School Daze 11/29/09

The Nor'east wind did not ruin a great parade on Saturday 11/28/09.

The Greater Derry/Londonderry Chamber of Commerce Parade was once again an Alvirne success! The Union Leader, (B-1) this morning had a story about the parade and low and behold there was a picture of the Alvirne Drum Line with the caption "Alvirne High School marching band's drum line won over the crowd as most spirited, dressed as elves as they marched down Broadway during yesterday's annual holiday parade." I'll bring in the article and pictures to school tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow - don't forget to sign up for the Derry Tree lighting this Sunday night December 6.

Here is all the information you need

DERRY TREE LIGHTING PARTICIPANTs

READ THIS ONLY - IF YOU WILL BE ATTENDING THE DERRY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY.
All others close your eyes!

1. You will receive 100 points (this will help offset some of your poorer grades due to rough quizzes, practice logs etc, missed graded performances etc)

2. SIGN UP BY MONDAY 11/30/09

3. We will only have ENOUGH busses to accommodate those who sign up!

4. BE HERE (AHS Music Department by 4:45 p.m. (that is 15 minutes before 5:00 p.m.) We will hand out music and take roll call to busses. We will leave at 5:00 p.m. SHARP! (not flat, but SHARP!)

5. Percussion – You will put your stuff on bus # 1

6. Sousas – You will put your stuff on bus # 2

7. BE HERE (AHS Music Department by 4:45 p.m. (that is 15 minutes before 5:00 p.m.) We will hand out music and take roll call to busses. We will leave at 5:00 p.m. SHARP! (not flat, but SHARP!)

8. What to wear – Clothes :-), Dress for the weather! - warm pants, long johns, you can wear a festive HOLIDAY Hat or just a winter hat. Bring a flashlight we may need it! We will NOT BE DISTRIBUTING MARCHING MITTENS!

9. BE HERE (AHS Music Department by 4:45 p.m. (that is 15 minutes before 5:00 p.m.) We will hand out music and take roll call to busses. We will leave at 5:00 p.m. SHARP! (not flat, but SHARP!)

10. After the performance we are invited for Holiday cookies –

11. We should be back at AHS by 7:30 p.m.

12. IF WE HAVE A HELACIOUS SNOW STORM, WE WILL NOT BE PERFORMING

Students please remind your folks about the FOM meeting this Thursday night - I wll be doing a Smart Music demonstration for all interested parties.

The sectional calendar will also be handed out tomorrow during the I and J band period.

Don't forget your practice logs!

WOW! It's getting late, I need my beauty sleep.

Ciao!

Mr. B

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HUDSON TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY 11/27/09

DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER THE BAND WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THE HUDSON TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY TODAY 11/27/09.

See everyone tomorrow at 11:00 a..m for the Derry/Londonderry Chamber of Commerce parade.

Remember, where a festive Holiday Hat to compliment your marching uniform and dress for the weather - I understand it is going to be windy!

Mr. B

All State and Practice Logs 11/23/09

Good Evening,

I just want everyone to know that if you go on Edline you will find the latest practice logs. Yes, there is a folder on the band Edline page that has the practice logs - NOW PRACTICE!

I would like to take this time to CONGRATULATE the Alvirne High School Music students who will be representing the Alvirne High School Music Department at the 2010 NHMEA All State festival in April.

Our successful candidates representing the choral department for the All State Mixed Chorus are: Samantha Migneault, (soprano voice), Brittany Decker (alto voice),Tony Clements (tenor voice) Jared Hyman (bass voice) and Brad Fernald (bass voice).

Our successful candidates representing the choral department for the All State Women's Chorus are: Ashley Iannaco (soprano voice) and Devin Lyman (soprano voice).

Our successful candidates representing the Instrumental department for the All State Band are: Katelyn Egan (bassoon), Jake Galloway (trumpet), Anthony Condo( trombone), Matt Sidilau (trombone), Kyle Garnick(euphonium).

Philip Skinner (violin) will represent Alvirne as an orchestra member.

Once again, thank you to all the music students who were "risk takers" and took the challenge to audition for this prestigious honor.

