Band News - Special Edition "Thanks to many!"

Dear Students, Parents, Faculty, and Staff

As the WSHS Marching Band just came off of a successful first outing at the University of Oregon’s “Festival of Bands” on October 6th, and again preparing for this week’s PCI at Willamette University, I wanted to make a separate and special edition for something that would be too long for our normal newsletter. But as we approach our 2nd competition this weekend, I felt the below should be seen by as many readers as possible as to what goes on behind the scenes of a successful program. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this special edition.

I have attempted to compile this from input from as many of the team leads as possible, but please blame ME if someone gets omitted. The below do not appear in any particular order and I want to apologize in advance for any omissions or names forgotten. But this is an amazing group of parents and volunteers (AND students already working at their position in the band) that work FOR the musicians and the music directors’ mission.

While I compile the rest of this week’s regular newsletter, please read as much as you can of those that contribute continually. I know this is long, but I’ve probably STILL missed some folks.

Jesse Seeley
WSHS Band Newsletter Editor

Behind Every Successful Program is. . .
(Contributors: Kami Hettwer, Vickie Tuttle, Patricia Nielsen, Jen Freeman, Jesse Seeley, Mary Eastman, and others)
. . . a bunch of dedicated, responsible, prompt, unselfish, and giving people. Some might refer to them as parents, or students, or simply volunteers — some aren’t even parents, but grandparents of a child in the band while others USED to have a child in the band but continue to volunteer. But without these dedicated people most of the marching band activities would be NEARLY impossible to pull off. The directors and marching band members have pulled off an INCREDIBLE showing on just this first competition! The event at U of O was just a sampling of the great work the Marching Band can do and they’re only getting better. But for all that hard work that THEY have put in, there are nearly just as many people in various activities “behind the scenes” that go on (went on) when nobody was looking. Some “thank you” notes have already gone out, but this article will attempt to acknowledge as many of those helpers as possible.

Note from Co-Chair Vickie Tuttle: “From venue and site setup to uniform preparations, food acquisition and preparation to carpentry and painting with the addition of "Huge" props the tasks before the logistics team is not an easy one. Each year our volunteer base grows and we will continue to strive to get each and every parent involved. We will continue to face challenges and problems and as we learn from them we will no doubt be an unbeatable team. I want to recognize the exhausting efforts of each and every one of you.”

Props are not just found on airplanes—For literally WEEKS in advance of this first competition there was a HUGE workload with the new addition of the “gears” – those props in the background that are turning (no pun intended) out to play quite an integral part to the “Green Machine” theme. Normally the “thank yous” are saved up for a year-end ceremony, but we wanted to take this opportunity to thank as many of the parents, students, their friends, and other family members that help keep the music playing. In many cases, the students mentioned are ALSO band members, so double-duty is acknowledged to them. Because of this type of “thank you event” we will no doubt forget someone, but it is purely accidental as there are just SO MANY contributors. Please also forgive any possible mis-spellings. . . Let’s think of these as those credits that roll after each movie—LOTS of them. The musicians are the stars of the show, but there is a tremendous back lot crew.

The below people have helped on props, uniforms, cooks, logistics, labor, and overall coordination of events. Since the gear props have been such a huge undertaking, they are getting top billing here as this has been a wildly HUGE and successful task:

Prop Work Days and Helpers
(By Kami Hettwer)
Over multiple days, afternoons, some weekends, and other days, work that started on August 31 and up to last minute changes to adjust “real time” to make the props fit through the stadium tunnel at U of O, the below list of people were instrumental in helping with the various tasks from measuring, drilling, assembly, painting, parts runners, and a multitude of other tasks. Some days were as long as 11 hours!

