Band Newsletter

Attention Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band Parents
Thank you to all of the parents and students who attended the Seattle Trip Meeting. If you were unable to attend the meeting, please review the two important handouts attached to this e-mail. If you have any questions please call Michelle Pavelek at (h) 503-581-0124, cell 503-508-5518, j.pavelek@comcast.net, Marianne Stipe at (h) 503-763-1915 or Vickie Tuttle at 503-588-0968.

District IV Solo Competition March 7 – NEW LOCATION!
PLEASE NOTE: The District IV Solo Competition on March 7 has been MOVED to SOUTH SALEM HIGH SCHOOL. Please see the attached list of competitors, times and room assignments. You may also visit www.solocompetition.org for an updated list of times. Choose District IV High Schools. Leave "guest" in the log-in ID box and leave the password blank. Log-in, then hit "Continue". You should see a button that says "List Competitor by School". Find your school on the pull-down menu.
Marching Band DVDs Available

There are still some Marching Band Season ’08 DVDs available for $10. Contact Jim at mckinnellj@comcast.net.

Important Dates
Here are some important dates. Please mark your calendars!

• March 7: Solo competition, South Salem HS
  
• Drumline at WGI Regional (Union HS, Vancouver)
  
• March 10: West Curriculum Fair, West Salem HS
  
• March 14: Winter Guard & Drumline at Championships (Skyview HS, Vancouver)
  
• March 16: District HS Intermediate Band Festival, Symphonic Band, Sprague HS
  
• April 2: WOU Band/Orchestra Festival, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Advanced Orchestra
  
• April 3-6: Wind Ensemble Spring Trip, Seattle, WA
  
• April 13: West Area Band Festival, all bands, West Salem HS
  
• April 17: League Band Festival, Wind Ensemble, West Salem HS
  
• April 18: League Orchestra Festival, Symphony Orchestra, West Salem HS
  
• April 25: Prom
  
• April 28: Solo Night, West Salem HS
  
• April 30: Pre-State Concert, West Salem HS
  
• May 2: State Solo Competition, U of O
  
• May 15: State Orchestra Competition, OSU
  
• May 16: State Band Competition, OSU
  
• May 23: Jazz Ensemble Recording Session (WSHS)
  
• May 28: Spring Band Concert (7:30 WSHS)
  
• May 29: Jazz Night, West Salem HS
  
• June 4: Graduation, Salem Fair Grounds
  

Friends of Music Volunteer **Still Needed**
WSHS Music Boosters are currently seeking a volunteer to be our liaison with the Friends of Music organization. WSHS is currently the only SK high school not represented at Friends of Music. The Friends of Music is an organization that advocates for music programs in the SK Schools. The group meets one evening every other month. If you are interested, please let Kami know (mkhett@aol.com) and contact Alan Bushong at bushong5@comcast.net, and let him know you are from WSHS. If you would like to know more about the group, please direct questions to Alan.

Concession Stand Volunteers Needed
On April 17 and 18, WSHS is hosting the League Band and Orchestra festivals. We are looking into the possibility of running a concession stand to raise money for the band/orchestra boosters. We may need volunteers to help with set-up, registration, room monitoring, or hosting a band. If you are willing to help with any of these activities please contact Kami Hettwer: 503.585.2529 or mkhett@aol.com.

Congrats to the All-City Honor Band
Big CONGRATULATIONS to the WSHS performers in the All-City Honor Band. What a great performance!

SCRIP Orders – Keep them Coming!
 SCRIP orders were successful this week. Keep those orders coming in! An order form is attached. Remember: Some proceeds from SCRIP sales go directly to your student’s account.

Music news

SCRIP
Not enough orders were placed for SCRIP cards to place an order this week. As a reminder, SCRIP is a new fundraiser that will benefit the Band Booster General Fund. Our first SCRIP order was a success! While only six families ordered SCRIP, we were able to collect a profit of $94.35. Just imagine if more families joined in! The SCRIP fundraiser is a no-extra-cost-to-you fundraiser. You simply buy”gift” cards for the places where you usually shop, you get the full amount you pay for, and the Boosters get a percentage of the sale. Now that the ball is rolling, Kami will be placing SCRIP orders on a weekly basis. Place your orders by Monday, and receive your SCRIP cards on Thursday.

We need more families to participate in order to maximize our profits. Please consider placing an order for the places where you plan to shop, and ask your friends and family to do the same!

Friends of Music Volunteer Needed
WSHS Music Boosters are currently seeking a volunteer to be our liaison with the Friends of Music organization. The Friends of Music is an organization that advocates for music programs in the SK Schools. The group meets one evening every other month. If you are interested, please let Kami know (mkhett@aol.com) and contact Alan Bushong at bushong5@comcast.net, and let him know you are from WSHS. If you would like to know more about the group, please direct questions to Alan.

Pep Band Basketball Games this Week!
The WSHS Pep Band will play at two basketball games this week, Tuesday, Feb. 3, and Thursday Feb. 5. Call time for all game nights is 5:20 pm. Games begin at 7:00 pm, and they end "when the game is over.”

All-City Honor Band
On Thursday, January 29, Salem-Keizer Public schools held their annual All-City honor band tryouts at North Salem High School. Students spend many hours preparing demanding musical etudes, polishing their major and chromatic scales, and preparing themselves for sight-reading material. Students are then selected based solely on their live audition to participate in what is truly an outstanding honor band. Honor band members spend many hours rehearsing together outside of school hours, culminating in a fantastic concert directed by a distinguished guest conductor. This year’s All-City concert will be held on Saturday, February 28, at 6:00pm at North Salem High School and will feature all three honor groups: choir, orchestra and band.

