Dear Parents and Students,

Attached you will find the hand out from last night. Please note the important dates, March on Madison and fundraising opportunities.

In my plea for volunteers, I realized later that I neglected to say thank you. To those who have volunteered already and have signed up to volunteer, THANK YOU! As I have said before, it takes close to 500 volunteer slots over the course of the season. Some are on going, some are a little here and there. I appreciate you and you giving of your time. All of you help make our band the great program that it is for our kids.

Please look for an email from our board Secretary, Janine Reardon, regarding our keeping track of those who have had background checks.

Tickets for March on Madison were given out last night and will be this morning in class. EVERYONE is required to sell 2 tickets that will go into the general fund. Any remaining tickets will go into student’s accounts. It will be a fun evening and a great opportunity to raise money.

Pecan sale started yesterday! It will go through October 24th. Our community looks forward to this sale. So get out there and let people know that you have them.

If you were not able to make the meeting last night, search your kids! Today they will be given tickets for March on Madison and Pecan sale envelopes.

As a whole we do not seem to be motivated to do much in the way of fundraising. I understand, We are all busy. And we do not have a trip this year. We WILL have a trip next year. You have this year and next to raise money for this trip. It all adds up over time and will make a difference. Of course we always need money in our general fund.

This weekend will be busy! I am looking forward to it. I hope you are as well. Please look at the email that Ms. Thomas sent out earlier this week. It has everything you need to know.

Mom notes:

Eat something this afternoon before we leave.

Come out and support our school at Buckhorn tonight!

Put those pants in the washer and treat the stains as soon as you get home Friday night!

Eat well for lunch tomorrow.

BYOD – Bring your own dinner for Saturday. Or maybe just a substantial snack. We will not be getting home late. And there will be snacks available on the way home.

It might be time to get the sweatshirts out. My favorite time of year.

Hartselle is not far. Ms. Thomas included the address in her email. Please come out and support our band Saturday. Performance time is 6:00. James Clemons performs right after we do.

I apologize for all of the words. This is a busy time.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cindy Leaphart

BJHS Band Booster President
Booster Meeting Oct 2.docx

Expanding on my last email, I just received this from the president of the Alabama Orchestra Association about instrument shortages for auditions. Just FYI.

“Hello Alabama Band Directors,
As of Saturday Night the AOA is short a few instrument parts and could use more of some instruments to audition so we will have a couple of alternates. We need at least 3 more Bassoons, 2 bass trombones, and 1 harp. Others we could use more of to make sure we have enough alternates to fill spots are Oboe, Horn, Bass Trombone, Tuba, and Percussion. If you have any students playing with you this year who could fill these spots, please encourage them to audition.

To register and find excerpts go to Alabama Orchestra Association – Home
Register through the blue button on left side. Find excerpts on Audition Page. (Students will play prepared excerpts and sight reading during audition)

Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 30th. Auditions are the first 2 weekends of October. Students can audition in any district they would like to, if their district doesn’t fit their schedule. It will ask them in the registration process if they want to change their district. They will need your NAfME number and E-mail to register. Thanks so much for your help!
Sincerely,
Sarah Schrader
AOA President
334-728-2855”

Leigh S. Thomas
Assistant Band Director, Bob Jones High School
leighthomas24@gmail.com

Hi everyone,

I tried to space out my emails so you don’t feel bombarded. I just have two things to share with you.

1) DMS ALUMNI NIGHT is tomorrow night! The DMS boosters are grilling out from 4:30-6pm and the game starts at 6pm. Feel free to go support your middle school, eat some good food, and play along with them after our rehearsal ends. These kids are the future of our program so go recruit and MAKE SURE TO WEAR BJ BAND GEAR!!

2) I’ve attached the most complete list of all-state festivals and college honor band that I can find. Some of the website are quite up to date but I thought I’d get the list out early. Information will be available on these website regarding deadlines, fees, audition music, clinicians, etc. These are a great way to scope out the music scene at your favorite college and compete against students outside our general area. TAKE ADVANTAGE AND APPLY NOW! As brought up at our last booster meeting, there are just too many honor bands for Mr. Thornton and myself to accompany students. Lodging is an individual responsibility. However, please don’t hesitate to contact me and/or other parents about arranging group travel/lodging for these honor band. The All-State Orchestra, Jazz, and Band music is online to start practicing early!! Participating in these festivals looks great on college applications and sets you apart for music scholarships.

Hope everyone has a restful Wednesday in preparation for this weekend. Have a great night!

Leigh S. Thomas
Assistant Band Director, Bob Jones High School
leighthomas24@gmail.com

2014-15 Honor Bands.pdf

Hi everyone,

Attached you’ll find a detailed schedule for this weekend. It’s another jammed-packed weekend! Please take the time to read through this carefully and print out for your benefit.

Bold text concerns what to wear, italicized text concerns loading crew, and underlined text concerns food/snacks/water. Please pay close attention to the times and information so you may be best prepared.

Students- No stupid questions 🙂 Just read….

Leigh S. Thomas
Assistant Band Director, Bob Jones High School
leighthomas24@gmail.com

Buckhorn Street Festival Hartselle Schedule 2014.pdf

Parents and Students,

Dates and times you need to know this week:

Tuesday 4:00-9:00pm – Spirit Night at Shaggy’s

Thursday 7:00pm – Booster Meeting in the band room. Fundraisers will be the big topic – pecans, discount cards, March on Madison 2014 stadium event.

Friday 4:30pm – report to band room, 5:00 – depart for Buckhorn HS

Saturday 8:30AM – report to Skate Park on the corner of Hughes and Mill Rd. The parade starts at 9 and should be over about 10. The plan is for the trucks to be at Madison Elementary School.

1:30 – 2:30 rehearsal at the band field. Bring a substantial snack or lunch/dinner to eat before departure to Hartselle at 3:30.

Our performance is at 6:00pm.

We should be home about 8-8:30.

This is a basic schedule and may change slightly. I wanted to get this to you as soon as I could so that you and your family can plan for the weekend. There will be an email from Ms. Thomas tomorrow with all of the instructions and details about what to wear and when.

Hope to see you a lot this week!

Cindy Leaphart

BJHS Band Booster President