Band placements for 20-21 school year

Hi folks,


OK so here are the band placements for next year.  please read the important points before freaking out:


1. If you are not on any of the lists, it is because You did not request band next year or told me you are not coming back... Or I messed up.  If you have been omitted in error email me and I'll fix it!

2. This is not exactly set in stone.  I left wind ensemble a little small so I could pick up a few more kids over the summer.  If you are interested in trying to re-audition or audition in the first place, contact me and we can talk.

3. It only matters what band you are in.  The chairs are not IN ANY ORDER WHATSOEVER.

4. Perc ensemble is still up in the air.  Percussionists, if you are in what you think is the wrong ensemble, let me know.

Ok, I think that's it.

HHS 20-21 Symphonic Band Placements (May 2020)

Flutes

Bella Nitz

Aaron Cornack

Elijah Keeton

Julia Chapman

Clarinets

Riley Gondek

Gabby Mena

Marissa Davis 

Terry Wysocki

Kaitlyn Ward

Katlyn Lorenz

Josh Richardson

Emma Bluntzer

Vivian Bacon

Ryan Southworth

Katy Dernbach

Saxophones

Makenna Atkins

Zack White

Nick Smaza

Chris Marzewski

Kristina Seaton

Connor Moilanen

Jake Nelson

Cecilia Gleason

Ryan Bremer

Rhyan Stearn Raskin

Sam Havlik

Raven Malicke

Brian Tormanen

Alexis Chapman

Trumpets

Isaac Choraszewski

Lilly Kulbacki

Trent Graham

Max Clark

Clara Williams

Loralyn Lopez

Zach Kalvaitis

Ben Marzewski

Cullen Underhill

Ryan Miriani

Joseph Clauser

Luke Palatka

Horns 

Cecilia Bosher

Gracie Sheets

Ryan Nicholson

Trombones

Makenzie Cude

Valeria Reynoso

Donovan Flowers

Valerie Ramirez

Abby Mazurek

Braden Cole

Westly Sloan

Tuba

Garrett Bateman

Emma Boyer

Perc

Aiden Niemiec

Braylon Park

Sophia Lingenfelter

Henry Winningham

Emma Wakefield

Melissa Lee

Harrison Putkela

 Highlander Band 2020-21 (may 2020)

Flutes

Jocelyn Alexandres

Genna Griffin

Bella Lingenfelter

Zakkery Higgins

Grace Birch

Sara Nichols

Emma Hacke

Claudia Lepecki

Marissa DiBello

Kaitlyn Meyer

Theresa LaFramboise

Bella Zack

Oboe

Emily Cuellar

Emma Wood

Clarinets

Brent Nichols

Jorja Vartoogian

Clare Rollins

Evelyn Schlacht

Courtney Taylor

Brianna Brunk

Mariah Huhta

Olivia Gomez

Andrew Eden

Bass Clarinet

Caden Harris (Bass)

Carter Grissom (Bass)

Saxophone 

Jon Page

Ben Zeppa

Ben Miller

Nathan O’ Mara

Ryan Lane

Nevan Smith

Deven Welch

Joe Janssen

Lucas Farmer

Josh Jennings

Jace Hund

Chet Brayton

Trumpet

Logan Wilson 

Dominic Pellegrino

Ben Arrick

Alex Alesso

Bella Pupa

Hannah Vasiloff

Drake Smith

Luke Walters

Devon Harlow

Ella Koons

Ava Moore

Adam Buchler 

Horns

Ben Broadbent

Caitlyn Nichol

Trombone

Gunnar Offerman

Alex Barron 

Andrew Ochodnicky

Hannah Martin

Luc Hartwell

Euph

Owen Tolsdorf

Danny Bolton 

Tuba

Arvin Yang

Luke Breuer 

Perc

Joziah McCray

Justin Fackender

Josh Page

Cooper Ferguson 

Tarence Torres

Lucas Novak

Alex Ellis

66

HHS 20-21 Wind Ensembles Placements (May 2020)

