This amazing group of seniors got to celebrate all their accomplishments in NYC last week!! What a fantastic group of ambassadors for the HHS Band. Looks like a fun time was had by all!

Monday - Symphonic Band 4-5:30. 
Tuesday - Wind Ensemble 4:00-5:30 pm.   Winter Guard 4-6.
Wednesday - Off.  Full Band meeting during Panther hour (11:30-12:00)
Thursday - Chamber Music Trip to Montgomery (brass quintet, woodwind quintet, saxophone quarter).  No wind ensemble rehearsal.
Friday  -  Off
Saturday - Winter Guard Competition at Spain Park!

Final Fundraiser of the Year 
Our other fundraiser this semester, the 2nd Boston Butt sale, fell through because of supplier issues. Since we are going to London next year, we wanted to make sure you have as many opportunities to fundraise for your account as possible.  We are inviting our current 8th grade students to participate as well.  There will be a 60/40 split on this fundraiser with 60% going towards your individual account and 40% going to the band.  As always, we appreciate your help to raise money for your account and the band!  We will kick this off Wednesday in a full meeting with the band with Charlie Colwell (also known as "the mattress guy").

We will be selling crazy and fun socks in pairs of 3 for $25 each. One of the best parts of this fundraiser is that this company wants to give back to our community.  For every pack purchased, 1 additional pair will be donated to the Huntsville Rescue Mission.  All of this fundraiser can be done through social media. Socks are shipped DIRECTLY to the purchaser!

You will see more information coming out this week.  It will run for 2+ weeks - starting Wednesday, March 22 and ending Friday, April 7th.  

BAND BANQUET!  Mark your calendars for the best Band Banquet ever!  See you Friday Night, May 12 at StoveHouse!  Many more details soon to come! 

BAND CONTRACTS!!!
Now is the time to make your commitment for band next year.  The contract is due by March 31 and the latest marching band numbers can be adjusted is audition week (first week of May).  You can fill out and email back or turn into the band box at school.   Remember, even if you plan to do concert only, if you are planning to march the parade in London, you need to attend week 1 of band camp!

Band Contracts can be accessed here.  Hard copies are available at school.  

Winter Guard Information
Competition this Saturday at Spain Park (Hoover area)!!!  Information can be found on the website - HuntsvilleHSBand.com

PERFORMANCE AT BOB JONES, MONDAY MARCH 27TH!  INFORMATION IN NEXT NEWSLETTER!

IMPORTANT The tentative schedule for SCGC Finals at Western Kentucky on Saturday, April 1st in Bowling Green, Kentucky has us performing around 10:30 am with check in at 9!  This is early especially for a location that is 3 hours away from us.  We are planning to meet there as we always do.  If you want to leave that morning, you are probably looking at a 5:30 am departure.    However, I wanted to give you a heads up in case some of you may want to split hotel the night before either in Bowling Green or somewhere like Nashville that's about 75 minutes away.  I believe there are some very reasonably priced hotel rooms in the Bowling Green area.  Awards for our classification at Finals is around 3:15 pm.  Food options can be found here:  https://www.scgconline.org/resources/1951.pdf


Color Guard Auditions for 23-24 
 April 24-28 in the Freshman Academy from 4-6 each day.  We encourage every member to find one current HHS student that you know to come audition.  

Competition and Rehearsal Schedule 
*Every Tuesday from 4-6 pm Winter Guard has rehearsal.  The final after school rehearsal will be Tuesday, March 28th!
March 27th - Goodies with the Guard at Bob Jones HS (Madison)
April 1 - Championships at Western Kentucky University. (Bowling Green)

Please contact Mrs. Jeffress if you have any questions regarding the schedule or transportation.  Mrsjeffress@comcast.net

Chamber Music Trip - Performance Thursday
Congratulations to the members of our Brass Quintet, Woodwind Quintet, and Saxophone Quartet for being selected to perform at the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery on Thursday.  They will be performing for our state legislature as they depart for lunch as well as a performance nearby.

Equipment:
We are taking all instruments on the school bus.  We also must take any stands and chairs we need.

Dress:
We will perform in tuxedos and dresses, but you will have an opportunity to change in and out of them.  

Parents 
We could use some parents to go to help move stands/chairs/instruments!  Please email me if you can join us.  I have Mrs. Starnes and Mr. Pleva joining us so far.  

Schedule
6:45 am - Meet in band room
7:00 am - Depart on a school bus.  We will stop at a rest stop to change into tuxes/dresses.  Bring a snack for a late lunch.  
10:30 am - Arrive at the state Capital
11:10 am - Performance #1 (Gordon Pearsons Building)
After performance walk to Alabama Capitol (2 blocks approximately).  If weather is bad we would                ride the bus.
12:00 pm - Performance #2 (Alabama Capitol Rotunda)
1:00 pm - Depart for Lunch - Bring $$ for fast food.  Most likely stopping at the Prattville exit.  
5:00 pm - Back at Huntsville High School.

London Connection!
Remember, even if you plan to do concert only, if you are planning to march the parade in London, you need to attend week 1 of band camp!

Next Payment
Friday, March 31st is the next Payment- $400 per traveler. 

What do I need to do right now?
 1.  Get your passport now!  It should be valid 6 months past our return date!
 2.  Investigate your best option for overseas phone possibilities.  Each phone company has different options.  You will need to have access to phone communication while you are in London!
  3.  Research and investigate your credit card and financial options.  Each bank and card is different.  Make sure your card won't lock you out when you get to London  

FAQ: 
 Can I still sign up?  
Yes - but you must pay for all missed deposits on your first payment or else you can't be locked into the trip.  At some point, there will be price increases, room assignments done, airline flights arranged, and other logistical things related to the trip completed.  After we do those things, anyone added will just be accommodated the best we can.  Our contract is for 150 people so we must be atleast at this number of travelers.  If you have not signed up, the sooner you can do this the better for us because numbers dictate many things!

When do you have to declare if you are doing land only or full trip?  
I don't have an exact date, but my best estimate is early Fall 2023.

