Happy New Year!

BAND... Now read this!

Happy New Year!

Quick list:
1. Pick up your room. I'm doing the same at home...kind of, sort of!
2. Do some Breathing Gym...it will help get you back in shape.
3. Now that you've numbered your measures, find some time to think through the TRAPS (remember Tricky Rhythms and Problem Stuff!)
4. Guard... workout! Get limber...big practice session coming SOON with Jessica Scarborough! Be ready to work! 
5. Percussionists... Start getting back in shape with rudiments and keyboard scales. Youtube some Vic Firth and John Wooton exercises!
6. SCALES, SCALES, and more Scales!!If you're thinking about Jazz band participation, might want to investigate blues scales while you're at it. And EVERYONE needs to brush up on CHROMATIC!
7. Can't expect you to play good music if you don't listen to good music. So, find some time to listen to all of the new pieces (Elegy for A Young American; Ave Maria; Prelude to Act 3 Kunihild; etc) YouTube is a great resource.
8. Want to see and listen some top-notch concerts? Of course you do. Check out "Lincoln Center Special: Joshua Bell with the New York Philharmonic" tonight on WLPB 7:00 pm and on WLPB2 at 9:30. On New Year's Day, on WLPB, see "American Masters: Marvin Hamlisch" this is a wonderful show...I got to see him live once at EPCOT Center in the early 90's! And New Year's Night, check out "From Vienna" the annual New Year's Celebration with the Vienna Philharmonic! The show airs on PBS at 7, 9:30, and midnight! Enough choices? I am sure there are more. I usually don't watch parades, but you might enjoy the Tournament of Roses. Always very good! And there are still a number of Bowl Games...maybe, just maybe you'll get a quick glimpse of a live band!
9. Have a musical day!

 
JSquare, NBCT 
Director of Bands

Kennedy Center Honors

Band... Now read this!! 
If you are NOT already busy, and looking for something unique to watch on TV, I suggest that you tune into the Kennedy Centers Honors (for the Performing Arts) tonight. The show airs on CBS at 8:00 pm. This year's honorees include Tony Bennett and Billy Joel, two of my favorites! I know that you'll enjoy this show. Spread the word.   :)

 
JSquare, NBCT 
Director of Bands

Christmas Eve / Christmas Day

Band ... now read this!!

I hope that everyone is warm, well fed, and safe. Now that you've had a day or two of boredom, let's get this party started! That's right...it's time for "The 12 Days of Christmas Practice!"

Here are some things to do the Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day:

1. Help in the kitchen!! You plan on eating? Then, help out!
2. Pick up your room!! Don't make me come over there!
3. Put on your Christmas footie PJ's, grab your instrument, and go to your tree. Have someone take a picture (or do a selfie), then play a carol for your tree. Have some cookies and milk (or boudin works, too!). Not sure what to play? How about your favorite melodies from the recent concert music. Guard...how about a cup song carol? That works!
4. Perform a 5 minutes mini-concert for your family and loved ones. Don't want to do this by yourself? Ask a band family friend to help you.
5. Write and deliver a hand-written message to a loved one who has supported your Greenwave Band activities. You might want to use a full sheet of nice paper, an envelope, sticker and bow. Watch the smile on the face of the recipient when they read your heart-warming note.
6. Find about 5 minutes to do a Breathing Gym exercise. Later, find 15 minutes to do a portion of Miss Jessica's Band Camp "Rise and Shine" stretch sequence.
7. Enjoy a concert presentation on TV. I watched Sing-Off last night...good stuff. But I am really looking forward to St. Olaf's Christmas Festival on PBS, Andrea Bocelli, Dallas Wind Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and other cool stuff later this weekend.
8. Tell someone "Thank You" and "I Love You"...you DO know at least one person who needs to hear this from you!
9. Please archive and share some concert video and pictures for and with me. I am too busy waving the stick to take my own!

Disclaimer: I know that not everyone celebrates Christmas. Nonetheless, please feel free to adapt these activities to fit your traditions and have fun!

A long list, huh? Well you said you were BORED!

Merry Christmas!

P.S.

Go and play at the Winn Dixie today. See Miss Tina (Charles Hooper's mom)


JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands

Christmas Parade Information

Band... Now Read This!!

I hope that you all enjoyed your day. To all of you who performed last night in the "Some Assembly Required" concert I say Thank You for a very fun evening. I hope that your families and friends had a good musical experience with us.

Here is information concerning the parade tomorrow night for those of you who said that you could make it:
1. Meet at the Memorial Park location no later than 5:15 pm, dressed as you did for "Some Assembly Required". It would be a good idea to wear your Band Shirt, letter jacket, Greenwave hoodie, etc.
2. You DO NOT NEED your instrument. It is a bit too risky for us to play while the float is moving. We have a sound system with pre-recorded music to be played (it is the same "Jingle Bells Jam" that we had planned to play!
3. Your job is to wave to the crowd, throw plastic cups, throw candy, throw beads!!
Safety is number one, so you must pay attention to what you and others are doing.
4. Keep in mind that you represent our band and our school, in the eye of the public. Keep yourself in CHECK, the entire time. Follow Mrs. Crovetto's instruction about float safety and parade etiquette.
5. Be ready to have a good time! See you all soon.

 

P.S. Parents, if you were planning to walk/chaperon the band for this event, please ride the float, walk along side, and help with throws. Thank you very much!

JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands

Wed 18 Dec 2013 "Some Assembly Required"

Band... now read this!!

"Some Assembly Required" tonight in the auditorium. Downbeat is 5:51, performances begin at 6:30. Dress is "school approved" jeans or school trousers/bottoms, Christmas or Greenwave top, Christmas headgear is optional. This is a very relaxed, up-close, fun show. Bring a friend, family member,
your cameras and recorders....well camera phone. You'll have a great time!

JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands

Christmas Parade 2013 Rescheduled

BAND... Now read and RESPOND to this important message!

The Ponchatoula Christmas Parade that was cancelled on this past Saturday has been rescheduled to this coming Friday, 20 December. I realize, too, that many of you scheduled around the published dates for the Christmas Lighting and Parade, both of which were "Cancelled" due to inclement weather. I know that many of you have prior commitments and plans for that evening (I was planning to hit the road for Grandma's in TX).

I need to know from everyone either "Yes" or "No" if you are available for this event. I need to know from everyone, by noon, tomorrow, Tuesday, 17 Dec 2013. We still have the small ensembles "Some Assembly Required" concert on Wednesday, 18 Dec. This performance will be informal and give your families to see and enjoy your music making in a relaxed, photo-friendly atmosphere.

PLEASE respond to the parade question by email at james.square@tangischools.org or by voicemail at 985 474 8824 (bandroom).

Thanks!

JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands

16 Dec 2013 TWIB

 

Band... Now Read This!!!


JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands

 

 

 

 

PBS CONCERTS & DISTRICT HONOR BAND RESULTS

Band... now read this!

http://www.district9.info/audition_results.html

This is the link for District Honor Band Audition Results.


Check out the very special cioncerts on PBS tonight. Might be some tomorrow, too.

 
JSquare, NBCT 
Director of Bands

Disney Trip balances and/or band/color guard fees

Band...Listen up! We have news! Your student will be receiving an account summary today regarding their account balances and the Disney trip balances. Please make sure you are getting with your student about this summary. These summaries do not include the December payment. These summaries are through NOVEMBER 30, 2013.

If you do not have your band/color guard fees and/or 50% of your Disney trip paid by December 16, 2013, your trip WILL be cancelled and a refund of all, but $100, will be returned to you. You have until December 16, 2013 to get your December payment and/or to get your account current (with band/color guard fees and/or Disney).

Tina Hooper

Secretary

PHS Band Boosters

JSquare, NBCT

Director of Bands

TWIB 9 - 15 Dec

Band ... Now Read This!!!

It's Concert Week! I hope that you all enjoyed the weekend and thank you all for being flexible with this past Friday's weather contingencies. Looks like we'll be wet most of this week, but the shows will go on.

Here's what is on the TWIB list:

Monday 9 Dec ASR: Concert Band Dress Rehearsal until 5:00; Winterguard Practice begins at 5:00 - 7:30

Tuesday 10 Dec CHRISTMAS CONCERT Report FULLY Dressed to Auditorium; Downbeat at 6:13; Doors open for audience seating at 6:40 ; Concert begins at 7:00 pm

Wednesday 11 Dec Honor Band Mock Auditions until 4:30

Thursday 12 Dec SCHOOL MORNING CHRISTMAS CONCERTS Arrive early; you must be dressed for performance NLT 7:15 A.M. ; follow instructions closely as we are on a VERY TIGHT schedule!! If you can, please come out and support the Chorus Department by attending the Concert tonight. Miss Robertson would like a packed house.

Friday 13 Dec GHAP

Saturday 14 Dec Busy day!! ACT Testing (if you're registered); LMEA DISTRICT HONOR BAND AUDITIONS at Lakeshore HS (for those who are registered); PONCHATOULA CHRISTMAS PARADE 5:00 pm

JSquare, NBCT
Director of Bands

Christmas Lighting Cancelled

Band ..... Now read this!



Christmas Lighting scheduled for tonight has been cancelled due to the weather.  It will not be rescheduled.



Thank you.



J. Square

Music Director



JSquare, NBCT


Director of Bands

Information for downtown Lighting Ceremony

BAND ... Now read This!!!

Plan A for tomorrow's performance at the Downtown Christmas Lighting is as follows (announced at today's ASR)

When and Where: Meet between 5:00 - 5:15 at the band trailer. It will be at the City Hall Parking Lot (by La Caretta, Country Market, Chesterton Square area. We will play in front of Chesterton Square, beginning at 6:00 pm. 

What to Wear: You may wear "civilian" clothes, meaning comfortable street shoes, Jeans (if they can be worn at school!), a school top (Greenwave hoodie, letterman jacket (something that Coach White would not collect from you!), "holiday headgear" is optional.

Plan B is Weather Dependent, so please stay in touch and be FLEXIBLE!! Please!

 
JSquare, NBCT 
Director of Bands

Christmas Lighting

Band - Listen Up!  Due to the severe weather conditions approaching for Friday night, we will keep a look out and ask that you keep tuning in here as to whether or not we will be selling Cotton Candy and hot chocolate.  The weather calls for RAIN AND WIND.  If the humidity is bad, well cotton candy will be out of the equation.  If it is raining and windy, well hot chocolate will not sell and people will not come out at all.  Thank you all.



Tina Hooper

Secretary

PHS Band Boosters



JSquare, NBCT


Director of Bands

2 DEC TWIB