Ponchatoula School Music Groups: Christmas Season Performances

Band .... Now read this!!

Ponchatoula HS Band Christmas Season Performances

1. Friday 6 Dec Ponchatoula Christmas Lighting Celebration (we'll be in front of Chesterton Square) Be sure to listen the JH Band and The HS Chorus while you're enjoying some Band Booster Hot Chocolate!)
2. Tuesday 10 Dec HS Band "Traditions" Concert (formal presentation of Full Concert Band, as well as some caroling by choirs of Brass, Woodwinds,"Guard Cup Ensemble" and Percussion; and Joseph will once again sing "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch!) Also remember to make the Choir's evening concert on Thursday, 12 Dec. Both programs will be in the auditorium.
3. Saturday 14 Dec the HS Band will take to the streets in the Annual Christmas Parade, after a busy day of ACT Testing for some, and District Honor Band Auditions for about 32 of our student-musicians.
4. Wednesday 18 Dec Please join us in the Auditorium for our "Some Assembly Required" a fun presentation of small ensembles, bring some cheer to the audience in a very different atmosphere! Tuba-Euph-Bone choir, Percussion Ensemble, Sax Brigade on Parade; Fine Arts "creative workshop" Drummer Boys and Girls, and more!
5. Thursday 19 Please join the audience, upstairs in the JH Auditorium to enjoy the Martha Vinyard Band and the Ponchatoula Junior High Band for their concert. Mr. Jeff will have the place beautifully adorned in both sight and sound!

'TIS THE SEASON!!!


JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands

Wednesday Turkey Tunes

Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike...you know what today is!?!?!

It's another day this week that ends in "y" so here goes more Turkey Tunes!
1. You know full well that there are some do-overs or get-er-dones left from Monday and Tuesday...so get busy!
2. Spend some time on scales and prepared material for your honor band auditions. ...
3. Today's mission: COMPOSITION!! here's what to do Guard, find a piece of pop music or Christmas song that you like (Barry Manilow has some, too!) Create a routine of NO LESS THAN 64 counts in A-A-B-A' structure Hint: 16 counts each segment, the "a's" should be the basically the same; "b" is new stuff; the final "a" section is the same as the 1st "a" statement, BUT with a new ending in the last 8 counts!! Sloane understands this from Fine Arts class; ask her.

Percussion: 64 counts of groove/jam, in AABA structure, including identifiable rudiments, scales/arpeggios, multiple non-traditional percussion. Make it flow and it must be AABA! Record yourself so you can share.

Winds: Write out 8 measures, in common time, any key, you pick the rhythms, in AABA form (each segment will be 8 counts; that's 2 measures in 4/4); play it, record it, add lyrics (optional). Have Fun!

4. Everyone.... Compose a letter of Thanks to someone who has supported you in your musical pursuits. Parents, teachers, family., neighbor...whoever and how many ever you wish to include, ...the people who make it possible for you to enjoy your music making and performing in the Greenwave band! To deliver or not to deliver...that is the question (you decide, but your must write the letter).

5. Check the TV listings for some very cool Christmas shows/programs. Watch and enjoy some.

6. Get the rest of the stuff "up off of the floor" in your room. And then go help
in the kitchen!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! Turkey Tunes will return on Friday!

TTT (Turkey Tunes Tuesday!)

Band... now read this!

So now that you're BORED, here are mo' better suggestions to keep you occupied on a cold, wet, dreary kind of day:
1. Repeat Monday's list.
2. Play all of your scales 5 times, using different rhythm patterns and articulations. be creative. Be sure differentiate tenuto, staccato, and marcato. Record and playback using your phone or some other device.
3. Guard, you can do the same, visually, by incorporating some statics (grounders, tick-tock, stops, drop spins, devils, butterfiles, etc., along with some cool background music. Use a camera. Watch yourself and evaluate. Might even consider having a guard friend over to help do some partner work.
4. Percussionists: find your old bells kit (probably under your bed) and work on some scales, arpeggios, scales in thirds, interval exercises. You'll need to dust off these skills for percussion ensemble. USE a metronome.
5. Get on arrangerspublishing.com and find Jingle Bell Jam, our Christmas parade tune. Start listening, and be ready to learn this next week. We use it for the Christmas Lighting, Concert on 10 Dec, and in the parade on 14 Dec.
6. Practice your 32 most challenging measures of Christmas concert music today. break it down, subdivide through it, pencil whip it with your own counting/markings/edits to make it playable. Look up all of the pieces and listen (google search/ youtube/ jwpepper/penders music).
7. YOU MUST WORK ON 8 MEASURES OF DISTRICT HONOR BAND prepared etude! No ifs, ands, or buts! We have invested in your audition slot, so now do you part! There is no excuse for not preparing!
8. Start planning a "mini concert" that you will perform for your family this Thanksgiving weekend. Play your instrument, spin your flag, shake your tambourine! Entertain your folks! You can even sing for them. invite a couple of band friends to join in.
9. Think about smart stocking stuffer ideas: Everyone, (yes you too guard) could use a metronome (or get an app for your phone); tuner; reeds; mouthpiece; cleaning supplies; solo literature (check out jwpepper or penders; percussionists also check tapspace and rowloff). Have fun shopping!
10. I know that some of your parents are considering getting you a new instrument. PLEASE CONSULT with me FIRST before you buy anything. I will be more than glad to make professional suggestions to help your folks INVEST in a quality piece of equipment. All that glitters like gold does not necessarily sound golden!
11. I will be at the bandroom today between 8 and 11:00, if you need anything. Otherwise, you'll need to contact me by other means.
12. PICK UP 8 items from the floor; put them where your mom/pop/granny says they need to go!
13. Tomorrow's suggested activity is composition!

JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands

Turkey Tunes 2013

Turkey Tunes 2013

1. Everyone: do some Breathing Gym exercises. This includes Guard and Percussion.

2. ALL Wind players: Play LONG TONES! LONG TONES! LONG TONES! Use a metronome (or your steady foot action) at beat = 72/minute. Think Brick body of sound. Hold for 8 counts; expand to 12; then 16. Crescendo -- diminuendo half and half. Percussionists work on single, double, and concert (buzz) rolls in auditions style. Guard do 4 sets of 50 drop spins in front of a mirror or video recorder. If you drop, the count goes back to "0"!!

3. Wind players... work on legato-staccato-marcato articulations, using duple, quadruple, and sextuple groupings (2 eighths, 4 sixteenths, 6 double beamed triplet groups). Pass your tongue through the sharpener! Percussionists work on single, double, and triple paradiddles.

4. Concert band: pick 32 measures of A Winter's Carol, 12 bars of Grinch; 8 bars of Stille; and an entire section of Christmas Pops Medley to work on. Guard: Make up 32 counts of routine to any Barry Manilow dance tune!

5. Practice something on ever day that ends in the letter "y" (to include yesterday and today....notice that tomorrow does not qualify for this distinction!)

6. Pick up and put away 4 things in your room.

JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands

Special Alert: Acadiana Playoff game Friday 22 Nov 13

BAND ....Now read this!

The weather prediction for tonight's game calls for wind and rain, with temperatures falling rapidly. As such we will NOT wear formal dress uniforms. Please bring your summer uniform (Don't forget socks and shoes!) with a jacket (school approved outerwear). Of course, you may wear your letterman's jacket. If you have a PHS hoodie, that works, too. Guard, be sure to have your warm-up suit. Go to 1st through 6th period classes. An announcement will be made for you all to report to the bandroom at 1:30, during 6th period. See you on campus soon.

JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands

La Carreta Fiesta Cards

If you sold La Carreta Fiesta Cards:

Parents -

ATTENTION: La Carreta Fiesta Cards were handed out today. All cards were given to your student this morning or during class. Please make sure you ask your student about them. Also, these cards are good immediately for a 5 month period. Thank you.

Tina Hooper

Secretary

PHS Band Boosters

JSquare, NBCT

Director of Bands

21 Nov Thursday ASR

21 Nov Thursday ASR: 

Full MB on Field 3:00 -3:30 

Same “Sideline entrance” with Band and Guard feature in front for “Sir Duke”; Exit Guard, enter Wavettes for “Land of 1000 Dances”; All Drag 4 MT4 Step-off to “Fight Song” to Visitors Side

MARCHING ASR will be followed immediately with CONCERT BAND ASR!

Special Instructions for Friday 22 Nov 

Attend classes 1st -5th period; Report to Bandroom during lunch to pack trailer and begin dressing for the road trip/game. Wavettes will get instructions from sponsors and officers.

Guard will need the following: Green Top /Black pants / Black shoes/ Warm-up suit/Pulled-Back Hair (if you already have your letterman’s jacket, of course you may bring it, too)

 

Hornline/Percussion will need the following: FDU w/ Visors (No Shakos!!), Black shoes/ Full-Length Black Socks/ Gloves, if applicable (You may bring an additional jacket for the bus ride)

Eat your lunch! You can bring a ditty bag for the road; we are not stopping at Burger Doodle/ Taco Smell/ Happy Cheese’s, nor any other establishment, neither way on the road trip!!