London information can be found in our google drive. Click here to access google drive

Upcoming Events
March 27 - Winter Guard - "Goodies with the Guard" performance at Bob Jones
March 31st -  Volunteer Pep Band to Blossomwood in the afternooon.
April 1 - Winter Guard - SCGC FINALS at Western Kentucky University

Band Camp / Summer Schedule 2023
April 24 - 28 Color Guard Auditions 4-6  Freshman Academy.
Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2  Rookie Camp (new members only), Marching Percussion Placement Camp from 1-4, and Guard Camp (percussion times edited 2/24)
July 6-8 - Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 12-14 Make up rookie camp (new members only) and Marching Percussion Camp (8-12).  (percussion times edited 2/24)
July 17 - 21 Band Camp Week 1 - All Marching Band Students + any concert only students going to London that want to march in the parade.
July 24-28  Band Camp Week 2 - All Marching Band Students
July 31 and August 1 - Rehearsals before school starts.
August 2 - 1st day of school

Student involved with marching band are required to attend these dates in full!  Students who miss because of summer activities may be removed from the halftime show.  We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our summer schedule to give a full break and options for camps and vacations.  Our dead time this coming summer is June 3 - July 5 although some students have much longer than this!

Who doesn't love low brass? Want to know more? Follow them on instagram at huntsvillehs_lowbrass

Monday - Symphonic Band 4-5:30. 
Tuesday - Symphonic Band Performance at MPA.   Winter Guard 4-6.  No Wind Ensemble rehearsal.
Wednesday - Winter Guard Performance at HJHS - 8:00 am.  Meet at 7:30 am
Thursday -  Off (no Wind Ensemble rehearsal).  New York Meeting 6:00 pm.
Friday  -  Off.  E-learning day.  

MPA for Symphonic Band
Performance:
The performance is in the Hartselle High School Auditorium in Hartselle.  The address of the school is 1000 Bethel Road.  Hartselle, Al  35640  The performance on stage is open to the public and free of charge. 

Map:  A link to inside and outside of Hartselle High School can be found here.

Transportation:  2 school buses and our band truck for large/medium instruments and some percussion.

What to wear:  We will change before we leave into our formal concert uniform (tuxedos/ dress and black shoes).  Guys don't forget cummerbund, bow ties, and black socks.

Food:  We will have pizza in the band room prior to changing.

Other things:  
Make sure you bring music, mutes, and other music accessories.  
The performance is required and a large part of your 9 weeks grade.  Any student not going must have any absence approved by a director.

We have an opportunity for 3 volunteers to accompany us on this important trip.  Please sign up through CHARMS or contact Audrey Beumer abeumer09@gmail.com

Schedule:
Tuesday, March 7th (B day)
8:30  Come to school as normal - bring your tuxedo/dress, and all accessories in your red garment bag.  Hang in the band room.
2:10 pm -  After 3rd block, report directly to the band room.  You have been excused from 4th block today.  Eat Pizza (first!) then change into your Tuxdeo or Concert Dress.
3:15 pm - Depart HHS on 2 school buses.  Medium and large instruments will be able to go on the trailer.  Do not take backpacks/extra items that you don't need.  
4:15 pm - Arrive at Hartselle HS
4:45 pm - Warm up
5:15 pm - PERFORMANCE in the Hartselle Auditorium (open to the public!)
5:45 pm - Sight read (closed to public)
7:00 pm - Depart Hartselle HS
7:45 pm - Arrive back at HHS.  Get instrument off truck before leaving.  

BAND CONTRACTS!!!
Now is the time to make your commitment for band next year.  The contract is due by March 31 and the latest marching band numbers can be adjusted is audition week (first week of May).  You can fill out and email back or turn into the band box at school.   Remember, even if you plan to do concert only, if you are planning to march the parade in London, you need to attend week 1 of band camp!

Band Contracts can be accessed here.  We will also give hard copies out at school

Solo and Ensemble!!!
Solo and Ensemble is Saturday, April 1st at Liberty Middle School.  If you would like to participate, fill this form out by the end of the day on Friday, March 10th. 
The cost is $10 per solo or $5 per student per ensemble.
  
https://forms.gle/aSZzh6CZpb1eN1Ly7


2023-24 Course Registration and Band Contract
Band Contracts will be distributed after MPA will be due by the last day of March.   It will include the same options as before (no changes).  Marching Band option or Concert only option.   

Course registration numbers
Just a friendly reminder to ignore the class titles.  Student who want to be in marching band except for color guard) should register both Marching Band and the numbers under your class (Seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshmen).  Each number represents 1 semester, but you must sign up for both numbers for each  - the system will override it otherwise. 

Color Guard class (Marching/winter guard):
Instrumental Chamber Ensemble 1 05106G10   .  It should be a full year 1.0 credit class.  Only 1 number needed.

12th Grade in 2023-24 
Marching Band V - 05103G0505
Concert Band V - 05102G0505

11th Grade in 2023-24
Marching Band IV - 05103G0504
Concert Band IV -  05102G0504

10th Grade in 2023-24
Marching Band III - 05103G503
Concert Band III - 05102G0503

9th Grade in 2023-24:
Marching Band II - 05103G0502
Concert Band II - 05102G0502

Marching Band (Brass, Woodwinds, and Percussion only.  Guard see other number):
Marching Band I - 05103G0501
Concert Band I - 05102G0501

Winter Guard Information

Recruiting performances 
The Winter Guard will be performing at Hampton Cove during Toro Time on Wednesday, March 1st and during HJHS Advisory time on Wednesday, March 8th.  This is our chance to be in front of the 8th grade students and recruit students to color guard next year!

We will need to meet at 7:30 am at each school with our equipment and floor to set up.  We will have our performance of the winter guard show and information session between 8:00 - 8:30 am at each school. You will be a little late to 1st block both of these days.  We plan to carpool back to school.

Color Guard Auditions for 23-24 
 April 24-28 in the Freshman Academy from 4-6 each day.  We encourage every member to find one current HHS student that you know to come audition.  

Course Registration
Anyone interested in guard for 23-24 (including current members) should register for the following class at course registration (this is a different course than last year).  It is encouraged to go ahead and register for the class even though you may not have auditioned yet.
  
Instrumental Chamber Ensemble 1 05106G10   .  It should be a full year 1.0 credit class.  

