All These No School Days -- A Friendly Reminder

This is a friendly reminder since we have had all these no school days as of late.

NYC Final Payment Due Tomorrow - Tuesday, March 1st:

The final payment due is $250 - making the total payment for the NYC Trip being $850. This is includes the trip's group shirt (which we usually get a group photo in if weather permits).

This is the Semi-Final Itinerary for the trip - if interested.

*****NYC TRIP SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST*****

Want to design the shirt for the trip? Do you want 198 people to wear your design? We are conducting a contest for those who are interested. The design must be in single and bi colored formats - and submitted in either GIF, JPG, PNG, BMP, EPS, TIF, PICT or PSD formats to thejadegecko@gmail.com with the headline "HHS NYC Shirt Contest" by Tuesday, March 1st.

As always - the design must be school appropriate and the company may make slight alterations to make it fit / work out on a shirt. Parents and students are allowed to enter.

A committee of people will be voting and picking a design from those submitted - with Smigell having the final say.

If you have any questions about anything regarding the NYC Trip - Please refer to Christyne MacDermaid: (734) 476 - 0312 or christynemacdermaid@gmail.com for General Trip Info / Forms and Laura Allegoet: (586) 214 - 4986 for Payment / Charms.

NYC Trip Chaperone Meeting is Thursday, April 7th at 7pm in the HHS Band Room. It is important for all chaperones to be there. Please contact Christyne MacDermaid at (734) 476 - 0312 or christynemacdermaid@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

Band Camp Information Meeting - Wednesday, March 2nd:

There is a Band Camp Information Meeting for all new Marching Band members and returning members who need a refresher about our HHS Band Camp on Wednesday, March 2nd at 7pm in the HHS Band Room (The Band Booster Meeting is being moved to 6pm for that night.)

Band Camp packets will be handed out - and any questions will be answered. The format will be the same as last year - having band camp paid in full and all forms filled out before school is out for the summer. This helps cut costs and keeps everything running smooth due to our large size / member cap of 175.

If you can't make the meeting - or you are a returning member that doesn't need to be refreshed. We will have a large information post along with the downloadable band packets available the day after (just like we did last year).

Please pass this information to any 8th graders who are interested. If you have any questions - feel free to contact Christyne MacDermaid at (734) 476 - 0312 or christynemacdermaid@gmail.com.

Band Festival  Saturday, March 12th:


We are in need of chaperones for festival for each group. Please contact Christyne MacDermaid at (734) 476 - 0312 or christynemacdermaid@gmail.com if you are interested.


Stay Awesome!

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

MEGA Band Program Information Post

This is a huge post guys - I hope you enjoy the ride! I will try and make everything in calendar date order.

Pre-Festival Concert - Tuesday February 23rd:

This concert is for each ensemble to share the festival pieces they are preparing for their festival grading in a couple weeks. The concert itself may be slightly longer due to having a guest festival judge with us.

Each ensemble has their own version of the following performance uniform, which has been discussed during their respective hrs. and have been the same all school year.

Band Performance Uniform:
- White Formal Shirt
- Black Tie
- Black Pants
- Black Socks and Shoes

The Festival Concert is on Tuesday, February 23rd at 7pm in the HHS Auditorium. Report time for all ensembles is 6:30pm in their performance uniform.

NYC Final Payment Due - Tuesday, March 1st:

The final payment due is $250 - making the total payment for the NYC Trip being $850. This is includes the trip's group shirt (which we usually get a group photo in if weather permits).

This is the Semi-Final Itinerary for the trip - if interested.

*****NYC TRIP SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST*****

Want to design the shirt for the trip? Do you want 198 people to wear your design? We are conducting a contest for those who are interested. The design must be in single and bi colored formats - and submitted in either GIF, JPG, PNG, BMP, EPS, TIF, PICT or PSD formats to thejadegecko@gmail.com with the headline "HHS NYC Shirt Contest" by Tuesday, March 1st.

As always - the design must be school appropriate and the company may make slight alterations to make it fit / work out on a shirt. Parents and students are allowed to enter.

A committee of people will be voting and picking a design from those submitted - with Smigell having the final say.

