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This Week's News

* NEXT INSTALLMENT OF BAND FEES DUE TODAY.

* Articles beginning to appear in local papers.  Ten of our band members are in Wednesday's Westview.  This is available online at http://www.westviewonline.com/files/Sept_10.pdf.

* NO COMPETITION THIS WEEK.  Instead, the band will have a special rehearsal 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM.  Please make sure band members are hydrated and have lunch before they arrive.  The weather is supposed to be warm again, so make sure they have water bottles with them.

* Car wash highly likely Sunday afternoon.  If all goes well, the car wash will be held at the Advance Auto Parts on Hwy 100. Look for exact times for the car wash in this week's news update. 

* Band members should wear their shoes during rehearsals.  

* Saturday good day for parent volunteers to help finish props, etc.

* Central Parking fundraiser started.  An initial email with dates went out to volunteers from parking@hillwoodband.com.  If you want to participate in this fundraiser, and did not receive the initial email, please send an email to parking@hillwoodband.com identifying the email addresses that should be included in the list. 

* Parent volunteers need to have green golf shirts when representing the Hillwood High School Band.  We still do not have enough pre-sales for the shirts.  We will be keeping a tab until we DO have enough parents needing shirts. 

* FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES:
     1) Kroger cards (ongoing)
     2) Central Parking (starting)
     3) Fruit sales (2 sales for Thanksgiving and Christmas delivery)
     4) Car wash (possibly September 21)

From Mr. Chester and Mr. Shepherd:

Thank you to all the parents who helped to ensure our continued success on Saturday, September 13, 2008, as we once again dominated in our class D victory for the second consecutive year.  It was great to have so many parents involved.

Now that your child is an active member of the band, we hope you will take advantage of this outstanding positive family experience. It is the opportunity to join your child in the attainment of a mutual goal, something you do not want to miss.

At a time when young people are making crucial decisions concerning personal behavior, ethics, integrity, morals, and an array of vital life choices, wouldn't you like to be around to have some influence on their direction? Band parents enjoy this unusual vantage point, and all of the band members benefit from such a healthy relationship.

Band parents are also integrated into every phase of the program. They are not passive observers, or simply a polite sideline audience, but active contributors in the daily operation of the program. The ongoing success of our program is in direct proportion to the support of our parents. We need you.

I often think there is as much pride in our band parent organization as there is in the band itself. Many of our parent participants have found hidden social benefits for their own growth and development. Not only do our boosters work hand-in-hand with our band program, but they relish the exchange with other parents who share a common interest.

You may think there are not enough hours in the day to add one more responsibility to your schedule. This is a legitimate consideration; however, we are sensitive to the situation. You will find everyone is willing to make the necessary accommodations so all parents can be involved. It is a chance that will only come around once in life for you and your child.

Our next two performances are scheduled for September 26th as we travel to across town rival Hillsboro for football and again on September 27th as we participate in the MTSBOA Marching Festival and Columbia Invitational Marching Classic. Please mark this on your calendar and plan to be with us for an exciting action packed day. You will also enjoy the optimistic atmosphere of our band's number-one fan club, our band parents. You will quickly sense the caring and sharing attitude that has become the trademark of this group. I also urge you to attend our booster meetings, become an active member.

Thank you for all that you do!
Michael Chester and Michael Shepherd

Hello!

Our kids did GREAT this weekend!   In our class, we won Top Scoring Horn Line, Top Scoring Field Commander, Top Scoring Percussion, and First Place Band.  We also won Best of the Best Field Commander and Second Place Overall (in the small division).

Because of the size of the band, we are considered a "small band" and compete against band of similar size.  "Best of the Best" awards are given to the best (in a particular category) of all the bands participating, regardless of their size.

What is competition day like?  It is a full day for the kids and they need plenty of rest (and water) the evening before. But each day is a little different.  This is what Saturday was like:

7:30 - The band rehearsal hall opened.  Band members began arriving and gathered their things for a morning rehearsal.

8:00 - The wind ensemble was on the field; front ensemble and batter percussion made their way outside.  (It usually takes longer for them to be ready.)  It takes time to warm up.  After one lap around the track, stretching, breathing exercises, and warm-up, the band was finally ready to rehears. 
9:00 - The band began rehearsal.  Water breaks were taken when scheduled and as needed.
11:30 - The band went inside to cool down, change into "halves," and eat lunch.  Parents were busy running around loading the truck and cars, cooling kids down, and doing last-minute preparations.
12:45 - Buses were loaded with uniforms and a band member count was taken.
1:00 - The buses left the school.
1:45 - Arrival at Hendersonville High School.  The band unloaded the buses, drank water, and went inside the building to a bathroom break before warm-up.  Parents unloaded the truck and prepared items in the staging area.
2:30 - The band marched to the warm up area.  Parents followed with uniform repair kids, water, and spray bottles filled with water.
3:00 - The band took the field in competition, and then went in to the school to receive a critique of their performance.  The Booster Board of Directors was invited to the critique.  After the critique, the students returned to the staging area to put their instruments away and get uniform bags so they can change into their casual uniforms.
4:00 - The band returned to the building to change clothes and chat with Mr. Chester.
4:45 - The band put their uniforms away and were released to their assigned seating area in the stadium to watch the rest of the competition.  Students were allowed to walk around the stadium area freely, but were asked to restrict visits to the staging area.
7:30 - Band officers and section leaders returned to the staging area to put their formal uniforms back on for "retreat."  (Retreat is the time on the field during the awards presentation.)
8:15 - The awards ceremony began.
9:30 - The students returned to the buses with their awards, boarded the buses, and departed Hillsboro High School.
10:30 - The buses arrived at Hillwood.

September Calendar:

Sep 15 (Mon)

- Color Guard Rehearsal 2:30 - 4:00

- Next Payment Due ($125 or $75 for the second student)

Sep 16 (Tue)

- Rehearsal 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Sep 17 (Wed)

- Rehearsal 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Percussion and Woodwinds)

Sep 18 (Thu)

- Rehearsal 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Sep 19 (Fri)

- Football at Hendersonville (not attending)

- Special Rehearsal 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sep 20 (Sat)

- Special Rehearsal 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sep 21 (Sun)

- Car wash possible(in the afternoon)

Sep 22 (Mon)

- Color Guard Rehearsal 2:30 - 4:00

Sep 23 (Tue)

- Rehearsal 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Sep 24 (Wed)

- Rehearsal 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Percussion and Brass)

Sep 25 (Thu)

- Rehearsal 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Sep 26 (Fri)

- Football at Hillsboro

Sep 27 (Sat)

- MTSBOA and CIMC at Columbia (competition)

Sep 29 (Mon)

- Color Guard Rehearsal 2:30 - 4:00

Sep 30 (Tue)

- Rehearsal 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Oct 1 (Wed)

- Rehearsal 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Percussion and Woodwinds)

Oct 2 (Thu)

- Rehearsal 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Oct 3 (Fri)

- Football at McGavock

Oct 4 (Sat)

- TRI at Overton (competition)

October Calendar:

Oct 6 (Mon)

- Color Guard Rehearsal 2:30 - 4:00

Oct 7 (Tue)

- Rehearsal 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

- Band Booster meeting - 6:30 PM

Oct 8 (Wed)

- Rehearsal 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Percussion and Brass)

Oct 9 (Thu)

- Home Football vs. Hunters Lane (Homecoming)

Oct 10 (Fri)

- Teacher Planning Day (students do not report)

- Special Rehearsal 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Oct 11 (Sat)

- Mid-TN Small Band at Forrest (competition)