Howellpalooza & Home Show $ Opportunity

HOWELLPALOOZA - THURSDAY 3/21 at 7 p.m.

You are cordially invited to the hidden gem of the band year!! Howellpalooza!  It is a wonderful concert full of surprises that you might not see anywhere else during the year!  We have our award winning auxiliary groups (flags, twirlers) jazz band, school of rock, percussion ensemble, flute choir, and many other talented performers! It is free of charge and it’s all happening Thursday night at 7pm in the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center.  Hope to see you there!

HOME SHOW SIGN UP

The Livingston County Home Show is right around the corner (April 5th - 7th).  We need volunteers to help at the concessions stand to raise money for students and the band boosters.  There are two ways you can help.  (1) Students can sign-up for a shift. (We need 3 students per shift.)   Students can either earn money for the Charms account or get credit for community service for National Honor Society if that is what they need.  (2) We also need parents to supervise.  (1 parent per shift.)

The sign-up sheets are in the band room.

Feel free to call or text Katie LaCommare - 248-756-3985 if you have any questions.   

UPCOMING DATES

Band Booster Meeting - April 3rd at 6:30 p.m. in band room
Band Camp Scholarship Applications Due - April 4th
Guys and Dolls - April 12th to 14th
Collage Concert - April 17th at 7 p.m.
Band Lock-in - May 10th/11th (more details to come)

Band Camp

To all parents who have bandos going to Band Camp. We hope you’ll consider being a chaperone. There is no experience quite like it. Here are some highlights:

 - You get to host a bonfire for the kids

 - You get to host a talent night (and maybe participate)

 - You get to host a movie and game night

 - And on the last night, a dance

In between all of this you get to watch the kids learn “the drill”—how they will march to the show music. And you get to listen to them learn that music from the ground up. Best of all, you get to watch them put it all together. 

The food is good, the sun is hot, and the kids are the best. It's a great way to end the summer and get your game on for “marching band season.”

We have great traditions and…. great branding. You can see yourself in one of these:

             

But don’t take our word for it. Check out the BND DAD playlist on YouTube. Enough said: Chaperone Fun

Band Camp Paperwork, Scrips, and Help Needed

Good Evening!!  As promised all of the paperwork from the band camp meeting, last night, is now here for your use.  Please click on what is needed, print it, fill it out in full and turn it in as soon as possible.  Please do not hesitate to ask questions of the people that are mentioned as helpers in the Marching Band Packet.  There are no silly questions.  Band Camp is AWESOME!!


Marching Band Packet

Additional Payment Vouchers

Charms Withdrawal Request Form

Scholarship Application

Chaperone Packet

8th Grade Information


SCRIP PROGRAM

PAY FOR BAND CAMP AND OTHER BAND EXPENSES BY SHOPPING!

How much money do you spend in a month for regular expenses-  $600 for groceries, $200 for gas, $100 dining out…?  If you paid for those regular expenses using a gift card purchased from the HHS Band Scrip Program, you would get a rebate on each purchase, a rebate that  goes straight into your student's CHARMS account. You could easily pay your entire Band Camp bill just by spending the money you have to spend anyway- for whatever you need wherever you normally shop.

HHS Band Scrip uses the Great Lakes Scrip Center for ordering cards. They have this great YouTube video that explains the basics of the program:

                

                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwkeGiRuYVY&list=PLB05706667A3B6471

You can sign up right away using enrollment code C436CCB458883 (to get to the Band Account).

Or you can ask questions at the Band Camp meeting, or email me (Nancy Stebbing) questions on howellbandscrip@gmail.com

Once you learn how the ordering system works, this is the easiest money you will ever earn for band expenses. And you earn the rebates on money you have to spend anyway. Put your spending to work for you!

LAST IMPORTANT ITEM!!

Help needed March 13, during the entire school day, or whatever hour you can come to help.  We will be fitting our current marching band one last time in the NEW UNIFORMS!!!!  Mrs. MacDermaid is very excited for this!!  No experience is needed.  Please call or text Christyne MacDermaid if you can help out.  734-476-0312

Festival Help Needed & Band Camp Meeting & Yankee Candle

CHAPERONES STILL NEEDED FOR WIND ENSEMBLE AND SYMPHONIC BAND AT FESTIVAL MARCH 6TH & 7TH!  

