All State / District Honor Band Results
​We are extremely proud of all our students who went above and beyond to improve their playing by going through this audition.  Going through the process of preparing for the audition will make you a better musician!   Our district is the toughest in the state.

Congratulations to the following students for making all state.
Gabbi Smith.  - unassigned bassoon
Allie Polzin. - red band French Horn
Daniel Starnes - red band (1st chair) Trumpet
Alton Hudson - red band Alto Saxophone
Maggie Tonsmeire. - red band (1st chair) flute
Matthew Hutcherson - white band Baritone
Grace Bradt - blue band trumpet
Jillian Boles- blue band trombone 
Alternates
Nathan Strohman  - Bari saxophone
Drew Blankenship - Alto Saxophone

In addition, these students and trumpet player Chase Ruffing will represent Huntsville High School in the district honor band.
Finally, we are excited that two students in the Hampton Cove Band also made all state (and they happen to both be siblings of current band members!) Congrats Tori Smith and Savannah Flores!
You can see full results at abadistrict1.com
 Winter Band Camp Information
 Here is the schedule for Winter Camp, February 4-6 for all Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band students. 
Please make sure you order food for Thursday night!
 
Thursday, February 4th
4:00 – 6:00 pm     Symphonic Band Sectionals.   Wind Ensemble on stage for rehearsal with Mr. Denton.
6:00 – 7:00 pm  Dinner break.  Boxed dinner from Jason’s Deli.  Click to order yoru dinnerL  :  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScArxRHyBaNrcj1cileDV59ufk7ey6xZ-bAepsmY3rI_vFkHQ/viewform?usp=sf_link  Students must stay on campus!  If you need assistance or questions regarding food, please contact Kim Ejide at [email protected]
7:00-9:00 pm   Symphonic Band on stage for rehearsal with Ms. Burden.  Wind Ensemble sectionals
 
Friday, February 5th
Come to school as normal.  You are excused from classes today to be in the bandroom.  This event is considered a field trip, so you need to plan around this event for any tests or make up work.
8:30 am – 11:30 am  Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band rehearsals
11:30 – 12:30 Lunch break / brain break.  Eat lunch at school as you normally would.
12:30 – 3:30  Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band rehearsals
3:30 – 4:00 Break
4:00 – 5:30   Instrument masterclasses
5:30  - Dismiss.  Go home and rest!
 
Saturday, February 6th
**We are aware some students may be taking the ACT this morning.   We have moved the concert a little later so that they can come participate immediately after the ACT.**
8:45  Arrive at the bandroom!
9:00 – 11:30 am  Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band rehearsals
11:30 Break and reset stage for concert
12:00 pm  End of Camp / Work in progress concert (family and friends invited).  There will not be a ticket reservation system for this concert, but we ask that you spread out in the auditorium. 
12:45 pm  Dismiss!
 
What is it?
Winter Camp is an annual required event (for traditional students) and a part of the HHS band program.  It is band camp….but for concert band.  It’s our chance to prepare our spring music and become better musicians while having outstanding guest conductors and professional musicians on your instrument come in and work with you.  It is a chance for you to learn more about your instrument and get instruction from professional musicians and collegiate level conductors.  The rehearsals are long, but it will be worth it.  We want you to get the most rehearsal time with the clinicians.  You will be at school late on Thursday and you will miss school on Friday.  Plan ahead with these teachers!


COVID
Although this is a larger scale event, students and clinicians will follow HCS protocols.  In addition to social distancing to the extent possible with other students, students will be required to keep 6 feet from our clinicians/guests.  We will be eating in several different locations and being served pre-prepared box dinners on Thursday.   We will be spread out to the extent possible in all locations.   For HVA students, we may look at zooming some parts of this event.  We also now have bell covers for our bell front brass instruments.


Logistics
Dinner - The Band Parents have arranged a meal for you on Thursday for $8 that will be charged to your charms account.  If you are NOT planning on eating this food, please email Kim Ejide at [email protected], so we don’t include you in our count.    If you are not planning on eating this food, you need to bring food or have your parents deliver it to the school.  You will eat your normal school lunch at 11:30 on Friday.   We are not providing food Friday for lunch or Friday for dinner. 
 
Missing Class - Mr. King has excused you from class on Friday. All band members are expected to be at all rehearsals regardless if we are in cohorts!  You should treat this as a field trip.    We will send out an email to all of your teachers, but als et your teachers know in advance to get make up work or reschedule tests.  We are paying lots of money to have these wonderful clinicians come in and help and we need you there!