Congratulations to these outstanding musicians who will be participating in this year’s All-City Honor Band:

Flute 1
Megan Gorman 3rd Chair
Mary Simmons 4th Chair

Flute 2
Kelsey McKinnel 1st Chair
Kylie Phillips 3rd Chair
Megan Vance 4th Chair

Flute Alternate
Anaisa Hernandez

Oboe Alternate
Michael Morgan

Clarinet 1
Josh Hettwer 2nd Chair

Clarinet 3
Caitlin Nichols 1st Chair
Michael Fifer 2nd Chair
Sally Moyer 5th Chair

Bass Clarinet
Dakota Robbins 2nd Chair

Tenor Sax
Logan Gilmore 2nd Chair

Horn 1
Larysa Pavelek 2nd Chair

Horn 4
Arryn Bess 2nd Chair

Horn Alternate
Rosalyn Whitby

Trumpet 1
Joe Hurley 1st Chair

Trumpet 2
Brenden Pavelek 3rd Chair

Trumpet 3
Aaron McIntosh 3rd Chair

Trombone 1
Matt Hettwer 1st Chair

Trombone 2
Imran Ahmad 2nd Chair

Trombone 3
Jordan Bayles 1st Chair

Euphonium
Eli Heidi 1st Chair
Dallin Deford 4th Chair

Tuba
Matt Garney 3rd Chair

Tuba Alternate
Spencer Muller

Percussion
Brian Ringeisen 1st Chair
Brendon Seeley 2nd Chair
Alana Perry 3rd Chair
Michael Litwin 4th Chai

WSHS Music Booster Newsletter

SCRIP
SCRIP is a new fundraiser that will benefit the Band Booster General Fund. Our first SCRIP order was a success! While only six families ordered SCRIP, we were able to collect a profit of $94.35. Just imagine if more families joined in!

As a reminder, the SCRIP fundraiser is a no-extra-cost-to-you fundraiser. You simply buy”gift” cards for the places where you usually shop, you get the full amount you pay for, and the Boosters get a percentage of the sale. Now that the ball is rolling, Kami will be placing SCRIP orders on a weekly basis. Place your orders by Monday, and receive your SCRIP cards on Thursday.

We need more families to participate in order to maximize our profits. Please consider placing an order for the places where you plan to shop, and ask your friends and family to do the same! The most up-to-date order forms are attached to this email.

Jazz at Lane Community College
The Jazz Band will be performing at Lane Community College on Saturday, Jan. 24. 

Salem Youth Symphony Concerto Competition
Students Matt Hettwer, Josh Hettwer, Jesse Wertz, and Taylor Baldwin will be performing at the Salem Youth Symphony Concerto Competition on Sat. Jan. 24, starting at 5:00 pm. The location is the Salem First United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Church and State Streets. Admission is free. Come support our musicians!

All-City Auditions
All-City auditions will take place on Thursday, Jan. 29. 

Booster Meeting
Our next Music Booster meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm in the Band Room. Mark your calendars!

Pep Band Schedule
2009 Basketball Band Season
After much scheduling, snowing, and rescheduling, we finally have a handle on the Basketball Band season for 2009. This exciting ensemble rehearses twice only, and will perform at five or six games this season.

The group plays a mix of rock, funk, and swing tunes, and is a highly visible performing group at West Salem. Details are being announced in band classes, and a sign-up sheet is on the wall just inside the band room door. The schedule is as follows.

Jan. 22 (Thurs) Rehearsal 4:00-6:00
Jan. 23 (Fri) Rehearsal 1:30-3:30 (No school day)
Jan. 27 (Tues) Boys v. Sprague (Tentative—finals week, All-city)

Feb. 3 (Tues) Girls v. McNary
Feb. 6 (Fri) Boys v. North (Tentative)
Feb. 10 (Tues) Girls v. South
Feb. 13 (Fri) Girls v. Redmond
Feb. 19 (Thurs) Boys v. McKay

Call time for all game nights is 5:20. Games begin at 7:00, and they end "when the game is over."

WSHS Band Updates

All-City Honor Music Schedule on CCTV (cable Channel 22)
For those that were in attendance of this wonderful performance, you may have noted in the program the air times for the event. I have simplified the lookup of this information for you by directing you to the CCTV “Schedule” web page: http://hexi.com/cctv/schedule.php3?keyword=22. The first of those dates will show on Wednesday, February 20th; the remainder of the lookup should be self-explanatory. Here are the dates as they were printed in the All-City Honor Band program:

For Channel 22 (Comcast Cable). The program was slated at 119 minutes:
February 20th @ 8:00 p.m.
February 21st @ 11:00 a.m.
February 22nd @ 3:00 p.m.
February 23rd @ 10:00 a.m.
February 25th @4:00 p.m.

Check the above web site for the specific day/time of the particular show. Sometimes things get moved around or not a whole show is aired, so check the local listings to make certain that you have the proper day and time (especially if you’re recording it).

Jazz Trip Update: Moscow, Idaho
Many already have this from a handout at school, but below is the latest and “hot off the presses” from Alyson Baker—again, some of you may have already received this directly from her. Should it differ, please accept hers as the most accurate.

Food:
o We will provide Saturday breakfast.
o Friday breakfast will be cheap ($2) at the school
o Friday and Saturday lunches on your own ($5-10 ea.)
o Thursday, Friday, and Saturday dinners on your own ($10-15 ea.)
o Tip for the bus driver: $2 or $3
o TOTAL: Bring about $50.00 to feed yourself for the weekend!
o Souvenir/spending money extra!

What to Bring:
o All instruments and music for all six tunes we have prepared.
o A folding wire music stand if you have one
o Amps and percussion: They provide a full drumset & both amps on stage. We still need those items for rehearsals.
o They DO NOT provide Vibes. We need a plan.
o On Saturday, most students will be carrying all their equipment around town all day. Plan accordingly.
o Sleeping bag and pad.
o Clothes * including those for performance and those for cold weather.
o Toiletries. The university showers available to us are not private, so a swimsuit is encouraged.
o Homework.
o Movies (No rated R.)

