State Festival & Honor Band Updates

Please read this entire post! I know it is long, but I want to make sure everyone is on the same page. It makes me very anxious when I am not in control. The weather and the flu epidemic have been out of my control, unfortunately. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions.                                   


I. AISA State Festival - *Required Graded Performance
Itinerary:
Friday, Feb. 27th
6:30AM - Load bus
12:30 - Warmup
1:00 - Perform
1:30 - Change out of concert attire, load bus, leave. Honor Band students will stay in Montgomery.
~4:45-5:00PM - Arrive at PA
*Check your email for a detailed itinerary.*

I will begin loading the bus by seniority AT 6:30AM. If you are late, tough - you get whatever's left. The band room will be open no later than 6:10. If you are meeting at Beard's: 1. make sure I know before Friday morning, 2. make sure the things you need get on the bus somehow. Do not bring extra stuff because we are taking a smaller bus. As always, I do not mind what you wear on the bus, but to step off the bus into public, you must be in uniform (polo & khakis or full concert attire). Guys, I don't mind if you just show up wearing your concert attire to save the hassle of changing after lunch. Up to you. We do not have time in our schedule for a leisurely lunch. Your priority is to eat and get back to the bus to change.

If you have instrument, music, or dress issues, please let me know about them IMMEDIATELY. I will be much less helpful if you wait until Friday morning to do so.


II. 3 THINGS I DESPERATELY NEED EVERYONE TO DO BETWEEN NOW AND FRIDAY:
1. PLAY. Everyone took home an instrument and music Tuesday, so this won't be a problem. 3 times through each piece. Let me or an upperclassman know if you need help or don't understand something.

2. LISTEN. Recordings of our 3 pieces are listed below. It is vital that everyone listens to each one at least 3 times. Alternate playing and listening. With so many people out lately, we need to get a good concept of what the full group should sound like with all the parts present. Rehearsal would be the best way to accomplish this. Listening is our only option at this point. They are listed in the order that we will play them for the festival.
Sunliner - http://goo.gl/aykiFY
Country Wildflowers - http://goo.gl/7Y1kug
Joy - http://goo.gl/YQtLFu

3. KNOW the information in this email. Be prepared. If you have a question, do not wait until 6:30 Friday morning to ask it. I will be less helpful then. I'm not a morning person.


III. HONOR BAND STUDENTS:
I trust that you are prepared for the chair audition. The schedule is on members only in the Dropbox folder. Students will keep their concert black from our band performance on Friday to wear for the honor band concert Saturday afternoon. Students will need a folding music stand. I am driving the church bus. If there is anything you will not need before we get to the hotel Friday afternoon, you are welcome to load it onto the church bus Friday morning to save room on the charter bus. Everyone will ride the charter bus on the way to Montgomery. After the band's performance on Friday, you will unload all of your belongings and put them on the church bus. We will go to the hotel from there. You will need money for lunch & supper Fri, and supper Sat night. The hotel has a continental breakfast and we will eat lunch in the dining hall on campus Saturday. Parents, if you are sending a credit card with your child to pay for a room, call the hotel ahead of time to let them know. Sometimes there are issues with minors using credit cards. Regardless, please send a note authorizing your child to use your card. Include your contact information, as well. Total cost for 1 room is about $103.89.


IV. I love you all dearly and I will see you Friday morning. Stay safe and warm!
--Mr. Jackson