Hello all, it's Smigell, with some important info for you all:

#1: THERE IS A CONCERT FOR EVERYONE IN THE PROGRAM (Meaning that it is for a grade)ON DECEMBER 12, 2006 AT 7:00 PM!!! IT IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC, SO INVITE EVERYONE IN THE WORLD!!!

#2: Make sure to visit WWW.HOWELLHIGHLANDERBANDS.ORG It is the official band site now. It has all kinds of cool features and it even has a link to this blog (in fact, Mr. Sequin, the adminsitrator of the site, has requested that you come to this blog THROUGH the link on the other page. It has something to do with advertising value).

#3: For this concert we will be wearing our official uniforms. Everyone in the program wears a white formal shirt in addition to either black trousers or skirts on the bottom (we will specify in each class). However, EVERYONE needs to have the white formal shirt and bowtie. THIS FRIDAY during 1st hour, a gentleman from BRIGHTON TUX SHOP will be coming to take orders and fit people for shirts. First year band students and anyone in need of a new shirt need to show up for first hour on Friday so they get the shirt in time. The price is always somewhere around $20.00 for the shirt and the bowtie.

#4 LIVINGSTON COUNTY HONORS BAND DATES!!!! Every year, the band directors of Livingston County select their finest musicians to play in the LCHB. Audition pieces are on the "Sheet Shack" in the band room. Below is the info.

Auditions:
Date - December 13
Place - HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL!!!!
Time - anytime between 4:30pm - 8:00pm

Rehersals:
Date - January 22
Place -Howell High School
Time - 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Date - January 24
Place - BRIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL
Time - 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Date - January 29
Place - Brighton High School
Time - 8:00AM - 1:30pm (yes you will miss school that day)

Preformance!!!!!!!!!
Date - January 29 (yes the same day as the all day rehersal)
Place - Brighton High School
Time - TBA (probably around 7ish)

(special thanks to Kat for help with the post)

Good morning! We have about 40 sets of lights available for students to wear with their uniforms on Friday. If you would like to bring 2 size C batteries, you can use them for the parade. First come, first served! See parade info below.

Margaret Bigham

Richard Lim Photography photos of the "Guys and Dolls" pit band can be viewed at
www.printroom.com/pro/8eight8. Click on High School, then Guys and Dolls then specifically the 11/9/06 date. There is also a poster of "The Pit" with the pit boss, Jason Smigell, so make sure you click on posters to catch that one too. Check back in a few days since he plans on updating the pictures from the dress rehersal after the 11/9 date. Please place order directly through Mr. Lim since he is giving a portion of the proceeds back to the drama department. I personally saw quite a few band faces there and appreciate you taking the time to support the efforts of the collaboration of the choir, band, drama and teaching staff. Could anyone make out what accent Mr. Bushey was using??french?irish? How about those keystone cops and mission band dolls?

Any questions or help call me.

Julie Dennis
517.303.4850

Fantasy of Lights Parade - November 24, Friday - Looking ahead, since we will all be in a stupor from too much holiday food next week, here is some info for those new to the parade. Report time in the band room is 5:00 p.m. to get on uniforms, where you will take a bus to the beginning of the parade. The parade starts at 7 pm and the route is through Howell's Historic District. It begins in front of Citizens Insurance on Grand River at Byron Rd, and travels east for 10 blocks, ending at Elm Street. Last year, the parade attracted more than 30,000 people. Come on out and see the marching band in their last performance this year!

Don't forget those battery-powered Christmas lights that you may want to wear with your uniform, and tinsel or garland looks great too! I am sure I have some extra battery packs around. Contact me if you would like some.

Now, get out and see Guys and Dolls this weekend! I can't wait to see the play and hear the pit band - See you there!

Margaret Bigham 517.548.2324 or blkhorse@cac.net

"Guys and Dolls" tickets if bought at lunch are a buck less than at the door!
Call 548.6216 or go to Aria bookseller or Schafer's for tickets(bought at regular price).

Julie Dennis 517.303.4850

HELLO EVERYONE!!!!

Wow, it seems that there is no rest for the wicked.... we are still going 100mph here at Howell Bands! And now, in the news:


GUYS AND DOLLS SCHEDULE FOR PIT BAND:

(Note: This is only the schedule for the pit, not for cast and crew)

Thursday Report time 6:30PM 7:00 curtain

Friday 6:30 Report Time 7:00 Curtain

Saturday 6:30 report time 7:00 curtain

Sunday report time 1:30 curtain 2:00 STRIKE AFTER THE SHOW!


