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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Smigell reporting from central europe.

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


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


PRESENT:

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

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

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

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


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

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



Hope this helps!

-Smigell

Hey everybody!!

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

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

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

Oboe
James Park

Bassoon
Bobby Kenney

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


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

Horn
Travis Helsper

Trombones
Josh Fenn
Ronnie Heslip
Josh Markovich
Laurel Smutek
Adam Wurster

Euphonium
Jessica Bader



Tuba
Keith Parker
Stephanie Smith

Percussionist
To be announced



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

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

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


Smigell

INFORMATION ABOUT DRUM MAJORS AND SQUAD LEADERS:

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

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

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

-Smigell

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

Smigell


Howell High School 2006-2007 Wind Ensemble

All placing are in ALPHABETICAL ORDER

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

Oboes
Kristin Bartkowiak
Michelle Garett

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


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









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



Horn
Paul Clifton
Keena Dixon
Alyssa Hayes




Trombone
Chaz Chappel
Connor Harlow
Dalton Matznik
Eric Stantz
Brandon Wright

Euphonium
Brian Leyder

Tuba
Matt Ogg
Gary Shomberger

Percussion
Cory Boomer
More tba

Hello Everyone!

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

'Till then,

Smigell

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


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

(Including all information about BAND CAMP!)

READY?


goto www.howellbands.com

SEE YOU THERE!!

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


HOLY SSSSSMMMMMOOOOKES!!!!!



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

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

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


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

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

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

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

WWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW!!!!!

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

I AM GOING INSANE!!!!!!

OK.. I'm feeling a little better.

We have two things standing in our way.

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

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


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

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


Peace out,

Smigell

Actual Schedule version of the blog!!

Hello all!

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

Wednesday

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

7-9PM HOWELLPALOOZA DRESS REHEARSAL

Here is the lineup:

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

Thursday:

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


Friday

Pit Band rehearsal 2:30-4:00PM


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

OK... see you thursday night!

Smigell

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


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

SMigell

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


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

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

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

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

Smigell

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

Smigell

NOW YOU CAN COMMENT ON THE BLOGG!!!

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

Smigell


P.S. stop snow dancing!

BIG TIME IMPORTANT!!! PLEASE READ!!!


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


#2 The itinerary for FESTIVAL is complete!



Wind Ensemble:

Performance Date: Friday, March 4, 2005

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

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

Performance time: 8:55PM

Return time: Approx. 11PM


9th grade/Varsity band:

Performance Date: Saturday, March 4, 2005

Location: South Lyon HS

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

Performance time: 8:55 am

Return Time: Approx 10:30 AM



Symphonic Band:

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



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


Peace out,

Smigell

LET THERE BE PEACE ON THE NET!!!


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


Smigell

FESTIVAL HOME STRETCH EDITION PART 1...


Hello Bloggers!

There is a correction from the last blog!

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Festival Info edition of the band blog!

Greetings Bloggo-comrades!

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



BAND AND ORCHESTRA INFORMATION!!!

SITE: South Lyon High School

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

Symphonic Band Performs March 5th 1:00 PM

Ninth Grade Band Performs March 5th 8:50 AM

Please mark this on your calendars!



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

Presumed site will be Chelsea High School

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

Here are the prices:

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

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

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

And now, I'm outta here.

SMigell

MLK Day Blog:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ok... that's it for now,

Mr. Smigell

Welcome Bliggity Blogs!


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


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


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

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

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

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

Smigell

Happy New Year Blog!!!


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


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

Schedule for the next few days....


Monday:

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

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

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

THERE WILL BE NO JAZZ BAND ON MONDAY!!!


Tuesday:

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


Wednesday:

Auds All bands
Perc begin testing for volunteers.

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

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

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