This is your weekly MUSIC DEPARTMENT update!
Hello Folks!
We are in crunch time. We have a busy two weeks ahead of us. Please do what you can to stay ahead of your other obligations so you can be fully present with the band. This week alone, we have a performance and a big rehearsal, and next week we have two big rehearsals and MPA for Wind Ensemble. Things are coming up QUICK.
There is no reason to stress, but I will inform you that absences make the process of growing very difficult and stands to add unnecessary stress. If we continue fighting absences from school/ rehearsal until MPA I can't guarantee you your rating.
On that note, a lot of people have been out due to sickness, and it would be a good time to remind you to take care of some general health basics:
Wash your hands with soap and water often.
Avoid touching doorknobs, sink handles, or other things that a lot of people touch.
Carry hand sanitizer and use it.
Keep your distance from others. Don't drink from other people's drinks, or eat from other peoples' plates. STAY OUT OF YOUNG CHILDREN'S FACES AND WASH YOUR HANDS IF YOU TOUCH THEIR HANDS.
Drink lots of water. Eat lots of fruits pack with water and Vitamin C.
Consider drinking/ taking "Emergen-C", "Airborne", or some other immune booster
Go to sleep at a reasonable hour so that you are well rested (usually is more beneficial than staying up to complete work and meet a deadline, contrary to popular belief).
Find time to do something relaxing before you go to bed (read a book, listen to music, spend time with family)-- avoid tv/ phone screens (these disrupt your sleep cycle)!
I say these because if we can just stay a little more healthy, it'll go a long way for each of you in your daily lives as well as for the band.
THE UNIVERSAL TRIP IS ON!
Here are the details... a detailed itinerary will come out soon:
Dates are 4/27-28. 4/27- Travel to Universal Studios on a 2 Day 2 Park Hopper (Buc-ee’s on the way down) and meal voucher (Spend all day at parks), go to Hotel, Pizza (included) and Pool Party. 4/28- Travel to Universal Studios on a 2 Day 2 Park Hopper and meal voucher (Spend all day at parks), Go Home (stop at Buc-ee's along the way).
The Trip is open to members of Band/ Chorus who have no disciplinary referrals, excessive absences, and a GPA above 2.0. This is a school policy, don't shoot the messenger. Stay on top of your grades, and stay well behaved. If there are questions about this, you can email me at myles.moore@bakerk12.org.
Total Cost of the Trip will be $380. The $150 Deposit was due on February 15th, so if you paid a deposit, your remaining balance is $230. Trip Payment #2 ($115) will be due on 3/1/24, and Trip Payment #3 ($115 or remaining balance) will be due on 3/14/24.
PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY PAID IN PART/FULL FOR A BAND TRIP. If you DO want to do this trip, then you will receive a refund of whatever overage remains after the full balance of the trip is paid. You can also use your payment to cover deposits by reaching out to Jennifer Luke at president@bakercountybands.org. If you DO NOT want to do this trip, email Jennifer Luke at president@bakercountybands.org to request a refund.
There will be a mandatory trip meeting for all participants and their parents on 4/22/24.
Please await a link from Mrs. Luke to pay your remaining balances.
Countdowns
Weekly Walkthrough
Monday, Â there are no after school activities. Happy President's Day!
Tuesday, Wind Ensemble has Pre- MPA at UNF. (Link to Itinerary). Jazz will also perform its set during the lunches. I want Jazz to come during 3rd to begin moving things, since I need to work with all percussionists in class during 4th. There won't be an all call, just an email.
Wednesday, there are no after school activities. (GOOD DAY TO CATCH UP/ GET AHEAD ON HOMEWORK)
Thursday, Â Wind Ensemble has after school rehearsal with Mr. Brett Pikuritz from Orange Park High School. This rehearsal runs from 5pm to 7pm instead of the normal time. Please be aware! This rehearsal will probably make the biggest difference in our preparation for MPA, so aim to be there no matter what!
Friday, Jazz Ensemble rehearses from 1:40pm- 4:30pm in prep for State.
January/ February at- a- glance
Events:
Leadership Monday!– February 26th- 3pm to 5pm
Rehearsals:
Wind Ensemble Rehearsal (w/ Mr. Brett Pikuritz)– February 22nd- 5pm- 7pm
Wind Ensemble Dress Rehearsal #1 (w/ Mrs. Heather Davidson)– February 27th- 3pm- 5:30pm
Wind Ensemble Dress Rehearsal #2 (w/ Prof. Chris Creswell)– February 29th- 3pm- 5:30pm
Performances:
Jazz Ensemble Lunch Time Performance– February 20th- During Lunch
PRE- MPA @ University of North Florida (Link to Itinerary)– February 20th- 4:00pm
DISTRICT CONCERT MPA(Link to Itinerary)– March 2nd (Tentative)- Times TBA
Things to Note 🎵:
Leadership Mondays 2024
It's crazy that we already need to start thinking about Leadership for the upcoming school year! If you are interested in becoming a part of the leadership team for 23-24, then you should do the following:
Let a Drum Major/ Quartermaster know you are interested
Purchase 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey (Do NOT Purchase Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People)
Plan to attend the Leadership Monday Meetings on 2/26, 3/4, 3/11, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, and 4/22.
Take a look at the below document if you want some ideas on things that we look for out of potential candidates.
Some other things you should consider:
We are looking to e x p a n d our leadership team a little bit. (We don't know what this looks like yet).
We want to find a way for Captains/ QM to go to Leadership Camp as well as the DM's. (We don't know what this looks like yet).
You can talk to myself and other leaders about the process if you wish-- just remember to be judicious.
After School Activities this Week:
Monday
President's Day-- No Schol
Tuesday
Jazz Ensemble Lunch Time Performance– During Lunch
PRE- MPA @ University of North Florida (Link to Itinerary)– 3:00pm
Wednesday
No Activities Scheduled
Thursday
Wind Ensemble Rehearsal (w/ Mr. Brett Pikuritz)– 5pm- 7pm
Friday
Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal – 1:40pm- 4:30pm
Birthday Announcements!
By the way, I base birthday announcements on what I can see on the Band App, so if you would like to be recognized for your birthday on the weekly announcements, please make sure your Birthday is set to PUBLIC on the Band App.
According to Band App, there are no birthdays this week... 😔
Let's have a great week everyone!
And GOOOOOO WILDCATS!