Back to school

This will probably be my last e-mail using the old contact list.  If your child is not going to participate in the music program and you would still like to receive e-mails, just let me know & I'll keep you in the loop. 

I'm excited to have a few new students who signed up at orientation.  I had an incredible compliment tonight when one parent said the main reason she enrolled her child in Our Lady of Mercy School this year is because of the music program. 

Thank you to those parents who helped remind your child to practice & remain faithful in attendance.  I can push, motivate and kick dead horses all I want but, it's not until others catch the vision and understand the investment required to achieve greatness that anything really starts to happen.

This Thursday is our "parent meeting" combined with the "booster meeting".  We will be meeting in the band room at 6:30 pm on August 6th.  The first 30 minutes (or so) is designed to be informational for the new band parents.  I would like everyone there to show their support as well as to share your encouragement & wisdom. 

We will then conduct our usual booster meeting from 7-8 in which I invite all of your input and participation.  If you can't make the meeting, please remember to say a prayer, don't forget to check the blog & ask your child what was announced at school.
  
The schedule for the first week of school is:

Tuesday after school:

Refresher course, Anyone who wants to come

(review, practice session, etc. like a make-up session)

Wednesday after school:

Drums, percussion, drum line & drum set

Thursday after school:

Color guard, letter carriers, drum major & majorette

 

Friday after school:

All other instruments, keyboard, guitar, sax, trumpet, flute, clarinet, trombone, French horn, baritone, tenor sax, bass clarinet, tuba, etc.

Open to all students

 

This schedule will be the first week of school only. 

The twice-a-week class schedule will start the second week of school. 

I will post the weekly schedule once everyone is signed up. 

Please let me know if there's a day or time in which you'd like me to avoid scheduling your child's class. 

Only students who have played an instrument for at least one school year need to bring their instruments and a prepared piece for a short try-out this first week.

           God has been good to me,

Summer greetings

I don't know about you but, I'm nice and rested from all this vacation time  .
Well, it's time to put everything back. 

I would love your help moving all our instruments and equipment back to our nice clean band room this week or next.

I didn't have enough volunteers last time to help me with inventory & dusting so, I'd like to try to get that done this time (big thanks to the few of you who did show up!!!). 

If you (and/or some responsible family members) are available and willing to help, please reply, call or text with your schedule & what it is you're willing to do, at your earliest convenience.
I also purchased some wood & brackets for a shelf. 

If you'd prefer to do some construction, I'm happy to share my crazy plan with you. 

Thanks. God is my provider, BJ

Its Fair Time

Howdy,

Okay, I know some of you already let me know you can't make the performance but, just in case you'd like to come & cheer us on or help out, I'm including you in this e-mail (or consider this a prayer request).

Here's some more detailed info for our performance.

Drum line instruments need to be placed up stage right, drum set will be up stage left, beginning band down stage right, keyboards center stage and the guitar class at down stage left. 

 

The beginning band, drum line, keyboard, guitar and drum set students should all be on stage at start of show.  Be sure to clear everything you used off the stage after your performance. 

 

Guard, intermediate & marching band students need to be ready to get on stage as soon as you hear the clapping for the previous performance.

 

Show order:

I saw the cross of Jesus (beginning band)Check your faith (drum line)

A winter tale (keyboard)

De herdetjes lagen bij nachte (guitar class)

Awesome God (guitar class)Drum solos (drum set class)

Let it go (color guard)

Trumpet tune (intermediate band)

allegro (intermediate band)
Glory glory (intermediate band)Washington Post (everyone)

 

Students may bring paperclips or clothes pins to keep their music from blowing away.

 

The percussion instruments need to arrive early (also those of you playing more than one instrument).  We could use help moving equipment on & off the stage as well as to & from the vehicles.

 

This is a casual performance BUT, we still want to do and look our best.  Please try to avoid tank tops, flip flops, torn, ratty, or stained clothes (bring those to change into after the show).  Be sure to ask me about un-claimed tickets before buying any.  Don't be late, I might give your ticket away!

