Weekly Update, Weeks of 1028 and 110413

Parents and Students,

 

Congratulations on a fantastic three weeks of competitions and assessments.  So far, we have met and exceeded all of the goals we have set.  Now all we have to do is reach one more.  I want everyone to realize that this band is on a very special run and I hope you will continue to encourage your students to keep pushing hard over these final three weeks.  We do have a good amount of adjustments and additions to the program that we will be installing over the next few weeks, so rehearsal attendance is just as important as ever.

I want to thank everyone who contributed to our extremely successful middle school band night.  We had somewhere in the area of 130 students join us and it looked like most had a great time.  The most satisfying comments I heard again and again was that the MS parents and students felt so welcomed to the GHS Band family and a few band directors told me that some of their students are reevaluating their high school decision based on this one night.  Our students did an awesome job being ambassadors of our proud tradition.

 

Don't forget that fair share is due this week.  Sadly, many of us are falling behind on fair share and we are not sure how we are going to pay some very important bills, mainly our buses for State.  Please help us out by sending in your payment or by selling a bunch of wreaths!!  

The State bus is quickly filling up.  I have about 15 seats left, so please do not wait to send in your reservations.  I will not order another bus when this one is full.

 

We have found out that State Prelims will be at Gaither High School in Tampa.  I will have much more info as it becomes available to me. Admission to Prelims is $14.00.   Finals will be at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, admission will be $20.00.

 

Here's a look at the next two weeks......

• Mon 10/28:  Full Band 3-5, Guard 3-6
• Tues 10/29:  Horns/Guard 3-5, Percussion 5-8
• Thurs 10/31:  Band 5-8

 

• Mon 11/4:  Full Band 3-5, Guard 3-6, Band Booster Meeting @ 7:00 PM.
• Tues 11/5:  Horns/Guard 3-5, Percussion 5-8
• Wed 11/6:  Band Picture Day (Taken during Band/guard class)  Full Band 3-5
• Thurs 11/7:  Football Games vs Wakulla, SENIOR NIGHT!!
• Fri 11/8:  UF Homecoming Parade, students report to GHS at 9:00 AM.  Parade begins at Noon.

Thanks,

 

Mr. Pirzer

From Mr. Pirzer...

 

Week of 102113 

 

Parents and Students,

 

Saturday at West Port is a day none of us will soon forget, and that was before they announced the scores.  Congratulations to the students for an outstanding performance that was so good it even made the heavens weep.  Thank you to all of you who sat through and cheered on and through the "Hurricane."  A super huge thank you to the parents that came back early with the trailers and got everything unloaded so the drying process could begin.  Susie Hummel is requesting help to re-hang the uniforms at 4:30 on Monday.  Please take a moment to come into the auditorium while you wait to pick up your student from practice to help us out.

 

We have one more very busy week ahead of us before we get a chance to relax a little next week.  The students do not have school this Friday, but we do have a mandatory rehearsal at 1:00 PM followed by our football game that evening.

 

Friday is our Middle School celebration night.  We are expecting upwards of 175 MS band students from 6 different schools, and they are all converging on GHS at 3:00 PM on Friday.  Please email me at pirzerb@gm.sbac.edu if you would be willing to come to GHS at 2:30 on Friday to help us check in and guide all of these students.  The band will be doing a rehearsal with the MS students at 3:30 to prepare for our pre-game presentation and then we will be feeding all of them plus our kids at 4:30 in the GHS cafeteria. (Desserts are needed!)

 

This Saturday is our District Marching Festival at Williston HS. Students will need to report at 1:00 PM for rehearsal.  GHS performs at 8:30 PM and we will arive back at GHS by 10:00 PM. The itinerary is attached to this email and directions are available in the band room.  Tickets are $10.00.

Fundraising updates!!!

 

If you or your student still have Krispy Kreme Donut coupons out, please return the money or coupons by this Friday.  We would like to wrap this fund raiser up by early next week and give students their credit towards fair share.

 

Wreath Fund Raiser:  Order forms went out to all students last week for the Holiday Wreath Fundraiser.  If you have not seen one, your little darling failed to bring it home.  This a fantastic way to raise a lot of fair share quickly.

