Thursday, November 29, 2007

WSHS Orchestra Gift Giving Guide

Hi all,

This edition of the weekly orchestra newsletter contains information about local and national businesses that have holiday sale items, along with some recommendations from Ms. Silberman. Hope that you find this helpful.

1) Local music retailers Weathers Music and Uptown Music have many holiday offerings. Weathers printed up fliers with sale prices on accessories and there's an additional offer that if you bring in the flier, there's an additional discount that will be added to your purchase. Students will get these fliers on Thursday and Friday of this week. Uptown Music in Keizer and Strobel Violins (violas, cellos and basses too) sent emailable fliers.

2) The following online merchants have holiday sales and some added purchase bonuses (Southwest Strings is sending a complimentary tuner (!) with any instrument purchase - but, please talk with Ms. Silberman before purchasing an instrument online!). From Shar: Get a Shar gift certificate valued from $25 to $300 when you purchase select instruments or bows before December 31, 2007. Here are links:
http://www.swstrings.com/Store/Shopping.jsp
http://sharmusic.com/

3) Ms. Silberman recommends the following stocking stuffer ideas:
Jade Rosin - for violin, viola, or cello
IntelliTouch Tuner
Shar Metronome Tuner ($10.49 - Shar)
Cleaner, Polish and Cloth packets (available at most merchants)
DVDs:
Barrage, The World On Stage (world and contemporary music)
Great Violinist of the Bell Telephone Hour
Oistrakh / Menuhin / Rostropovich (classic string playing!!)
Matt Glaser-Swingin' Jazz Violin (Improv/Fiddling)
Zara Nelsova: Grande Dame of the Cello
Mark O'Connor: Contest Fiddling, Championship Style
Cherub Keychain Tone Generator
Glasser Colored (very cool!!) Round Fiberglass Violin/Viola/Cello Bow
($49/$51/$70 - Southwest Strings)

And, if you need other ideas, like music or CD suggestions, please
contact Ms. Silberman

4) Reminder - our concert is Wednesday night Dec. 12 and all students *MUST* be in proper concert attire in order to perform. If there are any issues with attire, please contact Ms. Silberman soon!

5) Wreaths and poinsettias need to be picked up in the A wing THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30th, 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. or THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1st, 9:00 - noon.

---------------------------------------------------------
Daryl Silberman, director
West Salem High School Orchestras
(503)-399-5533 x256
cell: (818) 317-8218
----------------------------------------------------------

Band Newsletter #16

TODAY'S Events (Thursday, November 29, 2007)
(Contributor: Mr. Griffiths, Jesse Seeley)

Trumpet Fanfare
What: Oregon State Tree Lighting ceremony
Where: Oregon Capitol Building
When: Thursday, Nov. 29th -- Performance @ 5:30 p.m.
Call time: The six students participating already know all details

Civil War Auction Performance
What: Boys and Girls Club gig
Where: Salem Convention Center
When: Thursday, Nov. 29th
Call Time: Approx. 6:00 p.m. (at WSHS)

IMPORTANT NOTE for this event: All students need to have a plan for traveling from West to the Convention Center (and back)—the event, once there will be quite short. All students are asked to wear Duck or Beaver colors, and to bring extra Duck or Beaver attire for students who may not have any. This is a semi-formal event, so dress tastefully, please. We know that this could be difficult with the bold colors of the two colleges, but slacks, skirts, and nice shoes as appropriate. This will be a fairly SHORT gig, so make sure your ride is available for the return trip as well.

Tomorrow's Events (Friday, November 30, 2007)
(Contributor: Mr. Griffiths, Vickie Tuttle, Jesse Seeley)
Most already know about the WSHS Playoff Game at PGE Park: Friday evening at 8 p.m. As discussed at the Band Awards, Call Time for this event will be 4:45 p.m. at WSHS. STUDENTS: Please remember to bring a sack dinner and wear as warm clothes as possible (as well as rainwear if necessary). We will probably bring the ponchos, but extra personal rain gear for your personal comfort. The word on the news is that Friday's high will be 35 and low around 28. Since the team is playing late it's going to be cold. Also see requests below. . .

Wrap up on Band Awards
(Contributor: Mr. Griffiths)
Thanks again to all the Band Boosters, parents, and students for making it to the Band Awards this past Tuesday evening! It was a great success on this second attempt. Any students who were not able to attend may pick up their awards in the band room. Thanks again for a great Marching Band Season! Now onto the rest of the school year!

Reminders: Events previously announced and upcoming
(Contributors: Vickie Tuttle, Patricia Nielsen, Mr. Griffiths)
Free Chamber Music Concert at Willamette
Chamber Music at Hudson Hall on Thursday, November 29th, just after holding the clinic for WSHS, Mr. Wytko will be sharing the stage with Randy Kem, David Ingram and guests such as Andy Kronser, Richard such, Greg Angeloni and Mark Powers. This concert will be at 8:00 p.m. and is also FREE!

Percussion/Marimba Clinic at Weathers Music
There will be a special guest soloist coming to Weather's Music. Nathan Daughtrey will perform on a special five octave marimba made available through Weathers music. Nathan Daughtrey, a clinician endorsed by Vic Firth and Yamaha, will conduct a special (FREE) clinic in the Bach Room at Weathers Music on Friday, December 14th at 4:00 p.m.. Marimba and mallet players from the area are invited to this free clinic.

Uniform Fittings – Formal Concert Attire—Time is running out!
If you haven't been fitted yet, time is running out! The dates were set on this for November 26 – 29th to fit tuxes and concert dresses during the morning classes. Please contact her at Deanna atdg5758@comcast.net or Vickie at tuttle84@comcast.net (503) 588-0968.

