October 31 Band Note October 31, 2007

    October 31, 2007
 
To:  Band Parents and Students
 
We are at the very end of our season.  We will play our last home football game of the season Friday night.  We will compete in the Division I State Championships on Saturday.  What a range of emotions!!  How thankful we are for this amazing group of band students and band parents!!
 

1. FRIDAY NIGHT.  We need everyone to be here at 5:30 p.m.  We are going to wear black pants for both the game and the contest.  So, bring all the things you need for the black pants—black tee shirt, black socks, and dark shorts.  Senior introductions will be at 6:30 (congratulations to Brittany and Todd), and we will play the national anthem at 6:50.  We will do our last football game performance at half-time, and there will be Third Quarter.  As far as we know, the DCA Band will be here, and we will host them.  If you need to check with Mrs. Alexander about food, please do so.  And thank you, Mrs. Alexander and crew, for doing such a fine job with our food all season.  There will be a short reception in the commons area after the game to honor all the fall activities seniors.  Posters of all the seniors will be hung on the wall, and each group will introduce its seniors.  Light refreshments will be served, and these are being furnished.  Anyone who wants to drop by may do so.  Usually, the band is allowed to go first, since our state competition is Saturday; we leave to get home and get some much-needed rest.  It will probably be very cool in the bleachers Friday night, so bring a jacket and/or blanket to stay warm.
   
2. SATURDAY.  We need everyone to be at school at 8 AM.  Make sure your instruments are polished and look their best.  Have extra reeds, etc., in case of an emergency.  Make sure your gloves are clean and that your shoes and shoelaces are as white as they can be. We will do about 30 minutes of stretches and other warm-up activities.  From 8:30 until 10, we will do fundamentals and run through our show.  We will then load the truck and the bus and leave school at 11 a.m.  We will arrive at Riverdale High School around noon.  We will eat lunch—bring a sack lunch with non-carbonated beverage and a snack for later.  We will get dressed at 1:15, warm up at 2:15, and perform in prelims at 3 p.m.  Prelim awards are at 5:30.  Directors will draw for placement times for the finalists, so we do not know who performs when until that is done.  Finals awards are at 9:45 p.m.  Our estimated arrival time back at school is midnight, with the after-state party scheduled at the Tusculum Church of Christ Youth Group Café after that.  Be ready for cold and/or hot weather.  If the weather continues like it has been this week, it will be very cold at night—come very prepared.  Our casual attire will be our black band shirts and long khaki pants.  There is a full-band retreat for the finalist bands at the end of the competition for the awards.  We certainly intend to be part of the finalist competition, but we will stay for the finals either way.  Miss Reynolds has advance tickets for $10, and you may see her for those.  The actual contest begins at 8:45 a.m.  The prelims schedule and directions to Riverdale are attached.   The Whislers are helping us organize the after-state party.  Mrs. Whisler says we need folks only to bring finger foods, either salty or sweet, since this party is so late at night.  Drinks will be provided.  This is not designed to be supper, just a time to relax and have some fun after our good season.  This party, like the pre-state party, is for students, staff, and families.
   
3. MONEY.  All fees for band must be paid before our students will be allowed to take mid-term exams.  This is true for all school activities, so Mrs. Moss will be sending notices soon after season is over as to your remaining balances.  She will have these itemized, so that you may know exactly what is still owed.  Also, if there is any error, you will be able to see her about that.  We MUST take care of these financial responsibilities.  Most of you have been wonderful about taking care of these matters, and that is greatly appreciated.  If you know you owe for something and you know the amount, it would be great if you would go ahead and send that.
   
4. PRAY.  All season we have asked that you pray for us and the work we are doing.  We know that you have done this, and we are so grateful.  Continue to pray as we begin our concert season and turn our efforts to mid-state auditions and our concert music.

 

ALL BAND MEMBERS & THEIR FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO THE
 
EZELL HARDING MARCHING EAGLES
 AFTER-STATE BAND PARTY
 
Saturday, November 3, 2007
 
 
 
WHERE: Tusculum Church of Christ Youth Cafe
 
WHEN: After we return from State
 
WHAT TO BRING:Snack Foods
(Salty or Sweet)
 
Drinks will be provided
 
Games, Food, Fun, Relaxing!!!!!!
 
(Directions below)
 
 
 
DIRECTIONS TO TUSCULUM CHURCH
 
 
From Ezell Harding:
 
Turn left on Bell Road from parking lot
Continue on Bell Road/Old Hickory Blvd. (go 5.1 mi)
Turn Left on Nolensville Road (go approximately 2 mi.)
Church will be on right after Bradford Hills and Lenox Village traffic light (AM Express gas station will be on the right at that light)
 
If anyone has trouble finding the church, call Julie Whisler at 948-2428 or Eric Whisler at 948-2415