Our next $75.00 Fair Share payment is due October 30th.  We have a lot of costs coming up including a very large bus bill for State.  

 

Speaking of State, the seats for the State Parent Fan bus are going quick.  Seats are $40.00 per person and it is first come first served.  Trust me, you really don't want to be driving back to Gainesville at 2:00 AM following State Championships.  The form for this is attached.

 

Here's what's on tap for this week:

 

Monday:  Full Band 3-5, Guard 3-6

Tuesday:  Horns/Guard 3-5, Percussion 5-8

Thursday:  Full Band 5-8

Friday:  Full Band 1-4, Football game vs. Citrus at Citizen's Field.

Saturday:  FBA District Marching MPA at Williston HS (Directions available in the band room.)

It's great to be a Hurricane!!

 

 

Weekly Update:  Week of 10/14/13

Parents and Students,

The first competition is behind and we were able to meet all of our goals for the week!!  Now we can turn our attention to taking a good show and cleaning it up to make it great.  Please remember that every rehearsal is important as we will me making wholesale changes to the show this week and adding a lot of things as well.

Attached is the itinerary for the West Port Competition this weekend.  Tickets to the show is $10.  Directions are available in the band room.

Here's a look at the week ahead...

Monday:  Full band 3-5, Guard 3-6

Tuesday:  Horns/Guard 3-5, percussion 5-8

Thursday:  Full Band 5-8

Friday:  Full Band 3-6

Saturday:  West Port Show, students report @ 7:45 AM.

See you at West Port,

Mr. Pirzer

Band Booster Meeting 10/7/13

Band Director Report

This week:

Thursday practice has been changed to 3-5:30. We have a Full Uniform Run beginning at 5:00. If you are picking up your child, please help get uniforms back to band room and hung. We are NOT playing for Storm Warning.

Friday’s game has been moved to 7:00 so we will be leaving for Citizen’s field at 5:15. Plan to pick up after the game, at GHS, at 11:15-11:30.

Saturday – Showcase! Kids need to arrive by 7:45 for 8:00 run-through. No instruments. Leave for Santa Fe at 10:30:

·         Spectator tickets are $10 - $12 each.

·         Perform prelims at 2:20.

·         Pit Crew should arrive by 12:30.

·         Will return to GHS at midnight.

We are in need of water and bananas for Saturday. PLEASE 8oz waters only, NO large water bottles, NO Crackers.

FUTURE

·         10/19 Westport = perform at 3:30, one and done performance

·         10/26 FBA@ Williston = perform at 8:30, one and done performance

·         10/25 Middle School Night = No school, Practice for our kids 1:00-3:30. At 3:30, the Middle   School kids report, they will be practicing, eating, and riding buses to football game with band; full experience for them.

·         11/23: State Competition - Forms are now available to ride the Parent Bus. Cost is $ 40.00 person. There are a limited number of spots.

Treasurer Report: Susie Hummel

·         Bank Balance: $6609.15 less outstanding bills of $1484.69 = ending balance of $5125.46

·         Upcoming Expenses – Payroll for Staff; payment to Neff for uniforms

Fundraising Updates: Cindy Mason

·         Yankee Candles: Can still be ordered on line until 12/31/13 from Fall Catalog.

·         Krispy Kreme: Tickets are still available for check out from Mr. Pirzer, or pre-order forms are
        available.
·         Wreaths: Starts Monday October 14, through November 8th. Wreaths will be delivered the week
        of December 3, 2013. Cindy’s email is wrong on the website. Her email is Suncyn@cox.net.
·         Lea Sofia fundraiser: Lea Musselwhite is hosting a Lea Sofia fundraiser. Catalogs can be picked
         up from band room. It’s very easy to order on line; any questions or problems, please email Lea
         at: lea.musselwhite@casjax.com. All proceeds will be used for State.
·         Gator Concessions: On Saturday 2 parents did not show up; causing quite a hardship. If you are
        signed up to work, and cannot make it, please let Lea know ahead of time.
·         Scrip: Form will be available by this Friday in the band room.
 

Volunteer Coordinator Report: Frank Mason

·       Pit Crew please be at Showcase by 12:30 on Saturday. Frank will email Pit Crew with more details regarding Friday night and Saturday.

