we're gonna fly through this week... like little birdies ;)

HEY WOODWIND.
YEAH. YOU.
ARE YOU READY FOR OUR FIRST COMPETITION?!
YEAH?!
perfection.

hey guys :)
so, just a quick update. mainly I want to show off some beautiful pictures of us in uniform from friday night's game, but I also have some SUPER important things to tell you (as always). So:

1. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your donations to sponsor a trophy for PCI! The Woodwinds raised $100 in ONE WEEK. Which is just absolutely incredible and amazing and a million other adjectives. You guys are THE BEST!

2. LADIES: Please see the BAND FACEBOOK PAGE for instructions on how to do your hair. If you thought we were crazy about it for a football game? Just wait until Saturday, when we're actually being JUDGED based on how we look. (also, ladies, remember that we are not allowed to wear EARRINGS or any other jewelry that can be seen with the uniform on. even teeeeny tiny little studs are not allowed.)

3. TAKE YOUR MUSIC HOME AND PRACTICE IT. Although the saxes got called out today, we all know that had it been our section with a difficult and exposed phrase, half of us wouldn't have known our music perfectly either. Also, we get judged as a WOODWIND SECTION, so even if one person doesn't know their part, we all get points deducted. (This family thing is all about sticking together-- win together, lose together, support each other TOGETHER.)
so PRACTICE guys. it won't hurt, I promise.
((SECTION LEADERS: HOLD SECTIONALS.))

4. Speaking of Sectionals, FLUTES: you have an outdoor sectional TOMORROW (9/20) DURING LUNCH !

5. Don't forget about the PCI GUIDE MEETING after school 9/20

6. Don't forget about the PCI VOLUNTEER MEETING (parents, too!) after practice on 9/21

7. Don't forget about the EXTRA PRACTICE after school on 9/22

Get pumped for this weekend guys! PCI is one of my FAVORITE things we do all year (and a TON of alumni are coming back to help! YAY!) So it'll be a good time, don't you worry.

HOORAY for getting Little Bird on the field today! More rehearsals like that, and this week will literally fly by. ;)

Now that you've suffered through announcements, CHECK OUT HOW GOOD WE LOOK IN UNIFORM:















and also, how good Mansi looks in her band hair: (we're going to have a contest to see whose hair looks the best)



















and finally, some supercute pictures of woodwind friends:




























Alright guys that's all! Keep practicing!
love, sarah

It's Going to Be a Chaotic Week !

Hey Woodwinds :)
Hope you all are enjoying your nice long weekend, and I especially hope yours wasn't boringly filled with college applications like mine was. yuck. Anyways, just a few reminders, and then I'll post some pretty pictures!

1. MEMORIZE CHAOS.

2. DO YOUR DOT BOOKS.

If we have these things done by TUESDAY (as in tomorrow, yes) then the rest of the week will be a piece of cake. Which is good, because I really like cake.

SECTION LEADERS: You should plan to have a sectional either during SMART lunch or afterschool IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. Most of the work that needs to be done is not ensemble work, but sectional work on our individual parts. I'll talk to you all more about this tomorrow! Also, I would very much like to attend your sectional! So let me know. :)

Alright folks, that's all! Check out the band facebook page for a video of our performance last Friday night! (Shout out to Dylan for posting it!!! Pretty awesome stuff!)





Check out those nice flute angles!!








All lined up and ready to march in!!!






One day, woodwinds will march on the field in the front line.
(Yeah, okay so I lied... but hey. It could happen.)


see you tomorrow everyone! we've got a lot of work to do :)
hooray!
love, sarah

FANFEST FRIDAY, FOOTBALL FRIDAY!

