

What to wear:  Your concert uniform (black pants, socks & shoes with white concert shirt & black bow tie)

Hope to see you there!

New York Deadlines & Updated Calendar/Festival Info

NEW YORK TRIP DEADLINES
Final, total cost for the New York trip is $1,038.  You can look up your balance due on the trip company website.  Click on the link below for Charms request and payment forms (if mailing in payment).  Forms are also available in the band room.

Charms requests due this Friday, February 14th!  Because the trip company needs payment by the 20th - NO LATE CHARMS REQUESTS CAN BE ACCEPTED!  Please fill out the "Charms Withdrawal Request" and submit by Friday the 14th.  Charms questions?  Please text Band Boosters Treasurer, Tom Bolton at (734) 776-6237

Final payment for the trip is due by next Thursday, February 20th!  Balance must be paid in full on or before February 20th!

NYC CHARMS REQUEST & PAYMENT COUPON FORMS

IMPORTANT DATE CLARIFICATION & INFO - FESTIVAL!
Festival is March 6th and 7th at Fowlerville High School!  The dates were originally posted incorrectly - sorry about that!

March 6th - Highlander Band (report to band room 11:45 - performance at 1:50 - back to high school around 3:15)
March 6th - Wind Ensemble (report to band room 1:00 - performance at 4:10 -  back to high school around 5:30)
March 7th - Concert Band (report to band room 12:15 - performance at 2:05 - back to high school around 3:30)
March 7th - Symphonic Band (report to band room 1:45 - performance at 3:40 - back to high school around 5:30)

Chaperones are needed to ride busses to and from Festival.  If you can help, please email Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com

Upcoming Events
February 11, 18 & 25th (if needed on 25th)
March 3 & 10 - Jazz Band Rehearsals (two groups - one at 2:35 - 3:30 and another at 3:35 - 4:30.  Students will be notified of which group they are in.)
February 14th - Last day to request Charms monies for New York trip payment
February 17th - No School!
February 20th - Final New York Trip Payment Due!
February 25th - Winter/Pre-Festival Concert at 7 p.m. in Auditorium
February 28th - 1/2 day of school!
March 6th - FESTIVAL (Fowlerville High School): Highlander Band performs at 1:50 and Wind Ensemble performs at 4:10
March 7th - FESTIVAL (Fowlerville High School):  Concert Band performs at 2:05 and Symphonic Band performs at 3:40
March 10th - Band Camp Information Meeting
March 14th - State Solo & Ensemble at South Lyon High School
March 17th - Howellpalooza at 7 p.m. (concert featuring Rock Class, Jazz Band, Perc Ensemble and other non-traditional performing groups)
March 25th - Collage Concert at 7 p.m. (featuring Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Perc Ensemble & Choir)
March 30 - April 3 - Spring Break
April 10 - No School!
April 17 - 19 - The Secret Garden musical at Rod Bushey Auditorium
April 23 - 26 - New York Trip (for those that have already signed up!)
May 1 - 1/2 day of school
May 5 - Band Banquet (awards ceremony) at 7 pm in the high school cafeteria
May 15 - Lock In
May 19 - Spring Concert at 7 p.m.
May 20 - Last day of school for seniors
May 25 - Memorial Day Parade (marching band) & No School!
May 30 - Graduation at MSU Breslin Center
June 4 - Last day of school

Questions about anything band.......email Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com  Thanks!

JAZZ BAND CANCELLED TODAY!

Jazz band is cancelled for today! Please pass this on!  Mr. Smigell is under the weather and not at school today.

Jazz band will start up next Tuesday the 11th!

Livingston County Honors Band & Can/Bottle Drive!

Livingston County Honors Band (LCHB)

Concert tonight, February 3rd at 7 p.m. at the Jane Tasch Performing Arts Theatre at 2100 M-36 in Pinckney!  Promises to be a wonderful concert performed by some of Livingston County high school's finest musicians!

Congrats to Howell High School's LCHB members:

Olivia LaCommare
Bryanna Cunningham
Marissa DiBello
Marian Kenney
Kim Meagher
Andrew Damboiu
Ann Ketchum
Brian Roberts
Ryan Smith
Matt Roberts
Evan McDonnell
Sean Gleason
Drew LaCommare
Nick Walker
Sharon Kwan
Adam Roberts
Casey Papson
Jenna Wellman
Marcus Banks
Sara Guarino

Bottle and Can Drive - Sunday, February 9th!  Spots Open!

