Band Newsletter

Seattle Trip Mandatory Parent Meeting
Attention Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band Parents

Tues. Feb. 24th at 6:30pm – Please join us in the band room for a mandatory parent meeting regarding the upcoming Seattle Trip scheduled for April 3-6. Students are also welcome!

· Trip itinerary and other important information will be provided.
· Chaperone information will be provided.
· The 2nd trip deposit of $100.00 is due Feb. 20th. Make the checks out to “WSHS Music Boosters,” indicate on the check that it is for the Seattle trip and have your student place the check in the green mailbox in the band room.
· The final trip cost is $350.00. This includes meals, activities, the festival, transportation, and the clinic at University of Washington on Monday April 6th with Tim Salzman.

If you have any questions or were unable to attend the meeting 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.

Important: SCRIP
We are barely getting enough SCRIP orders in to make the fundraiser worthwhile. Did you know that 40% of the proceeds from SCRIP go to the student musician’s personal account? And, as always, SCRIP shopping cards are available for the places where you already shop and dine. This is an easy and pain-free way to build up those student accounts!

For each person who orders SCRIP, 40% of the profit from their order will go directly into their student's account. The other 60% will go into the general band fund unless there is a special fundraising project to which we will direct the funds, such as the Spring Trip. Here's how it works:

1. Take home an order form from the band room or print one from the attachment in the news letter.
2. Order SCRIP from places you normally shop.
3. Include your check for DOLLAR for DOLLAR exchange.
4. Make sure your name is listed on the form with the student's name so I know who's account to credit for the profit.
5. Turn in the form each week and watch your student's band account grow!

Ordering SCRIP is a great way to build up funds in your band account for special needs such as Marching Band tuition, trips or special activities. Have your friends, neighbors or coworkers order SCRIP from you and your profit expands! 

West Salem High School Wind Ensemble
OSU Contest Itinerary
Monday, March 2, 2009

DRESS: All – plain white under garments without printing or writing

Men - full tuxedo (coat and pants), white shirt, black bow tie, black cummerbund, black socks, black leather-finish shoes
Women - Black concert dress, black hose, black leather-finish closed-toe shoes

REPORT: To the Band Room at 6:45 am dressed for performance. Roll check – depart for OSU at 7:15 am

EQUIPMENT: The festival will furnish: timpani, chimes, xylophone, marimba, bass drum, chairs and stands.

We must take everything else we will need:
1. Your instrument (including snare drums, cymbals and traps)
2. Your music
3. Mutes, valve oil, reeds, sticks, cork grease
4. All of your uniform

SCHEDULE: 6:45 Report to band room, dressed for performance – Roll check
7:15 Depart for OSU
8:15 Arrive at OSU – Quickly move to rehearsal room or stage
8:30 Warm –up
9:00 PERFORM
9:45 Load and board the bus
10:00 Depart for Salem
11:00 (Approximate) arrive Salem – dismiss to class after storing equipment

FOOD: One of our primary purposes in attending this festival is to familiarize ourselves with the Lesells Stewart Performance Hall. Listen and learn as much as possible. There are no places to get food near the performance site nor will we have time to eat. Eat a good breakfast before we leave. Take some sort of meal/snack with you to tide you over for the ride back to school. Dry sandwiches, fruit, energy bars or trail mix would be appropriate, but nothing messy. Do not plan to leave the group.

On this and every other occasion when we will be representing West Salem and the WSHS Band Program as a group, the highest standards of behavior are expected. All school and West Salem Band rules for acceptable behavior apply on this and every field trip. Contact Dr. Nail or Mr. Griffiths immediately regarding anything out of the ordinary. Do not leave the group for any reason without Dr. Nail or Mr. Griffith’s knowledge and permission. Conduct on the bus should be calm, quiet and seated. If you will not return home on the bus, you must have a note granting parental approval before we leave. Be safe, be courteous and behave.

Orchestra News

Good luck to Advanced Orchestra and Symphony on Friday, May 9th. Please see the past few
emails (archived at the blog: www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com) for all the information and links.