One note here (again, no pun intended J), SEVERAL musicians added to their “Music Day” hours and contributed to the prop project after the morning of going door-to-door. We’d love to single THEM out as going above and beyond, but the list is again exhaustive, but big time KUDOS to those students and musicians! Below, co-chair Kami Hettwer adds her thanks to those involved with the gears made on the prop project:

A big thank you to all of those that helped with the wonderful props that are adding the desired visuals to the “Green Machine”. Again, please accept our apologies if we missed anyone, but let me (mkhett@aol.com) know and I will make certain your names get added/mentioned in another newsletter article as well. Many of the names appearing below did “double duty” and on multiple days—SOME of those 10-12 hour workdays as well! Appearing alphabetically by first name:
Armando Guevara
Debbie Harris
Kylie Phillips
Paige Stanley
Ashely Gresley
Eli Heidi
Leanne Wilson
Randy Rothweiler
Ashlyn Rees
Gilmore family
Lindsay Leaman
Rock Brutton
Becky Griffiths
Gustavo Guevara
Logan Gilmore
Rosalyn Whitby
Brendan Pavelek
Hailey Hill
Lynn Eaton
Ryan Rothweiler
Cheri Harris
Jesse Cummins
Maria Weir
Sam Rothweiler
Cheryl Harris
Jim Mitchell
Marty Stipe
Spencer Muller
Clay Dennis
Joanna Cuellar
Michael Fifer
Steve Anderson
Connie Phillips
Joel Eaton
Mike Winager
Vickie Tuttle
Craig Urbani
Kami Hettwer
Myles Wittman
Cristin Wilson
Katelyn Nichols
Nick Schmidt
Daron Hill
Katherine Lownsbery
Nolan Fridley

One final category in the “Props” section of BIG TIME help at the practices and “game day”, the “Prop Personnel Chaperones.” A big thank you for all your assistance in coordinating:
Connie Phillips
Tari Sutton

Editor’s Note: Finally, but still in the “props” section (that’s how BIG of a gig this was folks) without the tireless efforts of the coordinators and leaders on this task that also were labor-intensive contributors, NONE of this would have been possible. A special thanks to those:
Randy Rothweiler
Mike Hettwer
Sam Rothweiler
Kami Hettwer

If you’re wondering, “Hey! What about those kids that turn the gears?” Well, since they are technically part of the “band,” they will get their own feature in a newsletter very soon. The above “thank you” goes out to those just getting them READY to spin J Quite the large undertaking indeed! Thanks again to one and all that contributed to this HUGE project.

Uniform Preparation—Heading up this team, Patricia Nielsen and Deanna Garney have been doing such an outstanding job, the uniforms look like they just get there by themselves. So many people stopped by to help and many of the names and faces were not remembered, but the help was appreciated. But some of the extras we know about:
Link Watson (seems to be everywhere)
Gabi Mitchem (Guard mom pulling double duty)
Marianne Stipe (ditto on “appears everywhere!”)
Liz Harris
Vickie Narkon (another ditto on “appears everywhere!”)
Many, many unnamed students
Trudy McKinnel (double duty on props)
Deryl Nielsen (“Drill Instructor” for boys’)

But wait! There’s more! We just can’t let the first successful outing go without notice to the crews and personnel, so please read on for the staff of volunteers that made other parts of this show simply, well, FANTASTIC!

Flags don’t fly by themselves J --The Guard’s fabulous placement in their first competition could not have been possible without the SERIOUS rush job of sewing and tailoring of not only the flags, but the costumes of the Guard as well. Working as a team the below folks brought this together is a very timely manner with the odds of meeting the deadline against them. Part of the trophy that the Guard won is directly correlated with your outstanding work!
Denise Gilmore
Stacy Larson
Koren Landfair
Aurora Cuellar
Kate Ahmad
Debbie Davis
Debbie Harris
Alyson Baker

How does the entire band’s base camp just seem to happen?
Simply put in a single word: LOGISTICS. And what an amazing group of parents this band has in the logistical setup of the base camp. The Marching Band simply shows up and their stuff is just there waiting for them, making a seamless appearance as if it were a teleport on an episode of Star Trek. We know the band doesn’t take this for granted (well, maybe some of them do J), but this event is executed by the veterans that are now into their 3rd and 4th year of making it happen and they do indeed.

Again, we’re certain to miss some people, but it is because there are just TOO MANY to remember in one fell swoop. Some just showed up, others have been doing this year after year. We work so fast at some of these tasks that we even forget each other’s names J Here are just SOME of the people responsible for providing their vehicles, trailers, driving time, labor, and setup at the events.

Veteran logistics experts of the Narkon Family (Vickie and Mike) have been offering their personal racing trailer for the last three years. With the all important and delicate transportation of the percussion pit instruments, each piece of equipment is secured down for the trip so no damage to an instrument is possible. The Narkon family is also the supplier of the two HUGE tents at the competition sites, as well as lighting, and heat and electricity generation. I hope I didn’t miss anything, but I certainly didn’t want to miss thanking the Narkons for their contributions and hard work.