Thank you to everyone that has volunteered to chaperone for Concert and Highlander Bands!  Chaperones for Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble are still needed to ride the bus to and from the event AND help students and Mr. Smigell once you are at Festival. ***If you can chaperone, please contact Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com. Thank you!***

Wind Ensemble: - Wednesday, March 6th 
Report Time: 2:45 pm

Busses Leave HHS:  3:15 pm
Performance Time: 5:25 pm
Return at HHS: ~ 7:30 pm

Symphonic Band: Thursday, March 7th 
Report Time: 10:30 am

Busses Leave HHS:  11 am
Performance Time: 1:20 pm
Return at HHS: ~3:30 pm

BAND CAMP MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 5TH AT 7 P.M.

* Informational meeting for Marching Band Camp:

Tuesday, March 5th at 7 p.m. in the band room

This meeting is optional. Registration forms and detailed information will be available in the band room and on the band blog after the meeting if you can't attend.

Band Camp is Sunday, August 11th to Thursday, August 15th

Yankee Candle Orders & Money Due Monday, March 4th! 

Pre-Festival Concert and Official Festival Info

Pre-Festival Concert:

Thursday, February 21st:  Report time:  6:30 pm

                                            Performance:  7 pm

Concert is in the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center/Auditorium.  All students should arrive in their respective ensemble's uniform (black pants, white concert shirt, black bow tie, black shoes & black socks).

Festival Info:

Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Highlander Band, and Wind Ensemble will go to the MSBOA Festival on Wednesday, March 6th (WE) and Thursday, March 7th (CB / SB/ HB). They will be performing at Waterford Kettering High School.  All are welcome to attend!  This is a mandatory performance for students in the performing bands. 

Each band will report to the band room at different times. Once attendance is taken, the students will be driven via school bus to WKHS.  After their performance and judging, the students will be taken back to HHS via school bus.

It is important that the students arrive at the band room on time and in their respective ensemble's uniform to prevent any tardiness. Students will need to make sure they have their instrument (including any extra needs like reeds, oil, etc.) and sheet music.

*** Because some of the events and traveling take place during student's lunch or dinner time, please bring a sack lunch/dinner and a drink. There are also snacks / drinks on sale at the festival, in the cafeteria that all of the ensembles wait in for their festival scores.

Concert Band and Symphonic Band students will receive a "school related" absence during the time they will be gone from school.  This absence is excused and not counted against them for days missed.

Here is the following report / performance times for Festival for each ensemble (please note that all band members, except for concert band, will need to make arrangements for a ride home):

Wind Ensemble: - Wednesday, March 6th

Report Time: 2:45 pm
Performance Time: 5:25 pm
Return at HHS: ~ 7:30 pm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Concert Band: Thursday, March 7th

Report Time: 8:15 am
Performance Time: 11 am
Return at HHS: ~ 1 pm

Symphonic Band: Thursday, March 7th

Report Time: 10:30 am
Performance Time: 1:20 pm
Return at HHS: ~3:30 pm

Highlander Band: Thursday, March 7th

Report Time: 2:15 pm
Performance Time: 4:55 pm
Return at HHS: ~ 7 pm

Chaperones are needed to ride the bus to and from the event AND help students and Mr. Smigell once you are at Festival.  ***If you can chaperone on one of the busses and at festival, please contact Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com. Thank you!***

Band Booster Meeting Rescheduled

A message from our Prez, Dean Norton:

As a result of school closure, we will not be having our Booster meeting tonight. We will reschedule for Wed Feb 13 at 630PM.

Thank you.

LCHB Practice is Cancelled and Performance Postponed

Hello all,


Unfortunately with all the snow days, we have to move the LCHB performance.  A new time has not been selected.  With at least one of the Livingston county districts having finals moved to next Monday, we decided to try and reschedule for later.  Stay tuned.  Practice for tonight is also cancelled.  Very sorry folks.

-Smigell

REMINDER - BAND PHOTOS!

IMPORTANT REMINDER!

