News and Announcements
BPA Meeting Minutes - September 10, 2013
HUNTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BAND PARENT ASSOCIATION (HHSBPA)
GENERAL MEETING
September 10, 2013
Rich Arnold, President
· The second monthly meeting was called to order by Rich Arnold, President, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium.
· Rich thanked everyone for attending.
· The best way to get band information is via website, emails, and by attending the monthly meetings.
· Some student band forms have still not been turned in. He brought some copies for anyone needing them. Rich urged everyone to return completed forms ASAP. This is imperative before travel to Oxford for an away game. Andrew White, Chaperone chair, has a list of students with missing forms. Parents can also check Charms.
· Our next game is Sept. 13 vs. Lee at Milton Frank. Students need to be there by 5:45.
· There has been some controversy and about parking fees at Milton Frank. Those eligible for free parking include only 1) band student drivers, 2) concessions volunteers, and 3) chaperones. The football boosters have a mandate from the city of Huntsville to pay for parking, and they are just following the rules. Proceeds from parking go to Milton Frank and to pay for the officials. Rich encouraged band parents NOT to antagonize parking attendants. If you are just dropping off your child, attendants will hold your $5 and return it when you leave.
· Sept. 20 is an away game at Oxford. Students need to arrive at the school at 3:00 p.m. This is a half day of school for students. Please bring $5 for pizza.
· Sept. 27: HHS vs. Bob Jones at AL A & M. Students will be riding buses. Time TBA.
· Sept. 28 is the 49th Annual Mid-south Marching Band Festival in Gadsden, AL. at Gadsden City Stadium. HHS usually plays near the end of the festival, but Rich encourages parents to arrive early to enjoy the other bands, and to find the best parking. Time TBA.
· Oct. 4: Away game vs. Albertville
· Oct. 8 is the next BPA meeting (second Tues. of each month). It will be in the auditorium or band room. Please look for directional signs in the band hallway.
· Oct. 25 is Senior Night during half-time of the Gadsden game. Seniors will be highlighted on the field with their parents, and will receive a gift. A NON-SENIOR parent volunteer is needed to coordinate this special event. Traditionally the volunteer has been a junior parent, but a freshman or sophomore parent is fine. Parent volunteer will receive service credit hours.
· BUDGET: The proposed and actual budget is printed on the back of tonight’s agenda.
· The band is working on establishing a Facebook page. This will be a CLOSED group to post informatio, pictures, and communication.
· Rich introduced Dr. Spencer for announcements.
Dr. David Spencer, Band Director
· Dr. Spencer has started listening to students play for a grade, and this will continue for another 2-3 weeks.
· Please see website for important dates, including the Veterans Day Parade in Nov., and Christmas Parade and HHS holiday concert in Dec.
· He requests that students visit the State website, Alabamamea.org to download and print music per their instrument. Click band and go to 2014 All State requirements.
· Band practices may run past scheduled end time in order to fine tune the marching routine.
Andrew White, 1st VP Chaperones
· He thanked volunteers for their time.
· He has enough chaperones for the Lee game, but he needs more volunteers for other upcoming games. Please email him (address on website) if you are interested. He will fill positions on a first come, first serve basis.
· He will be collecting required band forms tonight.
Cynthia Smith and Lauren Carter, 2nd VP Fundraising
· Enjoy the City coupon books are currently due. Parents will be charged for unsold books not returned ASAP! Books will be arriving in 2-3 weeks.
· Our next fundraiser is cookie dough. 100% of orders will go directly to student accounts.
· Please remember to use BAND Publix key tag cards for every grocery purchase. Publix pays an annual amount to the band for every card presented.
· The Holiday Bazaar and Silent Auction will be in Dec. If you know anyone who wants a booth for the marketplace and/or someone willing to donate an item for the silent auction, please contact Cynthia or Lauren. The band asks the vendor to donate a $25 or $30 item for the silent auction in lieu of a table fee.