Another veteran of the logistics gig is Clay Dennis who supplies that HUGE 26-foot truck that transports every other piece imaginable to the band. This includes the cases and cases of instruments, the uniform closets, tables and chairs for the dining room at the base camp, and many other integral portions of the entire band’s existence.

Yet another veteran to the logistics mission is the Moyer family (Garry and Penny) and the transportation of his personal trailer that gets all of those tents to each venue. With a crew of many, volunteers arrange to meet Garry and his trailer to where he leads the crew to set-up of the multitude of tents and other portions of the band’s camp and headquarters. Sleep deprivation prevailed this past U of O (and a few of last year’s) performance where the crews had to leave at 5 a.m. (even in military terms, that means “zero-dark-thirty” J). At press time I did not have a complete list of laborers, but a few of the veterans include:
Steve Anderson
“Bob” Weir (I think that’s his last name)
Kurt Wittman
. . . and a cast of many more that make the tent city happen with names that I can’t remember or need to be provided to me

As a rookie into the logistics field please welcome the contributions of the Gilmore Family (Orval and Denise). They too have supplied a personal trailer and transportation of the newest addition of the Gear Props. For without this additional trailer and transportation, the props would have had a difficult time working their way into the existing logistics used over the previous years.

Food, Cooks, Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate and the comforts of home—this is certainly not a case of too many cooks spoil the broth here at these huge events of feeding the hundreds of band members, volunteers, and even the stray WSHS alumni that show up. Veterans Mary Eastridge and Craig Urbani provided the lead behind the wheel of the mess hall and several other parents that helped, and I know I’ve probably left off some names, but the parents we do recall are, in no particular order:
Debbie Davis
Mikayla Wittman
Analida Wertz
Vicky Narkon
Patty Bolstad
Analida Wertz
Pam Wittman
Connie Phillips
Kurt Wittman
Sam ?? (A MOM)
Michelle Robinson
Trudy Mc Kinnell

There are a BUNCH of contributors also out front that also help on one or more of the activities and may have been missed from one of the above lists. They would include:
Liz Harris
Jackie and Von Maltzen
Sharon Ringeisen
Michelle Winegar
John and Linda Burr
Jim Mitchell
Daron Hill
Samantha Rothweiler
Connie Phillips
Rebecca Griffiths
Cecelia Urbani
Leigh Weir

Finally, the “gigan-tas-mosis” of all of this coordination is the up-front and hard work of this year’s co-chairs:
Kami Hettwer and Vickie Tuttle

Of which going without mention would be a true injustice. And last but not least, a big thanks of course to the maestros:
Dr. Ike Nail
Mr. Brian Griffiths
Mr. Alan Keown

They will be personally acknowledging their staffs for the pit, field, and guard orchestrations at the awards ceremony next month.

In closing, I would like to personally thank my wife (Monique), for allowing me to put off many other duties as she remains a “band widow” and running the Seeley household during all of these band events that I find time for.

Jesse Seeley
WSHS Band Newsletter Editor

Choir News

Greetings! There is quite a bit of info in this e-mail, so please take a minute or two and read through the entire thing. If you are a student, please print this off and share it with your parents.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS:
We have more Greater Oregon books available. The sale ends November 1st. Books are $20 and your student can pick one up during their choir class.

WREATH/POINSETTIA SALES:
We have packets available if your student is interested in selling holiday greens and poinsettias. Money earned goes into their individual choir account. This sale ends October 29th!

UPCOMING CONCERT:
Our Fall concert is Wednesday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m. We ask all students to be in concert apparel and in the choir room by 6:30 p.m. that evening. We need some ushers and folks to man tables before the concert. Please e-mail Judi Larson at judilarson@msn.com if you can help. You would need to arrive by 6:20.

CHOIR BOOSTER MEMBERSHIPS:
Many of you have taken advantage of this opportunity - thank you! We will have a section of reserved seats at our concert for you.