Itinerary from Thursday February 21st through end of Trip Saturday/Sunday (February 23/24)

Thursday, Feb. 21
3:00 p.m. Depart school 3:00pm on charter bus.
7:00 p.m. Dinner stop in Kennewick, WA
11:00 p.m. Arrive at J. RUSSELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
119 N. Adams St. - Moscow, ID. 83843
Phone (208) 882-2715
We will be spending both nights on their gym floor.

Friday, Feb. 22
6:30 a.m. Wake up, eat, pack, shower. Attend festival events on campus of Univ. Idaho
2:00 p.m. Soundscape performs at Recital Hall
4:15 p.m. Rehearse at Russell School.
6:15 p.m. Bus to dinner.
8:00 p.m. Masters Concert at Kibbie Dome

Saturday Feb. 23 (and part of Sunday morning—VERY early Sunday a.m. pickup)
6:30 a.m. Wake up, eat, pack, shower. Attend festival events on campus of University of Idaho
9:40 a.m. Lab II performs at Moscow H.S. stage.
?? Group photo.
3:20 p.m. Lab I performs at Hartung Theatre stage.
5:00 p.m. Depart UI campus.
7:00 p.m. Dinner stop in Kennewick, WA
1:00 a.m. Actually Sunday morning--Arrive West H.S. Unload, clean up, dismiss.

Orchestra News

1) The fantastic Band, Orchestra, and Choir High School All City concert is this Saturday -
7pm at North High School. Come hear the very best our district has to offer. The orchestra is under the baton of Louis Bergonzi - an inspirational and exciting conductor. Tickets are $7 at the door. This is an excellent review opportunity.

2) The Salem Chamber Orchestra presents their annual Family Concert this weekend -
2pm and 4pm, with an instrument petting zoo in between - at Hudson Hall, Willamette University, Sunday February 17. This concert features Tubby the Tuba (www.tubbythetuba.com), the Bach Double Violin Concerto, and the competition winners from Willamette University and the Salem Chamber Orchestra. If you have younger children at home, this is a fantastic concert to bring them to!!

3) Planning for next year has officially begun. All students have received what's called "Forecasting" information. Regarding the orchestra program, all students currently enrolled are welcome to re-enroll - they just have to get Ms. Silberman's signature on their Signature Page (the yellow sheet). Which orchestra they'll be in will be determined by recommendation and/or audition over the next few months.

There was an incorrect description in the bulletin of courses for the Advanced Orchestra course - here is the proper descriptor:

Advanced Orchestra

This course is the most advanced orchestra offering students intense training and performance experience. It is a year long double blocked course. Analytical skills, music theory and history are integrated into this class. Rehearsals and performances outside of regular class time will be required. Concurrent enrollment in Advanced Symphony Orchestra is expected. Rehearsals and performances outside of regular class time will be required.

Audition process see Ms. Silberman * room A101

Any questions about placement, auditions, or anything else? Please contact Ms. Silberman (silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us)

Next year is a trip year - we're still not sure if all students will be eligible to go on the trip, but now that Ms. Silberman's about to have her first year under her belt, the next few years will be full of competitions, special guest artists, performances, and trips. All students will be able to use their student account money over the next year and beyond.

4) The April 9 concert (listed on the schedule page in your green Orchestra Handbook) has been canceled. The next newsletter will have information about an updated calendar.

5) Boot camp will happen again next year - 2 weeks prior to the start of school. It will be 3-4 days long, so please plan your schedules accordingly. This will be where students may re-audition for placement in next year's orchestras. It'll also be a great opportunity for students to reconnect with their instruments. This year's Boot Camp will feature a special guest artist - more info on that in the next few months.

6) The Young Musician's Mentoring Program kicks off this next Tuesday, the 19th, at 6:30pm
in the orchestra room, right after Advanced Symphony rehearsal. All participants are to attend this mandatory meeting - it'll be over by 7pm.

~Ms. S

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

Band Newsletter #24

School Closures affect multiple WSHS Band Events
(Contributors:  Dr. Nail, Mr. Griffiths, edits by Jesse Seeley)
Although it brings back fond memories to most of our adult readers of our own high school years, school closures are cool in one way, but bad in many other ways. For those involved in the ever-productive requirements that rehearsals garner in the music business, when those get cancelled everyone has to work all that much harder. Students — keep in mind one thing: while it’s cool to have an extra day off here and there, too many of these snow days can extend your school year AND your graduation date. So music aside, it can be a cascading BAD thing if you can’t start that summer vacation on time. - J

There will be other events that we will publish that have to be rescheduled, but for now we will only address the make-up session for the missed sectionals for the All-City Band.

Make-up sectional for All-City Band
"As of noon today (Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008) Dr. Nail and Mr. Griffiths report the following as the make-up sectional for the one that was missed this Wednesday (Jan. 30). Originally they were attempting to have the make-up on Monday, Feb. 4, but the message below from Karl Rashkes (music coordinator for the All-City Band) offers the latest:
“There were several conflicts with scheduling the make up sectionals for the entire All City HS Band on Monday, Feb. 11. This is what Mary Lou Boderman and I came up with as a solution:

"The all City HS Clarinet Sections only will have their sectional on Monday, February 11 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at North Salem HS with Cindy Bartelles. The rest of the all City HS Band will do their sectionals with their assigned section coaches on Wednesday, February 13 at North HS from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

"All the other rehearsals will remain as scheduled.”

Band Booster Meeting to be rescheduled
As soon as the information becomes available, the Band Booster Meeting will be rescheduled.  Stay tuned in these newsletters for a future date.