We still have spots available for the Bottle and Can Drive February 9th click on the link below to sign up. Students who volunteer will have the funds raised divided and deposited into Charms Accounts just in time to request a withdrawl for the final New York trip payment. Remind your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers all donors will have their names in a drawing for Disney World TIckets!!! You can collect f

rom them in advance and bring their name and contact information to be placed in the drawing.  Questions?  Contact Lisa Grager at lgrager@live.com

SignUp.com makes it easy to coordinate school events & classroom activities, fundraisers, snack schedules, potlucks & more!

Weekly Update!

IMPORTANT - STATE SOLO & ENSEMBLE DATE CHANGE!
For students participating in State Solo & Ensemble:
Date:  Saturday, March 14th
Place:  South Lyon High School

The original date posted on the band calendar was March 21st - this is incorrect!  State S&E is March 14th!

FUNDRAISERS
Howell Crates - payment & order due this Friday, January 31st if funds to be used for New York Trip!  All other orders due by March 27th
We are selling Howell crates for $30 each ($15 of which will go directly to the HHS band student's fundraising account who sold it to you.)  If you do not request a band member, the money will go back to the Band Boosters to help support things like repairing equipment, our band trailer needs, and buying new vests or jackets for the band. 

If using these funds in Charms to pay for the final New York trip payment, we must have your order AND payment by this Friday the 31st!  Otherwise, payment is required upon pick up/delivery of the crate. All orders due March 27th!  If you need further information, please contact Monica Hacker at Hackerm@howellschools.com.

See link for photos and dimensions.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1HMsP7mC9vmTY0y5VJnsKIcPrLeGOuqMClAepiPwDrnc/edit?usp=sharing

Howell Crate Order Form

Bottle & Can Drive - Sunday, February 9th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
See the flyer for details!  Click on the Sign-up link below to sign up if you want to participate!

Bottle & Can Drive Flyer/Info

Bottle & Can Drive On-line Sign up!

Upcoming Events
January 29th - Livingston County Honors Band (LCHB) rehearsal 6 to 9 p.m.
January 31st - Howell Crate fundraiser money & orders due IF using funds for NYC trip
February 3rd - LCHB rehearsal (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and concert at 7 p.m.
February 5th - Band Booster Meeting 6:30 p.m. in the band room
February 4, 11, 18
March 3 & 10 - Jazz Band Rehearsal (two groups - one at 2:35 - 3:30 and another at 3:35 - 4:30.  Students will be notified of which group they are in)
February 9th - Bottle/Can Drive - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the band room
February 14th - last day to request Charms monies for New York trip
February 17th - No School!
February 20th - Final New York Trip Payment Due!
February 25th - Winter/Pre-Festival Concert at 7 p.m. in Auditorium
February 28th - 1/2 day of school!
March 6th - FESTIVAL (Fowlerville High School): Highlander Band performs at 1:50 and Wind Ensemble performs at 4:10
March 7th - FESTIVAL (Fowlerville High School):  Concert Band performs at 2:05 and Symphonic Band performs at 3:40
March 14th - State Solo & Ensemble at South Lyon High School

Detailed information about Festival will be posted next week.  Students are transported by bus from Howell High School to Festival at Fowlerville High School.

READ ME! THIS WEEK HAPPENINGS!

Due to the ice day, we weren't able to remind students on Friday....... MAJOR STUFF FOR THIS WEEK!

Class Band Photos - TUESDAY!
Dan Zeppa of DZ Productions is taking our group, class photos for the yearbook this Tuesday, January 28th.  Students in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Highlander Band, Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble should wear or bring their concert attire to school that day if they want to be included in the group photo.

Marching Band Photos

If you ordered marching band photos, they were delivered to the band room and given to most students! See Mr. Smigell or Mrs. Allegoet if you didn't get yours.

New York Room Sign-ups - LAST DAY TO SIGN-UP IS TOMORROW (Monday the 27th)!

See the Jan. 22nd blog post for more details!

I am now in performance room 4

Hello everyone! Please read the post below for all solo/ensemble info.  I was switched to performance room 4 today.  I just wanted to let everyone know l.

Good luck!  I’m proud of you all! 

READ THIS FOR SOLO/ENSEMBLE INFO

Good morning everyone:

Here is the short of it: SOLO AND ENSEMBLE IS STILL HAPPENING. The school (Howell) will be open at noon today if you need to get stuff out of it.  The school (Howell) will also be open tomorrow but Howell Choir is hosting solo and ensemble as well so it will be much more problematic    to get things tomorrow. Ideally, I would like everyone to come get their stuff between NOON AND 4PM TODAY.  Howell choir s&e starts around 4PM today so you want to get it before then.  PLEASE BE SAFE AND DO NOT ENDANGER YOURSELF FOR THE SAKE OF S&E.  If you are going to cancel, please email me so I can let the site know and we don't wait for you all day. Ok that is the basic info.... Read more below if you are new to S&E or want to review how this works:






1. Solo and Ensemble is at Brighton HS.  You should have the schedule with your time and section already (They have been available for two weeks, if you still need one, email Mrs. Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com and she will send you one.