Competition and Rehearsal Schedule 
*Every Tuesday from 4-6 pm Winter Guard has rehearsal 
March 25 - Spain Park HS (Hoover)
Marching 27th - Goodies with the Guard at Bob Jones HS (Madison)
April 1 - Championships at Western Kentucky University. (Bowling Green)


Please contact Mrs. Jeffress if you have any questions regarding the schedule or transportation.  Mrsjeffress@comcast.net

London Connection!
Remember, even if you plan to do concert only, if you are planning to march the parade in London, you need to attend week 1 of band camp!

Next Payment
Friday, March 31st is the next Payment- $400 per traveler. 

What do I need to do right now?
 1.  Get your passport now!  It should be valid 6 months past our return date!
 2.  Investigate your best option for overseas phone possibilities.  Each phone company has different options.  You will need to have access to phone communication while you are in London!
  3.  Research and investigate your credit card and financial options.  Each bank and card is different.  Make sure your card won't lock you out when you get to London  

FAQ: 
 Can I still sign up?  
Yes - but you must pay for all missed deposits on your first payment or else you can't be locked into the trip.  At some point, there will be price increases, room assignments done, airline flights arranged, and other logistical things related to the trip completed.  After we do those things, anyone added will just be accommodated the best we can.  Our contract is for 150 people so we must be atleast at this number of travelers.  If you have not signed up, the sooner you can do this the better for us because numbers dictate many things!

When do you have to declare if you are doing land only or full trip?  
I don't have an exact date, but my best estimate is early Fall 2023.

London information can be found in our google drive. Click here to access google drive

Upcoming Events
March 13-17  Senior New York Trip / Spring Break
March 23 - Chamber Ensembles performance in Montgomery at state capital.  
March 24 - Possible volunteer Pep band to Jones Valley Elem. at 1:30 pm
March 25 - Winter Guard Competition at Spain Park
March 27 - Winter Guard - "Goodies with the Guard" performance at Bob Jones
March 31st -  Volunteer Pep Band to Blossomwood in the afternooon.
April 1 - Winter Guard - SCGC FINALS at Western Kentucky University

Band Camp / Summer Schedule 2023
April 24 - 28 Color Guard Auditions 4-6  Freshman Academy.
Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2  Rookie Camp (new members only), Marching Percussion Placement Camp from 1-4, and Guard Camp (percussion times edited 2/24)
July 6-8 - Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 12-14 Make up rookie camp (new members only) and Marching Percussion Camp (8-12).  (percussion times edited 2/24)
July 17 - 21 Band Camp Week 1 - All Marching Band Students + any concert only students going to London that want to march in the parade.
July 24-28  Band Camp Week 2 - All Marching Band Students
July 31 and August 1 - Rehearsals before school starts.
August 2 - 1st day of school

Student involved with marching band are required to attend these dates in full!  Students who miss because of summer activities may be removed from the halftime show.  We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our summer schedule to give a full break and options for camps and vacations.  Our dead time this coming summer is June 3 - July 5 although some students have much longer than this!

Monday - Symphonic Band 4-5:30.  
Tuesday - Wind Ensemble Rehearsal 4-5:30.   Winter Guard 4-6 
Wednesday - Winter Guard Performance at HCMS - 8:00 am.  MPA - Wind Ensemble at James Clemens - 6:00 pm.  See schedule.
Thursday -  Off (no Wind Ensemble rehearsal)
Friday  -  Off.  

MPA for Wind Ensemble

Performance:
The performance is in the James Clemens High School Auditorium in Madison.  The performance on stage is open to the public and free of charge. 

Map:  A map of the outside of the school is here.

Transportation:  2 school buses and our band trailer for large/medium instruments and some percussion.

What to wear:  We will change before we leave into our formal concert uniform (tuxedos/ dress and black shoes).  Guys don't forget cummerbund, bow ties, and black socks.

Food:  We will have pizza in the band room prior to changing.

Other things:  
Make sure you bring music, mutes, and other music accessories.  

Wind Ensemble will not meet after school the week of March 6-10th!

Schedule:
Wednesday, March 1st (B day)
8:30  Come to school as normal - bring your tuxedo/dress, and all accessories in your red garment bag.
3:15 pm -  Dismiss from 4th block and come to band room.  Eat Pizza (first!) then change into your Tuxdeo or Concert Dress.

4:30 pm - Depart HHS on 2 school buses.  Medium and large instruments will be able to go on the trailer.  Do not take backpacks/extra items that you don't need.  

5:00 pm - Arrive at James Clemens
5:30 pm - Warm up
6:00 pm - PERFORMANCE in the Auditorium (open to the public!)
6:30 pm - Sight read
7:30 pm - Depart James Clemens 
8:00 pm - Arrive back at HHS

NEW YORK!!!
There is a mandatory New York meeting for senior participants and their parents on Thursday, March 9th at 6:00 pm in the band room.  We will cover final itinerary and information!

2023-24 Course Registration and Band Contract
Band Contracts will be distributed after MPA will be due by the last day of March.   It will include the same options as before (no changes).  Marching Band option or Concert only option.   

Course registration numbers
Just a friendly reminder to ignore the class titles.  Student who want to be in marching band except for color guard) should register both Marching Band and the numbers under your class (Seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshmen).  Each number represents 1 semester, but you must sign up for both numbers for each  - the system will override it otherwise. 

Color Guard class (Marching/winter guard):

Instrumental Chamber Ensemble 1 05106G10   .  It should be a full year 1.0 credit class.  Only 1 number needed.

12th Grade in 2023-24 
Marching Band V - 05103G0505
Concert Band V - 05102G0505

11th Grade in 2023-24
Marching Band IV - 05103G0504
Concert Band IV -  05102G0504

10th Grade in 2023-24
Marching Band III - 05103G503
Concert Band III - 05102G0503

9th Grade in 2023-24:
Marching Band II - 05103G0502
Concert Band II - 05102G0502

Marching Band (Brass, Woodwinds, and Percussion only.  Guard see other number):
Marching Band I - 05103G0501
Concert Band I - 05102G0501

Marching Percussion Camp Times
The times for marching percussion camp times have been added to our summer schedule. They are 1-4 pm Tuesday, May 30 - June 2 and 8-12 on July 12-14.  We will be doing marching percussion placements during the first camp.  Attendance is essential for those doing marching band percussion.  