Other Events to Remember:
Percussion Gig
What: Holiday Green Show
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds (tentative)
When: Saturday, December 8th (times TBA)

Holiday Band Concert
What: WSHS annual music concert
Where: Auditorium at WSHS
When: Thursday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:20 p.m.)
Call time: TBA

Winter Ensemble—Update
(Contributor: Alan Keown, Jesse Seeley, Mr. Griffiths)
LAST CALL! Reminder update was sent out by Alan Keown yesterday. For those of you not yet on his distribution list, below is the text of that email message. Please contact him directly if you need to get your name on this winter's team: alankeown@COMCAST.NET

From: Alan Keown [mailto:alankeown@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 10:22 AM
Hey All...Just an update... We are on schedule so far with the design...it is looking pretty cool! We still need about 7 people to be prop people, so if any of your friends want to participate have them email me. The first dates for the season are the music camp dates...Dec 15 and 16 (Sat/Sun) Sat will be 9 am-9 pm, and Sunday will be 9 am-4 pm. These dates are mandatory (as are all of our dates), so be sure to plan accordingly. (The guard may have a slightly different schedule...check with Jen).

The drill camp is Jan 5 and 6...times =TBA. Also please be advised that there will be a floor painting party at some point before Jan 5...possibly over the break...all that can help will be appreciated...I'll let you know as soon as I know.

Also, be advised that the first installment of your fair share is due at the music camp...try hard to not get behind in your payments. AND…if you need some financial assistance get with Mr. G or Vickie Tuttle on the Christmas tree lot fundraiser (Editor's note: fundraiser info immediately below) they talked about at the awards ceremony. Thanks. Have a great weekend!

Fund Raising Opportunity
For those that may need assistance on raising funds for your interests (Winter Ensemble, fair share balance, etc), there will be an opportunity to work shifts at the Christmas Tree booth that Mr. Urbani announced at the Band Awards Tuesday evening. If you are interested, immediately contact him AND Vickie Tuttle (urbanic@open.org and tuttle84@comcast.net, respectively). At press time the exact shifts that were available or details on this opportunity did not make its way for this newsletter, thus contacting Mr. Urbani and Vickie is imperative if you want to be on this list

Monday, November 26, 2007

Band Newsletter #15

Band Awards—Tuesday, November 27th, at 6:30 p.m. in the WSHS Commons
(Contributors: Brian Griffiths, Vickie Tuttle, Jesse Seeley)
Just a reminder about this rescheduled event that we reported on last Wednesday. We’re still on to enjoy some refreshments and honor our Titan Marching band. Again the info:

When: Tuesday, November 27th, 2007
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 (time approximate)
Place: WSHS “Commons”

ANOTHER Football Playoff Game—Special Planning
(Contributors: Vickie Tuttle, Brian Griffiths)
As many already know the WSHS Football Team is headed to the Semi-Finals this Friday (Nov 30th) evening at 8:00 p.m. at PGE Park in Portland. The Band will be taking buses and will have a call time of 4:45 p.m. this Friday. Mr. Griffiths would like students to bring a sack dinner and wear as warm of clothes as possible (as well as rainwear if necessary). We will probably bring the ponchos, but extra personal raingear personal comfort. The word on the news is that Friday's high will be 35 and low around 28. Since the team is playing late it's going to be cold. Also see requests below. . .

Special Requests:
1. We need a truck to transport the 10 drums from drum line and the tubas (3 or 4). I have sent a request to one driver but if he cannot we will need to get someone.
2 . Hand warmers. We’ve run out of those hand warmers and funds to supply more for this event—we would appreciate anyone’s donation of these—contact Vickie Tuttle directly at tuttle84@comcast.net

Additions/ Reminders to upcoming events
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle, Patricia Nielsen)
Saxophone Clinic at WSHS
Saxophonist and International Concert artist Joseph Wytko will be performing with the Wind Ensemble at Willamette University (Hudson Hall) this Wednesday (Nov 28th) at 7:30 p.m. The following day another special treat and opportunity for WSHS students—Joseph Wytko will be holding a private Master Class to all interested WSHS students. The event will be right after school at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 29th. The exact room will be announced by the WSHS Music Directors. The concert at Willamette University AND the clinic are FREE.

Free Chamber Music Concert at Willamette
Chamber Music at Hudson Hall on Thursday, November 29th, just after holding the clinic for WSHS, Mr. Wytko will be sharing the stage with Randy Kem, David Ingram and guests such as Andy Kronser, Richard such, Greg Angeloni and Mark Powers. This concert will be at 8:00 p.m. and is also FREE!

Percussion/Marimba Clinic at Weathers Music
There will be a special guest soloist coming to Weather’s Music. Nathan Daughtrey will perform on a special five octave marimba made available through Weathers music. Nathan Daughtrey, a clinician endorsed by Vic Firth and Yamaha, will conduct a special (FREE) clinic in the Bach Room at Weathers Music on Friday, December 14th at 4:00 p.m... Marimba and mallet players from the area are invited to this free clinic.

Reminders: Future/Upcoming Events
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle)
Sent out in last week’s Early Edition, below are reminders and some clarifications added.

Trumpet Fanfare
What: Oregon State Tree Lighting ceremony
Where: Oregon Capitol Building
When: Thursday, Nov. 29th -- Performance at 5:30 p.m.
Call time: TBA
Who: Still-to-be-selected musicians

Civil War Auction Performance
What: Boys and Girls Club gig
Where: Salem Convention Center
When: Thursday, Nov. 29th
Call Time: Approx. 6:30 p.m.
Who: Interested students contact Mr. Griffiths immediately!