Students have all received an itinerary - if there are any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Silberman: silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us.

Thursday, 2:40 - 4:00 p.m. ADDED SYMPHONY REHEARSAL

Friday, 9:00 a.m. ADVANCED ORCHESTRA BUS LEAVES WSHS

Friday, 12:00 noon SYMPHONY BUS LEAVES WSHS (AP students will of course be expected to finish their test and then come to the band room). Any students who do not want to or cannot make the 12:00 noon bus will have to get themselves to Corvallis - to arrive no later than 3:00 p.m.- please contact Dr. Nail or Ms. Silberman to turn in a signed note from a parent and to arrange a meeting place at 3:00 p.m.

Friday, 9:15 p.m. ONE BUS LEAVES CORVALLIS we expect many students to have parents who come to see the groups perform and then take them home.

Reminder to all students - By Thursday's rehearsal, you should have reported to Ms. Silberman how you intend to get to and from Corvallis. If you don't plan to ride the bus both ways, Ms. Silberman must have a parent's permission. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING MONEY or FOOD FOR LUNCH/SNACK/DINNER. Students are officially excused from class at the time their bus leaves. They are expected to touch base with their teachers to pick up missed assignments.

Parents - Hope to see you in Corvallis!
Advanced Orchestra performs at 10:50 a.m.
Advanced Symphony performs at 3:45 p.m.
Directions to the LaSells Student Center attached.

Check the blog this weekend for updates on scores. GOOD LUCK TO THE WIND ENSEMBLE ON SATURDAY!!

2) Wednesday, May 21st, the orchestras of periods 5,6, and 7 (String Ensemble, Orchestra, and Symphony Strings) will be performing at the Loucks Auditorium at the Salem Public Library at 7:00 p.m.

The dress will be professional casual: Black shirts (not too short of a sleeve), black closed toe shoes, and any of the following colored pants: beige, tan, khaki, cream, white, or brown. Suggestions for inexpensive purchase: TJ Maxx, Ross, Old Navy, Fred Meyer, Kohl's, or Target (and there's always Goodwill, too). This has been discussed at length in class - students are well aware that they need to wear something that looks nice.

3)Thursday, May 22nd, Advanced Orchestra, periods 1/2, will be performing for the parents
and students of the area's 4th and 5th grade classes at West's auditorium.

Students are welcome to wear their 'prom' formals to this concert - women may wear prom dresses, as long as they are appropriate, and they have to be able to actually play in them (for some cellists and upper string players, it may not work to have a tight or low plunged dress). If the prom dress is not going to work, any nice formal dress will do. Or women may wear their orchestra black. Men will wear their symphony tuxes.

4) The Salem Pops is playing at the Elsinore on Saturday May 10. For more information: www.salempopsorchestra.org - there are student tickets available at the door, as always.

5) Bass players - please arrange to stay after school on Wednesday, May 14th, 2:30 - 3:30, to work with Tyler Abbot - adjunct professor of classical and jazz bass at U of O.

6) All students who have received State tshirts or who have ordered sweatshirts, please remember to bring your money (if you're not using money from your student account) to Ms. Silberman this next week. Checks payable to WSHS Music Boosters.

7) We will be selling "Titan Music" water bottles. These are hard plastic (the non-outgassing type) with a screw top. THEY CANNOT GO IN THE DISHWASHER. They have a music quote on one side: You Are The Music While The Music Lasts ~T.S. Eliot. They will be available starting next week. $5 - payable to WSHS Music Boosters.

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

Band Newsletter #31

Parents/Booster Band Meeting Minutes
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle, edited by Jesse Seeley)
The Band Booster meeting was held as scheduled last Sunday evening (March 16th) and numerous topics were discussed. If you were unable to make the meeting, please refer to the “Minutes” (BOOSTER MEETING…) to peruse the discussions. There are very important topics including but not limited to:

Budget Review
Upcoming events (e.g., 2008 Band Camp, “Music Day 2008”)
Upcoming performances/contests
Volunteer positions available/needed to fill
Fund Raising events
Idaho Trip recap

Please take a few minutes to get acquainted with some of the discussions that took place. Contact Kami Hettwer (MKHett@aol.com) or Vickie Tuttle (tuttle84@comcast.net) if you have any questions or if you would like to fill one of the openings.