Upcoming Titan Jazz/Pep/Basketball Band Basketball Gigs
(Contributor:  Mr. Griffiths)
Please check with Mr. Griffiths for which band for which event—editor did not have exact information at press time

Basketball Gigs:
THIS FRIDAY, February 1st Boys vs. South, 5:45 call time
Tuesday, February 5th Boys vs. McKay, 5:45 call time
Tuesday, February 12th, Boys vs. Redmond, 5:45 call time
Tuesday, February 19th, Girls vs. North, 5:45 call time

Winter Ensemble—Time Change for Rehearsal on Friday, February 1st ONLY
(Contributor:  Jesse Seeley, Alan Keown)
Reminder to all participants in the Winter Ensemble that the rehearsal for this Friday only (February 1st, 2008) was rescheduled to be 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  It was previously scheduled from 6:00 – 9:00 PM.  All participants have already been notified, but this is here for that one more reminder.

Wind Ensemble and Bands Concert Events Schedule
(Contributor:  Mr. Griffiths)
Please note the below Wind Ensemble performances as some might differ from the originally scheduled dates
March 4, Wind Ensemble performs at OSU (original date was March 6th)
March 11, the Wind Ensemble will perform at the “Clackamas Community College Festival”
March 13, ALL band perform at the “West Salem Area Band Festival”
March 17, Concert Band and Symphonic Band perform at “High School International Band Festival” at Sprague High School

More information will be announced on these events as it becomes available.

Editor’s Corner—Please “vote”
(Contributor:  Jesse Seeley, WSHS Newsletter Editor)
For those that read last week’s “So you want to be successful” I hope you found it entertaining.  I’d like your feedback if you DID read it and also if you did not or didn’t get a chance to read it (that is, if you read this far. -J).  To continue to put in the time to compile this information it would be nice to know that some are finding value or entertainment from the piece. So if you have the time, it would be nice to hear from as many as possible.  Vote by sending e-mail to:  wshs.band.news@comcast.net and place your vote in the subject field (e.g., “VOTE Yes—entertains”; “VOTE Yes, fun”, “VOTE No—no time to read”; “VOTE No—other”).  Feel free to elaborate in the body of the message for additional comments.  All of your responses will be kept confidential and used to improve or modify the content.  Thank you in advance for your input.

Band Newsletter #23

All-City Band seats 22 members from WSHS!
(Contributors: Dr. Nail, Mr. Griffiths, edits by Jesse Seeley)
As we all know, WSHS has an excellent music program. But it should not be taken for granted when so many excellent students take the extra time and effort to apply, audition, and then MAKE the All-City Band. So below we provide you with those students who should be recognized for securing a spot on the coveted All-City Band: Congratulations to ALL of those that made the finals and also to those that auditioned.

The 2008 Salem All-City Band members, listed alphabetically by instrument:
Bassoon - Anna Stipe (first chair), Callie Harris
Bass Clarinet - Dakota Robbins (alternate)
Clarinet - Haili Hodsdon, Josh Hettwer, Caitlin Nichols, Jessie Cummins
Euphonium - Eli Heide
Flute - Maria Weir (first chair), Jessica Yang, Katherine Lownsbery. Alternates - Kelsey McKinnell, Kylie Phillips, Megan Gorman
Oboe - Michael Morgan (first chair), Jesse Wertz
Percussion - Robert Harris (first chair), Brendon Seeley, Alauna Perry
Saxophone - Adam Nielsen (baritone), Zack Chong (alto sax alternate)
Trombone - Matt Hettwer (first chair)
Trumpet - Josh Fletcher, Lynn Robinson, Ryan Tuttle. Alternates - Molly Muller Horn - Larysa Pavelek
Tuba - Kenneth Wilson, Matthew Garney

Rehearsal Schedule for All-City
Contrary to what was published in previous weeks’ newsletters, below is the updated rehearsal schedule from Dr. Nail. The previously published schedule was lifted from the “Events Calendar” which was issued as an estimate earlier this year and is no longer valid. The below schedule is attached to this e-mail in the event you just wanted to print it out that portion for the refrigerator J.
1/30 Sectional 4 - 6 p.m.
2/6 Sectional 3:30 - 6 p.m.
2/14 Rehearsal 6 - 9 p.m
2/15 Rehearsal 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2/16 Rehearsal 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
2/16 Concert Warm-up 6 p.m.
2/16 Performance 7 - 9:15 p.m.

Titan Jazz/Concert/Basketball Band Basketball Gig
(Contributor: Mr. Griffiths and Alyson Baker)
Basketball Band—Next gig is Friday, Jan. 25 — Call time will be 5:15 p.m.

Winter Ensemble Rehearsal—on no school Friday, Jan. 25
(Contributor: Alan Keown, Jesse Seeley)
This is just a reminder that even though there is no school, we ARE having rehearsal Friday (Friday, Jan. 26) from 6 – 9 p.m. Also, if you haven't turned in your CD sales money or unsold CDs tomorrow is your last chance, otherwise your the $40 will get added to your fair share/account fee. Let’s not let that happen.

Thanks! Let's have a rockin' rehearsal! Thanks! Alan Keown

Reminder: Upcoming Band Boosters Meeting — Jan. 28 (upcoming Monday)
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle, edited by Jesse Seeley)
One final reminder to please mark your calendars for the next Band Boosters meeting Monday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Band Room! This meeting is NOT ONLY FOR the existing Boosters/Board, but is also intended and FOR any and ALL parents with musicians in any of the music programs at WSHS. ALL PARENTS ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND! Parents’ input is VITAL! We need your input to make the programs better, improve on the processes and activities that your children become involve in, and also entertain parents’ and students’ ideas of executing the operation behind the scenes and the making of these champions. So please plan on attending this meeting. If you’d like to step forward for a position ON the Band Booster Board, THIS is the meeting you must attend. We try to keep the meetings to an hour, but they will many times go to 1.5 or 2 hours, depending on the number of topics discussed. Thank you in advance for your consideration to attend this very important meeting. If there are any questions, please contact Kami Hettwer or Vickie Tuttle).