Rebecca Brooks, Treasurer
· Rebecca can take payments on the computer or swipe your card on her cell phone.
· August credits have been turned in. Please make sure you look under miscellaneous at the bottom of your statement to view credits.
· First payment of $110 is due by Sept. 15.
· The next statement will be sent in mid Sept. You can also check your account on Charms.
Marcy Simon, Secretary
Reminded everyone that a copy of the minutes from each meeting will be posted on the band room whiteboard within a week. Minutes will also be posted on the band website. Please notify me of any discrepancies.
Barbara Bozeman, Communications
No announcements
Lisa McCrary, Uniforms
· There are currently no more parent band shirts in stock. However, Lisa will be placing orders for moisture wicking polo shirt with the HHS band emblem. These will be available in Men’s or Women’s sizes for $25. Order deadline is Wed. Sept. 18. Barbara Bozeman will email order forms in the morning. Checks can be made payable to HHSBPA.
· Oct. 4 will be individual picture retakes as well as sectional pictures.
· Lisa made an urgent plea to please snap the bottom of the bib pants. Otherwise, they drag the ground and fray the material. She may have to start charging for damaged uniforms. Uniforms are very expensive, and they need to last for at least another 7 years. Be aware that pants may be unsnapped by Wilson Cleaners, and need to be resnapped.
· If any uniform part (jacket, bib, hat, etc.) is broken, please bring it to Lisa. Please do not attempt to mend on your own.
· Remember to bring a plastic bag to protect jackets while not being worn. You can store these bags in the hats.
· Please check your uniform # on the red garment bag to be sure that all uniform parts match.
Mary D’Arienzo, VBC Wristbanding Liason
· VBC will be holding two training classes for those interested in wristbanding at VBC events. The dates are Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. and Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. This class is MANDATORY in order to wristband. She will send out an e mail with class details.
· So far, about 40 people have expressed interest in wristbanding, but it is likely that only 50% will actually attend training class and volunteer for VBC events.
· Remember that you can earn UNLIMITED service hours for wristbanding.
· She has a sign up sheet tonight for the classes or please email her ASAP so she can give the VBC a head count.
Shelley Corbett, Concessions/Brick Chairperson
· Shelley needs 3-4 more people to work concessions at the home game on Sept. 13. This is the last opportunity for the band to make money on concessions. Work hours are 5:30 until the end of the game. Workers will be in four different areas selling drinks, chips, cookies, and candy.
· BRICKS: There are yellow order forms in the band room. Band students can sell small engraved bricks for $50 or large bricks for $100. These bricks will be installed in the flag courtyard sometime in Oct. There is no cap on sales.
Jennie Davis, Trip Coordinator
· She brought handouts with preliminary details for the spring trip to Williamsbug, VA April 23-27, 2014.
· Approximate trip cost will be $550, which includes transportation, hotel, three breakfasts, three dinners, and event admissions, including Busch Gardens.
· Parents can start making payments Oct. 15; full balance is due Feb. 15. Please see website for more details.
· Please be aware that if you are not current on band fees, any money submitted for trip will be applied to band fees first.
· Let Andrew White know if you are interested in being a chaperone. Chaperone costs are approximately the same as student cost, but may be more depending on room preference.
Tim McElyea, Webmaster
Not present; information provided by Rich Arnold
· Tim has a photos page on the website with great pictures from games and other band events. He does a fantastic job, so please check out the website pictures!
· Tim makes a senior video which is shown at the end of the year banquet. He needs senior pictures (i.e. baby, other) on a CD labeled with students name. Barbara Bozeman will send a detailed email.
Ben Davis, Equipment
· Please ask your students to close their instrument cases BEFORE loading them on the truck after the games.