·        Trailer washing planned for Tuesday or Wednesday. Details coming.

 Uniforms: Susie Hummel

·         Thursday - Any help getting uniforms back to band room and hung up would be appreciated.

·         Friday = While you wait on your child after the game, we could use your help laying out
        uniforms.
·         Saturday = When you drop you child please come in and help put uniforms together to load
        for Showcase.
·         Sunday = Clarinets on deck to put uniforms back together at 2:00 p.m. BUT anyone is welcome.

Opportunities to see our kids in action! 

Thursday: Come down to the field and watch practice. The bigger the crowd the better the kids do! 

SHOWCASE: PLEASE COME TO SHOWCASE ON SATURDAY AND MAKE A WALL OF PURPLE TO SUPPORT THE BAND!

Next Meeting: 11/4/13 7:00

9/10/13 Volunteer Announcements

 

GHS Band & Guard Family:

 

Thank you to the students, siblings and parents that helped wash the band trailer this past Sun – your help was sincerely appreciated and we had some fun too!

 

***We are asking any parents that are available this Thurs evening (9/12) at approx. 5:30p to assist with waxing the trailer – the kids will be in rehearsal so the more parent help that is available the quicker we will finish.

 

This weekend’s volunteer opportunities shape up as follows:

·         Friday (9/13) at approx. 4:15 the band will eat dinner in the GHS cafeteria (courtesy of Olive Garden!!) – help is needed serving and cleaning up

·         We are in need of donations of dessert for our dinner on Fri at 4:15 – donations of cookies, brownies, or other easy-serve finger deserts would be greatly appreciated. In order to make sure we have enough desserts, please text Nadine Moretta at 352-316-5306 and let her know what you can bring. The desserts can either be sent with your student on Fri morning or dropped off at the band room by 4:15p.

·         Friday (9/13) at approx. 10:00pm the band will return from Citizen’s field and the uniforms will be unloaded and laid out for “airing-out” in the auditorium – we need parent assistance and it is a great opportunity to help while you wait for the band students to unload the trailers

·        Sun (9/15) at 2p we will meet in the auditorium to put the uniforms back together and help is needed with that – the baritone section members (students and/or parents) are requested  to assist with this

 

Then, coming in the near future:

 

·         We are going to wash the 2^nd trailer on Sun (9/22) at 1pm (not this Sun but the next Sun) and we would like to have as many kids and parents as possible that day to help.

·         Sat, 9/28 is our Gators Dockside pancake breakfast – tickets to be sold can be checked out with Mr Pirzer (please sell tickets!) – additionally, we need a few parent volunteers to assist with managing table setup and serving which is done by our kids – you will need to report at 7:30a and will finish at 11a. Please email me at cpafrank@cox.net if you would like to volunteer.

 

If you have questions please contact me at cpafrank@cox.net. We appreciate your support of the GHS Band & Guard!  

 

Frank Mason

Band Booster Meeting 9/9/13:  Called to order:  7:03

Band Director Report

·         Welcome

·         Thanks for help on Friday night

·         Game this Friday night; includes pre-game show since we’re the home team

·         This Saturday, 9/14, All State Auditions at SFHS – 9 students auditioning; each were given their assigned time during school today.

·         Letterman jackets – Order and $$ due by Friday, 9/20

o   If you want this to be a secret gift, put it in a sealed envelope and request it to be kept secret

·       New date for the calendar:  Wednesday 9/25 – Dr. Boyd’s retirement party at GHS.  Band students needed from 3:30 – 4:30. More details coming.

·       Open House next Tues, 9/17, at 7; t shirts and sweat shirts will be for sale in band room

·       Showcase - no details yet

Treasurer Report
·         Beginning balance 9898.73, outstanding checks 3399.00

·         End balance 6499.73 

·         Current budget status is better than average

·         Reminder that fair share is due at the end of month

Fundraising Updates

·         Zaxby’s - made $773.00 between the 4 we’ve had so far

·         Yankee Candle - profit 2000.00

o   Yankee Candle- Continue on-line ordering thru end of year.  On line sales will not go to a specific student, but notify Cindy of the order, provide her with receipt so that she can apply the $$ to the student.

