OLM Christmas Performance

Christmas time Greetings to Our Lady of Mercy music Program participants!
 

If you haven't heard, just around the corner is our Christmas Performance!!!

 

It will be this Wednesday, December 19th in St. Patrick's Church At 6:30 pm.

Marching band students please show up at 5:45 pm to get ready.  Please wear something modest to be worn under the uniform.   Do your hair nice, we will not be wearing shakos (except Zach for the march). Double check to be certain that Christmas decorations do not hinder performance or cause damage to instrument, parts or equipment (no damaging tape or exposed sharp wire).

All other music program students please show up at 6:10 pm to get ready. Wear the nicest outfit you have (no jeans and T-shirts please).

Students will be responsible for their instrument and equipment in addition to rides to and from the event. Please make arrangements to have large and heavy equipment (drums & keyboards) transported before school is out on Wednesday.  Chairs and music stands aren't guaranteed either. If you need it, bring it.

Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend.

There will also be a performance at the School this Tuesday for the students at 8:30 am.

Music Program participants need to remember to bring their instrument, music and equipment to the school on Tuesday. It is the student's responsibility to request permission to leave class Tuesday morning. I recommend mentioning it to the teacher on Monday to keep it fresh in their mind.

 

The performance line-up will be the same for both shows.

1st performance Bucket line, after performance everything off (bucket line)
2nd performance Guitar with piano (keyboards), after performance leave 5 chairs & stands
3rd performance Drum line, after performance stays on
4th performance Beginning with drum line, after performance leave 5 chairs & stands
5th performance Drum set, after performance, with help, everything off (drum set) leave 5 chairs & stands
6th performance Advanced band, after performance everything off clear the stage
7th performance Marching band, after performance everything off & CHANGE QUICK!!

The bucket line will be in front of the stage and on the first 2 steps at the start of the show with the guitar & keyboard classes in one row behind them.

 

The drum line instruments will already be on stage behind the guitar & keyboard row with the
drum set on stage as well. The drum line students may enter the stage and put their instruments on while the audience is clapping for the 2nd performance and stays on the stage after their show while the beginning band enters.

 

The drum set class could use help from anyone available to get the drum set off the stage (just grab what you can carry) be sure to leave 5 chairs & stands for the advanced band.

 

The advanced band could use help with the chairs & stands after they perform so the stage is clear for the marching band.

 

Wind instruments and percussion will line up on stage right (audiences' left) while the color guard & drum major have the stage & floor in the center.

 

After performing the march, anyone in the play needs to quickly change into their costume (don't wait for dismissal).

We will have less than 5 minutes for each performance.

It is very important that students only take onto stage what they need for their performance (no books, cases, old music, etc.).

 

We could use a band parent back stage to help relay "you're up" and "you're on deck" to the performers to help things go smoothly. Please double check equipment after the show.  Things have been lost in the past. We want everything back at the school before Christmas vacation. If you took it there, please bring it back too.

I appreciate all the prayers, help and support from those who've been doing it. I know this is going to be a good show.

I'm excited about the new season. Please stay updated with our band blog.

following the star,
                 Bj

Reminder / Update on Events

For those who have read the previous posts and for those who haven't I wanted to update you on our last set of events.

On Friday November 9th our band played for the Veterans who attended the OLM Veterans Day Celebration.  Good job everyone.

On Saturday November 10th our band marched in the Locals Only at Golden Valley High School.  They competed against other schools such as Tenaya, Weaver, Hoover, Rivera, and many others.  We took home 4 awards - 1 for Drum Major, 1 for Marching Band, and 2 for Jazz. 

The schools we competed with had anywhere from 30 or 40 member on up to 100 members and we had 18 competing.  Way to go OLM - we would have taken home 1 for color guard, however we only had two members at the time and in order to place you have to have a minimum of 5 members. 

On Sunday we marched in the Veterans Day Parade and we took home a plaque.  Again Great Job OLM.

On Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday - Nov. 13, 14 & 15 - tryouts for winter guard were held.  We are pleased to announce we have 3 more members.  This puts us in the running for future awards.  Welcome aboard ladies.  We would love to have some gents join.  Many color guard teams have males too.

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy your break.

Our next event is the Christmas Day Parade.  We will be wearing our uniforms in the attempt to look like toy soldiers.  Please try to attend as the more members we have performing the better we sound and look.