BPA Meeting Minutes - August 20, 2013
HUNTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BAND PARENT ASSOCIATION (HHSBPA)
GENERAL MEETING
August 20, 2013
The first HHSBPA monthly meeting was called to order by Rich Arnold, President, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Meetings are scheduled for the second Tuesday of every month. Any changes to this schedule will be announced.
Rich Arnold, President
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Welcome
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The first semester consists of marching band during home and several away football games, which will all be held on Friday nights this year. When buses are used to transport students to out of town games, competitions, and trips, parent chaperones will be needed. The band will also participate in two competitions, one in Gadsden on Saturday Sept. 28 and one in Florence on Saturday Oct. 26. Other events that marching band will participate in are the Veteran’s Day and Christmas parades
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During second semester, the students are in concert band, consisting of advanced and intermediate. Chair tests will take place sometime after marching band season. Students will perform a set piece for Dr. Spencer. The winter concert will be in early December. In January or February, students will participate in the Music Performance Assessment (MPA), during which judges score their performance. Last year, the HHS Intermediate Band received all 1’s, which is the highest attainable score!
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State events (optional) include All State Jazz Band, where students record CD’s of scales and two jazz pieces and submit them for evaluation. The deadline for submissions is November 1. All State Concert auditions are in January. The participants tryout and receive scores. The top performers proceed to All State and All District competitions. Solo Ensemble competition will be in the spring (April or May).
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All parents of band students are encouraged to volunteer in some capacity during the school year. Credits are awarded for service hours, and credits earned help offset students’ individual band expenses. There are also multiple fundraiser opportunities to help offset costs. Some involve a 50/50 split with BPA and others go 100% to the student accounts. Please see Rich, Rebecca Brooks, or Dr. Spencer if you have any financial and/or account concerns.
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Introduction of Dr. David Spencer, HHS band director. He earned his BA from Auburn, his Masters from University of South Mississippi, and Doctorate from North Texas. He has been HHS director for 34 years. He is also involved with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra (plays trumpet) and the Twickenham Winds. He is a Recipient of the Harold J. Wilson Music Educator of the Year award.
David Spencer, Band Director
Dr. Spencer stated that his goal is “to instill culture and excellence in the band program via hard work.”
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His first and last class rules are to be on time. Only water is allowed in the band room (no food or gum). Pranks will not be tolerated. Electronic devices (i.e. phones, etc.) will be confiscated if used during class.
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If your child needs to miss a rehersal, please let him know in advance via email. His address is William.spencer@hsv.k12. org. You can also access his email via the band and school website links.
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Mondays will be free days, which is a good time to schedule doctor and other appointments. Unexcused absences will be reflected in students’ grades. First 9 week grades consist of 50% attendance and 50% music performance. He expects each student to play music during the requested time.
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Charter buses will be used for the Oxford and Pell City games (see schedule on website). Yellow busses will be used for the games closer to home. Dr. Spencer prefers that students ride the bus to games. If a parent wants to take their child home, please tell a chaperone!
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Students need to bring everything that they will need for away games that morning. This applies to games where students need to load busses right after school.
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Parents are responsible for getting students to any events at Milton Frank Stadium.
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December 12, 2013 will be the first HHS formal concert.
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Combined spring trip with the Choir is planned for April 24-27 in Williamsburg, VA.
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Important websites include:
1) Charms Music (www.charmsoffice.com). This site is used to generate band emails. There is a link to this site on the band website as well. User name is huntsvillehsband and password is the last four digits of student’s social security number.
All financial records can be accessed from the Charms website. Please update all personal information on charms including name, address, emails, and all phone numbers.
Tim McElyea is Webmaster for this site.
The four mandatory forms can be downloaded from this site. They are due Friday, August 30.The HHS Field Trip form has to be notarized. This form is used for all field trips associated with HHS. Ms. Sharpe, our school secretary, is a Notary. You can also obtain Notary services at banks and credit unions.
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The band schedule for each week will be sent via email, usually on Sunday nights. Please be aware that the band website is approximately 90% accurate. Updates are made as timely as possible.