2. Show up to Brighton HS one half hour before your appointed performance time.  There will be an information desk.  Walk up and tell them your performance section.  They will directo you to your warmup room.

3. Report to the warm up room.  Wear something nice to your performance.  (At least a nice shirt/blouse and slacks. Sweaters, school appropriate skirts, shirt and ties work too. You can wear your concert uniform if you wish but it is not necesarry).  YOU MUST HAVE YOU ORIGINAL SCORE OR YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.  This means if you are playing with a piano, you need the original piano part to give to the judge.  Some of you may forget it.  I will bring as many of them as I can remember and you can come get it from me.  Budget extra time if you plan to come find me.  I am in PERFORMANCE ROOM 4

4. After you check in with the warm up room person, go ahead and warm up.  If you are playing with a piano, make sure your accompanist is with you.  Try not to over play during your warm up, you should be good to go by now and you want to be warmed up but not tired for your performance.  Your warm up person my ask if you want to go early.  If you are ready, go ahead and take it, it helps the site alot by keeping things moving along.  However, you are not ready, you are not obligated to go until your specific time.  The later the time of day, the lorger the possiblity of the rooms falling behind.  Sometimes by up to a half hour.  You can leave your case and your coat in the warmup room while you go perform, but do not leave anything else there as the warm up person cannot guarantee the safety of your valuables.

5.  Your warm up chairman will come tell when it is time to play. Follow them to the performance room.  It will be just a regular classroom at brighton HS.  There will be a judge and a performance rom person in the room and anyone you bring for an audience.  Some kids want people to watch them, others would rather go it alone, the choice is yours.  Your parents if they are there would probably like to listen to you, just sayin' :)

6.  The judge gets the original.  They will probably be nice.  If they aren't let me know.  Introduce yourself politely and tell them what piece you are playing.  When they say they are ready let it rip and do your best!  If something goes wrong and they are going to disqualify you TELL THEM YOU WANT TO TALK TO YOUR DIRECTOR BEFORE THE JUDGEMENT IS FINAL.  I AM IN PERFORMANCE ROOM 2.  Let me try and help you.  It has to be right then and there though, or the judgement will be final and I won't be able to do anything.

7.  After you finish playing, wait quietly (The doors don't stop much sound) outside the performance room door.  After the next person finishes the performance chair will come out and tell you your rating and give you your music back.  If you received a I or a II, you get a medal!  Go pick it up at the medal desk!  The price of the medal is included in your S&E fee, so don't forget!

8.  Some final thoughts:

-I AM IN PERFORMANCE ROOM 4 IF YOU NEED ME.  If anything goes wrong, come find me and I'll see what I can do.  Don't just give up without talking to me first.  I am in a performance room however, so you have to wait until I come out to post results (I do this about every 10 minutes) DO NOT BARGE IN OR KNOCK DURING A PERFORMANCE.

-I will have my phone on (SILENCED) and will check my email periodically.  You may also TEXT me (most upperclassmen have it and can be obtained through snapchat etc.  I won't post it on the blog). DO NOT CALL ME DURING SOLO AND ENSEMBLE.

Ok, I think that's about it.  I'm proud of all of you! Best of luck!

Don’t worry everything will turn out fine!
-Smigell. 

New York Trip Roommates - DUE FRIDAY 1/24!

It’s time for students to sign up for roommates for the New York trip!!  Sign up sheets were posted in the band room today and shared with students.  Chaperones - Christyne MacDermaid is coordinating the room sign up for you and will contact you.

Students MUST be paid up to $510 in order to be able to sign up for a room with their friends.  I have a list of who’s not paid up to that point if anyone needs to check please text me, Christyne MacDermaid, 734-476-0312.  I’ll respond as soon as possible.

Here’s how sign up works:  gather your group of 4 and sign up on the list in the band room.  There is a limit of 4 students per room.  If you are unsure of who to room with, please email Christyne MacDermaid at christynemacdermaid@gmail.com.  Mr. Smigell, Mrs. Allegoet and Mrs. MacDermaid will be working on this part to put you in a room with great students!!

If someone in your group is not paid in full to the $510 amount, we will ONLY be contacting that student, privately.  We will not share that information with your whole group.

Please keep in mind that the chaperoned groups, for out on the town, will be bigger than 4 per parent, and these groups can be boy/girl.  The above room sign up of 4 students just refers to who you are sharing a hotel room with during sleep times.

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR A ROOM IS THIS FRIDAY, JANUARY 24TH!

Thanks!!

Sincerely,
Christyne MacDermaid
734-476-0312 (call or text)
christynemacdermaid@gmail.com 

Weekly Updates!

Band Booster Meeting: this Wednesday, January 15th at 6:30 pm in the band room
Hope to see you at the band booster meeting on Wednesday - all are welcome!  A few things we need specific help with:

Band trailer - Chris and Tawnya Benn have graciously and wonderfully taken care of and hauled our band trailer for the past 2 years.  However, their daughter is graduating and they are looking for someone to take over next year.  If interested, please attend the next band booster meeting for more info or contact Tawnya Benn at sprout1809@gmail.com

Band trailer sponsorships - the trailer was purchased almost 5 years ago thanks to generous donations by our sponsors.  Those sponsorships will expire this year and we are looking for potential sponsors and/or someone to help solicit business or individual sponsorships.  If you're interested, contact Christyne MacDermaid at 734-476-0312

New York Trip Deadlines:
3rd payment ($255) and Charms requests for 3rd payment are due by Monday, January 20th!  

Room sign ups will be posted in the band room for students to sign up on January 22nd and finalized by January 24th.  You must have a minimum of $510 paid by January 20th and all paperwork turned in to sign up for a room.  

If you are using Charms for your 3rd or 4th payments, we must have requests no later than Friday, February14th so that they can be processed in time for the final February 20th payment.  Charms request forms are available in the band room and on page 14 of the packet.  You can also find payment coupons on page 13 of the packet if you need to mail your payment to the trip company.  Thank you!!!

NYC Trip Packet

New Fundraiser - Howell Crates
We are selling Howell crates for $30 each ($15 of which will go directly to the HHS band student who sold it to you.)  If you do not request a band member, the money will go back to the Band Boosters to help support things like repairing equipment, our band trailer needs, and buying new vests or jackets for the band. 

Payment is required upon pick up/delivery of the crate. If you need further information, please contact Monica Hacker at Hackerm@howellschools.com.

See link for photos and dimensions.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1HMsP7mC9vmTY0y5VJnsKIcPrLeGOuqMClAepiPwDrnc/edit?usp=sharing

Howell Crate Order Form

Class & Marching Band Photos
Dan Zeppa of DZ Productions is taking our class photos for the yearbook on Tuesday, January 28th.  Students in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Highlander Band, Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble should wear or bring their concert attire to school that day if they want to be included in the group photo.

If you ordered marching band photos, they will be delivered to the band room this week and available for pick-up.

Band Camp Dates - August 9 - 13, 2020!
Dates for band camp 2020 are confirmed!  We will have more detailed info available in March.  FYI - we go back to school on August 19th for 2020/21!  

Welcome Back!

Happy New Year!  Looking forward to a great 2020 at Howell High School Bands!

In the classroom - auditions are happening this week. Students are working hard preparing to audition for new chair placements in their classes.

LCHB Auditions:
Livingston County Honors Band Auditions are tomorrow (Wednesday), January 8th from 4 pm to 6:30 pm in the HHS Band Room. This is optional for students. The LCHB concert is Monday, February 3rd at 7 p.m. at the Jane Tasch Performing Arts Theater in Pinckney.  See the December 19th blog post for detailed information.

Band Booster Meeting: CANCELLED FOR JANUARY 8TH! Meeting will be rescheduled and we'll share that date soon!
TOMORROW (Wednesday), January 8th at 6:30 in the band or choir room.  All are welcome!

Band trailer - Chris and Tawnya Benn have graciously and wonderfully taken care of and hauled our band trailer for the past 2 years.  However, their daughter is graduating and they are looking for someone to take over next year.  If interested, please attend the next band booster meeting for more info or contact Tawnya Benn at sprout1809@gmail.com

New York Trip Deadlines:
3rd payment ($255) and Charms requests for 3rd payment are due by Monday, January 20th!  

Room sign ups will be posted in the band room for students to sign up on January 22nd and finalized by January 24th.  You must have a minimum of $510 paid by January 20th and all paperwork turned in to sign up for a room.  

If you are using Charms for your 3rd or 4th payments, we must have requests no later than Friday, February14th so that they can be processed in time for the final February 20th payment.  Charms request forms are available in the band room and on page 14 of the packet.  You can also find payment coupons on page 13 of the packet if you need to mail your payment to the trip company.  Thank you!!!

NYC Trip Packet

Solo and Ensemble:
Solo and Ensemble is January 24th and 25th at Brighton High School. This is an optional event - check with your student if you are not sure if they are participating.

Festival:
Festival for HHS Bands will take place sometime on March 6th and 7th. Mr. Smigell is awaiting scheduling confirmation from the organizing group. As soon as we have confirmed dates, times and location, we will pass that on. Attendance at Festival is required for all students.