Percussion Gig
What: Holiday Green Show
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds (tentative)
When: Saturday, December 8th (times TBA)

Holiday Band Concert
What: WSHS annual music concert
Where: Auditorium at WSHS
When: Thursday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:20 p.m.)
Call time: TBA

Reminder: Uniform Fittings – Formal Concert Attire
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle)
Deanna Garney is in need of several volunteers that can come to the school next week, November 26 – 29th to continue fitting tuxes and concert dresses during the morning classes. Please contact her at dg5758@comcast.net or tuttle84@comcast.net - Vickie-503-588-0968.

Reminder: Concessions Request
Our band needs to provide concessions volunteers at the January 8th Girls Basketball Game arriving at 4:30 for duty. We need two adult volunteers and three students. This is a great opportunity for anyone involved in Winterguard/Percussion activities. Please contact ASAP: Vickie Tuttle at tuttle84@comcast.net or 503-588-0968.

Winter Ensemble—LAST CALL!
(Contributor: Alan Keown, Jesse Seeley)
There are only a few people that need to get in touch with Alan (you know who you are J — e-mail directly from him on 11/23/07). For those of you that DID attend the meeting over a week ago, it is IMPERATIVE that he hear from you to confirm your interest. If you are still interested but have NOT yet notified Alan Keown of your interest to participate in the Winter Ensemble (a.k.a. Winter Theatre compiled of percussion, auxiliary/guard, props, etc), he must also hear from you immediately! Contact Alan directly at alankeown@COMCAST.NET or immediately advise Mr. Griffiths of your interest. Time is of the essence as the program begins its design this week!

Football Playoff Game—Saturday, November 24th
(Contributor: Brian Griffiths)
Practices and exact schedules will be discussed with the band by the directors. This will be a pre-game and stands only performance.

When: SATURDAY, November 24th, 2007
Who: Jazz Labs I and II are covering the gig.
Call time: 11:00 a.m. (Game at 1:00 p.m.)
Additional info: Bring lunch or money for concessions.

Auction Update
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle)
The evening was a tremendous success. The actual amount collected to be announced by the Foundation. Band had some very successful items auctioned, especially our Drumline Wake up Call. Percussion players: stay tuned for actual booking of the wake up call.

Notes from Band Booster Meeting (held November 19, 2007)
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle, Jesse Seeley)
Below are abbreviated notes from the recent Band Booster Meeting held this past Monday to discuss the ongoing volunteer and program needs of the WSHS Music and MB Program. Continuing leadership and volunteer structure was discussed along with immediate goals for the 2008-09 year. More detailed minutes should become available in the near future. Some action items were discussed and will be covered at our next meeting on January as well as publication of budgets and detailed information of how the organization is run. Some immediate goals discussed and tabled for action at our January meeting are:
• Create silk boutonnieres and corsages for OSAA and jazz events — tabled
• Design and plan for construction of better shelving in the Percussion Room
• Request for some major storage solutions for Music Department. Immediate call for anyone who has a connection to, or storage facility available to store MB equipment at a nominal rate or donation. At minimum we have a large timpani trailer, pit rack and prop carts that need to be stored offsite of the school until a more permanent solution is found.
• Need for trailer to haul percussion equipment to the percussion gig at the Fairgrounds on Saturday, December 8th.
• Trip Coordinator will be needed for the 2008-2009 Year. Directors will present trip ideas at the January Booster Meeting.
• Discussion and vote on fees for the 2008 fall marching season.
• Vacant volunteer positions to be filled for the 2008-2009 School year. Planning ahead - Fundraising Coordinator, MB Events Coordinator, Auction Coordinator, Music Day Coordinator as well as committee members. We have many parent volunteers that will be graduating with their students this year and next year. If you want to see the program continue to grow and prosper please plan to help contribute in some small way.

Editor’s Corner: Quote/thought for the week
(Contributor: Monique Seeley)
“Your life is like an orchestra: Properly conduct yourself, and keep your manners tuned”
Author unknown [quoted by Joseph Simmons, aka “Run” of Run DMC, on his MTV show “Run’s House”]

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Band Newsletter #14

RESCHEDULED Band Awards V2.0
(Contributor: Brian Griffiths, Vickie Tuttle, Jesse Seeley)
Let’s try this one more time. Everyone is re-invited to the Band Awards (or should we call them “Re-Awards”?)! Come enjoy some refreshments and honor our Titan Marching band. The NEW time for Band Awards V2.0 is:

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 (time approximate)
Day: Tuesday, November 27th, 2007
Place: WSHS Commons

Also available will be the DVDs that were pre-ordered and others available for a suggested $10 donation.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Choir News and Thanks

Happy Monday to all!

I want to say a big thank you to all of the Soundscape and Rhythm Express students and parents! We had a successful Jazz Festival on Saturday and it is due to their hard work and energy. Special thanks to these organizers:

Judi Larson
Ann Finley
Rondi Sakagawa
Kelly Arnold
Mike Straw
Cathy Clapper
Pam and Gary Halleen
Deborah Morrison

I'm sure I am missing someone and please accept my apologies if I didn't include your name!

CAPTIOL MANOR CONCERT (CONCERT CHOIR ONLY):
Tomorrow night (Tuesday) at 6:45 p.m. at Capitol Manor Retirement Home. They are so excited to have us there! Please carpool as parking is very limited. Parents are welcome.

HOLIDAY CONCERT:
Our Holiday concert is coming up on Tuesday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. We will need a few ushers for this event. If you are able to be here at 6:20 to help with that, please email Judi Larson at judilarson@msn.com to let her know. Thank you!