Looking forward. . .
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley)
Just a reminder and as stated in the chart below, these are excerpts from the original and now dated “2007/2008 Events” calendar issued several months back now. So thank you to those that read this and bringing it to the editor’s or co-chairs attention. If you feel any of this section may be inaccurate (as it was last week on the All-City schedule) please do not hesitate to ask the questions. Several upcoming events still have items to be worked out, so please contact one of the co-chairs (Kami Hettwer or Vickie Tuttle) for any future event should you have any questions.
1/25 - 1/27 OMEA, All-State Band, Orchestra
2/9 Willamette Jazz Festival
2/16 All City Concert
2/21 - 2/23 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival

Editor’s Corner — So you want to successful?
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley, WSHS newsletter editor)
As a first in a series, I wanted to address the success factor and hope many find this interesting. Parents — you might even make sure your children are at least reading the newsletter, maybe even for just THIS part. I think they too will find this helpful, enlightening, possibly entertaining. Students — if you have parents that are the ones that don’t read this, invite them to your world as I will be highlighting the hard work put in by students, ESPECIALLY those in the music business during their scholastic years. It also might be the site of the remainder of the year’s articles on a possible trivia contest or some other thing that we might come up with for some fun. Maybe we’ll even make students, parents, AND staff eligible to win something? Stay tuned for that later though.

Now that the finals are behind us I hope you have a little time for this extra read. The topic of success means different things to different people. But one thing is certain, how students succeed today is a very good barometer of how well (and quickly) they will succeed tomorrow. I’d like to keep this week’s article as brief as possible, but also timely for a couple of events happening this weekend — more on that later. But first a thought for the day on this topic — this author doesn’t necessarily hold the reins to success, but he led so many to MULTIPLE successes and also is the owner of some of the world’s best quotes on the topic and can be applied in our everyday lives, but especially hits home for our musician students:

The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work.
HARD work is the price we must pay for success.
I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price.
Author: Coach Vince Lombardi

Some of that hard work is already paying off — for those FEW that made it to this weekend’s OMEA state event — Congratulations (again)! That is just ONE example of how hard work is paying off. Earlier in this article we congratulated those 22 musicians that made it to this year’s All-City Band; yet another example of how hard work pays off (OK, some of you students might not think it was so hard –J) but there was some hard work that preceded these events, and it has taken YEARS! To all of the students at WSHS, in particular the music department students: KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK in all of your studies!

Finally, another event that is happening this weekend hits pretty close to home for some. The great success story behind this has connections to, guess what? Marching Band! You’d probably never think that marching band was more than just a bunch of hard work: “Repeat this!” “Repeat that!” Over, and over and over, and over…and OVER again! For what??!?? some might ask. You all know what YOU do it for, it’s also an intrinsic value that most students in all high schools can’t, or won’t EVER relate to — but that’s their loss. Being called a “band geek” or made fun of because of one thing or another has no doubt happened to many a high school musician. Kids are cruel — it just so happens those type of kids are also the not-so-smart ones, and probably not paving their way, building or opening the doors to success. So in a way, to this author anyway, you are some of the bravest of the high school students because you CAN (and no doubt have) put up with some of these cruel comments. To many of us parents you are OUR heroes –J.

Below I thought you’d all like to actually see a little bit on what this other event is that is happening this weekend. As it turns out several of them too were band geeks, some with roots in the Drum Corps International that most of you are familiar with — the Major League of Marching Band. Some of you might also know that several members of this success story took their band geekiness to the highest of heights in the entertainment business. I’ll give you a couple MORE clues: The originals started out as street musicians and were true starving artists in the late ‘80s and didn’t even have a musical education. They remained somewhat obscure until a popular series of Intel commercials over 10 years ago; they give unique autographs if you’ve ever had the chance to meet one of them…

And for you Choir folks reading out there? Listen through the video below — there is a section (just past the 2:50 mark) on what a former choir singer can do also. (By the way, she kind of looks like Mrs. McIntyre’s younger sister -J). The singer’s name is Annette Strean. These are all the clues you get now! Some of you already know who I’m talking about. So please take several minutes to be entertained at the link below. I think you will enjoy what some band geeks turn out to be. You might say that this is the ultimate pit orchestra!

This ultimate pit orchestra will be in Portland this weekend (26th), but it is somewhat price-prohibitive. But more information can be found at: "How to be a MegaStar". To be part of this group takes EVERY bit of not only a musical education, but many other forms and disciplines that you are learning in school today and college tomorrow. Even to become a backup group/player for this act now requires the most rigorous musical talent and is highly competitive, albeit lucrative for those that DO make it. It very well might be one of YOU to join the group in a couple of years J For the brave: www.bluemancasting.com/blueman_requirements.php

Orchestra News

1) Congratulations to the students who were accepted to this year's All City orchestra. They will have the honor of working with Louis Bergonzi - a wonderful conductor, educator and amazing person. Ms. Silberman has had occasion to both watch and work with Mr. Bergonzi - he's a very inspirational person. For more information about Mr. Bergonzi: www.music.uiuc.edu/facultyBio.php?id=192

1st Violins:
Gwen Gates
Kayla Fadenrecht
Courtney Klosterman

2nd Violins:
Jacqueline Tran
Aida Behmard

Violas:
Lauren Culver
Bronte Loewen-Thomas
Skyler Young

Cellos:
Ian Love
Jessica Tyree

Basses:
Taylor Baldwin
Tyler King

2) All students are expected to turn in 2 reviews each semester. At current count, about half of the students have turned in their reviews. If you need review ideas or have any questions, please contact Ms. Silberman (silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us)

One student has turned in a review of a concert that might be of interest to other students: famous rock guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen performing the Concerto Suite for guitar and orchestra. The concert is available as a CD or DVD on iTunes and any other music acquiring source

3) There is a concerto competition for the Salem Youth Symphony this Saturday Jan. 19, 4:00 pm at the Salem First United Methodist Church downtown. About ten Salem-Keizer high school students will perform concerto excerpts. This is a good review opportunity.