An Announcement will be made from the front office to dismiss from part of 6th period class.

Upon arrival back at PHS, you must store your uniform; unload the trailer; take YOUR instrument home for “Turkey Tunes” assignment.

Please use the POTTY BEFORE boarding the buses! That means before we depart PHS and, again, before we depart from Acadiana High School. USE THE POTTY!!!!!!

NO BLANKETS!! NO BLANKETS!!!! NO BLANKETS!!!!!!!!

Be mindful that our mission is to support of team!

TWIB 18- 24 Nov

Band... Now read this!

 

See TWIB image for schedule.

 
JSquare, NBCT 
Director of Bands

Passing This On!

Band...Now read this!!

Mrs. Tina Hooper (Charles and Karly's mom) Band Boosters Secretary, posted this on the FB page. Please read it and you'll understand why I am sharing it here, too.

This speaks loudly this week about Personal Responsibility in Developing Leadership!!
Band.....

I would like to thank the following persons for coming out to Raising Cane's by the mall and next to Taco Bell on W. Thomas Street. They are: Scott Poulin, Delaney Pinion, Kayla Beadle, Allen Eldridge, Giovanni Gonzalez, Nicholas Meyer, John Solomon, Keith Cooper, Shawn Hill, Charles Hooper, II, Gabrielle Maurin, Nick Robinson, Javier Hernandez, Joshua Gaudin, Ciara Cota, Kara Dunomes, Samantha Wegener. Parents: Elizabeth Hill, Yvonne Martin, Teresa Floyd, Nicole Lehmann and Eric Lehmann for assisting and just being their for the kids. If I missed anyone, I would like thank too.

However, please keep in mind that when we are conducting a fundraiser on someone else's property that we should conduct ourselves in a well manner, be respectful yourself, others and property. We should be following the rules and/or procedures as we are representing ourselves, our school, our Music Director, James I Square and our community. Band is fun and we want you to have fun, however, if you are not going to keep yourselves in check, we will not be invited back to any fundraiser (that might benefit you or the band) and this will preclude you from participating in any future fundraisers or events.

You do an amazing job as young musicians. Your talent is unbelievable and you should know this and be confident in yourselves, because you are better than you give yourselves credit. I and other parents including your band director enjoy the music that you perform together as a band family. You need to look out for each other and help mind your Ps and Qs. There are rules that are followed for many reasons: 1. for your safety; 2. for the safety of others; 3. for the safety of property. We have a NO TOLERANCE policy in band for rude behavior, disrespecting adults or your peers, etc. We have a HIGH TOLERANCE for smiling, laughing, good grades, performing good music, performing routines, working together and positive attitudes. BAND stands for Brotherhood, Attitude, Natural, Dynamic. Again, than you so much. This is a good lesson for Mr. Square to touch on for Friday night's game.

Please keep up the good job as I would to everyone included in all band fundraisers. Thank you so much.

JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands

Thursday 14 Nov a huge success

Band...now read this!!

Great job at Martha Vinyard this afternoon. Those 5th and 6th graders, as well as the adults (teachers and staff) really enjoyed the show! Do you realize that today you were celebrities and rock stars?!?! I hope that you understand how very important this is to our recruiting.

Be sure to #1 Thank Mr. Strickland for allowing us to go; #2 thank Ms. Liz (Shawn's mom) and #3 Thank your 6th/7th period teachers and MAKE UP YOUR WORK in their classes.

NO PEP RALLIES nor Flag Raising Ceremony tomorrow (Just go to class). My first period....How about that can drive? Are we going to win ANOTHER doughnut party???

We have a game tomorrow night. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE CAMPUS at dismissal time. Come to school prepared to be on campus from morning to post-game. That infers that you REMEMBER to bring shoes/socks

JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands

Raising Cane's and Yard Sale!

BIG SHOUT OUT TO MRS. CROVETTO - you did a wonderful job putting our fundraisers on the running board.  Thank you, thank you!

Important information for yard sale and Raising Cane's:

Just in case you have not already received previous posts and emails -

Raising Cane's has two locations - (Hammond mall and on W. Thomas next to Taco Bell and El Agave Mexican Rest. across the street from Voodoo).  Depending on the out pour, we may need to split the kids up at two locations and I will a couple of parents to supervise.    So far I have 7 kids and 2 parents signed up for Raising Cane's.  Those that have not signed up will probably show up tonight.  I ask that parents don't leave right away as I may have to send some kids to the other Hammond location.  I will not know until tonight.  Please make sure you are warm and am wearing your PHS band shirt and visor or some kind of PHS shirt.

