BAND CALENDAR FOR REMAINDER OF SCHOOL YEAR!

 CALENDAR

Great band happenings to finish out the school year!  Detailed information about each event can be found below the calendar:

APRIL

29                MARCHING BAND / CAMP FORMS ALONG WITH DEPOSIT OR DISCOUNTED 

                    PAYMENT DUE Click here for forms / info

29                HOWELLPALOOZA (variety show featuring rock band, jazz band, percussion ensemble and other talented HHS students!)

19- MAY 2  BAND RAFFLE VIA FACEBOOK  

MAY

1                  DEADLINE TO ORDER CONCERT SHIRTS AT BRIGHTON TUX SHOP 

3 & 4           COLOR GUARD CLINIC FROM 6:30 TO 8:30 PM IN BAND ROOM

5                  BAND BOOSTER MEETING VIA ZOOM

7                  CONCERT TICKETS AVAILABLE ON-LINE VIA LUDUS (see concert info below)

11                COLOR GUARD CLINIC & TRY-OUTS FROM 6:30 TO 8:30 PM IN BAND ROOM

12                BAND CONCERT at 7 p.m. FOR:

• Concert Band, Symphonic Band & Jazz Band

13                BAND CONCERT at 7 p.m. FOR:

• Highlander Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble & Senior Recognition

13                PICTURES DUE FOR AWARDS CEREMONY SLIDE SHOW!

14                TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR AWARDS CEREMONY VIA LUDUS (see info below)

17                LAST DAY FOR SENIORS

18                BAND AWARDS CEREMONY at 7 p.m. in the auditorium (a.k.a. band banquet)

21                FINAL MARCHING BAND / CAMP PAYMENT & FORMS DUE (Color Guard: see below for modified schedule)

22                GRADUATION

28                LAST DAY FOR EVERYONE!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2021-22 DRUM MAJORS!

• Ellie Bonanni
• Grace Fyke
• Gabbie Mena

BAND RAFFLE & DONATIONS!

Click here for info about the raffle via FaceBook & how to make a donation!

MARCHING BAND / CAMP FORMS & MINIMUM DEPOSIT DUE THURSDAY 4/29!

Forms available in the band room and by clicking here:  Click here for forms / info

IF your student is out of school on quarantine, etc. you can mail your forms and payment to the high school (address in packet) OR email the forms to me at allegoel@howellschools.com and send payment to school with your student when they return or pay via PayPal through Charms (instructions in packet).

HOWELLPALOOZA - THURSDAY 4/29 at 7 pm in Rod Bushey Auditorium!

This is a great variety show featuring rock band, jazz band, percussion ensemble and other talented students!  There is no charge but, you must have a ticket and wear a mask properly to attend (mask over your nose and mouth). Tickets will be available Monday 4/26 by clicking here:  HOWELLPALOOZA TICKETS (available Monday 4/26)   (the show will also be live-streamed - stay tuned for the link!)

COLOR GUARD CLINICS & TRY-OUTS!

REVISED SCHEDULE:

May 3rd and 4th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Clinics in the high school band room

May 11th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Clinic and auditions/try-outs in the band room

May 17th - discounted payment amount ($325) or minimum $50 deposit due with paperwork

May 26th - full payment due ($350 due if not paid in full by May 17th)

Questions about Color Guard?  Please contact Ashley at (810) 588-3652 or aqdgirl16@gmail.com

BAND CONCERTS - MAY 12TH & 13TH at 7 p.m. in Rod Bushey Auditorium (students report to band room at 6:30 p.m. in their full concert uniform)

Due to seating limitations, our band concerts will be held on two different nights with different groups performing each night as follows:

• May 12th:  Concert Band, Symphonic Band & Jazz Band
• May 13th:  Highlander Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble. We will also be recognizing our seniors on this night :)

Tickets and proper mask wearing are required (mask over your nose and mouth)!  Tickets will be available at no charge via LUDUS on May 7th at approximately noon by clicking here:  CONCERT TICKETS: LIMIT 3 PER FAMILY (available 5/7 - at approximately noon)

Due to seating limitations, we ask that you limit to 3 tickets per family so that everyone can enjoy the performance.  Once the concerts are sold out, we cannot admit any other guests.  Both performances will also be live-streamed for viewing at home.  A link to the live-stream will be provided the week of the concerts.

