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,