School Daze 10/29/09

Hi Everyone,
I'm still a little under the weather-no flu or HINI just annual sinus issues.
The Spaghetti with Meatballs and lots of garlic didn't do the trick but sure did taste good :-)
I'm glad I went to school today - I miss it when I'm not teaching. Jazz Band was a pleasant surprise-thanks to our Seniors and Officers who helped the sub yesterday.
I and J bands came together after school today for their first combined rhearsal.
To eveyone who made the effort- THANK YOU! All "Hard Copy" critiques have been read and corrected, my next venture is to read the email critiques. I will correct these right on line and email them back to you before the end of the weekend.
Practie Logs will officially begin - I will have a folder on EDLINE and I will include the log in this blog. Ohhhh, I just made a rhyme LOG/BLOG - OK, you know I'm under the weather that was pretty corny.
The November Instrumental Calendar is also completed - I will forward the instrumental calendar to Mr. Stoughton to put up on this website. Also, check out EDLINE as I will also post it on that site.
Remember, no game this weekend - if you go out trick a treating BE SAFE!
Happy Halloween,
Mr. B



Name:____________________________________
Band 2009-2010
Weekly Practice Journal
Due: 11/9/09 (Monday)

11/2/09-11/08/09

MON____ TUES___ WED____ THURS__ FRI ___ SAT___ SUN____ TOTAL _______

Grading: 100-105 minutes =100 points
95-99 minutes = 95 points
90-94 minutes = 90 points
85-89 minutes = 85 points
80-84 minutes = 80 points
75-79 minutes = 70 points
Anything below 75 minutes will be awarded “points per minute”
Students who are enrolled in Smart Music will use Smart Music only.



I. Selections and Measures (Competency 2)

II. A brief description as to “Why” you chose those measures (Competency 3) (20 points)

1.____________________________________

Measures_______________ Reason_______________________________________________

2. .___________________________________

Measures_______________ Reason_______________________________________________

3____________________________________

Measures_______________ Reason_______________________________________________

4.___________________________________

Measures_______________ Reason_______________________________________________

Any other information about your practicing:__________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Additional Chorus Announcements

B Naturals singers who made Jazz All State will be performing at the FOM meeting on Thursday, November 5th at 7 PM.

Some precautions to take regarding the spread of flu, given by Dr. Oz:

The only portals of entry are the nostrils, mouth and throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1. Contact with H1N1 is not so much a problem as proliferation is.

Some simple steps:

1. Frequent hand-washing.
2. Hands off the face. Resist all temptations to touch any part of the face unless to eat or bathe.
3. Gargle 2X per day with warm salt water, Listerine, or hydrogen peroxide. H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show symptoms. Simple gargling prevents this.
4. Similar to #3, blow the nose gently, and clean our nostrils at least once per day with warm salt water or hydrogen peroxide.
5. Boost immunity with foods rich in Vitamin C. If you supplement with Vit C tablets, use zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much warm liquid (tea, coffee, etc.) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. It washes off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where germs cannot survive.

Chorus News

The B Naturals will be performing at BAE on November 11th @ noon and the Senior Center on December 9th. Individual acts will perform. In addition, there will be a performance at the Baptist Church on December 1st.

We are very happy to have 5 vocalists make Jazz All State this year. There are roughly only 60 singers accepted statewide. The B Naturals and Mixed Choir participants are now preparing for All State with more stringent requirements this year. They are learning to sing in Italian with authentic pronunciation.

Fall Leaf Raking Fundraiser

Is your yard smothered in leaves? Are you unhappy with the drudgery of raking for hours? We are here for you! AHS music students are currently in need of yards to rake! A Fall Leaf Raking Fundraiser is being conducted by the students of the Alvirne High School Music Program. On November 14, 15, 21 and 22 the AHS Music students will be raking yards to help raise funds for their upcoming performance at Walt Disney World. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call Chris Condo @ 490-0249 (after 5pm). Visit the new www.ahsmusic.org for the latest information.

School Daze 10/25/09

Can you believe it?!? Christmas is in 2 months. Well, I'm not here to write about 2 months from now but I want to write about NOW or should I say this past weekend.
Yes, this past weekend was pretty busy. Friday night, the AHS Band and Colorguard hosted the 7 th & 8th grade band students of Hudson Memorial. On Wednesday evening (10/23/09) these students came to AHS for a marching band and colorguard rehearsal. We worked on FUNdamentas as well as rehearsing "The Hey Song" and "Fight Song"

Friday night, was the culmination of a lot of hard work done by both AHS and HMS. If you look at the pictures there was well over 200 students on the track. The HMS students, from what I heard had a GREAT time. Now, the AHS band and colorguard played very well BUT the focus and discipline of the show was lost that evening. Don't worry, Mr. B infomed the band and colorguard AFTER the show that there was plenty of room for improvement. That was last week - and now it's tme to move on. Our next game is November 6, AHS v. Timberlane, I know that our students will be up for a quality show as this is the traditional Senior Night.

Speaking of Senior Night

I am requesting that all parents of senior band/colorguard members meet on the track (where the band performs) by 6:20 p.m. as introductions of senior band members and parents will begin at 6:30 p.m. If there should be a time change your senior will be notified. I have snail mailed a letter and information sheet. You can also find this informaton on the website for those of you who are totally into being GREEN. Please make certain that I receive this information by November 2, 2009.

Saturday morning - 16 band and choral students headed for Nashua South for the NHMEA Jazz All State auditions. Students have been preparing since the summer to audition for this All State. Best wishes to the following students for going above and beyond the school day. Chase Clark,guitar -Anthony Condo,Trombone - Britany Decker Piano and Alto Voice - Peter Dubois,Bass Voice - Jake Galloway,Trumpet -Kyle Grugan, Electric and Acoustic Bass -Katie Koumarianos, Tenor Sax - Nick Kraemer, Trap Set -Lauren Lecraw, Alto Sax - Devan Lyman, Soprano Voice - Eric Mealey, Tenor Voice - Samantha Migneault, Soprano Voice -Taylor Morin, Alto Voice - Nathan Morse, Bass Voice - Cindy Richard, Alto Voice and Matt Sidilau, Trombone.
These students truly take pride in learning and their music education.

Ok, it's time to sign off and check on the Smart Music assignments.
Come back soon and often to our website as we are always making changes and updates.

Regards,
Mr. B

2009 Show Apparel available for ordering!

Available for ONE time only 2009 Show T-shirts & Sweatshirts. These black t-shirts and sweatshirts are printed with the AHS Band logo on the front in yellow. They have a poem written about the band and this year's show on the back in yellow also. The poem was written by junior Katie Reynolds.

These items will be available as a pre-order only. The t-shirts will be $10 and the sweatshirts are $25.

To place an order click to download an order form or pick one up in the music room.

Place your order and drop off your payment made to AHS-FOM by Friday Nov 6. This is the only time these will be available so please plan ahead for gift giving and Disney.

If you have any questions contact Anne Boulia at r3onteam@myfairpoint.net.

School Daze 10/18/09

52-0 Patriots in the 3rd quarter - it snowed today,the boat has been winterize, I'm home in my lazy boy with my feet up, the E Trade commercial was too funny and now I'm writing my blog.

Friday night's football game performance was better than the Salem Band Show!
Yes, there were a few weaknesses but ovrall I was very impressed. Great focus on everyone's part. We only have two more home games let's not slack off- keep the focus, determination and willingness to continue to be the best. Reminder, that the Salem Band Show critiques are due tomorrow - for the Freshman who have been invovled in NEWA testing I'll extend the time frame for the critique.

This week we will have "Step up" night - Wednesday night- please remind your parents that we have a rehearsal - we'll work on FUNdamentals with the HMS Band Students and have them perform set 20 the L O V E set of Love Shack, maybe we'll also see how they do with the "snake set". Whatever, I want the AHS and HMS band students to have a great rehearsal with lots of fun, without losing focus. Oh, by the way -its' 59-0 patriots and it's snowing like crazy in Foxboro -better Foxboro than here! Seniors - Senior Night is our last home game November 6 - I will send a letter home with specifics.

NHMEA JAZZ ALL STATE AUDITIONS are this Saturday OCTOBER 24, 2009 at NASHUA SOUTH. AUDITION TIMES : 12:40 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.

The bus leaves AHS Music Department at 11:30 a.m.! Best wishes to all those who are auditioning no matter what the outcome I am very proud of all Alvirne Music Students. This information is also published in the music room.

Did you receive the Candy Bar letter? If not check the website for all the details.

Time to check the "Smart Music" assignments - See you all tomorrow!

Ciao,
Mr. B





PS – Remember if you make it YOU ARE COMMITTED!

