Wednesday, May 18, 2022

THEY HAVE CHOSEN!

 


Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is my pleasure to announce the hiring of the next Howell High School Director of Bands!  After a long process and over 40 applicants (Including conducting auditions with our very own Highlander Band), the committee has made their decision.  Let me be the first to enthusiastically welcome Lisa Lachowski into the Howell family as our new director!!!!

Lisa hails most recently from Florida where she taught high school band and marching band.  She also was the drum major of the Spartan Marching Band during her time at Michigan State University.  I am already in contact with Ms. Lachowski and am doing everything in my power to assist in a smooth transition.  I just know she is going to carry our beloved Highlanders to new place and new wonderful accomplishments.  

Be glad, your future is very bright, my Highlanders!

-Smigell

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Tuesday, May 17, 2022

BAND AWARDS! MARCHING BAND $ DUE! RETIREMENT OPEN HOUSE! MEMORIAL DAY PARADE!

BAND AWARDS / END OF YEAR CELEBRATION! (a.k.a. Band Banquet)

Wednesday, May 18th at 7 p.m. in the Rod Bushey Auditorium
  • This is an optional event where we present awards to students that have earned their Varsity letter and other band awards (point sheets were due Friday the 13th).  We hope you can join us!
  • We will also be awarding the John Philip Sousa award to one of our Seniors!  The prestigious John Philip Sousa award goes to an outstanding HHS band Senior every year.  Students nominate candidates and then vote for ONE senior band member that they think demonstrates band awesomeness!  Sousa award winners are someone they see as:  a leader, role model, helpful, great musician and positive representative of the band program. Voting closed to students on Friday the 13th.
MARCHING BAND - FINAL PAYMENT DUE THIS FRIDAY THE 20TH!
  • Final payments for marching band/camp are due this Friday, March 20th!  If you have an outstanding balance for marching band, please submit your payment by Friday.
  • Details and forms for marching band can be found at this previous blog post:  CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO BLOG POST WITH MARCHING BAND/CAMP DETAILS & FORMS!
  • This does NOT apply to Color Guard members!  You have a revised payment schedule.  Email me at allegoel@howellschools.com if you have any questions :)
Retirement Open House for Mr. Smigell - Wednesday, May 25th from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • The time has come for us to show Smigell all of our Howell High Forever love and usher him out in style.  We will be enjoying appetizers and desserts while we see Smigell off!  
  • Thanks for all of your support with this picnic.  Drop off for items will be 4:30pm.  If you need to make arrangements to get your item to me, Christyne MacDermaid, before the picnic, please don't hesitate to call 734-476-0312.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE & PICNIC - MARCHING BAND
We hope you can join us for the final band performance of the school year as our marching band performs in the Memorial Day parade in Howell.  
  • TENTATIVE SCHEDULE! Waiting to confirm with the parade organizers but this is the schedule we've had in the past:  Report time for students is 8:30 a.m. and the parade starts at 10 a.m. at the library.  The parade ends with a ceremony at Thompson Lake Cemetery.  Students will be bussed to the parade and back to the high school - allow some time for your student to turn in their marching band uniform after the parade.
We'll celebrate with a picnic after the Memorial Day parade and ceremony at Thompson Lake Cemetery. Opportunities to sign-up to help or donate food items coming soon!

  • 19, 24 & 26th - MEMORIAL DAY PARADE PRACTICE 2:30 TO 3:30 (Marching Band)

BAND & SCHOOL CALENDAR

May

  • 18th - BAND AWARDS / END OF YEAR CELEBRATION AT 7 PM IN THE AUDITORIUM
  • 19, 24 & 26th - MEMORIAL DAY PARADE PRACTICE 2:30 TO 3:30 (Marching Band)
  • 25th - OPEN HOUSE for Mr. Smigell's retirement 6 pm to 8:30 pm in and around the band room
  • 30th - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Parade (Marching Band) & Picnic
June
  • June 2nd - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
August
  • August 7th to 11th - Marching Band Camp at Eagle Village
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Tuesday, May 10, 2022

CONCERT WEDS. 5/11 & BAND EVENTS FOR REST OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

BAND CONCERT - WEDS. MAY 11TH AT 7 PM

  • It's time to make music together "one last time" with Mr. Smigell and Mrs. Allegoet.  Hope you can join us Wednesday, May 11th at 7 p.m. in the auditorium
  • Students report time is 6:30 p.m.  Please arrive in your concert attire and ready to warm up!
  • Concert LIVE STREAM - will be available on Facebook at the "HHS Marching Band" page!  Concerts will also be available to watch on-line anytime after the live performances. 
  • We kindly ask that only students are in the band room and band hallway area prior to the concert.
SENIORS!!!! IMPORTANT DEADLINE & DATES!
  • PICTURES DUE FRIDAY!!!  If you would like your senior picture & baby picture in the slide show for the Awards Ceremony on the 18th, those are due to Sara Reder by this Friday the 13th.  Send via email to:  sr42397@howellschools.com
  • POINT SHEETS & SOUSA AWARD VOTES DUE FRIDAY THE 13TH!!!
  • If you are marching in the Memorial Day Parade for marching band, see the practice schedule below :)  Report times for the parade and picnic will be posted to the blog soon
CONGRATULATIONS 2022-23 DRUM MAJORS!
Your HHS Marching Band Drum Majors for the 2022-23 season are:
  • Ryan Chmura
  • Makenzie Cude
  • Gabbie Mena
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  

BAND & SCHOOL CALENDAR

May

  • 11th - SPRING BAND CONCERT AT 7 PM
  • 12th - Last day of school for SENIORS
  • 18th - BAND AWARDS CEREMONY / CELEBRATION AT 7 PM IN THE AUDITORIUM
  • 19, 24 & 26th - MEMORIAL DAY PARADE PRACTICE 2:30 TO 3:30 (Marching Band)
  • 25th - OPEN HOUSE for Mr. Smigell's retirement 6 pm to 8:30 pm in and around the band room
  • 30th - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Parade (Marching Band) & Picnic
June
  • June 2nd - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
August
  • August 7th to 11th - Marching Band Camp at Eagle Village



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Monday, April 25, 2022

BAND CAMP FORMS and $ DUE THURSDAY 4/28 * LOCK-IN FRIDAY 4/29 * COLOR GUARD CLINICS/TRYOUTS MAY 2, 3 & 5!


MARCHING BAND / CAMP FORMS ALONG WITH DEPOSIT OR DISCOUNTED PAYMENT DUE THURSDAY 4/28!

LOCK-IN FRIDAY 4/29! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

SPIRIT WEAR SALE - 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HOWELL H.S BANDS!

Our online store for 100yr t-shirt sales is LIVE!! Click on the link below to place your online order.  Deadline to order is Monday, May 2nd!!!

Orders placed by current students will be available for pickup in the band room starting 5/20 in the band room. All other orders, I will coordinate order pickups directly with those individuals. Questions????  Please email Jill Johnston at jilljohnston2@yahoo.com

COLOR GUARD CLINICS & TRYOUTS

 CLICK HERE FOR COLOR GUARD CLINIC & TRYOUT DATES/INFO

Please note:  Members of the color guard team have modified due dates for marching band/camp registration forms and payment.

  • COLOR GUARD:  Discounted payment of $400 or minimum $50 deposit along with all registration forms due: May 13th
  • COLOR GUARD:  Non-discounted payment of $425 or full balance along with all registration forms due: May 24th

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Tuesday, April 19, 2022

LOCK-IN HELP NEEDED! FACEBOOK RAFFLE THURSDAY 4/21! SPIRIT WEAR SALE!

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS FOR MARCHING BAND/CAMP DUE THURSDAY, APRIL 21ST!!!

RAFFLE DRAWING TO WIN FREE TUITION FOR MARCHING BAND CAMP ON THURSDAY, APRIL 21ST!

There are still a few tickets available for the Facebook raffle where you could win tuition for marching band/camp!  Click on the link below for previous blog post with details:

SPIRIT WEAR SALE - 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HOWELL H.S BANDS!

Our online store for 100yr t-shirt sales is LIVE!! Click on the link below to place your online order.  Deadline to order is Monday, May 2nd!!!

Orders placed by current students will be available for pickup in the band room starting 5/20 in the band room. All other orders, I will coordinate order pickups directly with those individuals. Questions????  Please email Jill Johnston at jilljohnston2@yahoo.com


HELP NEEDED!  BAND LOCK-IN FRIDAY, APRIL 29TH!

Help and donations are still needed for the band lock-in on the 29th!  See this previous blog post for details and sign up links:


REMINDER - If you are volunteering at the lock-in, Laura Allegoet must receive your volunteer form for the high school by Monday, April 25th!!!  Form is in the blog post linked above.

OTIS SPUNKMEYER COOKIE DOUGH FUNDRAISER - ORDERS DUE BY APRIL 25TH!! You could win a $50 Amazon gift card!
Want to earn money for your band fundraising account?  Help pay for marching band/camp and other band activities!!!  Catalog and detailed info can be found by clicking below OR in the band room on the fancy, green table!

HOWELL BAND REGISTRATION DRAWING
Register at www.fundprizes.com
SHARE with 3+ people (text, email)
Entered to win $50 Amazon Gift Card


TENTATIVE DATES FOR COLOR GUARD INFO MEETING, CLINIC & TRYOUTS!
  • May 2nd - info meeting in the band room (time tbd)
  • May 3rd - Color Guard clinic (time tbd)
  • May 4th - Color Guard try-outs (time tbd)
Questions?  Please email Ashley Quick-Drossart at aqdgirl16@gmail.com
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Tuesday, April 12, 2022

LOCK-IN INFO & PERMISSION SLIP! COOKIE DOUGH FUNDRAISER! UPDATED CALENDAR!

OTIS SPUNKMEYER COOKIE DOUGH FUNDRAISER - ORDERS DUE BY APRIL 25TH!!
Want to earn money for your band fundraising account?  Help pay for marching band/camp and other band activities!!!  Catalog and detailed info can be found by clicking below OR in the band room on the fancy, green table!


BAND LOCK-IN: Friday, April 29th in the HHS Fieldhouse
The annual HHS Band Lock-in is Friday April 29th @ 10 pm - Saturday, April 30th @ 5am. It is for all students in the HHS Band Program and Marching Band.. Admission is $15 to help cover costs for fun activities and food / drinks. Super fun night for everyone involved.  Permission Slips are to be handed in AT THE DOOR of the Lock-In - it is the students' "ticket" (along with the $15) to the event.

WE NEED HELP PLEASE!!!  We will need volunteers to help in order to make this event a success!  See below for volunteer opportunities and to sign up to help.  I've also included the permission slips/ticket, detailed info sheet and the volunteer release form that we need for ALL lock-in volunteers.

 BAND & SCHOOL CALENDAR

Jazz Band Rehearsals: April 19, 26 and May 3, 10 from 2:30 to 3:30 in the band room

Drum Major Clinics (for Sophomores & Juniors interested in being a Drum Major):  April 19, 25 & 28th (during flex on 4/19 & 4/25) and Auditions (4/28 at 2:30)

April
  • 11th to 25th - Cookie Dough Fundraiser (see above for info!)
  • 13th - Band Booster Meeting at 7 pm via Zoom
            Register in advance for this meeting:  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAuf-iqrDMvGdxlT90ZfowxdzlsD5GklB-i
May
  • 6th - 1/2 day school - morning classes only
  • 3rd & 10th - Jazz Band Rehearsal 2:30 to 3:30 pm
  • 11th - SPRING BAND CONCERT AT 7 PM
  • 12th - Last day of school for SENIORS
  • 18th - BAND AWARDS CEREMONY / CELEBRATION AT 7 PM IN THE AUDITORIUM
  • 19, 24 & 26th - MEMORIAL DAY PARADE PRACTICE 2:30 TO 3:30 (Marching Band)
  • 25th - OPEN HOUSE for Mr. Smigell's retirement 6 pm to 8:30 pm in and around the band room
  • 30th - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Parade (Marching Band) & Picnic
June
  • June 2nd - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
August
  • August 7th to 11th - Marching Band Camp at Eagle Village


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Tuesday, April 05, 2022

HOWELLPALOOZA APRIL 6th!! NEW BAND EVENTS & CALENDAR!! FUNDRAISERS!!

This is a longer but very important post!  Includes new dates for band happenings and also a list of the upcoming and current fundraisers!!  💚💛

BAND & SCHOOL CALENDAR
April
  • 6th - HOWELLPALOOZA at 7 pm (Variety show that includes both Jazz Bands, Percussion Ensemble, Color Guard, Twirlers, Rock Band and other choir and drama performances)
  • 13th - Band Booster Meeting at 7 pm via Zoom
            Register in advance for this meeting:  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAuf-iqrDMvGdxlT90ZfowxdzlsD5GklB-i
May
  • 6th - 1/2 day school - morning classes only
  • 11th - SPRING BAND CONCERT AT 7 PM
  • 12th - Last day of school for SENIORS
  • 18th - BAND AWARDS CEREMONY / CELEBRATION AT 7 PM IN THE AUDITORIUM
  • 19, 24 & 26th - MEMORIAL DAY PARADE PRACTICE 2:30 TO 3:30 (Marching Band)
  • 25th - OPEN HOUSE for Mr. Smigell's retirement 6 pm to 8:30 pm in and around the band room
  • 30th - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Parade (Marching Band)
June
  • June 2nd - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
August
  • August 7th to 11th - Marching Band Camp at Eagle Village
HOWELLPALOOZA - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6TH 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, 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!

LOCK-IN: Friday, April 29th in the HHS Fieldhouse
The annual HHS Band Lock-in is Friday April 29th @ 10 pm - Saturday, April 30th @ 5am. It is for all students in the HHS Band Program and Marching Band.. Admission is $15 to help cover costs for fun activities and food / drinks. Super fun night for everyone involved. Information sheet and permission slip will be posted early next week both here and in the band room.. Permission Slips are to be handed in AT THE DOOR of the Lock-In - it is the students' "ticket" (along with the $15) to the event.

BAND AWARDS CEREMONY (a.k.a. Band Banquet)
Wednesday, May 18th at 7 p.m. in the Rod Bushey Auditorium
  • This is an optional event where we present awards to students that have earned their Varsity letter and other band awards.  Awards are earned using this point system:  BAND POINT AWARDS FORM  Point forms are due by May 11th!  You can leave forms in the band room mailbox or email to: allegoel@howellschools.com
RETIREMENT OPEN HOUSE FOR MR. SMIGELL - WEDNESDAY, MAY 25TH 6 TO 8:30 PM
  • We hope you can join us as we gather to congratulate Mr. Smigell on his retirement with and open house/picnic.  The event will be held in and right outside (where we tailgate for marching band) the band room.
  • Appetizers, snacks and desserts will be served.  There will be more detailed information and a sign up for those that would like to help  Christyne MacDermaid is our contact person for this event and she can be reached at christynemacdermaid@gmail.com or 734-476-0312
FUNDRAISERS
SCRIPS
  • 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 fundraising account. Earn money for band camp, instrument lessons, future band trips, etc.

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).

Questions?  You can email our SCRIPS coordinator, Beth Wagner at lisbethwagner@yahoo.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!

COOKIE DOUGH FUNDRAISER
FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER - YOU COULD WIN MARCHING BAND/CAMP TUITION!!!

Last year, 2 band moms ran an online drawing through a private Facebook group.  And coming this April, we will be repeating this drawing with the prize being free tuition for band camp.  The way this drawing works is:

·        I will post the Item on the Facebook Group (Howell Band Boosters Online Raffle)

·        We will sell 50 tickets at $10 each.  The tickets will go on sale on Monday, April 18th at 7pm.

·        You will purchase a ticket through our PayPal link.  And you will add a picture of your PayPal receipt to the comments of the Facebook post.

·        Once we sell 50 tickets, we turn off comments to the post.

·        We will offer 2 marching band camp tuition drawings. 

·        So once the 1st drawing sells out, I will post an additional drawing.

·        Once we sell 50 tickets, we turn off comments to the post.

·        The actual drawing will occur on April 21 at 7pm via Facebook live.

·        By limiting the tickets to 50 for each drawing, your chances of winning are greatly increased.

How do you participate?  To participate in the drawing, you would need to join our Facebook Group.  As our group is PRIVATE, you will need to be invited to the group.  If you are interested in joining us, please send an email to Dana Sleder at dcsleder@sbcglobal.net.  Once you are a member of the group, you can invite other people to join.  This would be a great way to reach anyone who might be interested in having a chance to send a child to band camp for free.


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Thursday, March 24, 2022

BAND CAMP FORMS / FUNDRAISER INFO

 MARCHING BAND / CAMP

Good Evening!!  As promised all of the paperwork from the band camp meeting is now here for your use.  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!!

STUDENT PACKET - MARCHING BAND/CAMP 2022

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION - DUE APRIL 21ST!

SCRIPS
  • 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 fundraising account. Earn money for band camp, instrument lessons, future band trips, etc.

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).

Questions?  You can email our SCRIPS coordinator, Beth Wagner at lisbethwagner@yahoo.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!

COOKIE DOUGH FUNDRAISER
FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER - YOU COULD WIN MARCHING BAND/CAMP TUITION!!!

Last year, 2 band moms ran an online drawing through a private Facebook group.  And coming this April, we will be repeating this drawing with the prize being free tuition for band camp.  The way this drawing works is:

·        I will post the Item on the Facebook Group (Howell Band Boosters Online Raffle)

·        We will sell 50 tickets at $10 each.  The tickets will go on sale on Monday, April 18th at 7pm.

·        You will purchase a ticket through our PayPal link.  And you will add a picture of your PayPal receipt to the comments of the Facebook post.

·        Once we sell 50 tickets, we turn off comments to the post.

·        We will offer 2 marching band camp tuition drawings. 

·        So once the 1st drawing sells out, I will post an additional drawing.

·        Once we sell 50 tickets, we turn off comments to the post.

·        The actual drawing will occur on April 21 at 7pm via Facebook live.

·        By limiting the tickets to 50 for each drawing, your chances of winning are greatly increased.

How do you participate?  To participate in the drawing, you would need to join our Facebook Group.  As our group is PRIVATE, you will need to be invited to the group.  If you are interested in joining us, please send an email to Dana Sleder at dcsleder@sbcglobal.net.  Once you are a member of the group, you can invite other people to join.  This would be a great way to reach anyone who might be interested in having a chance to send a child to band camp for free.


Thanks - Dana

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MARCHING BAND/CAMP MTG. TONIGHT 3/24 & JAZZ BAND REHEARSAL CANCELLED 3/24

REMINDER: MARCHING BAND/CAMP INFO MTG. TONIGHT (Thursday 3/24) @ 7 pm IN THE BAND ROOM! Meeting is optional - registration forms and info will be available on the band blog and in the band room 💚💛

JAZZ BAND REHEARSALS ARE CANCELLED FOR TODAY 3/24!

Please email me if you have any questions at allegoel@howellschools.com  Thanks! - Laura

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Monday, March 21, 2022

This week's band happenings and drumline announcement!

It's a busy, but exciting week here at HHS Bands!  Our Collage Concert, in conjunction with choir, is Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.  Marching Band/Camp info meeting is Thursday at 7 p.m. in the band room (meeting is optional).  See the calendar below for details! 

BAND & SCHOOL CALENDAR

Jazz Band Rehearsals:  March 24 and April 5 & 6 from 2:30 to 4:30 (2:30 to 3:30 if in the very, very big jazz band and 3:30 to 4:30 for the big jazz band)

March

  • 23rd - Collage Concert (Includes Wind Ensemble, Perc Ensemble and the Big Jazz Band along with Choir) at 7 pm
  • 24th - Marching Band/Camp Informational Meeting at 7 p.m. in the H.S. band room (mtg. is optional - registration forms and detailed info will be posted after the meeting)
  • 28th to April 1st - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
April
  • 6th - Howellpalooza at 7 pm (Variety show that includes both Jazz Bands, Percussion Ensemble, Rock Band and other choir and drama performances)
  • 13th - Band Booster Meeting at 7 pm via Zoom
  • 15th - NO SCHOOL
May
  • 6th - 1/2 day school - morning classes only
  • 11th - SPRING BAND CONCERT AT 7 PM
  • 12th - Last day of school for SENIORS
  • 30th - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Parade (Marching Band)
June
  • June 2nd - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
August
  • August 7th to 11th - Marching Band Camp at Eagle Village

CONGRATULATIONS 2022-23 DRUMLINE!

A message from our drumline coach, Shaun McDonnell:  After 2 days of auditions, I am so pleased to announce the Howell High School Drumline for the 2022-2023 Marching Season:

 

Drumline Section Leader: Gillian Schultz

Drumline Middle Snare: Braylon Park

 

Cymbals:

  1. Ripley Avery (Squad Leader)
  2. Finnigan House
  3. Colin Putkela
  4. Lucas Vincent
  5. Loralei Miller
  6. Aubrey Stevens

 

Snares:

  1. Braylon Park (Squad Leader, Middle Snare)
  2. Hank Perrin (Field Leader)
  3. Gavin Lewis
  4. Conner Salyers
  5. Zachary Kupec
  6. Cameron Smith

 

Basses:

  1. Gillian Schultz (Drumline Section Leader)
  2. Hunter Olsen (Squad Leader)
  3. Lindsey Hund (Field Leader)
  4. Catherine Mazurek
  5. Xander Berishaj

 

Tenors:

  1. Matt Birch (Squad Leader)
  2. Jack McDonnell (Field Leader)
  3. Peter Mick

       3a.  Logan Cunningham (ALTERNATE)

 

Front Ensemble / Pit:

  1. Logan Cunningham
  2. Nolan Ralko
  3. Ronin Romeo
  4. Joseph Baibak
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Tuesday, March 08, 2022

MR. SMIGELL MESSAGE/ CALENDAR / DRUMLINE CLINIC & AUDITIONS

 AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MR. SMIGELL

Hello everyone,

I am retiring from band directing at the conclusion of this school year. I held off telling you until I told the kids because I wanted them to hear it first. I have been wrestling with it for months, and I'm very sad right now, but it is the right time and the right thing to do.  

I wanted to let you know how grateful I am for your hard work and service to our beloved program.  I hope you feel that I have reciprocated that hard work and dedication.  It has been an honor, privilege, and pleasure to serve you and your children.

This came out of the blue to a lot of the kids, so in case you are curious, I am not getting fired or forced to retire due to scandal or something spicy like that.  It is just time to start a new chapter in my life.  I have been teaching the past 25 years in public school and having seen the program through the hard part of the pandemic, I feel like I can turn the reins over to someone else with a good conscience.  

There is a lot more we need to talk about.  We currently plan on proceeding as agreed with marching band camp at Eagle Village at the same time (Aug 7-11). We are planning lots of other events to finish out the school year (see calendar below).  In order to facilitate a smooth transition, we are also preparing for next school year.  With me letting everyone know relatively early, it will allow administration to do a proper search and time to find good candidates that will do right by your kids.  I'm positive you parents of returning members will be part of the process in some way.  

I will keep you abreast of the situation as it develops.  Again, thank you so much for being wonderful people and letting me work with your fantastic children all these years.

Go Highlanders,

Jason Smigell


DRUMLINE CLINICS & AUDITIONS
It's that time already!  Drumline and marching band preparations for 2022-23 are underway!  See the link below for details.  Please note:  the March 17th clinic is mandatory for all leadership candidates and the March 19th clinic is mandatory for all interested drumline students.  Any questions?  Please contact Mr. Smigell at smigellj@howellschools.com or Shaun McDonnell (contact info in letter).

BAND & SCHOOL CALENDAR

Jazz Band Rehearsals:  March 8, 17, 24 and April 5 & 6 from 2:30 to 4:30 (2:30 to 3:30 if in the very, very big jazz band and 3:30 to 4:30 for the big jazz band)

March

  • 15th - Remote Learning Day
  • 15th - Deadline to turn in money for bottle/can drive  CLICK HERE FOR BOTTLE/CAN DRIVE INFO
  • 17th - Drumline Leadership Clinic & Auditions (grades 9 to 12)
  • 19th - Drumline Clinic & Auditions 8 am to 1 pm in the H.S. band room (see details above)
  • 21st - Collage Concert rehearsal after school until approximately 4:30 pm
  • 23rd - Collage Concert (Includes Wind Ensemble, Perc Ensemble and Jazz Band along with Choir) at 7 pm
  • 24th - Marching Band/Camp Informational Meeting at 7 p.m. in the H.S. band room (mtg. is optional - registration forms and detailed info will be posted after the meeting)
  • 28th to April 1st - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
April
  • 6th - Howellpalooza at 7 pm (Includes Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Rock Band and a variety of other choir and drama performances)
  • 15th - NO SCHOOL
May
  • 6th - 1/2 day school - morning classes only
  • 11th - SPRING BAND CONCERT AT 7 PM
  • 12th - Last day of school for SENIORS
  • 30th - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Parade (Marching Band)
June
  • June 2nd - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
August
  • August 7th to 11th - Marching Band Camp at Eagle Village




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Thursday, February 24, 2022

CONCERT 3/1 * MARCHING BAND CAMP MTG. 3/24 * BOTTLE/CAN DRIVE EXTENDED!!!!

WINTER BAND CONCERT - TUESDAY, MARCH 1ST AT 7 P.M.
We hope you can join us for our winter band concert next Tuesday, March 1st at 7 p.m.  Report time for students is 6:30 p.m. to the band room.  Students should be dressed in their concert uniform.

The concert will be live streamed via "Facebook Live" at our "HHS Marching Band" page.  Thank you Jami Fyke for making this possible!

 BAND CAMP MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 24TH AT 7 P.M.

* Informational meeting for Marching Band Camp:
Thursday, March 24th at 7 p.m. in the high school 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 7th to Thursday, August 11th.  Squad leader day is August 4th and Newbie day (for all new marching band members) is August 5th.  Attendance at marching band camp is required for all marching band members,

BOTTLE/CAN DRIVE IS STILL HAPPENING!
Thanks to everyone that participated and organized the bottle/can drive last weekend!  Students that participated earned around $19 per hour towards their band fundraising account (Charms) and the band boosters earned $155 to go towards supporting the band program - that's awesome!!!!

You can still earn money for your band Charms account until March 15th!  Click here for all the info:
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Thursday, February 10, 2022

BAND FUNDRAISER - BOTTLE/CAN DRIVE TO "STUFF THE BAND TRAILER"


The Howell Band Boosters are having a post Super Bowl
 STUFF THE BAND TRAILER BOTTLE/CAN DRIVE
February 18th and 19th

We need some parent volunteers and MANY band students to help make this a success!  

If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up via the Sign-Up Genius:  

25% of the proceeds will go directly to the band boosters to help support the band lock in and band banquet.  75% of the proceeds will go to the student Charms account the students and parents that volunteer.  (Will be based on the number of hours worked)

** If you are unavailable for these dates, you are still welcome to collect and return bottles on your own.  Please email dcsleder@sbcglobal.net for more information.

We have created some flyers to help promote bottle drive and have attached.  Please feel free to print and handout to your neighbors and friends.


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Wednesday, February 09, 2022

BAND BOOSTER MEETING TONIGHT! WEDS. FEB. 9TH VIA ZOOM!!!

Hello!!!  Please join us for our monthly band booster meeting at 7 p.m. on February 9th!!!  Link to register for the meeting is below:

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

When: Feb 9, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/.../tZYrceuoqzMvE9KYDTZw8FnpjIY59...
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Any questions, please contact band booster president, Breanne Green at bcnichols@gmail.com
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Friday, February 04, 2022

SOLO AND ENSEMBLE

 

Hello Everyone,

Crazy week eh?