Flutes

Kaylee Malone

Bria Sheffer

Bryanna Cunningham

Karris Mahoney

Olivia Lacomarre

Sara Reder

Ellie Bonani

Clarinets

Grace Fyke

Brian Roberts

Philip Hampton

Andrew Damboiu

Ann Ketchum

Ryan Smith

Ethan Kibler

(There may be room for a couple more here)

                      

Saxophone

Evan McDonnell

Ryan Herrmann

David Johnston

Leah Sleder

Connor Murphy

Edra Timmerman

(Maybe room for one more)

Trumpet

Sean Gleason 

Dan Klungle

Emily Dersch

Ethan Ormsbee

Sash Catlett

Ben Hauck

Elijah Flak

(maybe room for one more)

Horn

Nick Walker

Sam Evard

Lilly Hampton

Adam Roberts

Trombone

Casey Papson

Renae Kenney

Jacob Droto

Michael Cole

Elijah Belanger

Euph

Jenna Wellman

Lilly Vincent

Tuba 

Alex Poertner

Jaya Yacks

Perc

Lillia McCurdy

Mason MacDermaid

Zoey Rector Brooks

Parker Freeman

Anna Hoffman

(Room for 2 more)

Current 44

FINAL MEETING DATES FOR THE BANDS HAVE CHANGED! ALSO, LETS HAVE A VIRTUAL BANQUET!

Hello everyone,


The final meetings for all of the day classes have changed.  I am sending zoom invites in their school email and in google classroom.

Here are the new times:


Concert/Symphonic Band is Wednesday may 27th at 11 am.

Highlander/Perc/Wind Ensemble is Wednesday May 27th at noon.

We will be talking about next year, band placements, band camp, and a few other final things. This unfortunately cancels the composer's forum (But don't worry composers, we will reschedule!)

We are also having a virtual banquet!  There will be a nice photo montage, we will announce teh John Phillip Sousa award winner and announce all the letter winners and awards.  I will also heap laud and praise generously upon everyone!


That is happening on Thursday, May 28th, at 6:00PM.  I will send invites out through google classroom as well (This cuts down on the possibility of hackers. For the record, if we get hacked, I will immediately end the meeting and quickly send out new meeting invites en masse to people in their email.)

Please pass this along!



-Smigell

Meeting notes from Week 6!

Hey folks! 

Here is the link for the week 6 meeting notes!

Week 6 meeting notes youtube link


-Smigell

DUE TODAY! MAY 18TH!

LAST CALL FOR..............

TODAY!: Deadline to send in pictures for the photo montage/video

• Send pictures to Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com We'll be featuring the photos for our "virtual band banquet" on May 28th (more details to come). Seniors - we would love to have your picture to include (senior photo AND baby photo, if possible). ALL band related pictures are welcome from everyone! Thank you to Michael Sutton for doing the video/photo montage for us!

TODAY!: Deadline to submit points sheets for awards (click here for form: POINT SHEET FORM)

• Send completed form to allegoel@howellschools.com Seniors will get their pins / letter during diploma pick-up OR text book / Chromebook drop off. We will let you know when we have a firm plan. All other students can submit the points sheet and can get awards when we return to school in the fall. All students receiving awards will be recognized at the virtual banquet / end of year celebration on May 28th.

Meeting notes from the most important meeting of the year

Hello everyone, here are the meeting notes if you missed it.  I will not be posting a video this week, since I would just be reading these notes:

(One of the most important things to look at is item 7, which pertains to auditions)

1. Seniors: Please remember to turn back your music and any school owned instruments/equipment on the day that they designate for turn in. Everyone else, if you have music or school owned equipment AND you are planning on coming back to band, hang on to it over the summer. If your school owned instrument is not working well, email Mr Smigell and he will figure something out.

2. Nominees for the John Phillip Sousa award are being taken this week and will be voted on next week. Mrs. Allegoet posted a form in google classroom to nominate.

3. There will be a VIRTUAL BAND BANQUET and awards ceremony sometime the week of the 25th of May (TBA). Mrs. Allegoet posted a point sheet pdf in google classroom. If you want to submit points for awards this year (like your varsity letter and pins etc.) they need to be sent in to Mrs. Allegoet by Friday May 15th. Physical awards will be available for pick up by seniors when they go to turn in their stuff. All other physical awards will be distributed when we return to school in the fall. People that wish to submit photos to be part of the WONDERFUL VIDEO MONTAGE should email them to Mrs. Allegoet.

