Band Board Report

The North Band Board had a very busy fall! Marching Band season, two separate concert band concerts, the jazz band concert, football concessions, and of course, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Sincere thanks to the MANY parents who helped in so many ways, both highly visible and behind-the-scenes. Funding and fundraising was always on our minds. Supporting such a high-caliber program takes money: instruments and instrument repair, music, scholarship money for students who otherwise couldn’t participate, transportation, support staff and coaches. This was the first year in many that North High School and Band didn’t host the Hilly Hundred Bike Tour, representing a loss of $17,000 for the band programs. In addition, due to building construction, North didn’t host the Solo & Ensemble Contests, thus losing another fundraising opportunity.

To make up for these losses, we tightened our belts, cut back spending as much as possible, and watched our budget carefully. Parents also rallied to organize a raffle, numerous car washes and hotdog sales, worked the admission gate at the Monroe County Fair, and sought community support in the form of promotional days at Barnes & Noble, Borders, and gifts-in-kind.

After much discussion and careful consideration, it was also decided to begin charging admission to our concerts. Our suggested donation was set at $5/Adult and $2/Senior & Student, with a $12/Family maximum. Board members who have taken those donations at the door have happily reported a spirit of support for the new fees. It seems that most families and community members realize that paying for a concert supports our kids in what they do best----making wonderful, high-quality music!! Each concert has added $800 - $1,000 to the band’s coffers.

Be sure to read this newsletter to learn about many upcoming events, including the annual Souvenir Program. This band “yearbook” is a major fundraiser, benefiting each individual student account as well as the entire band budget. Sell ad space to your favorite businesses, or get creative and compile a “happy ad” to surprise (embarrass!) your student.

For 2004, the Band Board is exploring new fundraising opportunities, including developing a major late-summer event that will attract community participation and highlight our outstanding musicians. Stay tuned as this plan develops. Meanwhile, if you have interest, skills, or “connections” in event planning, catering or cooking, rental of tables/chairs/tents, promotions, and want to work with other band parents------please volunteer to joining the planning committee. You can have an impact on a new band tradition in Bloomington!

Join the Band Board if you want to support the bands, work alongside other terrific parents, and be closely involved in your student’s education during these last precious high school years. We’re currently assembling our board for 2004-05, and welcome new faces and fresh viewpoints. If you want to learn more, contact board president Legene White at 336-1462, or email at: whitell@indiana.edu

Annual Souvenir Program:

Earn $$ NOW for Spring/Fall Band Expenses!!

Now’s the time for students and parents to earn money for your student account! These funds may be applied toward the April concert band trip to Chattanooga, jazz trips, or fall Marching Band fees. There’s no need to shoulder these expenses yourself when some simple fundraising can help!

The band’s Souvenir Program is our “yearbook” or “memory book.” Filled with lots of fun candids of band kids, it lists ensemble and individual accolades for the year, formal photos of every jazz and concert band, as well as band history. All seniors are highlighted with a formal photo and biography. The “yearbook” will include spaces for getting friends’ autographs and will be available for purchase at the spring finale concerts.

The other major component includes advertising from businesses and individuals. You’ll find detailed information about obtaining ads in other areas of this newsletter. When your student sells an ad, he/she will earn 40% for his/her own student account, and 60% for the band’s general account. So, if you sell a $100 ad from your dentist, $40 will go into your individual student account! This $40 will help pay your upcoming band-related fees and expenses.

Ask families who’ve done this in past years-----it’s really quite easy! THIS YEAR, EACH STUDENT/FAMILY IS ASKED TO SELL TWO ADS. More than two would be awesome!!!

Think about the places where you spend your money and support local businesses: doctor, dentist, vet, insurance agent, attorney, car purchase and repair, sport and exercise facilities, cleaners, restaurants, grocery, accountant, beautician and barber, clothing, major purchases. Every business needs to get its name out there, and the Band’s Souvenir Program is a great way to advertise while also supporting North Band. The quality music of North Band is well known and the Macy’s Parade appearance has given us added notoriety. You’ll be surprised at how easily businesses will say “Yes” to buying an ad from a band member.

“Happy Ads” may also be assembled by family members and are a great way for grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles, or family friends to support their band member. Use your creativity and take this opportunity to congratulate, encourage (maybe slightly embarrass?!), and wish good luck to a band kid or graduating senior.

The real reason for going out and selling ads is to spread the word that your child participates in the spectacular BHSN Band and what a great program it is to support!

Drumline Spring Training

All percussionists interested in being a part of the fall 2004 Cougar Marching Band should attend the first practice session to be held on Tuesday, March 9th, from 6:00 – 8:30 pm in the North Band room. Further Tuesday-night sessions will take place during the rest of March (not on March 17^th ) and April. These sessions will establish which students march in the battery or play in the front ensemble percussion section (fondly nicknamed “The Pit”).

Students should bring sticks or mallets the first night and come prepared to LEARN as much as possible about becoming a fine percussionist. Next fall’s marching percussion will again be taught by Mr. Joel Brainard, a master’s student in the IU School of Music and also instructor for the IU Marching Hundred Drumline.

If you are interested in being considered for North’s drumline but have a conflict with March 9^th, please email Joel (jbrainar@indiana.edu) or Mr. Wilson (twilson@mccsc.edu).

Purdue Jazz Festival

Bloomington North’s jazz musicians took home numerous accolades and honors from the Purdue Jazz Fest which took place on January 24^th. The Advanced Jazz Band tied for 2^nd place (with Lawrence Central) in Loeb Playhouse; Studio Jazz finished in 3^rd place in the North Ballroom; and North’s top combo earned the highest score among some 30 participating small jazz groups. Students in the top combo included: Julian Bransby (piano), Colin Dugger (bass), Miguel Merino (drums), and Cora Polsgrove (vocalist).

Julian Bransby was announced as the Outstanding Musician in both the big band and combo venues, while Ian Taylor (piano) and Colin Dugger were presented with scholarships to attend the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop. Outstanding Soloist Awards were given to: Miguel Merino, Sean Edwards (vibes), Ian Taylor, Garret Hovis (trombone), Ben Canary (trumpet), James McKamey ((trumpet) and Colin Dugger. A special thank you to Lewis Rogers (Tri-North 8^th-grader) for playing guitar on one number with North’s Advanced Jazz Band.

Bloomington Jazz Festival

On Saturday, December 13^th, all four big bands and four combos from North participated in the 26^th Annual Bloomington Jazz Festival. This is a non-competitive, educational jazz festival where, following each performance, students are given live critiques with noted clinicians such as David Baker, Pat Harbison, Luke Gillespie, and other jazz professionals. In addition, individual students may receive recognition for their musical prowess.

Presented with trophies for Outstanding Musicianship were the following: Miguel Merino, Julian Bransby, Jewell Evans (cello), Ian Taylor, and Daniel Burnham (vibes). And earning Outstanding Soloist Citations were: William Simmons (trombone), Garret Hovis, Miguel Merino, Julian Bransby, Jewell Evans, Tyler Tucker (tenor sax), Ian Taylor, Daniel Burnham, Michael Hodson (drums), Colin Cole (drums), Cameron Bryan (flugelhorn), Nick Romy (bass), Brice Fox (tenor sax), Justin Thompson (tenor sax), and Leah Gage (vocalist).

Congratulations to all of our jazz musicians on these accolades!

Congratulations!

On Friday, February 27, Bloomington North’s jazz trio comprised of Julian Bransby (piano), Colin Dugger (bass), and Miguel Merino (drums), participated in the University of Louisville Jazz Festival. This was a weeklong festival with nightly concerts featuring several heavyweight guest artists such as Ahmad Jamal and Terrell Stafford, and the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (which we heard during the Macy’s trip).

Our trio played extremely well, and several judges commented at their amazingly high level of musicianship. Julian has been notified that he received the Outstanding Musician of the Festival Award, which also brings him an IAJE scholarship to attend a summer jazz camp. Congratulations, Julian!

IBA All-State Band Weekend

The Indiana Bandmasters Association has announced the rosters for the 2004 Indiana All-State Bands. Selected from North were: Julie DeCaro (flute), Ellen Frisbie (oboe), Mareen Hoffmann (clarinet), Ryan Smith (horn), William Simmons (trombone), Rhett Umphress (tuba), and Logan Cradick (percussion). Frisbie, Simmons, and Cradick were accepted into the prestigious “Honor” band, which will be conducted by Mr. Gary Hill (Arizona State University). The regular All-State Band will be under the baton of Mr. Tom Caneva (University of Illinois). Both conductors are highly respected in the band world.

The All-State Bands will rehearse and perform here in Bloomington at the IU Musical Arts Center on the weekend of March 12^th-14^th. The final concert takes place on Sunday, March 14^th, at 2:30 pm and is free and open to the public. Over 1,000 students auditioned for the 150 chairs, so it is truly an honor for our students to have been selected. Congratulations to all, and have fun!

All-State Groups at Convention

The All-State Jazz Band, All-State Orchestra, and IMEA Honor Band performed on January 17^th at the Indiana Music Educators Association annual convention held in downtown Indianapolis. Of special interest is that the All-State Band was conducted by Bloomington’s own Pat Harbison and he did a terrific job with them (of course!).

Chosen for the jazz band were William Simmons, Miguel Merino, and Julian Bransby. Selected into the All-State Orchestra were Ellen Frisbie, Patrick Hitchings (1^st violin), Abby Pratt (2^nd violin), and Hilary Glen and Jordan Enzinger (cello). The IMEA Honor Band included Julie DeCaro (piccolo), Katie Martin (clarinet and concertmaster), and Logan Cradick.

Our students conducted themselves professionally, played key roles in the ensembles, and were featured on numerous solos. The Bloomington North community should feel very proud of our musicians!

Solo & Ensemble Results

On Saturday, February 28^th, the ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) held its State Solo & Ensemble Music Competition for Winds, Strings, and Percussion. To be eligible, students had to first earn a Division 1 rating on a Group I piece at the District competition held on February 7^th. Earning a Division 1 rating at the State event is truly a remarkable achievement.

Results from the State competition for BHSN soloists were: Katie Martin (clarinet) Division 1, Ryan Smith (horn) Div. 1, Cameron Bryan (horn) Div. 1, Elizabeth Carter (trombone) Div. 1, Allen Hamrick (bassoon) Div. 1, Sarah Norzinskay (oboe) Div. 1, Julie DeCaro (flute) Div. 1, Sarah Brophy (flute) Div. 1, Caitlin White (flute) Div. 1, Elin Williams (flute) Div. 2, Katie Clemmer (trumpet) Div. 2, Tracy Cheun (piano) Div. 1, Margarite Carpenter (piano) Div. 2, Rhett Umphress (tuba) Div. 2, Garret Hovis (tuba) Div. 1, Sean Edwards (marimba ) Div. 1, David Whitaker (snare drum) Div. 1, Sarah Kidd (cello) Div. 1, Patrick Hitchings (violin) Div. 1, Ryan Smith (vocal) Div. 1, Emily Moore (vocal) Div. 2, Andrew Moore (soprano sax) Div. 2, Weronica Balewski (flute) Div. 1 (Tri-North).

Results from the State competition for BHSN ensembles were: Flute Trio (Julie DeCaro, Sarah Brophy, Caitlin White) Division 1; Flute Quartet (Jackie Paul, Kate Satterfield, Laura Crouch, Julie DeCaro) Div. 2; Flute Choir (Julie DeCaro, Sarah Brophy, Jackie Paul, Anna Isaacson, Margaret Brennan, Jenni Schaar, Monique Goodwin, Caitlin White, Lee Schuman, Kate Satterfield, Jesille Drost,, Elin Williams, Sarah Whiteman, Weronica Balewski, Logan Cradick---Conductor) Div. 1; Clarinet Trio (Katie Martin, Colin Clune, Daniel Winter) Div. 1; Woodwind Quartet (Margaret Brennan, Monique Goodwin, Samantha Stcy, Margaret Weiser) Div. 1; Woodwind Quintet (Julie DeCaro, Jenni Schaar, Katie Martin, Kinnear Theobald, Allen Hamrick) Div. 1; Woodwind Quintet (Sarah Brophy, Amy Stafford, Jenni Schaar, Ryan Smith, Julie DeCro) Div. 2; Bassoon Quartet (Allen Hamrick, Emily Hess, Andrew Moore, Julie DeCaro) Div. 1; Saxophone Sextet (Andrew Moore, Lara Lubbe, Leighla Taylor, Alie Rasch, Scott Stockwell, Alex Smedberg) Div. 1; Saxophone Sextet (Sean O’Neal, Ben Feddersen, Justin Drake, Alie Rasch, Ben Hutt, Mickey Johnson) Div. 2; Trumpet Quartet (Kylie Reed, Katie Clemmer, Ryan Smith, Cameron Bryan) Div. 1; Brass Quintet (Kylie Reed, Cameron Bryan, Ryan Smith, Elizabeth Carter, Ashley Hazelrig) Div.1; Brass Quintet (Katie Clemmer, Cameron Bryan, Lanell Sparks, Garret Hovis, Rhett Umphress) Div. 1; Brass Sextet (Kylie Reed, Katie Clemmer, Ryan Smith, Garret Hovis, Blaise Carpenter, Rhett Umphress) Div. 1; Trombone Quartet (Jason Wray, Ross Schaffer, Ren-Jay Shei, Eric Anderson) Div. 1; Percussion Ensemble (Daniel Burnham, Katie Avers, David Whitaker, David Esarey, David Scott, Nick Farid, Jeremy Musser) Div. 1.