Winter Guard Information

Recruiting performances 
The Winter Guard will be performing at Hampton Cove during Toro Time on Wednesday, March 1st and during HJHS Advisory time on Wednesday, March 8th.  This is our chance to be in front of the 8th grade students and recruit students to color guard next year!

We will need to meet at 7:30 am at each school with our equipment and floor to set up.  We will have our performance of the winter guard show and information session between 8:00 - 8:30 am at each school. You will be a little late to 1st block both of these days.  We plan to carpool back to school.

Color Guard Auditions for 23-24 
 April 24-28 in the Freshman Academy from 4-6 each day.  We encourage every member to find one current HHS student that you know to come audition.  

Course Registration
Anyone interested in guard for 23-24 (including current members) should register for the following class at course registration (this is a different course than last year).  It is encouraged to go ahead and register for the class even though you may not have auditioned yet.
  
Instrumental Chamber Ensemble 1 05106G10   .  It should be a full year 1.0 credit class.  

Competition and Rehearsal Schedule 
*Every Tuesday from 4-6 pm Winter Guard has rehearsal 
March 25 - Spain Park HS (Hoover)
Marching 27th - Goodies with the Guard at Bob Jones HS (Madison)
April 1 - Championships at Western Kentucky University. (Bowling Green)

Please contact Mrs. Jeffress if you have any questions regarding the schedule or transportation.  Mrsjeffress@comcast.net

 MPA - Symphonic Band
Symphonic Band will be performing Tuesday, March 7th at 5:15 pm at Hartselle High School.  Here is the tentative schedule.  
3:15 Depart HHS
4:15  Arrive
4:45  Warm up
5:15  PERFORM
5:45 Sight Read
6:30 Depart Hartselle
7:15 Arrive back at Huntsville High

London Connection!

Next Payment
Friday, March 31st is the next Payment- $400 per traveler. 

What do I need to do right now?
 1.  Get your passport now!  It should be valid 6 months past our return date!
 2.  Investigate your best option for overseas phone possibilities.  Each phone company has different options.  You will need to have access to phone communication while you are in London!
  3.  Research and investigate your credit card and financial options.  Each bank and card is different.  Make sure your card won't lock you out when you get to London  

FAQ: 
 Can I still sign up?  
Yes - but you must pay for all missed deposits on your first payment or else you can't be locked into the trip.  At some point, there will be price increases, room assignments done, airline flights arranged, and other logistical things related to the trip completed.  After we do those things, anyone added will just be accommodated the best we can.  Our contract is for 150 people so we must be atleast at this number of travelers.  If you have not signed up, the sooner you can do this the better for us because numbers dictate many things!

When do you have to declare if you are doing land only or full trip?  
I don't have an exact date, but my best estimate is early Fall 2023.

London information can be found in our google drive. Click here to access google drive

Upcoming Events
March 7 - Symphonic Band MPA at Hartselle
March 13-17  Senior New York Trip / Spring Break
March 23 - Chamber Ensembles performance in Montgomery at state capital.  

Band Camp / Summer Schedule 2023
April 24 - 28 Color Guard Auditions 4-6  Freshman Academy.
Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2  Rookie Camp (new members only), Marching Percussion Placement Camp from 1-4, and Guard Camp (percussion times edited 2/24)
July 6-8 - Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 12-14 Make up rookie camp (new members only) and Marching Percussion Camp (8-12).  (percussion times edited 2/24)
July 17 - 21 Band Camp Week 1 - All Marching Band Students + any concert only students going to London that want to march in the parade.
July 24-28  Band Camp Week 2 - All Marching Band Students
July 31 and August 1 - Rehearsals before school starts.
August 2 - 1st day of school

Student involved with marching band are required to attend these dates in full!  Students who miss because of summer activities may be removed from the halftime show.  We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our summer schedule to give a full break and options for camps and vacations.  Our dead time this coming summer is June 3 - July 5 although some students have much longer than this!

This is the critical week for our Mattress Fundraiser - time to get your friends and family locked in!  Please please make appointments with your friends/family to buy a mattress from our 25 station mattress showroom at the HHS Freshman Academy Cafeteria.  This fundraiser has generated over $25k for the band, and is an easy way to fundraise for your CHARMS account.  Want a custom video? Text an intro to 256-651-5690 and your message will be heard!  Here's how to do your portion of the video:

​Monday - Symphonic Band Rehearsal 4-5:30.
Tuesday - No Wind Ensemble Rehearsal!   Winter Guard 4-6 
Wednesday - Off
Thursday -  Wind Ensemble 4:00-5:30 pm. 
Friday  -  Off.  District Honor Band at Grissom (for those who made it) - see info below
Saturday - District Honor Band at Grissom

Our annual mattress sale is coming up in two weeks.  Here is what4 we need for you to do!

1) Download the video on this link
2) Download the flyer on this link
3) Upload it to your Facebook page
4). Personalize a post.  Here's a. sample script:

Need a new mattress?  The HHS Band can help - delivering a top brand mattress, factory sealed to your home.  Test out your new mattress February 25 at Huntsville High - we will have 30 mattresses set up - from college twin to split adjustable king!  And, if you mention *your student's name*, money will directly benefit *your student's name" music eduction.  

5) Please encourage your contacts to show up between 10am and 4pm and they will get world class customer service from professionals who are committed to get you a great night's sleep. 

From Ben Boles:  My family has sold over 30 of these mattresses over 5 years, and we have never heard a negative word from anyone - and heard nothing but positive feedback from these top quality mattresses.  I sleep on a HHS mattress every night and I am completely happy to be an apostle for this fundraiser.  Please get behind this.. We have gotten over $25,000 from Custom Fundraising Solutions.  It comes from your support!  Please let us know how we can help you raise money for your CHARMS account.

If you would like to customize your video,  text me your part to 256-651-5690 and I will make you a video like Jillian's - you can watch by clicking this link.