4. Things sounded a little more hopeful in our communications with Eagle Village, so there IS a good reason to turn in your marching band paperwork and money by June 1st!

5. Squad leader candidates have a meeting on this Wednesday May 13th at 11am. The test for squad leader will be next week. This meeting will take up the first half of my office hours. The second half from noon to 1pm will be to help people auditioning for higher bands. Zoom invites will be sent out probably tomorrow.

6. The New York money is still in the process of being collected back from the vendors. Because New York was under full lockdown during our scheduled time, the chances are very very good that almost all of the money will be given back. The travel company has told us that it is still taking time because they want to give us the money back in one lump sum rather than trickling back, which would be a logistical nightmare for everyone. Thank you everyone for your patience as always.

7. AUDITIONS: Here it is in a nutshell: If you did your enrichment project and/or you did the coronavirus lockdown weekly content, you will be auto promoted unless you are in Highlander or Wind ensemble (Or Perc ensemble). Members of Highlander, Perc, and Wind Ensemble are allowed to stay in the class if they have completed their enrichment project and/or done the weekly content. Those who wish to audition for Highlander, Wind Ensemble, or perc ensemble need to choose the appropriate audition and submit it through smart music (This will all be explained in the weekly assignment in google classroom PLEASE READ THAT ASSIGNMENT CAREFULLY SO YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO THE AUDITION OVER).

8.WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT: If you are auditioning, your audition piece is this week's content. If you are not auditioning, there is only one piece to choose from: "MYTHOS". Everyone else, that is your assignment. It's pretty easy so hop to it! :)

EVERYONE PLEASE READ THIS POST BEFORE THE MOST IMPORTANT POST OF THE YEAR.

Hi Everybody,


I guess some people were stressed out by my last post.  My intent was to convey how important this meeting is (because of all the information being given out) while being a little tongue in cheek.  I think the kids all got it, because we see each other in class every day.

Look, if you have AP testing, OF COURSE go to the ap testing!  I thought that would have been implied (I edited the post a little to sand the rough edge a bit).  If you are just chillin with your cereal, you should come to the meeting!  Hopefully by now people know that I'm a fairly flexible guy and try to make things work for everybody.

When you are trying to reach well over 250 students and families, you have to try varying tones of delivery for your information.  Some of you check this blog every time we post, there are about 15-30 of you.  There are some people that almost never check the posts and need the boldest, ZESTIEST (is that a word?) posts to blast out across social media for them to take notice.  That's who that last installment was intended for.

So, if you are still reading, you are probably one of the people who took umbrage.  I get it, you are one of the diligent ones who really stay on top of things.  Please don't stress.  I post all of the meeting notes in both blog form and short little youtube.  I apologize if you got freaked out.  Hopefully you know by now that isn't how I roll.  I like everyone to get along :)

MOST IMPORTANT POST OF THE YEAR SO FAR (at least in the top 5) EVERY LAST SOUL IN THE PROGRAM PLEASE READ!

ATTENTION!  ATTENTION!!

ALL HANDS ON DECK!!

Hi Folks!

I want everyone to know how important the meetings on Monday are going to be for the future of the program, and for wrapping up this year's business.  

EVEN IF YOU ARE GRADUATING, YOU SHOULD SHOW UP FOR THE FIRST 10-15 MINUTES OF YOUR APPROPRIATE MEETING!!!

EVEN IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN DOING THE CONTENT, YOU SHOULD COME TO THIS MEETING.

We will be talking about:

1. AUDITIONS FOR NEXT YEAR (IMPORTANT!!!!!!)   

2. SENIOR EQUIPMENT/ MUSIC TURN IN!

3. MARCHING BAND FOR NEXT YEAR!

4. VIRTUAL BANQUET AND REAL AWARDS (Letters, pins, all the loot!)

5. JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA AWARD 

6. SQUAD LEADERS

7. WHAT HAPPENS THE REST OF THIS YEAR.

8. AND MUCH MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully I have made it clear that YOU NEED TO COME TO THIS MEETING.

PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS THAT MAY BE NOT SCHOOLING AS MUCH THAT THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ONE!!

MONDAY

Concert band 10-11 am

Symph/Highlander 11-noon

Wind/Perc Noon-1

Invites will be sent out via email and google classroom.  Parents, if you want to sit next to your kid to watch this riveting, spine tingling  meeting, feel free.

THE FATE OF THE WORLD RESTS IN YOUR HANDS.  THE WORLD IS COUNTING ON YOU COMING TO THIS ZOOM MEETING.*

*Obviously, COVID 19 and other things need more attention than this meeting, and you would do more for the fate of the world by practicing good social distancing for the time being.  Also, If you can't make the meeting because of AP testing I get it.  However, please please come to this meeting if you can.

COME TO THE MEETING!  THE GROUND WILL SHAKE, SPINES WILL TINGLE!!

-Smigell

Please congratulate our new drum majors for 20-21!

Hello Everyone! 


We'll cut right to the chase, our three drum majors for the 2020-2021 season are Jacob Drotos (returning), Renae Kenney and Grace Fyke!  The two new drum majors were chosen from a large group of candidates that all did a fantastic job in preparing their auditions. 

Congratulations to our two new drum majors and thank you so much to everyone who worked so hard to try out!

Go Highlanders!!!

WEEK 4 meeting notes!

Hi folks! 


Here are the week four meeting notes :)


Youtube link to week 4 meeting notes!

Here are the week3 Band zoom meeting notes on youtube!

This is the link to the week 3 meeting and lesson notes!

Here are the weekly zoom meeting notes, announcements and assignments for week 2

Hi Everyone!

In case you couldn't make it to the meeting or just wanted a reminder, this is a video of me going over what we covered.

Week 2 ZOOM Meeting notes video.

Drumline & Marching Band Info

DRUMLINE 2020-21
If you are interested in auditioning for the 2020-21 Drumline, please contact our fabulous drumline coach, Shaun McDonnell, if you haven't already done so.  His contact and other information is here: DRUMLINE WELCOME LETTER / INFO

A Note from Shaun:
Obviously, due to COVID-19 everything has changed as far as dates are concerned.  However, I did want to take some time and let you know that the student leadership for the 2020-2021 HHS Drumline has put together some material to help you start practicing.  Contact me for the Google link.

As far as the future is concerned and when we will start practicing and holding the full line auditions I just don't know.  We will adhere to instructions sent out by all school and government officials and only when they and Mr. Smigell approve of us getting together to practice is when we will start but not before then.

We were able to hold section/squad leader auditions via video and things are slowly starting to come together.  I honestly look forward to and am excited about what the 2020/2021 marching season will entail.  Please let me know if you have any questions and never hesitate to contact me at any time.  

Shaun McDonnell

Howell High School Drumline Instructor

407.319.5858

MARCHING BAND
Please see this previous blog post for marching band info and forms:

http://hhsbands.blogspot.com/2020/04/marching-band-camp-new-due-dates-forms.html

Meeting times for ever and ever

Hello All!

The first zoom meetings went really well I thought.  I wanted to let the parents know that I will be communicating with the kids ALL THROUGH GOOGLE CLASSROOM from here on out. 

I wanted to fill you in a little bit on how these weeks are going to work:

My lesson content is going to be posted in google classroom and explained at weekly zoom meetings.

Here are the hours that they will occur each Monday:

Concert Band: 10am-11am

Symphonic and Highlander Band: 11am-noon

Wind ensemble/Percussion ensemble: Noon-1pm

Kids will be sent zoom invites a couple of days in advance through their school emails.  I am not posting them for the public to cut down on hackers. 

I will be having my office hour EVERY WEDNESDAY from 11am-noon for people that could not make the Monday lesson, need help, or just want to hang out. 

If people want supplemental help or time, I will happily make smaller appointments on an individual basis. 

Ok that's about it.  Here's a video of my notes from the first meetings yesterday.

https://youtu.be/Ue6luS1_GyU

ZOOM MEETING FOR STUDENTS AND THE ACTUAL START OF THINGS!

Hello All!


This is mostly for the kids. 


KIDS.... CHECK YOUR SCHOOL EMAIL.  You will have an invite for the zoom meeting that will be happening for multiple classes on MONDAY APRIL 13th, AT THESE TIMES.


Concert Band  11AM-11:45

Symphonic/Highlander  NOON-12:45

Wind/ Perc Class  1PM-1:45PM


NEXT... GOTO YOUR GOOGLE CLASSROOM FOR OUR CLASS AND WATCH THE FIVE MINUTE VIDEO I MADE FOR YOU.

ok, that's about it. 

Sending good vibes,

-Smigell

MARCHING BAND CAMP - NEW DUE DATES & FORMS

Hello band families!

BAND CAMP UPDATE
With all the recent changes and events, we have updated the due dates for Marching Band Camp.  We hope this helps!  IF you already have the student camp packet with forms, you do NOT need to reprint the forms.  Only the due dates, amount due ($350 discounted rate for everyone) and where to mail / send things have changed.  The same goes for the scholarship application and chaperone packet.

Revised due dates:
Scholarship Applications Due:  FRIDAY, MAY 1ST
Band Camp Forms and $350 Payment Due:  MONDAY, JUNE 1ST

Cost of Marching Band / Camp:  $350  ($350 is the discounted amount and applies to everyone. Only one payment due date - no deposit due before June 1st)

Mail payments and forms to:

Howell Band Boosters
ATTN:  BAND CAMP
P.O. Box 2113
Howell, MI  48844

You can also email forms to:  Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com  Payments may also be made via PayPal through Charms - see page 3 of the student packet for instructions.

MARCHING BAND/CAMP STUDENT PACKET - REVISED & DUE JUNE 1ST

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION - DUE MAY 1ST

BAND CAMP CHAPERONE PACKET

Take care - Laura

This is the Pre-Governor's-Order update

Hello all,



If you want the TLDR (too long didn't read) version, basically I am going to tell you nothing until after the Governor's announcement (there really isn't a point since that announcement will change and finalize a lot of things) this is basically an update to tell you all I haven't forgotten about you, and that we are working on all kinds of stuff. Please bear in mind that after the Governor's order (Which I now will refer to as ATGO) it will take a little time to formulate plans that comply with what the school is going to do in response.


Ok... On with the update!

Let me start by saying that I miss you all terribly (kids AND parents).  I have been ill (ironically) with H1N1 infuenza (was tested) which although is not COVID-19, is not a picnic and am just starting to feel about 80%.  I just picked up my horn yesterday for the first time, found a good reed, and started playing things.  Now that I am back on my feet I can start dealing with all the things that are coming up:

ITEMS ON THE BURNER:

-Band camp: We will know much more ATGO.  We still intend on going to Eagle Village for the full amount of days at this time.  Deadlines for money and scholarship applications will probably be extended, but we cannot be sure.  THERE WILL BE MARCHING BAND, DON'T WORRY.

-Drum major auditions, color guard, and drumline announcements on how to proceed will be made ATGO.

-Getting your instrument or returning your instrument if you are a senior: The school will have a formal plan in place ATGO for students to enter the school and get belongings (including instruments) that they might have left at school. YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS SO YOU DON'T MISS THE BOAT.  There will most likely not be many more opportunities to get in the building, we will try and help you as much as we can. 

-Placements for next year:  First of all, if you were planning on doing marching band and/or taking band during the day PLEASE CONTINUE TO BE SIGNED UP FOR IT.  All the same great music, concerts, and wonderful things that are band will be back next year.  They can't keep us at home forever, and there will be band.  I will be back, Mrs. Allegoet will be back, I'LL BE THE SAME GUY YOU ENJOYED SEEING EVERY DAY AND YOUR FRIENDS WILL BE THERE TOO! We will make music and laugh and learn together (I might have to scold you a little but not much, you know that :) Anyway, for placements next year I still plan on having some kind of audition process.  I would like to involve Smartmusic because I think it might make the process easier for everyone (more on that in a sec).  Any way you slice it, I will make sure that the process is as fair as possible and in your best interests.