VOICE CLASS:
Kara Quello, a local voice teacher, is offering group voice lessons during choir class time. She charges $10 per session. This is a wonderful opportunity for students who are interested in learning more about their voice, confidence in their singing, music reading and everything that goes with being a great choir singer. If your student is already studying privately with someone - wonderful! Kara will be starting her first voice class in Concert Choir this Thursday. Students who are interested should see Mrs. McIntyre.

Orchestra News

1) Entertainment book sales are going well - thank you to the Boosters and Linda Beardsley for helping with the sales. All unsold books and payments are due by October 30th. You are responsible for the books you check out. Students will earn $8 - 10 for each $20 book they sell, and often the books sell themselves! Amanda McCloud, in Per 5, turned in the first concert review, so Ms. Silberman bought an Entertainment book from her. The first person to turn in the next review will get a poinsettia purchase from Ms. Silberman. The Wreaths and Poinsettia sale has begun for students who chose to sell. Students received a very informative packet complete with a good instruction sheet. Wreath/poinsettia order forms and payments should be turned together just once, and checks won't be deposited until after the order deadline. (Customers may want to know their checks won't be cashed until early-mid November.)

2) When students sell books, wreaths/poinsettias, or work concession booths at games, the money earned goes into their individual student accounts. These accounts are active until graduation. We *WILL* go on a retreat this year in the spring which will cost something. Additionally, if students are accepted to All-State Orchestra, they can petition to use student account money to pay that fee. Next year, '08/09, some or all of the students may go on a 'big' trip - and again, they may use student account money.

3) Grades will be turned in to the administration no later than Monday Oct. 15. Since we've had no performance yet, the bulk of the grades this period will be determined by the few assignments we've had (Music Day or assignment/excuse, practice logs, playing tests, signature page turn in), Ms. Silberman's assessment of whether the student is working to improve their musicianship and skill, attitude and citizenship in class, and attendance (or excuse from) required sectionals.

4) Next week, on Tuesday, we have an opportunity to see the Oregon Symphony here in Salem (at Willamette University). This would be a *GREAT* concert to review. Students who show student ID get in for $5. Hope to see you there.

5) Did you know we have an orchestra concert on Tuesday, October 23 at 7pm?

CALL TIME FOR STUDENTS FOR THE CONCERT IS 5:45pm sharp! If you have a legitimate (very legitimate!) excuse for being late, MAKE SURE THAT MS. SILBERMAN KNOWS so that you don't get dinged points.

Students are to come completely dressed. If students have ANY QUESTIONS about what they need to wear, please direct those questions to Ms. Silberman or ask someone who's been here before. Students will not be allowed to perform if they do not have the correct attire. Flyers for the concert are available to students beginning next week.

6) If anyone still needs to purchase a metronome (well, students can use the online one), tuner, strings, bow, or stand, please touch base with Ms. Silberman. She's willing to purchase (through online merchants or Weathers) whatever you need... then you can reimburse her.

7) West Salem High School's annual Titan Auction is Saturday, November 17th. We have two tables reserved for any Orchestra parents/boosters who would like to sit together. A whole table qualifies us for 100% instead of 50% of the selling price of an Orchestra-donated auction item. If you would like to be at one of these tables, please do not buy your own tickets. You'll pay for tickets being held. Tickets are $30 each, regardless of where you sit, and are otherwise available from Susan Tolley (lstolley7@msn.com), at Today's Hair, or at the front desk at school. Do you have an appealing item or service to donate? Contact Jenny Gates at gatesjenny@aol.coml. The deadline for big-ticket oral auction items is November 2nd. The deadline for silent auction items is November 14th. Donation forms, more details, etc. are available - please ask. The theme for the evening is "007" and decorations will be casino-oriented. Thanks!
---------------------------------------------------------
Daryl Silberman, director
West Salem High School Orchestras
(503)-399-5533 x256
cell: (818) 317-8218
----------------------------------------------------------

Band Newsletter #8

WSHS Band Marches to 2nd Place at University of Oregon’s Festival of Bands
(Contributors: Jen Freeman, Jesse Seeley, Eugene newspaper The Register Guard)
Earlier this week a bulletin was sent out with reference to the short news article in the Eugene-based newspaper The Register Guard. A great picture of WSHS was featured on their site even though little was mentioned about the 2nd and 3rd place finishers. In one of the strongest starts for a guard in the history of the school, below are some of the details from the Guard Section leaders (Jen Freeman and Erin Klumph):

“The guard had a great weekend. We were 2nd in Prelims in the Guard caption. They had a GREAT Finals run through, regardless of what the guard caption was in finals. I had many comments made to me that everyone really loved the uniforms, flags, and their performance. Overall, it was a great day for them. I am very proud to be there instructor, as well is Erin Klumph. GREAT JOB LADIES!”