CONCERT UNIFORM

The deadline to order and be fitted for a concert tuxedo shirt at Brighton Tux Shop is May 1st!  CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT CONCERT SHIRTS & UNIFORM

BAND BOOSTER MEETING - MAY 5TH

Join us for the final band booster meeting of the 2020-21 school year via Zoom!

When: May 5, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqdO2rqjIvGddNzPkClBrVxKfFkBvaT52T
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

BAND AWARDS CEREMONY (a.k.a. Band Banquet)

Tuesday, May 18th at 7 p.m. in the Rod Bushey Auditorium

We hope you can join us to celebrate our great band students and a great year at Howell HS Bands!  Despite COVID, our band students have accomplished a lot and we have a lot to celebrate and be grateful for!  

We are holding the awards ceremony in the auditorium this year in order to follow guidelines for COVID capacity limits and proper social distancing.  There is no charge but, you must have a ticket and wear a mask properly to attend (mask over your nose and mouth).  Tickets will be available on LUDUS May 14th by clicking here:  BAND AWARDS CEREMONY TICKETS (available 5/14)  (the ceremony will also be live-streamed - stay tuned for a link to view!)

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

HHS Marching Band will not be performing in the Memorial Day Parade this year.  We look forward to participating in this great event next year!

Band Raffle SNEAK PEEK!!!!

The Spring Band Booster Fundraiser is off to an amazing start.  We hope you are following along with the "Howell Band Boosters Online Raffle" on Facebook Groups.  

• Over the next two weeks, we will post a variety of online raffle items. Each item will have its own post containing a photo and description along with the number of available tickets and price per ticket. There will be a new raffle item posted each day. To maximize the Band's earning potential, we need your help by inviting friends and family to participate in this online raffle

• If your family & friends are not on Facebook, we have a direct link for donations to the Spring Band Booster Fundraiser: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=L6SNW369YBVQ6&fbclid=IwAR3x-XTzzLQJ8kg4UtWPquRde5rdyPPVX0xn5ygyZybpQ99VhwqwTCoulzQ

• To encourage HHS Band member's families to partake in the raffle we are giving you a SNEAK PEEK!!  We will be raffling FULL TUITION to 2021 HHS Marching Band Camp on Thursday 4/22 at 4:00pm! Tickets are only $10! If you have already started to make camp payments we will reimburse the winner.

Raffle

The Online Howell Band Boosters Raffle is launching Monday 4/19!  The spring band fundraiser is an "Online Raffle" through Facebook Groups. Yes, you have to be a Facebook member to participate. The proceeds will benefit the entire Howell High School Band program. 

Join the Online Raffle Group.. 1) Search group name "Howell Band Boosters Online Raffle Group," 2) Ask to join, and 3) Invite your Facebook friends to join too!  

How does it work???? We will post a variety of online raffle items over the next two weeks. Each item will have its own post containing a photo and description along with the number of available tickets and price per ticket. Tickets will be sold via Paypal. There will be a new raffle item posted each day. Items will remain open until all tickets are sold.  Then an online drawing will occur for the winner through a Facebook Live event. You do not have to be present to win.  

Proceed to the "Howell Band Boosters Online Raffle Facebook" group to read the rules.  If you have additional questions, post to the group, and the admins will help you.

Thank you for supporting the Howell High School Band Boosters!

Co-Chairs

Dana Sleder & Jami Fyke

CONCERT UNIFORM / BAND RAFFLE / COLOR GUARD / CALENDAR

CONCERT UNIFORM / ATTIRE

Our final band concerts of the school year are May 12th and 13th.  Mr. Smigell would like to have everyone wear their formal, concert uniform for these concerts.  If you have a shirt, tie, black pants and black shoes from previous years in HHS band and everything fits, you're all set!  If not, here's what you'll need:

Concert and Symphonic Bands:
- Black pants
- White, wing collar, pleated TUXEDO shirt.  There is a cost to you for the shirt (see below for ordering options).
- Black bow tie - see below for ordering options
- Black shoes - solid black please!

- Black socks

Highlander Band:
- Same items as Concert and Symphonic Bands
- Black Vest - you will be fit for this during class.  Vests are currently provided by the band program at no cost to students.

Wind Ensemble:
- Same items as Concert and Symphonic Bands
- Black tuxedo jacket - you will be fit for this during class.  Jackets are currently provided by the band at no cost to students.

• If you need financial assistance to obtain a shirt and tie, please let Mr. Smigell (smigellj@howellschools.com) or Laura Allegoet (allegoel@howellschools.com) know.  We have a few available to loan here at the school.