Guest Clinicians Our guest clinicians this year for Wind Ensemble is Mr. Denton.  Mr. Denton is the retired band director at Ooltewah High School in Chattanooga.  He has worked with us before with our leadership clinics.  He does leadership and band clinics all over the United States.  We are excited to have him!


Our guest clinician for Symphonic Band is Ms. Burden.  She is the Assistant Director of Bands at Tullahoma High School in Tullahoma, Tennessee.   Prior to this she was the band director at Knoxville Central High School in Knoxville.   She is a fantastic teacher and we are excited to welcome her!


In addition, we will have local musicians come and work small groups with the students.


Concert
At the end of the clinic, we will hold the Winter Camp Concert on Saturday at 12:00 pm.  This is the first chance to perform our pieces that we are doing for MPA and other competitions.  The guest conductor will usually conduct the concert.  This is a “work in progress” concert! The concert should conclude this year about 1:00 pm.  The concert is free and parents/family are welcome to attend.   We will not have a ticket reservation system for this concert, so please spread out in the auditorium. 


What to wear:  Wear your band polo shirt with blue jeans.  Wear this when you come Saturday morning!


Additional Information
These guest conductors and master class clinicians are giving up their time to come and work with you.  Some are traveling long distances to be here.  They are fantastic musicians and want to share what they know.  Make sure and go out of your way to thank them for coming and working with you.  Make them WANT to come back.  No cell phones or talking during rehearsals.  Make sure you have a pencil at every rehearsal.  Anyone not able to follow these rules will be removed from camp and it will be reflected in your grade.
 
Summer Band Camp 2021
Based on the approved school calendar for next school year (21-22), we will plan to start band camp on Monday, July 19th and it will continue through August 3rd (the day before school begins).  If you plan to participate in marching band, do not schedule vacations or major trips/events during these dates.  Students participating in marching band are required to be at band camp.
 
We will be working to solidify a complete summer schedule soon including rookie camp, guard rehearsals, percussion rehearsals, and leadership training. 
 
To view next year's school calendar:  https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/sites/default/files/2021-22%20School%20Year%20Calendar%20v2.pdf
 
 
Upcoming Events


8th grade Zoom parent meeting - Tuesday, February 9th at 7:00 pm on Zoom.  This meeting is for all upcoming 8th grade parents and students.  A zoom link will be sent out!

​VBC WRISTBANDERS you are needed for February Havoc Hockey games... Here is the link. (* you must have completed Vendor Responsibility Training with the VBC in order to sign up)  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA29A6F4C70-havoc3

********************

VBC Concessions events for FEBRUARY. 

The VBC has opened more volunteer opportunities to the band - please review all of the information below and take advantage of earning money for your student’s band fees!
Below are LINKS to sign up and work concessions for FEBRUARY. Each event worked will earn money for your student’s band account and the band itself! A great way to earn and pay for existing band fees or earn for future expenses. 
Please note the following information when working concessions at the VBC

• Must sign up through the Sign Up Genius Link below!
• Various shifts available - Read through dates and times!
• Sign in on the HHS Band CONCESSIONS Volunteer Sheet in the Concessions Office
• Must be 16yrs or older to work. No experience necessary, someone from the VBC will train you if necessary.
• If parents or siblings are working on behalf of a band student please note the students name next to your name when signing in on the volunteer sheet.

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO EARN $$$

February Links
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA29A6F4C70-hhsband2

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA29A6F4C70-hhsband3

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA29A6F4C70-hhsband4

Special shout outs and thank you’s to the following students and parents for volunteering at last nights Havoc game. They are... Gabbi Smith, Maggie Smith, Jada Goodwin, Allie Polzin, Dominic Aragon, and Jochen Floesser. Much appreciation to all of you for helping out!

If you have any questions about volunteering opportunities for the VBC please contact Sheri Polzin via email at [email protected]. Thanks 😊!

