PantherBandRoom

RLHS Band is officially on Facebook!!

2010-03-24T15:21:00.003-05:00

Hey all you Facebook users - the RLHS Band program is officially a group on Facebook! Click on the link in the Contact menu (look over there to the right side of this page)... OR: Search for the "Round Lake High School Band" and join the group. Keep up to date with announcements and event reminders!! This will be a great tool for parents and students - with a more convenient way to keep track of band activities!

-Ms. M

Long Term Sub in place for Ms. M

2010-03-24T13:22:00.000-05:00

Dear Students and Parents,

My name is Thomas Odon. I will serve as Krista Millard’s substitute during her maternity leave for the remainder of the school year. I have spent the past two weeks integrating myself into the program, learning the structures and procedures of her classes and ensembles. I am excited to begin working with the students. I will be responsible for teaching all of Ms. Millard’s music courses, along with the extra-curricular stage band. I will also conduct the bands at their upcoming IHSA contest, Spring Concert, and the high school’s commencement exercises.

I want you to know some of my background. I am a 2009 graduate of the University of Illinois, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. I am a brass player and have performed with different area music ensembles. I am from Arlington Heights and before coming to Round Lake, I served as a substitute teacher and music assistant in High School Districts 211 and 214.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you might have while I am serving in Ms. Millard’s place. I can be contacted through my RLAS email address or the band room phone number, listed below. I look forward to meeting you at the upcoming performances and other music functions.

Sincerely,

Mr. Thomas Odon

Email: todon@rlas-116.org

Phone: 847-270-9300 x.5143

Winterguard places 2nd at state!!

2010-03-14T21:04:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to the members of our Winterguard Team for earning 2nd place in the Tall Flag Division at the IDTA State Championships this past weekend in Champaign!! Great job girls!! And a big kudos to coach Jamie Dormody for all of her hard work this season! You all have made us very proud!

Cool Jazz Videos

2010-02-24T11:53:00.001-06:00

Hey Jazz Band members!! Looking for some really good jazz band videos on You Tube? Well here you go - a treasure chest of awesome high school jazz bands!! Check these out and take some notes while you're at it... these kids are swingin'!

http://www.youtube.com/user/KCTS9#grid/user/67DA9E866ECD683C

Cabaret Cafe this Friday!

2010-02-21T18:03:00.002-06:00

This Friday the RLHS Music Department hosts the 3rd annual Solo & Ensemble Recital: "Cabaret Cafe". The theme promotes a casual cafe feel with coffee, teas, and baked goods for sale. Concert attendees can purchase a snack and enjoy it while listening to the talented performances by RLHS students.

The recital will begin at 6:00p in the cafeteria and will feature students from band and choir in solo or small ensemble performance. Also performing will be the RLHS Jazz Band.

Students performing at this recital are preparing to compete at the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest to be held on March 6th at Grant Community High School.

Winterguard scores big at Navy Pier!

2010-02-21T18:02:00.002-06:00

On Saturday, February 20, the Round Lake High School Winterguard performed at the IDTA competition hosted at Navy Pier in Chicago. Round Lake earned 1st place in the AAA Tall Flag division competing against 3 other schools. Along with winning the division, the team scored high enough to qualify for the IDTA State Championships. The IDTA State Championships will be held at the University of Illinois campus in Champaign on Saturday, March 13th.

Also performing in the solo competition were members Danya Vasquez, Dana Meyers, and Gina DiSalvo in a field of 20 soloists. Dana Myers and Gina DiSalvo ranked in the top 10 for the soloist completion earning 9th and 10th place respectively.

The RLHS Winterguard has been in existence for 3 years under the direction of Coach Jamie Dormody. The 14 member team practices 2 days a week after school. Student leaders are Captain Dana Meyers and Assistant Co-captains Gina DiSalvo and Valerie Mercurio.

New Reference Recordings

2010-01-15T10:10:00.003-06:00

Check out the PantherBandRoom-NOTEBOOK for links to reference recordings for some of the pieces we are working on in concert band this semester.

IMEA Festival Recording is Online!!

2009-12-10T13:38:00.002-06:00

A recording of the IMEA District 7 Festival is now available online at the following link!!

www.wfmtintroductions.com

Check it out and enjoy!!