SHIRT ORDER OPTION #1 (Brighton Tux Shop):

• Brighton Tux Shop (8692 W. Grand River, Brighton - in front of Brighton Meijer)  CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO BRIGHTON TUX SHOP WEBSITE

Mr. Rick Bourbonias and Brighton Tux have provided us with shirts and ties for many years.  His prices are almost unbeatable and he provides us with great service.  Due to Covid, we are unable to provide fittings for students at the school.  You will need to visit the Brighton Tux Shop to place your order and get fitted for a shirt.  Shirts and/or ties will be delivered to your student at the school once your order arrives so you only need to make one visit to Brighton Tux :)  

Prices are:
White Formal Shirt - $18.50
Black Tie -$5
Combo - $23 (Shirt + Tie)

• ORDER DEADLINE FROM BRIGHTON TUX IS MAY 1ST!

WHAT IF I ONLY NEED A TIE? OR I ORDER THE SHIRT FROM OPTION #2?

No problem!  We will have ties available for purchase in the band room for $5 each AFTER May 5th.

**If you decide to order from a different vendor than the two options we have listed here, the concert uniform shirts are white, wing collar, tuxedo shirts with 1/4 inch pleats.  

SHIRT ORDERING OPTION #2 (Amazon):

CLICK HERE TO ORDER ON AMAZON: BOYS/MEN'S SHIRTS

CLICK HERE TO ORDER ON AMAZON: GIRLS/WOMEN'S SHIRTS

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO ON HOW TO MEASURE NECK & ARM LENGTH FOR MEN'S SHIRTS

CLICK HERE FOR SIZING GUIDE FOR WOMEN'S SHIRTS

BAND RAFFLE SURVEY - due April 11th!

You could win great prizes!  The Howell Band Boosters will be conducting an online raffle to help raise funds for the band program.  We will post a new raffle item each day and sell a limited number of tickets for each item starting April 18.  We are asking you to help us choose the items for the raffle by completing our very brief interest survey.  

Link to survey: https://forms.gle/PZmxp9dQsFk7TMPL8

--

Survey closes on April 11, 2021

COLOR GUARD - Marching Band Auxillary

April 19th at 7 p.m. - Informational meeting via Zoom with Ashley Quick-Drossart (Color Guard Coach)

• Registration required via Google form so we can send you the Zoom meeting link:  CLICK HERE FOR COLOR GUARD ZOOM MEETING REGISTRATION FORM LINK

April 20th - Marching Band Camp Scholarship Applications due

April 26th & 28th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Clinics in the high school band room

May 3rd from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Clinic and auditions

May 10th - discounted payment amount ($325) or minimum $50 deposit due with paperwork

May 24th - full payment due ($350 due if not paid in full by May 10th)

**REVISED SCHEDULE:

May 3rd and 4th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Clinics in the high school band room

May 11th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Clinic and auditions/try-outs

May 17th - discounted payment amount ($325) or minimum $50 deposit due with paperwork

May 26th - full payment due ($350 due if not paid in full by May 17th)

Questions about Color Guard?  Please contact Ashley at (810) 588-3652 or aqdgirl16@gmail.com

BAND CONCERTS

Band concerts for Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Highlander Band, Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble are currently scheduled for May 12th and 13th.  We are keeping our fingers and toes crossed that we will be able to have the concerts with a live, limited audience.  If no live audience is allowed at that time, we will live stream the concerts like we did last month.  Stay tuned for more details!

BAND BOOSTER MEETING - MAY 5TH

Join us for the final band booster meeting of the 2020-21 school year via Zoom!

When: May 5, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqdO2rqjIvGddNzPkClBrVxKfFkBvaT52T
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

CALENDAR

APRIL

15 - 19        MUSICAL - "Forbidden Cabaret" in the HHS/Rod Bushey Auditorium  

                        CLICK HERE TO ORDER TICKETS - AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY!

