CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK!

Hey Band! (hey, what??) IT’S CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK!

Here’s the basic information you need to know (full show schedule will be finalized and published later this week):

·      ** We have 2 rehearsals left – Monday Oct. 31 and Wednesday Nov. 2. Attendance is essential. No coming late, no leaving early. (BTW, school-appropriate Halloween costumes are welcome on Monday, as long as they don't get in the way of what you need to do for rehearsal!)

·      ** The 2022 NWAPA Championships will take place at Autzen Stadium at the University of Oregon.

·      ** We will be leaving for Eugene/Springfield Friday evening, around 9pm. We’ll pick up our Tualatin friends on the way.

·      ** We will be staying at the Comfort Suites Riverbend in Springfield, traveling to and from Eugene/Springfield by STA, the TTSD contracted bus company.

·     **  Breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunch will be at selected area restaurants and dinner will be available at Autzen Stadium concessions. Snacky food will be available at the band equipment trailer after Prelims award announcements – thanks, Band Boosters! Ensemble members are welcome and encouraged to pack snacks, sandwiches, etc. for eating throughout the day/evening. Any student who needs assistance with meal purchases should talk to McKee - we can totally take care of things.

·      ** TTSD policy requires all students traveling on an overnight trip take a rapid COVID test, with a negative result. Tests will be provided to all students at the Wednesday rehearsal and must be completed before Friday. CLICK HERE to go to the form.

 

A short narrative: Realistically, Tigard will probably not be performing in Finals at Championships. Only 15 bands will qualify – the winner in each class (AAAA, AAA, AA, and A), and then the next 11 scores. We should assume all AAAA and AAA bands will qualify, which total 10 bands. Add in the winner in AA and A and there are 3 slots left. Will we score higher than S. Albany again? Probably. Are there any other AA bands we might outscore? Possibly, but there are 10 AA bands, and the likelihood of us outscoring 8 of them is not realistic. So, to qualify for Finals we would need to take 1^st place in A, and we were a full 7 points behind Aloha on Saturday, and that difference would be very difficult to overcome. Could we do it? Maybe! So, let’s make sure that our performance in Prelims is as full of energy and as excellent as we can make it. Let’s do this!  

 

 

Two Down - Two to Go!

The Liberty Marching Arts Challenge was fun and performing at Hillsboro Stadium is great! AND,

• CLASS A HIGH PERCUSSION! Whoo Hoo!
• Moving up 2.5 points in Finals! Yay!

So now it's time to go to the giant show - the Century Showcase. Why is it giant? Because everything is bigger with Century!

Here's what's up:

•  Our rehearsal schedule has been updated for this week.
• Monday and Wednesday, as usual.
• FRIDAY REHEARSAL! 5-6:30 pm. PLEASE make arrangements to be there! If it's impossible for you, make sure to talk directly with McKee.
  
• Check out the sidebar for the show day schedule. You'll see some changes, including when we eat what. 
• Also check out the "Important Information" page, right under the schedule. And "Smart Band Students", again.
  
• Make sure to pack lots of warm and dry clothes. The forecast is predicting wetter and cooler weather than last week.
• Also, this is a good show to bring extra snax and money for concessions. There will be 20 performance groups (!), so it will be a long day. 

Also, we will have 10 admissions available for half-price. If someone from YOUR family wants some, have them contact McKee as soon as possible.

 

Let's goooooo! 

 

We've Done One - Now Let's Go Again!

Now that we've been to a show (thanks, Sherwood friends!), we know what to expect. Yay! As we get ready for the Liberty competition, there are some very important things to do and to know:

• EVERYONE needs to come to rehearsal. The success of the ensemble depends on it.
• "But McKee - what if I'm behind on my schoolwork? Isn't that more important??"
• Homework is neither more nor less important than rehearsal. If you are behind, there are things Irving and McKee can do to help you get caught up. Let us know, and we'll help you out. Really - it's what we do. 
• As the weather is changing, make sure to bring layers to rehearsal - it's getting cooler in the evening.
• Remember to eat well and to drink plenty of water and other healthy beverages. And get some good sleep
• Read the information on the sidebar that is important for MB students. There is at least one document none of you has read this year. (How do we know? Oh, WE know.)
• And remember that we have that special performance on Sunday Oct. 23 - our Happy Happy Birthday parade for Dr. Helen Benscheidt, a long-time educator and resident of Summerfield.

It's Show Week! Let's do this!  

 

Homecoming Week Is Here!

Hey Band! (hey what??)