I also wish to say "Thank You" to all the student who wrote "Thank you " notes to Mrs. Beaton and myself. Little things like that mean so much - especially, when you are not having a "good day" - Thank You again - you are all special!

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very "Happy Thanksgiving"! Enjoy, this special time with family.

Always,

Mr. B

School Daze -11/22/09

Hi Everyone,

Well, this week is a short week but filled with many things to do. What else is new.!?!

Let's back track just a little.... I usually keep everything positive in these blogs but I need to start with a major concern of mine. Last week, 1st quarter grades were distributed and as many as 30 band students are failing Competency 3 - the only reason - they didn't hand in their critiques.

Parents, please remind your students to have these handed to me by Tuesday the 24th of November for at least 80% (if the critique is a 100%). Also, many students are not handing in their practice logs - some are two weeks behind. Again, these logs represent comp. 2 and comp 3.

Practice logs can be found on this website. Look under "practice logs" and find the right date :-)

The practice log for this week 11/23-11/29 will be different. If you come to the tree lighting ceremony on Friday 11/27 just mark "TREES" in that box, you will also receive a chit - this replaces any practice log in quarter 2 for 100 points. You will also notice that the Saturday box is filled in as you are receiving credit for both the parade and the practice log that day.

I noticed that the Salem Parade is still on the schedule FYI - Alvirne will not be marching in that parade! on November 29 - maybe next year :-(

Leaf raking is coming to a close today but the jazz band still has two more projects Wednesday and Friday. There maybe a couple of openings as not all the Jazz Band students are raking so please check in with me if you would like to join the Jazz Band raking party.

Saturday November 21, 2009- 23 music students from Alvirne High School auditioned for the New Hampshire Music Educator's Spring All State Festival.

This year there were 1250 music students throughout the state vying for a select number of seats and vocal parts.

Thank you to the following students for taking pride in their music education and going above and beyond the school day. Ryan Caron (tenor voice), Tony Clements (tenor voice), Anthony Condo (Trombone), Brittany Decker (alto voice), Paige Devlin (soprano voice), Peter Dubois (bass voice), Katelyn Egan (Bassoon), Brad Fernald (bass voice), Jake Galloway (Trumpet), Kyle Garnick (Baritone Horn), Shawn Gould (Bari Sax), Jared Hyam (bass voice), Ashley Iannaco (soprano voice), Devin Lyman (soprano voice), Katie Masson (alto voice), Eric Mealey (tenor voice), Samantha Migneault (soprano voice), Taylor Morin (alto voice), Meghan O'Keefe (Clarinet), Cindy Richard (alto voice), Matt Sidilau (Trombone), Phillip Skinner(Violin), and Cassandra Strokus (soprano voice).

Band seating will be posted tomorrow

Ciao!

Mr. B

School Daze 11/16/09 Lots of stuff! & Catching Up!

“CATCHING UP”

with

Mr. B

I thought I would get this blog written a little earlier but as things happened -

I didn't :-)

Anyway, I would like to start off by saying "Thank You"! to the 48 band students who volunteered their time and talents to perform in the stands at the BG v. Alvirne playoff game.

Everyone was in agreement, that playing was a lot of fun but better than that was the fried dough!

The weekend was pretty busy as well with the leaf raking fundraiser - I think we can give the post office a run for it's money...how does that saying go? Neither rain, sleet, wind ....well, the Alvirne Band can now brag neither rain or wind will keep us from raking leaves, at least in the morning.

Sunday night for me and Mrs. B was also a great time as we took in the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert at the Verizon in Manchester. I have always said that if Bach, Mozart and Beethoven were alive today they would be TSO !

Below is a letter that was mailed out today to all parents of band and colorguard students.

Dear Parents, Band, and Colorguard students,

The marching season is over but we still have many performance obligations as well as the beginning of our concert season. The AHS Music Department (instrumental and choral) keeps extremely busy so I hope this letter will help you and your family keep organized (especially me) as we enter the busy and sometimes stressful holiday season.

November 16 & 19, 2009 Yankee Candles and Holiday Pie Deliveries

Check the web site for further details – this is just a courteous reminder.