19                COLOR GUARD INFORMATIONAL MEETING VIA ZOOM (see above for info)

20                MARCHING BAND / CAMP SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DUE Click here for application

23                VIRTUAL SCHOOL - 1/2 DAY

26 & 28       COLOR GUARD CLINICS FROM 6:30 TO 8:30 PM IN BAND ROOM

29                MARCHING BAND / CAMP FORMS ALONG WITH DEPOSIT OR DISCOUNTED 

                    PAYMENT DUE Click here for forms / info

29                HOWELLPALOOZA (variety show featuring rock band, percussion ensemble and other talented HHS students!)

MAY

TBD            BAND BANQUET (band awards and end of year celebration)

3                  COLOR GUARD CLINIC & TRYOUTS FROM 6:30 TO 8:30 PM IN BAND ROOM

12                BAND CONCERT (live-streamed or in-person depending on Covid guidelines at the time)

13                BAND CONCERT (live-streamed or in-person depending on Covid guidelines at the time)

17                LAST DAY FOR SENIORS

21                FINAL MARCHING BAND / CAMP PAYMENT & FORMS DUE

22                GRADUATION

28                LAST DAY FOR EVERYONE!

31                MEMORIAL DAY

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE?????

Traditionally, HHS Marching Band / Color Guard performs in the Memorial Day Parade in downtown Howell.  However, we do not know if we will be able to participate this year due to Covid.  Our participation will depend on State guidelines closer to the parade date and Howell Schools approval.  We will not have a decision or more info about the parade until the end of April, at the earliest.  The parade has always been optional for marching band / color guard members and will continue to be. We understand very much the importance of having "one last hurrah" for our marching seniors and are taking that into consideration heavily. Stay tuned!

-

MARCHING BAND & CAMP FORMS / DRUMLINE INFO / BAND CAMP VIDEO

MARCHING BAND FORMS / INFO

Here is all of the paperwork and information from the band camp meeting.  Please click on what is needed, print it, fill it out in full and turn it in by the due date. Band camp forms are also available in the band room.  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.  Marching Band and Band Camp are AWESOME!!

MARCHING BAND STUDENT PACKET

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION - DUE APRIL 20TH

MARCHING BAND CHAPERONE PACKET

8TH GRADE INFORMATION

DRUMLINE INFORMATION

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

BAND CAMP VIDEO

If you'd like to take a peak at Eagle Village and some of the fun camp activities, take a look at this video made by HHS Band alum Kousa Y.

Band Camp Video

MARCHING BAND & CAMP MTG. 3/23!!!!

 BAND CAMP MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 23RD AT 7 P.M. via WEBINAR

* Optional, informational meeting for Marching Band and Camp:

Tuesday, March 23rd at 7 p.m. via Webinar:

Webinar link to join meeting:  WEBINAR LINK - CLICK HERE

• Forms will be available on the band blog before the meeting if you'd like to view while we go over them

This meeting is optional. Registration forms and detailed information will be available in the band room (high school and middle schools) and on the band blog if you can't attend.

Band Camp is Sunday, August 8th to Thursday, August 12th.  Squad leader day is August 5th and Newbie day (for all new marching band members) is August 6th.

MARCHING BAND & CAMP MTG. / DRUMLINE AUDITIONS / DRUM MAJOR CLINICS

Hard to believe we are 3/4 of the way through the school year!  We're excited that we've been able to have our first concerts and are looking forward to more great band events:

BAND CAMP MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 23RD AT 7 P.M. via WEBINAR

* Informational meeting for Marching Band and Camp:

Tuesday, March 23rd at 7 p.m. via Webinar:

Webinar link to join meeting:  WEBINAR LINK - CLICK HERE

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

Band Camp is Sunday, August 8th to Thursday, August 12th.  Squad leader day is August 5th and Newbie day (for all new marching band members) is August 6th.

At this time, we are planning to go away for band camp.  However, we realize that this might not be possible so, we're also making alternative plans for a home band camp.  Home camp will be much more fun this year if we need to go this route - we promise!

DRUMLINE MEETING & AUDITIONS

Drumline is our first marching band group to get started for the 2021-22 season!  Below is a schedule of events:

Leadership clinic & auditions:  March 25th from 6 to 9 pm

  (returning members in grades 10 - 12, if interested in a leadership position)

Audition Clinics:  April 3rd from 10 am to 4 pm

                           April 6th from 6 to 9 pm

                           April 8th from 6 to 9 pm

All clinics are held in the high school band room.  You must attend all of the audition clinics and band camp in order to be a member of drum line.  Any scheduling conflicts should be discussed with Shaun McDonnell, Drumline Coach at sm@eisoft.com   Drumline members will be announced at the end of the last clinic.  See the link below for detailed info:

DRUMLINE CLINIC & AUDITION INFO / DATES

COLOR GUARD

No dates for color guard clinics or auditions have been set at this time.  Stay tuned for more info!