4) All students are expected to attend their orchestra class, including Advanced Symphony (Thursday Jan. 24, 11:15 - 12:45), to perform their final. Students grade on their final is a combination of their preparedness, their use of time these past few weeks preparing with their group, and their group's performance on the day of their final.

5) www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com Just a reminder that Ms. Silberman posts interesting information and links on the blog - please check often.

Band Newsletter #21

Basketball Band and Jazz Ensemble Info
(Contributor: Mr. Griffiths)
Call times for the various events appear below:

Basketball Band/Games
Friday, Jan. 11 - 5:15 call time
Tuesday, Jan. 15 - 5:15 call time

Jazz Ensembles - Saturday, Jan. 19
Lab I - 8:45 call (Attire: ALL black)
Lab II - 9:30 call (Attire: Black and White)

All students must decide this week (by Wednesday, January 16th) if they are staying for the concert. Arrangements to travel home will hinge on how many students are doing what. Please let your decision be known to one of the directors immediately. Depending on these numbers, we might need a couple of parent drivers to assist with transportation home after the Jazz Festival. Stay tuned for details. . .

Titan Jazz Reminders—Rehearsals and Festivals
(Contributor: Mr. Griffiths and Alyson Baker)
Rehearsals—Don’t forget that we DO have Monday rehearsals on the following no school Mondays:
Jan. 21 – regular times
Feb. 18 – slightly extended times, in preparation for the Lionel Hampton Festival

Festivals—Many updates below
Oregon Jazz Festival (Lane Comm. Coll.) – Jan. 19 (Saturday)
Call time TBA in the morning. Both groups playing at LCC, not the U of O. The evening concert features Luis Bonilla (trombone). It’s at 7:30, and we would return home late (usually around midnight). I need to know who plans to go. The band will pay the cost of tickets. Usually, our bus brings home everyone else around 6:00 pm.

Willamette – Feb. 9 (Saturday)
No info yet.

Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival (Moscow, ID) – Feb. 20-23
$50 due Jan 15; $50 due Feb 15
We’ll be leaving school Thursday, February 21st at 3:00 p.m. and returning Saturday night around midnight or a little later. We must double-check the commitment of every performer! Contact Mr. Griffiths immediately with your intent if you have not already done so. There is an incredible concert Friday night, but we’ll only pay for those who want to go. For more on the show particulars, please visit their own website at http://www.jazz.uidaho.edu/default.aspx?pid=101756 (thank you again Alyson).

Salem Jazz Festival – March 8
Looks like we’ll be playing early. More details to follow; stayed tuned . . .

Questions, Comments, or Q-tips? Email me. Home or school is fine: griffiths_brian@salkeiz.k12.or.us or brigriff@comcast.net

Thanks again to Alyson Baker, who is coordinating the trip to Idaho and some of our other business! You may also contact her at sackbaker@msn.com.

Winter Ensemble – Friday Rehearsals Start January 11
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley)
Every Friday evening now there will be rehearsals for the “Winter Percussion Theater” and Winter Ensemble. Starting Friday, January 11, and continuing through March 7, 2008 these rehearsals will start at 6:00 p.m. and run until approximately 9:00 p.m. It should be noted that the Friday where no school is scheduled (Friday, February 1) that there will STILL be a rehearsal. Please make a note of this now as there may be no other reminders!

Concert Quadre, February 8
(Contributor: Kami Hettwer)
Coming up in the very near future. Quadre, a horn quartet from CA will be performing at Willamette University on Friday, Feb 8 in Hudson Hall at 8 p.m. Admission is free. They will be offering a master class but the time and location has yet to be determined. Quadre's web page - http://www.quadre.org/default.htm

Looking forward. . . back by popular demand
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley)
In addition to those dates and festivals mentioned above, below is a snapshot of the important schedule of events up through the middle of February
1/17 All-City Band Sectional
1/31 All-City Band Sectional
2/14 All-City Full Band Rehearsal
2/15 All-City Full Band Rehearsal
2/16 All-City Full Dress Rehearsal
2/16 All City Concert

Picture of the Week
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley)
I thought it apropos that the below picture of the week depict a couple of the hard working, behind the scenes activities of a couple of the staff. I think you may know them J. At this past Tuesday’s Varsity Girls basketball game, hard at work was our own “Mr. G.” In case some of you don’t recognize the other hard worker in the background, that is Mr. Joe Gottsch, which I think I can safely say is still one of our own too J.

For sports and band pictures from Joe Gottsch, visit his web site at http://westsidephoto.net

Band Newsletter #20

IMPORTANT REMINDER: “Small Learning Community”/Friends of Music meeting January 7
(Contributors: Janet Romine, Dr. Nail, Mr. Griffitys, Jesse Seeley)
Many may have seen this very topic on the front page of this morning’s Statesman’s Journal, but you all knew of this ahead of time!! J Now that you’re “in the know” of this topic’s importance, please help get the word out (especially to the elementary levels) about the meeting next Monday. Attached please find some of the condensed meeting notes on this topic. The future of music might be at stake, so please consider reading up on this and attending the meeting.

Below is the latest information and communication from SLC/FOM Coordinator Janet Romine on parking, et cetera, in case you can spare the time to attend this important event.

“Hopefully you saw the front page of the Statesman this morning. I'm here to stress to you the importance of having a huge attendance at this Monday, Jan. 7, 6:30PM, McKay High School meeting on small learning communities.....sponsored by FOM. You may not be affected currently by this small community trend but it is coming to your area too!!!!!! Now is the time to be pro-active. If there is a small attendance at the meeting, then the district thinks no one cares (I'm having a hard time getting elementary folks to go because they don't see it as their issue...although it really is everyone's issue).”

When: Monday, January 7th, 2008
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: McKay High School (exact place TBD, but either “commons” or auditorium)
What: Community discussion on Small Learning Communities, music and other successful program’s impact on our community
Contact: Janet Romine, romine_janet@salkeiz.k12.or.us
Parking: Please park in the South lot (a right turn for those entering McKay on Wolverine off Lancaster)

REMINDER: “All-City Honors Band” Auditions—January 10
(Contributor: “Mr. G”)
For those students that submitted your formal entry into the auditions, please mark this important date on your calendars. The exact schedule is still to-be-determined, but the date WILL be January 10th, 2008. Times are posted in the band room

Jazz Lab I: Call Time for Basketball Band Gig Tonight!!!! (January 4th, 2008)
(Contributors: “Mr. G”, Jesse Seeley)
In case some didn’t get “the word”, tonight (Friday, January 04, 2008) Jazz Lab I plays at the Basketball game (5:30 call)

Other Jazz Band Update
(Contributor: Mr. Griffiths)
Upcoming Gigs for Jazz Bands
o Tuesday (1/8/2008) - Jazz Lab II at game (5:30 call)
o Wednesday (1/9) - Final B-Ball band rehearsal 4:-6:30
o Thursday (1/10) - All-city honor band auditions. Times posted in band room
o Friday - B-ball pep band game (5:15 call)

Winter Ensemble – Latest News
(Contributor: Alan Keown, Jesse Seeley)
Most of those in the “Winter Ensemble” have already received the below information directly from Alan, but it bears repeating...“People are going to know all about the West Salem Winter Ensemble when we are finished!”

In an email sent out directly to those in the ‘ensemble’ earlier this week:
“. . . about the camp this weekend. The times are 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. with a lunch hour and a dinner hour. The battery and guard will learn drill and the pit will continue to work on music. If you are in the battery or guard be sure and wear comfortable clothes that you can move in (sweats are always good)...we will be wearing socks (no shoes) so be sure and bring a couple pair of thick socks (sometimes a freshly painted floor will eat socks like crazy!!). If all goes well we will be able to chunk through the show, music and drill, by the end of the night!

Also, the second installment of your Fair Share is due...please don't get behind on your payments...the success or failure of this group relys heavily on the students paying on time. Remember, if you have payment "issues" all you need to do is talk to me!”

To recap for the Winter Ensemble Camp:

THIS Saturday, January 5th, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (everyone)
THIS Sunday, January 6th, (guard only) 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

All Fair Share Installments are due...as is CD sales money.

Concert Attire Reminder
(Contributor: “Clothing Coordinators” Patricia Nielsen, Deanna Garney, edited by Jesse Seeley)
As was noticed at some of the previous concerts at the year end, some students still did not have all of their concert attire, so this is a reminder to students and parents how the students are to dress for concerts. The school issues each student a tuxedo jacket and trousers (boys/jazz players) or concert dress (girls). Each student who wears a tux is to provide his or her other concert attire to accompany it: Black bow tie, black cummerbund, white tuxedo shirt, long black socks, black shoes. ANY STUDENT WHO IS NOT ABLE TO (for any reason) PROVIDE HIS OR HER OWN THINGS SHOULD COME AND SEE ONE OF THE BAND DIRECTORS RIGHT AWAY. We have a few extras from prior years, and there is often scholarship money available. Also, if any student has an extra tux shirt, bow tie or cummerbund he or she no longer wears, please consider donating it back to the band. We would love to have those items for last-minute emergencies! We have had good quality and prices from Mr. Formal (on Commercial Street South). Here is their contact information and the prices for various items. The student should be sure to specify it is for a school music group (in order to get the discount).

Mr. Formal, South Salem
3830 Commercial St SE
Salem, OR 97302
503-399-7989
Fax 503-399-0200
Hours M-F 11-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12n-5

School/student specials:
Tux shirt alone is $17.95
Package with black bow tie + cummerbund is $12.95
Package with shirt + bow tie + cummerbund is $28.50

Students, please let your parents know what you require, and parents, please help your student out. Many thanks! If there are any questions, contact Patricia Nielsen directly at patricia.nielsen@state.or.us

Deadline Extended for Pictures from “Holiday Band Concert”
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley, Jenny Gates)
Due to the holiday rush and schedule, the deadline for ordering pictures from Encore Photograhpy has been extended until January 22. I am again attaching the order form, but it appears that you can order online as well. They have made the photos available for viewing for ALL music groups and bands (Choir, Advanced Symphony & Orchestra, Concert Band, Jazz Band, et cetera). These are some beautiful portraits!!! Take a look at them here:

http://previewgallery.com/encorephoto/west_salem_high_school_music_2007_2008_groups/

If you have any questions on the photos taken that evening or the ordering process, please contact them directly at (503) 588-0902. Hopefully between now and the end of the Christmas break there will be a sub-link to the WSHS. Again, the order form is attached to this email. Their main website is www.encorephotography.com if you have any other questions on their services provided.

Concert: Allen Vizzutti
(Contributor: David Hodges, Mr. Griffiths)
Probably not the best kept secret in town is our opportunity to have Allen Vizzutti come and play with the McNary Band. This concert got placed at an incredibly busy time, but to let you know it is February 12th, 7:00pm at the Salem Alliance Church. Tickets will be $ 3.00 - we have not set a date when those will go on sale, but we hope they will go fairly fast once they are available.

I am making sure that Allen does not get abused time-wise while he is here, by not allowing any other clinics to be scheduled for him on the days he is in town. This is our area wide concert, so he will be working with Whiteaker and Claggett as well as McNary. We hope several of your students will take the time to come and listen to him play. He is incredible.

Signed, Dave

FINAL REMINDER: “Schneider Foundation Challenge”
As was mentioned at the ‘Band Awards’ last week, we were briefed on the “Schneider Challenge” and the generous “anonymous donor” matching program which will work similar to last year’s event. This year we have the “Schneider Foundation 2nd Annual Challenge” to match up to $5,000 in donations—the donor will contribute equal to your donation. Please contact Vickie Tuttle at tuttle84@comcast.net for additional information or where to donate.

Orchestra News

1) All City auditions are on Jan 10 - all students have been given their 30 minute audition time slot. Please consult the original audition submission sheet for all pertinent information or direct questions to Ms. Silberman. Mrs. Hughes will be coaching upper strings Friday and next Monday, and Ms. Silberman will offer as much time as she can to those auditioning.

2) All orchestra students know they have 2 reviews due by the end of the semester. One review must be of a live concert, one of a recorded DVD, online video, taped TV show, or CD. Here are a few ideas for those who have yet to finish their reviews:
a) Students who did not play in Advanced Symphony may review the West Salem Dec. 12 winter concert
b) There is a lovely online 1 hour long concert that students may view and review: http://www.medici-arts.tv/lpo.html
c) There is an online concert video website that has a ton of bands on it - if students know any of the bands that might have a string player in it, they'd be welcome to review one of the concerts: http://www.fabchannel.com
d) NPR has a live concert audio site that one can find many concerts on to listen to and review, including Joshua Bell performing Saints-Seans violin sonata: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10210144
e) Ms. Silberman has contemporary and classical CDs that might be of interest to students. She also has a few DVDs that can be review - they can be checked out for 2 days at a time.
f) Students can attend a concert before the end of the semester - There is a Camerata Musica concert Jan 13 and a concerto competition at 3pm on Jan 19... see your Salem Arts Assoc. calendar for more info.
g) Any other creative review ideas will most likely be accepted (like seeing Ron Kilde perform at the Wine festival or at Cascade bakery, for example), so come up with something.

3) The Friends of Music has a very important meeting at McKay this next Monday at 6:30 p.m. Superintendent Sandy Husk and principals from all 6 high schools will be on site to discuss the shape of the music program in the face of small learning communities.

Alan Bushong of CCTV and Friends of Music will moderate the discussion. His e-mail also said:
"Please park in the South lot - a right turn for those entering McKay on Wolverine off Lancaster.
Enter the school through the southeast door directly available from the south parking lot.

"We'll meet in the Choir Room. It is similar in size to the South Salem Choir Room that seated over 100 at the meeting about Small Learning Communities in 2006.

"All are invited. This is our opportunity to help the administration with scheduling and communications issues.

"We want to make sure that students can enroll in music classes and that teachers have adequate time with students.

"It would be fantastic to have a strong parent showing - come help influence the future of the music program in the Salem-Keizer school district."

4) Here is the link to the Encore Photography pictures taken at the December concerts. Please take a look and consider ordering a picture. The order deadline has been extended to January 22nd since there was a delay in getting the link information.

5) Ms. Silberman will be playing the anthem at the 3 pm varsity boys basketball game Jan. 18... come support our Titan team! Any students interested in playing the anthem are welcome to play for Ms. Silberman to either prepare to play live at a game or to record their anthem that will then be played before a game.

6) All orchestra students will be partaking in a 3 week small ensemble unit - the final for orchestra student's classes will to be to perform for classmates during our finals time. In Ms. Silberman's opinion, ensemble playing, also called 'chamber music', is the absolute best part of playing a stringed instrument - though playing in a symphony either recreational or professionally is wonderful, the opportunity to get together with 1 - 4 other string players may be the most rewarding and easiest way of continuing playing for the rest of one's life. In fact, there is a large growth in the number of chamber music camps for recreational string players - mainly full of adults who played once as a young person, maybe they stopped playing for years, but who are interested in reconnecting with their instrument. Ms. Silberman will video tape all the performances - if students request a copy, one will most likely be able to be made for them.

Happy New Year!

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

1) Reminder, that if anyone would like a DVD data file copy of the concert (it plays on Quicktime) please let Ms. Silberman know.

2) Go to www.encorephotography.com starting December 18th to preview the photos Fred Molesworth took of the groups at the concert. This is the first time in awhile (maybe ever?) that Encore has made West Orchestra photos available for purchase, so please consider supporting his efforts.

3) And, there was one more omission that was brought to our attention - Natalie Yonkman should have been listed as a cellist in our Advanced Symphony roster.

4) Any All City auditioners who would like a bit of free coaching by Ms. Silberman over the holidays is welcome to contact her: silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us; daryl@daryls.com H: 503-991-5813
C: 818-317-8218

5) All orchestra students were welcome to come this past Friday to Period 6 to hear a wonderful performance by our very own Carsten Kilde's grandfather Ron Kilde. Students were entertained with fantastic stories and beautiful performances of classic tunes including a medley from Fiddler on the Roof, Lara's Theme, Silent Night, Ashokan Farewell, and more. Anyone interested in a CD of Mr. Kilde's trio (jazz violin, trumpet, and guitar) for $15 can contact Ms. Silberman. You can see Mr. Kilde perform each Saturday from 11am - 1pm at the Cascade Bakery in town.

6) Once school resumes in January, Ms. Silberman intends on having all students participate in chamber music - students will have the opportunity to play duos, trios, or quartets with colleagues. The groups will perform for each other at the end of the month - it will be video taped so that copies can be distributed to those interested.

Wishing you warmth, music, health, and happiness over the winter
break.

~Ms. Silberman

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