Winter Concert

2009-12-04T08:50:00.001-06:00

Annual Winter Concert

Wednesday, December 9th

7:00p - RLHS Theater

featuring the middle school and high schools bands

Admission: $3.00/general

ISU Trip

2009-10-17T13:15:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, October 24th, we'll be headed down to Illinois State University in Normal, IL to watch the marching band championships for high school. All band and guard members are expected to attend.

Each student needs to bring $7.00 for admission. Students can pack a lunch for the bus, or bring additional money for food at the concessions once we reach the stadium.

We will leave RLHS at 3:45p to allow for travel time and traffic. We are taking school busses.
The championship competition begins at 8:00p and will end at approximately 10:00p. We will be getting back to RLHS around 1:30a.m.

Parents are welcome to join us, there is no limit on the number of people we can bring. There is an admission charge for everyone.

You Tube Audition Material on IMEA

2009-09-22T14:55:00.002-05:00

All Brass Players - Northerh Illinois University has posted videos of the 2009 Audition materials with helpful hints!! This is AWESOME - check it out!!

http://www.youtube.com/user/NIUSoMOfficial

Attention Drum Line - Practice Schedule Change

2009-08-25T11:11:00.001-05:00

Percussion will now meet from 3:30p - 5:00p on Wednesdays for sectional rehearsal with Brenden. Please make note of this change and make the necessary arrangements to be at rehearsal beginning this week!!

Cool New Music Web Site

2009-08-24T19:49:00.002-05:00

For those of you who like to have new music to play around with, here is a cool web site that has tons of classical music solos for all instruments. And the best part? The downloads are free!! Search by instrument, difficulty level, composer, etc... have fun, find some cool new tunes, and enjoy!!

MusicScores.com

http://www.music-scores.com/

Band Camp is this week!

2009-08-02T14:42:00.000-05:00

Monday is for NEW members only, but old members are welcome to join if they want.
Tuesday is for EVERYONE!!

Don't forget Medical Forms, order forms and money, instruments, flip folder/lyres, and sunscreen!

See you this week!

Cool new link!!

2009-07-29T11:32:00.001-05:00

For those of you who like to have recordings of band music, I have found a great website where you can download free recordings of the United States Marine Band "President's Own"!!

http://www.marineband.usmc.mil/audio_resources/index.htm

Happy downloading!! Enjoy!

-Ms. M

Band Room Construction

2009-07-17T13:44:00.002-05:00

Oh yes, it must be time for band camp because the band room is under construction - again!! This year, we are getting a new roof!! I know, you want new carpet and air conditioning... but at least we won't have the big rain leaks pouring on the drum set anymore. :)

So this means that over the next few weeks things will be a little chaotic in the band room, probably very messy, and most likely we will not be able to practice in there. So just be flexible and ready to move to somewhere else in the building for our rehearsals... to places that have air conditioning!!

PE Waiver is Approved!!

2009-07-17T13:39:00.002-05:00

Well I am very happy to announce that the PE Credit for Marching band Waiver has been fully approved and students will be able to take advantage of it this season!!

The waiver will be available to all Sophomores - Seniors for the Fall semester. Students must complete all of the requirements, including attending ALL Band Camps, in order to earn the credit.

What does this mean? Well, the most obvious is that students who are on the waiver do not have a PE class during 1st semester. This frees up a period in the student schedule and may reduce scheduling conflicts for students who are taking additional courses.

Forms will be available in August through Ms. Millard.

Band Camp Newsletter Info

2009-07-07T21:50:00.003-05:00

The annual summer newsletter for band camp was mailed out on June 30th. However, it has come to my attention that many people received the mailing in poor condition or it was just plain destroyed. Much thanks to the post office I guess...

For those of you who received the newsletter in tact, yeah!! For everyone else: please email me immediately and I will send you PDF's of the newsletter. Until then, here is the info you need.

Summer Wednesday Night Music Rehearsals begin this week July 8 @ 6:00p - please be there!!

Everyone must complete the medical release form and turn it in by the first day of camp.

See you soon! -Ms. M

Blog Update

2009-06-22T18:01:00.002-05:00

The blog will be completely updated with the new information for the 2009 school year by the end of June. Please check back then for a current calendar, new forms for download, and full band camp information.

For quick reference:

Percussion camp will begin July 29th.

Band Camp will begin August 3rd.

DCI Field Trip Cancelled

2009-06-22T17:59:00.003-05:00

The field trip to attend the DCI Show this Saturday, June 27th, in Rosemont has been cancelled due to lack of student sign up. We needed to have at least 10 students go, only 2 turned in money...

-Ms. M

New Listening Links Added!

2009-04-09T14:08:00.002-05:00

OK! The sound files for "First Suite in E Flat" can be found on the NOTEBOOK homepage. Follow this link:

http://pantherband.pbwiki.com/

April is Jazz Appreciation Month

2009-03-25T10:32:00.002-05:00

Each April, Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) shines the spotlight on the extraordinary history of jazz and its importance in American culture. This activity is sponsored by the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of History.

The Smithsonian operates the world’s most comprehensive set of jazz programs—including exhibitions, publications and recordings, concerts, workshops, master classes, lectures, symposia, and fellowships for research in jazz. The Museum collects jazz artifacts, documents, recordings, and oral histories, and sponsors the Institution’s own big band, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.

For more information about JAM visit http://www.smithsonianjazz.org/jam/jam_start.asp

To play some online activites, visit http://americanhistory.si.edu/events/programdetail.cfm?newskey=72

SYNERGY BRASS at RLHS

2009-03-06T10:11:00.003-06:00

Synergy Brass Quintet will be performing for us on Wednesday, March 11th at 1:30!! All music department students will be excused to attend the assembly. Parents are welcome to join us - but need to contact Ms. M to reserve a seat.

For more info on Synergy - visit their website: www.synergybrass.com

New Additions to Site!

2009-03-06T10:09:00.001-06:00

I have embedded recordings of the songs we are playing in band so you have access to them at any time. Please listen to them often! You can download them to your own computer if you have real player.

Happy listening!

-Ms. M

Password!!

2009-02-09T11:47:00.001-06:00

The first student to tell me this week's password gets a prize!!

BURNS

Added Evening Rehearsals

2009-02-09T11:46:00.002-06:00

Dear Parents and Band Students –

Three evening rehearsals have been added to the calendar. For our March 18th performance at Band-O-Rama, a number of RLAS Faculty will be joining our band. The Faculty Consort will be performing Anthem for Winds and Percussion, Band-O-Rama, and Let’s Go Band. In order to ensure successful performance, we need a couple of rehearsals with our guests.

I know that these rehearsals are late additions, so I expect there may be some conflict with the dates and times. However, I am asking all parents and students to make their best effort in fitting these 3 rehearsals into their schedules. If a student cannot make a rehearsal, please let me know in advance as these rehearsals will be counted for attendance. Thank you for your efforts and understanding!!

All rehearsals will be in the band room from 6:30p – 7:30p
Wednesday, February 18th
Tuesday, March 3rd
Monday, March 16th

Thank you,
Ms. Millard

Password!

2009-02-04T21:49:00.002-06:00

The first student to tell me this week's password get's a prize:

GERSHWIN

Good luck to all!

-Ms. M

Watch the New Trier Jazz Festival Online!

2009-02-04T11:43:00.002-06:00

This is pretty cool! This weekend's jazz festival being held at New Trier High School is going to be streamed live on the internet. Just visit the site (link below) and click on the viewer... you'll be able to watch great high school jazz bands all day long!!

Saturday, February 7

http://ntjazz.com/

Greetings from Peoria!

2009-01-29T00:24:00.002-06:00

Hello All - I am posting from the IMEA All-State Conference in Peoria. Tonight I had the chance to see a truly enjoyable performance presented by the Synergy Brass Quintet. These are truly skilled musicians and they have a great sense of humor. It is obvious they have fun doing what they do! As I sat in the audience, I wished that all of my band students could have been there with me to take in the show. Thanks to the internet, you can at least get a taste - here are links to their website and videos. Enjoy!!

http://www.synergyquintet.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aijNKslGOAc

-Ms. M

Winterguard kicks off season at Palatine

2009-01-24T20:18:00.002-06:00

Winterguard performed in its first competition of the season on Saturday, January 24th at Palatine High School. The guard competed in the varsity tall flags division against 9 other schools.

Our guard gave a strong performance and shows a lot of promise. We ranked 6th place with a score of 77.6, coming in just behind 5th place Mundelein by 4 points.