DRUM MAJOR CLINICS & AUDITIONS

If you are interested in auditioning to be a marching band drum major for 2021-22, here are the dates for clinics and auditions:

April 5th & 12th - Drum Major Clinic (band room after school)

April 19th - Drum Major Auditions

THIS LINK SHOULD WORK FOR THE SYMPHONIC BAND STREAM!!!

 

Sorry folks we are about to start!  This link should work for the symphonic band stream!!!

Symphonic Band:  https://boxcast.tv/view/symphonic-band-470883

All of the band links can be found here on the original March 9th post below: 

http://hhsbands.blogspot.com/2021/03/band-concerts-live-stream-video-links.html

BAND CONCERTS - LIVE STREAM / VIDEO LINKS! WEDS. 3/10 & THURS. 3/11

Hello everyone!  Here is the streaming schedule for our virtual concerts this Wednesday 3/10 and Thursday 3/11!  Simply click on the link at the appropriate time, and you should be all set!

You can watch this live or come back and watch it later!! 

We are so excited to be playing for you.  The kids have all put in a bunch of work and are proud of what they have accomplished.  

REMINDER - Students should wear or bring "nice, dressy clothes" to school the day of their concert performance. Attire could include khakis, dress pants, skirt, dress, polo shirt, long sleeve dress shirt, suit and tie.  Please.....NO jeans, t-shirts, sweat pants or athletic wear.

Here is the streaming link information for the concerts this week and a program:

Band Concerts		Stream URL
Wednesday, March 10th
8:05 a.m. - Symphonic Band		https://boxcast.tv/view/symphonic-band-470883
9:45 a.m. - Wind Ensemble		https://boxcast.tv/view/wind-ensemble-225315
1:20 p.m. - Percussion Ensemble		https://boxcast.tv/view/percussion-ensemble-968909
Thursday, March 11th
8:05 a.m. - Highlander Band		https://boxcast.tv/view/highlander-band-769151
1:20 p.m. - Concert Band		https://boxcast.tv/view/concert-band-885390

Click here for Concert Program:

Winter 2021 Concert Program

 

-Smigell

Concert Dates & Band Updates!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Our first band concerts of the school year!  All of our bands will perform during their regular class period on March 10th and 11th.  All performances will be live streamed and also available for viewing at a later time (you do NOT have to watch the live stream to see the concert).  Unfortunately, we cannot have a live audience at this time.

A link for the live stream and recordings will be provided next week via email and here on the band blog. Our band students have been working hard and are excited to share their talents and perform for you!

*  March 10th - virtual concerts

Symphonic Band  - approximately 8 a.m.

Wind Ensemble  - approximately 9:45 a.m.

Percussion Ensemble  - approximately  1:15 p.m.

*  March 11th - virtual concerts

Highlander Band  - approximately 8 a.m.

Concert Band  - approximately 1:15 p.m.

Students should wear or bring "nice, dressy clothes" to school the day of their concert performance. Attire could include khakis, dress pants, skirt, dress, polo shirt, long sleeve dress shirt, suit and tie.  Please.....NO jeans, t-shirts, sweat pants or athletic wear. If you need assistance with obtaining concert clothing, please let Mr. Smigell or I know! 

*  March 23rd

Informational meeting for Marching Band Camp:

Tuesday, March 23rd at 7 p.m. via Zoom or Webinar

 (details with a link to join the meeting coming soon!)

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 8th to Thursday, August 12th.  

Squad leader day is August 5th and Newbie day (for all new marching

 band members) is August 6th.  We understand that there are still

some unknowns in regards to marching band camp.  We are in the

process of coming up with alternatives if we are unable to go away

to camp but, we will be having band camp in some form from August 8th to 12th!

* April 7th 

Band Booster Meeting via Zoom at 6:30 p.m.

Please email Breanne Green at bcnichols@gmail.com if you are

interested in attending.  She will send you a link to sign up for the 

Zoom meeting link.

Mid-May

End of year concert!  We will have more details within the 

next month with dates.  Our hope is to be able to have an 

in-person concert before the end of the school year! 

Memorial Day Parade

The Memorial Day Parade organizers have not yet determined if there will be a Memorial Day Parade this year.  Traditionally, marching band performs in the parade.  We will let everyone know as soon as we have more information.

Stay tuned! 

