BNI Band Blog-Mr. Hickman's Thoughts.

 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...

 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 ...

 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 ...