School Daze 10/15/09

I have just finished burning a CD for the Jazz Band. I went a little crazy tonight burning the tunes for you to study. I have about 5 different versions of My Foolish Heart, Blues in F featuring Charlie Biddle (Britt and Kyle especially- lots of ideas for improv), Blues in F/Five by Bill Evans Trio, Blues in Hoss Flat (Basie), the Jazz Band's favorite -The Chicken, Thad Jones's Groove Merchant (a blast from last year's past) Groovin Hard (Buddy Rich) one of my all time favorites, more Basie with Jumpin' At the Woodside, and Lullaby of Birdland as well as Jonah Jones's Stompin' At the Savoy. He was the first Jazz artist that I listened to. The album was called "Muted Jazz". To conclude the CD I have added a couple of renditions of Tickle Toe.

Whew! that will keep everyone busy PLUS don't forget your Smart Music assignment.

Remember that tomorrow night we have a football game.
Report time is 6:00 p.m. - dress for the weather.

In case you lost your critique paper for the Salem Band Show

Ooops - HERE IT IS ! ! !

Alvirne High School Music Department
Ensemble Critique # 3
Salem Band Show


Assignment Summary:

Your assignment is to view and critique our musical performance from October 10, 2009.
The Salem Band Show

This assignment is due by11:59 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2009 – If you need to view the show outside of class let me know. Email attachments will be accepted.

Please PRINT OR TYPE papers CLEARLY!
Hand written papers will not be accepted!
Don’t wait until the last minute to do it!

Purpose:
To critique specific strengths and weakness of our marching show at Salem.

Writer’s Role: You have been hired as a field judge by the participating music directors at the Salem Band Show to review specifically the Alvirne High School Bronco Marching Band and Colorguard.

Audience: Mr. Bastien and the students of the Alvirne High School Bronco Marching Band and Colorguard

Form: 4 paragraph essay


FCA’s

1. Paragraph 1 – Introduce yourself and what you have been hired to do.
(10 Points)

2. Paragraph 2 – Identify 2 strengths (numbered) in each tune and explain WHY, these sets or marching fundamentals are strong. You must specify the drill set, counts and actions.
Getting on/ off the field, horn pops do not count. (30 points) Be set specific!

3. Paragraph 3 – Identify 2 weaknesses (numbered) in each tune and explain WHY, these sets or marching fundamentals are weak. You must specify the drill set, counts and actions.
Getting on/ off the field, horn pops do not count. (30 points) Be set specific!

4. Paragraph 4 – Conclude with strategies (drill, a specific exercise).
This paragraph should contain 6 strategies (2 for every weakness) numbered.
Explain the process by which you would fix each weakness – stay away from generalities.
You must specify the drill set and counts and you must be specific with your strategy. I will be looking for a lot of description. Just don’t write –“I would suggest the band practice shifting” You need to give me “Meat and Potatoes” in your descriptions.
Getting on/ off the field, horn pops do not count. (60 points) Be set specific!

Grammar and spelling count – 20 points!
10 points are deducted for everyday an assignment is late. Assignments will not be accepted after October 23, 2009!

I will also publish this on EDLINE for those of you who don't read my blog!

Hey I period band, hang in there NEWA testing is almost over and you'll be able to make music with your favorite Alvirne Band Director :-)

OK, time to spend a little time with the boss - Mrs. B

Ciao!
Mr. B

School Daze 10/14/09

Good Evening,
Today, was quiet the productive day. I finally finished reading all the critiques, answered emails, worked on the Disney Trip, studied a couple of Jazz Band scores, instructed period I and J bands, had a clarinet sectional and a very enjoyable jazz band rehearsal. Tonight the jazz band got together for a 2 hour rehearsal. It's great to have students that are dedicated. The band sounded pretty good. Tomorrow, I'll make a few phone calls to see if the jazz band can play a couple of gigs. We still need a few more tunes. Soloist, you need to focus on your solos. Practice please! Remember, there is a new Smart Music assignment.
This Friday, the marching band and colorguard will be performing-call is at 6:00 p.m.
NEWA testing is doing a number on the period I band (this band consist of mostly Freshman). It's OK, as it's time to focus on the Concert Arena. Hopefully, we won't forget the marching show befor Friday :-)
Time to "Rest my Eyes"