The girls are already looking forward to the next competition with a "we can do it" attitude. While riding the bus back to RLHS, they started making plans for the week and positiviely encouraging each other to step up the level of focus in practice.

"The only thing those schools (referring to Palatine and Stevenson) have that we don't are big heads!" says Shelby. "Let's do this. I want to go to state!"

Winterguard competes again next Saturday, January 30, at Schaumburg High School.

School Closing

2009-01-15T22:24:00.001-06:00

School has been cancelled for Friday.

Jazz band will still meet on Saturday for the basketball game. Call time is 6:00p

Enjoy the extra day!

-Ms. M

Booster Meeting Rescheduled

2009-01-15T19:13:00.002-06:00

The January Booster meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 21st at 7:00p.m. in the band room. Trip deposit reimbursements will be handed out and scholarship winners for the spring semester will be announced.

Updated Calendar available on Notebook

2009-01-02T16:08:00.001-06:00

A new copy of the updated calendar has been posted on the notebook. This calendar includes the new jazz band rehearsal schedule. Please download this for your records!

-Ms. M

Basketball Game is CANCELLED

2008-12-19T15:41:00.002-06:00

There is NO Jazz Band tonight - all activities have been cancelled, including the basketball game. I will see everyone when we return from winter break!! We will begin our new rehearsal schedule of 3 days/week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Fridays) at that time.

Remember, if you need to pick up anything from the band room, I will be in on Saturday. You can stop by after 10:00a.m.

Everyone have a nice vacation!! And try to practice a few times!!

-Ms. M

SNOW DAY INFO

2008-12-19T10:33:00.000-06:00

I've been getting a lot of emails because of today's snow day. Here's some info:

1. All finals that were supposed to be taken today will be scheduled for the Friday after we return to school. This includes students who needed to complete make up lessons. (For those students scheduled to make up lessons, consider this is a huge opportunity and don't waste it. I will expect performances to be very high quality when we come back).

2. Students who left their instruments at school: I will be at the school most of the day Saturday helping out with the Sailor Dinner. Students will be able to get in to the band room to pick up their stuff as early as 10:00a.m.

3. Jazz Band and Basketball - I am waiting to hear from our athletic director if tonight's game will be held. If so, we are expected to show and play. I will call all jazz band members to let them know - hopefully by this afternoon.

That's pretty much all I can think of. If there are any more announcements related to band, I will post them here.

-Ms. M

Friday - Jazz Band on a snow day?

2008-12-18T22:37:00.002-06:00

IF there is a snow day on Friday, basketball may still have a game that night. All Jazz Band students will get a phone call from Ms. M regarding performance at the game. Please be prepared to possibly perform on Friday night!

If Friday is a regular day, then all plans stay on as normal...

Band Concert

2008-12-08T21:24:00.002-06:00

Annual Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 10
7:00p - RLHS Theater

This concert will feature the 6th Grade Varsity Band, the Middle School Bands, and the High School Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble. General Admission: $3.00

Updates

2008-11-24T20:32:00.001-06:00

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted any news here... a couple of things to share:

1. Jazz band is progressing nicely! We are now rehearsing 2 days a week as a full band and starting to get the "swing" of things.

2. Marching Band pictures are finally printed and will be sent home with kids on Tuesday. Parents should have them in their hands for Thanksgiving.

3. Madrigal Dinner is almost here! We can still use parent volunteers to help out. Please contact Liz Zink or Ms. Moroni if you can work in the kitchen or help with hosting.

Happy Holidays!

New Web Site Added to Links

2008-11-09T22:00:00.005-06:00

I've updated the link list to the right, including a new web site on Sight Reading. For those of you who are serious about being a better music reader, this is a great little resource for you. Check it out!
-Ms. M

Marching Band Picture Day

2008-10-08T21:33:00.002-05:00

We will be taking our full band group picture on Saturday, October 18th. Headshots have already been taken and proofs will be posted in the band room. Order forms will be made available shortly for parents/students who want to buy copies.

Attention all RLHS Music Alumni

2008-10-08T21:30:00.000-05:00

The Round Lake High School Music Department is looking for alumni to participate in Homecoming!! RLHS Alumni who participated in band and/or choir during their high school career are invited to join in Homecoming activities with the music department on October 18, 2008. To be included on the Alumni List and get more details, contact the music department at rlhsmusic@gmail.com

Homecoming is Saturday, October 18

Tales From Band Camp

2008-09-14T22:04:00.001-05:00

Tales From Band Camp

Posted using ShareThis

And We're Off!

2008-09-01T09:46:00.002-05:00

OK folks - we are in full season! This week kicks of competition mania with our appearance at McHenry High School. We need to finish learning the drill to Memory and get the music solid for Saturday's performance. Please be ready for 4 days of jammed packed, quick moving rehearsals as we don't have a moment to waste! Itineraries for Saturday will be sent home on Tuesday with students... an e-mail was sent out to parent that I have the address for. Parents, if you want to be on our e-mail list, please send me your contact info!

-Ms. M

It's Time!!

2008-08-03T22:10:00.002-05:00

Band Camp begins this week!! I hope everyone is geared up and excited to get started on this year's season. We start Monday morning with a pancake breakfast hosted by the leadership team - yum!! And then the fun will commence with marching, music, games, and more marching!

Bring your lunches and water bottles! We'll see you at band camp!

-Ms. M

Check the mail!

2008-06-30T16:39:00.002-05:00

The band camp newsletter has been mailed home and should be arriving in your mail boxes shortly, if not already. Please read it thoroughly, as it has a lot of information about new things we are trying out this year and forms that must be turned in the first day of camp.

Dust of your instruments - I hope to see everyone at summer rehearsals!
-Ms. M

2007-2008 Band Video

2008-06-28T01:40:00.001-05:00

Memorial Day mishap!!

2008-05-26T12:49:00.002-05:00

Well, this year was definately an interesting parade experience!! Thanks to all of you bandees and guard girls who showed up and toughed it out. You made the best out of the situation and I thank you!!

I hope everyone has a great summer! Don't forget we'll have some rehearsals starting in July to get ready for next school year and I'd like everyone to participate!! A newsletter will be sent home in June as a reminder.

-Ms. M

IHSA Recordings Now Online

2008-04-28T18:49:00.001-05:00

You can find the recordings from IHSA COntest on our Notebook pages. Feel free to listen and evaluate your performance. Keep in mind - we WILL be playing these pieces at our concert in 2 weeks!!

-Ms. M

Recordings added to site!

2008-03-11T17:06:00.003-05:00

As promised, I have uploaded recordings of Moorside March and Festival Prelude to the Notebook. Please visit the site and download these mp3's. Listen to them often to help you with practice and preparation for contest next month!

Click on the link to the Notebook in the right side bar.

-Ms. M

Hoodies are here!!

2008-03-03T14:32:00.001-06:00

The band and guard hoodies are finally in! Come see me to pick up you order.

-Ms. M

Solo & Ensemble Results

2008-03-03T14:26:00.002-06:00

Congrats to everyone who participated in contest on Saturday - you all did a great job and I am very proud of each of you!! I will have score sheets at school.

Merideth McLane - II
Greg Daley - I
Rebeca Sanchez -I
Ana Hidrogo - I
Jessica Krahnke - II
Eugenia Flores - I
Karina DeAnda - I
Melissa Larson - I
Alex Gilbet - I
Kathryn McLane - II
Kyle Strother - II
Clarinet Quartet - I

2009 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band

2008-02-26T21:39:00.000-06:00

Here's a great opportunity for Juniors! Check this out!

2009 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band Audition

Recital A Success!

2008-02-23T19:56:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to all recital participants. Tonight's event was a showcase of wonderful performances. Kudos to our cake makers - the auction was a success. We raised almost $300 from the cake sale. This will most likely become an annual event.

Now we prepare for contest next week at Richmon-Burton! Keep up the good work!

-Ms. M

Recital - February 23rd

2008-02-18T13:13:00.002-06:00

First Annual RLHS Music Department Recital

and Cake Auction

February 23rd @ 3:00p

Theater - Free Admission

Click here to download the flyer: http://pantherband.pbwiki.com/f/Recital+and+Cake+Auction+Flyer.pdf

Featured Instrument of the week

2008-02-05T22:39:00.001-06:00

Trombone... with a little bit of character!
-Ms. M

Concerto for Four French Horns!!

2008-01-07T21:39:00.001-06:00

This one's for Merideth and Dustin (don't say I don't love you) but I think everyone will enjoy this clip. Yes, it's almost 10 minutes - but so worth it!

BTW - Dale Clevenger is THE most reknowned horn player in the world... so like he doesn't suck. :p

-Ms. M

Scholarships!

2007-12-26T21:42:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder to everyone to work on those Scholarship Essays!

In case you forgot, the Fine Arts Boosters are awarding 10 scholarships for private lessons for semester 2. All you have to do is answer the following question:

"How will receiving a music scholarship affect your future plans?"

Minimum of 500 words - so not hard!!

Essays are due on January 10th.

Get typing!! It's FREE money!!

-Ms. M

2007-12-24T21:25:00.000-06:00

See you in January!!
-Ms. M

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon Rock

2007-12-10T18:54:00.001-06:00

Aaaaaaaaaagghh! Pachabel!

;) - Ms. M

Musical Humor For You

2007-12-03T19:11:00.001-06:00

Here's a little gem I found that I thought some of you would get a kick out of, especially Dustin!

See? Classical music is still entertaining!!

-Ms. M

Jazz Band?

2007-11-17T21:18:00.000-06:00

Is anyone interesting in trying out some jazz?? Looking for students who'd want to be in jazz band beginning second semester... They don't have to be currently enrolled in band, so if you know someone... spread the word! It's time to expand our musical horizons!!

2 nights/week (Tues/Thurs)

Any instrument is welcome, but if you are interested in playing a traditional jazz band instruments, this is ideal:
* alto, tenor, bari sax (Any woodwind player would easily be able to switch to these, fingering system is the same!)
*trumpet
*trombone
*drum set/auxiliary percussion
*bass guitar
*rhythm guitar
*piano

I'm hoping for some good response here - speak up!!
-Ms. M

IMEA Festival - Saturday, November 17

2007-11-07T19:00:00.000-06:00

I would like to encourage EVERYONE to come to the IMEA District 7 Festival. Our very own Rebeca Sanchez will be representing the RLHS Band - so come show your support! This is also a chance for you to see a 100+ piece symphonic band composed of high school musicians (and a choir and full orchestra...). This is a great music experience - don't miss it!!

What: IMEA Festival

When: Saturday, November 17th

Where: Crystal Lake Central High School

Time: 3:00p.m.

Admission: $3.00

Wanna go but need transportation? Can you drive if we organize a carpool? Leave a comment to offer or get a ride!!

Pictures from Lincoln-Way Competition

2007-10-14T23:10:00.001-05:00

The event host had a professional photographer on Saturday. They took tons of pictures of us during our performance! Many of you saw them at the booth. You can view them online and order.

TSS Photography
http://www.tssphotography.com/southsuburbs/

Enjoy!
-Ms. M

You Did it!!

2007-10-14T18:40:00.000-05:00

Everyone deserves a great big pat on the back for your performance on Saturday. I am very proud of all of you! Moments like that confirm that it IS all worthwhile, even when we look back on those days when we weren't so sure.

I hope everyone recognizes the reward of the hard work and dedication every member of the band and parents put into this season. It took us 14 weeks - but on Saturday you all came together and met your goals as one band. THAT IS SPECIAL.

Let's enjoy our victory and carry it's motivation into the new activities ahead of us: Concert Band, Madrigal Dinner, Pep Band, and hopefully Jazz Band. Winterguard will be starting soon as well, and I know many of you are anticipating that new activity!

Congrats again! You did it!
-Ms. M

Congratulations!

2007-10-07T10:07:00.001-05:00

Good job everyone at the Prospect Heights competition on Saturday. Not only did you do well on the field, but I was also very please with your behavior in the stands. You should feel good about the whole day, because I am proud of you!

Now on to Lincoln-Way! Let's go get it!

"The difference between first and second place is DESIRE"
-Ms. M

USC Cadence

2007-09-30T12:05:00.001-05:00

I couldn't help it! This one's for our drummers, and anyone else who loves a good drum line!

-Ms. M

HEY BAND!! ~FIELD TRIP!!

2007-09-30T11:24:00.000-05:00

OK, so i couldn't get the video to play on this page - but click on the link below to see a video of "the greatest marching band in the history of the universe". OH yeah - that would be the USC Marching Band!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChcZaQ_PI-g

Yes, you just saw a band with 14 sousaphones, 8 bass drums, and nearly 300 musicians! You want to see them live?!?!

They will be here - in Chicago - on October 19th performing at Navy Pier at noon. Wanna come? All you need is money for the train/bus round trip ($8) and lunch money.

Reply to this post to sign up - and don't forget to leave your name!! RSVP by this Friday, October 5th!

-Ms. M

Need Some Dance Ideas??

2007-09-29T17:18:00.001-05:00

Here's a little snippit from the original Austin Powers movie - check out the moves! Get some ideas for your own dance!

-Ms. M

Northwestern Band Day

2007-09-16T17:17:00.000-05:00

So, what did everyone think of band day?? I'd want to hear some feedback on the event. Tell me what you thought about:

1. Musical selections
2. Sectionals with NUMB
3. Staying until the then of the game (would you have rather left after halftime?)
4. Doing it again in the future?

I thought you all looked great! And I hope everyone had fun~
-Ms. M

Special Schedule This Week

2007-09-16T17:09:00.000-05:00

In order to be fully prepared for Saturday's competition at Wheaton, we will hold 7:00a.m. rehearsals every day this week. (Monday - Thursday)

Don't forget, this week's football game is THURSDAY night.

No a.m. practice Friday due to SIP Day schedule, and Schuler Foundation field trips.

-Ms. M

Mission Impossible!

2007-09-09T15:33:00.001-05:00

OH!! The ORIGINAL TV show opener! Wow! This show was before my time, so no smarty pants comments about my age. You'll get a kick out of this, gotta love the 70's... but the music is what I want you to listen to.

-Ms. M

Pink Panther Theme

2007-09-09T15:29:00.001-05:00

Here's a little gem I found!! I used to watch this cartoon EVERYDAY when I got home from school (you know, back in the stone age...) This cartoon series is what inspired the movies.

-Ms. M

Opening Night

2007-09-01T12:34:00.000-05:00

Congrats to everyone for making it through our first home game performance. The evening had a lot of good things to focus on. I got many comments on how nice the band looked, lots of nice comments about colorguard and how much they added to the performance. When things all settled in, the band had a good strong sound. We'll take a look at the "booboos" of the evening and address how we can avoid those in the future. Part of marching band is learning from performance and growing over the course of 13 weeks.

We will watch the video from Friday night's game on Tuesday in class. Starting Wednesday we will learn drill for Pink Panther.

Please keep working on music, get stronger on your parts so you can play with more confidence. Memorization is still important!!

Also, I know people were taking pictures - please send photos to me so I can add them to our site!!
Have a good weekend - Ms. M

James Bond Theme Music

2007-08-26T17:55:00.001-05:00

Many of you have said you've never seen a James Bond movie - and since I can't show you any of them at school, here's the movie theme music for you to listen to! Enjoy!

(Yes, Mancini is the same guy who also wrote the music for Pink Panther... )

-Ms. M

Hey Flutes! Here's your next assignment!

2007-08-21T18:55:00.001-05:00

So I thought everyone would enjoy this little tidbit... I think our flute section better get practicing!!

Comments are welcome!

Drill has arrived!

2007-08-19T18:17:00.001-05:00

It is true - not a lie!! The drill for our show is in my hands... we will begin learning the drill for the opener at Monday morning's practice. We should be able to learn all 9 sets by the end of Wednesday morning's rehearsal.

Please continue practice music and memorizing! We will march a full pre-game and the show opener for our first home game on August 31st.

See you on the field!

-Ms. M

Nicely Done!

2007-08-10T22:04:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to congratulate everyone on a job well done at band camp. I said it before, but I want to say it again: I am very pleased with the work we accomplished the last 4 days. Can you believe it, basics and drill and music in 4 days?! That's a good deal!! I hope we keep this up - we'll be kicking some behind this year. Look out Grant, we're looking to take some names (and trophies!!)

By the way, did I mention that Grant will be competing along with us at our first two competitions??

Check This Out!!

2007-07-19T09:16:00.001-05:00

About once a week I will post a new video to share with you. Sometimes I will ask for comments or survey you on them.

Here is a video of the "Top Secret" Drum Corps out of Switzerland. For now, just sit back and enjoy some pretty cool showmanship! Please, post comments if you'd like (always keeping things school appropriate!)