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
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
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
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
Thursday, March 31, 2005
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
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
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
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
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
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Monday, February 28, 2005
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
#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
Friday, February 25, 2005
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
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
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, February 07, 2005
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
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
Monday, January 17, 2005
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
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
Friday, January 07, 2005
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
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
Sunday, January 02, 2005
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!!!
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!!!
Friday, November 26, 2004
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
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
Thursday, November 11, 2004
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
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
Thursday, November 04, 2004
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
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
Monday, October 25, 2004
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
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
Thursday, October 21, 2004
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
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
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
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
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
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