November 27, 2009 (Fri) Hudson welcomes Santa Claus and Tree Lighting

• The band will play at this annual event on the Hudson Common. This is not a required performance – (volunteers only). Wear warm clothing and arrive at the town common by 3:30 p.m. For our newbies – this is a lot of fun, especially if it snows! Immediately following the band officers will be holding a “movie night” in the music room. A notice will be forthcoming from the band officers – watch for it on the website.

November 28, 2009 (Sat) Greater Derry Chamber of Commerce Parade (graded event)

• . Band and Colorguard students need to report to Alvirne at 11:00 a.m. We will step off at 1:00 p.m. and plan to return about 3:00 p.m. As of this writing I have not received any detailed information. Once I have the details I will post the information on our website STUDENTS – dress warmly! Drum line usually dresses in elf costumes and band members may decorate their instruments and wear “festive” hats, “battery operated” Rudolph noses etc. – be creative, have fun, create those memories!

December 6, 2009 (Sun) Derry Tree Lighting

This is not a required performance – (volunteers only)

• The band will play at this event on the Derry Commons at 6;00 p.m. More details to follow.

December 10, 2009 (Thursday) Music Department Holiday Concert 7:00 p.m. Snow Date (Dec. 11)

• This concert is not just for family members but for our entire Hudson community. Tell your friends and neighbors to join us for a night of very enjoyable music from the Alvirne Singers, B- Naturals, Concert Band, Stage Band and Women’s Choir.
• Monetary donations are accepted and donations of non perishable items also will gladly be accepted.

Ladies: Dress pants/ skirt/dress that is appropriate length (knee or below) and white blouse

Gentlemen: Dark pants, shoes (no sneakers), white shirt and tie

Jazz Band members: Black shirt, Black dress pants or skirt (appropriate length knee or below) and Black shoes.

Holiday Hats are welcomed as long as they do not detract from a quality performance.

Happy Holidays (almost)

Mr. Bastien

School Daze 11/9/09 new info on playoffs!

Good Evening,

Well, I have written a few more college recommendations, wrote up a couple of solfege exercises for period I and J Band and now I need to write about upcoming events - particularly Alvirne v. BG in the playoffs.

OK, in a previous blog about senior night - I noted that the game between Alvirne and BG would be Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. (11/14/09). That has all changed! Ms. Bonney, informed me today that the AHS v. BG game is now scheduled for Friday Night (11/13/09) at 7:00 p.m. Nashua North won their game and they have first dibs on Stellos Stadium :-(

I spoke with Mr. Lane today and because we have the Homecoming Dance on Friday Night (11/13/09) and many students have already paid for tickets and bought "new dancing shoes" (just kidding about the "new dancing shoes") he is not asking that the band and colorguard commit to the performance -as an alternative we are asking for students to sign up for a pep band. Depending on how many band students can attend (yes, some have prior commitments besides the Homecoming Dance) and instrumentation - we will decide tomorrow if AHS will have at least a pep band for the play off game. If there are any alum (that still remember how to play their instruments) and would like to be a part of this experience, please contact me immediately via email or the old fashion telephone.

Time for hot chocolate and de stressing!

Ciao,

Mr. B

Do Some Holiday Shopping - AHS Music Wear

Are you looking to do a little holiday shopping or a gift idea for your friend, band student, chorus student, or fellow FOM member? AHS Music Wear is available to order now and will be delivered before the holidays. We have jackets in both a hooded and non-hooded styles. The front left chest is embroidered with AHS band, Chorus or FOM (whichever you chose). The left sleeve can have a name, instrument/voice part, and year of graduation. If you are purchasing it for a FOM member you may put the year they started in FOM. Also available for FOM members are polo shirts in unisex, women's and men's styles. All items are maroon in color and the personalization is included. We also have in stock t-shirts and sweatshirt in both hooded and non-hooded styles with the marching band logo. You may use the attached order forms or obtain one from the desk outside of Mr. Bastien's office. The order and payment is due by FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20. The items will be in before school gets out for the holidays.

In Stock Order Form

Personalized Order Form

Please note on the order form, if this is a gift and you don't want it to go home with your student.