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The football schedule is posted on the band website; it is subject to change.
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This Thursday, August 22, is the Jamboree at Milton Frank Stadium. It is a scrimmage game. The band will play the National Anthem and Fight Song; we will plan to leave after half time. Please wear red band shirts and jeans.
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Donations of 2 cases of water/student are requested.
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MPA will be in Hartselle this year (end of February) due to construction at HHS.
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Please remember that the band room is not locked. Do not leave any valuables unattended! Dr. Spencer suggests leaving valuables in your school locker or you may leave items in Dr. Spencer’s office or the uniform room, which is locked.
INTRODUCTION OF BPA BOARD AND COMMITTEE BY RICH ARNOLD
BPA is a parent run organization and it operates via by- laws outlined on the band website. The board and committee members main job is to support Dr. Spencer.
Barbara Bozeman, Communications
She generates all of the band emails via Charms. The messages come from
Dr. Spencer and various people on the board and committees, not directly from her. Please alert Barbara if you are not receiving emails.
Please note that Barbara does not handle band finances. Please address Treasurer Rebecca Brooks with any concerns.
Shelley Corbett Concessions/Brick Chairperson
Not present
Tim McElyea, Web Master
Not present
Stephanie Thomas, Hospitality
Not present
Andrew White, 1st VP Chaperones
Chaperones are needed for Oxford and Pell City football games, MPA in Hartselle, spring trip, and competitions. Please see band website for chaperone duties.
Cynthia Smith and Lauren Carter, 2nd VP Fundraising
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All fundraising opportunities are listed on tonight’s handout.
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Enjoy the City coupon book sales are extended until September 5. There will be an announcement of Cynthia and/or Lauren’s availability to collect orders and money. These books have $5 Star coupons, which are also accepted at Publix. This is a great selling point!
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Please use Publix Partners key cards (passed out during tonight’s meeting) at Hampton Cove and Whitesburg Publix stores. These earn money for the band whenever you shop there.
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Donors are needed for December market and silent auction
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Leftover band items (T-shirts, magnets, coffee mugs, etc.) will be available at reduced prices after meeting.
Rebecca Brooks, Treasurer
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Rebecca stressed that BPA is not a booster club, and fees are mandatory.
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Credit cards will be accepted this year. However, there will be a 3% service charge for credit card use. If all band fees are paid in full by September 15, 2013, the 3% fee will be waived.
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There is a statement generated monthly via Charms. Please make sure that a PARENT’S email is entered in Charms so the student doesn’t receive the statement. Please check the statement before the monthly meeting so you can address any concerns with Rebecca. Mistakes do happen!
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When submitting a check, please make sure the student’s name and what payment if for is noted on the memo line. Checks can be deposited in secure payment box in band room. PLEASE DO NOT USE CASH!
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The 2013-2014 budget was presented, and copies were distributed to band parent members at the meeting. A motion was made to accept, followed by a second motion and a vote. Budget was approved.
Lisa McCrary, Uniforms
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Lisa is in the band room almost every day if you need anything related to uniforms.
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Lisa showed a sample of the band uniform. Red band shirt is worn under bib, and jacket is worn on top. Hats are also issued to band members.
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Black crew length socks are required. Ankle socks are NOT acceptable. If a student does not have their own socks, she will charge their band account $5.
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The uniforms cost $60,000 and are only purchased every 10 years. Each piece is numbered and assigned to individual students. She keeps a list of the assignments with her at all times, and the list will be posted on Charms.
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She urges everyone to take good care of the uniforms. This includes regular dry cleaning of the bibs and jackets. Wilson’s Cleaners on Whitesburg Drive and in Hampton Cove are the ONLY AUTHORIZED CLEANERS. They offer a discounted rate of $6.50. Lisa will charge $15 to a student’s account if she has to take a dirty uniform to be cleaned.