FANTASY OF LIGHTS

Final practice is thursday nov 16, 2:30-3:30 IF IT IS RAINING, PRACTICE WILL BE CANCELLED AT THE TIME OF REHEARSAL. PRACTICE HAS NNNNOOOOOOTTTTT BEEN CANCELED YET!!!

Report time for the parade is 5pm at the band room. The date is the day after Thanksgiving. A bus will transport us to the stepoff sight.


OH, and by the way, our next concert is dec 12th!!

Cheers!!

Smigell

"Guys and Dolls" opening this Friday! Tickets can be purchased by calling 517.548.6216 or at Aria Booksellers and Schafer's in Howell. Morning announcements encourage students to by their tickets at lunch. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday 7:00p.m. and Sunday at 2:00p.m.

Drum Roll Please.............................

Unveiling www.howellhighlanderbands.org and www.charmsmusic.com

Meet Mr. Louis Sequin, our web guru, who will be at the booster meeting Nov. 14. He is looking for input from students on what they want to see on the site. You can contact him thru the web site.

Other news - your student has the opportunity now thru Nov. 17 to sell Little Caesar's Pizza Kits to earn money for their band account. Forms are available in the band room. Call Becky Chappel with questions at 517.552.7463 or 304.0537.

Margaret Bigham

Hello Everyone!!!

Long time, no blog! Well, no time like the present! Here are a few important pieces of info:


Vet's day assembly- All of wind ensemble is excused for 2nd hour tomorrow. You are to leave at the end of 1st hour (at the bell), come quickly down to the band room, and GO TO THE AUDITORIUM!!! I may need a little help from some people during the last half of 1st hour... If you are interested, come see me before school...
MAKE SURE TO DRESS NICELY! We want to put on a good show for the veterans.

Meeting tonight at 7:00 in the media center of the high school, to discuss scheduling propositions for the 2007-08 school year at Parker High School. It should definitely be of interest to all band parents and how this is being worked out to accomodate those who are involved in extra curricular activities. It is presented by Chuck Breiner and William Smith. This is meant to be an informational meeting only.

Julie Dennis

Support the Arts! and make this a family outing or 'date' night! :)

The High School Performing Arts department, headed by drama teacher, Amanda Malo, along with the musical scores performed by the Pit band under the direction of Jason Smigell and chorale direction by Rod Bushey proudly present: "Guys and Dolls". Cast and crew of 60 plus including a few guest appearances of teachers(Shhh, I will tell you, Mr. Bushey is one!) and staff from the HS and Freshman campus. Performance dates are Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 19 at 2:00p.m. Tickets are $9.00 for an adult and $7.00 for student and senior. Held in the auditorium, tickets can be purchased by calling 548.6216.

Julie

Tag Day's weather was braved by the kids and the public supported them! Feedback from the kids was although cold, the businesses and public were generous and kind. Thanks to Vicky and Robin for offerring to coordinate this fundraiser and to the parent's help from picking up, dropping off and counting money. Looking ahead, we will be discussing this along with the other fundraisers for the remainder of the year and to get a jump start for the next school year at Parker, at our next band booster meeting. If you would be interested in heading any of these areas please contact me or Margaret and we will note it on our agenda. Hope to see you at the next meeting.

Julie 517.303.4850
Margaret 517.548.2324

NEWS FLASH!!!! THERE IS NO PEP BAND TONIGHT!!!!

ONCE AGAIN, THERE IS NO PEP BAND TONIGHT!!!


The weather radar shows that widespread showers are moving into the area from the south and will continue throughout the evening. With everyone so busy and not wanting to strand anyone out there, I regretfully have to make the call now. My deepest apologies to the Football Team. BEST OF LUCK!!!!

Hockey band and tag day are still happening as regularly scheduled. Here is the info for both events:

Don't forget the concert on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. We will have band spiritwear for sale in the auditorium lobby beginning at 6 pm. These would make great Christmas gifts! Vicky Kihn will also have marching band sectional pictures available to order at that time. Thanks parents for a great tailgate last Friday, and for all the help that Vicky received in organizing the band photos. Any questions on pictures, contact Vicky at 517.548.5171. Also thanks to Danna Glynn for making the delicious and beautiful senior cakes.

Make sure to stop at our spiritwear table if you would like to provide your email address to me to get band calendar and/or news.

Margaret Bigham blkhorse@cac.net or 517.548.2324

We need a bit more food, servers and coordinators for sectional pictures to be taken on Friday before the step off at 6:15 for the Senior show. Call me to do any of the above!
Julie 517.303.4850. Scroll down to Wednesday's blog below for the activity times.........

Hello Bandos and Bando Parents!

