H

Friday Night Football Game Reminders
(and some additional news)

*  We're looking for an ATV or Mule to pull Pit equipment during football games and contests.  If you, or someone you know, has one we could borrow, please contact someone on the Executive Board.

* Pizzas for Friday evening will need to be preordered: $5 per pizza, or  $2 per slice.  See Mr. Gaulle before the end of rehearsal Thursday night to get your order in.  He'll have them to the school in plenty of time for you to eat and get ready for Call Time.  (Don't forget drink money to get a drink out of the vending machine.)

*  Each student is responsible for bringing hospitality items for each home game.  It would be helpful, but not necessary, for sections to coordinate their purchases.  Remember, we have to feed 70 visiting band members and their directors, as well as 55 of our own band members and staff/directors.

This Friday, we need the following items:
     Woodwinds - small (clear) plastic beverage cups
     Brass - assorted pre-packaged cookies (one package per student)
     Percussion - "finger" fruit (grapes and bananas work well; no apples or oranges, please)
     Color Guard - small (clear) plastic dessert plates

*  For those attending football games: we noticed that the gate fee this year is $6 per adult.  Since there are only 4 home games this year, season passes will not be available.  Last year's price was $20. Don't forget your gate fee Friday night!

*  Parents, we can always use volunteers/chaperones.  Please stop by the indoor concession stand if you are able to help.

*  Parent volunteers/chaperones will need to wear green golf shirts.  We are out of larger sizes, but will order more soon.  Please let us know if you would like to pre-order a shirt. Cost is $10 for S-XL and $15 for XXL-XXXL. We have several small and medium shirts left, but only one XL.  If you would like to pre-order a shirt, please let me know.

* Booster meeting Tuesday night at 6:30 in the Rehearsal Hall.

From Mr. Chester:

Look for the Gig Sheet is attached.

Call Time:  5:00 PM
Game Start Time:  7:00 PM
Game End Time:  9:45-10:00 PM (estimate)
Release time:  10:15-10:30 (estimate)

--  BY CALL TIME (this means at least 10 minutes prior) Students should be dressed and ready to go with clean instrument and clean  equipment.  Students, some of you may need to be at school at least an hour before call time to clean your instrument properly. (See Gig Sheet for dress code and details.)

--  Students need to bring requested hospitality items to the indoor concession stand by 5:00 PM.

--  Parking is free, but will be VERY limited; park behind the building closest to the rehearsal hall.

--  Parent volunteers/chaperones need to the GREEN Hillwood Band golf shirt.

Greetings! 

What a week it has been!  I can't believe it's almost football time again!  It'll take some time to get in the groove, but it will happen.

H

This Week's News

*  We're looking for an ATV or Mule to pull Pit equipment during football games and contests.  If you, or someone you know, has one we could borrow, please contact someone on the Executive Board.

*  Make sure your student is practicing regularly - it is important for them and for the rest of the band.

*  For those attending football games: the gate fee is $6 per adult.  Don't forget your gate fee Friday night!  (And let your guests know.)

*  Mr. Chester will send out a gig sheet for Friday night later this week.  It will outline call time, uniform needs, and other pertinent information.  Please look for a hard copy from your child, or email from Mr. Chester.

*  Please remember to look for items your child should bring for hospitality.  We can never have enough food or supplies on hand.  Next week should be warm again, so look for requests for fruit and cookies, as well as supplies.

From Mr. Chester:

--  It's time to get a jump on band shoes. New members (or returning members who have misplaced their shoes) will need to purchase band shoes available from the band office. The cost is $30.00. The shoes fit like regular tennis shoes so please make sure your child knows what size they wear.

--  Please make sure your child has a copy of the Foundations for Superior Performance for their instrument. It is the same purple book your child used in band last year (if they were a member of Hillwood, H.G. Hill, or Bellevue Band Programs). If you have any problems obtaining a copy please contact the band office.

--The band students will be given weekly practice objective sheets. Please make sure to talk with your child about their practice habits. The students will turn the sheets in every Monday morning for a grade and will receive a new one for that week. The sheets will be available online in a matter of days for student convenience. Percussion students will have a slightly modified sheet that will be signed by the band directors and given to parents to sign as well (since most of our percussion students don't have access to the kinds of equipment they need to practice at home) Please encourage your child in their practice habits.

Were you able to go to the football game Friday?  Father Ryan games are always packed!  Next week you'll see a smaller showing from the visiting team. 

It can be a bit hectic in the school before the games.  Band member DO need to be at school well before Call Time to make sure they have their instruments clean and ready to go.  Members should be ready by 10 minutes to call time, but need to be there up to an hour before to clean.  (The amount of time depends on the instrument your child plays.)

I want to say a special "Thanks" to all those parents who were able volunteer Friday night.  We had a good showing and I think we know what we need for next week.  Thank you parents!

H

Friday Night Football Game Reminders

*  We're looking for an ATV or Mule to pull Pit equipment during football games and contests.  If you, or someone you know, has one we could borrow, please contact someone on the Executive Board.

*  Each student is responsible for bringing hospitality items for each home game.  It would be helpful, but not necessary, for sections to coordinate their purchases.  Remember, we have to feed 70 Father Ryan band members and their directors, as well as 55 of our own band members and staff/directors.

This Friday, we need the following items:
     Woodwinds - small (clear) plastic dessert plates
     Brass - assorted pre-packaged cookies (one package per student)
     Percussion - "finger" fruit (grapes and bananas work well; no apples or oranges, please)
     Color Guard - small (clear) plastic beverage cups

*  For those attending football games: we noticed that the gate fee this year is $6 per adult.  Since there are only 4 home games this year, season passes will not be available.  Last year's price was $20. Don't forget your gate fee Friday night!

*  Parents, we are still in need of volunteers/chaperones.  Please stop by the indoor concession stand if you are able to help.

*  Parent volunteers/chaperones green golf shirts will be available Friday at 5:00 by the indoor concession stand.  Cost is $10 for S-XL and $15 for XXL-XXXL. We have several small and medium shirts left, but only one XL.  If you would like to pre-order a shirt, please let me know.

* Pizzas for Friday evening will need to be preordered: $5 per pizza, or  $2 per slice.  See Mr. Gaulle before the end of rehearsal Thursday night to get your order in.  He'll have them to the school in plenty of time for you to eat and get ready for Call Time.  (Don't forget drink money to get a drink out of the vending machine.)

From Mr. Chester:

Look for the Gig Sheet to be emailed.  It will be sent home with your child today. Here are the highlights:

Call Time:  5:00 PM
Game Start Time:  7:00 PM
Game End Time:  9:45-10:00 PM (estimate)
Release time:  10:15-10:30 (estimate)

--  BY CALL TIME (this means at least 10 minutes prior) Students should be dressed and ready to go with clean instrument and clean  equipment.  (See Gig Sheet for dress code and details.)

--  Students need to bring requested hospitality items to the indoor concession stand by 5:00 PM.

--  Parking is free, but will be VERY limited; park behind the building closest to the rehearsal hall.

--  Parent volunteers/chaperones need to the GREEN Hillwood Band golf shirt.

2 days to the first performance...

H

This Week's News

*   Booster Executive Board Changes:  At the last HHS Band Booster Executive Board meeting held Monday, August 11, the Board accepted the resignation of Co-President Kurt Frederick.  VP for Ways and Means, Cindy Smith, will fill the Co-President position and Parliamentarian Jody Gregory was moved to VP for Ways and Means.  The position of Parliamentarian is now open; interested persons should contact Co-Presidents Reggie Gaulle or Cindy Smith for more information.

*  We're looking for an ATV or Mule to pull Pit equipment during football games and contests.  If you, or someone you know, has one we could borrow, please contact someone on the Executive Board.

*  The visitor side concession stand was opened for the first time Saturday night. It will be open five more times this season.

*  Our first home football game is Friday night and there will be a LOT of support needed that night.  If you are able to help with concessions, hospitality, or (pit) logistics this weekend, please reply so we can count on you.  Other parents, if you are available to help in any capacity, please come on over by 5:30 PM to sign in and get your assignments.

*  For those attending football games: we noticed that the gate fee this year is $6 per adult.  Don't forget your gate fee Friday night!

*  Mr. Chester will send out a gig sheet for Friday night later this week.  It will outline call time, uniform needs, and other pertinent information.  Please look for a hard copy from your child, or email from Mr. Chester.

From Mr. Chester:

 --  We will wear the casual uniform for the next two football games. The Hillwood High School Band Casual uniform is khaki pants (no shorts, no capris) tennis shoes (no open toe sandals, flip flops or house shoes), and the black Hillwood Band golf shirt. New students are issued one for free. For those who have lost their shirts the replacement fee is $15.00. The students will wear this uniform after all contests and at special performances throughout the year.

--  It's time to get a jump on band shoes. New members (or returning members who have misplaced their shoes) will need to purchase band shoes available from the band office. The cost is $30.00. The shoes fit like regular tennis shoes so please make sure your child knows what size they wear. We will place orders by Tuesday afternoon so please make sure we get your order in.

--  Please make sure your child has a copy of the Foundations for Superior Performance for their instrument. It is the same purple book your child used in band last year (if they were a member of Hillwood, H.G. Hill, or Bellevue Band Programs). If you have any problems obtaining a copy please contact the band office.

--The band students will be given weekly practice objective sheets. Please make sure to talk with your child about their practice habits. The students will turn the sheets in every Monday morning for a grade and will receive a new one for that week. The sheets will be available online in a matter of days for student convenience. Percussion students will have a slightly modified sheet that will be signed by the band directors and given to parents to sign as well (since most of our percussion students don't have access to the kinds of equipment they need to practice at home) Please encourage your child in their practice habits.

WHAT A WEEK!!!  I don't know if you all are as tired as I am, but, phew!  I just couldn't muster up enough energy to get an email out last week.  And then there were the changes . back to school, running to get additional school supplies, looking for that non-existent book at all the book stores in town.  Not to mention all the changes for the kids at school . new teachers, new principal, new classrooms, and HOMEWORK!  Hopefully we can all get settled in.

Being a "band parent" means many things to many people, and marching season brings on a whole different perspective.  The kids will have to manage school work and rehearsals and we'll have to manage odd dinner times and carpools.  As a parent, I can tell you that marching season is the most fun, the most exhausting, but the most fun.  I made many close friends running from here to there and stacking helmets, bringing things to concessions.  I hope you are able to find your place in our family and look forward to seeing you as much as possible.

Friday night football games are very different from contest Saturdays, and I'm sure you're wondering what to expect.  Call time varies from game to game, depending on the location of the event.  Student should be fed prior to arriving at the school.  In the past, we have been able to pre-order pizzas for $5 a pizza or $2 a slice.  (I may be wrong, but will let you know later this week.)  So, if you can't feed your child before hand, please make sure they have pizza and drink money.  Students will gather in the rehearsal hall and parents will be busy running from here to there getting things taken care of for the directors.  Half-time is a wonderful time to see the performance, but we'll still need volunteers at the concession stand and equipment helpers for the Pit.  3rd Quarter we always have a "hospitality" room in the school lobby where we provide snacks and drinks for the visiting band and the kids can mingle. The kids will return to the stands for the last quarter of the game and will march back to the school after playing the school song for the football team.  Students will need to stick around long enough to help put things away and clean the school before being released.  Parents, you'll need your green HHS Band shirt if you are going to volunteer.  We still have a few of these available for sale, but you may want to find a "kelly green" shirt just in case...

This is my editorial comment. Each year we have parents who feel they shouldn't have to pay to watch their students perform at half-time, and in the past, we've been able to accommodate those who volunteered for the band.  We have a new administration this year and are not quite sure how things at the gate will change.  I feel it is only fair for us to pay for the football games, just as it is fair for the football parents to pay.  Please don't put additional pressure on the band directors asking for free admission to the games - they will have enough on their minds getting the students ready for the performance.

Look for part 2 of this week's news later this week!