·         Gator Dockside Breakfast – 9/28

o   Tickets are for 6.00 each and 3.00 goes towards fair share

o   Volunteers will be needed; details coming soon

o   Students will be checking out tickets during class; SELL THE TICKETS – EASY FUNDRAISER!

·         Ongoing fund raisers:  pizza cards, Zaxby's, aluminum can collection (you can take to recycle center or bring to school and let Cindy know); Jug for loose change (collected $200.00 last year!)

·         Future:  Krispy Kreme, Holiday wreaths, Mama Mia’s dinner night – details coming

·         H&R Block Tax service - $20 for each one done by new clients  - made $800.00 last year

·         Gator Concessions – last game earned $987.00.

o   If you worked, you will get an email from Julie regarding the $$ towards your fair share, but appears as though each person got about $50. 

o   Over 50 people signed up for the 20 slots – we’re doing best to ensure equal opportunity to work

o   Nov 23 is State Competition and Gator game - still working on coordinating this.

o   If your fair share notice does not include your concession $$s, and it should, let Susie Hummel know.

Volunteer Coordinator Report

·       PIT crew is set - 19 people

·       Gator Dockside Pancake Breakfast – see above

·       Trailer cleaning - thanks to the 20 volunteers who helped clean the trailer last Sunday!

o   Will be cleaning the 2^nd trailer on 9/22 at 2:00

·       We have a new awning coming to cover/protect the trailers

·       Trailer Maintenance – routine maintenance needed – funds needed to cover this – looking for businesses to donate, and in turn GHS thanks them with a trailer decal

o   We have a formal form to use with this solicitation – Susie to look for it

o   Idea - Facebook has a GHS Band Alum Group - good place to solicit donations – Does anyone know who owns this site?

Uniforms

·       Need help this Friday night – after game, while waiting for kids, assist with laying out the uniforms in the auditorium

·       Sunday at 2:00 –piece the uniforms back together. Baritones are on duty, but everyone welcome to help!

Hospitality

·         Middle School Band Night – 10/25

o   Will need candy donations and help making goodie bags

o   This is a teacher workday; middle school kids will be at GHS at 3:30; they will practice and have dinner with GHS band, then ride busses over to Citizen’s Field  on 25th

o   Parents will pick up their middle school students after the half time show

Next Meeting:  10/7 @ 7:00

9/8 Update from Mr. Pirzer

Parents and Students,

Was anyone else shocked that our first attempt to march the show was a complete and total wash out?  A huge thank you to everyone that helped on Friday night even though the band never took the field.  Also, a big thank you to the Texas Roadhouse for providing the pre-game meal for all of our students.  If you are in the Roadhouse, please tell them thank you from the band.

We will give it another shot this Friday night at our football game versus Madison County.  Hopefully we will not need to bring our scuba gear to get through the game.

We will be having our first Band Booster Meeting Monday night at 7:00 PM in the band room.  There will be plenty to discuss, so I hope to see you there.  At the meeting, we will be kicking off the Gators Dockside Pancake Breakfast Fund Raiser.  

Here's a look at this week...........

Monday, 9/9:  Full Marching Band 3 - 5,  Guard 3 - 6,  Booster Meeting 7:00 PM

 

Tuesday, 9/10:  Horns and Guard 3 - 5, Percussion 5 - 8

 

Thursday, 9/12:  Full Marching Band 5 - 8

 

Friday, 9/13:  Football Game vs.  Madison County, students report at 3:00 PM.  Dinner will be provided by the Olive Garden this week.

Thanks,

Bill

9/3 Update from Mr. P:

Parents and Students,

It's Show week!!  Finally after all this time and preparation, we are ready to have our first performance of the year this Friday night at our football game against Eastside. 

For the game this week, we are the away team, so please make sure that when you enter the stadium, you come in through the Visitors gate, otherwise, you will be stuck on the Eastside side.

There are a lot of exciting things happening that lead us up to the first game.  On Friday morning, we will be having our first before school Pep Rally.  Students should be in the band room by 7:45 to prepare for this short event. 