Monday – Symphonic Band Brass and Percussion 4:00-5:30 pm  Color Guard 4:00-6:00 pm
Tuesday – Wind Ensemble 4-5:30 pm
Wednesday – Off. 
​Thursday – Wind Ensemble 4:00-5:30 pm
Friday – Off

One change to the rehearsal schedule for this week.  Percussion was not originally scheduled for this week, but they WILL meet on Monday after school.   Also, all band students were given a "packet" at the beginning of the semester that includes performance and rehearsal dates, assignments and due dates, and grading rubrics.  The assignments cover this 9 weeks, but the schedule is for the semester.  This document is also posted in Schoology.  If you would like a copy of this for yourself, please be sure to send me an email! [email protected]

Here is the schedule for Winter Camp, February 4-6 for all Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band students. 
Please make sure you order food for Thursday night!
 Thursday, February 4th
4:00 – 6:00 pm     Symphonic Band Sectionals.   Wind Ensemble on stage for rehearsal with Mr. Denton.
6:00 – 7:00 pm  Dinner break.  Boxed dinner from Jason’s Deli.  There will also be a 8.00 charge, to your charms account for the cost of this meal. 

Click here to order your dinner. 

Trouble:  Paste this link into your browser.     
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScArxRHyBaNrcj1cileDV59ufk7ey6xZ-bAepsmY3rI_vFkHQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Students must stay on campus!  We will also need four volunteers to help with the dinner. If you need assistance or questions regarding food, please contact Kim Ejide at [email protected] or 256-457-2854
7:00-9:00 pm   Symphonic Band on stage for rehearsal with Ms. Burden.  Wind Ensemble sectionals

Friday, February 5th
Come to school as normal.  You are excused from classes today to be in the bandroom.  This event is considered a field trip, so you need to plan around this event for any tests or make up work.
8:30 am – 11:30 am  Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band rehearsals
11:30 – 12:30 Lunch break / brain break.  Eat lunch at school as you normally would.
12:30 – 3:30  Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band rehearsals
3:30 – 4:00 Break
4:00 – 5:30   Instrument masterclasses
5:30  - Dismiss.  Go home and rest!

 Saturday, February 6th
**We are aware some students may be taking the ACT this morning.   We have moved the concert a little later so that they can come participate immediately after the ACT.**
8:45  Arrive at the bandroom!
9:00 – 11:30 am  Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band rehearsals
11:30 Break and reset stage for concert
12:00 pm  End of Camp / Work in progress concert (family and friends invited).  There will not be a ticket reservation system for this concert, but we ask that you spread out in the auditorium.  
12:45 pm  Dismiss!

 What is it?
Winter Camp is an annual required event (for traditional students) and a part of the HHS band program.  It is band camp….but for concert band.  It’s our chance to prepare our spring music and become better musicians while having outstanding guest conductors and professional musicians on your instrument come in and work with you.  It is a chance for you to learn more about your instrument and get instruction from professional musicians and collegiate level conductors.  The rehearsals are long, but it will be worth it.  We want you to get the most rehearsal time with the clinicians.  You will be at school late on Thursday and you will miss school on Friday.  Plan ahead with these teachers! 

COVID
Although this is a larger scale event, students and clinicians will follow HCS protocols.  In addition to social distancing to the extent possible with other students, students will be required to keep 6 feet from our clinicians/guests.  We will be eating in several different locations and being served pre-prepared box dinners on Thursday.   We will be spread out to the extent possible in all locations.   For HVA students, we may look at zooming some parts of this event.

Logistics
Dinner - The Band Parents have arranged a meal for you on Thursday for $8 that will be charged to your charms account.  If you are NOT planning on eating this food, please email Kim Ejide at [email protected], so we don’t include you in our count.    If you are not planning on eating this food, you need to bring food or have your parents deliver it to the school.  You will eat your normal school lunch at 11:30 on Friday.   We are not providing food Friday for lunch or Friday for dinner. 

 Missing Class - Mr. King has excused you from class on Friday. All band members are expected to be at all rehearsals regardless if we are in cohorts!  You should treat this as a field trip.    We will send out an email to all of your teachers, but als et your teachers know in advance to get make up work or reschedule tests.  We are paying lots of money to have these wonderful clinicians come in and help and we need you there!

Guest Clinicians Our guest clinicians this year for Wind Ensemble is Mr. Denton.  Mr. Denton is the retired band director at Ooltewah High School in Chattanooga.  He has worked with us before with our leadership clinics.  He does leadership and band clinics all over the United States.  We are excited to have him!
Our guest clinician for Symphonic Band is Ms. Burden.  She is the Assistant Director of Bands at Tullahoma High School in Tullahoma, Tennessee.   Prior to this she was the band director at Knoxville Central High School in Knoxville.   She is a fantastic teacher and we are excited to welcome her!
In addition, we will have local musicians come and work small groups with the students.

