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Jag weekly news, 4/4/21

4/4/2021

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Good afternoon and Happy Easter to all. I hope you are having a great day with your families. Here is the news for this week. 
  • We will begin percussion section rehearsals this week on Tuesday and Thursday from 5-6pm.
  • Wind ensemble will rehearse on Tuesday from 2:30-4:30pm.
  • There will be a band banquet parent meeting on Tuesday at 6:15pm! Please come out if you’d like to share ideas/learn more about how you can help with this years banquet.
  • Color guard will have spectrum practices after school on Tuesday and Thursday. If you plan on participating in the group ensemble, please plan on attending. If you’re doing your own small groups/solos, this is optional additional practice time you may have.
  • Symphonic band will rehearse on Thursday from 2:30-4:00pm.


Please let me know if you have any questions! ​
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Jag weekly news, 3/28/21

3/28/2021

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Jag weekly news - 3/28/21


Good afternoon and happy Sunday. Here is the news for this week :) Congrats to those who participated in state solo and ensemble on Friday! You all did great! 
  • There will be a leadership meeting tomorrow after school from 2:00-3:30.
  • Wind ensemble will rehearse Tuesday after school from 2:30-4:30. All must attend!
  • Percussion (full section) will begin rehearsing this Tuesday. Rehearsals will be every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-6pm.
  • Jazz band will have its first rehearsal on Wednesday from 2:30-4:00pm.
  • Symphonic band will meet after school on Thursday from 2:30-4:30pm!
  • There is no color guard after school this week!
  • There will be no school this Friday.
  • Next week on Tuesday, we will begin planning preparations for our Band Banquet. I’m looking for parents who are interested in sharing some ideas to help plan for this smaller scale event. The meeting will begin at 6:15pm in the band room! Hope to see you there as we plan to celebrate the students on a very tough year!
  • Leadership packets will go out by the end of this week! More detailed info will be shared in class.
  • Let me know if you have any questions!



​
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Jag Weekly News, 3/21/21

3/21/2021

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​Good evening everyone! I hope you all had a marvelous and safe spring break! I have missed you guys so much and can’t wait to get back to making music and preparing for our awesome fourth quarter! The calendar has been updated through the end of the year, so check it out on our band website! Here is the news for this week. 

-Monday there will be our second Drum Major session! Remember, if you are interested in going for drum major, you are required to attend. If you’re interested in learning more about the position and leadership in general, come on out! It will be from 2-3pm. 

-Winter guard will have our final two practices of the season this week on Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30-4:30pm. We will be recording the show on Thursday for state solo and ensemble, so let’s have some awesome practices. 

-Wind ensemble will rehearse on Tuesday from 2:30-4:30. All in person and online students from 5th and 6th period are required to attend. 

-There will be a FULL leadership meeting after school on Wednesday from 2-3pm. All leadership needs to plan on being there.

-Symphonic band will rehearse on Thursday after school from 2:30-4:30pm. This is required for all 3rd period students, and optional for 2nd period students. 

-Also on Thursday, students who are playing solos for state solo and ensemble should plan on staying after school on Thursday to record their performances for state! 

-Friday will be state solo and ensemble. Times will be posted in the band room for individual meetings! 

Please let me know if you have any questions!
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Marching Band Narrative

