May 20, 2013
Dear Parents, Jazz, Symphonic and Concert Band
We are only a few weeks away from completing the 2012-2013 School Year, and plans are already being made for the upcoming year of the Alvirne High School Music Department. I have included an end of the year instrumental performance schedule (subject to change) to keep everyone organized (especially me).
May 22-23, 2013 (7:00 p.m.) Elias Brody Memorial Spring Concert Series – AHS Gymatorium
Final band/chorus concerts of the year, graduating seniors are honored.
Flowers and Tissues are allowed!
Wednesday (May 22) Instrumental Night
Thursday (May 23) Choral Night
May 27, 2013 (2:00 p.m.) Memorial Day parade. This is a graded performance event.
Students who do not attend will have 3 days to make up the performance.
Report Time - 12:30 p.m. (AHS) Step off 2:00 p.m. (Hannaford Plaza)
FYI – The Memorial Day parade should be over by 3:30 p.m
.
May 29, 2013 (7:00 p.m.) HMS & AHS Jazz Night
Report time @ HMS – 6:00 p.m.
June 1, 2013 (11-3:00 p.m.) ICS Sanctioned State Chili Championship sponsored by FOM
Del Stevens performs 11:00 a.m., No Remorse performs noontime,
Figure 8 performs 1:00 p.m. & Jazz Band performs 2:00 p.m.
More information on the ahsmusic.org website
June 4, 2013 (6:30 p.m.) Senior Instrumental Dinner and Awards
Harris Pelham Inn
June 6, 2013 (7:00 p.m.) Final FOM Meeting & Election of Officers
June 13, 2013 (7:00 p.m.) Graduation! This is a graded performance event and band final.
Leave for the Verizon at 4:30 p.m. Graduation is at 7:00 p.m.
We will be returning by 10:00 p.m.
June 26, 2013 (6-8 p.m.) Marching Show Read Through and Music Distribution.
Whew! I think that is it!
Mr. Bastien
The most sought after question and answer – WHEN IS BAND CAMP?
Answer: August 12-16, 2013
May 20, 2013
AHS-FOM E Board Elections 2013-2014 OFFICIAL NOTICE!
In compliance with the Alvirne High School Friends of Music By - Laws 5.0 under the heading Nominations and Elections and sub headings 5.1 Candidate Eligibility and 5.2 Nominations
The nominating committee has identifieda slate of qualified office candidates for the next operating year 2013-2014.
They are:
FOM -PRESIDENT:
Chris McNally ______
__________________ (Write in)
FOM VP of OPERATIONS:
Elizabeth Kovalcin ____
________________ (Write in)
FOM VP of FUNDRAISING:
VACANT
________________ (Write in)
FOM TREASURER:
Vince Egan _____
________________ (Write in)
FOM CO- SECRETARY
(Vote for 2)
Kim Steele _____
Sherri Woolsey ____
________________ (Write in)
The nominating committee has identifieda slate of qualified office candidates for the next operating year 2013-2014.
They are:
FOM -PRESIDENT:
Chris McNally ______
__________________ (Write in)
FOM VP of OPERATIONS:
Elizabeth Kovalcin ____
________________ (Write in)
FOM VP of FUNDRAISING:
VACANT
________________ (Write in)
FOM TREASURER:
Vince Egan _____
________________ (Write in)
FOM CO- SECRETARY
(Vote for 2)
Kim Steele _____
Sherri Woolsey ____
________________ (Write in)
Apr 29, 2013
HOT OFF THE PRESS - April 29, 2013
Alvirne Bands are Superior in PA!
Submitted by Dave Walker, FOM Trip Chaperone
and Proud Parent!
There can be many ways to interpret superior, but
the recent performances of the Alvirne High School Concert Band, Symphonic
Band, Jazz Combo, and Jazz Band to perform in the Rhythms International Music Festival, Philadelphia PA were
beyond expectations. Performing at the Festival, which was held on April 21,
2013 at Garnet Valley High School in Glen Mills, PA, was part of the band’s
annual spring trip that also included some interesting and fun sightseeing in
the city of Philadelphia.
Under the direction of Gerry Bastien, District
Music Coordinator, and Director of Bands at Alvirne all
four groups performed flawlessly. Three adjudicators evaluated each group after
their performance and provided helpful suggestions. The adjudicators were David
Blumberg, Principal Clarinetist for the Philadelphia Symphony and voting member
of the Grammys, Steve Selfridge, first call Tenor Sax performer in the
Philadelphia area as well as Jazz Educator, Temple University and Craig Snyder
District Coordinator and Director of Bands Penncrest High School Media PA.