CAPITOL ROTUNDA PERFORMANCE:
We will need some chaperones for this event. 11:30-1:30 on Thursday, December 13. Please e-mail me if you are available.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I am so thankful for the students and parents I have the honor of working with every day. Thanks for making West such a great place to be!

Lisa

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Invitation to Band Meeting

Dear Band Families,

Please come and join us in the Band Room tomorrow, Monday, Nov. 19, at 6:45 for a planning meeting.

Due to the heavy activity during the marching season from August to early November, our band committee is informal as we have not had an opportunity to come together for actual planning. In order to promote the rest of the years' activities and strive to create an ongoing organization of strength, it's time to get together before the busy holidays are upon us.

Thank You.

Sincerely,
Vickie Tuttle
(503) 588-0968
tuttle84@comcast.net

Friday, November 16, 2007

Band Extra! Extra!

My apologies for the “extras” this week, but the info is ever changing. Below are the additional bits of information omitted from the regular newsletter sent out yesterday as well as an update for the “call time” for tonight’s WSHS Football playoff game.

Call Time for WSHS Football Playoff Game Tonight (Friday, November 16, 2007)—Report at 5:55 p.m. and wear layered clothes as it will be cold and wet (skeptics? Look out the window).

Jazz Band Lab Schedule changed—Regular ensemble meetings have begun:
o Lab II: Monday 2:45-4:15, Wednesday/Friday early bird
o Lab I: Monday 4:15-6:15, Tuesday/Thursday early bird

Thank you for your time,
Jesse Seeley
WSHS Newsletter Editor

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Jazz Insert

Just after sending the “Early Edition” of the latest WSHS Newsletter, the information immediately below just came in from Mr. Griffiths. If you are planning on attending today’s Jazz Band Festival at WOU this will be of interest. If not, please accept my apologies for the additional e-mail/clutter.

Jesse Seeley
WSHS Newsletter Editor

Concert Venue: Werner University Center (Columbia Room)
Parking: Park in Lot H, near the WUC
Admission: Free

WSHS Jazz Band Lab I plays at 1:00 p.m.
WSHS Jazz Band Lab II plays at 3:40

Band Newsletter #13

“Band Awards”—Fire Drill
(Contributors: Vickie Tuttle, Jesse Seeley)
It was a nice try, but fire alarms and a mandatory evacuation halted this and other events going on last night at a VERY busy WSHS. To all of those that contributed to the lovely desserts and refreshments, we can’t thank you enough! We were advised earlier (separate email from Vickie) that those desserts would somehow make their way to the music department, teachers, and possibly the fire department. We now will move to Plan B — as soon as we figure out what Plan B is you’ll be updated. We await word on when the awards event will be rescheduled—stay tuned here for the next update or newsletter.

For those who were expecting to pick up their DVDs, please contact Jim McKinnell and myself and we will schedule a time for pickup/distribution or obtain your mailing address to direct mail to your house.

Events November 15th & 16th & 17th
(Contributor: Mr. Griffiths, Jesse Seeley)
1. November 15th WOU Jazz Festival update
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley, Mr. Griffiths)
“Be there, or be square” (a quote from the REAL jazz days… can you say “Beatnik” —sorry kids, we’re talking music history -- these were even before the hippies. J). This is a reminder about this Thursday’s Jazz Festival at Western Oregon University in Monmouth.

Call times:
When: Thursday, November 15th, 2007 – Bus departs immediately after 3rd period.
Where: Western Oregon University (directions: http://www.wou.edu/online_catalog/display/campus_maps.php)
Campus Map: http://www.wou.edu/wou/maps/
Return: Approximately at 6:00 p.m.

Other info — At press time it was unknown what time WSHS Jazz Band was scheduled to play. See attached “WOU Maps, directions” document/picture which includes directions from West Salem to WOU campus, overview of route, campus map, parking recommendations, and campus phone number. Admission is free. All of the information was given to me by the receptionist at WOU (503.838.8000)

2. November 16th WSHS Football Playoff Game
(Contributor: Mr. Griffiths)
The call times and game time are yet to be announced, but plan on this Friday game (16 November). Practices and exact schedules will be discussed with the band by the directors. This will be a pre-game and stands only performance.

3. November 17th WSHS Annual Auction
Ready for this year’s auction? We hope to see as many there as possible. If you can still volunteer or have any final/last minute items to donate to the auction, please contact Vickie immediately or by phone at (503) 588-0968,

Winter Ensemble (a.k.a. “Winter Guard” or “Winter Drum Line”)
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley)
There was a great turnout at this past Monday evening’s meeting. Topics discussed were the details of the program, schedule, venues, and costs. There was a handout that included most of this information. If you were unable to attend the meeting and would still like information, please contact: Mr. Griffiths Griffiths_brian@salkeiz.k12.or.us

If you’d like a copy of the handout please send me email directly (jesse@hp.com), include in the subject line “Winter Ensemble Handout” and it will be sent to you

Band Booster Meeting—Monday, November 19th
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle)
Important - Now that Marching Season is complete the Band Boosters will be holding a Booster Meeting every other month on the 3rd Monday. Our fist one will be Monday, November 19th. I will be trying to get the Titan Room but if we don't then it will be held in the band room. It will be held at 6:45 p.m. The meetings will be held in November, January, March and May. These meetings will be important in maintaining a well functioning support team for the band and continuity so that as senior parents graduate out there is time to pass on vital information and structure. We still have many activities in the coming year to support such as: Concerts, Winter Percussion, Color Guard, Solo's and Ensemble, Jazz Trip to Idaho, Fund Raising, OSAA Contests, Jazz Night, and also a major goal of a storage unit or site. Please plan on attending if at all possible. Everyone is welcome!

