HHS Band weekly newsletter march 1-5, 2021

Schedule for the Week!

Monday – Symphonic Band 4:00-5:30.  Winter Guard 4:00-6:00
Tuesday – Wind Ensemble 4-5:30 pm.
Wednesday – Off
Thursday – Off
Friday – Winter Guard practice 4-6
Saturday – Winter Guard Competition at Thompson HS.  Good luck Winter Guard!

Directors' Notes!  [email protected]; [email protected]

POTENTIAL PERFORMANCE – Check your calendar for March 19th.
The students in Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band have a potential in-person performance opportunity.  It has received some approvals from the school system, but has not received final approval yet.  They want to make sure the trip in general it is safe for our students and we have the proper precautions in place.   I want to give you some information for your planning purposes, but know that we still have to receive the final “ok.” It is still possible this trip does not get approved – but we are trying!
 
We would be participating in the Georgia Large Group Assessment (similar to our Alabama state assessment).  This would be huge deal for the band program to participate in this event and provide some normalcy to this year.  It would also let us get a rating and be judged on a live stage and do what we do best – perform for others.   The date is Friday, March 19th and it is at Ringgold High School in Ringgold, Georgia (just south of Chattanooga  - approximately 2 hour drive).  We would leave in the early AM and return around 5:00 pm.    Students would have the option to ride a charter bus or ride with their parent. 
 
What are we doing to make sure this can be done safely?

• Masks worn at all times except when playing your instrument.
• Students travel in concert uniforms (no need to change clothes).
• 3 charter buses at 60-70% capacity (may be less if any students choose to be driven by parents, or are on quarantine).  HCS allows for full buses (2 to a seat) with masks on – but we are doing less capacity than this.
• As with everything we have done in-person this year, students do not have to go if they are not comfortable with COVID.  It’s very important that we know who would not be able to go as it impacts the whole group’s ability to perform in many cases.  We are in a pattern where we are assuming students that are actively participating in in-person band would participate in this, but we understand that is not always the case.
• If a parent is not comfortable with a student riding the bus, you may ride in a PARENT vehicle (no student drivers).   We would get you the correct paperwork for this.
• Adult/chaperone supervision in addition to teacher supervision for mask wearing and social distancing to the extent possible.
• Prepackaged box lunch for students in Chattanooga. 
• Weather permitting, lunch will be eaten outside.    There will be a backup plan for bad weather.
• Spreading out to a 6 ft distance on stage when performing (this is a requirement of the event)
• Stage (chairs/stands) disinfected between each performance by the event staff.
• Our bell-front instruments (trumpets and trombones) have started wearing bell covers to prevent aerosols from coming out of their bells.
• We may have time to watch some bands perform (auditorium capacity limited to 250), if so we would spread out to the extent possible. 
• Immediate return to campus after the performance
• Approximate time for departure from HHS is 7:30 am.  Approximate time for arrival back at HHS is 5:30 pm. 

Class Registration and Band Contracts
We hope you are in the process of thinking about your class options for next year.  Below is a list of the classes we prefer you sign up for when you register in inow.  If you submitted something on paper that says something other than this, it’s ok.  I know registration has started for some grades already.  Remember that the titles of these classes do not matter, so just register the number that you see.  Each class represents a semester and 0.5 credit, but the classes are paired together (you have to register for both to be enrolled).  For those doing marching band and concert band you will sign up for a total of 4 numbers.
 
Band contracts will be given out soon and due the Friday before Spring Break.  This will tell us what your band commitment is for next year (marching band, football band, concert band only).  This allows us to prepare accurate numbers for our Fall halftime show.  We spend late spring and summer getting the music and drill complete.  Please be thinking about your commitment for next year. 
 