Performances began from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Later in the evening, there was a banquet and awards ceremony held at the
Double Tree for all groups that performed at the festival. The performance
groups from Alvirne were awarded a Superior rating that included a
commemorative plaque from the festival, a letter from the Mayor of Philadelphia
and a Betsy Ross Flag, representing the city of Brotherly Love. The AHS instrumental performance groups continued to
set the standard and everyone celebrated the recognition with music and dancing
during the evening. Student Musicians from Alvirne and St. Thomas Aquinas
Toronto Canada joined a live band on stage for some music jamming and energetic
sing along. Our own Mr. Bastien was invited up to the stage to perform…little
did anyone know that Alvirne has it’s own “King
of Rock ‘n Roll!”
In addition to the music festival, all students and
chaperones were treated to a variety of activities during the trip. Saturday
April 20 after traveling by coach bus for 7 hours students settle in the hotel
then prepared to be entertained at the New Candle Light Dinner Theater to the
Broadway musical Legally Blond. Just a quick aside, one of the actors was a
former roommate at UNH with John Bossleman a 2003 graduate of Alvirne High
School.
Sunday (April 21) was dedicated to performances and
the awards banquet. On Monday (April 22) had a day-long visit to Philadelphia
that included exploring the Zoo, running up the “Rocky Steps” in front of the Museum
of Art, visiting
the Liberty Bell, and touring Independence Hall. A fun night of bowling closed
out a busy day and a successful trip!
As Mr. Bastien always reminds the students “The band is judged not by its intentions,
but by it’s behavior. There is no second chance to make a first impression”.
The Alvirne Bands once again rose to the occasion
and met the high standard that is always expected during school trips. They
proudly represented Alvirne High School and the town of Hudson with class and
professionalism. The dedicated behind-the-scenes work by Mr. and Mrs. Bastien, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Landry from CSL Tours along with
all the adult chaperones, who take time out of their personal lives, made the
trip one to remember and once again demonstrated how our band students “Choose
To, Want To, Love To!”
Dec 16, 2012
My Final Blog for 2012 (Maybe)
The weather outside is frightful, but our house is so delightful....Mrs. B and I just returned from Christmas shopping and still I don't think we are done :-(
Anyway, last week (December 10-December 15) was a bit busy. Russ Magnuson, Josh Carter,
Matt Gleason, Cade Ciripompa and myself met at 7:30 p.m. on Monday evening (Dec. 10) to set the lights on the stage as well as the front of the stage for the AHS Music Dept. Holiday Concert series.
Tuesday, immediately after school we schlepped aIl the chairs, stands, electronics and equipment for the concert up to the gymatorium to set up for the Holiday Instrumental Concert. I want to thank all the students and FOM members who came by to help so that we could be prepared for this event.
The concert went off without a hitch. Joe Kasper, our MC was himself, the Woodwind Choir, our student run small ensemble opened the evening, setting the tone for a most enjoyable musical experience. Our student instrumentalist did a great job in performing a wide variety of Holiday as well as Wind Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band repertoire. Friends of Music contributed to this event with baked goods, water, Holiday Baskets that were raffled as well as a 50/50 raffle. I would be remiss if I did not thank the instrumentalist from the Jazz, Wind/Symphonic and Concert Bands for the wonderful gifts that Mrs. B and I received. We are humbled and appreciative.
Wednesday night (December 12) was the Choral Concert in this series. Again, our choirs were outstanding in their Holiday and Concert song choice. Mrs. Beaton, does know how to get the most out of these young voices. Special kudos to the Men Harmonics, a student run acapella group.
Again, I need to thank everyone who helped in breaking down the electronics, lights etc. after the choral concert and schlepping equipment back downstairs from the gymatorium to the music room.
Please take a look at the various pictures of the night, when they are posted - thanks, once again to our dedicated parents!
Yesterday, (Saturday December 15) was our annual "Band for Hire" performances. This year, 90 students volunteered to perform in 9 neighborhoods throughout the Hudson Community.
Our first gig began at 12:30 p.m. with our last gig finishing around 5:45 p.m. The kids were definitely tired and a little cold but not hungry as each neighborhood treated the band to a variety of holiday treats, hot chocolate and cider. Pictures will be posted shortly and once again a great big "Thank You" to Mr. Kraemer and Mr. Constantini for documenting this event.
I would like to remind everyone that all calendar raffles items should be in no later than Thursday (Dec. 20). Also Cabaret Ad sale information will be distributed to your student this week. I will be posting more information later -ooops,so much for my final blog of 2012 :-)
If you are not concert out and would like more great holiday music - Hudson Memorial will be having their concert series on December 18 & 19. The HMS 6, 7, 8th grade choruses, Swing Choir along with the HMS Jazz Band will perform on Tuesday evening (18th) and the HMS 6, 7, 8th grade bands, HMS Jazz Band along with Swing Choir will perform on Wednesday (19th). I always enjoy attending the middle school concerts as these students are the future of Alvirne Music. Kudos to Mrs. Destrempe, Mr. Scagnelli and Mr. Seckla for all their hard work in preparing their students for this performance.
FYI - Practice logs will resume when we return after the holiday break. I am a little behind on correcting practice logs but everything should be finished and Edline updated by weeks end.
In closing (and yes, this probably won't be my final blog for 2012) I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or whatever Holiday tradition you celebrate.
Let's keep in our prayers the community of Newtown Ct.
Peace to all!
Mr. B
Anyway, last week (December 10-December 15) was a bit busy. Russ Magnuson, Josh Carter,
Matt Gleason, Cade Ciripompa and myself met at 7:30 p.m. on Monday evening (Dec. 10) to set the lights on the stage as well as the front of the stage for the AHS Music Dept. Holiday Concert series.
Tuesday, immediately after school we schlepped aIl the chairs, stands, electronics and equipment for the concert up to the gymatorium to set up for the Holiday Instrumental Concert. I want to thank all the students and FOM members who came by to help so that we could be prepared for this event.
The concert went off without a hitch. Joe Kasper, our MC was himself, the Woodwind Choir, our student run small ensemble opened the evening, setting the tone for a most enjoyable musical experience. Our student instrumentalist did a great job in performing a wide variety of Holiday as well as Wind Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band repertoire. Friends of Music contributed to this event with baked goods, water, Holiday Baskets that were raffled as well as a 50/50 raffle. I would be remiss if I did not thank the instrumentalist from the Jazz, Wind/Symphonic and Concert Bands for the wonderful gifts that Mrs. B and I received. We are humbled and appreciative.
Wednesday night (December 12) was the Choral Concert in this series. Again, our choirs were outstanding in their Holiday and Concert song choice. Mrs. Beaton, does know how to get the most out of these young voices. Special kudos to the Men Harmonics, a student run acapella group.
Again, I need to thank everyone who helped in breaking down the electronics, lights etc. after the choral concert and schlepping equipment back downstairs from the gymatorium to the music room.
Please take a look at the various pictures of the night, when they are posted - thanks, once again to our dedicated parents!
Yesterday, (Saturday December 15) was our annual "Band for Hire" performances. This year, 90 students volunteered to perform in 9 neighborhoods throughout the Hudson Community.
Our first gig began at 12:30 p.m. with our last gig finishing around 5:45 p.m. The kids were definitely tired and a little cold but not hungry as each neighborhood treated the band to a variety of holiday treats, hot chocolate and cider. Pictures will be posted shortly and once again a great big "Thank You" to Mr. Kraemer and Mr. Constantini for documenting this event.
I would like to remind everyone that all calendar raffles items should be in no later than Thursday (Dec. 20). Also Cabaret Ad sale information will be distributed to your student this week. I will be posting more information later -ooops,so much for my final blog of 2012 :-)
If you are not concert out and would like more great holiday music - Hudson Memorial will be having their concert series on December 18 & 19. The HMS 6, 7, 8th grade choruses, Swing Choir along with the HMS Jazz Band will perform on Tuesday evening (18th) and the HMS 6, 7, 8th grade bands, HMS Jazz Band along with Swing Choir will perform on Wednesday (19th). I always enjoy attending the middle school concerts as these students are the future of Alvirne Music. Kudos to Mrs. Destrempe, Mr. Scagnelli and Mr. Seckla for all their hard work in preparing their students for this performance.
FYI - Practice logs will resume when we return after the holiday break. I am a little behind on correcting practice logs but everything should be finished and Edline updated by weeks end.
In closing (and yes, this probably won't be my final blog for 2012) I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or whatever Holiday tradition you celebrate.
Let's keep in our prayers the community of Newtown Ct.
Peace to all!
Mr. B
Dec 2, 2012
School Daze Week of December 3, 2012
The Holiday Season is upon us!
I would like to start off by thanking everyone who supported the AHS Jazz Band at the Barnes and Noble Book Sale (Nov. 28) this past Wednesday. The joint was jumpin! It was great seeing so many Alum and FOM parents as well as many students who came by to support their fellow musicians.
Please remember that you can still order your favorite book, CD, DVD, Magazine or Nook on line until the end of the business day tomorrow December 3. Remember, you get 5% cash back from Barnes and Noble. Orders over $25.00 you'll receive free shipping. Follow this link and use the following code: BN.COM/bookfairs Bookfair Code ID # 10880474.
The annual B Naturals and Treble Choir performance at the Baptist Church in Hudson will be this Tuesday evening December 4 at 7:00 p.m.. Come and enjoy some great music and a sneak preview of the upcoming Holiday Choral Concert on December 12 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Steckevicz Gymatoriam.
Speaking of Holiday Concerts - The Instrumental Holiday Concert is quickly approaching. This week's classroom rehearsals will be detailed oriented to prepare all the groups. "Attila the Hun" will be making his presence known :-) The concert is scheduled for Tuesday December 11 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Steckevicz Gymatoriam. The performance line up will include: Woodwind Choir ( a student run small ensemble), a jazz combo featuring: Cody, Steve, Vinny, Tim and Nick as well as the period I (Wind Band), period J (Concert Band) and the Jazz Band. Joe Kasper, will be making the trek down from Weare NH to MC this performance. December 13 (Thursday) is the snow date.
I will be asking students to stay after school on December 11 as we cannot get into the gym until 2:30 p.m. to start setting up for the evening's performance. Parents you will be receiving a notice from Mrs. Kovalcin for help in schlepping equipment up to the gym and set up.
It totally amazes me that we can get through an entire day of school, set up for a major performance, perform for a solid 90 minute show, then tear down to prepare for the next evening's performance.
I want to thank EVERYONE in advance for helping to make this happen!
We are still collecting items for our Holiday Raffle Baskets. Students have been asked to bring in various items such as games, toys, card games etc.. Monetary donations may also be given - monies will be used by the FOM Scholarship committee to purchase items for the various gift baskets. There will also be a couple of boxes at the door for canned goods and non perishable donations for this holiday season. Please help where you can for those less fortunate.
There will be a sign up sheet for the upcoming "Band for Hire" performance event. This year's event will take place on Saturday December 15 (weather permitting) from 12:30 p.m-5:30 p.m. Members who volunteer from the I and J band will meet at 11:45 a.m. to board buses and perform at 9 different neighborhoods throughout Hudson. It's a lot of fun, we get fed at every (or almost every) location and we bring a little Holiday Spirit to those neighborhoods who are interested in having members of the band perform. Once again, thank you to Lisa Nute for spearheading this performance event.
EDLINE reports went out - don't forget your practice logs and if you did not receive credit for the Hudson Tree Lighting please send me a gentle reminder.
Parents - if you are wondering what to get your child for the upcoming Holiday here are a couple of suggestions -private lessons on their instrument, cleaning kit for their instrument or supplies like (reeds, cork grease, valve oil etc). Play along music books are a great idea as well private lessons on their instrument (oops I said that already). Visit your local music stores to see what they have to offer or call/write to me for suggestions.
Finally, the second payment for the Philadelphia trip was due on November 20. Please keep your payments up to date as the December payment will be here before you know it.
Don't forget to come to this Thursday night's (December 6 @ 7:00 p.m.) FOM meeting.
Unfortunately, I will not be in attendance as I have a family commitment that evening which Mrs. B reminded me before I sat down to write this blog -ooops I need to update my Google calendar more frequently.
I wish everyone a wonderful week, please remind your student musician to get that practice log in and to see me about make up work for those competencies that need tweaking :-)
Off, to buy my Christmas Tree!
Regards,
Mr. B
Nov 25, 2012
How to utlilize shopahsfom.com site
Hi on line shoppers and FOM supporters!
I was having difficulty going through our portal to make certain that FOM received the credit - so I emailed Maria Griggs and this was her reply. This is very important if you want FOM to receive the credit your shop.com manager must be shopahsfom.com or FOM will not receive the credit.
Please pass this information to everyone and thank you in advance for shopping on line, through the portal and supporting the endeavors of the Friends of Music.
Mr. B
READ BELOW
You have to dump your cookies (really, no joke) before you try it again. Because Safari will store the LAST shop.com url you went to and will default to it. So, first change your HOME PAGE to google or yahoo, secont - if you know how to delete the “internet browsing history and delete cookies” then do that and then enter www.shopahsfom.com or click on this link AFTER you clean everything up.
Once someone has registered in the SHOPAHSFOM.com site, it doesn’t matter if they go to just shop.com – it will ALWAYS take them to where they were REGISTERED as a customer! The issue is to get each person to register as a CUSTOMER of SHOPAHSFOM.com !
I was having difficulty going through our portal to make certain that FOM received the credit - so I emailed Maria Griggs and this was her reply. This is very important if you want FOM to receive the credit your shop.com manager must be shopahsfom.com or FOM will not receive the credit.
Please pass this information to everyone and thank you in advance for shopping on line, through the portal and supporting the endeavors of the Friends of Music.
Mr. B
READ BELOW
You have to dump your cookies (really, no joke) before you try it again. Because Safari will store the LAST shop.com url you went to and will default to it. So, first change your HOME PAGE to google or yahoo, secont - if you know how to delete the “internet browsing history and delete cookies” then do that and then enter www.shopahsfom.com or click on this link AFTER you clean everything up.
Once someone has registered in the SHOPAHSFOM.com site, it doesn’t matter if they go to just shop.com – it will ALWAYS take them to where they were REGISTERED as a customer! The issue is to get each person to register as a CUSTOMER of SHOPAHSFOM.com !
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