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It's been a Minute

 Just fired off a couple e-mails to families.  1. celebrating great growth in 6/8 counting.  Been spending the day on Clerical work as well (invoices, busses).  2. surveying Students thoughts on Marching Classification.   I've discussed with my indiana Band Director Friends and no one has a strong opinion.  The opporunity to progress all the way to ISSMA finals is way cool though.  I've brough Bands to perform in Lucas Oil previously and it's an experience of a lifetime.  Bringing BNI there would be a huge accomplishment I hope we can achieve together. You're probably here to read about show design.  So, I found several Dies De los muertos (DDlM from here on out) arrangements.  Some are flat out boring.  I also want to add our own unique flavor to it. None of the shows include the traditional DDlM song, "La Llorona," but luckily for us i arrange music frequently, so I'm working on that currently, in addition to Steel Pan Music ...
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Concert Prep

 Most clerical details are done for tomorrow's Fall Concert.  I'm interested to see  How the attendance compares to our following Concerts.  The Students wanted to keep this "Tradition" going, But doing a Fall concert in itself is a bit Nuts.  Marching season just ending, there isn't much time to learn new repertoire. Families are exhausted from Bandtober.  and Facilities are tough to get.  I advise Student teachers and College Students I talk to not to try and make everyone happy.  Yet, here I am.  Adding a concert into the schedule is like asking someone to help you move from one 6th floor Apartment with no elevator to another, or the look cats give you all the time.   Pulling this off will be incredible and a Statement to the potential of this Group.  We have several straight-up-Beginners!! Today is also Music shopping for Christmas Concert Day.  With the Music library scattered around the Band Wing, I'll probably be re...
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Last call on Disney Trip

 Just communicated the last call for interest in the Disney trip.  It took about 3 tries and about 6 years to run our first trip at Lincoln-Way, it may be similar here.  I just feel bad the kids won't get to experience it with our current group.  I'll keep offering local options, etc. in the interim.   Parade Music for Saturday just came in, may use it for next year or 4th of July Parades.  We'll read it  for numerous reasons.   It's clear in Band we need basic music reading work.  I know the system of moving through Essential Elements with supplimental ensemble music, with some written assessments sprinkled in is the path to success.  I'm trying not to focus on a fall concert, but the May Concert & beyond.   While we want great concerts, we also want the learning that supports years of great concerts. it's a classic teach a Man to Fish scenario. Just got word our Percussion cabinet is here #life changing!  o...
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Post Fall Break

 Fall Break is new to me, but quite nice.  Made a hiccup in prepations for our upucoming events, but a worth while one, I could tell Students were burning out.  Hopefully a 4 Day weekend is just what the Dr. ordered. Kids came back just like they do from any break: tired & lethargic.   Just recieved Veteran's Day Parade info and cranked out an itinerary.  I have a Permission slip project coming up for myself for the next 2 Parades; getting them in alpha order & Plastic sheet protectors.  Hope to never need them, but if I do, this will be less frantic. We have the Busiest Post Marching season I've experienced. Usually bands can stretch out & learn, here we're just continuing to grind.  Fundraisers, Parades, Concerts. Our Fall Concert will be more of a Sounds of the Stadium with an additional Halloween song or two. But not as much of a 5 Piece repertoire showcase.   I'm going to try to get our ads for the Mattress Sale to put ...
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In the Beginning...

 Instead of a Newsletter, I'm starting a Blog.  Something I've never done.  We'll see how it goes.  I may not introduce it until after Fall Break--another thing I've never done.   My plan is to inform students & Parents of happenings in the program, plans that aren't official yet, etc.  I am committing to never make an important announcement only on the Blog.  I may not write in it everyday, but hopefully once a week. We almost Kicked off the Wreath Fundraiser today, but ran out of time in class.   Huge thank you to Patty for running Copies of the Pricing Sheet.  The profit margins of the Wreath sale are lower than I'd like, but hopefully a lot of people will buy a wreath, raising that level.  Yesterday, I spent about 2.5 hours working on a price point that covers a Shipping cost that's 27% of the total BNI order, a Plastic Bag cost-you'd think that would be a given, and our profit margin, while not driving the cost up too ...
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