Because of the size of these latest trophies that the band and guard pulled in from last weekend’s competition, I think it is safe to say that we need bigger shelves to put these on J

Inservice Day for MOST of WSHS this Thursday/Friday—But Band Marches On
* Thursday, October 11th Night Football Game—Call Time & other details --Thursday, 10/11 call time at 1600, game at 1900 (bring dinner or have one dropped by as we won’t have much time from practice-to-game time)—old news now as it took me too long to get this email compiled today—my apologies, Editor)

* Friday, October 12th —Mini Band Camp Details--Friday’s “Mini Camp” is an all day event on Friday, October 12th. It will start at 0900 and to 2100. Bring a lunch to eat at the school, but there will be a dinner break from 1600 to 1800 (or 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for the rest of us that don’t bother with that silly “ZULU” time)

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 that was updated a few weeks back. Looking forward to through October 12th for the upcoming “Mini Camp”, the dates/times are included below.

Excerpted from
PRELIMINARY WEST SALEM TITAN BAND 2007/08 CALENDAR
Dates are as accurate as possible at publication, but may change as new information is received

First Semester
Date(s) Group Activity Location Call-Dismiss
10/11 Titan Band Home Football West 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
10/12 Titan Band Mini Camp West 9a – 9 p
10/19 Titan Band Home Football (Homecoming) West 5:30 – 10
10/20 Titan Band Pacific Coast Invitational Willamette All Day
10/27 Titan Band McKenzie Classic Evergreen HS All Day
Indicates change to original released “calendar”

Wreath Sales Coming!
(Contributor: Sheila Muller)
The 2007 Wreath/Poinsettia sale has begun! Packets are going out to students in their music classes this week. (Week of October 8th) Parents, if you haven't seen their packet, please ask them about it and get them going on their sales. All proceeds go directly into their accounts, so this saves you money! If you need more copies of anything, check the music booster site, they should be posted soon. You also can contact me and I will e-mail you the forms.

Please note due dates: Poinsettias 10/29 Wreaths 11/8
Late orders cannot be accepted due to ordering dates." Questions? Please contact Sheila directly: mullersg@comcast.net or (503) 364-4760

Picture of the week
See the article from the Register Guard posted below.

Editor’s Corner: Quote/thought for the week
(Contributor: Patricia Nielsen)
If anyone would like to submit anything for possible inclusion to this newsletter (e.g., an open letter to the band, directors, teachers, etc) or a quote you just think everyone would enjoy, submit it directly to me with the subject “Editor’s Corner.” If it is a quote or other referenced material, please supply your source. That’s just a short introduction to this new feature.

Quote of the Week:
“All the wealth in the world could not buy you a friend, nor could it pay for the loss of one!”
Author: unknown

NEW SECTION—“Lost & Found”
As a new section, and probably overdue, we’ll add this off-and-on as people report important things missing. The students already know where the general lost and found box is near the band room, but this is reserved for possible missing, misplaced, or just out-and-out lost items. This week’s item of interest:
Lost: Black gloves, NEW, multiple pairs, used for “gear spinners”—we need to return the extras for a refund to go back into the band/boosters account. So if you know of these or know where they are, please contact Kami at MKHett@aol.com as soon as possible. Thank you in advance.

Choir News

Dear friends,

Just an update on the choirs as we near our Fall concert.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS:
This sale ends November 1st. We will be getting more Greater Oregon books this week and still have a few Portland books. The books are $20 each and checks should be made out to WSHS Music Boosters. Many thanks for your support!

FALL CONCERT:
Our Fall Concert is Wednesday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. We will be needing ushers for this concert (at least 6). Please email Judi Larson at judilarson@msn.com if you are able to be an usher. You would need to arrive by 6:20 p.m.

JAZZ FESTIVAL:
The jazz festival is Saturday, November 17 and we'll be looking for some volunteers regarding this event. More info to come!