Homecoming week is a VERY full week for us. Here's what to look for:

• Monday - Our LAST chance to get on the field in rehearsal before our next show. You MUST be present and ready to do more good work.
• Tuesday - Please use your time to do homework and get/stay caught up.
• Wednesday - Rehearsal. You MUST be present and ready to do more good work. Including preparing for a parade.
• Thursday - Please use your time to do homework and get/stay caught up.
• Friday - SO MUCH HAPPENING! Details to come...
  
• Parade
• Dinner with Fowler guests
• FB game, including halftime show
• Loading after the game

• Saturday - SHOW DAY!! Details on the sidebar!
  

So, take good care of yourself and be ready for a big week!

 

 

 

 

It's Show Week!!

Hey Band! (hey, what??)

The first presentation of our show is THIS WEEK - yay! Here are the details:

• We have 2 rehearsals before we perform. You MUST make these a priority.
• It is imperative that you eat well, hydrate well, and have a good sleep pattern this week.
• On Wednesday, we will work on Friday's performance, including practicing how to get on and off the field.
• You need to drink water. Lots of water. All week.
• You need to plan what your nutrition will be on Friday, between the end of the school day and when we arrive.
• And you need to drink water. Every day. All day. (I might have mentioned that before...)

 Let's do this!! 

Welcome Back!

Hey Band! (hey, what??)

It's time to get back to school - yay! Freshmen are here Tuesday and everybody else will be here beginning Wednesday. And for those of you in MB, remember that we are back in rehearsal Wednesday evening at 5pm, so bring along a good and healthy snack for after school.

See you all soon!

 

 

 

 

Performance Opportunity!

Hey Band! (hey, what??)

THS Football has a pre-season game against David Douglas this coming Thursday September 1. Games before Labor Day are not on our regular schedule, but there is an opportunity this year for members of our marching band to join a small group of community volunteers from the Tualatin Valley Community Band, the One More Time Around MB, and The Beat Goes On Band who have offered to come and help us have live music at the game. Here's the info:

• Call time is 6pm
  
• Dress is pep shirt
• We WILL NOT play the Banner
• We WILL use stands in the stands 
• Sheet music will be provided for all
  
• As of Saturday evening, there are approx. 15 adult volunteers
• The game should be over around 9:30 pm

 So, if YOU want to join in and can commit, please CLICK HERE to let me know you are coming and what instrument you will play.  PLEASE RESPOND BY MONDAY EVENING!

Not able to join? No worries! 

 

The Famous Tigard High Band Garage Sale! Fri/Sat (Aug. 19-20)

It's here - the FAMOUS Tigard Band Garage Sale! And YOUR BAND needs YOU!

What do we need from YOU? 

TIME. Students and adults.

We need volunteers Friday and/or Saturday (8/19and 8/20) to help at the sale. On Friday, Marching Band students will fill the Student Setup slots at 7am, and the Student Cleanup slots at 3. So, when can YOU help??

For ALL the information and to sign up, CLICK HERE and find the spot(s) that work best for you.  DO IT! 

Day 1 - In the Books!

We did it! Day 1 of Band Camp was a solid success:

• Everyone made it through the whole day.
• No one threw up (it's happened before!)
• Everyone learned some marching basics - including the pit! 
• We played three songs as an ensemble - all the way through - at the end of the Very. First. Day. Including the opener. Seriously - that's a big deal.
• The guard got serious about stretching. SO important!
• So. Much. Water. And yet, everyone probably needs to consume even more.
• And, Mr. Mister!

So, now it's time for some good rest. Make sure to eat well, and continue to hydrate. 

See you in the morning!

I'm So Excited - I Just Can't Hide It... (yes, another classic pop music reference)

BAND CAMP IS TOMORROW!! Make sure you're ready!

• Get some good sleep tonight.
• It's going to be hot. Make sure to wear loose fitting clothing. A hat can be helpful.
• Bring your water bottle.
• Eat a nutritious breakfast. Good carbs and protein. Not a lot of sugar. Drink water.
• Wear close-toed shoes. No sandals, no flip-flops. No boots. No heels.
• Bring a nutritious lunch and some good snacks. 
• Make sure you have your equipment!

Are YOU ready? Here we go!!

BTW, we really do begin AT 8:30. 

So you should really be there no later than 8:15. 

Doors open at 8am.  

(Also, make sure you and your adults check out Friday's Schedule on the sidebar.)  

In The Summertime, When the Weather is Hot...

