This is your weekly MUSIC DEPARTMENT update!
Hello Folks!
I'm very pleased with our first outing as a band to the Friday Night Football game. I think we sounded quite great! A nice big sound, and lots of presence. We will continue capitalizing on our stands presents through the season, but I think we need to focus on recovering our field presence. We were rained/ stormed out of two outdoor rehearsals, so we need some prayers for better weather. We are going on 3+ weeks of not having marched our show. I believe our retention is sharp, but retention without reps will be our undoing.
I'm sure everyone has heard by now about the tragedy that has befallen our string bass.
The update is that this is actually repairable, and that it is a common break for String Basses. It will be sent in to the shop as soon as we can get it in to be repaired to the tune of $400- $500.
I am not quite as upset about the break as I was on Friday, but I think in general I am upset at this recurring theme of callousness/ indifference that we have seemed to adopt toward our equipment. It's easy to observe that our equipment does not receive the level of care it deserves. We have percussion equipment that is no more than 5 years old that looks 10 years old. We have sousaphones that are 6 years old that look 15 years old. And now, our Bass that is 1 year old will be going in for its first major repair (and I'm reasonably worried that there is more damage than what is obvious, and that the bass will not play/ resonate the same as it did before).
You know, I have watched clarinets and trumpets fall out of players' hands countless times; I have seen trombone slides fall off and dent countless times (then, some of you let your parents catch an attitude with me about it when instrument care is actually YOUR RESPONSIBILITY). Small instruments left on the ground in major walkways in the band room or in the stadium. Large instruments left in chairs to fall. Brass bells placed on (and sometimes slid across) the hard concrete so that they are nice and scratched up. Saxophones played without neckstraps (I bet middle C# works out really well, huh?). I can't fathom such callousness with regards to instruments that cost thousands of dollars. Do your families have the money to replace those instruments on the fly? I know mine didn't when I was growing up (even if your family were affluent enough to replace your instrument like we replace toilet paper-- do they really want to spend thousands that often? We don't have any Musks', Bezos', or Gates' in our band!). Wear and tear is normal, but wear and tear is supposed to be just that-- wear and tear. Not destruction.
I had already planned (at the beginning of the year) to begin formally teaching instrument care and maintenance because I observed these issues before, so we will begin those lessons on Mondays. To be clear, instrument care is taught in Middle School and it has been taught indirectly in High School for years. But we need to change our perspective on the equipment we use every day. School Instruments are meant to be utilized for several students over generations.
We will be having more of a conversation tomorrow (Monday) during class.
Take better care of your instruments.
Countdowns
Weekly Walkthrough
Monday, if you are auditioning for All State, I'd like to see you and hear your audition any time from 2:30pm- 4pm.
Tuesday, we have an After School Rehearsal from 4pm to 7pm. (I will not be at school during the day-- I will be at BCMS. Big 3 will be in charge.) There is also a Woodwind Sectional from 2:45pm to 3:45pm.
Wednesday, ain't nothing going on. (I will not be at school during the day-- I will be at BCMS. Big 3 will be in charge.)
Thursday, we have an After School Rehearsal from 4pm to 7pm. (I will not be at school during the day-- I will be at BCMS. Big 3 will be in charge.)
Friday, we have our first AWAY football game. You will be fed (not sure what yet though) before we leave. Be sure to check out information about student meals at the football games below. We will still NOT be performing the halftime show yet. We need more time to situate uniforms and purchase and build props. We will perform in the stands this game. Please wear "Wildcat Gear" (A Wildcat Shirt or Red/ Black, Blue Jeans, Sneakers) for this game (Unless it's a "White Out" Game, in which case dress accordingly-- ask your Big 3/ Captains) (If it is a White Out Game, it may be cool for us to find a way for sections to design their white shirts to make them look cool instead of just wearing plain t-shirts.)
Leadership Meeting Info
Reading: Everyone needs to arrive having read Building Blocks 9-11. Everyone also needs to review this pdf.
August at- a- glance
Events:
Leadership Meeting – August 24th- 2:30pm- 3:30pm
Leadership Meeting – August 31st- 2:30pm- 3:30pm
Rehearsals:
Woodwind Sectional – August 22nd- 2:45pm- 3:45pm
After School Rehearsal – August 22nd- 4pm- 7pm
After School Rehearsal – August 24th- 4pm- 7pm
After School Rehearsal – August 29th- 4pm- 7pm
After School Rehearsal – August 31st- 4pm- 7pm
Performances:
AWAY vs. Bradford HS – August 25th- 4pm
AWAY vs. Oakleaf HS – September 1st- 4pm
Things to Note 🎵:
Student Meals @ Home FB Games
Parents/Students-- This year we are offering student meals for $5. These meals will include either a hot dog or a hamburger, chips and a drink. We wanted to try something new this season, in the past some students weren't able to get food because the concession lines were so long that they would be late getting back to the stands. We are pre-selling these meals until noon the day of the game. You may prepay for a meal by going to the band website bakercountybands.org/events. If you go to the website to order make sure you are purchasing under the high school band.
You will have the choice to buy a ticket for a meal for each game if you would like. Unfortunately, you will have to purchase each game meal individually. Each week, we will have a list of the students that have purchased meals and pack them up and deliver them to the stands during 3rd quarter. Each week I will put out a reminder to give everyone a chance to purchase a meal. Students, if you purchase a meal, please make sure you send me a message or leave a comment on the reminder of what you would like to have as your drink. If you have any questions please reach out.
Cell Phone Policy
Just so no one is caught off guard, our Cell Phone policy is changing. In Band, students are required to put their cell phone under their seat (or under their stand if we are in marching band mode) if they have it on their person. Students are only allowed to use their cell phones if Mr. Moore grants specific permission (such as to access a particular website or to use an app as a metronome, etc.). Students will not be allowed to accept personal phone calls (including phone calls from parents/ family) during class time.
Remember that Florida laws have changed making it much easier for teacher to confiscate cellular devices. My policy is generally a little looser, but other teachers are planning to play hardball when it comes to cell phones. You've been warned!
Band Procedures
Please be sure to review the band procedures. We are officially using them upon the start of school and there is no grace period. Take special care to review procedures on In Class/ Music Rehearsal, Attendance Conflicts, and After School Band Rehearsals.
After School Activities this Week:
Monday
All State Folks 2:30pm-4pm
Tuesday
Woodwind Sectional – 2:45pm- 3:45pm
After School Rehearsal – 4pm- 7pm
Wednesday
No Activities Scheduled
Thursday
Leadership Meeting – 2:45pm- 3:30pm
After School Rehearsal – 4pm- 7pm
Friday
AWAY vs. Bradford HS – 4pm Call Time (At the Band Room)
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 two birthdays this week!
Happy Birthday Jude Buckminister (8/24), and Jamie Prevatt (8/25)!
Let's have a great week everyone!
And GOOOOOO WILDCATS!