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

Thank you,

Anne Boulia

AHS Music Wear Chairperson

Senior Band/Colorguard Night(Alvirne Whips Owls and makes Div.II playoffs) 11/6/09

I woke up this morning or should I say a conscious stream of thought to write this blog woke me up. It is those times that I wish I had a tape recorder as I was pontificating in my own mind. Yesterday evening was a roller coaster of emotions for me. The Alvirne Band and Colorguard is closing a chapter. Another marching season is coming to a close (almost) our football team, made the play offs - more to come on that later in this blog. Last night, was the final home football game but it was also senior night. Our seniors gave a rose to their moms, pictures were taken and it was a bitter sweet moment. I got a little emotional (inside) when a couple of parents came up to me and said - "8 years"- that's all they needed to say - and my mind flashed back with memories - particularly of these parents and alum parents, - how much time we have spent together making the band program at Alvirne what it is. I want to say "Thank You" to all the seniors for a great 4 years- so many memories, wise remarks, tirades, philosophical bantering, playing great music (and some not so great) band shows, band camp and most of all my true stories. I could go on with a list from here to South Hudson :-)

The following are those special students in the band and colorguard we call seniors: Lindsey Bruce, Tim Cerato, Anthony Condo (Drum Major),Ronnie Falcone, Jake Galloway, Olivia Gilbert, Shawn Gould, Ashley Greenwood, Vanessa Grigas, Kyle Grugan, Matt Haefner, Tim Harper, Caitlyne Hebert, Shawna Holt, Emily LaPlant, Kira Leclair, Sarah Leclerc, Victoria Long, Gina Lupoli, Neil McCarthy, Nikia Quesnel, Cameron Stoughton, Jenna Vaclavik and Cira Watson.

As I said emotions for me were running! It was great seeing so many alumni band students come by the track and visit and parents in the stands, all the parent volunteers as excited about this final event as I am. It was especially exciting for me to see my son Dan (1995 Alum) and his girlfriend Liz visiting from Maryland (tomorrow morning we'll be going out to breakfast to my favorite "greasy spoon"restaurant in Manchester). They got a chance to see the show "live" instead of through the eyes of "You Tube" and we got a chance to go out after the game and catch up from their visit this past summer. The excitement of the game was great! I must say I was a little disappointed with the 4th quarter behavior. I'm the first guy to have fun but not at the cost of the discipline we work so hard to achieve. Enough said!!!

Speaking of the play offs- YES, Mr. Lane (Principal) has asked that the band/cologuard travel to the play offs next week. I will have more specifics on Monday. BG v. Exeter is playing tonight at 7:00 p.m. so that will determine who we play next Saturday and at what time.

Other news - the 4th quarter has ended - I will be upgrading all my gradequick grades in the next couple of days. The good news is that with all the "flu like" sickness, I will extend getting late work until Wednesday for full credit - after Wednesday "That's it!"

Don't forget your practice logs are due this Monday and I will post new practice logs on Edline (once I figure it out) and on this site (once i figure it out). I love technology and going green.

Finally, (almost) thank you to Mrs. Jutras for taking senior pictures last night and candids. Look for them on our website in the next couple of days. There will be a "snail mailing" this week with a 1st quarter wrap up as well as what is coming up in the next quarter with regards to performances etc. Everything is also posted on the website but I am still skeptical as to "how many" parents get a chance to read or are just "emailed/website/blogged out".

Have a great weekend!

Mr. B

PS . If LB (Alum 2008) is reading this - our prayers and thoughts are with you!

11/1/09 Falling Back !

Good Evening,

Can you believe it! November 1 - we've turned the clocks back, Friday night November 6 is our last marchng band and colorguard performance and it's senior night! Seniors, remember I need all parent forms tomorrow (Nov.2). Speaking of forms - practice logs are back, I'll add them to my Edline pages as well, instrumental calendars are out, show shirt forms need to be in by November 6 and this week I will snail mail the Tag a long infomation for Disney.
The first quarter of the marking period is coming to a close - time is moving quickly.
Speaking of time moving quickly - it's time to say good-night!
Mr. B