It was announced in classes on Tuesday but it may have slipped many students minds with these 2 days off....... We are taking group, class photos for band tomorrow (Friday) during class!  This includes Symphonic, Concert, Highlander bands and Wind and Perc Ensemble. 

Please bring your concert uniform to school tomorrow - black pants, socks and shoes, white shirt and bow tie.  Hopefully everyone remembers.........

Questions? Email Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com  Enjoy the rest of your school day off!

LCHB REHEARSAL TONIGHT IS CANCELLED

Hey Folks!


Happy ice day everyone.  Be careful out there!  LCHB rehearsal in Howell has been cancelled for tonight.  Next one is January 30th from 6-9 pm at Howell High School.  Make sure to practice your parts kids!  We will need to hit it hard next time.


-Smigell

Finally! FESTIVAL INFO!

We were just notified this afternoon of our dates and times for Festival performances. If your student had band in the morning, they may not be aware of this info yet. Times below are for performances. The times that students need to report to the band room will be posted soon along with more detailed information.

Location: Waterford-Kettering High School (all bands)

Wind Ensemble: Wednesday, March 6th at 5:25 p.m.

Concert Band: Thursday, March 7th at 11 a.m.

Symphonic Band: Thursday, March 7th at 1:20 p.m.

Highlander Band: Thursday, March 7th at 4:55 p.m.

Festival is required for all students - please plan accordingly.

Pre-festival concert is Thursday, February 21st at 7 p.m. in the Rod Bushey Auditorium. Hope to see you there!

Questions? Contact Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com or comment below. Thanks!

Last Call for MB Uniform Order Forms // Drumline '19 Auds Info

This was an email sent out earlier today:

"Hello band families!!

Last chance to order a marching band uniform, sash, hat, etc.!  Due date is this Friday, January 18th - I've attached an order form.

Hard to believe it's that time already but Drumline 2019 pre-audition rehearsals and auditions are coming up in February.  I've also attached an information letter with dates and other important information.

Let me know if you have any questions! 

~Laura Allegoet"

Here are the forms she was talking about:

Marching Band Uniform Order Form: Here  <------ OR -------->Here

Drumline 2019 Pre-Audition Infomation Packet: Here  <------- OR -------->Here

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

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

Booster Meeting, MB Uniform Sale Extended & Reminders

A message from Laura Allegoet - 

Hello band families!

Just a reminder that there is a band booster meeting this Wednesday, January 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the band room area (most likely the choir room).

We have extended the marching band uniform sale until Friday, January 18th.  Order form is below.  Get your piece of Howell High marching band history while you can!  Hat and plume make a great display for graduation memorabilia tables and the sash would be great to hang or frame with a diploma.  Some families are having the full uniform made into a tote bag!  Please note that we cannot guarantee that you will receive the uniform that your student wore.

Solo & Ensemble is January 18th and 19th at Brighton High School.  If your student signed up, their performance time is posted in the band room.  Good luck to everyone!

Pre-festival Concert is Thursday, February 21st at 7 p.m. in the Rod Bushey Auditorium.  We are still waiting to find out what dates we will be performing at Festival in March and will pass that info on as soon as we have it.

Questions?  Contact Laura at allegoel@howellschools.com     Thank you!

MB Uniform Help Needed

Happy New Year Band Families!

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday!  We jumped right back into things today at school with music and marching band uniforms!  The new marching band uniforms are here and we are in need of help to unbox and put them away.

Help is needed tomorrow (Thursday the 3rd) between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - any amount of time you can help would be greatly appreciated.  We will be inspecting and inventorying the new uniforms and putting them away in the uniform room.  Please email Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com or text Christyne MacDermaid at 734-476-0312 if you can help.  Just remember to bring your i.d. to school - they will check it when signing in at the welcome desk.

Thank you!

Honors Band Congrats

Congratulations to our Howell High School band students that were selected for the Livingston County Honors Band (LCHB)!  LCHB consists of students from Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney and Fowlerville high school bands. LCHB concert is Monday, February 4th at 7 p.m. in the Rod Bushey Auditorium at Howell High School.  Congratulations everyone!!!!