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If you receive a jacket with marks over the shoulder area, it was worn by a percussion or sousaphone player. The instrument straps leave marks.
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Uniforms are issued in red garment bags and include hangars. Please return these hangars at the end of the year along with the garment bags.
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Please don’t altar the uniforms in any way. Jacket sleeves and bibs have snaps to adjust length. Turn pants inside out while wearing shoes to make adjustments. PLEASE BE SURE TO SNAP PANTS AND JACKET SLEEVES BEFORE GAMES. Bib hems are damaged if they drag the ground.
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SHOES: Freshmen can pick up their shoes in the band room. Returning students needing shoes have two options: 1) buy a new pair for $35 or 2) bring gently used pair to exchange for another gently used pair.
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Red band shirts should be here by tomorrow.
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Please try on band shirts and shoes BEFORE the game to be sure that they fit, and to ensure that you have both shoes! She has very limited numbers and sizes of spare shoes and red shirts.
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Please provide your student with a plastic bag to store coats while in the stands.
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Lisa will send an email later in the year stating when jackets and bibs are to be returned. Students planning on returning to band next year may keep red shirts and shoes.
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Chaperones will hand out plumes and gloves at the games and collect them afterwards.
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She requested that students limit what they bring to games (i.e. no purses). There are pockets in the jackets for wallets, phones, and money.
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Lisa also handles the uniforms for concert season.
Cathy Patneaude, Color Guard
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Garment bags will be issued next week.
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Color guard members are allowed to go on band trips.
Jennie Davis, Trip Coordinator
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Parents can make a head start on payments for the spring trip if desired. Please mark on check what the payment is designated for. Payment will be listed as Miscellaneous in Charms for now.
Mary D’Arienzo, VBC Wristbanding Liason
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Parents can earn money for accounts by wristbanding at VBC events (concerts, Havocs hockey games, etc.). This involves checking ID’s for legal drinking age, and then placing a wristband on VBC patrons can purchase alcohol.
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Wristbanders must be over 21 years of age and attend a required training course (approx. 2-3 hours) at the VBC. This course is only required one time.
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VBC pays the BPA an hourly wage per wristbander ; a small portion of this money goes to the BPA and a larger portion is deposited directly into the student’s band account. There are no limits on the amount of wristbanding you may do.
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Mary needs wristbanders due to the loss of people due to graduation. You get into the event that you are working for free.
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She will send an email detailing events and dates to all band parents.
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If you are interested, please contact Mary. She has a volunteer sheet with her tonight.
Shelley Corbett, Concessions/Brick Chairperson
Shelley was not present; Rich made announcements
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Last year, a total of $8000 was made on home game concessions ($4000 to parents, $4000 to BPA). Parents earn money that goes directly into their accounts.
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Please click on Shelley’s link on the band website and provide name and email. She’ll contact parents regarding duties, times, etc.
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BRICK SALES: The band sells engraved commemorative bricks during the school year, which are placed in the school courtyard by the flagpole. Yellow forms are located on the wall in the band room. Students earn $5 for each small brick (2 lines) and $10 for each large brick (3 lines). There is no limit on the number of brick sales.
Susan Pendergrass, Credit Keeper
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Susan works closely with the Treasurer.
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There is a maximum of 35 service credits/year for a total of $175.
Stephanie Thomas, Hospitality
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Not present; no announcements were made
Ben Davis, Equipment
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Please remind students to load their instrument cases onto one of the two white band box trucks after games.
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Dr. Spencer interjected to make sure names are on the cases (i.e. via tape, luggage tag).
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Cases will be placed on the ground for the students; they must load their own instrument and load it on the trucks following the games.
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Students help to load instruments on the trucks before games.
Marcy Simon, Secretary
I will post minutes on the band website. Please make me aware of any changes or corrections. I will also post a copy of the minutes on the whiteboard in the band room.
Meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m.