Soloists who performed at the District Contest only include: Emily Hess (bassoon---Group I) Division 2; Jordan Brown (oboe---Group I) Div. 2; Jackie Paul (flute---Group I) Div. 2; Amy Stafford (clarinet---Group I) Div. 2; Erin Smith (clarinet---Group II) Div. 1.

Ensembles who performed at the District Contest only include: Brass Quintet (Ben Canary, Julian Bransby, Kinnear Theobald ,William Simmons, Stephan Rupp---Group I) Division 1; Clarinet Trio (Julie Gudaitis, Katie Notter, Maureen Cutrera---Group I) Division 1; Trumpet Trio (Ben Sturrock, Kari Lyle, Katie Clemmer---Group II) Division 2.

Congratulations to ALL for your musical accomplishments!

Formal Concert

On Wednesday, March 10, Bloomington North’s Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Advanced Concert Band will present a formal concert featuring the music of Gustav Holst, Johann Pachelbel, David Holsinger, and Alfred Reed, among others. Three BHSN percussionists will also be spotlighted playing a concerto grosso for a trio of marimba players: Logan Cradick, Sean Edwards, and Sarah Kidd.

In keeping with our “fundraising” policy of making much needed monies for the Band Booster budget, admission will again be $5 per adult and $2 per student or senior citizen. Maximum for a family is $12. If any family needs free admittance, PLEASE simply come through the backstage area….it is not a problem, and we’d rather have you there at the concert.

8^th-grade families, this would be an excellent opportunity to come and check out what is possible at the high school level. Bloomington North has traditionally had one of the finest concert band programs in the Midwest, and we are proud of this tradition.

Symphonic Band to

Compete in NAI

On Friday, April 23^rd, Symphonic Band will leave for Chattanooga, TN, to participate in the National Adjudicators Invitational. This is a very prestigious concert band competition featuring some of the finest bands in the nation.

Chattanooga is about an 8-hour ride. Friday night the group will eat at a “real” southern restaurant and then check into the Drury Inn and Suites. On Saturday, the students will be allowed to visit Chattanooga’s acclaimed Aquarium before going to the competition and awards ceremony. Saturday night the students may dine on their own at one of the many unique downtown Chattanooga restaurants. Sunday we’ll return via a food stop in downtown Nashville.

Total cost of the trip (bus, hotel, entry fee, some meals) is $175, with $75 due on Wednesday, March 24^th, and $100 due on Thursday, April 15^th. Students are strongly encouraged to sell program ads in order to help pay for the cost of this trip.

Ask Miss Manners…..

Please be considerate! We have had some trouble with noise at concerts. While high school band concerts are family affairs, you never know who might be in the audience---professional musicians, an H-T reporter, or the grandparents of a band student. It’s important for everyone to see that North audiences take music seriously.

• Please turn OFF your cell phones and stay in your seat while the performances are underway.

• If you must enter late or leave during a performance, make your move BETWEEN numbers.

• Children must remain with parents, sitting quietly as much as possible. We are all parents and understand this challenge, but please don’t let your children

• use the Commons area as a playground. This is a good opportunity to educate your children about good concert manners, so that in the future they’ll be ready to attend concerts at IU or Carnegie Hall!

• And, finally, fellow band students need to sit quietly while other bands are playing. Give ‘em a break, guys!

The noise bothers the performers and other guests. We want everyone to come hear our wonderful band concerts and everyone to enjoy them. Thanks!

Welcome 8^th Grade Families!!

We want to extend a big WELCOME to the families of all 8^th grade band students! We hope that this newsletter has helped you gain a better idea of the huge array of opportunities awaiting your son or daughter in the near future---trips, performances, and enriching musical events of every variety. We look forward to a great year next year with a SUPER freshman class!