Winter Ensemble Ends Season with Best Performance
(Contributor: Alan Keown, John/Jen Freeman; Edited by Jesse Seeley)
Below are a just a couple of the comments from the directors and instructors of the Winter Ensemble’s final competition that was held this past Saturday, March 22nd, at Westview High School in Portland. As the wrap-up and celebration event there is a “Bowl-a-thon” that is slated for April 4th. Please mark this on your calendar if you and your children participated in the Winter Ensemble. All parents of the Winter Ensemble are also invited to this event—many/most of you may have already received an email direct from Alan Keown. If you have any questions regarding the Winter Ensemble or the “Bowl-a-thon”, please contact Alan at alankeown@comcast.net. As mentioned above, here are some of the comments:

From Alan Keown, Percussion Director:
“Awesome job at Championships! It was our best performance of the season and the staff could not be more proud of the students! We have one more event to take care of....our Bowl-a-thon and pizza party! On April 4th at 5:00 we will bowl at Northgate Bowl...show up about 4:40 and bring your pledge donation money with you. At 7:30 we will head to Wallery's pizza for our pizza party! Everything will be paid for, just come and have fun!”

From Jen Freeman Guard Instructor:
“What a GREAT day on Saturday! All of our ‘West’ performers did their job. The finals performance was the best that I had seen the guard do all season! There was so much passion that went into their performance, and it was felt by all of the audience. I had many people (parents, students from other schools, and other band directors) who told me that they LOVED our show! What a great thing to hear for our first year out! All in all, an AWESOME winter season! I personally want to thank all of the students, parents, and staff who were involved for a successful season. My husband and myself feel very fortunate to be apart of the West Salem Music/Guard Programs.
Sincerely, Jen Freeman”

From John Freeman, Guard Coordinator:
“I have been involved in this activity for a long time, and Saturday was one of the BEST championships days I have ever had. Thank you to all of the parents that were involved, and thank you to all of the parents who I didn't get the chance to meet that let you son or daughter be involved in this GREAT first season. Thank you to all of the staff members for your dedication and hard work, we have a great team here at West Salem. And a special SCHLUMANAHUMANAH shout out to all of the performers, I couldn't have asked for anything more this first year. You guys are AWESOME! Thank you to the board for being flexible, and letting this activity be a new part of the West Music/Color Guard Ensembles. A special thank you to Dr. Nail for his endless support! Much thanks and love to Mr. Alan Keown. And, last but definitely NOT least... a very special thank you to Mr. Brian Griffiths and his family. I love every single one of you, and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sincerely, John Freeman”

Reminder: Advanced Symphony Rehearsal Added for April 10th
(Contributor: Daryl Silberman, Jenny Gates)
There is an added advanced symphony rehearsal - Thursday April 10 from 4:30 - 6:30 - it's our final rehearsal all together before the district competition on April 12th (band members will be gone on Friday April 11th). See also the yellow-highlighted section in below “Looking Forward” table.

“Looking Forward”
(Contributor: Band Directors, Newsletter Editor)

DATE GROUP ACTIVITY LOCATION NOTES
April 3 Symphony WOU Festival WOU 11:00 – 1:00
April 4 Wind Ensemble WOU Festival WOU 12:30 – 6:00
April 10 Advanced Symphony Rehearsal WSHS 4:30 -6:30
April 11 Wind Ensemble Valley League Band Contest North 3:00 – 9:00
April 12 Symphony Salem Invitational Orchestra Festival North TBA
April 14 ALL High School Band Festival WSHS TBA

Band Newsletter #30

Winter Ensemble—Final Rehearsal and Competition
(Contributor: Alan Keown, Edited by Jesse Seeley)
This Saturday’s event is slated to be held at Westview High School. Please see attachment entitled Directions to Westview High School for more information (directions and map, “rules” on video taping, schedule).