If you have any questions about anything regarding the NYC Trip - Please refer to Christyne MacDermaid: (734) 476 - 0312 or christynemacdermaid@gmail.com for General Trip Info / Forms and Laura Allegoet: (586) 214 - 4986 for Payment / Charms.

NYC Trip Chaperone Meeting is Thursday, April 7th at 7pm in the HHS Band Room. It is important for all chaperones to be there. Please contact Christyne MacDermaid at (734) 476 - 0312 or christynemacdermaid@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

Band Camp Information Meeting - Wednesday, March 2nd:

There is a Band Camp Information Meeting for all new Marching Band members and returning members who need a refresher about our HHS Band Camp on Wednesday, March 2nd at 7pm in the HHS Band Room (The Band Booster Meeting is being moved to 6pm for that night.)

Band Camp packets will be handed out - and any questions will be answered. The format will be the same as last year - having band camp paid in full and all forms filled out before school is out for the summer. This helps cut costs and keeps everything running smooth due to our large size / member cap of 175.

If you can't make the meeting - or you are a returning member that doesn't need to be refreshed. We will have a large information post along with the downloadable band packets available the day after (just like we did last year).

Please pass this information to any 8th graders who are interested. If you have any questions - feel free to contact Christyne MacDermaid at (734) 476 - 0312 or christynemacdermaid@gmail.com.

Band Festival - Friday, March 11th / Saturday, March 12th:

These are the dates for our band program's band festival. Wind Ensemble traditionally performs on Friday nights and Symphonic / Concert Bands traditionally performs on Saturday. We haven't received the official times or locations yet - and won't until we get a little closer to the date. Once we receive this information - it will be shared in class and posted this blog.