Questions?  Email Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com or Mr. Smigell at smigellj@howellschools.com

Booster Meeting Tonight

We’d love to see you at the band booster meeting tonight at 6:30pm on Zoom.  Please email Breanne for the log in information.  bcnichols@gmail.com

PICTURES & BAND BOOSTER MEETING

Hello band families!

BAND BOOSTER MEETING - FEB. 3RD

Wednesday, February 3rd at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom

Email Breanne Green at bcnichols@gmail.com for the Zoom link if you're interested in attending.  All are invited and encouraged to attend!

BAND CLASS PHOTOS - FEB. 9TH & 10TH

Dan Zeppa of DZ Productions is taking our group, class photos for the yearbook on Febuary 9th and 10th.  

Students in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Highlander Band, Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble should wear or bring "nice, dressy clothes" to school that day if they want to be included in the group photo. Attire could include khakis, dress pants, skirt, dress, polo shirt, long sleeve dress shirt, suit and tie.  Please.....NO jeans, t-shirts, sweat pants or athletic wear. If you need assistance with obtaining clothing for the photo, please let Mr. Smigell or I know!

Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, we are unable to fit students for their typical, formal concert attire at this time.

PICTURE SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, February 9th - Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble & Percussion Ensemble

Wednesday, February 10th - Highlander Band & Concert Band

++++REVISED SCHEDULE DUE TO SNOW DAY ON FRIDAY, FEB. 5TH:

Tuesday, February 9th - Highlander Band & Concert Band

Wednesday, February 10th - Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble & Percussion Ensemble

IF we have a snow day on one or both of those days, we will reschedule our photos for a different date.  

More info to come on future band performances (whether recorded or in-person).  QUESTIONS? Email Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com

Take care - Laura :)

Booster Meeting

 The booster meeting that was scheduled for tonight is CANCELLED.  The next meeting will be via Zoom on February 3, 2021, at 6:30pm.  Please leave a comment if you’d like to be included.  We’d love to see new faces going forward into this new year.  😊

Finally, The Holiday Digital Audio Goodies You Were Looking For!

 

That's right folks!

Just in time for the holidays, Howell Instrumental Music is here to present a few digital gems for you to enjoy!  Below is a link to a google folder.  All of the projects were done by kids within the HHS Band program using Soundtrap Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).  It is a computer application that allows people to use a DAW simultaneously to record, edit, mix, and compose music.  I provided a couple of the best offerings from each class, and in the ROAST BEAST folder are the two main courses... 'Sleigh Ride' and the Percussion Ensemble's Arrangement of 'Mad Russian's Christmas', complete with video!

I also left a document with credits listing who was on each project.  Even if your child's project was not chosen for the showcase, it still exists, and your student can still open up the file and show you (some projects were "cleaner" than others, but everyone did a good job!).

Special thanks especially to Mason Macdermaid for all his help with helping me learn how to use a DAW, Sean Gleason for doing the vast majority of arranging on the perc project, and Nick Walker for organizing and producing Sleigh Ride! Even more thanks is heaped upon Sean and Nick for producing the videos for Sleigh Ride and Mad Russian on ridiculously short notice.

And, as always, thanks to Laura Allegoet for keeping everything on track and running.  I hope very much everyone has a SAFE and happy holiday break and I'll see you soon!

** CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE DRIVE FOLDER:    HOLIDAY DIGITAL AUDIO RECORDINGS & VIDEO GOODIES!

-Smigell

Update! For some reason it seems the Sleigh Ride Google shortcut is broken, so here is the youtube link to it (again, please don't post elsewhere for copyright reasons).

Sleigh Ride Youtube link

RECORDINGS FROM THE FIRST SEMESTER!

Hey folks!  I said I would be "dropping" some recordings/videos for you in the near future so here they are!  A couple caveats:

1. The recordings originally were supposed to be archival, but when we were unable to have an in-person concert, I realized these recordings are the only records of what we did during "The summer and fall of COVID-19".  They are pretty rough, but in hindsight, they really are pure gold.  In a way, we managed to make some little miracles. for everybody.  I will say again that I could not be more proud of EVERY SINGLE CHILD that accompanied me up the COVID-19 mountain and came back down again.

2. I included some "out-takes" (Like Laura Allegoet playing the sleigh bells and the ninth graders having to deal with a backhoe during class outside) to help provide some "flavor".  Perhaps, someday if you have some "flavor" videos, we can share those as well.