Hey guys! Here's a checklist for EVERYTHING you need to bring to school tomorrow:

THIRD PERIOD:
-shorts/shirt/socks/tennis shoes. we WILL be going outside (even if it's a little rainy) because we have to learn pre-game!!!! YAYY!!!!
-deodorant. your fourth period will thank you.
-WATER!!! (you don't necessarily need your big jug, but SOMETHING to take outside with you is definitely important).
-instrument
-HAVE STAR SPANGLED BANNER AND FIGHT SONG MEMORIZED.

FANFEST:
-money! (for food and other festivities at the event) OR a bag dinner from home to eat instead
-khaki shorts and black show shirt
-another pair of socks? (your first pair will most likely still have band funk from third period)
-lyre for your instrument with the songs we played in class today in it!

FOOTBALL GAME:
-money! (keep some in your pocket for third quarter, you'll be hungry again by then I promise!)
-instrument and lyre
-remember we're playing the opener and church in the stands, too!!!

alright, that's all! I hope you all have a wonderful second day of school!!
love, sarah

Bye-Bye Summer Rehearsals !

W
O
O
D
W
I
N
D

A
R
C

My dearest Woodwinds,
I AM SO PROUD OF THE WORK WE HAVE DONE SO FAR THIS YEAR! The shout-outs we got last Thursday are just a TASTE of the way all of our hard work will pay off come October and later on in the season. Let's keep it up guys!!!
With that being said, we still have a long ways to go!
The most important thing to remember is that once school starts, our rehearsals will want to slow down. What we have to do is break down this brick wall our staff members keep referring to, and really, really, really bring focus to what it is we have to do. I know school is starting, but band doesn't get put on the back burner!! This means practicing regularly, filling out your dot books, remembering the technique, not talking during rehearsal, etc. We'll be awesome this year guys, as long as everyone is committed to achieving said awesome. :) Bottom line: we want to be great, so we have to have great rehearsals.

So, just a few reminders, and then I'll let you all get back to finishing up that AP work you waited until the last minute to do: ;)

1. DO YOUR DOT BOOKS! I cannot stress this enough. Not only will there be a dot book check TOMORROW (hint hint) but really, it makes rehearsal SO. MUCH. EASIER. if we all have at least looked at our dots before putting them on the field. One thing we really need to speed up once school starts is learning drill. Efficiency is key!
If your section leader has done a poor job of explaining dot books (which none of them have, I'm sure), here's what SHOULD be on each page:
Set Number:
Counts of Move:
Measure Numbers:
Front to Back:
Side to Side:
Side of Field:
NOTES: (anything else you need)
**Picture**
This is what the drum majors will be looking for when dot books are checked. Everyone good? Okay. Moving on.

2. DRINK WATER! Yes, even now. Even forever. Or until you are out of band. The end.

3. DRINKS FOR PCI:
I know most of the woodwinds brought in their drinks, (WHOHOOO!!!!) but if you did NOT, they will be accepting drink donations after practice on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31 in the carpool loop. You can bring them in early and they can be stored in the band room if you feel like you might forget on this date. BRING EXTRA DRINKS IF YOU WISH! We get whatever's leftover. ;)

4. Remember that when school starts, practices switch from Tuesdays/Thursdays to Wednesday afternoons from 3:00-6:30 pm! This means that tomorrow will be our last summer rehearsal. :( SO MAKE IT COUNT!!!!! :D

5. SECTION LEADERS! Don't forget to start planning sectionals!!! SMART Lunch is a great time to pass off music! :)

Alright! Phew, that was a long one. Remember to stay focused through this last rehearsal and push through into the new school year. I have a feeling that it's going to be a fantastic season. :)
-Review Church so we can put music to drill tomorrow!
-WORK ON CHAOS! It's hard, but we can do it!
-DOT BOOKS!!! through set 35 please! :)

Okay, see you all tomorrow!
Love, Sarah

The wait is finally over :)

BAND CAMP... THIS WEDNESDAY! YES!!! :D


Oh, band memories... :)

Squad/Section/Captain leader people: we had a meeting today that went over some VERY important information... please make sure you're taking all of what was said to heart, contacting your squadlings, and making sure that EVERYTHING is taken care of before we get to camp on the very first day. We have some serious dedication in this band, which will make our upcoming season basically awesome. I CAN'T WAIT !