Order DVD of all WSHS Marching Band Events
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley, Jim McKinnell)
For those who’ve already placed your orders for these DVDs, they will be ready at tonight’s (Wednesday) Band Awards. If you didn’t order one, there may be a few available — minimally there’ll be a sign-up sheet if you’d like a copy of your own. This menu-driven production is available for you to order for a mere donation to the band (a $10 suggested donation is a good round number J). Again, we’d like to get these into every parent and grandparents’ home, so if you can’t find the funds, let us know so we can help you get this priceless memory in a DVD player (or Christmas stocking) near you J. To order via email, send to: jim.mckinnell@hp.com. Please allow 2 weeks for delivery to your house if you don’t pick one up tonight. Make checks payable to “WSHS Band Boosters.”

Upcoming Event Rehearsals
(Contributor: Mr. Griffiths)
To prepare for the upcoming (December 8th) Festival of Lights Parade through downtown Salem, there will be some short rehearsals in the near future. So the marching band members need to put aside some time for these rehearsals as follows:
Thursday/Friday, December 6th & 7th after school
Parade Day, December 8th, TBA

Schedule of airing of Marching Band events on Channel 22
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley)
There have been many of the events taped by the great folks over at CCTV (Channel 22 on Comcast), and I wanted to take this opportunity to give you those listings of the remaining viewings.

PCI: PCI event on CCTV (Channel 22)
The remaining viewings for this are:
November 22nd at 10:00 a.m.
November 24th at 4:00 p.m.
November 25th at 10:00 a.m.
November 25th at 4:00 p.m.

NW Marching Band Championship at OSU: NW Marching Band Circuit Championships at OSU
The remaining viewings for this show are:
November 27th at 2:58 p.m.

The latter (NWMBC at OSU) is available as on DVD from the OSU band site. The cost is $30 and must be ordered using the form available at: OSU DVD Order form (note: at press time there were issues getting to this form—the full address is: http://osumb.oregonstate.edu/osumbc/07.cctv.order-form.pdf

For more great programming information, go directly to CCTV’s Web site.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Choir News

Happy Tuesday to all! I was delighted to see so many of you at conferences last week. As always, please feel free to call or email anytime you have a question or concern.

ELEMENTARY HONOR CHOIR CONCERT:
Tomorrow night (Wednesday, 11/14) at 7:00 p.m. is our annual Elementary Honor Choir concert. This concert features Walker Concert Choir, West Chorale and Concert Choir and our elementary area choir.

SALEM VOCAL JAZZ FESTIVAL:
This Saturday is our festival! We'll be hosting 13 groups from around Oregon and the Willamette Singers from Willamette University. Groups will begin performing at 9:40 a.m. with Rhythm Express performing at 1:00 p.m. and Soundscape performing at 4:00 p.m.

We are still looking for volunteers for 2 hour shifts manning the doors into the Auditorium and possibly working a shift at concessions. If you are interested in volunteering for a part of Saturday, please reply to this email and I will forward it to the appropriate person.
This is truly a student and parent driven event and your support is so appreciated!

CAPITOL MANOR CONCERT:
Concert Choir will be performing at the Capitol Manor next Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 7:00 p.m. Students are strongly encouraged to car pool as parking is limited and need to be at the Manor by 6:45 p.m. Parents are welcome to attend.

HOLIDAY CONCERT:
Our Holiday concert is Tuesday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. and is sure to be a wonderful addition to your busy Holiday season.

CAPITOL ROTUNDA CONCERT:
The annual trek to the Capitol Rotunda is Thursday, December 13 at 12:00 noon. We welcome parent chaperones. Please email Lisa if you are able to attend as a chaperone. Your time commitment would be from 11:30-1:30.

Many thanks!

Lisa

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Band update

From Mr. Griffiths:

The Titan Band Program has the opportunity this year to create a Winter Percussion / Winter Colorguard program! We will have an organization & information meeting THIS MONDAY (Nov. 12) at 7:30pm in the Band Room. All interested students AND PARENTS are encouraged to attend! Come find out about this outstanding activity and the incredible performance opportunities it offers.

If you are interested, but are unable to attend this meeting, please e-mail Mr. Griffiths

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Band Newsletter #12

Auction Only Days Away!
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle)
We need 3 volunteers (students are okay here too) who are interested in working at the auction as “runners”. This is some fun here, gets you into the action for free and is an important job. The Auction is NEXT Saturday (November 17th). The hours that the runners need to be available is from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Auction team will give them instructions when they get there. Tim Klarr anso told me if they can't be there at 5:00 6:00 will work too!

We could STILL use more donations for the auction—last minute donations welcome. Please contact Vickie immediately at tuttle84@comcast.net or by phone at (503) 588-0968.

Jazz Workshop November 12th
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle)
This upcoming Monday is a holiday, but there will be a Jazz Workshop if you are interested. Call time for this is 8:45 a.m. Bring lunch and snack food. We play for our own audience at 5:30 p.m.; after that we’ll clean up and dismiss (circa 6:30 p.m.). Contact Mr. Griffiths for further or more details.

Band Awards
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle)
The Fall Band awards are next Wednesday, November 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the WSHS Commons. I have already sent out a separate e-mail requesting deserts. Coffee and Punch will be provided. Come relive the spirit of The Green Machine.