Wow, it is crazy that marching season is almost over!!! It seems like it just started. I am so proud of the kids so far, and there are so many wonderful things on the horizon!

and now, in the news....


THERE IS A CONCERT NEXT WEEK!!! NEXT TUESDAY AT 6:30PM IN THE 10-12 AUDITORIUM!!! (Yes, the time is correct). The Concert Band, the Symphonic Band, the Wind Ensemble, and the Percussion Ensemble will all be performing!! Report time is 6:00PM. Dress is "Relaxed Dress Casual". This means: No tennis shoes, no flip-flops, no sweatshirts, no jeans, no t-shirts, no sweat pants. Obviously, school clothing rules apply as well. Nice choices for gentlemen: Sweater and slacks, nice shirt and khakis, shirt and tie (pants pulled up, guys!). Nice choices for ladies: Same as gentlemen plus school appropriate skirts, dresses and/or blouses. I suppose the gentlemen can wear skirts too, but this has never occured as of yet. THIS CONCERT IS MANDATORY. If you have a conflict, please let me know now!!! We can almost always work it out!

Pit band postings and a calendar will be out soon!

REPORT TIME FOR THE FOOTBALL GAME THIS FRIDAY IS 4:30!!! This will be a busy day, as we have to acknowledge and thank our seniors, along with tailgate and some section pictures. SENIOR PARENTS/GAURDIANS: you need to have your child fill out the 3X5 card with their name (and how to pronounce it), which parents/guardians are joining them, and what they plan to do after graduation (short description). The Senior band members will be in their uniforms. Some parents/guardians get dressed up, others do not. Senior parent/guardians should be ready to step off with the band at 6:15pm. You can either join us at the stadium or walk over with us from the band room. I know the boosters provide either a flower or a balloon for your senior to present you... It is a nice ceremony and a fitting way to thank them for 4 years of Music, fun, friendship, and hard work.

Here is the schedule for Friday:

4:30 all MB members report
runthrough/rehearsal

5:00 short tailgate

5:45 pictures/uniforms

6:15 stepoff

6:30 senior ceremony

6:45 pregame

7:00 kickoff

8:00-8:15 halftime

9:00-9:45 done


HOCKEY BAND:

Rehearsals have been moved to different times... PLEASE NOTE!!!

Wednesday, Oct. 25th 6:30-7:30am
Thursday, Oct 26th, 6:30-7:30am
Friday Oct. 27th 2:30-3:30pm

Report time Satudray will be around 5:00 pm... definite time soon tba!!


Ok... that is all the news I have for now. More to come soon!!!

Band Booster meeting dates for the year: October 17, November 14, December 19, January 9, February 13, March 13, April 17 and May 8. All meetings are at 7:00 p.m. in the band or choir room. Hope to see some new faces there! We'd love to meet you--please come!

Margaret Bigham....... blkhorse@cac.net 517.548.2324

Last night's tailgate tasted great! I hope everyone got at least a bite of the brisket that the Webster's cooked and served in style: hat and all! The pork brisket was a nice compliment, the potato dishes, beans, soup, salads, cookies, brownies, doughnuts, cider and coffee were a welcome warmth on a cold night. Hope we gave a warm welcome to the 8th graders and their parents. Saw a lot more 8th grade parents than usual. Thanks to everyone who donated their time and/or food. We have some awesome parental support!

We have a very important tailgate next weekend that I hope all band parents contribute to for two reasons: one it is the Senior recognition night and it is sadly the last! So I am starting early with requests and hope that if you haven't had an opportunity to donate in the past that you can now. Please contact me the earlier the better to make this a special night.....Julie 517.303.4850

HELLO FANTASTIC BANDOS!!!!

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

And now... in the news:


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

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

Tailgate and 8th grader is 5:00pm

stepoff is at 6:30.

Pregame at 6:45

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

done/pickup time 9:30ish

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

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

HOCKEY BAND RESULTS AND SCHEDULE:

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

Without further ado:


Flutes
Rayna Glynn
Vonnie Bigham
Michelle Garrett
Lona Cerwinski

Clarinets
Jordan Eschelman
Brittany Green
Kat Jakrewski
Eric Joseph
Dana Glynn

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

Tenor Sax
Kyle Webster
Jane Galubensky
Ryan Heslip

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

Horn
Paul Clifton
Alyssa Hayes
Travis Helsper

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

Euphonium
Brian Leyder

Tuba
Matt Ogg
Gary Schomberger

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

Ok... thats about it!!!

Smigell

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

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

Call me with you food selection for the evening ASAP!

Julie 517.303.4850 leave a message.