REMINDER - we have a Band Booster meeting on Wednesday, November 28th at 6:30 pm in the band room.  We have much to discuss and prepare for.  At least one adult representative for every marching band student is requested.  Remember, this meeting counts toward volunteer hours.

Color Guard Try Outs

COLOR GUARD / WINTER GUARD TRYOUTS

We want you to join us!!!!

The OLM band is HOLDING TRY OUTS

for COLOR GUARD / WINTER GUARD members

Try Outs are open to all students (male & female) in grades 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th & 8^th

WHEN:

Tuesday Nov 13^th

Wednesday Nov 14^th

Thursday Nov 15^th

 

WHERE:

OLM Campus – back circle – band room

 

TIME:

 After School from 2:40 to 3:40 PM

PRACTICES ARE HELD ON CAMPUS EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY FROM 1:40-2:40

Ø please be aware that you will be missing the last hour of school – make sure parents are ok with this

WE NEED AT LEAST 5 MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WINTER GUARD COMPETITIONS - WE CURRENTLY ONLY HAVE 2 MEMBERS

Color Guard Promotes

- Teamwork by learning to march together

- Responsibility by teaching your child to practice

- Friendship with other bands and members

- Sportsmanship through competitions

- And is a great addition to any college application

Upcoming Events

Hello band,

I hope everyone had plenty of candy over the Halloween season.  We've had a little break from performances and competitions so now we're going to make up for it with 3 in a row!! 

Friday, November 9th is a show at the school.  

     Students are asked to come at 7:30 am to get into uniform before school starts.

     After roll call, students then need to get permission to leave class no later than 8 am to get ready for the performance at around 8:15 am.

  

Saturday, November 10th is our "BIG" Band Review in Merced, the Central California Band Review.

     This will be our last competition of the season (very important that everyone is in attendance!).

     The band will meet in the formation area at 8:40 am at the North parking lot at Golden Valley High School (the swimming pool side).

     We will be changing into uniform at Golden Valley HS.

     The band competition will be about 10:10 am on Childs by Golden Valley High school.

     There will be a percussion competition about 10:20 am on Parsons by Golden Valley.

     Please plan on coming back for awards at the stadium at 1:30 pm.

     Drum major, Color Guard captain and section leaders should either stay in uniform, or hang on to it after the band review.

     It's customary to have a salute ready when receiving awards

          (ask Odette, she'll help you out I'm sure).

    

Fair warning, parking is a pain in the neck! You're welcome to say to the parking official that your vehicle is used for transporting band equipment in order to get into the school (technically it is). If that doesn't work, there are a few back roads which could get you a little closer to the school.  

 

Sunday, November 11th is the Veteran's day parade.

     The band will meet in our formation area at 12:20 pm at East Campus High School on 18th Street, about 1 block from “G” st.

     We will be changing into uniform at the High School.

     Unfortunately, we will not know our order in the line-up until we arrive at the parade.

     We're going to attempt to make it all the way to "O" street this year (say a prayer for us).

     Remember, students are to be dressed in something modest and comfortable enough to be worn under their band uniform (shin high black socks and band shoes, color guard in white ankle socks, white shorts, white tank top and color guard shoes).

     Students will be responsible for their own ride to and from the events as well as their instrument, equipment and necessary items for the performances.

I know it's a bunch of performances all at once but please make your best effort to make all of them. If you have to limit your attendance, please make Saturday's competition the high priority (it's the only one of the three that's a competition).

 

The band has improved tremendously since the Homecoming parade. This is our opportunity to experience the thrill of the fight.  Any help is welcome and encouraged.  If you have any questions or if your child needs a ride, please don't hesitate to respond or call.

my strength is in Christ,  Bj

Tentative Calendar 2012-2013 - UPDATE #4

Tentative Calendar 2012-2013 - UPDATE #4

Dates Subject To Change

Nov. 2012 Mondays -- Electives (basic dance, music & rhythm) Nov. 6-- Veterans Day performance at OLM Nov. 9-- Veterans Day performance at OLM Nov. 10 -- Central California Band Review & jazz, Merced (All Day)                          Mike Vasquez 385-8081 Nov. 11 -- Merced Veterans Day Parade $20 1:00 PM from G St. to O St.                  Jim Kanabay 385-7636 Ph & Fax Kay Spears 385-7588                   www.co.merced.ca.us Nov 13-15 -- Winter Guard Try Outs - Open to 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th , 7th & 8th Graders Nov. 28 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING               - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room               - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested.               - Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. Dec. 2012 Dec. 1 -- Merced Christmas Parade, Merced CA 724-8104 - 3pm Dec. 5-- Christmas Performance at St. Patricks Dec. 19 -- Christmas Performance at St. Patricks Dec. 20 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING This is a Thursday instead of a Wednesday               - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room               - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested.               - Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours.  Dec. 26 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING Jan. 2013 -- Concert Band & Jazz Band Competitions Jan. 15-26 -- MMCMEA County Honor Band audition, practices & performance Jan. 30 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING               - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room              - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested.              - Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. Feb. 2013 Feb. 2 & 3 -- Bake sale fundraiser Feb. 6 -- Cherish luncheon performance Feb. 15 or 16 -- Winter competitions for color guard & percussion Ceres or Fresno Feb 19-- Sees Candy Fundraiser Starts                       - PENDING APPROVAL FROM MRS. BLACKBURN Feb 21-- Sees Candy Fundraiser Starts Feb. 23 -- Winter Competitions for color guard & percussion Ceres or Fresno CA Feb. 27 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING               - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room               - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested.               - Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. March 2013 Mondays -- Electives (basic dance, music & rhythm) March 2 -- Concert band & jazz band competitions CSU Stanislaus Turlock 9am - 5pm March 2 or 23 -- Winter competitions for color guard & percussion Ceres or Fresno March 8 or 22 -- Winter competitions for color guard & percussion Ceres or Fresno March 9-- Winter Competitions for color guard & percussion Ceres or Fresno CA March 9 -- Vallejo “L” Pattern Vallejo Carmel Pajita 707-326-9433                     Ken Smith (ex-51107) 707-556-5700 OR March 23 -- El Grove or Foothill “L” pattern Mario Sebastian 916-224-8086 (Elk Grove)                     or John Butterfield 209-598-2277 (Foothill) March 18 - Sees Candy Fundraiser $ Due March 20 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING                 - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room                - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested.                - Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. March 27 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING March 28 -- Locals Only Winter Show – Golden Valley High School – Merced CA April 2013 April 9, 10 & 11 13 -- Concert band & jazz band competitions Washington Union                                    mike.hipp@washingtonunion.net, meh31@comcast.net,                                   559-288-4316 or CSU Fresno Gayane Korkmazian                                   Fax # 559-456-2965 or 559-255-5803 April 20-- Merced Baseball Opening Day Parade Mick Rayna 725-0883 658-2742 April 24 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING              - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room              - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested.              - Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. April 27-- Relay for Life Parade May 2013 May 3 -- Entertainment Grandparent’s Day -- Concert band & jazz band competitions May 4-- Los Banos Spring Fair Parade ($50) 658-0451 or 826-5166 May 6-- Flower Fundraiser for Mothers Sale Starts May 8-- End of School Year Performance & Awards May 10 -- Flower Fundraiser for Mothers Sale                  - FLOWERS DELIVERED TO STUDENTS May 9-10-- Talent Show then Cap & Town Performance Maria Mendoza 756-2820,                          385-6827, 723-1780 fax, 388-7609 e-fax ewenj@cityofmerced.org May 11-- Vallejo concert / jazz competitions Vallejo “L” Pattern                     Ken Smith (ex-51107) 707-556-5700 OR May 18-- Armijo concert / jazz competitions “L” pattern Fairfield                      Louise Jacob (707) 438‐3307 May 18-- Chowchilla Spring Fair 559-665-4501 chowchillafair.orgJeff Ross456-2351 May 24-25 -- End of School Year Band Trip May 29 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING               - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room              - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested.              - Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours                                    (2013/2014 school year). June 2013 June 11 -- Practice for Fair Performance 10:30 am-12:00 noon June 13 -- Fair Performance 559-324-9393 judieviki@aol.com June 26 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING                - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room               - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested.               - Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. July 2013 July 2-- Practice for 4th of July Parade10:30 am-12:00 noon July 4-- 4th of July parade July 31 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING             - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room            - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested.            - Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours.  -- Summer Fundraiser

REMINDER - OCTOBER BAND MEETING

Hello band,

This Wednesday,  October 24th from 6:30-8 pm in the band room is our next band booster meeting. We have much to discuss and prepare for. 

At least one adult representative for every marching band student is requested. 

Remember, this meeting counts toward volunteer hours.

I and the faithful band parents will continue to do our best efforts to make this a successful and worthwhile program. 