3.  I would prefer that you not post these recordings elsewhere for a variety of reasons.  Let's keep them "In house" for you to enjoy (ok - maybe send some to grandma, but don't put them on facebook ok? :)

Click on the link below for the Google folder with the videos and recordings for you to peruse.  Let us know if you can't open it by emailing Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com

HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL BANDS - VIDEOS & RECORDINGS - SUMMER/FALL 2020

Hopefully, tomorrow I will have a bunch more DIGITAL HOLIDAY GOODIES for you to listen to and officially open the HOLIDAY BREAK SEASON!!!!

-Smigell

UPDATES FOR THE END OF THE SEMESTER!

 

Hello everyone!

Well, can you believe that it is the end of the calendar year and the end of the first semester of school?  It hasn't been easy, but I can say honestly that I couldn't be more proud of these kids!  I know I sound like a broken record, but I think we need to hammer the point home the we made miracles happen. In person schooling?  Check.  Performing with a marching band outdoors during a pandemic?  Check.  Safely rehearsing indoors and recording some pieces of music?  Check.  We could not have done it without your help and support, both monetarily and in spirit. 

This post is just an update on how things are going and a few options that are available to you and your kids.

What we have been up to?

-All the instrumental groups (Bands and Perc Ensemble) are working on recording projects using the Soundtrap (TM) digital audio workstation (DAW).  It is a very powerful recording and music writing tool that you should check out with them.  If they work hard, they all should all have something that they can send to grandma as a holiday treat!  There is also a playing test that is due next week that was assigned in schoology.

Does your internet suck?

-It has come to our attention that some of the households in the band family are experiencing difficulties with their internet.  It is a real damper on the kids trying to get their work done.  DID YOU KNOW THAT THE HIGH SCHOOL IS OFFERING WIFI HOTSPOTS FREE OF CHARGE!?!?!?!?!? If you have difficulties for any reason, you should check it out by calling the main office at 517 540 8320!

Please let your children play their instruments!

So... Coronavirus has screwed up our lives in so many ways.  One way is your kids having class meetings before the rest of the house wakes up.  Unfortunately for our 8:00am bands, there really isn't any way around it.  On behalf of your children, can they please play during class so they can finish their projects and playing tests?  That is the time that I am officially available for everyone to practice and help students.  If it is simply too much of a problem, please email me at smigellj@howellschools.com so I can set up an appointment with that group to work at another time. 

We will finally be releasing recordings.

Sometime next week we will be posting our recordings that the bands made during October to a private YouTube channel so you can listen to them.  I will work on getting the download code for the "Marching Band Live" concert stream as well.  We did really good work this fall and you should be able to listen to it.   

PLEASE DON'T SUFFER IN SILENCE

We really do take care of our own here at Howell Bands.  Some kids are taking the shutdown worse than others.  KIDS.. if it's bad TELL ME.. tell someone!  We can help.  Even if it is just a little bit, we can help.  Parents, that goes for you too.  We need to take of ourselves, and there is nothing wrong with admitting that you might be having a tough go of it (I know I am, but I'm doing my best).  If there is anything I can do for any of you, email me at smigellj@howellschools.com.  If you are doing peachy, HELP SOMEONE ELSE!  Lots of people need it!

TAKE CARE EVERYBODY!!! BE SAFE!! WEAR YOUR MASKS! HAPPY HOLIDAYS

 

12-2-20 band booster meeting

 12-2-20 band booster meeting

If you're interested in learning more about band boosters and/or helping "behind the scenes", our next Band Booster meeting is:

Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 6:30 pm. This meeting will be held via ZOOM. Please register in advance to receive the link to join the meeting by completing this Google form: https://bit.ly/hhsband1220

You will be emailed the meeting link, Meeting ID and passcode so you can join the Zoom meeting on Dec. 2nd. Any questions, please email our Band Booster V.P. Breanne Green at bcnichols@gmail.com

Band Booster Meeting - Nov. 18th at 6:30 p.m. via ZOOM

 

The next Howell Band Boosters meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 6:30 pm. This meeting will be held via ZOOM.

Please register in advance to receive the link to join the meeting. You will be emailed the meeting link, Meeting ID and passcode.

There is a google form for registration here:  https://bit.ly/bandboosters1120 

I will send the link out to those who registered.

Thanks!