​Winter Guard Information

Recruiting performances 
The Winter Guard will be performing at Hampton Cove during Toro Time on Wednesday, March 1st and during HJHS Advisory time on Wednesday, March 8th.  This is our chance to be in front of the 8th grade students and recruit students to color guard next year!

We will need to meet at 7:30 am at each school with our equipment and floor to set up.  We will have our performance of the winter guard show and information session between 8:00 - 8:30 am at each school. You will be a little late to 1st block both of these days.  We plan to carpool back to school.

Color Guard Auditions for 23-24 
 April 24-28 in the Freshman Academy from 4-6 each day.  We encourage every member to find one current HHS student that you know to come audition.  

Course Registration
Anyone interested in guard for 23-24 (including current members) should register for the following class at course registration (this is a different course than last year).  It is encouraged to go ahead and register for the class even though you may not have auditioned yet.
  
Instrumental Chamber Ensemble 1 05106G10   .  It should be a full year 1.0 credit class.  

Competition and Rehearsal Schedule 

*Every Tuesday from 4-6 pm Winter Guard has rehearsal 
February 25th - Bob Jones HS (Madison)
March 25 - Spain Park HS (Hoover)
Marching 27th - Goodies with the Guard at Bob Jones HS (Madison)
April 1 - Championships at Western Kentucky University. (Bowling Green)

Please contact Mrs. Jeffress if you have any questions regarding the schedule or transportation.  Mrsjeffress@comcast.net

District Honor Band
Congratulations to our students selected for District Honor Band this Friday and Saturday at Grissom High School.  Information for the event can be found here

Students should be ready to be seated in the Auditorium of Grissom at 5:30 pm on Friday.  Make sure you have all your mutes and accessories you might need.  Do not be late to ANY rehearsal or the concert!

MPA

Wind Ensemble's performance at MPA will be Wednesday, March 1st at 6:00 pm at James Clemens High School.  We plan to take school buses and depart after school (pending school bus scheduling issues).  We should be done around 7:15 pm and return back to school by 8:00 pm.  A full schedule will be released soon.

Symphonic Band will be performing at MPA a week later at Hartselle HS, most likely on Tuesday, March 7th.  I anticipate being able to announce their schedule next week.

London Connection!

Next Payment
Friday, March 31st is the next Payment- $400 per traveler. 

What do I need to do right now?

 1.  Get your passport now!  It should be valid 6 months past our return date!
 2.  Investigate your best option for overseas phone possibilities.  Each phone company has different options.  You will need to have access to phone communication while you are in London!
  3.  Research and investigate your credit card and financial options.  Each bank and card is different.  Make sure your card won't lock you out when you get to London  

FAQ: 
 Can I still sign up?  
Yes - but you must pay for all missed deposits on your first payment or else you can't be locked into the trip.  At some point, there will be price increases, room assignments done, airline flights arranged, and other logistical things related to the trip completed.  After we do those things, anyone added will just be accommodated the best we can.  Our contract is for 150 people so we must be atleast at this number of travelers.  If you have not signed up, the sooner you can do this the better for us because numbers dictate many things!

When do you have to declare if you are doing land only or full trip?  
I don't have an exact date, but my best estimate is early Fall 2023.

London information can be found in our google drive. Click here to access google drive

Upcoming Events
February 25th - Mattress Sale!!  Winter Guard Competition at Bob Jones

March 1st - Wind Ensemble MPA at James Clemens
March 7 (tentative) - Symphonic Band MPA at Hartselle (schedule TBA)
March 10 - Special performance by the 151st Army Band during panther hour.
March 13-17  Senior New York Trip / Spring Break

Band Camp / Summer Schedule 2023

April 24 - 28 Color Guard Auditions 4-6  Freshman Academy.
Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2  Rookie Camp (new members only), Marching Percussion Camp, and Guard Camp
July 6-8 - Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 12-14 Make up rookie camp (new members only) and Marching Percussion Camp.  
July 17 - 21 Band Camp Week 1 - All Marching Band Students + any concert only students going to London that want to march in the parade.
July 24-28  Band Camp Week 2 - All Marching Band Students
July 31 and August 1 - Rehearsals before school starts.
August 2 - 1st day of school

Student involved with marching band are required to attend these dates in full!  Students who miss because of summer activities may be removed from the halftime show.  We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our summer schedule to give a full break and options for camps and vacations.  Our dead time this coming summer is June 3 - July 5 although some students have much longer than this!

Please cut a small video of your student and send it to Ben Boles. 256-651-5690.  We will return a finished product.  Here's how to shoot your part.  Please watch this instruction al video.

Proud of GUARD!  Excellent show at Mortimer Jordan.  Please enjoy "Turning Tables"

This is our biggest and most important fundraiser of the year.  It's easy for you - mostly involves social media.  We need your help shooting a video.  Here is a 22 second demonstration of exactly what you need to do with your student.  

HERE IS A SAMPLE SCRIPT:

I'm (first, last) with great news! You can get a better night's sleep and help the Huntsville High School Band with our biggest fundraiser of the year. It's our mattress sale and we are going to save you money!

Once you are happy with your video, text it to 256-651-5690 and we will edit the final video for you.  You can then post it to your social media.  We need these as fast as possible.  Your student can make at least $30 per sale to their CHARMS account.  It's very easy to sell 1, not a stretch to sell 2... and we have had several years where students have sold as many as 8.  Be sure to have your friends mention your student's name to get credit for the sale.  

All State Audition and District Honor Band Audition recap
Thank you to EVERYONE who volunteered time this weekend.  I hope you enjoyed doing it.  You certainly made a huge difference.  We couldn't have done it without you.   Special thanks for Kristina Hutcherson, Christine Starnes, and Audrey Beumer for coordinating volunteers and hospitality.   

Congratulations to our students that made all state and district honor band!  I am equally proud of everyone that auditioned. It takes effort, time, and guts to do this. We are proud of your pursuit of this goal.   It's very worthwhile goal to pursue.  Winning an audition is always a big accomplishment, but band is always more than that.  

Red Band:
Grace Bradt - Trumpet
Matthew Hutcherson - Euphonium
Allie Polzin - French Horn

White Band:
Jillian Boles - Trombone

Blue Band:
Maggie Tonsmeire - flute

Alternates (pending a call up):
Jayne Hansberger - French Horn
Calen Miller - Alto Saxophone
Kristina Olszowy - Bassoon
Daniel Starnes - Trumpet
Jody Shaw - flute

District Honor Band:
Maggie Tonsmeire - flute
Jody Shaw - flute 
Giselle Andrade - clarinet 
Tori Smith - Oboe (1st chair)
Kristina Olszowy - Bassoon

Calen Miller - Alto Saxophone
Grace Bradt - Trumpet
Daniel Starnes - Trumpet

Lila Boyd - Trumpet
Allie Polzin - French Horn
Jayne Hansberger - French Horn
Jillian Boles - Trombone
Gabby Millar - Percussion

IMPORTANT VBC UPDATE
We have heard feedback on the difficulty booking shifts.  The only way to get added to the Sign Up Genius notifications is to actually sign up for an event.   We are working with the VBC to have a training class that you can sign up for.  This will activate the distribution list.   


Winter Camp February 2-4, 2023

Just a reminder that this is a required event for ALL brass, woodwind, and percussion students in band (everyone but color guard).   We invest lots of money to bring in great guest clinicians to work with our students.  It's a terrific experience!

The schedule is the same as it has been in past year.

Thursday, February 2nd
4:00 - 9:00 pm Rehearsal with dinner provided from 6-7

Friday, February 3rd
(all students excused from school today)
8:30 - 11:30  Rehearsal
11:30 - 12:30 Lunch (as you would normally eat lunch at school - no food provided by band)
12:30 - 3:30  Rehearsal
4:00 - 6:00 pm Section Masterclasses

Saturday, February 4th
8:30 - 10:00  Section Master Classes
10:00 - 11:30 Rehearsal
12:00 - 1:00 pm Concert in the Auditorium!  Please come and watch!  It is a "work in progress" concert for our MPA Performance.  Students should wear polo shirt.  It is an informal concert.    

Winter Guard Information
No competition this week!  Normal schedule.

Competition and Rehearsal Schedule 
*Every Tuesday from 4-6 pm Winter Guard has rehearsal 
February 11 - Competition at Thompson HS (Alabaster)
February 25th - Bob Jones HS (Madison)
March 25 - Spain Park HS (Hoover)
Marching 27th - Goodies with the Guard at Bob Jones HS (Madison)
April 1 - Championships at Western Kentucky University. (Bowling Green)

Please contact Mrs. Jeffress if you have any questions.  Mrsjeffress@comcast.net

Upcoming 9th grade (current 8th grade) band meeting
Our annual meeting for all current 8th graders and parents interested in the band program is scheduled for Thursday, February 9th at 6:00 pm.   This meeting has been communicated to the HJHS and HCMS bands, but if you know anyone interested, encourage them to attend!  We will need leadership team members this night!

We will talk about the band program - scheduling, auditions, time commitment, answer questions or concerns.
  
Senior New York Trip
 The remaining balance is due February 1st.    

London Connection!
Next Payment
Friday, March 31st is the next Payment- $400 per traveler. 

What do I need to do right now?

 1.  Get your passport now!  It should be valid 6 months past our return date!
 2.  Investigate your best option for overseas phone possibilities.  Each phone company has different options.  You will need to have access to phone communication while you are in London!
  3.  Research and investigate your credit card and financial options.  Each bank and card is different.  Make sure your card won't lock you out when you get to London  

FAQ: 
 Can I still sign up?  
Yes - but you must pay for all missed deposits on your first payment or else you can't be locked into the trip.  At some point, there will be price increases, room assignments done, airline flights arranged, and other logistical things related to the trip completed.  After we do those things, anyone added will just be accommodated the best we can.  Our contract is for 150 people so we must be atleast at this number of travelers.  If you have not signed up, the sooner you can do this the better for us because numbers dictate many things!

When do you have to declare if you are doing land only or full trip?  
I don't have an exact date, but my best estimate is early Fall 2023.

London information can be found in our google drive. Click here to access google drive

Upcoming Events
February 9 - 8th grade meeting 
February 11 -Winter Guard Competition at Thompson HS
February 17-18 District Honor Band at Grissom for those selected.
February 25th - Mattress Sale!!  Winter Guard Competition at Bob Jones

Music Performamce Assessment - dates tba
Band Camp / Summer Schedule 2023

Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2  Rookie Camp (new members only), Marching Percussion Camp, and Guard Camp
July 6-8 - Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 12-14 Make up rookie camp (new members only) and Marching Percussion Camp.  
July 17 - 21 Band Camp Week 1 - All Marching Band Students + any concert only students going to London that want to march in the parade.
July 24-28  Band Camp Week 2 - All Marching Band Students
July 31 and August 1 - Rehearsals before school starts.
August 2 - 1st day of school

Student involved with marching band are required to attend these dates in full!  Students who miss because of summer activities may be removed from the halftime show.  We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our summer schedule to give a full break and options for camps and vacations.  Our dead time this coming summer is June 3 - July 5 although some students have much longer than this!

​Weekly Schedule 

Monday - Symphonic Band Rehearsal 4-5:30.  New York Payment Due for Seniors.
Tuesday - Wind Ensemble 4:00-5:30   Winter Guard 4-6 
Wednesday - Off

Thursday -  Wind Ensemble 4:00-5:30 
Friday  -  All State Auditions (all hs except flute and clarinet) at HHS
Saturday - All State Auditions (all MS and HS Flute/HS Clarinet) at HHS.  Winter Guard Competition at Mortimer Jordan HS (Bimringham)

VOLUNTEERS!!  All State / District Honor Band Auditions - January 27th and 28th

Thank you so much for those that have volunteered!  There are still a few spots left to cover for both parents and students!

ADULT REGISTRATION AND HOSPITALITY volunteering is posted on charms or by contacting Audrey Beumer at abeumer09@gmail.com.  We have the 2 days divided into shifts.  We will do brief training (easy job but still need some instructions) when you arrive.

STUDENTS can sign up to volunteer on our sign up genius link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A084BA4A72DA0F85-allstat
All students will be trained on what to do the week before in class.  

 Students Auditioning for All State / District Honor Band Auditions - January 27th and 28th

​Information for your audition can be found here

Winter Camp February 2-4, 2023
Our winter camp is approaching quickly!  Just a reminder that this is a required event for ALL brass, woodwind, and percussion students in band (everyone but color guard).   We invest lots of money to bring in great guest clinicians to work with our students.  It's a terrific experience!

The schedule is the same as it has been in past year.

Thursday, February 2nd
4:00 - 9:00 pm Rehearsal with dinner provided from 6-7

Friday, February 3rd
(all students excused from school today)
8:30 - 11:30  Rehearsal
11:30 - 12:30 Lunch (as you would normally eat lunch at school - no food provided by band)
12:30 - 3:30  Rehearsal
4:00 - 6:00 pm Section Masterclasses

Saturday, February 4th
8:30 - 10:00  Section Master Classes
10:00 - 11:30 Rehearsal
12:00 - 1:00 pm Concert in the Auditorium!

Winter Guard Information
The schedule and information for this week's competition at Mortimer Jordan High School can be found here:  https://www.huntsvillehsband.com/color-guard.html

Address:  1920 Blue Devil Drive Kimberly, AL 35091

Mortimer Jordan HS- Guard only (scgconline.org) 

Transportation: In previous seasons, parents have helped transport students to/ from our competitions.  If you are able to help with transportation of another student, please let Mrs. Jeffress know.  Students who drive may drive themselves to the competition if parents are comfortable with that, but we ask that they not transport any other students. 

Competition and Rehearsal Schedule 
*Every Tuesday from 4-6 pm Winter Guard has rehearsal 
February 11 - Competition at Thompson HS (Alabaster)
February 25th - Bob Jones HS (Madison)
March 25 - Spain Park HS (Hoover)
Marching 27th - Goodies with the Guard at Bob Jones HS (Madison)
April 1 - Championships at Western Kentucky University. (Bowling Green)

Please contact Mrs. Jeffress if you have any questions.  Mrsjeffress@comcast.net

Upcoming 9th grade (current 8th grade) band meeting
Our annual meeting for all current 8th graders and parents interested in the band program is scheduled for Thursday, February 9th at 6:00 pm.   This meeting has been communicated to the HJHS and HCMS bands, but if you know anyone interested, encourage them to attend!  We will need leadership team members this night!

We will talk about the band program as a whole.  
 
Senior New York Trip
Payment #3 of $500 per traveler is due to the travel website by January 23rd and the remaining balance is due February 1st.    

London Connection!
Next Payment
Friday, March 31st is the next Payment- $400 per traveler. 

What do I need to do right now?

 1.  Get your passport now!  It should be valid 6 months past our return date!
 2.  Investigate your best option for overseas phone possibilities.  Each phone company has different options.  You will need to have access to phone communication while you are in London!
  3.  Research and investigate your credit card and financial options.  Each bank and card is different.  Make sure your card won't lock you out when you get to London  

FAQ: 
 Can I still sign up?  
Yes - but you must pay for all missed deposits on your first payment or else you can't be locked into the trip.  At some point, there will be price increases, room assignments done, airline flights arranged, and other logistical things related to the trip completed.  After we do those things, anyone added will just be accommodated the best we can.  Our contract is for 150 people so we must be atleast at this number of travelers.  If you have not signed up, the sooner you can do this the better for us because numbers dictate many things!

When do you have to declare if you are doing land only or full trip?  
I don't have an exact date, but my best estimate is early Fall 2023.

London information can be found in our google drive. Click here to access google drive

Upcoming Events
February 2-4 - Winter Camp for ALL Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble!
February 11 -Winter Guard Competition at Thompson HS
February 17-18 District Honor Band at Grissom for those selected.
February 25th - Mattress Sale!!  Winter Guard Competition at Bob Jones

Band Camp / Summer Schedule 2023
Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2  Rookie Camp (new members only), Marching Percussion Camp, and Guard Camp
July 6-8 - Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 12-14 Make up rookie camp (new members only) and Marching Percussion Camp.  
July 17 - 21 Band Camp Week 1 - All Marching Band Students + any concert only students going to London that want to march in the parade.
July 24-28  Band Camp Week 2 - All Marching Band Students
July 31 and August 1 - Rehearsals before school starts.
August 2 - 1st day of school

Student involved with marching band are required to attend these dates in full!  Students who miss because of summer activities may be removed from the halftime show.  We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our summer schedule to give a full break and options for camps and vacations.  Our dead time this coming summer is June 3 - July 5 although some students have much longer than this!

Weekly Schedule 
Monday - MLK Day (no school).  Special Wind Ensemble Rehearsal 6-9 pm on stage.
Tuesday - AMEA Preview Concert - UAB Wind Ensemble and HHS Wind Ensemble 7:00. pm Auditorium.  Winter Guard 4-6 (location confirmed!)
Wednesday - Off
Thursday -  Wind Ensemble 4:00-5:30 (short rehearsal and load truck)
Friday  -  Wind Ensemble AMEA Performance!!  See information below.  
Saturday - Winter Guard camp at HHS 9-2.  

AMEA Preview Concert - Tuesday, January 17th - HHS Wind Ensemble and UAB Wind Symphony

7:00 pm 
 HHS Auditorium
6:30 - Wind Ensemble warm up on stage (tux/concert dresses)
Please stay and support both ensembles.  The UAB Wind Symphony is making a special trip for this and we want them to feel welcome.  They will also be playing some TERRIFIC MUSIC!!!
The Concert is free and open to the public!

​**Each member of the wind ensemble will receive a program on Monday evening to keep.  We encourage them to give it to you to use for this concert.  We will also have electronic programs available, but no paper copies given out.**  


AMEA Information - Wind Ensemble -  Friday, January 20th
The performance is free and open to the public at the BJCC Theater (not concert hall) at 3:30 pm.  We would love to have family and friend attend!  There is still room on the bus to ride and chaperone as well!

Schedule for Friday, January 20th
 (Wind Ensemble and symphonic band helpers excused from school all day)

8:30 am – be in the band room – casual clothes.  Make sure you bring your uniform bag with tux/dress, CORRECT shoes, Black socks (guys), cummerbund and bowtie (guys).    Symphonic Band helpers – make sure you have dress clothes to change into.  Business casual is fine for you (no jeans, no t-shirts, no tennis shoes). Sym band help:  Carolyn Vandervere, Coulter McKinney, Aiden Hall, Colleen Pleva, Liz Tatum, Gabe Tapia, Tara McCalllion
8:30 am – triple check everything.  Personal instruments on/under the bus. 
9:00 am – meet and load 2 charter buses.   
9:15 am – depart to Birmingham.   
 
11:15 am – stop for lunch in Birmingham.  Fultondale exit:  Full Moon BBQ, Chik fila, Mcdonalds, Arby’s, Firehouse, Five Guys, Target (Pizza hut express inside). 
12:30 pm – Depart lunch 
12:45 pm  Arrive at BJCC.  Unload trucks, Unload equipment, hang out/relax, get changed.   
2:30 pm   Warm up / short rehearsal on stage.  Do not overplay.  You will have a chance to warm up on your own, we will tune,  adjust the organ and solos, and get comfortable in the hall.    There may be a group performing when we arrive so be quiet when we go inside.  We will have a place to store cases.  There are changing rooms back stage. 
 
3:15 pm – Break 
3:30 pm PERFORMANCE!!!!!!! 
4:30 pm Change out of uniform and load equipment.  Take most cases with you to dinner – we will drop them off at the bus before we go in.  Buses will be parked over by the restaurant.   Large instruments can be put on truck instead of carrying them to buses. 
 
5:45 pm – Dinner at Mugshots in Uptown (walkable).  Please bring $20 for dinner.  We have reservations.  Birmingham, AL — Mugshots Grill & Bar (mugshotsgrillandbar.com) 
7:30 pm – Depart for home 
9:30 pm – Arrive back at HHS. 



Winter Guard Information
I am sorry for having to cancel last week's rehearsal due to no available space to practice.  The issue has been resolved going forward!

Competition and Rehearsal Schedule 
*Every Tuesday from 4-6 pm Winter Guard has rehearsal 
January 21st - Staging Camp at HHS 9 am - 2 pm (changed from 1/14)
January 28th - Competition at Mortimer Jordan HS (Birmingham)
February 11 - Competition at Thompson HS (Alabaster)
February 25th - Bob Jones HS (Madison)
March 25 - Spain Park HS (Hoover)
Marching 27th - Goodies with the Guard at Bob Jones HS (Madison)
April 1 - Championships at Western Kentucky University. (Bowling Green)


Students are responsible for working to create their own carpool to these events.
Please contact Mrs. Jeffress if you have any questions.  Mrsjeffress@comcast.net

All State / District Honor Band Auditions - January 27th and 28th
An email went out Friday about the importance of this event

ADULT REGISTRATION AND HOSPITALITY volunteering is posted on charms or by contacting Audrey Beumer at abeumer09@gmail.com.  We have the 2 days divided into shifts.  We will do brief training (easy job but still need some instructions) when you arrive.

STUDENTS can sign up to volunteer on our sign up genius link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A084BA4A72DA0F85-allstat
All students will be trained on what to do the week before in class.  
  
Upcoming 9th grade (current 8th grade) band meeting
Our annual meeting for all current 8th graders and parents interested in the band program is scheduled for Thursday, February 9th at 6:00 pm.   This meeting has been communicated to the HJHS and HCMS bands, but if you know anyone interested, encourage them to attend!  We will need leadership team members this night!

We will talk about the band program 
  


Senior New York Trip
Payment #3 of $500 per traveler is due to the travel website by January 23rd and the remaining balance is due February 1st.    

London Connection!
Next Payment
Friday, March 31st is the next Payment- $400 per traveler. 

What do I need to do right now?

 1.  Get your passport now!  It should be valid 6 months past our return date!
 2.  Investigate your best option for overseas phone possibilities.  Each phone company has different options.  You will need to have access to phone communication while you are in London!
  3.  Research and investigate your credit card and financial options.  Each bank and card is different.  Make sure your card won't lock you out when you get to London  

FAQ: 
 Can I still sign up?  
Yes - but you must pay for all missed deposits on your first payment or else you can't be locked into the trip.  At some point, there will be price increases, room assignments done, airline flights arranged, and other logistical things related to the trip completed.  After we do those things, anyone added will just be accommodated the best we can.  Our contract is for 150 people so we must be atleast at this number of travelers.  If you have not signed up, the sooner you can do this the better for us because numbers dictate many things!

When do you have to declare if you are doing land only or full trip?  
I don't have an exact date, but my best estimate is early Fall 2023.


London information can be found in our google drive. Click here to access google drive



Upcoming Events
Friday and Saturday, January 27-28.  All State / District honor band auditions - hosted by us!  Students will be required to serve 1 time slot at this event.  We will also need parent volunteers!
Saturday, January 28th - Winter Guard Competition at Mortimer Jordan HS
February 2-4 - Winter Camp for ALL Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble!
February 11 -Winter Guard Competition at Thompson HS
Band Camp / Summer Schedule 2023


Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2  Rookie Camp (new members only), Marching Percussion Camp, and Guard Camp
July 6-8 - Leadership Camp (leadership team only)
July 12-14 Make up rookie camp (new members only) and Marching Percussion Camp.  
July 17 - 21 Band Camp Week 1 - All Marching Band Students + any concert only students going to London that want to march in the parade.
July 24-28  Band Camp Week 2 - All Marching Band Students
July 31 and August 1 - Rehearsals before school starts.
August 2 - 1st day of school

Student involved with marching band are required to attend these dates in full!  Students who miss because of summer activities may be removed from the halftime show.  We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our summer schedule to give a full break and options for camps and vacations.  Our dead time this coming summer is June 3 - July 5 although some students have much longer than this!
​

Quick Heads Up:  The Mattress Fundraiser is right around the corner!  This week be on the lookout for instructions on how you can make GREAT money using social media to promote the mattress sale.  We need your help with a few video clips.    Your natural charm and charisma and a little Band Magic Editing and we will have a message that will make you $35-50 per sold mattress, depending on the model.  Much more to come this week!