Other Events ‘round the corner (November 15th & 16th)
(Contributor: Mr. Griffiths, Jesse Seeley)
There has been an addition to the Schedule of Events for next week that was unforeseeable at the time of its writing. In addition to the November 15th (next Thursday) Jazz Festival at Western Oregon University (see call times below), please note the NEWLY added event (below in “Forward Looking. . .”) is the Championship Game for the WSHS Football Team. Of course the football game is not complete without the band (yes, many do just to come and watch the band), so there will be a pre-game and stands only musical performance at this championship game. The call times and game time are yet to be announced, but plan on a Friday game (16 November). Practices and exact schedules will be discussed with the band by the directors after they return to school Tuesday, November 13th.

November 15th Call Times for WOU Jazz Festival—Leave school @10:45 a.m., returning at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Announcements and Congratulations
(Contributor: Dr. Nail, Mr. Griffiths, Vickie Tuttle)
This was quite an accomplishment for these musicians. Not only was the timing REALLY bad to get their portfolio ready for an audition, the try-outs for the All State Band were held right after school started. Several WSHS musicians met the deadlines for submission of their work, auditioned, and were selected to perform at this year’s All State Band which will be held at the OMEA Conference in Eugene (January 25th – 27th, 2008). The list of selected musicians submitted thus far:
Jessica Yang – Flute
Josh Hettwer – Clarinet
Matt Hettwer-Trombone
Ryan Tuttle – Trumpet

Please congratulate these fine musicians for this outstanding accomplishment!

Band Booster Meeting
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle)
Important - Now that Marching Season is complete the Band Boosters will be holding a Booster Meeting every other month on the 3rd Monday. Our fist one will be Monday, November 19th. I will be trying to get the Titan Room but if we don't then it will be held in the band room. It will be held at 6:45 p.m. The meetings will be held in November, January, March and May. These meetings will be important in maintaining a well functioning support team for the band and continuity so that as senior parents graduate out there is time to pass on vital information and structure. We still have many activities in the coming year to support such as: Concerts, Winter Percussion, Color Guard, Solo's and Ensemble, Jazz Trip to Idaho, Fund Raising, OSAA Contests, Jazz Night, and also a major goal of a storage unit or site. Please plan on attending if at all possible. Everyone is welcome!

Wow! Order DVD of all WSHS Marching Band Events
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley, Jim McKinnell)
Many of you have probably captured your own video, still pictures, and those proverbial pictures of the ground and the sky, but never in the history of the WSHS Marching Band has there been a compilation of nearly ALL of the marching band events from a single season on a single DVD! Band parent and volunteer Jim McKinnell has put together a great series of most of the events from this season on a single DVD! We had several takers on his previous publishing of the work at PCI, but this one is a more full-scale DVD production that captures the early days with the “FUN-da-mentals” of the band from their first performance at Parent Night at the end of Band Camp to last week’s culmination of the NW Marching Band Circuit championship.

This menu-driven production is available for you to order for a mere donation to the band (a $10 suggested donation is a good round number J). But we want to get these into every parent and grandparents’ home, so if you can’t find the funds, let us know so we can help you get this priceless memory in a DVD player (or Christmas stocking) near you J. We will be taking orders to have them ready (hopefully) by next week’s Band Awards. In order to accomplish this, your order will have to be received no later than Monday, November 12th at 5:00 p.m. If you don’t make this deadline, a sign-up sheet will be available at the awards on November 14th. Send your pre-order to: jim.mckinnell@hp.comso he can put it in the queue for production. It is quite fun to see the progression of greatness from week-to-week and how the show actually progressed through the season and how quickly these musicians improved. Send Jim an email today and have yours ready by November 14th!

Schedule of airing of Marching Band events on Channel 22
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley)
There have been many of the events taped by the great folks over at CCTV (Channel 22 on Comcast), and I wanted to take this opportunity to give you those listings of the remaining viewings.

PCI: PCI event on CCTV (Channel 22 )
The remaining viewings for this are:
November 22nd @10:00 a.m.
November 24th @4:00 p.m.
November 25th @10:00 a.m.
November 25th @4:00 p.m.

NW Marching Band Championship at OSU: NW Marching Band Circuit Championships at OSU

The remaining viewings for this show are:
November 10th @4:58 p.m.
November 27th @2:58 p.m.

The latter (NWMBC at OSU) is available as on DVD from the OSU band site. The cost is $30 and must be ordered using the form available at: OSU DVD Order form (note: at press time there were issues getting to this form—the full address is: http://osumb.oregonstate.edu/osumbc/07.cctv.order-form.pdf

For more great programming information, go directly to CCTV’s Web site at: http://hexi.com/cctv/schedule.php3?

Wreath sales — Missed a turn-in date?
(Contributor: Sheila Muller, Jesse Seeley)
Because of the teacher conferences that bounced upon us and the holiday on Monday, November 12th, some of you may have missed the dates to turn in your money and orders. Please contact Sheila Muller immediately to arrange a time to accomplish this. Contact Sheila directly at mullersg@comcast.net or phone her at (503) 364.4760

Forwarding-looking at upcoming events on the 2007/2008 Calendar
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley)
Here’s a look at an excerpt from the Calendar of Events. Note newly added WSHS Football playoff game for upcoming week (11/16).
11/14 Fall Band Awards
11/15 Jazz WOU Jazz Festival
11/16 Titan Band – Football playoff game at West
11/16-19 WIBC in Tacoma, WA
12/08 Titan Band – Festival of Lights parade
12/13 Holiday Concert

Editor’s Corner: Quote/thought for the week
“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

Author: Frank Outlaw

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Orchestra News

1) This weekend there are 2 really great concert-going opportunities - the Portland Youth Philharmonic has their concert Saturday Nov. 10 and the Salem Pops has their Friday Nov. 9. For ticket prices and more information www.salempopsorchestra.org and www.portlandyouthphil.org. Remember to show your West Salem student ID at Salem area concerts to receive student pricing.