HOLIDAY CONCERT DATE CHANGE:
The Holiday Concert has been moved to Tuesday, December 11. Please make this change on your calendar! We will still be traveling to the Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, December 13 Noon-1:00.

Many thanks and looking forward to seeing you at our Fall Concert!

Lisa

From the Register-Guard

The competitors faced off Saturday at Autzen Stadium, marching across the turf in colorful uniforms as thousands of fans cheered them on.

And not a football in sight.

No, these were high school marching bands, 30 in all from Oregon, Washington and Idaho, competing in the 27th annual Festival of Bands, a fundraising event for the University of Oregon Marching Band. It's one of the largest such contests in the Northwest, a day-long extravaganza of joyful noise and precision drilling.

The event gives bands a chance to strut their stuff under the watchful eyes of eight judges, who score them on how they look and how they sound, both as individuals and as a band, and on what might be called the "wow" factor.

"The bands that win have control over what they're doing and really perform and somehow reach the audience," said Eric Wiltshire, director of the Oregon Marching Band, which organizes the event.

Grants Pass clearly had a lock on wowing the crowd, winning not only the overall title, but nabbing the prize for general effect, music, visual and percussion. Under the title, "The Hollow," group depicted the tale of Washington Irving's "The Headless Horseman," combining appropriately eerie music with visual effects.

West Salem took second, Central Valley (Spokane), third.

To perform in a marching band means not just being able to play an instrument with skill, but to do so while marching in unison, sometimes with a 3-foot plume sticking out of your hat.

It takes "a lot of focus and practice," said Nicole Pritchett, a baritone player from Hockinson High School in Brush Prairie, Wash., as she waited to march. "You just block everything else out and focus on what you're doing."

Playing at Autzen before thousands of fans is "pretty awesome," said Eric Bennett, a senior at Liberty High School in Hillsboro.
"It's a big adrenaline rush," he said. "It's the coolest thing you can do."

"It's kind of overwhelming at first," said Tara Shedeck, a Willamette High School flautist. "You don't know what to think, if you're excited or you're scared. Then, once you do it, you're so excited because you did it right. You're thinking about playing and doing drill instead of all the people watching you."

The event runs from 7:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., with preliminaries in the morning and afternoon, and the final rounds in the evening for the 16 top bands.

For the high school band members, it's clear the event is more that just music and marching. It's a chance to sit in the stands and pelt friends with curly fries, to gawk over an instrument catalog ("A piccolo trumpet? That's tight!"), to be cheered by family and friends.

"You get to hang out with all your friends and it gets you in a good group," said bass drummer Dylan Philichi of Sunset High School in Beaverton.

"And it gives you something to do on Saturdays," percussionist Allison Lucas said.

Band Newsletter #7

Rehearsal for Friday, October 5th—pre-competition
We rehearse after school on Friday, October 5th. This is the day before our first competition! Since there’s no home game that night, we’ll go longer (hopefully no later than 4:30). Afterwards, we must pack and stage everything for an early morning. Each section will be dismissed when the entire section is ready for the show Saturday. If done efficiently, we could be out as soon as possible, but exact time is not known.

Competition at U of O Information—Call Time and Logistics
(Contributor: Directors)
Attached please find the PDF document that holds all of the information for the call times and approximate schedule for the entire day. This document was handed out at Wednesday evening’s rehearsal on October 3rd. The bottom line to the initial CALL TIME is 0520 or to the rest of you that’s 5:20 a.m. The WSHS band’s first appearance (also listed in the attached document) is at 0944. After the band’s performance they will return to the home base (still to be determined) where they will change into civilian clothes, get debriefed on the performance, then will return to the stands to watch other band performances.

Students Taking SAT October 6th – Special Instructions
(Contributor: “Mr. G”)
This information is for students and parents involved in the October 6 SAT. If you notice that someone didn't receive this information, kindly pass it on. First, I'm sorry this is so inconvenient. Thank you for taking steps to minimize impact on the group! Good luck, have fun, and be smart! - Brian Griffiths

Here is a recap of the plan after your test:
1. If you will arrive at Autzen Stadium earlier than 1:00, you'll have time to watch some bands.
2. There is a break at 1:30, at which time we will meet our buses to travel to Springfield H.S.
a. We will PROBABLY meet the buses on the Leo Harris Parkway near the southwest corner of the Moshofsky Center.
3. If you won’t arrive until after 1:30, we will be rehearsing at 2:00 at Springfield High School.
a. If you are traveling from Salem, you will almost certainly want to meet us there.
b. Please see below for more information on address and directions to get to Springfield HS.