Upcoming Seniors – sign up for the following concert band classes:
Marching Band V 
05103G0505 - 9-12.   .5

Concert Band V 
05102G0505 -  9-12.   .5

Upcoming Juniors – sign up for the following concert band classes:
Marching Band IV 
05103G0504 -  9-12.   .5

Concert Band IV 
05102G0504 -  9-12.   .5

Upcoming Sophomores – sign up for the following concert band classes:
Marching Band III 
05103G0503 -  9-12.   .5

Concert Band III 
05102G0503 -  9-12.   .5

Upcoming Freshmen – sign up for the following concert band classes:
Marching Band II 
05103G0502 -  9-12.   .5

Concert Band II 
05102G0502 -  9-12.   .5

ALL MARCHING BAND – INCLUDING COLOR GUARD, WINTER GUARD, PERCUSSION, MAJORETTES
Marching Band I
05103G0501 -  9-12.   .5

Concert Band I
05102G0501 -  9-12.   .5

 WE NEED NEWSPAPER!
Our percussion ensemble is playing music that requires LOTS of newspaper. We are looking for anyone to donate newspaper to the band.  Just bring it to the band office!
 
 Upcoming Dates for Spring and Summer 2021
 
Performances 
Saturday, March 6th - Winter Guard Thompson HS Competition
Saturday, March 20th - Winter Guard State Championships at Bob Jones
Thursday, April 29th - Spring Concert (Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band)
Tuesday, May 2nd - Percussion Ensemble and Solo Concert  (Percussionists in 1B Class and others involved)
TBA – Band Banquet
Thursday, May 27th - Graduation at the Von Braun Center.  Time TBA (probably evening)  **Depending on school plans related to COVID for how this will work.  All band students that are not seniors typically perform at graduation.  
 
Auditions for Fall 2021 and Summer Dates
TBA (April)  Drum Major Auditions
April 26-30   Color Guard Auditions.  HHS Freshman Cafeteria 4-5:30. 
April 22, May 6, 11, 13  Marching Percussion Camp/Auditions  6:00 – 8:00 pm
May 3-7      Fall 2021 Concert Band Auditions 
May 10-14  Leadership Auditions and Interviews.  Exact events TBA.
Tues-Fri, June 1-4 Rookie Camp (required for all new members and leadership except color guard)  8:00 am - 12:00 pm
June 7-11  Color Guard Summer Camp.  All day.
Tuesdays from 5-8 in June Percussion Summer Camps  5:00-8:00 pm
Wed-Friday, July 14-16 Make-up Rookie Camp (new members).  Please email [email protected] if you need to attend them make up rookie camp (unable to attend in May).  8:00-12:00.  
Wed-Friday, July 14-16 Color guard camp  Times TBA
July 19(Monday) – beginning of Band Camp!! All students that participate in marching band are required to attend.  Any student not attending in full will not have a spot in the marching band.  Please address any conflicts with a director ASAP!  All Day!
 
 HCS 21-22 Calendar:  https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/sites/default/files/2021-22%20School%20Year%20Calendar%20v2.pdf

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Fundraising!!!

​VBC Wristbanders you are needed for the MARCH Havoc Games ... Here is the link. (* you must have completed Vendor Responsibility Training with the VBC in order to sign up)  


HHS Band WRISTBANDER - Havoc Games

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


**************************************
VBC Concessions events for MARCH. 

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 MARCH. 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.  TONS OF GREAT WAYS TO EARN MONEY!!
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.

HHS Band CONCESSION - Havoc Games

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA29A6F4C70-march1


Additional CONCESSION Opprotunities for March
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA29A6F4C70-hhsband5


Special shout out's and thank you's to the following people for volunteering this week's Havoc games...Holly Connell, Darin Miller, Jen Skupien, Craig Boudreaux, Kirk Wimsett and Allie Polzin. All of your help is greatly appreciated 

DEADLINE!!!! Listen Up Seniors!

​Seniors/Senior Parents - Ms. Connell has graciously offered to share her creative skills with us and make scrapbooks for any senior that would like one if the family will provide $80 for the supplies (book ($20), 2 sets of refill pages/ protectors ($40), and the paper and embellishments plus extra photos of band logos, photos from FB, etc) and 30-40 printed pictures. These can be from any age or activity (not just high school and not just band). Please organize them by grade level, if at all possible.  Photos will need to be turned in by 3/1/2021.  So, over the break, search thru those photos and decide upon 30-40 that capture your senior.  If you have any questions, please contact Christy Rainey at 256-508-3382 or [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>.