If you could help, in any way possible, that would make our job that much easier, and in turn, make the marching band program better.

Praise be to God,
Bj

Cleaning Fees & Shoe Payments

To all band parents,

For those that have received the shoes for band and color guard, and for the uniform cleaning fee please send payment to Teresa in the school office.

If paying by check make it out to OLM school & in the memo please write shoes/cleaning fee or if paying cash, please place in an envelope with child's name and shoes/cleaning fee. This allows us to keep accurate financial record.

Band / color guard shoes: $29.15

Cleaning fee: $15.00 (one time yearly fee)

Also, don't forget to pay the monthly dues.

Posted Grades

Greetings band,

I've updated the individual classes on Option "C" for the first quarter grades. You should be able to access either "Band (all), advanced band, beginning band, drum line or color guard". The "Band (all)" will be what's going on the report card but that is blank right now. Please let me know if you can't find your child's current grades and assignment list on their specific class.

Just a reminder, anything below a C- will result in ineligibility until the grade is raised (in any subject or class).

 

Students are responsible to make up any missed class assignments, homework and tests. It's not too late to do some extra credit or make-up work. I'm available this week by appointment Monday 3:40-4:30 pm, Tuesday 7 am or 4:40-5:30 pm for make up sessions. Call and leave a message with your preferred day & time. Please wait for confirmation before showing up.

If you have any questions, or if your records are different than mine, please respond as soon as possible.

God be with you,

Bj

MARCHING PRACTICE @ HOME

Hello Award Winning Marching Band,

   If you haven't heard, the Our Lady of Mercy Marching Band won 2 trophies at the Band Review in Fresno on Wednesday. 

     Our Drum Line brought home a 4th place (2nd year in a row)!

     Our Drum Major took home a 1st place (good job Zach)!

   The most frequent comments from the judges and the areas that need the most improvement are in regards to marching in step.  An email with the soundtracks for this year's march was sent out on October 8th at 4am. 

 

Every student's homework assignment is to listen to the soundtracks at the various speeds while "marking time" with their feet (left foot on count 1 and right foot on count 2). 

 

If students have access to a portable music player, actually marching is better than marking time.

  

Our next Band Review is about a month away.  The schools we're competing with have daily classes in addition to before and after school rehearsals.  I want our students to have a music education regardless how well other schools are doing.  However, it's always nice to be competitive.  The only way we can compete, is if students (with help from parents) practice and work on their own, outside of their band class. 

 

Please help me reinforce good study and practice habits.

          God Bless,   Bj

Big Fresno Fair Band Review

Well our little band went to Fresno on Wednesday, Oct. 3rd to participate in the Big Fresno Fair Band Review.  Go OLM!!  

We had our ID unit represented
We had our Color Guard represented
We had our Concert Band Members represented
We had our Drum Line represented

You all did an awesome job!!!

Our Drum Line took a 4th place trophy and our Drum Major took a 1st place trophy - Congratulations!!!

Panda Express - OLM Band Fundraiser

Please print the flier from the link below. 

Take it with you anytime in the month of October that you might be going to Panda Express and present the flier when you pay. 

No extra costs, no special item needed to be purchased, just what you normally buy. 

With doing this the OLM Band will receive a percentage of what you spend.  Please help us out. 

Also - make copies and give to family, friends, neighbors, etc.  All help is greatly appreciated.

FundraiserFlyerTemplate

Fresno Band Review

Just a reminder that the Fresno Band Review is this Wednesday, Oct 3rd.

Students will be leaving class around 11:30 so please make sure teachers know and that your child takes care of any missed assignments that will take place while they are gone from class.

If you are a driver please make sure you have all paperwork into the office and Mr. Humpal prior to Wednesday.

If you child needs a ride please let Mr. Humpal know ASAP so he can make sure he has enough drivers.

Any adult that drives will get free admission into the Fresno Fair as well.  If you do not want your child to stay for the fair please let Mr. Humpal know so that he can make sure there are enough seats for early returning students as well.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns please direct them to BJ Humpal.

Tentative Calendar 2012-2013 - UPDATE #3

Tentative Calendar 2012-2013 - UPDATE #3

Dates Subject To Change

Oct. 2012 -- Profit sharing fundraiser - Panda Express- 7 days a week from open to closing Oct. 3 -- Fresno Fair Band Review - Lauri King 559-650-3228 Hm, 559-994-3135 Cell 559-650-3226 Fax, E-mail: lking@fresnofair.com  Robert Williamson 559-650-3227, 559-994-3129 E-mail: rwilliamson@fresnofair.com Oct. 6-- Performance Big Valley Festival 2-2:45 pm Main St. Merced Gloria 658-2389 Oct. 24 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested. Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. Nov. 2012 Mondays -- Electives (basic dance, music & rhythm) Nov. 6 -- Veterans Day performance at OLM Nov. 9 -- Veterans Day performance at OLM Nov. 10 -- Central California Band Review & jazz, Merced (All Day) Mike Vasquez 385-8081 Nov. 11 -- Merced Veterans Day Parade $20 1:00 PM from G St. to O St. Jim Kanabay 385-7636 Ph & Fax  Kay Spears 385-7588 www.co.merced.ca.us Nov. 28 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested. Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. Dec. 2012 Dec. 1 -- Merced Christmas Parade, Merced CA 724-8104 Dec. 5-- Christmas Performance at St. Patricks Dec. 19 -- Christmas Performance at St. Patricks Dec. 26 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested. Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. Jan. 2013 -- Concert Band & Jazz Band Competitions Jan. 15-26 -- MMCMEA County Honor Band audition, practices & performance Jan. 30 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested. Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. Feb. 2013 Feb. 2 & 3 -- Bake sale fundraiser Feb. 6 -- Cherish luncheon performance Feb. 15 or 16 -- Winter competitions for color guard & percussion Ceres or Fresno Feb 21-- Sees Candy Fundraiser Starts - PENDING APPROVAL FROM MRS. BLACKBURN Feb. 23 -- Winter Competitions for color guard & percussion Ceres or Fresno CA Feb. 27 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested. Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. March 2013 Mondays -- Electives (basic dance, music & rhythm) March 2 -- Concert band & jazz band competitions CSU Stanislaus Turlock 9am - 5pm March 2 or 23 -- Winter competitions for color guard & percussion Ceres or Fresno March 8 or 22 -- Winter competitions for color guard & percussion Ceres or Fresno March 9-- Winter Competitions for color guard & percussion Ceres or Fresno CA March 9 -- Vallejo “L” Pattern Vallejo  Carmel Pajita 707-326-9433   Ken Smith (ex-51107) 707-556-5700 OR March 23 -- El Grove or Foothill “L” pattern Mario Sebastian 916-224-8086 (Elk Grove) or Josh Butterfield 209-598-2277 (Foothill)March 18 -- Sees Candy Fundraiser $ Due March 27 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested. Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. March 28 -- Locals Only Winter Show – Golden Valley High School – Merced CA April 2013 April 9, 10 & 11 -- Concert band & jazz band competitions Washington Union  mike.hipp@washingtonunion.net April 20-- Merced Baseball Opening Day Parade Mick Rayna 725-0883 658-2742 April 24 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested. Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. April 27-- Relay for Life Parade May 2013 May 3 -- Entertainment Grandparent’s Day            -- Concert band & jazz band competitions May 4-- Los Banos Spring Fair Parade ($50) 658-0451 or 826-5166 May 6-- Flower Fundraiser for Mothers Sale Starts May 8-- End of School Year Performance & Awards May 10 -- Flower Fundraiser for Mothers Sale - FLOWERS DELIVERED TO STUDENTS May 9-10-- Talent Show then Cap & Town Performance Maria Mendoza 756-2820, 385-6827, 723-1780 fax, 388-7609 e-fax   ewenj@cityofmerced.org May 11-- Vallejo concert / jazz competitions Vallejo “L” Pattern  Ken Smith (ex-51107) 707-556-5700 OR May 18-- Armijo concert / jazz competitions “L” pattern Fairfield Louise Jacob (707) 438‐3307 May 18-- Chowchilla Spring Fair 559-665-4501 chowchillafair.orgJeff Ross456-2351 May 24-25 -- End of School Year Band Trip May 29 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested. Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. June 2013 June 11 -- Practice for Fair Performance 10:30 am-12:00 noon June 13 -- Fair Performance 559-324-9393 judieviki@aol.com June 26 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested. Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. July 2013 July 2-- Practice for 4th of July Parade10:30 am-12:00 noon July 4-- 4th of July parade July 31 -- BAND BOOSTER MEETING - 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Band room - At least one adult representative for each marching band student is requested. Remember, all meetings count toward volunteer hours. -- Summer Fundraiser