IMPORTANT! If your parent came to the first show at Skyview (two weeks ago) and received a “staff pass” they need to either:
1. Come to the show again and help out again (which would be great!), or
2. Send their staff pass with you to the rehearsal on Friday, 21 March. Some of our actual staff didn’t even get a “staff pass” last time and we had to beat feet to get them through the door.

Note from the editor: If this doesn’t occur we could very well end up having to pay $15 for each of our staff (x 8 staff members) to make it through the door to help our performers. So please return those plastic-coasted “NWMBC” badges if you will not be at the performance to help out this Saturday.

We need a few more Moms and Dads to come this week to help out with the tents and such, so please encourage them to come. If they can come please have them call Jesse Seeley at 503-580-8629 and/or stop by rehearsal to meet with him to coordinate, or send him email at Jesse@hp.com. Thanks, in advance for this!

Final Rehearsal Information:
FINAL REHEARSAL CHANGE: FRIDAY 3/21: 7-10 p.m.

PERFORMANCE: SATURDAY 3/22: NWMBC CHAMPIONSHIPS (at Westview High School)

Advanced Symphony Rehearsal Added for April 10th
(Contributor: Daryl Silberman, Jenny Gates)
There is an added advanced symphony rehearsal - Thursday April 10 from 4:30 - 6:30 - it's our final rehearsal all together before the district competition on April 12th (band members will be gone on Friday April 11th). See also the yellow-highlighted section in below “Looking Forward” table.

“Looking Forward”
(Contributor: Band Directors, Newsletter Editor)

DATE GROUP ACTIVITY LOCATION NOTES
April 3 Symphony WOU Festival WOU 11:00 – 1:00
April 4 Wind Ensemble WOU Festival WOU 12:30 – 6:00
April 10 Advanced Symphony Rehearsal WSHS 4:30 -6:30
April 11 Wind Ensemble Valley League Band Contest North 3:00 – 9:00
April 12 Symphony Salem Invitational Orchestra Festival North TBA
April 14 ALL High School Band Festival WSHS TBA

Quote of the day
(Contributor: Jesse)
“Happiness is an inside job”
(Many have said it, but original author unknown)

West Salem High School Band News Bulletin

WSHS Band DEADLINE REMINDER
Wind Ensemble Trip Participation form due March 11th,
WEST SALEM HIGH SCHOOL BAND NEWS
(Sent to Band Parents & Directors ONLY)
This is just a friendly reminder that today (Tuesday, March 11) is the deadline to turn in the participation form for next school year’s Wind Ensemble trip. The form is needed in order for the directors to commit to the trip if WSHS is selected after auditioning. The article is again below as it appeared in last week’s WSHS Newsletter. Please directly contact the band directors in the event of any questions.

Jesse Seeley
WSHS Newsletter Editor

Wind Ensemble—2008 Trip Participation
(Contributor: Dr. Nail)
The West Salem Wind Ensemble is auditioning to perform at the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago December 16 – 19, 2008. This performance invitation is the highest recognition and honor available to an Oregon band. Only one other Oregon school band has ever been invited to perform. The audience consists of around 2,000 band/orchestra directors from all over the world

WSHS Band Newsletter #28

Symphony Rehearsal – Friday, March 7th
(Contributor: Kami Hettwer)
THIS JUST IN (to the editor anyway—most students probably already know): There is a symphony rehearsal scheduled from noon-4 p.m. on Friday. We are asking for donations to help cover the cost for the pizza. If anyone can help with any donation, please contact Kami Hettwer at mkhett@aol.com or Vickie Tuttle at tuttle84@comcast.net. The pizza feast will help the musicians with their lunch break in this intensive rehearsal.