We are in need of chaperones for festival for each group. Please contact Christyne MacDermaid at (734) 476 - 0312 or christynemacdermaid@gmail.com if you are interested.

~~~~~~

This is the beginning of the busy time for the band program (especially since we have a band trip this year). Time will fly fast for our seniors - cherish what remaining time you have left with them!

Also - almost 2 more months until the NYC Trip! Who else is getting pumped up / excited? ^.^

Stay Awesome!

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

Band Camp Meeting for all new marching band members or those who need a refresher will be March 2, 2016 at 7pm in the high school band room.  This will be for new members for the Fall of 2016.  Please pass this information on to any 8th graders you know who might be interested.  Contact Christyne MacDermaid with any questions 734-476-0312

NYC Trip Payment and PLACEMENT CHAIRS!

NYC Trip Payment:

A friendly reminder that the 3rd Payment of $200 for the NYC trip is due on Monday, February 1st. Smigell is working on getting the final cost finalized and will know soon what it will be. Once the final cost is finalized, an announcement will be made. Thank you!

Winter 2015 - 2016 Chair Placements for the HHS Ensembles:

Concert Band

Flutes:

Chloe Chandler

Caylyn Mira

Saylor Payne

Melanie Carlson

Cameron Setlak

Alyssa Forester

Carlee Morris

Camryn Harvey

Summer Simet

Makayla Welch

Anna Sartor

Oboe:

Charles Huhta

Evan Shumard

Clarinet:

Nora Hall

Jessica Snider

Margeaux Labadie

Virginia Kuzmich

Kylie Lopo

Jade Rojas

Madison Vandreumel

Emily vincent

Patti Salmon

Isabella Sistulli

Audrey Lloyd

Bass Clarinet:

Harrison Fegan

Brandon Hatfield

Bassoon:  

Mason Hughes

Saxophones:

Brandon Spencer

Brayden Gregory (tenor)

Hannah Lingenfelter

Zach Charette

Joe Barton

Hannah Tomason

Sam Spiker (tenor)

Rebecka Perkins

Alyssa Miriani

Keegan Flory, Lindsay Fisher, Rebekah Spoor, Special Assignment

Trumpets:

Michael Farrel

Joseph Schaffer

Jesse Knight

Cort Bouse

Ryan Gula

Paul Smaza

Natash Gilbert

Cody Gerkin

Madison Melby

Connor Brzuchowski

Natalie Canfield

Austin Woodard

Jacob Rushlow Special Assignment

Horn:

Shannon Hobson

Chris Hackenberg

Trombone:

Matt Immel/Dan Zeppa TIE

Hunter Compton

Timothy Stachowski

Ashlyn Tait

Euphonium:

Nick Broadbent

Milayla Goble

Caleb Boyer

Kristina Marmalejos

Tuba:

Jackson Bondie

Percussion:

Ryan Bartlett

Haley Smathers

John Wirt

Alec Pomminville

Shane Morrison

Jayden Monohan

Zach Estepp

Josh Osgood

Brandon Viel

Brandon Tann

Ben Masters

Aedin Seck

Mikayla Norton

Symphonic Band:

Flute:

Shannon Carpenter

Christine Coon

Marcey Mick

Jasmine Brause

Haley Modovsky

Bri Koslowski

Audrey Hundt

Amanda Houthofd

Becca Hatley

Bri Weems

Jordan Salmon

Becca Sizemore

Clarinet:

Maria Cline

Anna Creed

Amanda Bolton

Carissa Harris

Emmalie Talbot

Emily Gorecki

Sarah Burke

Katie Sowell

Bethany Belanger

Chloe Basa

Eric Stapleton

Alana Rutkowski

Aaron Bannow

Bass Clarinet:

Austin Mazurek

Natalie Sumeracki

Ashley Carr

Saxophone:

Kylie Stone

Josh Trierweiler

Kathleen Issenegger

Savannah Grubaugh

Sara Aardal

John Kuzmich

Connor Papson (tenor)

Kylie Pollman

Max Wagner (tenor)

William Newell (tenor)

Patrick Crilly (bari)

Connor Lewis

Parker Weber

Blake Stephens

Trumpet:

Camden Crowe

Shanna Miller

Molly Lee

Mike Robinson

Luke Okopski

Adam Ellis

Jacob House

Bri Mcarter

Mitch Carrol

Amber Farchione

MIchael Davey

Micaela Taylor

Paula Lepecki

Abigail Husik

Connor Scott

Abigail Holland

Horn:

Dora Cassar/Sydnee Ormsbee TIE

Cam Papson, Special Assignment

Trombone:

Jeremy Blatt

Noah Miller

Nico Senda

Connor Brzuchowski

Sean Miller, Jacob Hill Special Assignment

Euphonium:

Logan White/Kelcie Reed TIE

Tuba:

Matt Allegoet

Max Greenwood

Dale Pebley

Percussion:

Ava Hansen

Molly Macdonald

Dylan Wolfe

Hannah Ward

Joey Wirt

Lexi Cruse

Erin Bryte

Jake Hibbard

Lee Owens

Wind Ensemble:

Flute: Maddie Nibloc Alyssa Fackender Jennifer Esch Liz Smaza Nicole Kuchey Shannon Carpenter Anna Wolan Kayleigh Herman Oboe: Katie Buyers Morgan Chidester Clarinet: Casie Lamay John Tucker Jessica Krakowiak Emily Manetz Kinsey Boutell Kaitlyn Carter Aubrey Klein Isabell Scott Maria Cline Scott Mcarty Brandon Rickel Bri Koslowski Bass Clarinet: Brendan Sanders Maddie Osgood Saxophone: Kevin Durand Rebekah Spoor Lindsay Fisher (Bari) Shaina Devries Brendan Norwood (Tenor) Troy Vanvalkenburg Sara Wright Sam Belanger (tenor) Trumpet: Julia Ettema Jacob Rushlow Clark Sist Abigail Mulaney Ellie Huhta Shelby Cook Mikayla Carter Eric Mettetal Parker Judd Billy Kenney Horn: Cameron Papson Sarah Hoffman Madeline Timmermann Ashley Dunn Kat Ray Trombone: Riley McEntee Nolan Walter Sean Miller Ben Wood Jacob Hill Evan Nolan Euphonium: Nick Mullaney Tuba: Jared Duncan Jack Crilly Andrew york Percussion: Nolan Rector Brooks David Golm Seth Milano Matt Wenzel Jake Favor WIll Stuart

If your name is not on this list, that means you did not audition or there has been an error. Please see Mr. Smigell for details.

If you think that your placement is in error, don’t freak out, talk to Mr. Smigell for a score verification, then freak out.

~~~~~~~~

Have a nice weekend everyone! 