Ciao
Mr. B

Salem Band Show and More

Good Evening,
It's late and I am only going to write a little. I have been having trouble logging on this evening to write the blog.
Anyway, What can I say about the Salem Band Show. We had a GREAT time, the band and colorguard performed as I expected they would "Eyes with Pride". Once again, the Salem Band Show was a positive experience for everyone. Students continued their friendships from other bands, new friendships were made, I had a chance to "hang" with some of my director friends, the hot dogs were great- and the hospitality was exceptional.
I wish to thank all of our Friends of Music parent volunteers for making October 10, 2009 very memorable. Our Freshman have truly made the quantum leap into the Alvirne High School Bronco Marching Band and Colorguard.
OK- as I said it's late and time to call it a night.
Jazz Band kids - check out your new "Smart Music Assignment" this one is going to count! ! ! Also, tomorrow night we will have a rehearsal from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p..m. jazz All State candidates come a little early for extra help.
Till tomorrow.
Good night -
Mr. B

Chorus Announcements

B Naturals auditions have concluded. No new members at this time. Great rehearsal today! Go B's!

SPATS production of Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods" October 16,17 at 7 PM and the18th at 2 PM at Adams Memorial Opera House. Tix in advance for $12 or at the door for $15. See www.derryarts.org for more info.

B Nats to perform at BAE Systems in Nashua at 12 noon and in Hudson at 2:30 PM on Veteran's Day, November 11th. Field trip permission slips due out shortly.

AHS v. Spaulding Part II

Good evening everyone,

Sorry this is so late but I have just finished reading the critiques from 9/11/09. Now to start on the next set but not yet!
I have just been reviewing our show from Friday Night at Spaulding - Before I go on with this blog I want to extend a "special" Thank You to all the parent volunteers who helped chaperone, drive the truck and worked the pit. I would also like to say "Thank You" to those parents that made the trek up to Rochester NH for the game. We played at Spaulding and were treated extremely well. Water and cookies, the Spaulding Band danced and cheered us on when we played our stand tunes and we reciprocated when they played theirs. At the 3rd quarter they came over and we played together 300 strong with a drumline of about 35-40.

Oh Yeah, there was a football game too :-)



Now Friday night was a good time but I feel that the focus for our band was lacking. Man, we have some work to do before Salem. Tomorrow, we'll watch the show - but remember I'll be wearing the TAZ tie! This week I drill and drill is the word (for those of you who remember the Bee Gees). Back to the basics. Things that we reviewed ad nauseam just didn't happen. FUNdamentals, where did they go?!?
OK, you get my drift. It's getting late and I don't want to be too grumpy tomorrow.

Later,
Mr. B

AHS v.Spaulding

Hi Everyone,
I will write a lot more later but I know that many of you are wondering how Sean is doing - I can say much better! He is surfing the TV stations :-)
OK,Mrs. B has just arrived with his sneakers. We gotta go!
Read more later.
Mr. B

Yankee Candle Fundraising Event

Dear Band, Choral, Colorguard Student and Parents,

October 8th, 2009 marks the beginning of our Yankee Candle Fund-Raising event. Watch for the order form and brochures. If you need additional order forms, they are on the oak desk by Mr. Bastien’s office.

Now is the time to tell your customers to order for the Holiday Season.

This fundraising event is an 80/20 split of the profit. This means that 80% of the profit (40%) will go into the Trip Scholarship Account to help defray your portion of the trip, and 20% of the profit will be put into the Friends of Music general fund. If you are not going on the trip this year but you know that next year you will be traveling with the music groups, there is no time like the present to put money in your account.

Our sale dates are 10/8/09 – 10/21/09

Be certain to fill out all the information on the front of the envelope and on the order form:

• School /Organization is: AHS Band
• Group/Team/Room Number is: AHS Band
• Chairperson is: Carol Brauza
• Payment is due when the order is placed.

Make all checks payable to: AHS – FOM

All returns (forms and money) need to be in the large envelope supplied by Yankee Candle Fund-Raising – this makes accounting much easier for us. Please be sure to keep the pink copy of the order form and the brochures – this will help you to identify the items at delivery time.

All orders are due by Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009.

Delivery is tentatively scheduled for December 4th. The specific time and place will be confirmed once the orders have been submitted. After delivery, it is extremely important that you check your order to make sure that it is complete. We have had issues in the past with missing or broken items, and we must report this information to Yankee Candle as soon as possible to ensure that replacement items can be delivered in time for Christmas. A form will be provided at delivery to report problems with your order.

If you have any questions please call or email Carol Brauza at 598-5274, brauza@myfairpoint.net or Michelle Champion at 883-4424, mhchamp@comcast.net.

NOW – GO AND SELL! Make every home in Southern New Hampshire have the wonderful scent of a Yankee Candle!

Fragrantly yours,

Carol Brauza and Michelle Champion