Yard sale, same dress code.  If you are working the yard sale, I will need parents to bring additional tables if they have one to provide.  If you are providing your own petty cash, that is fine.  If you are not, I will need to know ASAP.  Will be setting up for 6:00 a.m.  Will have patrol in the area.  Will have signs out.  I ask that you please bring your own lunch and/or snacks.  I will bring some water, but you may want to bring your own.

I cannot think of any else, if you do, please let me know.  If you have questions, please let me know.  Thank you.

Tina Hooper

PHS Band Boosters

JSquare, NBCT

Director of Bands

Raising Canes Fundraiser

THIS IS HUGE!!!!

Spread the word - Come to Canes and mention PHS Band at no cost to you and the band earns funds toward their Disney trip.

Simple, buy dinner or late lunch and mention us and we earn funds.

Its that simple.  See the attached flyer.

Thank you.

Tina Hooper

Secretary

JSquare, NBCT

Director of Bands

Honor Band Day Rehearsal Procedures

Band... Now read this!!

The  new bandroom area will be closed in the morning, as it will be used for Honor Band rehearsal all day, Monday. 11 Nov.

"Lunch Bunch" will be outside tomorrow, Monday, 11 Nov.

IF YOU ARE IN HONOR BAND, remember to bring your music and 2 pencils!! And I do recall announcing this on stage last Monday evening!

 

See you all on campus!

JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands

SPECIAL VETERANS' DAY CEREMONY

BAND.... NOW READ and UNDERSTAND THIS!!!!

This is a SPECIAL message for my 1st period class (Upperclass Brass Ensemble)

On tomorrow, Monday, 11 Nov 13, we will play ceremonial music for the Special Veteran's Day program at the Ponchatoula Cemetery (I-55 and Hwy 22). You will receive a call or text from Christopher, with information, too. Please read and followthese instructions carefully.  

1. Report to school EARLY around 6:30 am and get dressed in FULL DRESS UNIFORM (with Shakos; we will bring plumes with us). Remember to bring your black shoes and black socks.
2. You will need these tunes: "Patriotic Salute"  "Service Songs Set #1 and #2    "The Star-Spangled Banner"
3. We must be on the bus, in front of the  Gym by 7:00 am (we are riding with the ROTC cadets; Gunner Brown will be driving). When we are finished, he will get us back to campus ASAP. If you are in the Parish Honor Band, quickly undress and report to rehearsal on the stage. If you are not in the Honor Band, please report BACK to your regularly scheduled classes.
4. Please text me or call to leave a voice message so that I know that you got this message.

More details for everyone later today.

The Mattress Sale Fundraiser was a huge SUCCESS! Thanks to everyone who had a part in making this event lucrative and fun!

We, the full marching band, will need to be ready early on Tuesday morning, 12 Nov 13, for the Victory Flag Raising Ceremony in front of the school (this celebrates the HUGE FB win over Hammond High) Rah Rah!

 

TWIB will be posted soon.

 
JSquare, NBCT 
Director of Bands

11 Nov TWIB

FUNDRAISING

Band and Parents and extended family and friends of band

We have our Mattress Sale fundraiser approaching - Saturday, November 9th at PHS Cafeteria.  This is an important fundraiser.  GET THE WORD OUT TO ALL YOUR PEEPS!

We have our Raising Cane's Fundraiser on Tuesday, November 12th from 5pm - 9pm by the Hammond Square Mall.  (Band is requested to hold signs, greet drivers and walk-in and even play a little music if you don't feel comfortable with the other things).  I absolutely need students to sign up on the website through our CONTACT FORM.  This is important and would like us to have some organization so we are planned and ready to go.  Thank you.

Finally, we have our BAND FAMILY YARD SALE Saturday, November 16th at Memorial Park from 6 or 7 am until (we figure out depending on the items moving).  If you are participating, please sign up again through the website.  One parent must participate with their child for this event.  If you are not participating, but have items to donate for general fund, please go through the website.  I hope everyone has been gathering their items for this lovely event.  This fundraiser will benefit both the student and the general fund.  Keep checking email and Facebook.  We will need to set up early, get signs.

Thank you all throughout this time with all fundraisers.  Everyone has really worked hard, and have done a fabulous job.

 

Tina Hooper

JSquare, NBCT

Director of Bands

4 Nov TWIB

Friday 1 Nov

Band... Now Read This!!

GUARD MESSAGE!!!!

Uniform tonight is Green Top/Black Bottom/Guard Jacket/Friday Ponytail Hair

Hornline & Percussion Full Dress Uniform w/ VISORS

JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands