Veteran's correction & update

Hi again,

 

So a few of you noticed the flyer said the parade was on Monday the 11th which might be confusing because the 11th this year is actually a Tuesday.  I apologize for the error.  The date is correct but the day is not.  We will be doing the Veteran's day parade on Veteran's day which is Tuesday November 11th.

 

The small shoe order is in but they seem a bit tight.  If your child wears 4 1/2 or smaller, please have your child come to the band room tomorrow to try their shoes on.  I'm expecting the large shoe order tomorrow as well so feel free to stop on by just to check.

 

Only a few students have confirmed their availability for the parade this Tuesday.  Please help me out by letting me know if I need to bring your child's equipment and uniform or not.

 

Also, we have a slight change this year at the end of the parade.  After turning right on "O" street we will make another right into the alley between Main & 18th.  One of our band parents owns a facility near the end of the parade route.  They would like to invite band parents to bring cookies or drinks into the facility for the children to enjoy after the parade. The name of their academy is Merced MMA and the address is 745 W Main Street. They are across from McAuley motors and literally on the corner of Main and O. The end of the parade turns right past the Academy. Their parking lot, which is directly behind the academy and next to Yosemite Farm Credit, will be open for parking to any band parents.  Please "respond all" to this email to sign-up for what you would like to bring for refreshments.

 

Just a reminder about Saturday.  November 8th is the big band review here in Merced at Golden Valley High School.  I'm hoping everyone has chosen a good time to swing by & check it out.  Fair warning, the parking is usually pretty bad so plan on coming a little early to make up for a bit of a walk.  Students who record 1 thing they liked, 1 thing they didn't like and 1 thing they saw that they can add to their performance this season, will receive bonus points and extra credit.

          God is Good,

                 Bj

PATRIOTIC GREETINGS MUSIC PROGRAM

I hope everyone had plenty of candy.  We have a few events this and next week.

First off, Monday morning is our crazy early practice at 6:40 am.  This isn't just in preparation for the upcoming parade on November 11th but also to teach the students how band honors our Veteran's as it's origins are military.  Please try to show up at least a few minutes early in order to have everything ready at the start of the class (equipment checked, instruments assembled, tuned, maintained, etc.).

 

Secondly, our music program has been invited to perform at the school for the Veteran's on Thursday around 8 am.  In the music folders are 3 patriotic songs the students were instructed to learn.  There will be a test on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week to see who practiced like they're supposed to.  Only the students who have sufficiently learned their song will be participating in this performance.

 

Third is the "field trip" to the Central California Band Review this Saturday.  I'm calling it a field trip because I want everyone there but it isn't really an official OLM event.  I'm asking parents to bring your children to this very special event sometime between 9:40 am and 12:30 pm to observe the pageantry.  There will be an extra-credit assignment related to the activities of the day.  Not to mention the motivation and inspiration from watching other children on similar instruments performing with such mastery.  I emailed an attachment of a tentative schedule for the day for you to pick & choose which shows you would like to watch.  I recommend the Middle School A & B categories from 10 am to 10:30 and the High School A & AA categories from 11:45 to noon.  The jazz competitions are in the theater at 9:50, 10:15, 11:55, 12:20, 12:45, 1:10, 1:35, 2:00 and 2:25.  Be sure to check out the drum line competitions as well.  Feel free to bring some spending money for snacks & souvenirs which will support our local high school music programs (many OLM band graduates are there now).

 

The final point to note is the Veteran's day parade on November 11th.  I've attached the flier, map and info for the event to an email sent out.  Don't forget to drop off your black "dickies" brand flat front pants in the band room this week.  Be sure your child's name is on the inside waistband or tag in permanent marker.

 

Please review your calendars and let me know your availability for these and all music program events as soon as you're able.  It's inconvenient to bring uniforms and equipment for students who do not attend.

 

I'm excited about our large size, and our parent involvement.  With God's help and hard work, we will have a successful year.

            God Bless our veterans,

                                Bj