On Friday afternoon, students will rehearse from 3:00 to 4:15 PM and then we will have the band dinner at 4:30 PM in the GHS cafeteria.  Dinner is being provided by Texas Roadhouse this week. 

We will leave GHS at 5:30 PM by bus to go to the game.  Please make arrangements to pick up your students back here at GHS at 10:30 PM.  When picking up your students, please park on Hurricane Lane, or in the front parking lot.  Please do not park in the bus circle or block the bus circle so that our trailers can easily pull in and out.

For the game, students will need to wear their travel uniform which consists of the purple band shirt, black "G" shorts CALF LENGTH BLACK SOCKS, and their marching band shoes.  For this week, the guard will wear their tennis shoes as their performance shoes have not all arrived yet.

We are still in need of about 4 parents to be in the pit crew.  Please email me or Frank Mason (See previous email) ASAP if you can help. 

Here's a look at the schedule for the week...

·         Tuesday 9/3:  Horns, Guard 3 - 5, Percussion 5 - 8

·         Thursday 9/5:  Full Marching Band 5 - 8  (Pit Crew meeting at 7:00 PM to get assignments and practice moving the pit). 

·         Friday 9/6: 

o   Morning Pep Rally 7:45 AM

o   Full Band 3 – 4:15

o   Eastside Game 7:30

o   Student pick-up at GHS, 10:30

 

Hope to see you at the game,

Bill

8/27/13 Update from Mr. P: 

Parents and Students,

After a wet start to the school year, we are off and running now. Remember that next week is our first performance (Sept 6th) and if you are willing to help the pit, please email Frank Mason at cpafrank@cox.net.  

Here's a look at this week....

Mon 8/26:  FMB 3 to 5 and guard 3 to 6 

Tues 8/27:  Horns and Guard 3 to 5, Pit and Battery 5 to 8.

Wed 8/28:  All-State Entry Forms and Fees due, not late forms accepted.  Also, Zaxby's Family Night at the Main Street Zaxby's.  Stop by between 5 and 8 PM, 10% of your order will go to the band!

Thurs 8/29:  FMB 5 to 8

Fri 8/30:  FMB 3 to 6,  Yankee Candle Orders and Money Due.

Special Note**  The students have their first playing test coming up. They have to play off the 4 school songs by sections (trumpets, flutes, etc) by Sept 11th.  This playing test is a large portion of their 1st 9 weeks grade.  Please make sure if you have a student that is a wind player, they are putting some extra time into these pieces.

Have a great week,

Bill

AUGUST 27 FUND RAISING REMINDERS

Zaxby’s Fundraiser tomorrow night, Wednesday August 28^th,  from 5:00 until 8:00 pm  at  the Zaxby’s located at 1 NW 10^th Avenue and Main Street.  
10% of all sales will be given to the Gainesville High School Band and Guard.   Dine in or take out.

On Wednesdays they offer a Kiddie Night.  Buy 2 adult meals and get up to 2 kiddie meals for only .99!!!


Yankee Candle fundraiser.  Please let me know if you need extra catalogs or order forms.  Do not forget about the online ordering.  It’s a great way for your out of town family and friends to support our band and guard members.  The orders/money are due this Friday, August 30^th.  if you have any questions, please contact me at suncyn@cox.net.

Gator Concessions is underway!!  If you plan to work any Gator games and have not yet received an email from Lea Musselwhite, then please contact her via email at:

 

lea.musselwhite@casjax.com

  

CALENDAR CHANGES


Aug 9: 

Parents and Students,

I was just informed by our football program today that the first football game that we are attending versus Eastside High School has had a date change.  On our calendar that I passed out at the parent meeting, the game was scheduled for Thursday, Sept 5th.  It has been moved to Friday, September 6th.  Because of this change, our schedule for the week has been adjusted as well.  Here is the new schedule...

Mon, Sept 2nd:  No School, Labor Day

Tues, Sept 3rd:  Horn Line and Guard: 3:00-5:00 PM, Percussion 5:00-8:00 PM

Wed, Sept 4th:  No After School Rehearsals

Thurs, Sept 5th:  Full Marching Band:  5:00-8:00 PM

Friday, Sept 6th:  GHS vs EHS Game, Band members report at 3:00 PM