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

CHAIRS COMING SUPER SOON!

Hello everyone!


I have finished the chairs!  I sent them to Jade (Nicole) who suggested that let her edit the fonts and formatting so you don't have to scroll a million miles to get your placement. That's cool.  A few things:



1. I tried to spell your name correctly.  If I messed up, very sorry.  Let me know and I will change it.

2. If you do not appear on this list, you either didn't audition or there was an error.  No biggie, come see me and we will figure it out.

3. If you think your placement is whacko, please come see me first before you freak out. I will happily recalculate your score to make sure it is legit.

4. I am working on a system with Nicole to have a feedback database so you actually get a printout of what you did well and what you can improve on.  Stay tuned.

5. Competition is part of life, and some healthy competition is part of our program.  It is not healthy if you gloat or gripe or flame to your friends either in social media or in person.  Life is stressful enough without that.  Be classy no matter what happened, and let the instrument do the talking.  Blatant gloaters will be dealt with, as well as loud grousing.  We have a challenge system in place for resolving conflicts.  If you have an issue either way, please come and see me.  Everything will be just fine :)


ok.. see you all Monday!


Mr. Smigell

NYC Musical Letter to Parents

Welcome to the New Year!

Mr. Smigell has written a letter to all of the parents of the students going to NYC Trip. Please read the following letter: NYC Musical Disclaimer

A friendly reminder that the 3rd Payment of $200 for the trip is due on Monday, February 1st.

Thanks!

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

Trip, Concert and Shirts

Happy Holidays All!

We have a few upcoming things to close out the 2015 year.

New York Trip:

The next NYC trip payment is due this Thursday, December 10th. Please print the payment form slip and fill in your student's name so we know who the payment applies to. All medical / trip release forms are due as well. Please refer to the Mega Post made earlier in the school year for any forms or info needed. NYC Trip Mega Post

Concert Shirts and Tie Fitting / Ordering:

This refers to any 9th grade, new student to the program or any student needing a new shirt.

Mr. Bourbonias from the Brighton Tux Shop is coming in tomorrow, December 8th during 7th hr to do white formal shirt fittings.

The shirts / ties will come in next Monday, December 14th.

Prices are:
White Formal Shirt - $16
Black Tie -$4
Combo - $20 (Shirt + Tie)

You pay by cash or check made to Howell HS Bands - and you pay next Monday when the shirts / ties are delivered.

If anyone has any money troubles, please contact Mr. Smigell ASAP. The program has a few items to help out those in need.

Winter Concert:

Each ensemble has their own version of the following performance uniform which has been discussed during their respective hrs for awhile now.

Concert (9th Grade) Band Performance Uniform:
- White Formal Shirt
- Black Tie
- Black Pants
- Black Socks and Shoes

The Winter Concert is Tuesday, December 15th at 7pm in the HHS Auditorium. Report time for all ensembles is 6:30pm in their performance uniform.



~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

Hockey Band (In Howell :)

Hello everyone!


We will be doing pep band at the Howell vs. Hartland "Fight Cancer" game tomorrow, Tuesday  12/1/2015.  It will be at the Grand Oaks Ice Arena off of Grand River.  The address is

720 Grand Oaks Dr.
Howell, MI 48843

We are at capacity for this one (If you signed up, then you are good), show up at 6:20 pm for some fun and get ready to pack the place!  Wear your band shirt if you are going even though we are supposed to get a shirt.

Practice canceled for Tuesday 11/24/2015

Hello everyone!


We are looking pretty good out there, and a lot of people will be unable to make tomorrow's (11/24/2015, originally scheduled for 2:30-3:30 pm) rehearsal, so I am cancelling it.  Very sorry if this causes a problem.  I did say in the beginning that we were ready, I would be cancelling it though.  The band is ready.


REPORT TIME FOR THE PARADE IS STILL AT 5 PM AND THE SOUP FEAST IS STILL SCHEDULED FOR AFTERWARD!!!


-Smigell

The candle orders will be in the room today, Monday 11-23-15.  Please see earlier posts regarding Fantasy of Lights practices and times.

Fantasy of Lights Info and Meijer Flowerland Fundraiser Info

FoL Parade Practices Remaining:

Monday, November 23rd: 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Tuesday, November 24th: 2:30pm -  3:30pm

Fantasy of Lights Parade Info:

Fantasy of Lights Parade is Friday, November 27th at 7pm. Report time at the Howell High School is 5pm. Grand River is closed at 5pm - so you should be entering the M-59 way.

We are dressing up in our uniforms, packing the trailer and buses and leaving by 6pm. Please don't be late.

We are position number #12 in the parade.

Students are allowed to wear stuff under their uniform to keep warm, wear simple "beanie" hats under their marching band hats as long as they are black / dark grey / dark green, and gloves (some students put hand warmers inside their gloves to help keep warm).

Students are also allowed to wear battery operated lights on themselves and their instruments as long as it doesn't interfere with them playing their instrument / their instrument's sound. Please bring your instrument home if you are plan on decorating your instrument to save time. This is completely optional to the student.

Since last year was a great hit, we are now doing the tradition of "FoL After Parade Soup Potluck". Once the students return from the parade, they will get out of their uniforms and get warmed up with a variety of soups / chili and hot chocolate.

The Soup Potluck Sign Up link is here.

Meijer Flowerland Fundraiser Info:

It starts this Friday and lasts for two weeks. The order forms will be in the band room. The Meijer money certificates are $30 and the "Flower of the Month" Club cards are also $30.  Students will receive $4 for every card / certificate sold. The money is due Friday, December 4th and delivery is Monday, December 7th.

~~~~~~~~~

Dear Santa "letters" to the kids after the parade during the soup potluck.


Stay warm, keep safe and have an awesome holiday break!

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

New York

WOW!!  We are completely full!!  VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION BELOW!!

Since we are now at the maximum amount of students and chaperones that we can take, we have to put a few rules into place to ensure we all have the best time possible.  We are now taking 4 buses and approximately 200 people.  Yes, I typed that correctly.

New Rules
With the next payment due, December 10, everyone must turn in all health and release forms in order to continue to be counted as going.  This includes chaperones.
Also, if your next payment is later than December 10 you will be required to purchase trip insurance. This helps us keep the cost from increasing a month before we leave.

Fantasy of Lights Parade Practices Changes

FoL Parade Practices Updated:

There is a slight change to the practices. Please update calendars and such. :

Monday, November 16th: 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Wednesday, November 18th: 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Monday, November 23rd: 2:30pm - 3:30pm
*Tuesday, November 24th: 2:30pn -  3:30pm (If needed - will determine as we get closer).

We don't know our position yet.  Once we know,  information on the report times will be posted.  The soup potluck donation link will posted soon.

NYC Trip:
Tomorrow - Friday, November 13th - all forms and first payment / deposit is due.

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

Pizza Kit Delivery

The Pizza Kit Fundraiser is being delivered at 1pm tomorrow (Tuesday 10th). We need a few people to help sort them.  Pick up is from after school until 5pm.

Upcoming Events

Pep Band:

HAS BEEN CANCELLED.  Have a safe weekend and keep warm! 

Fantasy of Lights Parade:

2:30pm - 3:30pm Practices:

Tuesday, November 17th

Wednesday, November 18th

Monday, November 23rd

Parade: 
Friday, November 27th - Details TBD ATM. (When we know the details, a blog post will be posted)

Last year we started a tradition of having a "Soup Potluck" after the Fantasy of Lights Parade. Smigell wanted to make it a competition this year - and he is going to entering his own "secret chili" to it. The sign up volunteer link will be made / posted when we get closer to the date. Keep a look out.

NYC Trip Info:
Mega Post made earlier this month about it.

Forms and first payment / deposit is due on Friday, November 13th.

Fundraiser Info:

Little Caesars: You can now have people order online - the website link is here. The fundraiser id / group number is: 307341. This allows people to order online and give credit to the student (there should be a spot for the student). This allows people out of town to order on behalf of the student and have it delivered to them. Payments and the forms are due on Monday, November 2nd. We will need help sorting at 1pm, Tuesday November 10th and parents / students can pick up from 2pm to 5pm.

Holly Candles: Order forms are due on Wednesday, November 4th and will be ready within 2 - 3 weeks from that. We will keep you posted on when they are done, sorted, and ready to be picked up. This is a local company. :)

Band Program / Band Booster E-Mail Group:

When we email the group its a challenge to make sure we don't include folks that have moved on, and new folks that have just joined us. So we've moving to a mailing list using Google Groups. To be added to the list, visit here. Select the “Apply for Membership” link.

IMPORTANT - Be sure to select an email delivery preference. The default is “don’t send me updates,” so if you actually want to see emails, you’ll need to select another preference.

Once subscribed you need only howellbandboosters@googlegroups.com to reach the current membership. You can unsubscribe at any time — each email the system sends has an unsubscribe option.

Here is the Full Band Program Event Calendar:

HHS Band Calendar

* Please mark your own calendar. Take note of the very important events (i.e. Home Football Games, Concerts, Parades, and Festival).

Have a nice weekend! Stay warm and safe this Halloween weekend! Remember clocks falls backwards 1 hr this Sunday morning!

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

NYC Trip Mega Post

The optional biennial band program trip is Wednesday April 20th 2016 to Sunday, April 24th 2016 and we are going to New York City.

Our maximum price for the trip is $840 - which is the price for gaged for 110 people. Our trip adviser is preparing for 130 people to go by ordering an extra bus, hotel rooms and extra tickets to the major events we are going to just in case we have a large interest (it's easier to prepare large and cut back, than prepare small and try to get things last minute). The more people over 110 that go, the overall cheaper the trip will be for each individual - hence the "maximum price". If the trip individual trip costs are reduced, then anyone who fully paid for the trip early will get a cash refund back to them of the amount paid over the final individual cost.

Students and Chaperones are the same price. Students will be rooming 4 per room (2 per bed). Chaperones will be rooming 2 per room (1 per bed).

The itinerary for the trip is subject to change. We will be going to these major events but the dates / times are subject to change: Ferry to Ellis / Liberty Island - Statue of Liberty / Monument Pass, 9 - 11 Museum & Memorial, ETI Music Clinic, Times Square / Broadway Show / Fifth Avenue, New York Yankees Major League Baseball Game and a Performance of the New York Philharmonic.

Anything other than these major events on the itinerary may be removed and have something substitute it in it's place. Anything that substitutes an event will be better than what is originally planned (i.e. depending on the amount of people going and availability - we may have a dinner cruise around the Statue of Liberty - this isn't guaranteed atm but is something we are looking into).

All of the forms and the first payment / deposit are due on Friday, November 13th. This is guarantee your spot and allow us to make our deposits to all of our main events, buses, and hotel. Payments can be handed in 3 ways.

Three Ways to Pay:

1. Check made out to Howell High Bands
• Mail to:
• HBBA // P.O. Box 2113 // Howell, MI 48844
• Hand in the Mail Box inside the HHS Band Room (in an envelope)
• Do not hand forms or checks to Mr. Smigell or another student.
2. Charms (The PayPal feature used for Band Camp will be enabled soon / in a few days)
• Go to https://www.charmsoffice.com/
• Choose Parents / Students / Members
• School Code: howellhsband
• Student Area Password: Your Student's School ID Number
• Click on Finances
• Select Trip
• Make Trip Payment
• This will take you to PayPal
• You do NOT have to have a PayPal account to use this service. You can use your debit or credit card.
• There is a 3.5% fee to use PayPal.
3. Out of the Students Band Account (if they have been doing fundraisers, etc. to get money deposited in it).

Forms:
Release Form, Medical, Special Needs Request and Info Packet: Here
Current Tentative Itinerary - 10/16: Here
Payment Schedule / Slips: Here

Questions? Feel free to contact the following for:

• Payment / Charms - Laura Allegoet: (586) 214 - 4986
• General Trip Info / Forms - Christyne MacDermaid: (734) 476 - 0312

If you have any concerns, feel free to contact any of the ladies above.

Any updates to the trip itself, the trip's itinerary, etc. will be posted on the HHS Band Blog ( http://hhsbands.blogspot.com/ )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've been on this trip when I was a student and it was unforgettable. It was shortly after 9/11, so we went to everything listed above minus the 9/11 memorial. I am glad to have the opportunity to help staff it and chaperone. Can't wait for it!


~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett