Greetings from Chicago!!!

Sorry I took so long to post. We've been very busy and I'm a tightwad! I have to come to the Corner Bakery to get free wifi and I wouldn't pay the $16 to use the hotel access.

We have been having a blast. The city is fantastic. We came in on Tuesday - Angie was all smiles for the entire flight. O'Hare is HUGE! We walked for days before we got to the luggage pickup and then days more to get to the train station. But, it's been great. We saw Phantom of the Opera Tuesday night - that was our Christmas present from Angie's parents. The Convention is fantastic as well. I've been to some great clinics, heard some awesome bands and met a ton of composers.

In one recording workshop I was in there were around 650-700 teachers. The presenter surveyed the audience and it turned out that Lavaca has the most sophisticated and well equipped recording arts program of anybody there - and there were people from all over the world in the room!! Cool huh?!

Well, we're doing some sight seeing today. I'll let you know more later. I'll post pics when we get back!

Hurry Up and Wait!

We're at the LR airport waiting on our flight. Check in for more updates. I'll post pics from Chicago! Merry Christmas gang! Thanks for all you do. Have a great week and take care of V!

Merry Christmas

Click on "Merry Christmas" above and enjoy!!!

Good Job Saturday

Good job at the parade Saturday. I especially liked the "Hooked on Christmas" disco beat the percussion gave us during O Come All Ye Faithful!!

Have a great weekend. Be sure to be on time for sectionals and rehearsals this coming week. We have much to do to finish prepping for the Christmas Concert.


c

Region Tryouts

JH tryouts (8th and 9th graders) are a Dardanelle on Saturday, Dec. 8. We will leave around 6:30 that morning and be back around 5:00 or so that afternoon.

Don't forget, I'm available on Wed and Thur afternoons after school for individual help on the material. Sign up outside my office for a time.

HS tryouts (10th-12th grade) are in Dover on Saturday, January 12. That itinerary will be posted later. Also, remember, this is what we're working on in sectionals, so make sure and be here and on time so you're ready.

c

The Seasons Change

Congratulations to the Arrows on a great season! Congratulations band on the HUGE part that you played in that season! You were awesome!

As we transition now from marching band and Friday nights to concert band and the many other events on our calendar, I just wanted to take a minute to post those upcoming events here for you.

Sat. Dec 1 Lavaca Christmas Parade - call time will be 9:00 at the gym at FBC Lavaca. Uniform will be traditional Santa hats, red sweathshirts, jeans that are blue and without holes, and tennis shoes.

Sat. Dec 8 Junior All Region Tryouts at Dardanelle. Schedule to be announced.

Mon. Dec 10 Christmas Concert at 7:00 pm. Call time and details to be announced.

Don't forget you have money due from cookies, shirts, instrument fees, etc. That should all be paid by the end of this week. You also have a recorded assignment due that a few of you have yet to turn in. Get that done quickly. Those will constitute a big part of your performance grade. Ding! Fries are done!

c

Golden Arrows Move To Next Round......and so does the Band!!!

For the first time ever, Lavaca will play in the third round of the playoffs Friday night, Nov. 23 at Shiloh in Springdale. This is a required performance of the band as noted on your calendar and in your handbook. The itinerary will be formulated Monday and passed out to you on Tuesday. I'll post info here as soon as it becomes available.

c

Announcing the Halftime Show for 2008

Next year's production will be entitled ELEMENTS. It will feature music that depicts earth, water, fire, and air. We are listening now for music that fits those themes - anything from original compositions to pop tunes, to jazz, etc. will be considered to bring this show to life!!! It will be a blast.

Let me know what ideas you have for music, props, shirts, etc.

c

Where are we going??

It's called Corning. It's in NE Arkansas. It's a long way. We're riding school buses. Here's a map. It's at the green arrow. I'll give you the itinerary as soon as we complete it. I can tell you this - We'll be gone all day Friday and we'll be home in the wee small hours of Saturday.....hopefully before daylight!!! : )



We have sectionals all week. No early band Wednesday. Have a great rest of the weekend. Don't forget your assignment.

RECORDED ASSIGNMENT #1 2007

Here is assignment 1. You can click on the image for a larger version.
It is due Friday, November 16.

Playoffs

Well, here is what I know right now.....

We play Centerpoint here on Friday. The game will be at normal time. Call will be 6:30 at the stadium in uniform. We will do the Obstreperous show. There will likely be a pep rally on Friday.

If we continue in the playoffs, then I believe our next opponent would be Corning. That's a 300 mile trip to Northeast Arkansas. We will go. Itinerary will be posted as it becomes available. Be watching here.

c

Playoff Bound!!

Congratulations to the Golden Arrows for once again making it to the playoffs! We're proud of them. That also means we get to continue our performance season as noted on your 2007-2008 calendar. As always, we will perform at the playoff game on Friday, Nov. 9th wherever it may be. The location will be determined after this Friday and we'll start planning for the event next week as soon as we know.

The game is a REQUIRED PERFORMANCE as are all performances of the Golden Arrow Band. Make sure and let your circle of folks know that you will be at the game this Friday, and all weeks thereafter until the season is ended.

Upcoming dates to be aware of:

Nov. 6 Jazz tryouts at VB
Nov. 9 Playoffs
Nov. 10 Jazz Clinic at VB
Nov. 16 Playoffs??
Dec. 1 Lavaca Christmas Parade
Dec. 8 JH Region Tryouts
Dec. 10 Christmas Concert

Thanks for all you do!! Let's finish the semester strong. Don't let down during the transition time from marching to concert season. Concert band is where we really get to shine........we also don't get wet feet!!

No early band this week. We'll start back next week.

c

What a band!!!!

Hey gang!!! WOW!!! What an awesome show! I was very proud of you! You were GRRRRREAT!!! WTG!!!

On another positive note!! Thanks for your excellent behavior today as well. You behaved as well as you performed. Both on and off the field you did Lavaca, our band, our staff, your families and yourselves proud. Thank you!!!!!

For those who check this blog, but aren't in the band, The Award Winning Lavaca Golden Arrow Marching Band received straight ones from all the judges yet again! They were the only band in their class to do so. Top of the top again. WOOP!

I'll post the show here and on YOUTUBE on Wednesday so everyone can see!!! Congratulations!!!


c

Last Friday and the Upcoming Week

WOW!! That's really all I can say. You guys blew me away Friday night. I can't even begin to tell you how many people have told me that was the most awesome they've ever seen you. I'm so proud of you. Halftime was a very special moment for our band. Way to go gang!!

I'm even more excited about our show on Tuesday at Northside. Remind everyone that we go on at 4:15 on Tuesday and invite everybody you know to come out and see the show!

No early band this week. But, do come early enough Monday to unload the trailer and get set up for rehearsal so we can polish it up for the big gig! Thanks for a super effort!!!

c

What a week!!!

Wow! I can't believe how hard you guys worked this week. I'm pumped about tonight. It's gonna be great and Tuesday will just knock everybody's socks off!!!! Keep it up!

We'll rehearse Tuesday morning and then issue uniforms, load equipment and head out for lunch at the mall. We'll leave there in time to get to NSide for the first band of the day. Don't forget, that since we check out of school to go watch bands that we will stay and watch bands. The event is not over until after the ATU Band of Distinction Performance. We'll all be staying there together to watch the shows and see what other bands are doing.

It will be a blast. You'll need $$ for lunch at the mall and concession stuff throughout the evening. We'll have a snack for you after our show. Dress warmly, but please DO NOT bring blankets. It's not gonna be THAT cool.

Woop!

c

YAWN!!!!

Hey guys. I just got in from judging the UA Monticello Contest today and tonight. It was a VERY long day, but it was a good one. I really enjoy seeing what other groups are doing. It serves several purposes. 1)I get to find out what is going on in other programs. 2) I get to see what we can work on to get better by seeing what those groups are doing and 3) I get to realize how blessed I am to work with you guys every day.

I'm proud of you. Keep working hard. There is much to be done, but there is so much that has already been done as well. I saw a Tshirt today that really made me think.

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.

We all need to evaluate where we fall in that statement. Are we "hard work"? Are we "talent"? Are we using hard work to better our talent? Are we doing all we can with all we have to be all we can be?

Press on gang! Let's make sure we all do our part. See you in a little while. Man, who's the moron that thought up 7:00 AM rehearsals anyway>>>>????

c

Great Job Tonight!!

I'm so proud of you guys for a great job tonight. Thanks for your hard work and your dedication. It's really starting to pay off. Let's hunker down and finish strong. We've got a lot to do in the week ahead to get ready for Region Contest at Northside. Let your friends and family know that we perform at 4:15 on Tuesday the 23rd. We want to have as many folks come out and support you guys as we can get.

Way to go band!!!

c

TRANE

Thank you to the 83 faithful who persevered and worked so hard Saturday. I appreciate all of you who did what needed to be done!! Thanks especially to those of you who brought extra helpers to fill the gaps. You are awesome. Enjoy the extra reward you earned for your efforts!! You deserve it!!

c

Homecoming Stuff

We'll wear travel uniforms Friday afternoon for the parade. I'll give you the skinny on where to be when for that event. It's shorter this year, so it shouldn't be as stressful. We'll play the Fight Song as always.

Friday night call is 5:45 dressed and ready at the stadium. You will take your uniform home Friday night as we will not be coming back to the band room. TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT!!! THEY COST A LOT AND THEY'RE PRETTY FRAGILE IN THEIR OLD AGE!!!!!!!!!!!

We'll load all the percussion and big stuff into the trailer at the end of the game Friday.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE BLACK SOCKS, BANDOS, WINDSUIT PANTS AND BAND SHIRTS FOR THE PARADE.

c

IT'S CRUNCH TIME!!!!

We are down to the last few days of marching contest prep. The show is on the ground, the big push is on and we're working hard to finish strong. The progress you guys have made in the last several days is nothing short of phenomenal!!! I'm very proud of you band. Keep your eye on the prize and keep working hard. Ask yourself each day, "Am I doing all I can to make our band all it can be??" Are you working outside rehearsals and sectionals to improve your individual skills so the band will improve? Remember the words of Salome Thomas EL, "If you're not on your way, you're in our way!" Let's all continue to strive to be the best we can be. It's not about perfection though. It's about the process of growing as individuals, as musicians and as a band. Remember our motto: Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do!!

Greetings from Eureka Springs

Hey gang. I'm sorry I'm away from you guys for a couple of days, but things are going well at the conference. I heard a great speaker this morning from Philadelphia. His name is Salome Thomas-EL. He's a principal there and just an amazing teacher. He focused on many of the same things we harp on and work so hard on in band - students' responsibility to those around you, the importance of serving others, the importance of always striving to get better.

I spoke with V after this morning's rehearsal. He said you did great learning the 6 new sets. I'm looking forward to hearing how the next 4 pages of drum drill go tomorrow. Keep it up.

Spend time daily practicing on your own. The only way the group can be its best is if you are your best. Be on time. Be ready to work. Have all your stuff. You know the expectation and and you know the drill. When you do right everybody benefits. When you don't, everybody is hurt. The success of the bands rests in the hands of each individual member. Think about it. If all but one sound great and one sounds awful, then we all sound awful. The same goes with marching.

Thanks for working so hard while I'm gone. Thanks to Mr. V for standing in the gap. Y'all are awesome. Continue to work on being on time. I don't want any company in the band set on Friday night during 3rd quarter.......... : )

I'll leave you with two thoughts from Mr. Thomas-EL

"You can not be a passenger. Everybody is a member of the crew."
"If you're not on your way, you're in our way!"

Those two lines parallel our "band on a mountainside" philosophy. We're on the side of the mountain and we're either moving toward the peak and getting better, or we're sliding down the slippery slope. There is no standing still.

Are you a passenger sitting back and taking it in? Or, are you a crew member working hard to make the voyage smoothe? Are you on your way to getting better or getting in the way of those who are?

Both those thoughts are "either/or" propositions. There is really no middle ground. I want to do all I can to help you be the best you can be.

Press on band! Keep working hard to get better each day. Let's continue to want to be better today than we were yesterday and better tomorrow than we are today.

I miss you guys!! See you Wednesday at 7:00 a.m.!!!! I can't wait! Really!!!!!! I'm not kidding!!!!!

c

Friday Update

Friday we will eat at 3:15. We'll be having CiCi's Pizza and sodas. We'll carry snacks and water to the game for you to have after the show. Call time is 3:15. Don't be late. We will dress after we eat and then get on the road.

Thanks for a great rehearsal today. The improvement in the group this week is absolutely phenomenal. I can't wait to get the whole show on the field. It's gonna be awesome.

Don't forget - no parking at the FAB - on gravel, grass or concrete! : )


c

LAMAR SCHEDULE

Friday we will travel to Lamar for the game.

Call time is right after school. That means don't leave, and don't move cars to the FAB. There is no parking here, on gravel or grass!!! : )

Section leaders need to let me know meal preference for pregame meal by Wednesday morning so we can get it ready.

We'll return around 11:30 p.m.

We'll be in full uniform from here on out. You need your travel uniform as well in case of inclement (that means bad) weather. Always have your band tshirt, windsuit pants, black socks and bandos when we travel, in addition to your regular full uniform. We will dress at the band room and travel in bibbers and bandos. There is nowhere there to change. Please remember to wear shorts under your bibbers and your band tshirt under your tunic.

Great rehearsal this morning. We got LOTS better!!! I'm proud of you.

c

Sept. 24-28

This will be a busy week gang as we prepare to go to Lamar Friday night.

Sectionals and early band will meet all week. We'll be working on the rest of the show music. We'll work on widening the dynamics of the middle section. Some of it will be mf.

We will work on endurance and conditioning a lot this week.

Friday's show will include two new pages of drill and we'll play through measure 133 and then exit to the second drum break.

Make sure your music is memorized for Friday. No flips.

I'm Proud of You Guys!!!

Band - You did an outstanding job this week of learning a ton of difficult music and drill. I was impressed with your resolve to press through the week and get done all that needed to be done. We'll pick up next week moving forward with more drill and another segment of music. We'll also be working on endurance and conditioning so we can be in our best shape for the difficulty level of the show.

Your behavior in rehearsals and at the game tonight was wonderful. Keep it up. Help me make sure we always leave our environment clean when we finish. Make sure to continue working on cleaning up after yourselves. It's getting a lot better.

Thanks for all you do. I'm looking forward to the next phase of our adventure on the high seas!!!

Woop!!!

BTW - Megan M. - AWESOME WINDOW WORK!!!! How do you spell band??

We'll meet all sectionals and have early band this week.
Have a great weekend.

c

Lavaca Performing Arts Center

Here is the architect's rendering of the new PAC which will be built on the campus of our school. It will house a 900 seat state of the art auditorium. We look forward in the near future to finalizing plans and moving forward with construction. Stay tuned here for progress reports!

Lavaca High School Performing Arts Center

The millage initiative passed. We will be building the PAC!

School Election Tuesday

The school election is Tuesday, Sept. 18.

There are two school board races and a millage initiative to build new facilities for all of the Lavaca School campuses.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE!!!!!

PICNICS

Great job last weekend at the Macsteel Picnic! Royal and Macsteel were very pleased with the job you did.

THE CORRECT DATE FOR THE TRANE PICNIC IS SATURDAY OCTOBER 6. PLEASE MARK THAT ON YOUR CALENDARS. IT IS ANOTHER REQUIRED EVENT FOR ALL HS BAND MEMBERS.

The rest of this week (9/13-9/15)

9/13 All brass and alto sectionals
9/14 Call time is right after school - leave ASAP, return around 11:30
9/15 Picnic - required - see post!

A Survey for HS Band Members

Are you the ideal band member??

Do you show up early?

Do you have all the things you're supposed to? (music, lyre, flip, drill, etc.)

Do you bring a cooperative attitude to rehearsal?

Do you do your best to make the band the best it can be?

Do you follow the rules, procedures and instructions of the directors?

Do you strive for musical excellence? (That's fancy talk for do you practice!)

These questions can't be answered yes by any of us every day, but the vast majority of days the answers should be yes in order for us to be our very best.

Band is a creature all its own. The successful and ideal band member puts the good of the group ahead of himself. The ideal band member works hard to do right all the time. The ideal band member is an individual who transforms into a unified member of the body when the group is together for rehearsal or performance.

The band is not a collective, but a single functioning, living, breathing creature all unto itself unique. In order for it to be its very best every member must, for the time we're together, act, look and perform just like every other member. Remember in Star Wars Attack of the Clones, where the clone army marches and you can't tell the difference in one and the other?? Have you ever seen on TV or in person the guards at Buckingham Palace, or a group of American Soldiers? They look, act, speak and dress alike when they're on their mission. That is an integral part of their success. That is the tradition from which marching bands were born.

When you're on your own.......celebrate your individuality! Enjoy!! When we're in band.............we must look, act, speak and perform as one in order to be our very best. That's the standard. Keep reaching for the prize!! You're awesome.

c

Sept. 10-15

Hey gang! Busy week ahead.

Cookie Dough sale goes through Friday the 14th. Our program goal is $10,000. Nobody can do it all, but everybody can do something to help. Let's all do our part.

We are at Waldron Friday. Call time will be right after school again. We will load and head out ASAP thereafter.

We will eat when we get to the stadium. The Band Parents will provide the food for you again as usual. We will return home around 11:30 or so.

The Macsteel Picnic is Saturday the 15th. Don't forget that is REQUIRED for all band members in grades 8-12. We will be signing up for jobs on Monday - first come first served.

Bus list for Friday will be posted Monday. Seniors, staff and crew may sign up then. Everyone else can sign up Tuesday.

We plan to march the first drum drill at Waldron, so be looking over that drill. We will have sectionals and early band this week. We'll be working the third and 5th music segments.

c

Today

Pep Rally 8th Period
Call tonight: 6:30 at stadium
Uniform: Travel Uniform - Tshirt, Windsuit pants, black high top socks, bandos.

Remember: No jewelry, no extreme hair. Look neat. Look sharp!!

Bring a poncho!!

COOKIE DOUGH NOW ON SALE!!

HELP SUPPORT THE SOUND! WE'VE STARTED OUR ANNUAL COOKIE DOUGH SALE!!!! CONTACT ANY BAND MEMBER TO ORDER YOUR COOKIE DOUGH.

ORDERS WILL BE TAKEN UNTIL FRIDAY, SEPT. 14.

Recording Arts Enrichment Program

We will officially begin the Recording Arts program at the beginning of October. However, all of the equipment should be here and ready to go by the end of this week. If you are interested in forging ahead and getting a head start, I will be working at the band room on Monday after school to set up the studio and begin getting things going. This will be an awesome time to see how all the "plumbing" of the system is connected. Let me know if you're interested. I'll be working from 3:30 until around 5:30 or so.

c

Last Week and This Week

Thank you for your work last week. I was proud of you at the game Friday night. Thanks for all you do.

We will continue learning drill this week. We do have early band Wednesday. Percussion has sectionals Tuesday night. We have a lot to do to prep for our first home game Friday. We will add the Star Spangled Banner and hopefully another stands tune this week as well.

Be early and work hard.

c

Band Parents Kickoff Meeting

TUESDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 28 AT 7:00
This will be our big meeting for meet and greet, worker sign ups, calendars etc.
I look forward to seeing you at the band room!!

c

GOOD MORNING!!!

Hey Gang!

It's 6:00 in the morning and I'm at the band room ready for our first REALLY EARLY start of the year! I'm very proud of the work you've done thus far in Summer Band! Your attitudes are awesome. You're doing a great job on the music! It's going to be a fantastic year.

I'm headed out to the pad to get ready for another great day of Golden Arrow Band Rehearsal!!! C ya in a bit!

c

Schedule August 13-17

This doesn't look like much fun, but it's the best we've got! Let's hit it hard and knock it out!!!

c


Monday 8-Noon
Tuesday 6:30-8:00 a.m.
Wed. 6:30-8:00 a.m.
Thursday 6:30-8:00 a.m.
Friday 8-Noon

Best First Day Ever

It was awesome to have such a great turn out and such a wonderful first day back today. In the 20 years that I've been here at Lavaca this was absolutely the best first day ever. Thank you for your hard work!! You guys are awesome! I look forward to great things ahead!

I'm proud of you guys!!!

c

Check out the Charleston Express

There's a great article about the band in the Express from Wed. Aug. 1. It details the show, the season etc. You'll want to clip it for your scrapbooks.

C you on Monday - 8:00!!! Wear something "pirate-ish!!

SUMMER BAND SCHEDULE

PERCUSSION, GUARD AND STAFF (UNIFORM, LIBRARY, ETC.) WEDNESDAY AUGUST 1 8:00 UNTIL NOON.

FULL BAND - MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 8:00 A.M. UNTIL NOON.

THE BAND WILL WORK MONDAY-FRIDAY FOR THE FIRST WEEK. WE WILL FORMULATE OUR SCHEDULE FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK ONCE TEACHER MEETINGS ARE SCHEDULED.

SUMMER BAND IS REQUIRED FOR ALL BAND MEMBERS. WORK IS NOT AN EXCUSABLE ABSENCE.

Welcome Mr. Verrette!!!

Mr. Matthew Verrette is our new Assistant Band Director at Lavaca!!! We're excited to have him on board. Mr. V is not new to our family - He comes to us after having been an intern last fall.

You guys can reply to this post and I'll post your welcomes here. Make sure to spread the word.

Sound Off - 1, 2 - Sound Off - 3, 4

Hey!! Who's out there? Just wondering what you guys are up to this summer??? Let me hear from you!!!

c

News Alert

Mr. Coats has accepted a position in Ft. Smith and will be leaving us. We appreciate all he has done here during his time with the Golden Arrow Band and wish him the very best as he pursues a new opportunity.

We will begin the search for a new assistant band director immediately and hope to have that person on board as soon as possible.

Update

Hey gang!! The bandroom is closed until Thursday, June 21 for floor refinishing.
The CD from the Spring Concert is finished and ready for pick up. If you ordered one, you can come by Thursday and pick it up or you can email me to make arrangements to get it before that if you'd like. chase@firstlavaca.com

I'll be teaching lessons on Thursday and Friday from 9:00 until Noon. Come by the band room if you'd like some help on camp/region music, just a general lesson, or just to visit. See you then.

c

Ending One Year and Beginning A New One!!

It's been an awesome year for the Golden Arrow Band! One more gig and we're done!!! Graduation is Saturday night. We'll meet at 6:30 at the band room to run over the music and then move to the stadium. Dress is standard concert dress. Guys- dress pants, dress shirts (tucked in) ties and dress shoes. Ladies - dresses, skirts or dress pants. No capris. NO DENIM ANYBODY. Athletic shoes are not dress shoes!! Look your best as we bid farewell to our senior class.

Band Camp forms need to be turned in with your $20 deposit ASAP!

Private lessons are available at the band room all summer long. If you want to take lessons this summer, sign up at the band office.

If you are interested in teaching private lessons to MS band members to earn some extra $$ let me know.

Summer Band:

Staff, Percussion and Guard will report on Wednesday, August 1st!!!
Full Band will report on Monday, August 6th.
We will rehearse each day from 8:00 until Noon the week of the 6th.
During the week of the 13th we will meet daily, but the time will be determined after the teachers' in-service schedule is released.

All school instruments must be returned and checked in on Tuesday, May 30 for summer repair. Scott will be picking up all equipment on that day, so don't forget to get it in on time. If you are going to camp and need your horn back for that, please let us know at that time so we can label it for early return.

Spring Concert Monday May 14 7:00 p.m.

Tell all your friends and family to come out and enjoy the Spring Concert Monday night, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. The concert will be held at FBC Lavaca. All three bands will perform and we'll have a special guest conductor for one of the pieces during the HS band portion of the program.

C ya Monday!!!

c

Greetings!!

Well, the trip to Dallas was AWESOME! The kids played a fantastic concert at the Rangers' game. The trip to the Kennedy Museum was amazing. The planetarium show was dizzyingly awesome. Great food! Great times!! Six Flags was a blast!! No lines!!

Thanks gang for great behavior and a great attitude throughout the whole weekend. I'm so proud of you for that!

Our Spring Concert is Monday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Lavaca. All three bands will be playing and it is sure to be a great evening of music and fun. Come out and enjoy the show. We will also present our awards at that time.

Graduation is Saturday, May 26. The combined MS and HS bands will play, as always. This is a huge event for us because of its importance to our school and community. As with all performance events, it is required.

Have a great week.

c

Big Meeting Tonight!!

Just a reminder of the mandatory meeting tonight at 7:00 to fill out paperwork, finish paying for the trip, and going over the itinerary. See you then!

c

Important Meeting and Last Call

We will have a mandatory pretrip meeting for all HS band members and at least one parent of each student on Monday night, April 30 at 7:00 p.m. This is the meeting where we go over the trip rules and fill out travel forms, etc. It will not last long, but is critical.

Also, this is the last call for trip payments. All monies must be payed in order for students to attend the trip.

c

Trip Money Now Due

Hey gang! Trip money is due Monday, April 16.

No sectionals/early band this week.

See ya later!

c

End of the Year Dates Reminder

This had gotten pretty buried in the back of the blog, so I thought I'd post it up front as a reminder.
c

April 14 - Trip Money Due
May 4-6 - Dallas Trip
May 14 - Spring Concert
May 26 - Graduation
July 16-21 - ATU HS Band Camp

GREAT JOB!!!!

Congratulations on an outstanding job at contest yesterday! Straight ones, a one in sight reading and ANOTHER sweepstakes award!!! Way to go band!! Some of the comments I heard were, "Some of the other bands sounded good, but the difference was night and day when Lavaca came on stage!!" and, "The sound of the Lavaca Band was incredible!"

I'm very proud of you!! Thanks for all your hard work!!!

c

Trip Balances

Final Trip Balances are available now at the band room. All picnics, concessions and fundraisers are included. You may check those balances on the wall outside my office. Money is due Monday, April 16. Trip dates are May 4-6.

c

Contest Thursday!!

It's finally here. We will meet after 2nd period to dress and load. We'll leave as soon as we can get ready and go. We're taking sack lunches from the cafeteria. Those will be charged to your account at your regular lunch rate. We'll eat as soon as we arrive at Alma. After that we'll unload and move to the gallery before warming up at 1:00. We perform at 1:30 sharp. Next will be sight reading at 2:00. As soon as we're done with that baseball and softball players will check out with your parents to head back for the Charleston games. We'll all leave Alma around 2:45 and arrive back at the FAB around 3:30. We'll have to unload equipment and store uniforms before dismissal. That's about it!! Great job this morning. I'm really looking forward to it tomorrow. It's gonna be GRRRRRRRRREATTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!

c

We Need Your Help!!!

We have applied for a grant from, of all places, Hamburger Helper. We have applied for monies to help pay for new uniforms. The system they use is an "American Idol" kind of system where public comments and feedback make a difference. Here's what you can do. Go to this website and post comments about the outstanding quality of our band, the sad shape our old uniforms are in, the incredible love our community has for the band and especially the financial need to replace the old uniforms. Please make all your comments positive and helpful in nature. Also, forward the link to the site to anybody you email or facebook with so they can help us out. The more hits and comments we get, the better our chances are to get $$$. The site address is http://www.myhometownhelper.com/ViewProject.aspx?tell=2&id=20460

Thanks for your help!

c

So much to do........

So little time.

We have a huge couple of weeks ahead of us. We will not have sectionals this week. We will have early band on Wednesday. Mr. Cooper from ATU will be in rehearsal with us on Wednesday morning to work on Manfred. We have a ton of work left to do.


Tuesday we will leave right after school to go to Alma. We will load equipment earlier than that and it will be in Alma waiting on us when we get there.

Last week was fantastic. Keep it up. We have a short week so we need to get as much done as possible.

Friday we'll need to meet at 10:30 for our rehearsal as I have to have several Seniors in Fayetteville for auditions in the early afternoon. You'll need money for lunch and dinner as well as about $10 or so for Locomotion.

c

Busy Days Ahead

The next few weeks are loaded up gang.
April 3 - Alma Invitational Precontest
April 6 - UA Baseball game - we play Star Spangled Banner
April 12 - Contest
April 14 - Middle School Contest

Cherrydale will come in sometime this week.
We will have early band Wednesday and Thursday this week. No sectionals since everyone is coming in for early band twice.

Remember - early is on time; on time is late; late is unacceptable.
If you're 10 minutes early you're 5 minutes late!!

Quit playing WOW so late and go to bed so you can make it to school on time!!

Today Was Awesome!!

It was fantastic to see you guys today working so hard the day before Spring Break! I couldn't wait to get back and hear the work you've done. So many folks coast into holidays, but not you guys! I'm really proud of the progress you made this week. I appreciate your hard work and flexibility in moving to alternate facilities during the week and putting up with the relentless pounding of the metronome.....tic, tic, tic, tic.......hahahahaha!!! I really enjoyed hearing you play today and getting back into the grind. We have a ton of work to do after the break, so stay hooked up and get ready to rip it when we come back. C ya later!!!

c

Hey Gang!

I hope you're all doing well. Thanks for the many visits, texts and calls. I'm doing great. I came home as expected Wednesday evening. All went great with the surgery. They took off 15 pounds of skin! It has already made a huge difference for my back and my size as well. I miss you guys and can't wait to get back. Keep working hard. Don't put the horns in the cases for the whole break. We only have a week from when we return to get ready for the Precontest at Alma on April 3. We still have a ton of work to do on Manfred so be looking at too. I'll see you right after the break.

c

TRIP MONEY DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 15

Money for the trip must be paid in full by April 15. If you need help let me know now. I will have totals posted in the FAB by Wednesday morning.

c

Cherrydale Due Wednesday

Cherrydale orders are due Wednesday. Make sure you turn these in on time so I can get them mailed off.

Remember HS your trip is $300 and this will go toward that total. Money deadline for the trip has been extended to April 15.

Let me know now if you need help on the trip

c

RECORDED ASSIGNMENT #2

THIS ASSIGNMENT IS DUE BY 3:30 FRIDAY. I WILL BE IN THE HOSPITAL NEXT WEEK SO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST BE IN ON TIME TO RECEIVE CREDIT AND GET IT ON THE NINE WEEKS GRADES. PLEASE MAKE UP #1 IF YOU HAVE NOT TURNED IT IN SO THAT YOU MAY RECEIVE SOME CREDIT AS OPPOSED TO A ZERO.

MARCH - TRIO AND OUT STRAIN
MANFRED - 37-END
FW - G AGAIN WOODWINDS!!! EVERYBODY ELSE TOO! ALSO THE CODA

THIS IS A PRETTY SHORT ASSIGNMENT, SO DO WELL.

WE WILL POSTPONE INTONATION SURVEYS UNTIL AFTER THE BREAK.

c

The Days Ahead

Next week we will have our normal schedule. All sectionals and early band will meet.

Those who arrive late to rehearsals will be placed in the sectional class in the choir room so as not to disrupt the band rehearsal. To avoid this, be on time. On time is STILL defined as arriving early enough to get your equipment ready, be seated and have 5-10 minutes of individual warm up before the 7:55 bell rings. With the EXTREME number of class interruptions we have to deal with already, we don't need to add any ourselves, so make your best effort to get here early and be ready.

Today's rehearsal (Friday, Feb. 23) was FANTASTIC! Like I told you this morning, it was one of the best I've had in the 19 years I've been here. Way to finish the week strong. Thanks!

Work hard on Cherrydale. We need the money for your trip. It's gonna be a blast! Have an awesome weekend. I love you guys!!! Really!!! I do!!!!

c

YES! WE HAVE SECTIONALS THIS WEEK!!

We will have our normal schedule this week. Woodwinds will meet Thursday
Woodwinds will work the runs in FW and read the march.
Trumpets will work the fanfare in FW, the big cresc. and decresc. in Manfred and read the march.
Percussion will work all of FW and read the march.
Low Brass/Alto/Reeds will work fanfare in FW and the map, big cresc. and decresc. in Manfred and read the march.

Tuesday morning we will work the ending of Manfred and read the march - THIS WILL BE A SILENT REHEARSAL - Instructions will be on the board. No talking once you enter the room.
Wednesday morning we will devote the 7:00 hour to Manfred and the first half of the 8:00 hour to FW. At 8:30 we will have our Cherrydale Kickoff.
Thursday we will work the G section of FW, the transition into 21 of Manfred and the Intro and 1st Strain of the march.
Friday we will work the 2nd strain and trio of the march, Z-the DS of FW, run Manfred and build the map on the march.

Be early. Be warmed up. Be ready.
Are you giving your very best????

Enjoy the Snow Day!!

Well, we don't have anything on you guys today do we? As we're here in Hot Springs in meetings and rehearsals you guys will be enjoying another day off courtesy of Jack Frost! Have a super snow day!

c

UA Windsymphony at Alma PAC

Next Thursday, February 22, the University of Arkansas Wind Symphony under the direction of W. Dale Warren will perform at the Alma Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Program selections will include the following:


Festive Overture, Op. 96 by Dmitri Shostakovich

Colonial Song by Percy A. Grainger

Monologues by Joseph Turrin
Benjamin Pierce, euphonium
Arkansas Premier - 2007 Southeastern Conference Band Directors Association Commission

Symphony in B-flat by Paul Hindemith
Rolling Thunder by Henry Fillmore

The UA Wind Symphony is a 58 piece ensemble consisting of the premier graduate and undergraduate wind and percussion musicians at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. The Wind Symphony studies and performs traditional and contemporary wind band literature and requires an advanced level of performance ability.

RECORDED ASSIGNMENT #1

The much anticipated return of the "taped assignment" has finally arrived. There are a few new options available to you for submitting your recorded assignment. You may 1. submit an old fashioned cassette tape - only standard size, as I do not have a microcassette player to use for the small ones, 2. you may submit a cd recording of your assignment that you record on your home computer, or recording apparatus, or 3. you may submit an mp3 of your assignment to me via email. chasecarter1@cox.net I prefer #3, but #1 or #2 will work just fine.

Now for the particulars:

RECORDED ASSIGNMENT #1 IS DUE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23 NO LATER THAN 3:30 P.M.

All Brass: Flashing Winds - Beginning through Meas 27. Manfred - all - you may skip over multi measure rests, but state on the recording that you are doing so. Allied Honor - Introduction and first strain with repeats!

Woodwinds: Flashing Winds - B-Z(meas. 96) with repeats. Manfred - all. Allied Honor - Intro and First Strain.

Percussion: Flashing Winds - Beginning-Meas. 27, D-Meas. 81. Allied Honor - Intro and First Strain.

The assignment will be due on Friday, Feb. 23 by 3:30. No assignments will be accepted late, so plan ahead. If you email an mp3 to me, I will send you a confirmation email for you to keep as proof you turned in the assignment. I will also email your grade back to you when I've listened to your assignment.

Remember - since we don't have public performances this term, these assignments are your performance grades and will count for a combined 20% of your total 9wks grade. There will be a total of 4 taped assignments before we go to contest.

NO 7:00 REHEARSAL ON VALENTINE'S DAY

There will be no 7:00 a.m. rehearsal on Wednesday, February 14. I will be making trip preparations for All State.

Low Brass, Alto and Low Reeds will NOT have sectionals on Feb. 16 due to All State.

Thanks
c

All State Conference

I NEED YOUR HELP!!!

I will be out Thur and Fri for the All State Music Conference in Hot Springs. Rehearsal will start at the usual time on those days - 7:55. You will be working on your solos and small ensembles. Make sure you have them with you and ready to go. Nobody will be able to leave the room during rehearsal time so get a drink and/or go to the restroom before the 7:55 bell. Everyone will practice in the big room - no using the other rooms. You may also work on your concert music on those days. I very much suggest spending some time on Allied Honor. We will begin working on it next week.

Section leaders may spend some time in sectionals with their groups, but please do not engage in any "gang playing". Use this time to make yourself, your section and the band better. Section leaders and Seniors need to step up to the plate and lead right. For anyone who has trouble practicing I will also leave a written assignment which will constitute a performance grade. Please do what you know I expect of you while I am gone and behave properly for your substitute. I know I can count on you. Thanks.

c

Spring Calendar

HERE IS AN UPDATE. THIS SUPERCEDES ALL PAST CALENDARS FOR THE HS BAND.

All State Tryouts Feb 9-10
All State Feb 14-17
Cherrydale Feb 22
Solo/Ens Feb 23-24
Alma Invitational April 3
Contest April 12
HS Band Trip May 4-6 (leave after school)
Spring Concert May 13
Graduation TBA - Required for full band 7-11!!

Return of the Sign In Sheet

Beginning Monday the much loved sign in sheet will be posted on the office window each morning. Please sign in when you arrive. The sheet will be taken down at 7:55 each day when the first bell rings. You must sign in before that to receive your full credit for daily rehearsal. Remember - Early is on time. On time is late. Late is unacceptable. Let's get better at being here ready to go on time each morning. Rehearsal begins at the first bell. You should be seated, warmed up and ready to play at that time.

Integrity First
Service Before Self
Excellence in All We Do
The Lavaca High School Band

c

Blog Viewer's Roll Call

Please respond to this post with a comment so I can get an idea of how many folks are viewing it. Thanks

c

Sectional Challenge and Thursday Morning

The trumpets are the first to make a run at the Sectional Challenge! They had 100% attendance and 100% on time for sectionals this week. If they make it next week, then they get to start having theirs at 7:15 instead of 7:00.

Your section can join them if you get everybody here and on time! Go for it.


Thursday the FAB will open at 7:00 for extra help with solos/ensembles etc. If you want to come early and play, come on! I don't want to be here all alone drinking my Starbucks Breakfast Blend!

c

More about All State Tryouts

Clayton Masterson has been upgraded from alternate to official All State Tryout Qualifier! He joins Patrick Melton and Logan Dooly in representing LHS and Region II at the Arkansas All State Band auditions this weekend.

Congratulations guys! We're proud of you all. Go get em at State!

c

All State Tryouts

For the guys trying out for All State:

We will leave mid morning Friday to go to Conway for jazz tryouts. After they are over we'll drive back home. The schedule for Saturday got moved later in the day due to it being an ACT date, so we won't spend the night.

Saturday morning we'll leave the band room at 8:00 and return that night when it's over.

You'll need $5 for each tryout and some food money.

Update

Hey gang. I just got word this morning that my insurance has approved me for surgery to remove the extra skin from around my midsection. That will be scheduled as soon as we can get it on the calendar. That means I'll be out for a few days. I'll keep you posted on when it will take place as soon as I find out. We have to get the exact cost, my copay amount and all that figured out and settled, and of course, pay the $$ beforehand, so it may take a few weeks to get everything lined up. Anyway - things here will carry on as usual while I'm away. I know you'll keep working hard at all we are doing so that you're ready to rip as soon as I return. More to come.......

c

Feb 5-9

Hey gang! Great rehearsal this morning. I really enjoyed working Manfred today. I'm looking forward to what you guys can do with it. You'll be the first band in over 30 years to play it in Arkansas. How cool is that!

We'll have a regular schedule this week. Percussion will not meet Tuesday night.

Keep working your solos. If you want to add a small ensemble, see me or Tracie to get music and sign up. If there is anyone who does not have a solo yet, please see me ASAP.

Jacket money is past due. Jacket order will be turned in Wednesday. Please turn in your money so you can get a jacket. No orders will be made for anyone who has not paid.

Have an awesome week.

c

Woo Hoo!! It's a Snowday!!

Enjoy the day off Thursday! I'm sleeping in! Have fun.

Jacket money will be due Friday.

c ya

c

Last Call for Letter Jacket $$$

Thursday, Feb 1 will be the absolute last day to turn in money for letterman jackets. I will turn in the order tomorrow at the end of the day and only those jackets that are paid for will be ordered. Please don't miss this chance!

c

Jan 29-Feb 2: Correction!!!!

Hey Gang. This week will be a regular week - whatever that means!

We will meet all sectionals and early band.
Monday - WW
Tuesday AM - Tpts; PM - Percussion
Wednesday - Early Band
Thursday - Open
Friday - Low Brass/Low Reeds/Alto

Don't forget the challenge. No sections had 100% present and on time last week for their sectional. Get your section members involved so we can start later!!!

Jacket Money is due by Tuesday. If you don't remember your amount, see me. Make checks to Lavaca Schools - My earlier information was incorrect.

Trip cost will be posted by the end of this week along with the payment calendar and tentative schedule of the trip. It's going to be a blast.

c

Anybody Out There????

This Week and a Challenge!

This week is a normal week. Sectionals and early band will meet at 7:00 a.m. Percussion will meet Tuesday evening.

I have a Sectional Challenge for you:

If your section has 100% attendance and 100% on time for two weeks in a row, then we will move your start time to 7:15. To maintain 7:15 you must maintain the 100% attendance and 100% on time. Failure to do so will result in a return to 7:00 a.m. start times.

Let's see who can do it!!

c

Congratulations All Region Band Members

Congrats go out to:

Ronnie Mathes and Cody Keene who both made All Region Band!

Logan Dooly and Patrick Melton who both made All Region Band and qualified for All State Band Auditions.

Logan and Patrick also qualified for All State Jazz Auditions!

Way to go guys. We're proud of y'all

c

Jan 16-20

Hey gang! It's a busy week for the Golden Arrow Band! We are starting several new ventures this week. First off, for the most part, we're back on our regular schedule. Sectionals will meet at 7:00 each morning in your regular groups - DRUMS WILL MEET TUESDAY NIGHT.

Next - we will NOT have early band on Wednesday this week. We'll start that back next week.

This week is all-region clinic. Those folks will leave school right after rehearsal on Friday morning. See me for a schedule for the weekend.

We're starting some new music this week. We'll be sight reading daily and beginning to work on solos and ensembles. Be early. Be ready. Come by and pick up a solo to work on. I'll assign ensembles during your sectionals.

Have an awesome week.

c

Letter Jackets

Sophomores - Letter Jacket Money is due by the 30th of January. Make checks payable to Southwest Sporting Goods

Chaperon Opportunities

I need some parents to help on Saturday at Dover. If you would be willing to go along with us and help w/ keeping up with our crew on Saturday please send me a message and let me know. I could use 3-5 parents who will stay on top of things since Adam and I will be in tryout rooms. Duties will include - making sure kids get to their tryouts on time, making sure they don't wander off, and keeping them inline overall. Thanks.

Students who qualify for the All Region Bands will be in Fort Smith next Friday and Saturday for the clinic and concert. I also need 2-3 chaperons for that event. We will leave school at 9:30 next Friday morning and return around 9:00 that evening. We'll leave pretty early Saturday morning and be done by lunch time, as the students' parents will be picking them up at the concerts. If you're interested please send me a message. Thanks!!

c

HS Region Tryouts Saturday

Call time Saturday will be 5:45 a.m. We will leave at 6:00 a.m. Tryouts should be done by around 3:00, which would put us home at about 5:00 p.m.

Welcome New HS Band Members!

Hey gang. I just wanted to welcome some new folks to the HS band. Stephen from Darby is the newcomer to the trumpet section. Ashley has rejoined us in the flutes. We also have one more change. Due to a schedule issue beyond anybody's control, Megan is joining us in the flute section as well. It seems keyboarding got left off her schedule and she has to have it, so in order to keep her in band we have had to move her from MS to HS. Be sure to welcome all our new members into the Golden Arrow Band family!!

Revised Sectional Schedule for 1/8-1/12

This week's sectional schedule is as follows:

Monday 7:30 Flute and Clarinet
Tuesday 7:30 Trumpet; Tuesday evening - Percussion
Wednesday 7:30 Tuba and Saxes
Thursday 7:30 Trombone/Baritone
Friday 7:00 all Freshmen-Bring Scale Sheets. If you don't have one you can get it at asboa.org

Happy New Year!!

Hey gang! I hope and pray 2007 is your best year ever! I'm looking forward to all that we have in front of us this year. Our trip, our GREAT program, our fantastic band......all things are brighter than ever for the Golden Arrow Band!! Thanks to all of you who work so hard to make our program great. I'm proud of you and I love you!! C ya Wednesday!!!!

c