Well, here is all the info that you need to know about Solo and Ensemble:

- It is happening today and tomorrow FEB 4th and 5th at NOVI HS (24062 Taft road, Novi MI)

- IF YOU DON'T HAVE YOUR INSTRUMENT, I WILL BE AT THE SCHOOL FROM 2-3PM TODAY (FRIDAY).  After that I have to go work the site, so I won't be able to help you, unfortunately.  I also will be unable to be at the school on Saturday because I have to be at Novi at 7:30 in the morning.  Having said all of that, if you have problems, please contact me by phone (if you don't have my number, ask around) or you can email me at smigellj@howellschools.com or Mrs. Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com.  We will try to work something out.

-If you are unable to go to solo and ensemble and you haven't told me yet. SEND ME AN EMAIL.  It will save me time by not having to wait for your sheet at the end of the day.  

-When you get to Novi, your section and performance time will be important to the people showing you where to go.  Use the link below to find your time so you know it.

-IF THERE ARE ANY PROBLEMS, I WILL BE ON SITE IN SECTION 6 (performance on Friday, warm up on Saturday).  ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL, COME FIND ME.

Ok Good Luck Everyone!  Don't forget to use the lists and maps BELOW!  -Smigell


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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

BAND PHOTOS FOR YEARBOOK 1/26 & 1/27

Hello band families!

BAND CLASS PHOTOS - JANUARY 26 & 27!

Dan Zeppa of DZ Productions is taking our group, class photos for the yearbook on January 26th and 27th during band classes. 

Students in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Highlander Band, Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble should wear or bring their concert uniform to school that day if they want to be included in the group photo. 

PICTURE SCHEDULE:

Wednesday, January 26th - Concert Band & Percussion Ensemble

Thursday, January 27th - Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble & Highlander Band

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

QUESTIONS? Email Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com

Take care - Laura :)


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Wednesday, January 05, 2022

WINTER CONCERT DATE CHANGE/ BAND CALENDAR/ MARCHING BAND PHOTOS!

To anyone that saw the original blog post........ I"m sorry for the date change confusion!  Here is the winter concert date and info:

WINTER BAND CONCERT - IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE!

What:  Winter Band Concert
When:  Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Where:  Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center (RBPAC - Auditorium)

WE ARE NOT HAVING A CONCERT ON FEB. 24TH.  Because of a scheduling conflict with our clinician that will be attending this concert, we had to change the date.

MARCHING BAND PHOTOS

  • Our photographer, Dan Zeppa of DZ Productions, is anticipating having our marching band photos ready to be delivered the week of January 17th.  
  • If you ordered marching band photos, they will be delivered to the band room and sent home with your student once we receive them.
BAND & SCHOOL CALENDAR
  • January 12th - Band Booster meeting via Zoom at 7 p.m.
  • January 17th - NO SCHOOL
  • January 26th - CLASS PHOTOS:  Concert Band & Percussion Ensemble
  • January 27th - CLASS PHOTOS:  Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble & Highlander Band
  • February 4th and 5th - Solo & Ensemble at Novi High School for students that signed up (this is an optional event that interested students could sign up for back in November)
  • February 8th - Remote Learning Day
  • February 9th - Band Booster meeting via Zoom at 7 p.m.
  • February 11th - 1/2 day of school - morning classes only
  • February 18th to 21st - NO SCHOOL
  • March 1st - BAND CONCERT AT 7 PM (Concert, Symphonic, Highlander & Wind Ensemble bands only)
  • March 3rd - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:30 to 7:30 pm
  • March 15th - Remote Learning Day
  • March 23rd - Collage Concert (Includes Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band along with Choir)
  • March 28th to April 1st - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
  • April 6th - Howellpalooza at 7 pm (Includes Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Rock Band and a variety of other choir and drama performances)
  • April 15th - NO SCHOOL
  • May 6th - 1/2 day school - morning classes only
  • May 11th - SPRING BAND CONCERT AT 7 PM
  • May 30th - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Parade (Marching Band)
  • June 2nd - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
  • August 7th to 11th - Marching Band Camp at Eagle Village
MARCHING BAND / CAMP
  • Information meeting in early to late March.  Registration begins AFTER the info meeting.
  • Camp Dates:  August 7th to 11th at Eagle Village 

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