Merced Fair Performance

Hello all,

 Well it’s only been a few days of vacation & we already have something to do.  In just one week, on Thursday June 11^th will be our stage performance at the Merced County Fair.  We will have a short practice at the school on Tuesday, June 9^th from 10:30 am to noon in order to review and adjust the performance.  Please make arrangements to take the instrument & all the equipment your child needs for the show with you after the practice.
  
So far, I only have 4 confirmations for attendance to either the practice or the performance.  Remember, students will get free admission to the fair and helpful parents & adults will earn volunteer hours for participating. 

If you haven’t already done so, please call or respond with your child’s availability.  Either yes or no would be helpful so we can plan the show accordingly.  Do please try to make it.  It’s very disappointing to those who are there when the rest of the class doesn’t show up.
  
Plan on meeting at the main entrance of the fair at 5:00 pm.  The band will perform on the Bud Light Stage in the Bear Creek Plaza inside the fairgrounds at 5:30 pm.  Performers should wear a nice outfit for the show.  Students will be responsible for their own ride to and from the event as well as their instrument, equipment and necessary items for the performance.  Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend.  

Please call or respond if you or your child needs a ride or if you have any questions
 
           God is Good,

One more reminder

Me again,

   Quick reminder, it's a minimum day today.  All music program classes will be 2 hours earlier than usual.

 

   Please plan on picking up your child's instrument & equipment today for the Los Banos parade this Saturday, May 2nd if you haven't done so already.  Also, we're missing some band polo shirts.  Double check closets & clothes bins.  If Your child didn't return their shirt after the Christmas performance (or Relay for Life) we might not have one that fits for them Saturday.

 

   Our end of the year performance is this Wednesday, May 6th.  Invite your family & friends to come see how much your child has progressed this year.

 

   Also, our last parade is May 16th in Chowchilla.  Please plan on making arrangements for your child to attend.    It is possible for your child to participate in multiple activities the same day.  Please let me know how we can make accommodations to that end.

 

   I'm still waiting to hear from some of you regarding confirmation of your child's availability to these events.  I do have approved parents available and willing to help with rides for either your child, the equipment, other family members or all three.  Please respond or contact me as soon as you're able.

 

            God bless,

Lots to do

Hello all,

   Our Music program booster meeting this month is on Wednesday, that's tonight from 6:30 to 8 pm in the band room.  We need to finalize end-of-the-year plans so please make every effort to attend.  Students should have brought home a flier.

 

   I've emailed the flier regarding the Los Banos parade this Saturday May 2nd.  Our end of the year performance is May 6th and our last parade is May 16th.  These are our biggest events for the entire year.  It is very important that we have as many students participate as possible (even if they haven't learned their song yet).  It is possible for your child to participate in multiple activities the same day.  Please let me know how we can make accommodations to that end.

 

   I still need to hear from some of you regarding confirmation of your child's availability to these events.  I do have approved parents available and willing to help with rides for either your child, the equipment, other family members or all three.  Please respond or contact me as soon as you're able.

 

   Music is our sport.  We need the whole team to take the field.  Every position is vital.  Please help me encourage the students to live up to the honor and respected traditions of this prestigious paradigm.

            God is good,

Spring Season

Hi again,

   I was pleased with the performance today.  We had a good turn-out and I thought things went well.  I'm sorry I seemed like I was in such a rush but, I was asked to hurry it along since they had a mis-calculation on the schedule.

 

   Quick reminder, we have our second crazy-early practice tomorrow morning 6:40-7:40 am.  This is our last chance to practice marching with everyone before our competition this Saturday at the Los Banos parade on May 2nd.

 

   Don't forget, we also have a booster meeting this week, the end of the year performance is May 6th and our last parade is May 16th.

 

   I still haven't heard back from some of you regarding confirmation of your child's availability to these events.  I do have approved parents available and willing to help with rides.  Please respond or contact me as soon as you're able.

Mar 26 at 10:55 AM

Hi all,

 

I hope everyone is ready for their resurrection day vacation!  I know I could sure use a break.

 

Just a few things:

 

First - I've emailed the most recent schedule.  

Many students are starting to have conflicts with sports & track.  

 

Please ask your coach for advanced notice on meets, games & practices in order to avoid last minute chaos (accommodations can be made for your child to participate in both).  

 

Students who are not progressing on their instrument should seriously think twice before adding more to their schedule.  

 

I don't want anyone to miss out on anything this school has to offer but, it's unreasonable to demand more of a child than what they have time in their schedule to commit to.  

 

In order to progress in music, at the very least, 3 days each week should be spent in personal practice time in addition to the weekly classes (an hour a day, 6 days a week is the recommended amount for rapid progress).

 

Next - there will be no music program classes this Friday, 3-27-15.  

 

Students are welcome and encouraged to attend the make up sessions on Thursdays from 4:40-5:40.

   

Also, we will be holding our March booster meeting next week on Wednesday, April 1st from 6:15 to 7:45 pm.  

 

Please note the time change and day change from the usual (this is not an april fools joke).

   

I received quite a few compliments for our recent performances.  I'm looking forward to a successful Spring season but I need your help.  

 

Please remind and encourage your child to practice their instrument often and to do their homework (band homework is fun).  If ever they say "I don't have any homework" or "I don't need to practice", they're wrong.  

 

We have a number of songs which students should be working on, there's always a basics test, there's plenty to do in their book as well as handbook and rhythm studies.  

 

Our next performance is less than a month away and the competitions start up right afterward.  

 

Don't blink, the year will be over before you know it.  

 

Please help me make it a good one.  Have a nice weekend.

trusting Jesus,  Bj

Quick Reminder

Hello again all,

Even though some students didn't seem ready for our performance Tuesday night, they assured me they would practice & have it better over the weekend. 

I'm inviting everyone to attend and participate at the St. Patrick's day performance on March 17th at Park Merced Assisted Living which starts at 6 pm. 

Students are asked to take responsibility for their own instrument, equipment, music, stand & chair (if needed). 

Please show up at 5:40 pm to get ready for the event and don't forget to get dressed up in as much green as possible in honor of St. Patrick and/or Ireland.

  

2 days later, on March 19th, the percussion and colorguard students have a 6 pm exhibition at Golden Valley High School. 

 

I would also like all of the music program students to plan on attending this performance in order to cheer and show your support for your fellow band members as well as to have the opportunity to see what other groups in our area have accomplished this season. 

 

Drumline & colorguard students need to get there no later than 5:35 pm so we can get into our marching band uniforms & prepare for the event.  

 

A donation of $5 will be accepted at the door however, admission is free.

 

I emailed the flyers which were sent home. 

 

If you haven't done so already, please confirm your child's availability for both performances. 

 

Thanks. Praising Jesus, Bj

Dear All

It is great to see responses to our requests slowing trickling in! Great job, band parents!

As far as the Band room cleaning project is concerned, so far we have had only 3 parents respond to it:( Thanks to them! But clearly, this is not enough for that mammoth project! We need more volunteers. So I would like to allow ourselves to first focus on the big event of the year - the fundraiser. After Jan 31, we should be relatively happy (very optimistic about the sales return!) and motivated to sign up for the cleaning project. I am sure it will be a fun and worthwhile project - making friends, working together, snacking, children playing....What a happy vision!

Feel free to post your availability on Doodle. If you have not received an invitation, please let me know and I'll fix it!  If you know someone who is not receiving these emails, please forward them and notify me, so I can add them to our list!

I'll bug you after our big fundraiser!

Take care everyone,

Maria Kasipalli

 

Bonjour, mes amis!

  

It was great seeing you all at the Booster Meeting! I have some announcements to make regarding projects related to our Music Program. I intend to send periodic reminders for various activities or requests that have not been met. I hope you won't find it a bother!

 

Title:

 

We will be officially called Our Lady of Mercy School Music Program. This program includes students who wish to participate in the stage band, marching band, learn an instrument, be part of an elective music program, colorguard, etc.

 

Logo:

 

It will be nice to have a unique logo for our Music program. As we know, we recognize most bands by their logo even before by their name. We invite ideas for design of our logo with a caption (motto) beneath it. Our band instruments could be affixed with this logo to be seen when we participate in local events. When we have adequate funds, we could print (even peel-off stick-on kind will do) the logo on the instruments while performing at events.

 

Revamping blog:

 

In order to increase interest in our school (and the future president of this program), attract attention from our community and eventually the county, I would like to revamp our blog with a new look, layout and style. We intend to have an active calendar of events and maybe have it integrated with our google or phone calendar. This will enable us to have reminders for our events and make communication easier and effective. Once the new title and logo is approved, I will begin the process. Let's communicate in style and modern technology!

 

Band Room Cleaning:

 

You must have received a Doodle invitation. Please enter your preference as directed beneath each time slot. It will be nice to have pictures taken during this project as it may be used to showcase our cause and for obtaining grants and freewill donations. Could one of you volunteer to take good pictures? Also, please feel free to bring the kids if you don't have an option to leave them at home. They can play in the school grounds and we can take turns to keep an eye on them. Refreshments will be provided in appreciation of your hard work!

 

It will be great if we could bring the following on the cleaning day. 

1.     Any cleaning solution 

2.     Heavy duty gloves

3.     Dusters - short and long

4.     Broom and pan

5.     Trash bags (heavy duty preferably)

6.     Vacuum cleaner (with special cleaning accessories, preferably).

7.     Extension cord for vacuum cleaners or any electronic dusters.

8.     Face Masks to prevent dust allergy while cleaning.

9.     Step stool or ladders.

10.  Scrubbers, cleaning pads, paper towels, etc.

11.  Basic tool set with screws and nuts for fixing creaky joints!

12.  Adhesives, lubricants, paint, etc to fix broken, rusty items

At the end of this heavy duty project, I am sure we will be featured in HGTV!

 

Band Room Donation:

 

Our Band Room is a great rectangular space with tall ceiling - tall enough to insert a loft or mezzanine floor. We can maximize the use of the space if we had proper shelving units and storage to store our precious instruments and music library. Our grant writer(s) will be working on obtaining a grant to make such structural changes. We hope that happens soon, miraculously. Meanwhile, we do have a need for the following items that may be in your storage or simply in disuse. The band room can very well make use of these.

 

1.     TALL cupboards or cabinets that can stand alone. Low cupboards or tables are not effective for the purpose unless they are stackable.

2.     TALL cupboards or cabinets that could be attached to the wall. Most walls in the room are made of concrete, so we need to figure out a cost-effective way to hoist and hold them. Members with carpentry background or knowledge could volunteer to lend your expertise to oversee this project for us. St. Joseph, pray for us!

3.     Long tables that can be stacked to capitalize on the tall ceiling and to create storage as well.

4.     Racks that can be attached to the walls.

5.     Garage storage cabinets (like the steel ones with wheels). No problem if it is rusty, we can paint over and recreate it.

6.     Working printer primarily for scanning, printing and making copies. Additional features are welcome.

7.     A Nice chair for Band Director's desk.

8.     Old instruments

9.     Sheet Music

10.  Special Covers that will aid in protecting instruments.  

Anything else that you think has a suitable purpose in the room.

 

The plan:

 

We will clean out the room completely, take inventory on the items and return them. While one team takes stock of items, the other team could fix, touch up, paint, etc. While returning, we will consider spaces for different instrument practice - a specific area for drums, a larger area for keyboards, etc. We must make sure that these spaces are clear and uncluttered giving easy access to students to use and then stow their instruments within their designated area.. 

  

CoinJar Personal Fundraiser Project:

 

As you know, we have a personal fundraiser project in which you can participate. We cannot use the name of the school or the Music program as it will violate the policy established by the school. So let's keep it personal but choose to donate the proceeds to the Program. Here are some suggestions:

 

1.     Simply drop $1 and change everyday into your personal coin jar. If each person could do this for one whole year and say 30 members did this, we could raise a good amount

2.     Hold garage sale (perfect time for spring cleaning) and donate a portion of the proceeds.

3.     Search your cars, sofas, pockets, etc for any forgotten change. Stats: Spare change collected from a single household could add up!!!

 

Until we have an elected member to take over the CoinJar fundraising, your collections/donations/savings will be collected at every Booster Meeting. I am sure it will be cool to watch that money grow and the surprise it will amount to!

  

Let's work on this together and get things rolling! Thanks for all you do and your dependable support!

 

 

Regards

Maria Radhika Albert (Kasipalli)

Communications Director, OLM Music Program