9/22/13
Hi Everyone
Thought I would get the blog post done earlier today as when I wait sometimes I never get to write the blog for example - last week :-)
Anyway, Friday night's show AHS v. Dover was quite inspiring as the band performed all 3 songs (52 sets). The next couple of weeks we will focus on execution of FUNdamentals like - shifting, gating, roll stepping, upper body carriage and the ability to know our coordinates. Musically the band is solid, though there are a few students who are still not familiar enough with each tune in the marching show.
Regarding the formations -
James Bond Theme (Opening) is looking very good - the circle within the circle and it's appendages was well executing, the O in Bond is looking great, we still need to work on the A in James. Diagonals, can be a curse but when executed well they add that WOW factor to the form.
For Your Eyes Only and
Gold Finger, have improved. We need to revisit the "eyeball set" as there are still issues with spacing. The diagonals and horn movements in Gold Finger had an intense look - I can't wait until there are no holes in the show to get the full effect!
Die Another Day, Live and Let Die and the
James Bond Theme (reprise) were well executed considering it was the first time performing that part of the show.
The silent Wednesday night rehearsals are paying off but the focus still needs to be upped somewhat.
007 - will definitely be revisited. Kudos to the 7 but the 0's not quiet there yet :-)
Remember to turn in your practice logs for 9/16-9/22. This week's logs (9/23-9/29) are ready to upload. The focus of the log this week is Competency 1 (Performance) and Competency 4 (History & Relation). Please keep in mind that Wednesday night rehearsals are part of your grade. Re read your syllabus, nothing has changed since the inception of marching band in 1997. When you miss a rehearsal or a performance for ANY REASON (with very few exceptions) you have 3 days to make up the work for a maximum of 80% of the grade.
BAND IS A CLASS FOR CREDIT IT IS NOT EXTRACURRICULAR!
Today, I will begin reading the critiques from AHS v. Timberlane and hopefully will have many of them returned by tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow - please check your sectional calendar especially if you are in J Band.
In just a few weeks we will be showcasing our talents at the Salem Band Show. I've included that information in this blog. Also, in the next few days I will be sitting down with Mr. Mata to discuss the Alvirne High School Marching Band and Colorguard formal pictures. Last year, we took them the day of the Salem Band show and it worked out F A N T A S T I C - this year, I would like to do the same.
Due to a scheduling conflict with parent conferences on October 16 the 8th grade "Step Up" night will be October 17 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. We will not be able to get onto the field until 6:30 p.m. as there is a soccer game. I would like to thank Miss Bonney and the soccer coaches for helping us out in this matter. They were kind enough to move the game ahead and hopefully they will do so well that there will be no overtime :-) Senior parents please mark your calendars as Senior Band Night will be celebrated on October 18 at the AHS v. North Game. I will be sending out a separate mailer.
Please pray for GREAT weather.
Disney deposits and commitment forms are now a
DONE DEAL! If I have not received your $150.00 non-refundable deposit with the pertinent information for the Disney Trip April 28-May 3, 2014 SORRY - but I extended the deadline by almost 3 weeks. The hotel deposit is in and I will be giving CSL tours the final count of performers and chaperones. I will be posting a complete list of those who are attending in the music room sometime this week - students make certain you check.
Also, the Holiday Pie Fundraiser is now complete. Stragglers tomorrow is it, no exceptions.
NHMEA All State applications are due to the music office by Thursday, September 26 with the $15.00 audition fee made payable to AHS MUSIC DEPT.
Please ask Mr. Bastien or Ms. Beaton for forms and instructions.
OCTOBER 12, 2013 - SCHEDULE FOR SALEM BAND SHOW
11:50 a.m. BAND/COLORGUARD
MEET IN THE MUSIC ROOM
NOON -3:00 p.m.
FIELD
REHEARSAL (FINE TUNING)
3:00 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. CLEAN
UP AND PACK EQUIPMENT
3:20 p.m.-4:00 p.m. PIZZA
PARTY, SALAD & RELAXATION
(Sponsored by FOM)
4:00 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. Band
gets dressed in uniforms
Uniform
inspection & Load Percussion & Large Instruments in trucks
4:30 p.m. BOARD
THE BUSES for Salem
DESTINATION Salem
High School - Grant Field
A Salem High School student will be assigned to our
band/colorguard to ensure that we can find our seats, the warm-up area, etc.
Following our performance, we will pass in review.
The price of admission will be $8.00 for adults, $5.00
for students. Chaperones and staff are free!
The Salem Band Parent Association will have a
concession stand - bring money :-)
To close out the evening, participation awards will be
presented to the Drum Majors.
All
students will be coming back to AHS on the busses. E T A 11:00 p.m.
Final Reminder: This is a
scheduled non-district event. THIS will be included as a
performance grade- it's an SMA. This is a GREAT
time for everyone and a chance for us to “strut our stuff” along with many
other high school marching units.
Please tell all your family and friends to come and support our
endeavors!
If
you have any questions or concerns please call me at 886-1265 or email gbastien@sau81.org
Whew! I guess I made up for missing last week - enjoy the remainder of the weekend and let's go PATS!
Ciao -
Mr. B
