Lavaca Golden Arrow Band

New Info Site

2009-01-12T10:15:00.001-06:00

Go to facebook.com and search golden arrow band for new information. This site will no longer be updated.

Thanks!

WOW!

2008-11-29T09:39:00.002-06:00

With the Golden Arrows' win last night, next week just got REALLY busy!!! We will travel to Fountain Lake just outside Hot Springs on Friday for the state semi-final game. Saturday is the annual Lavaca Christmas Parade. Monday, the 8th, is the Christmas Concert.

On Tuesday I'll have an itinerary for the game. (Dress and game plan to follow)

Call time for the parade Saturday will be 9:00 at the gym at FBC Lavaca. Dress is Red sweatshirt, blue jeans, Santa hats and tennis shoes.

Call time for the concert on the 8th for HS will be 6:00. MS call will be 6:15 and beginner call will be 6:30. The concert starts at 7:00. Reception to follow in the band room.

Great job last night!!

ROUND #3 TONIGHT

2008-11-28T08:45:00.002-06:00

CALL: 6:45 PM at Stadium
UNIFORM: Warm Clothing!!!
Band room opens at 5:00. You are responsible for your own equipment!

...............Yes Freshmen.............It's still a required event!

Friday

2008-11-20T15:36:00.002-06:00

2 Major Items:

1. Recorded Assignment 1 is due Friday by 5:00. It is the same as a PERFORMANCE GRADE - those account for 30% of your grade. Make sure you get it done.

2. Call time for the game is 6:45 dressed and seated at the stadium. Wear layers so you'll be warm.

Assignments and Stuff

2008-11-17T07:51:00.002-06:00

Nov. 17-21

Early band and sectionals meet all week. SECTIONALS START AT 7:00. BAND STARTS AT 7:55. BE ON TIME!!!! : )

Recorded Assignment #1 is due by Friday 11/21 - Material is posted in the bandroom.

Game Friday is here versus Earle - yep, Earle. If we win we play next week. The location depends on the result of the Cedarville v. Perryville game. If Cedarville wins we would be here. If Perryville wins we would travel there. I'll have information for you on the different scenarios later in the week. Check often.

WE WILL PERFORM AT THE GAME WHERE EVER IT IS!

Have a great week.

Coming Up...............

2008-11-11T15:56:00.002-06:00

It's playoff time! The game Friday is here. We'll be playing. Call time is 6:30 dressed and at the field. The uniform room will be open until 6:15. Be early! Game time for all playoff games is 7:30. If we win this week, we'll be home again next week. It's difficult to predict after that. So, keep checking in to see.

We DO have early band Wednesday. Sectionals will resume next week - Nov. 17-21.

Christmas Parade - Dec. 6
Christmas Concert - Dec. 8
JH Region Tryouts - Dec. 13

Congrats Jazz Dudes!!!

2008-11-03T22:29:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Logan, Clayton and Evan on qualifying for the All Region Jazz Band!!! Way to go guys!!! Lavaca went 3 for 3 in the auditions!!!

Video Post and Video Request

2008-10-31T10:27:00.002-05:00

Here is a link to a video of the MS Band's performance at the Mountainburg game. Great job kids!!

https://mail.lavacaschools.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLgaQz11lFU

I am still looking for videos of the HS show from the Greenland game.

Thanks
c

Does anybody have a video of Friday?

2008-10-28T07:38:00.001-05:00

I have had numerous requests for a video of Friday night. If you have one, would you please send it to me at school so I can put it up for people to see.

Thanks.

WOW!!!

2008-10-25T07:26:00.001-05:00

What a night!! The crowd went NUTS!!! Some of the responses - "AWESOME!!" , "That was the coolest thing I ever saw!!" "Y'all just made band nerds COOL!", "BEST I'VE EVER SEEN!" - the list is virtually endless!!!

I'm so proud of you guys! Great job!

It's Showtime!!!

2008-10-20T20:16:00.002-05:00

Tuesday, October 21!!
Contest!
Showtime: 4:30!!

We'll be leaving school shortly after lunch time.
The Tech show is last and then we'll head home. We'll be back around 10:00-10:30.

Senior Chili

2008-10-14T15:08:00.000-05:00

October 23. See Carter for details.

Cookie Dough - !!!!

2008-10-10T12:00:00.002-05:00

Cookie dough will be delivered Monday, October 13. You may pick it up at the band room from 3:15 until 5:30. Boxes of cookie dough may NOT be taken on the bus. You must have transportation. Also - cookie dough must remain frozen, so it must be picked up and properly stored in order to maintain the product.

We will be sorting and prepping the orders until 3:15 so we won't be able to hand out orders early. Please plan to pick up your order during the times listed.

Crunch Week

2008-10-10T11:56:00.002-05:00

October 13-17 is crunch week. We will be meeting for early band on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:00 a.m. 7:00 is start time, not arrival time. Plan to arrive early so you will be prepared to begin rehearsal right at 7:00. We will not have sectionals. The guard will meet every day. This is final week before contest. Let's buckle down and get it knocked out.

Upcoming Stuff

2008-10-06T13:07:00.002-05:00

Hey gang. Great job last week. We have a lot to do this week as well. We're on regular full rehearsal schedule. All sectionals and early band will meet. We will travel to Lincoln for the game Friday. Stay tuned for call time and travel details. I do think you'll enjoy dinner Friday!! : )

I need your help in keeping everything put away and clean at the FAB. Many of you are leaving personal items laying around and equipment out. With the number of folks we have using the facility we need to make sure to keep things put away.

Contest is Oct. 21. We will be at Northside in time for the first band and stay until the end of the event. Our performance is at 4:30.

c

Yes we have sectionals Thursday!!

2008-09-24T21:21:00.001-05:00

Among other things......
Call Friday is 3:30. We don't have much time to get ready and get on the road b/c of the whole uniform thing. Make sure you are ON TIME!! You need your travel AND your band uniform.

Call Saturday is 6:30 a.m. We'll be home around 5:30 p.m.

: )

UPDATE FOR FRIDAY

2008-09-17T20:47:00.002-05:00

Hey gang! We're wearing travel uniforms Friday. That is a change from earlier post. Also - put away ALL visible jewelry during the show. It's gotten out of control and is visually distracting. Call time Friday is right after school. We'll change and leave immediately. It's a long ride to Mt. Ida, so hurry quickly and get ready to go.

Show Friday is Earth Song, Smoke, I Feel the Earth.....we'll move up until the first box set.

See ya!
c

September 15-19

2008-09-15T21:01:00.002-05:00

Hey gang! We have our first road trip Friday. We'll be travelling to Mount Ida. We will be in full uniform for the first time this week as well. The plan is to perform the complete opener with drill and to play Colors as a stand still feature. After today that leaves us with about 4 pages to learn for the show Friday.

No early band this Wednesday. All sectionals will meet. Tuesday groups will meet on Thursday.
You need to pass of opening sequence - Earth Song, Smoke and I Feel the Earth for your section leaders from memory before Friday. No music on field for Friday night's show.

We will begin rehearsing the closer next week as well as learning drill for Colors. Lots to do.

Signups for the Kawneer picnic will begin on Wednesday. Sign up early to get the best job!!

Enjoy Tuesday off. We'll be in meetings all day : ( I'd much rather be working with you guys!

c

Busy Weekend Ahead

2008-09-09T06:41:00.002-05:00

Hey gang! We have a busy weekend ahead of us. Friday we have our first pep rally. It'll be good.
You will come to the band room after 7th period to get ready for it. We'll go to the gym together. Friday night we will be combining with Booneville for a couple of tunes - We'll do Mag 7 & Louie, Louie. We may do the opener to the show as well, not sure yet.

Call time Friday night will be at 5:45 at the band room to rehearse with the Boooneville Band. Remember, their director, Justin Martin, is one of our own. He's a former Lavaca Band All State Tuba Player. His wife, Suzanne is one of my former flute players as well. She also teaches his colorguard. It will be a special night as we combine the two groups. I'm REALLY looking forward to a H U G E sound!!!

Saturday is the Mac Steel Picnic. It is at Columbus Acres in Fort Smith. Call time for most of you is 9:00. Grill workers and a few others will have to be there earlier than that, but I'll notify those folks. Dress for the picnic is comfy, but modest and presentable. You need to wear closed toe shoes and your shirt must have sleeves. Short sleeves are fine - just no sleeveless. Shorts are also ok, but they need to meet dress code.

Signups for the Kawneer Picnic will go up Wednesday.

Have a great day!

c

Prairie Grove Game

2008-09-07T17:24:00.001-05:00

Great Job! Here are some pics!

Parent Update

2008-09-04T13:24:00.002-05:00

Hey Parents!!!

I hope you're doing well. Things are off to a great start! Sectionals and early band are in full swing. We're working hard on the show. Things are fantastic! I'm very pleased with the overall effort and attitude of the band. They're doing a wonderful job!

Sectionals meet once weekly at 7:00 a.m. Full Band also meets at 7:00 on Wednesday. Daily morning rehearsal start time is 7:55 - This helps us recoup some of the time we lose by having to stop early to get back to the band room and equipment put away. Please help your kids get here on time. On time really means early so they are ready to go at the start time - not staggering in the door half asleep! We open the building at 6:30 every day that we have early groups in.

Flutes/Clarinets - Monday
Low Brass/Alto Group - Tuesday
Wednesday - Full Band
Thursday - Trumpets

Current grades are posted on Edline. The scale is:
Daily grade 10%
Sectionals 30%
Performances 60%

If a student has missed one of the two sectionals so far, then their grade is not very good. I expect that will come up significantly as we add more sectional grades and performances to the mix. Being at the right place at the right time with the with the right equipment and the right attitude ready to roll is where the daily points are derived from.

Thanks for all you do to help your students be successful.

Big Week!!!

2008-09-02T11:33:00.002-05:00

First Home Game Friday night!!!!! Call time will be 6:00 at the stadium.
Uniform is Band T Shirt, plain solid black windsuit pants, plain black socks that are at least crew length if not longer and bando band shoes.

Cookie Dough Orders due Friday!!!!

Fast Start

2008-08-29T14:26:00.000-05:00

Kevin W. from the MS group is the first to report 40 items sold!

Cookie Dough Kickoff!!

2008-08-27T19:11:00.003-05:00

The cookie dough sale is in full swing! Work hard. Brochures are due on Sept. 5

Don't forget the fast start prize for the first person to report back to me with 40 items sold!!!

LHS Band 08

2008-08-26T18:05:00.003-05:00

Welcome!

2008-08-26T17:37:00.002-05:00

For those of you who came to the parent meeting tonight, Welcome to the Blog! You'll find all kinds of stuff here. The calendar is online. I'll post frequent announcements and updates here as well. Occasionally you'll find congrats, props and thoughts here as well. You can use this as a feedback tool as well. Just click on comment and you can send me a message.

c

Calendar

2008-08-14T17:34:00.002-05:00

Band Calendar - Click on Mini for a Full Size version

2008-2009 Is Here!!

2008-07-07T15:40:00.003-05:00

Hey Gang!!

Summer Band is coming up!

Guard, Percussion, Leadership Team and other interested parties should report at 8:00 a.m. on July 28. We will work the 28th and 29th to get ready for the whole crew.

Full Band will report Monday, August 4 at 8:00 a.m. We will work each day until Noon.

Those of you involved in multiple activities - band, athletics, Ag, etc. don't forget that we split time EVENLY. Let us know who you are so the other group leaders and I can get together and work out your schedule for you.

See ya soon!!!

c

GRADUATION

2008-05-24T10:51:00.001-05:00

YES WE'RE PLAYING
YES IT'S STILL REQUIRED
C YOU TONIGHT AT 7:15

IF YOU CAN COME AT 5 TO MOVE EQUIPMENT IT WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED
WE'LL MOVE STUFF FROM THE TRAILER TO THE FIELD AND THEN GO HOME AND GET READY

: )
c

End of the Year Stuff

2008-05-05T10:04:00.003-05:00

Hey gang! Great trip. I was very pleased with everyone and everything.

As we press on toward the end of the year I just want to remind you of the last few remaining events on our calendar. Remember - they are REQUIRED!

Saturday, May 17 - Picnic in Conway: We'll leave VERY early that morning and return around 6:30 or 7:00 that evening. You know the usual drill for those things. Make sure to dress appropriately. I also still need several parent workers.

Saturday, May 24 - Graduation. Dress will be usual concert clothing. Look sharp! Itinerary TBA. Also, don't forget, the 8th grade always joins us on this gig.

Other stuff:

Band Camp forms are due by May 15.
Summer Lesson Signups are up in the band room. Lessons are free.
Calendars for 08-09 will be out next week.
Guard and Drum Major Auditions will be next week.

Have a great day.

c

Trip Itinerary

2008-04-29T13:12:00.002-05:00

Here is the itinerary for the weekend. Luggage check will be from 3:15-5:00 Thursday afternoon. You must be present with your bags for them to be checked in. Do not just drop them off at the band room. You may bring one small bag. Carryons will be checked on Friday morning. Click on the itinerary to see a bigger version.

c

Band Camp

2008-04-14T08:49:00.001-05:00

If you are attending Band Camp at ATU this summer those forms need to be turned in by May 15.

c

ALL TRIP MONEY IS NOW DUE

2008-04-14T08:46:00.002-05:00

If you have not yet paid off your trip please do so today.
All money is now due. If you need to know your balance, it
is posted outside my office.

Trip forms are also past due. Please turn in your medical
form and your trip rules sheet.

c

Spring Meeting

2008-04-01T09:01:00.001-05:00

We'll be having a Spring Band Parent's Meeting on Monday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. We'll discuss the end of the year trip, a May picnic and a new fundraiser we have coming up! Hope to see you all there.

c

As we press on toward the end of this year.....

2008-04-01T08:52:00.002-05:00

Hey gang! I'm really enjoying the sounds you're making on Slavonic! It's going to be an awesome opener. We'll be adding a movie score to round out the program.

Beginning next week we'll be rehearsing in the old gym. During the next couple of weeks the FAB will be in use for testing (SAT 10, EOC, IBTS, etc.), so we'll be displaced. We will press on with our regular schedule of rehearsal. You'll be able to store your instrument in the gym during the day, but you'll need to take it home at night, as the facility is used by the public at night and there's no way to secure your stuff.

Make sure you're getting to rehearsals on time. WE STILL START AT 7:55! The vast majority of you are doing great at this. The rest need to get hooked back up and do right. Finish strong!

Finally - If you have photos you would like to see in the end of the year slideshow at the concert, I need those by the 15th of April so that I can put that together.

Thanks.
c

Contest Itinerary

2008-03-10T10:05:00.002-05:00

Contest Thursday, March 13.

Call is right after school. We'll dress, load and leave ASAP
Once at Alma we'll unload and wait in the gallery until our warmup time.
We warmup at 6:00. Our concert is at 6:30. At 7:00 we'll sight read.
After that we'll load up, go to Geno's for pizza and return to the band room around 9:30.

Dress is uniform, black socks and bandos. Hair must be neat and contained. NO CRAZY HAIR!! : )

Make sure to invite your friends and family. It's gonna be a great concert!!

c

SNOW DAY FRIDAY, MARCH 7~!!!

2008-03-06T21:30:00.000-06:00

ENJOY!

Well???? I dunno!!!!

2008-03-06T18:36:00.003-06:00

It's been a tough week. I've been on the couch with the flu all week, as has Angie. I hate to have been gone, but like I constantly tell you - if you're sick, stay home. Well.....I had to stay home.

Who knows about tomorrow? Not me, that's for sure. If we're in school, then I plan to be there. Any guesses????

School's Out!

2008-03-04T05:54:00.001-06:00

Enjoy a rare March snow day! We'll have to figure out our plan of attack when we get back.
Juniors - Do a great job on the test! We're rooting for you!!!

c

This Week is Crazy!!

2008-03-03T07:35:00.002-06:00

Hey gang! We are in crunch time. Contest is Thursday, March 13. We'll meet at the band room right after school to travel to Alma. We'll get there, warm up, play, sight read and then go to Geno's for pizza.

Tuesday and Wednesday rehearsals will be at FBC. We'll either be in the fellowship center or H2O. I'll let you know later today via an announcement.

If you are a guard member or a new band member you need to get with the uniform staff before this week is out and get a uniform for contest.

The trip final cost is $320. Everyone needs to have $100 paid or earned by Spring Break. The second $100 must be paid by April 1 and all balances have to be paid by April 20.

Have a great week.

c

Limo Lunch Update

2008-02-19T09:27:00.002-06:00

Those of you who are on the Limo Lunch for the Eagle Cookiedough sale will be going on April 14. We have to put it off till then due to standardized tests. More info on the event as the date draws near, but put it on your calendar.

The Final Countdown

2008-02-16T19:01:00.002-06:00

Contest is coming quickly. March 13. We are also scheduled to play our precontest at Alma on Feb. 26. In order to get ready for those two events we have a lot of work left to do. Stay hooked up solid and keep pressing on.

All sectionals will meet this coming week. Monday group will come on Wednesday. Percussion will meet Tuesday night.

Cherrydale kicks off on Wednesday. The trip to St. Louis is going to run between $325 and $350. Many of you have the majority of that raised. Many others still need to raise the bulk of it. The Cherrydale sale is your last chance to fundraise for the trip. Work hard to minimize, or even eliminate out of pocket expense for the trip.

Enjoy Monday off!!! I know I will. See ya Tuesday - Low Brass group at 7:00 a.m.

I'm proud of the work you've done in the last couple of weeks. Keep it up!!!

c

Congrats to All Staters!!!

2008-02-06T14:09:00.001-06:00

Pat Melton - 2nd 2nd Jazz
Logan Dooly - 1st 1st Concert

Way to go guys.

Great Rehearsal Today!

2008-02-04T08:54:00.000-06:00

Thanks for a tremendous rehearsal this morning. The vast majority of you are SO great about working hard and having a great spirit about what we're doing. Keep it up. I'm proud of you!! Remember, we're not just learning notes and rhythms in music. We're learning life.

Life Lesson - Following instructions and doing what you're told are not just things you do as a kid at home or in school. They're things you'll have to do all your lives. Every day I have instructions from those I work for that I have to follow. Your parents do too! I'm sorry to report to you that when you grow up and move out on your own you really won't get to call the shots. We're all accountable to many different folks. Tax time is coming up soon. We all have to file our income taxes. Why? Because that's the rule. We may or may not agree with it, but it's the rule and our opinion of it really doesn't matter. We have to follow the law of the land or pay the price. When you go to work you're going to have a boss that will require things of you. If you choose not to comply you will most likely lose your job. Bosses are RARELY, if ever, as lenient as parents and teachers. They generally won't tell you repeatedly how to do, or not do, something - especially if you're rebellious toward their authority. They'll just fire you. Work hard, do what's expected (or more), keep your shoulder to the wheel and you'll do well. Have an awesome week!! Keep pressing on!!

c

Cherrydale Starts Feb. 20

2008-02-04T06:56:00.000-06:00

Start lining up your sales now. Get together your "peeps" and get them ready for Cherrydale time. We need to make a ton of $$$, so let's talk it up and prep it. I can't wait for you to see their totally new product line and brochures. The company was purchased this past year and they have undergone an extreme makeover. You're gonna love it!

c

Bowling for Bucks!

2008-02-04T06:54:00.001-06:00

Congrats to Lehman Petty for winning $400 in scholarships at a bowling tournament last Saturday. He scored 254 in his winning effort! Good Job Lehman!!!!

All State Jazz Auditions

2008-02-04T06:48:00.000-06:00

All State Jazz tryouts will be held in the Russellville area on Tuesday. Details to be final from ASBOA later today. Stay tuned. Logan Dooly, Clayton Masterson and Patrick Melton will be auditioning.

c

Congratulations Logan!!

2008-02-04T06:46:00.000-06:00

Logan Dooly is 1st Band 1st Chair All State String Bass. He not only was the top String Bass player on the band side, but he also outscored the basses in the orchestra. WTG Logan!!! He'll travel to Hot Springs Feb 13-16 to perform at the All State Band clinic.

Feb 4-8

2008-02-04T06:43:00.000-06:00

Good morning everybody!

This week is a full regular schedule. In sectionals and rehearsals we'll be working transitions in the march. Tempo and continuity in Deerpath and Australian. Just a heads up - The Alma Invitational (our precontest concert) is coming up on Feb. 26. That's not very far away. To borrow a line from the Smokey and the Bandit theme song - We've got a long way to go and a short time to get there. Let's buckle down and get it done all the way right.

Sectionals Week of Jan. 28

2008-01-24T09:08:00.001-06:00

Clarinets: We will work the beginning of Australian and the 16th passages of Deerpath
Low Group: We will work 87 in Deerpath, the repeats in the march and balance and sustaining in Australian
Trumpets: We will work melodic sections of Deerpath (12, 44, 61, 69, 102)and sustaining and balance in Australian
Flutes: Beginning of Australian, 16th passages of Deerpath, range
Percussion: All of Deerpath - making sure ALL parts are covered, establishing the percussion equipment setup, knowing your travel map so that you know when and where to move during Deerpath. Timp part in Australian.

Rehearsal Info

2008-01-24T08:57:00.000-06:00

Friday 1/25
March 2nd strain
Australian 21-end
Deerpath 52-78 work up to tempo

Monday 1/28
Australian Beginning-13
Deerpath 78-end
March Intro

Tuesday 1/29
Australian 13-21
Deerpath 87-92, 109-end
March Trio (softly)

Wednesday 1/30
Australian all the Scottish flips (de dah)
March Trio and Outstrain
Deerpath 44-60

Thursday 1/31
Australian all (slower tempo) begin working rubato (push and pull)
March all transitions
Deerpath tempo work, transitions throughout

Friday 2/1
Attempt run through of program and record. (I know it'll be rough! We just need a guage)

New Sectional Schedule

2008-01-22T06:51:00.000-06:00

Monday - Clarinets
Tuesday - Low Brass/Low Reed/Alto
Tuesday PM - Percussion w/ Mailer
Wednesday - Flutes/Trumpets

Morning Sectionals begin at 7:00 and are required.
Percussion Sectionals begin at 6:00 p.m. and are required.

Regular morning rehearsals begin at 7:55.

Students should arrive early for all band events in order to have equipment ready, be warmed up and prepared to rehearse. Arriving at the band room at the time the event starts is NOT considered on time. On time means everything ready, student in place warmed up and ready. Please be mindful of this and respectful of fellow band members and directors by arriving in plenty of time to get ready.

Greetings from Chicago!!!

2007-12-21T10:02:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-12-18T08:13:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-06T10:52:00.000-06:00

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

Good Job Saturday

2007-12-01T18:55:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-29T07:43:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-24T17:31:00.000-06:00

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!!!

2007-11-17T02:08:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-15T09:39:00.000-06:00

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??

2007-11-10T21:16:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-08T18:23:00.002-06:00

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

Playoffs

2007-11-05T09:50:00.000-06:00

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!!

2007-10-29T10:40:00.000-05:00

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!!!!

2007-10-23T22:36:00.001-05:00

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

2007-10-21T16:41:00.000-05:00

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!!!

2007-10-19T16:20:00.000-05:00

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!!!!

2007-10-17T02:00:00.000-05:00

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!!

2007-10-12T23:02:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-11T12:43:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-11T12:40:00.001-05:00

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!!!!

2007-10-11T12:35:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-01T16:56:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-26T14:20:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-25T10:53:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-24T06:54:00.000-05:00

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!!!

2007-09-22T00:09:00.001-05:00

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

2007-09-19T10:39:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

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

School Election Tuesday

2007-09-17T10:42:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-17T06:53:00.001-05:00

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)

2007-09-12T13:30:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-11T06:54:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-07T10:15:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-07T10:13:00.000-05:00

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!!

2007-09-05T14:51:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-04T13:02:00.001-05:00

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

2007-09-04T11:06:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-23T07:44:00.001-05:00

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!!!

2007-08-14T06:02:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-06T17:05:00.001-05:00

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

2007-08-02T08:03:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-17T16:39:00.000-05:00

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!!!

2007-07-05T13:47:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-29T08:40:00.001-05:00

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

c

News Alert

2007-06-23T12:47:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-16T06:26:00.000-05:00

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!!

2007-05-24T10:41:00.000-05:00

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.

2007-05-11T12:42:00.000-05:00

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