Concert
At the end of the clinic, we will hold the Winter Camp Concert on Saturday at 12:00 pm.  This is the first chance to perform our pieces that we are doing for MPA and other competitions.  The guest conductor will usually conduct the concert.  This is a “work in progress” concert! The concert should conclude this year about 1:00 pm.  The concert is free and parents/family are welcome to attend.   We will not have a ticket reservation system for this concert, so please spread out in the auditorium.  
What to wear:  Wear your band polo shirt with blue jeans.  Wear this when you come Saturday morning!

Additional Information
These guest conductors and master class clinicians are giving up their time to come and work with you.  Some are traveling long distances to be here.  They are fantastic musicians and want to share what they know.  Make sure and go out of your way to thank them for coming and working with you.  Make them WANT to come back.  No cell phones or talking during rehearsals.  Make sure you have a pencil at every rehearsal.  Anyone not able to follow these rules will be removed from camp and it will be reflected in your grade.
​
 Summer Band Camp 2021
Based on the approved school calendar for next school year (21-22), we will plan to start band camp on Monday, July 19th and it will continue through August 3rd (the day before school begins).  If you plan to participate in marching band, do not schedule vacations or major trips/events during these dates.  Students participating in marching band are required to be at band camp.
 We will be working to solidify a complete summer schedule soon including rookie camp, guard rehearsals, percussion rehearsals, and leadership training. 
 
The link below is to the City Schools' calendar
​https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/sites/default/files/2021-22%20School%20Year%20Calendar%20v2.pdf
 
 
Upcoming Events
Winter Camp (all symphonic band and wind ensemble) - February 4-6. Camp starts Thursday after school, continues all day Friday, and will finish around 1:00 pm on Saturday.  Students are excused from class on Friday!
 
District Honor Band is probably being rescheduled for late April or early May.
 
Winter Guard Competition - February 6th at Mortimer Jordan HS in the Birmingham area.

VBC CONCESSIONS OPPORTUNITIES for January and February 
Below is the link to sign up and work concessions for JANUARY & FEBRUARY Havoc Hockey games. Each game worked will earn money for your student’s band account and the band itself! A great way to earn and pay for existing band fees or earn for future expenses.
Please note the following information when working concessions at the VBC

• Must sign up through the Sign Up Genius Link below!
• Report time to work is 5:15 at the VBC Concessions Office
• Sign in on the HHS Band CONCESSIONS Volunteer Sheet
• Must be 16yrs or older to work. No experience necessary, someone from the VBC will train you if necessary.
• If parents or siblings are working on behalf of a band student please note the students name next to your name when signing in on the volunteer sheet.

January Games Link
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d45a5aa29a6f4c70-hhsband1

February Games Link
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA29A6F4C70-hhsband2

********************************

VBC WRISTBAND TRAINING 
Hello! BAND PARENTS are you interested in volunteering as a wristbander at the VBC to earn money for your band student's account and the HHS Band? 
**This sign up is to see how many people are interested in the VBC Responsible Vendor Training. If there is enough interest then we can schedule a training class. Please stay tuned for additional information as it comes through.**
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA29A6F4C70-vbcwristband

If you have any questions about volunteering opportunities for the VBC please contact Sheri Polzin via email at [email protected]. Thanks 😊!

Summer Band Camp 2021
Based on the approved school calendar for next school year (21-22), we will plan to start band camp on Monday, July 19th and it will continue through August 3rd (the day before school begins).  If you plan to participate in marching band, do not schedule vacations or major trips/events past this date.  Students participating in marching band are required to be at band camp.
We will be working to solidify a complete summer schedule soon including rookie camp, guard rehearsals, percussion rehearsals, and leadership training. 
To view next year's school calendar:  https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/sites/default/files/2021-22%20School%20Year%20Calendar%20v2.pdf

All state Auditions
The audition window to record and submit your audition is January 13-22.  All students who signed up to audition should have received detailed instructions on how to submit your audition in your email.  Don't hesitate to reach out and ask questions.  You are also welcome to schedule a time to use the band room to record your audition if you would like.
Upcoming Events
Winter Camp (all symphonic band and wind ensemble) - February 4-6. Camp starts Thursday after school, continues all day Friday, and will finish around 1:00 pm on Saturday.  Students are excused from class on Friday!
District Honor Band is probably being rescheduled for late April or early May.
Winter Guard Competition - February 6th at Mortimer Jordan HS in the Birmingham area.