-Breanne Green

bcnichols@gmail.com

A few updates and some thoughts about what is to come

Hello everyone,

As usual, if you want the TLDR (Too long, didn't read) version, scroll down to the bold print.  Anyway, it seems like a year ago that we were able to get some live performances in for the marching band.  Unfortunately, I was out on quarantine for a couple weeks and just finished my first week back instructing in person. Unfortunately, there is still lots of uncertainty regarding almost every aspect of our daily life and that includes band.  I figured it has been a long time since you've gotten an update, so I put one together with what I know, what I think will happen, and what band kids and their parents should be doing to keep current and prepared for the coming months..... Here we go.

What do I do if I am in quarantine? Read below!

First of all, sorry you are in quarantine, hope you are safe and healthy.  If you are in quarantine, check Schoology every day.  If there is an assignment you can find it there.  If we get new music, it will be digitized and available in your music folder.  If I am in quarantine or if we are virtual, I will post Zoom meeting times in your Schoology calendar.  If you are sad or are having a bad time of quarantine, please reach out with an email (smigellj@howellschools.com).  I mean it.  We will see what we can do to make your life a little brighter.

Will we be going virtual soon? Probably... 

That's the big question.  If you want my opinion, I think yes, we will be going virtual for at least a while in the near future.  There obviously will still be band class if we go virtual.  Unlike last time though, children will be expected to complete assignments if they want to get a good grade.  Don't worry, I will try to make them as fun, relevant, and doable as possible. 

Should I be taking my instrument home more often?  DUH! (yes)

Yes, obviously you should be taking your instrument home more often.  I have a feeling that if they pull us out of school there will be a better notification and lead time so everyone can be more prepared.  All the same, you never know.  Please try to be ready.  

But I am a tuba/percussionist/large instrument player!  What am I supposed to do?

There will be an opportunity for kids to pick up their large instruments if the announcement to pull out of school is made.  LARGE INSTRUMENT PLAYERS WILL BE EXPECTED TO PLAY FROM HOME THIS TIME.  I will be individually talking to percussionists this time to make sure that they at least have a bell kit and a practice pad or better this time around so that no one gets stuck needing an instrument.  If you are a tuba player and your parents only own a Prius, don't worry, I will help you figure it out, but that tuba is GOING HOME.

What about our concert?!?!? Ummmmmm.... read below.

We have not completely ruled out an in person concert for this calendar year.  I think things will become much clearer in the next week what is going to happen with that.  If we are unable to perform in person, obviously we will be putting together some sort of virtual/streamed/something else. event so the kids can show everyone how hard they have been working.  Unfortunately that's all I have right now for you.

What is MusicFirst? THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE OF THEM ALL PLEASE READ!

MusicFirst is a new feature for all of our bandos!  It is a suite of music applications bundled into one website that we will be using for online assignments and projects.  It includes much more interesting music theory, an improved practice monitor for instruments, a music writing/composition program and even a recording/beat making app!  EVERY CHILD NEEDS TO DO THE FOLLOWING ASAP:

1. Go to:   howellhs.musicfirstclassroom.com

2. Enter your username. Your username is your last name plus your first initial (Jason Smigell would be smigellj)

3. Login using your password.  Your password is your Howell Student ID number.

Lots of kids are out for quarantine and still need to log in to Music First.  PLEASE LOG IN ASAP AND EMAIL MRS. ALLEGOET AT allegoel@howellschools.com IF YOU WERE UNABLE TO DO IT!!  We will fix it for you or show you how to properly do it.  

Ok, that's it for now.  I hope you all are safe, healthy, and not watching the news too much.  Kids, you are heroic.  Parents, you have raised GOOD KIDS.

Please keep wearing your masks! (even over your nose :)

-Smigell

Great news! Live Stream for Marching Band Live! 10/20 & 10/21

Thanks to Mr. Aaron Metz, we are live streaming our marching band LIVE performances!  Both performances will be available to watch live!  Click on the link below around 7 p.m. on the day or days you'd like to watch:

Tuesday, 10/20 - Band Performance

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/howell-high-school-howell-mi/evt7db2e30c5f

Wednesday, 10/21 - Senior Night Performance:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/howell-high-school-howell-mi/evt3046e49fcf

• We are also videotaping the Wednesday night performance and will post/share at a later date.  We hope to correct live stream issues with sound but may not be able to do so.  No worries!  There will be a video for later viewing!

ALSO - if you need to change the date you attend a performance, please email me at allegoel@howellschools.com  With the last minute rescheduling of last night's performance, we definitely understand that might be necessary.  

Thank you also to Ryan Lane for bringing this live stream option to light! - Laura :)