2) The 9th annual Cremona exhibit, an exhibit of beautifully handcrafted violins, violas and cellos from Cremona, Italy, will be coming to Portland this next weekend. David Kerr Violin Shop(www.kerrviolins.com/event.html) is hosting this incredible exhibit. There is an opening afternoon reception - for more information, please navigate to the Web site. This is a traveling exhibit - the instruments are available for viewing (playing) and acquisition (they're mostly advanced-professional quality instruments) - that I used to go to annually in Los Angeles. Even if you're not in the market for a many-thousand-dollar instrument, it's wonderful to visit the shop and see/play these instruments.

3) Salem's All-City orchestra applications are due Tuesday Nov. 13 - the application needs student and parent signature and must be accompanied by a $7 check made out to Salem-Keizer Public Schools. If you don't know whether or not your child has the application materials, please feel free to contact me (silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us). This year's All-City conductor is internationally respected music educator professor Louis Bergonzi - and dynamic conductor and fantastically interesting educator.

4) Thank you to all the parents who have come to parent conferences and who attended the Parent Meeting this past Tuesday.

5) Congratulations to the students accepted to the 2008 Oregon All-State Orchestra:

Gwen Gates, Violin
Robin Kim, Violin
Taylor Baldwin, Bass
Tyler King, Bass

Honorable mention goes to Kayla Fedenrecht for a great effort getting her audition materials together. Auditioning for All-State or All-Northwest is a tough process that takes lots of practice time and determination. Students accepted to play All-State will play at the Oregon Music Educators Association conference in Eugune next January. It is very exciting to have West Salem High so well represented.

6) Just a quickie reminder that though students have 5 days off, they are still expected to practice some - periods 5, 6, and 7 will need to turn in completed practice logs on the first day back next week, and period 1
is learning a wonderful piece of music with solo parts - auditions will be held in 2 weeks to see who will perform the solos at the Dec. 12 concert.


---------------------------------------------------------
Daryl Silberman, director
West Salem High School Orchestras
(503)-399-5533 x256
cell: (818) 317-8218

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Wreath Reminder

WREATH SALE ORDER REMINDER:

Thursday, November 8th is the due date for the wreath sale turn-in sheets/money. There is no school that day so, you may want to turn them Wednesday, November 7th. I hope all students hit the pavement hard to raise money for their accounts. It's an easy way to make money for future trips or fair share.

Sheila Muller
mullersg@comcast.net
503-364-4760

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Orchestra News

1) We're reaching the end of the fund-raising season for this Fall - we've complete Music Day, Entertainment Books, and Poinsettia Sales. Wreath sale packets with money need to be in the lock box by Nov. 8. Thank you to all who sold and purchased fund-raisers.

2) Parent meeting Tuesday November 6, 6:30pm - Orchestra Room. Please come to the next Orchestra Boosters meeting in the Orchestra room on Tuesday, November 6th, 6:30 p.m. We will be discussing finances, fundraising, retreat organization, future concert dates, and more. E-mail Jenny Gates with other suggested agenda items.

3) This Monday students (and parents) have an opportunity to hear the world renowned St. Lawrence String Quartet in performance at Willamette University. See last week's newsletter for more information. Tickets for the concert are $20 for adults and $12 for students and seniors, and are available at the Pentacle Theatre Ticket Office in Salem at 145 Liberty Street NE, Suite 102. Tickets can be charged over the phone by calling (503) 485-4300, and are subject to a service charge. For information call the Willamette University Music Department at (503) 370-6255.

4) NO SCHOOL this Thursday and Friday. Students will receive extra credit if their parents come to visit Ms. Silberman at parent conferences.

5) Here's a fun website that promotes musical learning: www.musictechteacher.com - rhythm, composers, music symbols and more. Enjoy!

Remember, this newsletter, all other newsletters, and other information is posted at www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com - please bookmark and check often.

Happy November!!

~Ms. Silberman

---------------------------------------------------------
Daryl Silberman, director
West Salem High School Orchestras
(503)-399-5533 x256
cell: (818) 317-8218
----------------------------------------------------------

Band Newsletter #11

IMMEDIATE ACTION PLEASE! Items still needed for upcoming Auction
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle)
The Band is still looking for a few donations for the Foundation Auction. If you are going to donate something that will be considered for the Oral Auction I will need to get a donation sheet completed and turned in on Thursday or Friday and Silent Auction Items by next week. Please contact Vickie immediately. Below is a sampling of what we have thus far. Come on folks! Last minutes are upon us! How about a trumpeter’s wake up call? Flute wake up call? No? Maybe not...saxophones are loud J Auction off one of your skills? Any and all ideas welcome!

#1. Guided Fishing Trip, $525, Mike Winegar
#2. Hawaii Condo, $2,000, Jim and Mary Eastridge
#3. Drumline Wakeup, Priceless for the smile on your face, WSHS Titan Drumline
#4. Dinning on the Hill for party of 8, Personal chef and wine steward, $400, Jim and Mary Eastridge

Let’s try to come CLOSE to matching the Eastridge's donations (it might take a few of us, but let’s give it a go!)

Pre-Competition Practice—Friday, November 2nd, 2007
(Contributors: Brian Griffiths and Vickie Tuttle)
Students will be rehearsing Friday, 11/2/07, but was not available to the editor at press time. Your students will have been advised through one of the band directors. As per the normal routine, the trucks will be loaded immediately AFTER practice (7:00 p.m.) to be ready for the logistics team early departure Saturday morning (7:00 a.m. for most of them)

Competition Saturday--Circuit Championship at OSU—Student specifics (show details follow this section)
(Contributors: Brian Griffiths, Vickie Tuttle)
Call time details—all times approximate (includes practice at WSHS and at competition site) – students

Saturday-3 November: Student Schedule (times approximate)—Full Schedule in Band Room
8:45 Call time. Check in and drop off gear at A Wing. Go directly to stadium
11:00 Depart for Corvallis
2:52 Preliminary performance
4:20 Awards (prelims)
5:00 Dinner back at base camp (look below for note on Final Note from Chef Mary)
TBD Warm-ups prior to Finals performance
6:00 Finals begin
TBD Finals Performance
10:00 Awards (Finals)
10:30 Pack up to leave
00:01 Arrive back at West Salem HS, unload, de-brief

Note: Our evening schedule, including dinnertime, changing, warm-up, performance, and loading, will depend on our placement in Prelims. All times are approximate.

OSU Info Details – Parents and Friends
NWMBC Circuit Championship at OSU

This is the last competition of the year, so hopefully those that haven’t made it out to a previous one will be able to make it to this one. Ticket information as follows:
Adults: $15
Students/Seniors: $10
Programs: $5

Parking will be available in the new OSU Parking Structure. We were also pleased to hear that our own WSHS Alumnus Clare Rhine will be one of our band hosts. Yeah, Clare Bear! J

Day’s Schedule:
Gates open to public at 7:30 a.m.
Preliminary round starts at 8:00 a.m., lunch break at 12:15 p.m.

WSHS is slated to perform during the Prelims at2:52 p.m.
OSU Marching Band performs at 4:00 p.m. and 9:44 p.m.
Prelims conclude with Awards Ceremony at 4:20 p.m., followed by a dinner break
Finals begin at 6:00 p.m., concluding with Finals Awards Ceremony at 10:00 p.m.
WSHS’ slot for finals competition will be determined at the end of the Preliminary round

Full tentative schedule of bands (PDF)

Venue Map:
If you are not familiar with the campus and the aforementioned new OSU Parking Structure, please refer to this venue map (PDF).

Directions to OSU Reser Stadium
1 Take Highway 22 West to Highway 99 (south)
2 Stay on 99W for ~30 miles, you’ll come into Corvallis city limits.
a After Circle Blvd (Jiffy Lube on right) continue on for about two miles to SW Western Boulevard.
b Turn RIGHT on Western Boulevard, follow for ~ ¾ mile
3 Probably best for PARKING is to turn right on 26th Street and look for parking signs.

FINAL Note from Chef Mary on Meal Planning (she graduates this year L)
(Contributors: Entire volunteer team)
We can ALWAYS use a little bit of extra help at mealtime (approximately 4:30-6:00 p.m.). So if you want to just come on down and give us a hand that would be great! Don’t feel shy! We can use all the help possible to get the musicians back to their jobs of getting ready. If you have any questions on where to go, please contact Vickie Tuttle or Kami Hettwer

Picture of the week
(Contributor: Photo by Steve Anderson, editorial by Jesse Seeley)
They affectionately call themselves Gearheads J The audience only really sees the gears, but this team is the integral part (literally) in this year’s band providing the behind-the-scenes turning of the gears visual effect. With the added visual effect they provided and the color guard’s great work at our very first competition this year, they helped garner one of this year’s earlier caption awards for visuals and effects. The Gearheads are:
1st row (sitting): Shannon Maltzan, Isaac Sutton, Miranda Bolstad
2nd row (kneeling): Emma Nielsen, Peter Anderson, Hannah Hill, Jenessa Hettwer
3rd row (standing): Rory Phillips, Matlyn Perry, Miranda Morse, Sky McKinnell, Rachelle Grenya, Ethan Sutton, Carl Kreitzberg

We couldn’t leave this subject without mentioning that there was significant input on the musical perspective and the timing of the gears to the music. This was provided by the chaperone of the Gearheads, Connie Phillips. And of course the entire project was taken on and coordinated by (as well as musical instruction the timing of the spinning) Kami Hettwer. Thank you to the entire team of Gearheads! It couldn’t have been done without you!

These pictures (above) will be made available to the parents of the Gearheads and were not part of Joe Gottsch’s Web site this week. Because last week’s show was out of town, Joe Gottsch was not able to attend, but I’ll again mention his Web site in case you haven’t had a chance to visit Joe’s website, here it is again: WestSidePhoto.net. Visiting is FREE!

Forwarding-looking at upcoming events on the 2007/2008 Calendar
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley)
Here’s a look at an excerpt from the Calendar of Events:
11/14 Fall Band Awards
11/15 Jazz WOU Jazz Festival
11/16 Titan Band – Football playoff game at West
11/16-19 WIBC in Tacoma, WA
12/08 Titan Band – Festival of Lights parade
12/13 Holiday Concert

Winter Drum Line?
(Contributors: Brian Griffiths, Alan Keown, Jesse Seeley)
It looks like it’s coming together! So if you’re a drummer, percussionist, or want to be, this will be the place to be this winter. Keep your eyes tuned here for more information.

Editor’s Corner: Quote/thought for the week
(Contributor: Mary Eastridge, Jesse Seeley)
Mary brought up a good quote for the week and is especially for those that volunteer their time to a common cause. In particular of course the WSHS Marching Band volunteers, this one is especially for you.

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is a drop in the ocean, but the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."
Author: Mother Teresa