Driving directions to Springfield High School:
- Take I-5 take exit at sign reading "Exit 194A OR-126 East to Springfield"
- On OR-126, (aka OR-105), Eugene-Springfield Hwy, go East for 1mile.
- Take the on ramp at sign reading "Springfield/City Center"
- Turn right on Pioneer Pky W.
- Turn left on Centennial Blvd.
- Turn right on 10th St and go south

The address is 875 7th Street, Springfield, OR if you want to enter that into your own map program. We will attempt to be on the school grounds at Silke Field on 10th Street.

University of Oregon Information—Prices, directions, and more
(Contributor: Jesse Seeley and U of O Web site)
For those who have not been to Autzen Stadium at the University of Oregon, some brief information might be helpful. The flier for the U of O Festival of Bands can be viewed at: http://omb.uoregon.edu/Festival%20of%20Bands/fob.main.page.html

Although there isn’t much information on the flier for directions, there is a price list and times that the gates open (8:00 a.m.). Prices range from $9 (students and seniors) to $13 for General Admission. There is also a Family 4-Pack for $32

Directions/Map—The U of O flier have listed a Google map for Autzen Stadium located at the link immediately below. If you’ve never used Google map, it is fairly self-explanatory. Check it out here.

From West Salem High School, it is approximately 70 miles, so depending on traffic it can be made in approximately 1 hour 20 minutes—your mileage and speed may vary J. Since WSHS’ appearance is so early, chances are there won’t be a backlog at the ticket booth. In years past there have been lineups for 10-20 people deep and they’ve only opened 1 booth, so plan accordingly. Again, this shouldn’t be the issue if you go to the early show (9:44 a.m.). The early shows are pretty much right on time, so if you’re planning on catching THAT show, you may want to be on-time.

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 that was updated a few weeks back. Looking forward to through October 12th for the upcoming Mini Camp, the dates/times are included below.

10/11 Titan Band Home Football West 5:30 – 10
10/12 Titan Band Mini Camp West 9a- 9p

Picture of the week
(Contributor: Joe Gottsch, Jesse Seeley)
Recognize someone? If not, you might by checking out the information below. To view this picture and MANY more, go directly to Joe Gottsch’s free Web site at WestSidePhoto.net

ENCORE PERFORMANCE ARTICLES—Previous Newsletter articles that are still in the news

Titan Auction—Coming November 17th!
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle)
Mark your calendars to attend on November 17th. But the preparation for what we need to help the band begins NOW. We need an adult to step up to be a liaison/contact to attend the Auction meetings beginning next week (throughout October). Armed with all this important information, we would need that person to help coordinate with Tim Klarr for item pickup and auction intake. Any or all band members, parents, or their families and friends can make contributions for items that will be auctioned off, with the proceeds going directly to West Salem High School and the Band! Some suggestions of past successful items to donate have been restaurant gift certificates, wine baskets, vacation/time-share “week” or weekend, Vacation in Hawaii, a trip to New York, and other useful “big ticket” items are always appreciated. Got extra frequent flyer miles that might expire before you can use them? Consider donating a couple of tickets to wherever that program/airline flies! This is the school’s BIGGEST fund raising event and we want to make sure we do our part. All donations will be appreciated!

The Deadline to submit our items is November 2nd, 2007. For information please call Vickie Tuttle at 503-588-0968 if you have items to donate. Please contact Tim Klarr for information about meeting time and how to pick up Auction intake forms at todayshair@msn.com.

Editor’s Corner: Quote/thought for the week
(Contributor: Patricia Nielsen)
If anyone would like to submit anything for possible inclusion to this newsletter (e.g., an “open letter” to the band, directors, teachers, etc) or a quote you just think everyone would enjoy, submit it directly to me with the subject “Editor’s Corner”. If it is a quote or other referenced material, please supply your source. That’s just a short introduction to this new feature. But here is the quote of the week, but words to live your life by:

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Author: Margaret Mead