-Connecting with students:  I MISS YOU FOLKS A LOT.  Now that I am feeling better, I will be setting up meetings online.  I haven't decided whether to use Zoom or Google hang out.  We most likely will be using Google classroom to help keep track of people.  I definitely want to talk with as many of you as possible, whether that is in the form of group lessons or just chatting.  A plan will come out ATGO.  SENIORS YOU ARE INCLUDED! I feel so bad for you guys and gals, there's no other way to put it.  Try not to dwell on all the crappy stuff that this *&%&$# disease has caused.  We didn't ask for this, but we all have to deal with it.  Unfortunately some of our burdens are going to be heavier than others.  If you are feeling particularly pooey about this, PLEASE CONTACT ME.  Sometimes just talking it out can help.  Please don't be shy about reaching out.  YOU KNOW I WILL TALK TO ANYBODY.  Email me at smigellj@howellschools.com for starters.

-NEW YORK.  Mrs. Allegoet is going to have a form for all the people that bought the insurance to fill out.  I hear that the money is going to take some time to get back to us (stinks but at least it's coming back).  Stay tuned.

-Smartmusic is really cool but really clunky and has been paralyzed by all the free traffic on the website.  Once it calms down it should be really cool I NEED EVERYONE TO CHECK THEIR EMAIL FOR THE EMAIL MRS ALLEGOET SENT A WEEK AND A HALF AGO AND ACCEPT THE INVITATION.  I have talked with a couple of students trying to use it and it is actually pretty easy to poke around on it.  If you sign in and go to the "find music" section and select solos, you can find pieces of music for your instrument.  Try the jazz section too, it has backup tracks where you can practice improvisation.  MORE ON THIS WILL BE HAPPENING AS THE SERVERS CATCH UP WITH THE TRAFFIC.

-Finally, IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN OR SHOULD BE DOING FOR YOU?  Again, now that I am up and running, I know some kids asked for letters of recommendation or advice or correspondence.  COULD YOU PLEASE EMAIL ME AGAIN?  I'll go back and check what I missed but I would hate to overlook something.  As I understand it, a lot of scholarship deadlines have been extended. 

Ok.. that's about it.  By the way, I don't think I've told you lately...


YOU ARE GOOD KIDS AND I'M STILL PROUD OF YOU.

Stay strong.  We will get through this.  Follow the Governors orders, come back safe to me!

-Smigell

Hello! and updates......

Hello bandos and families! I sure do miss the band room, all of you and your music!

With the recent extension of social distancing, Mr. Smigell and I will be formulating plans soon for how to proceed.  A few things you may be wondering about:

Marching Band Camp:  Deadlines will likely need to be revised. More details to come soon.

I need my instrument from school: We will investigate and see what we can do.

Auditions for next year class placements:  Mr. Smigell already has his thinking cap on and will figure out a plan :)

New York Trip refunds:  Detailed information coming soon with a little paperwork I will need.  Please know that the trip company is working as fast as they can to obtain refunds.

Thank you to everyone for your support and patience! Mr. Smigell and I are here for you if you have any questions and will continue to keep you updated as much as possible.

Peace and health! - Laura

NEW YORK UPDATE PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS

Hello everyone,

I think this comes as a surprise to no one that we are finally cancelling the trip to New York.  If you don't feel like reading a lot and want the TLDR (too long, didn't read) version, scroll down to the asterisks for the important information.

First of all, I feel horrible about this.  I know that everyone was really looking forward to it and that you had set aside a lot of money to make this happen, but the conditions both here and in New York now make this trip impossible.  I held out as long as I could to see if things might have turned around, but I think everyone just wants a decision one way or the other.  I've decided to start the process of trying to get as much money back as possible for both insured and un-insured participants. 

We will not be trying to reschedule this trip during this school year or this summer, as we have no idea when we will get back or when the events that we previously booked will be available again.  Seniors, I have a lump in my throat about this.  I am so sorry.  Everyone else, although it is dangerous to speculate, I have a feeling we will take a survey next school year to see what everyone's feelings are about travel and restart the planning process for a trip during the 2020-2021 school year.  To predict any further than that would be irresponsible. 