VBC WRISTBAND TRAINING 
Hello! BAND PARENTS are you interested in volunteering as a wristbander at the VBC to earn money for your band student's account and the HHS Band? 
**This sign up is to see how many people are interested in the VBC Responsible Vendor Training. If there is enough interest then we can schedule a training class. Please stay tuned for additional information as it comes through.**
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA29A6F4C70-vbcwristband

*******
HUGE shoutouts and THANK YOUs  to our band volunteers for working the Havoc Game this past Friday night. They are **Jada Goodwin, Jillian Boles, Allie Polzin, Gabbi Smith, Ms Holly Connell, Brenda & Tim Tapia, and Dominic Aragon**. All of your help is greatly appreciated!!
*******

VBC CONCESSIONS OPPORTUNITIES for January and February 

Below is the link to sign up and work concessions for JANUARY & FEBRUARY Havoc Hockey games. Each game worked will earn money for your student’s band account and the band itself! A great way to earn and pay for existing band fees or earn for future expenses.

Please note the following information when working concessions at the VBC

• Must sign up through the Sign Up Genius Link below!
• Report time to work is 5:15 at the VBC Concessions Office
• Sign in on the HHS Band CONCESSIONS Volunteer Sheet
• Must be 16yrs or older to work. No experience necessary, someone from the VBC will train you if necessary.
• If parents or siblings are working on behalf of a band student please note the students name next to your name when signing in on the volunteer sheet.

January Games Link
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d45a5aa29a6f4c70-hhsband1

February Games Link
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA29A6F4C70-hhsband2


If you have any questions about volunteering opportunities for the VBC please contact Sheri Polzin via email at [email protected]. Thanks 😊!
​

 Dear Parents,

This Tuesday at 7:00pm we will have our second Band Parents Association meeting of the year. The Zoom link is included below. I encourage you to log in so that you can be up to date on where we are as a band and make sure you have all of the “need to know” information. I look forward to seeing you then.

Topic: BPA Board Meeting
Time: Jan 12, 2021 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89100581551?pwd=VVR1NTlzNGhlSzVPOGJGam5teWRydz09

Meeting ID: 891 0058 1551
Passcode: 038198

Sincerely, Darin Miller, HHS Band Parent Association President

​VBC CONCESSIONS OPPORTUNITIES AND INFO

Here is the link to sign up and work concessions for the next three Havoc Hockey games, January 15, 29, and 30. Each game worked will earn money for your student’s band account and the band itself! A great way to earn and pay for existing band fees or earn for future expenses.

Please note the following information when working concessions at the VBC

• Must sign up through the Sign Up Genius Link below!
• Report time to work is 5:15 at the VBC Concessions Office
• Sign in on the HHS Band CONCESSIONS Volunteer Sheet
• Must be 16yrs or older to work. No experience necessary, someone from the VBC will train you if necessary.
• If parents or siblings are working on behalf of a band student please note the students name next to your name when signing in on the volunteer sheet.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA29A6F4C70-hhsband1
——————-
A HUGE THANK YOU to the following people for volunteering to work the UAH Hockey games your help is greatly appreciated.

**Darin Miller, Craig Boudreaux, Howard Swan, and Audrey Beumer** 

Again thank you for volunteering! Your help is greatly appreciated!!

If you have any questions let me know via email at [email protected]

Regards
Sheri Polzin

The usual format of this newsletter is coming - but there is an important message from the Board, President Darin Miller, and VBC Liaison Sheri Polzin.  Please take care to read the entire newsletter! 

Dear Parents,

As you are aware, this year has been difficult on the fundraising front. Several of our big “money makers” have had to either be cancelled or delayed. One, in particular, has served as a way for families to earn money for their band account as well as for the general band fund...VBC fundraiser.

The Huntsville High School Band has been fortunate to hold an exclusive partnership with the VBC for the past few years. It has provided for thousands of dollars into the band account as well as the pockets of band families through the years. BUT WE ARE AT RISK NOW!!

The VBC has officially opened for hockey and we NEED volunteers. Sheri Polzin has been trying to get people to fill the positions, but signups have been slow and haven’t fulfilled our commitment. The VBC has let us know that if we don’t fill the positions they will be forced to open up the spots to other organizations which is impact our organization financially.

There are two positions we need filled:

1) Concession stand volunteers. Anyone 16 or older can do this without a specific training class, but instructions are provided.

2) Wristbanding. Parents only and you must go through a training session to do this. Training sessions will periodically be available. We will keep you updated.

Please contact Sheri Polzin (our VBC liaison at:  [email protected] and she can answer any questions and get you signed up.

Please consider being a part of this. Our band needs it.

Sincerely,

Darin Miller