Things to Bring to the First Day of Band Camp:
1. a 1/2 gallon water jug (minimum... it may be larger if you like) you can buy these at target or at any sporting goods store... but it is a MUST.
2. Tennis Shoes: we will be running, marching, walking, moving equipment, and doing other physical activity that requires athletic footwear. PLEASE do not wear flip flops or anything of the sort... I promise it will not be fun.
3. Sunscreen: WE WILL BE OUTSIDE... so please take care of yourselves! Sunburn is not only painful, but dangerous, and we want band camp to be FUN in the sun :)
(baseball caps, sunglasses, sun visors, or other protective sun-wear is also encouraged.)
4. Your instruments. I know this is probably a given, but still. Don't be that guy :)
5. WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES! I learned a long time ago that band is not a beauty contest. Athletic shorts, ponytails, and light colored t-shirts/ tank tops are not only recommended, but the preferred band camp style.
6. Squad Leaders should have taken care of dot books and drill books for your squads. These are so so important not only for band camp, but later on in the season as well. Take good care of these things!
7. PLEASE eat a good breakfast before you come to camp! I promise, you will need your energy even in the first 15 minutes of being outside. It's just really really hot! (Also, pack a healthy lunch!!)

What to Expect on the First Day of Band Camp:
1. Arrive at school between 7:30 and 8 am. (If you're driving, please park in the STUDENT parking lot. I know I miscommunicated that to some of you earlier, that was my fault.) If you're being dropped off, go through the normal carpool loop until you see the big long line of band kids standing outside. You can't miss it... there's 168 of us. :)
2. Stand in line for registration. This is prime socializing time! Get to know the person standing in front of you... could turn out to be your best friend!
3. Once you're all checked-in with our lovely band parents, you'll head into the school and go to the auditorium (second door on your left). There, you'll meet up with your squad leader, who will give you your dot/drill books and answer any questions.
4. After that, Mr. Robinson will talk for awhile, then we'll go outside for some intro to visual, then lunch, then music... then it's time to go home! (The exact schedule is posted on the Band website under DOCUMENTS AND FORMS). In any case, expect to go outside, expect to go over the music, and expect to have a GREAT time. I love band camp. :)

In other news, we are THRILLED to announce that we now have a new full-time assistant band director, Mr. Jon Swofford. He has been a leading force in this band program since my freshman year, and it's SO exciting to have him on staff full time. YAY!!

We also have a new staff member that will be working exclusively with the woodwinds! His name is Taylor Savage, he's a saxophone/ mello player, and I know he is going to do a WONDERFUL job making our section the best it can be. Now's our time to shine, woodwinds! :)

Finally, as a reminder, our WOODWIND PASTA PARTY is tomorrow (Tuesday) night!!!! I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone there. :)

See you very very soon!
Love, Sarah

Get Pumped...

because BAND CAMP IS IN ONE WEEK YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



(If you're not as excited as Harry looks in this picture, you should be.) :)

You should also be excited if you are a CLARINET PLAYER. Your next section meeting is at Buffalo Lanes on July 20th from 5-8 pm. That's right, ya'll are going bowling. I'm actually really jealous.

annnnd WHOOOHOOO! You should STILL be excited if you're a Section/Squad Leader! We have a "set up the band room and get marching band ready to move" meeting on MONDAY, JULY 25!!!! It's at PCHS in the band room at 9 am... I'll see you there! :)

But moving on...
Really, there's not much to report on because we've basically covered everything already! (that's a win for the woodwinds).
But, here's a basic overview of what we know up to this point:
-Woodwind Party is July 26th!!
(again, at Olivia Boorom's house, look on our facebook page for details!)
-Band Camp starts July 27th :)
(make sure you have at LEAST a 1/2 gallon water jug, tennis shoes, and your instruments!)
-DCI is on July 30th!
(be prepared for a loonnnggg day filled with wonderful marching bands and memories.)
-BE DRINKING WATER!
-START GETTING IN SHAPE!
-PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!