Flute

Olivia LaCommare

Sara Reder

Chloe Chandler

Clarinet

Kim Meagher

Grace Fyke

Andrew Damboiu

Alto Sax

Matt Roberts

Tenor Sax

Braden Gregory

Trumpet

Sean Gleason

French Horn

Drew LaCommare

Sharon Kwan

Trombone

Kyle Brinker

Renae Kenney

Euphonium

Jenna Wellman

Owen Tolsdorf

Tuba

Matt Armbruster

Percussion

Alec Pominville

Jadon Deland

Concert Reminder & Jazz Band Update!

❄☃️❄

Date: Tuesday, December 11th
Concert starts at 7 p.m.
Jazz Band: report time 6:15 (be on stage and ready to rehearse at 6:15)
Report time for all other bands is 6:30pm - In performance uniform
Where: Rod Bushey / HHS Auditorium

Help needed!  After the concert, students wearing vests and jackets need to turn them in at the band uniform room.  Need helpers to assist with this (similar to marching band uniform turn in). Please come to the band room after the concert if you can help. Thank you!

- Laura

Buying your MB uniform, no booster meeting, need help tomorrow

A message from Laura Allegoet:

Howell MB Uniform:

Out with the old…… in with the new! Thanks to funds from Howell Public Schools, the Howell High School Marching Band was able to purchase new marching band uniforms. If you would like a piece of history – the current (soon to be “former”) marching band uniforms are for sale. These iconic uniforms have been in use for over 15 years and are associated with lots of history and memories.

We’re offering interested families the chance to commemorate that history by keeping a piece of it. Parents have expressed interest in a hat and plume for graduation memorabilia tables, and in sashes to hang or frame with a diploma. Uniforms can also be turned into a pillow or tote bag. There are several on-line companies that can turn your uniform into a work of art. If interested in more info, mention that in your order or email Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com

Order form is below. Please share the order form with anyone you think might be interested (alumni, etc.). Your uniform order will be delivered sometime in January.

ORDER FORM  <--------------

HHS Band Booster Meeting:

Reminder: NO band booster meeting this month! The next band booster meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the choir room. Hope to see you there!

Help Needed:

Help needed: TOMORROW - Thursday, December 5th at 10 a.m. in the band room. We need to steam all of the new Wind Ensemble jackets and Highlander Band vests. If you can help, please contact Christyne MacDermaid at christynemacdermaid@gmail.com or 734-476-0312. Must have current Howell Schools volunteer forms completed with the school in order to help.

HHS Band Program Concert:

Holiday Band Concert: Tuesday, December 11th at 7 p.m. in the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. Student report time is 6:30.

Thanks for supporting Howell Bands!

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

~ Nicole "Jade" Prewett

Shirt & tie delivery / post-Thanksgiving updates

Thank you to everyone that helped with the Fantasy of Lights parade and soup potluck!  Great performance by our HHS marching band! 

Shirt & tie pick-up and payment are this Thursday, November 29th! Students will have an opportunity during class on Thursday to get their shirts and ties if they ordered them.

Cost is $20 for the shirt and tie combo, $16 for just the shirt, and ties are $5 each. Checks payable to Howell HS Band. If your student doesn't have their payment on Thursday, they can pay and get their shirt any time up until December 10th (day before concert).

Thanks to the band boosters and donations to the band program, we were able to purchase vests for Highlander Band and new jackets for Wind Ensemble. Students in these bands were fitted for their jacket or vest and they are in also! 

Jackets and vests are the property of Howell High School Bands and will be stored at the school. They must be turned in to the band uniform room at the end of each concert/performance. Lost or damaged jackets will be the responsibility of the student and they will be charged the cost to replace it (just like a lost or damaged library book).

Jazz Band practice from yesterday is NOT being rescheduled this week. Remaining rehearsals are:
Monday, December 3rd 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, December 10th 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Holiday Band Concert is Tuesday, December 11th at 7 p.m. in the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center.