2/16/2021

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         The energy on the bus was contagious, surging through us all like a shorting circuit. Our sections bunched up as close as they could with only two allowed to a seat, and each section was easily distinguishable despite the matching uniforms. The percussionists all sat in the back, drumming beats onto the backs of seats and making up rhymes about each other, trying to see who could deliver the best roast. The mellophones were taking pictures and videos of each other to edit into memes later, laughing and shoving each other. The trumpets were talking loudly, speaking so quickly that the words ran together and became background noise despite the volume. The color guard sat close to the front, doing each other’s show makeup and laughing nearly to tears. I sat amongst them, struggling to put on our uniform red lipstick as I held back a laugh. In this space, teeming with spirit and music and pride, nerves dissolved into excitement and gave way to rowdy unity.
              Very suddenly, the noise settled to a dull hum and the bus slowed to a stop. All eyes went to the windows: railroad track. I could hear the soft murmur of seasoned band members telling all the newbies to “touch a nut”, and I reached up to touch one of the screws holding the window frames in place. All along the bus, dozens of hands touched dozens of screws, a band tradition passed along over the years. We did this every time the bus stopped for a railroad track in hopes that our combined efforts would hold the bus together until it was safely across.
            Thanks to our dedication, the bus didn’t fall apart as we crossed the tracks. Noise and spirit gradually filled the bus again, increasing at the same rate as if they were one and the same. Looking around the bus, I could pick out each person, unique and vibrant in their own ways, but the collective energy that surged through the bus felt like that of one entity. The distinct laughter and chatter from each seat melted together into one joyous chorus. If I took my glasses off to wipe them, we would blur into a sea of red, our show shirts blending together seamlessly.
      Soon enough, we reached our destination, and we were released from the bus by section, with loading crew first, then color guard, then percussion, then high brass. Even as we split, the energy stayed, and it felt like a geyser bubbling up in my chest. The adrenaline of performance was unmatchable; there was no feeling like the intense pressure of showing months of work in a mere ten minutes. We rode this high from the moment we stepped of the bus to the moment we stepped onto the field, a time period that always seemed to simultaneously fly by and painstakingly crawl along. So quickly, yet eons later, we were in our starting positions, waiting for our cue to begin. If my heart was beating quicker than usual, harder than usual, I didn’t notice. I took a deep breath, pulling my shoulders back and standing tall.
      “Port Saint Lucie High School, you may begin your show.”
The best run was never at a competition. There was never a time when we could confidently say that we were ready to go, with nothing left to improve upon. We rehearsed, cleaned, rehearsed again, until it was time to load onto the bus and head to Crown Jewel or MPA. So, we were never really ready, but in that same sense, we were always, always ready. Somehow, though we had done plenty of run-throughs that were much cleaner, much better, and though there were drops and cracked notes and missed steps, this time, the routine felt like a show. This time, the separate pieces came together, banded together, to provoke feelings and spark hearts and elicit tears. This time, the final notes sounded like an end credits scene, and the applause that followed sounded so beautifully fitting.
     When we marched off the field, we left the entire show behind, with every drop of sweat shed while running between yard lines, every ounce of water hastily chugged between run-throughs, every echo of every word we chanted in united enthusiasm under the floodlights, and every minute of several months of dedicated rehearsals. As I turned back to check for any flags that may have been left behind, I saw the faint remains of precisely tossed rifles, perfectly timed catches, meticulously pointed toes, and intensely focused expressions. I could hear the metronome ticking away as angles were adjusted, counts were clarified, and timing was perfected. I could feel the ache in my muscles after a full two weeks of eight-hour practices. I could feel my heart beating in perfect time with the music, brassy notes filling my lungs with every breath, wood and metal and tape connecting so deeply with the flesh of my hands that they practically melded together.
      I turned back around, following the rest of the band through the gate and out to the sidewalk. Looking around, I could pick out each person, unique and vibrant in their own ways, but the collective energy that surged through us felt like that of one entity. If I took my glasses off to wipe them, or if the pride in my chest bubbled over and settled in my eyes as unshed tears, we would blur into a sea of red, our show shirts blending together seamlessly. Later, we climbed back onto the buses, celebrating our straight superior rating as much as our exhausted bodies would allow, and we reached a railroad track. Every weary hand reached up to touch a nut, holding together the bus while it crossed, just as we held together the band, held together a show, and held together each other. And though it was a silly idea, a simple tradition passed along over the years, I stared at the ‘X’ the screwhead had imprinted onto my fingertip for a long while, music and memories flooding my mind.

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Jag Weekly News, 2/15/21

2/15/2021

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Good afternoon band family! I hope you all have had a great 3 day weekend and are feeling rested and refreshed! Here is what to expect this week.

- There will be rehearsal for Symphonic Winds rehearsal on Tuesday AND Thursday from 2:30-4:30pm.

- There will also be Color Guard practice on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30-5:00pm to prepare for State Solo and Ensemble.

- I will be absent from school on Wednesday for a required professional development meeting.

- Stay tuned for detailed information regarding our Assessment performance on March 2nd, plus many exciting things to come in the next few weeks! After spring break we will be preparing for our Spectrum concert as well as begin preparations for next year's marching season!!

- State solo and ensemble will be on March 26th. There will be more detailed information about this after spring break!


Have a great rest of your Sunday, Jags! Please let me know if you have any questions!
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Jag Weekly News, 1/24/21

1/24/2021

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Good afternoon and Happy Sunday! I hope you all have had a great weekend :) Here is the news for this week. 

- Winter guard will have practice on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 - 5:30pm. We will also be recording the performance for Solo and Ensemble during 7th period. You will be excused from your classes to complete this run through. 

- Symphonic Winds will rehearse this Tuesday from 2:30-4:30pm.

- Percussion Ensemble has rehearsal on BOTH Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00-6:30pm. We will be recording the performance at the end of Thursday's practice for Solo and Ensemble! 

- The piano accompanist will be at school on Wednesday beginning at 6pm to rehearse with the student's playing solos at Solo and Ensemble. There will be a document to sign up for a rehearsal time slot hung in the band room. He will also be here on Friday after school to record performances for Solo and Ensemble. Please dress in professional attire for this recorded performance! 

- Jazz band will have rehearsal on Thursday from 2:30-4:30pm. 

- Leadership, we will be meeting at Jessica Clinton Park at 1pm on Wednesday for our kickball game! Drinks and food will be provided! You must find a ride for this! 

- A pep band has been asked to play at the Drive through Senior Pinning on Saturday morning at the school, and the Grand Opening of a local business as a fundraiser on Saturday afternoon! We will be allowing 35 students to participate in these events including winds, drumline, and color guard. A sign up will be posted in the band room this week! Food will be provided for students! 

Please let me know if you have any questions! 
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Jag Weekly News, 1/18/20

1/18/2021

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Good afternoon, band family! Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It certainly feels odd having this day "off" and not marching in the parade, but I'm sure you all enjoyed the extra time to relax and recharge. Here is what is happening this week!

- Tomorrow (Tuesday), will be Symphonic Winds rehearsal from 2:30 - 4:30pm. All MPA band members.

- Color guard will practice Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 - 5:00pm. Make sure you have your gloves and tape!

- There will be a band parent meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6pm! I hope to see many of you there! We will be discussing all of the exciting things coming up, as well as gathering your input! Please feel welcomed to join us for a quick meeting! Thanks for your consideration.

- Thursday will be jazz band rehearsal 2:30 - 4:30, and percussion ensemble 5:00-6:30pm.

- Students participating in Solo and Ensemble, make sure to have your originals and piano accompaniments ASAP!

- Please let me know if you have any questions.
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Jag Weekly News, 1/10/21

1/10/2021

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Good evening Band Family! I hope you all had a great weekend. Here is what to expect for this coming week!

- Winter Guard will practice on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 - 5:00pm. Attendance is very important! Solo and ensemble is quickly approaching!

- Symphonic Winds will rehearse on Tuesday from 2:30 - 4:30pm. All students wishing to participate in the MPA band should attend this rehearsal.

- There will be an open band parent meeting from 6:00pm - 7:00pm! Either in the band room or auditorium depending on the amount of people that come! We will be discussing all the exciting things going on with the band in the coming months! Hope to see you there!

- Thursday will be a busy day. There will be a brief leadership meeting from 2:00-2:15pm, Jazz band rehearsal from 2:30-4:30, winter guard from 2:30-5:00pm and a percussion ensemble rehearsal from 5:00-6:30pm.

- Please remember, we are preparing for Music Performance Assessments just like we would any other year! Attendance at all rehearsals will be important! Please check the band calendar and plan accordingly to ensure you are contributing 100% to the ensemble's success!

- Stay tuned for lots of exciting things as we continue to move forward :)

- Please let me know if you have any questions!
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HAPPY 2021! Jag Weekly News, 1/3/2021

1/3/2021

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Good afternoon and HAPPY NEW YEAR, band family! I hope that each of you had a relaxing and safe winter break, and were able to recharge after a tough semester. I'd again like to sing your praises and thank you all for the tremendous effort put forth to make the first half of the year a success. I'm very much looking forward to getting back to making musical moments with you tomorrow! I have some exciting performance opportunities planned for us this semester! Stay tuned to the calendar and for updates moving forward! Here is what to expect this week. 

- We will begin Winter Guard practices on Tuesday from 2:30 - 5:00pm. If you are interested in doing Winter Guard, please plan on attending this rehearsal as a lot of information regarding this year's season will be shared. Winter Guard will practice every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30-5:00pm. Additional practices may be added. You will be given a week's notice if so. 

- There will be a percussion (required), and Solo and Ensemble (optional) meeting for percussion students and other students interested in Solo and Ensemble on Tuesday from 2:00-2:30pm in the band room. Please attend if you'd like to participate in the Virtual event this year. It is a great opportunity to get started if you've never done it before! 

- Jazz band will rehearse on Thursday from 2:30-4:30pm on Thursday. If you are a MySchool Online student who is participating in Jazz Band, you will need to be at all after school rehearsals as well. 

- We will be participating in Virtual Solo and Ensemble, Virtual Jazz MPA, and Virtual Concert MPA this year. There have been some additional performances added to the band calendar to make up for missing these LIVE MPA performance opportunities. Even though the events are virtual, the preparation has NOT changed! Students who wish to participate will need to sign a contract stating that they will be committed and not miss practices for unexcused reasons. Grades WILL NOT be effected by these events, as they are not required. 

- Symphonic Winds (this will be volunteer group that participates in MPA) will begin rehearsals next Tuesday, January 12th from 2:30-4:30. Symphonic Winds will rehearse on Tuesdays until after Jazz MPA, then will be every Tuesdays AND Thursdays until Concert MPA. Check the band calendar for rehearsals times! 

- There will be a Band Parent meeting on January 12th from 6:00pm-7:00pm to go over all of the ways parents can get involved in band this semester! 

Let's make the remainder of this year awesome. It will be with the right attitudes and a will to succeed! Thanks, and please let me know if you have any questions. 
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Jag Weekly News, 11/29/20

11/29/2020

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Hello band family! I hope that you all had  GREAT Thanksgiving break and had some time to recharge and reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for. I know I am thankful to be your director and create ways to make music, even during this crazy time. Here is the news for this week.

- We will have marching rehearsal on MONDAY this week, from 2:30-5:00pm. Please come dressed ready for outdoor rehearsal. It is TWIN day for our spirit theme, so coordinate who you are going to twin with. Remember, the section that brings the most spirit, and works the hardest will win the Spirit plunger for the day!

- Thursday will be Wind Ensemble/Jazz band rehearsal. Wind Ensemble will rehearse from 2:30 - 4:00, and Jazz band will rehearse after wards from 4:00-5:30pm.

- I will be after school on Tuesday and Wednesday until 3:30pm for any sections that wish to have sectionals! Sounding good on the music is going to be the hardest part of our Mini Marching Show, so this is a great opportunity to make sure your sections are in top shape!

- Color guard will have practice on Thursday from 2:30-5:00pm.

- Our winter concert will be on December 17th in the football stadium! This is coming up FAST! Tickets will be $7 at the door, or $5 if you pre-purchase in the band room by December 16th. You can see all of the rehearsals on our band calendar.  http://www.pslhsband.com/calendar.html

- The Gift Wrap Booth will need Volunteer support! Parents and alumni are encouraged to help out with the booth, as our students are unfortunately NOT able to work this year :( Please copy and paste the following link to see the sign up document.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r-Q5zCJ8ng7bkeKP0PnPOQLYmlKtUnbxmzfa-XEP8CY/edit?usp=sharing

- Next week, marching band will rehearse on MONDAY and TUESDAY.

- Please let me know if you have any questions. Have a great Sunday evening!
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