2013-2014 Band and Color
MARCHING PERCUSSION 2013-14
SNARE Davenport, Tommy Hubbard, Jacob Rings, Lane Sears, Zach Vroom, Grace Wadzinski, Zach TENORS Bagwell, Jordan Hopkinson, Keith Purdin, Brady Wilbourn, J.Z. BASS (order to be decided later) Coggins, Justin Greene, Brodie McCrary, Walker Nance, Bobby Wortendyke PIT (to include timpani, bass, gong, all cymbals, bongos, claves, and all keyboards) Godsey, Joshua Heeschen, Jonah Hilbert, Connor Jacoby, Rayne Jones, Cameron McElyea, Adam Nurre, Nick Pair, Sanders Rasco, Cate Russell, James (electric bass) Saad, Sarah Stutts, Catherine Tonini, Caleb Trudeau, Esti
ADVANCED BAND (with freshmen) 2013-14 FLUTE Lily Brooks Rachael Mackenzie Rayne Aslan Hyunjee Lee Afton Blizard Katie Olszowy Abby Ellingwood Briana Parker Ting Wang Emily Paxton Caitlin Turner Jessica Skupien CLARINET Clay Brown Amanda Clark Rayna Burkard Dani Colvin Will Featherston Alex Vroom Michael Burrell Sierra Williams Maddie White Jazmine Witchard Cassie Anderson Chad Brouwer Jessica McClelland BASS CLARINET Daniel Daugherty Kevin May Katherine Kelly CONTRA-ALTO Scott Bozeman OBOE Cate Rasco Tara Harville Esti Trudeau BASSOON Katherine Mackenzie Rachel Barron Lisa Smith Joshua Godsey ALTO SAXOPHONE Gus Arnold Neal Kelso Tyler Smith Cameron Rives Ben Allen Nick Watford Sam Neighbors Emma Davis TENOR SAXOPHONE Sam McPheeters BARITONE SAXOPHONE Michael Vivian TRUMPET Graham McClelland Nathaniel Trudeau Ty McElroy Allie Starnes Timothy Smith Matthew Castleberry Audrey Corbett Ruhi Singh Summer Berthelson Vicki Wittenborg Nick Allen Will Meehan HORN Maxwell Heeschen Samantha White Randi Eversole Connor Smith Aimee Knott TROMBONE Rachel O’Kraski Muriel Carter Matthew Stone Drew Pendergrass Alex Kaylor Austin Turner Ethan Fee Jewell Smith Sam Thompson BARITONE Hudson Morris Sanders Pair TUBA Maxfield Crawford Aaron Simon Lowell Crook Nick Brown
Congratulations to the 2013-14
HHS Color Guard
Hannah Barnett
Kaitlyn Bodin
Kathleen Brook
Alison Burk
Haley Catrett
Meagan Conway
Tonya Heathington
Delaney Inman
Alissa Johnson
Rachael Mecomber
Ajare Norman
Delaney Patneaude
Elysse Rivera
Natalie Seavers
Kyndall Skelton
Lauren Stephens
Sarah Thomas
Kathryn Walls
Savannah Watson
Erin Wright
Alternate-Judith Angel
9/28/12 HHS vs Bob Jones
Saturday Sept. 29 Marching Competition
The Huntsville High School Band will be performing in the 48th Annual Mid-South Marching Band Festival at Titan Stadium at Gadsden City High School this Saturday, September 29
Saturday Schedule:
2:30 PM - Students meet at HHS to load buses
Wear street clothes for travel
Remember to bring all components of the marching uniform: bib pants, red shirt, jacket, hat, black shoes, & black socks
There will be time to change upon arrival and to eat dinner
Bring money for ONE meal at the concession stand
7:30 PM - HHS scheduled to perform
8:30 PM - Awards Ceremony
11:30 PM - ETA Huntsville
Parents interested in chaperoning this event, please contact Mike Seavers at mseavers@thevalleyscw.tv
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