FOR EVERYONE:   Educational Tours has assured us that they will do all they can to refund as much money as possible.  As stated in the original trip packet, the maximum refund is "monies paid.....less any non-refundable payments made on the trip's behalf".  When the money is refunded, it will be in a lump sum check to the school district, and will be distributed back to you in the form of a check from the district.  This obviously is going to take some time, so please do not call or email us asking for the status of your money yet.  Remember, the money has to get back to the tour company from the vendors, then back to the district from the tour company, then back to you from us in the form of 150 checks, written individually by our SINGULAR bookkeeper at the high school (A fantastic lady, whom I'm sure will be thrilled about writing all these checks and getting them to the right people). 

If you purchased the supplemental insurance, DO NOT FILE A CLAIM INDIVIDUALLY YET.  You will not get your money back any sooner, and you will most likely get less because filing the claim before then makes you ineligible for any refunds from the trip company.  We will notify YOU when you can make an insurance claim and also provide you with policy numbers and contact information for Travel Insured International.  

In the meantime, we ask you to please be patient, and not contact Educational Tours or the insurance company.  ETI has asked that one representative for each group do the communicating.  That person is me :)  If you have any questions You can direct them to myself (smigellj@howellschools.com) or to Mrs. Allegoet (allegoel@howellschools.com).  BEFORE ASKING US QUESTIONS, PLEASE READ THIS WHOLE LETTER as it contains all of the information we know right now.  I promise you we will keep you updated.

OK, that's about it.  This is a tough pill to swallow, but there has been a heavy dosage of tough pills lately.  Hang in there highlanders.  The sun will shine again.  We will come together again.  We will make music again.

-Smigell
*********************************

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN OUT OF THIS LETTER:

-WE ARE CANCELLING THE TRIP

-WE WILL BE GETTING MONEY BACK.  WE DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH, BUT IT WILL BE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

-IF YOU BOUGHT THE INSURANCE, DO NOT FILE A CLAIM YET ON YOUR OWN.  WAIT UNTIL YOU GET INSTRUCTIONS FROM US.

-DO NOT CALL THE TRIP COMPANY, THEY ARE TRYING TO GET OUR MONEY BACK. LET THEM WORK ON THAT.

-WE DON'T KNOW WHEN THE MONEY IS COMING BACK.  GIVEN THE CURRENT SITUATION, IT WILL PROBABLY TAKE LONGER THAN YOU WOULD LIKE.  WE ARE WORKING ON THIS AS FAST AS POSSIBLE.

-WE ARE NOT RESCHEDULING THE TRIP FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR OR THE SUMMER.  WE WILL CONSIDER THINGS NEXT SCHOOL YEAR.

-YOU CAN EMAIL MYSELF OR MRS. ALLEGOET WITH QUESTIONS, BUT PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS BEFORE YOU DO.

-MY HEART IS JUST AS BROKEN AS YOURS IS :(  I AM SO TRULY SORRY IT WORKED OUT THIS WAY.  WE TRIED OUR HARDEST.   

If you are reading this post, it probably means you are healthy.  I am glad for that :)

Smartmusic! Check your email kids!

Hello everyone!

First of all, check out the previous post on meal kits and how to SUPPORT HALEY SMITH, our SENIOR SURVIVOR! (Go team SHAEdy!)


OK on to my part of the business,  I have the authorization from Smartmusic to begin filling the classes and for you to get your FREE ACCOUNTS to Smartmusic! (You really are gonna like it!!)

Kids, you will be receiving an EMAIL from mrs. Allegoet's school email.  The email is actually from smartmusic.  There should be a LINK to goto and a CODE to use when you make your account.  I'm not sure what happens next, we need people to follow through with it and sign up.

The good news is that for digital savvy kids (i.e. all of you) the interface is super easy to use.  Parents there is also a big section of decent tutorial videos under "SMARTMUSIC ACADEMY".

If you did not receive an email, or if you are having trouble getting on, or have any QUESTIONS AT ALL ABOUT ANYTHING.  Please email me, I'll get back to you pretty quickly!

Ok, that's it for now.  I'm pretty excited about this.  It normally costs a kid $40 a year to have this account, I'm really pleased that they are doingthis for everybody

-Smigell

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