Other than that, we're all set! I'm looking forward to seeing all of your bright and shining faces very very soon. <3

annnnndddddd last but not least....

♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫ MEET GEN!! ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫



Name: Genevieve E. Levert
Section: Low WW!!
Favorite Color: it changes
Least Favorite Food: it changes
Favorite Harry Potter Character (or item I guess...): Harry's glasses
Interesting Fact: I have no friends...
(she's kidding. everyone loves her. and she REALLY REALLY REALLY likes BAND!)

Alright everyone! See you in a week <3
Love, Sarah

Countdowns, Countdowns

Whatup Woodwinds?
Hope you're all doing well this evening... or this afternoon, or morning, or whenever you happen to be reading this.
For this week, there's not really that much to report on... just kidding! GUESS WHAT?!?! IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR BAND !


yeah.. I really like cheesy pictures :)

But just for your excitement, enthusiasm, and enjoyment:
COUNTDOWN TO BAND CAMP: 16 DAYS
COUNTDOWN TO DCI: 19 DAYS
and, for your enlightenment (yes... another e word):
WE'RE HAVING A WOODWIND PAR-TAY. hey hey hey hey. The party will be hosted by our lovely and beautiful piccolo section leader, Olivia Boorom (whom you met in earlier posts), and will include, if I'm not mistaken, a very very very large amount of pasta. So,
COUNTDOWN TO PUMP-UP PARTY: 15 DAYS (and I better see all of you there.)
[check the woodwinds facebook page for details, and ask Olivia, your section/squad leader, or myself if you have questions!]

Now, moving on. As I was wandering around Staples today, it occurred to me that we need quite a lot of office supplies for band. Yes, office supplies. Vets know what I'm talking about... the drill books, the dot books, the page protectors, the highlighters... the list goes on and on. Rookies, if you don't know what I'm talking about, you will learn! :) :) :) Traditionally, it has been the SQUAD LEADER'S responsibility to provide these items for their squadlings, but I know some sections like to do it a little differently, which is perfectly fine. Just check in with your sections and section leaders to make sure that everyone is on the same page with this, and that all members of the section are covered. I'm not saying you need these items IMMEDIATELY, but, like I said, it was something I hadn't thought about until today and I thought might be helpful reminder for you all (shout-out to Paige Shaffer for making me think about all this logistical business while I was in Staples).

Other than that, here comes the typical DRINK WATER, GET MOVING, AND KEEP PRACTICING announcement!
By now, you could probably recite this little speech for me! But, nevertheless, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE start drinking water NOW! As Jon Swofford will tell you, your hydration during band camp depends on what you drink before you even show up to the school on July 27th! So please do yourself a favor and lay off the sugary drinks. :) Also, it's a super good idea to start getting used to the heat. I know I'm outside everyday at work, and even at 9 am (prime technique block time!) it's still really really hot!!! Get moving guys! You're hard working athletes now, ;) and, you're hard working musicians! So work on that CHAOS, and practice your scales, and just play some random stuff to get reacquainted with your instruments (they've missed you since school let out and you stopped playing them everyday ;).

Alrighty! Well I guess that's all... WAIT! Hah, you thought I forgot...

♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫ MEET MARY! ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫



Name: Mary Mai Kasper
Section: Alto Saxes!
Favorite color: Depends on the day
Least favorite food: Chili:(
Favorite Harry Potter Character: Tom Felton (NOT Draco Malfoy)
Interesting fact: My clothes always have to match; that includes my jammies and slippers.

Okay, bye woodwinds! Enjoy the Harry Potter Premiere this week! :D
Love, Sarah