Questions?  Please contact Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com

Thank you! - Laura

Fantasy of Lights / November Band Info

Fantasy of Lights Parade
Rehearsal for marching band members for the Fantasy of Lights Parade:

Thursday, November 15th  2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, November 19th  2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Fantasy of Lights Parade is Friday, November 23rd.
Report time:  5 p.m. (Grand River closes at 5 p.m.)
Busses and trailer leave high school for parade:  6 p.m.
Parade starts at 7 p.m.
We are #33 in the parade line-up.

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

Students are allowed to wear stuff under their uniform to keep warm (long-johns or under-armor helps out a lot), 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).

We are also having our annual soup 'n such potluck at the band room after the parade - a great way for everyone to warm up!  Click on the sign up link below if you can help and/or make a donation.

ANNUAL POTLUCK SIGN UP LINK HERE <----------

Jazz Band
Jazz band starts Monday, November 19th in the band room - here is the rehearsal schedule:

Monday, November 19th  3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Monday, November 26th  2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, December 3rd  2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, December 10th  2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Jazz band is optional but, in order to participate, students MUST ATTEND 3 OF THE 4 REHEARSALS!

Solo & Ensemble
If your student signed up to participate in Solo & Ensemble in January, their registration fee is due this Friday, November 16th.  Students can find how much they owe on the list posted in the band room.  Or, if you need to know how much your student owes, please contact Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com

Winter Concert:

Date:  Tuesday, December 11th
When:  7pm
Report Time:  6:30pm - In performance uniform
Where:  Rod Bushey / HHS Auditorium

Each ensemble has their own version of the following performance uniform which has been / will be discussed during their respective classes / hrs.

Concert (9th Grade) Band Performance Uniform:

- White Formal Shirt
- Black Tie
- Black Pants
- Black Socks and Dress Shoes

Concert Shirts:
The shirts / ties are in - but need to be sorted.  Mr. Smigell will make an announcement about when the shirts / ties are ready to be passed out.

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 can pay when the shirts / ties are delivered - up until the day of the concert.  Payment is needed in order to receive your shirt.

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



 

Shirt Fittings and FOL Parade Info

Concert Shirt Fittings:
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 this Thursday, November 1st during 7th hour to do white, formal shirt fittings.  The shirts / ties will come in around the end of November.

PLEASE - order your shirt and tie on Thursday if you are a freshman or need a new shirt!  Mr. Smigell would like all the shirts to be the same and ordering them all from Brighton Tux ensures they will be.  These prices are also less than you can find at most places.

Prices are:

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

You pay by cash or check made to Howell HS Bands. Payment can be made on Thursday or when the shirts come in.  Formal shirts and ties will be worn at the next concert on December 11th.

New Wind Ensemble Jackets and Highlander Band Vests
Thanks to the band boosters and donations made to the band program, we are able to purchase new jackets for Wind Ensemble and vests for Highlander Band.  Brighton Tux Shop will be fitting Wind Ensemble and Highlander Band for their new attire on Thursday, November 1st.

Like our marching band uniforms, the jackets and vests will be turned in after each concert and stored in the band room.  Students in Wind Ensemble and Highlander Band will be assigned a jacket or vest for the school year.  All bands wear their white formal shirt and tie for concert performances.  Concert Band and Symphonic Band do NOT wear a jacket or vest.


Fantasy of Lights Parade
Rehearsal for marching band members for the Fantasy of Lights Parade:

Tuesday, November 13th  2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 15th  2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, November 19th  2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Fantasy of Lights Parade is Friday, November 23rd.
Report time:  5 p.m. (Grand River closes at 5 p.m.)
Busses and trailer leave high school for parade:  6 p.m.
Parade starts at 7 p.m.

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

We don't know our position number in the parade yet.

Students are allowed to wear stuff under their uniform to keep warm (long-johns or under-armor helps out a lot), 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).

Help needed Monday, Oct. 15 @7am!!  We need help for about an hour hanging up raincoats in the band room.  If you can help, please text Christyne MacDermaid at 734-476-0312.

The first band concert is on Wednesday.  We have our awesome raffle again this year before the concert.  This year we are changing it up in hopes that the concert doesn’t go too long.  We will be putting names on the tickets instead of using numbers.  An easy way to speed this process up is using an address label instead of handwriting each one.  There are a lot of great baskets waiting for you to win!!