OMEA District IV Solo and Ensemble Contest — Ten WSHS Students Honored
(Contributor: Mr. Griffiths, edited by Jesse Seeley)
This past weekend, music students performed and competed in the OMEA District IV Solo and Ensemble Contest. West Salem sent 70 entries to the festival, representing the highest level of participation from any school in the region. Ten West students were recognized as district winners or alternates (band members listed alphabetically by instrument/category):

Band Members:
Alto Saxophone - Zach Chong - 1st Alternate
Clarinet - Joshua Hettwer - 2nd Alternate
Oboe - Michael Morgan - 1st Place
Orchestral Snare - Brendon Seeley - 1st Place
Rudimental Snare - Robert Harris - 1st Place
Trombone - Matthew Hettwer - 1st Place
Trumpet - Lynn Robinson - 1st Alternate

Choir/Orchestra:
Shelby Wright - 1st Alternate - Alto Voice
Gwen Gates - 1st Place - Violin

Please help us in congratulating these outstanding Titan student performers!

“Saxaphobia” Concert—Saturday, March 8 at Elsinore Theatre
(Contributor: Mr. Richard Abrams—VP, Salem Community Concert Association)
On Friday, March 7th at 7:00 p.m., there will be an unusual concert at the Elsinore Theatre featuring Rob Verdi and his group, "Saxophobia." He plays nearly 40 different types of saxophones, mostly antique and several unique. They bill themselves as "A 'Who's Who' of sax gone wild!’ which pays tribute to the legendary jazz artists who gave the saxophone its unique voice."

This concert is sponsored by Salem Community Concerts. We believe in doing all within our power to encourage and stimulate the musical interest and talents of children and youth of our area. For that reason, SCCA has a special student rate of $8, and $8 also for one adult to accompany the student. These tickets normally cost $27 at the door. Students and accompanying adults will be admitted to the concert for this price of $8 each.

If you want more information concerning Saxophobia, go to ”>www.Saxophobia.net on the Web. There is a very interesting publicity photo of Rob Verdi with his collection of saxophones. By the way, Rob is also a member of the famous “Side Street Strutters” Jazz Band.

Winter Ensemble — Parent Concert Friday Night — March 7 at 8 p.m.
(Contributor: Alan Keown, Jesse Seeley)
In preparation for this Saturday’s competition, there will be a Parent’s Concert for the performance that could very well lead West Salem High School to victory this Winter season. After this Friday’s rehearsal (starting at 3 p.m.) there will be a free performance for anyone who would like to attend. The actual parent’s performance will be in the Commons starting at 8 p.m.

This Saturday’s first competition will be at Skyline High School, Vancouver, Wash., at 10:23 a.m. The Winter Ensemble has been sent a separate itinerary for the next two days’ activities, but if you have any questions, please contact Alan Keown directly at alankeown@comcast.net. For more information on directions to Skyview High School, their Web site is skyview.vansd.org/. There is an admission fee of $10 for adults, $5 for students/seniors, and FREE for 5 years and younger.

Remaining rehearsals/shows:

FRIDAY 3/14: 6-9 p.m.

PERFORMANCE: SATURDAY 3/15: WGI REGIONAL (PORTLAND SHOW)

FRIDAY 3/21: 6-9 p.m.

PERFORMANCE: SATURDAY 3/22: NWMBC CHAMPIONSHIPS (PORTLAND SHOW)

Jazz Festival at McKay High School, Saturday, March 8th
Not that there’s nothing to do these next couple of days, but we have yet other WSHS musicians performing in the Jazz Festival at McKay High School this Saturday. Many of our students will be performing with the “WVYJE Big Band” there. Please attend if you want to hear some local music with some talented high school musicians.

Wind Ensemble—2008 Trip Participation
(Contributor: Dr. Nail)
The West Salem Wind Ensemble is auditioning to perform at the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago December 16 – 19, 2008. This performance invitation is the highest recognition and honor available to an Oregon band. Only one other Oregon school band has ever been invited to perform. The audience consists of around 2,000 band/orchestra directors from all over the world.