...you can stretch right up and touch the sky.  

When the weather's fine, 

You got marching, you got marching on your mind.

(apologies to Ray Dorset)

T-minus 2 days and counting! Band Camp begins Wednesday! Can you handle it?? What should you do??

• DRINK WATER!! Remember, you should be drinking at least four 8oz glasses everyday, with the goal of drinking eight 8oz glasses. Do you have water with you right now? If not, go get some. Now. And drink it.
  
  
  
  
  
• Cut back on soda. Soda is dehydrating. It is not good for you. 
  
  
  
• Especially cut back (or eliminate!) energy drinks. They are very bad for you. Stop now, while you can. 
  
  
  
• Have you checked out the music? Have you started to learn it? I hope so!!
  
  

ALSO, we are still looking for more people to join the pricing/organizing party Tuesday evening (8/16). If you're not already committed to something else, PLEASE come help. 6-8pm, behind the Swim Center parking lot. There will be cool and tasty treats, and (as they say) many hands make light work. This is for ALL band program members and ALL their adults! RSVP by CLICKING HERE, or just show up!

 

BAND CAMP WEEK IS HERE!!

 Oh my goodness - Band Camp is only three days away!

What do you need to know??

• It's gonna be HOT HOT HOT! So YOU need to hydrate before we get started. Drink at least four 8oz glasses of water every day between now and then. Your eventual goal is eight glasses. Yes, it will make you pee more. That’s OK.
• It will be sunny. Sunscreen is your friend. And Carmex or Blistex.
• Drink water.
• A hat will protect your head.
• Light colored loose fitting clothing will be helpful.
• We wear shirts and shorts. We don't wear jeans. Tee shirts and tank tops are great.
• Drink water.
• Good closed-toed shoes are a must. No boots, no flip flops. No bare feet. Also, no bear feet.
• Marching band is very physical. Over the next two days, spend at least 20 minutes, three times each day involved in good physical activity.
• Drink more water.
• Your body needs fuel to do good work. Eat lean protein, healthy grains, good fruits and veggies. Soda and coffee are NOT your friends. And eating healthy food before coming to Band Camp is essential. Just like a car, your body doesn’t run without fuel.
• Make sure you are practicing your instrument EVERY DAY. 
• Water is the elixir of all goodness. 

Here's our schedule:

• 8 am                Doors open (Black Gate)
• 8:30 - 10          Music
• 10 - 11             PT and Basics
• 11 – noon        Field Time
• 12 - 12:30        1st Nutrition Break
• 12:45 - 3          Field Time
• 3 - 3:30            2nd Nutrition Break
• 3:30 - 4:45       Sectional Time
• 4:45 – 5 *        Announcements/Next-Day Goals

(Watch this space - more information to come Monday evening!)

 

Are YOU ready for August 17th??

 

The Garage Sale Is Coming!

Hey friends - every year we have an a-MAY-zing garage sale in August, to help raise money for the band program. There are a couple of different ways for YOU to help, including assisting at the donation times and at the sale itself. Here's the info:

• TWO more donation dates: Sunday August 7, and Sunday August 14. 2:45 - 5:15 pm. Location is THS band trailer, near the THS track. We URGENTLY need people for August 7!
  
• CLICK HERE to sign up to help with donations!
• The sale itself! Friday and Saturday August 19 and 20. (Friday shifts are now available - Saturday options coming soon!)
  
• CLICK HERE to sign up for the sale!

 

So who should sign up? EVERYONE! If you're in any of the band programs (marching, concert, wind ensemble, jazz, drumline), this is a fundraiser where you should help. And we need adults too!

 

 

Marching Band - YOU Should Do It! (Horns, Color Guard, and Percussion!)

Marching Band @ THS is the best thing! It’s music, and creating, and traveling (road trips!), and hanging out, and the best group of friends you’ll ever have! You’ll work hard and accomplish more than you ever knew you could – what a great feeling! Here’s how it works:

• Band Camp: Aug. 17 – 19 (W-F) and 22 - 26 (M-F) [8:30 am-5pm]
• Get to know all your band friends and staff
• Learn music and drill
• Get lockers before ANYONE ELSE at Tigard High!
• Design section shirts
• Finish Band Camp with a BBQ

• Regular rehearsals: M/W 5-8:45, Aug. 29 – Nov 2

• THS Football Halftime Shows
• 9/23 - vs Liberty HS
• 10/7 - Homecoming! FB vs Lakeridge HS
  
• 10/21 - vs Lake Oswego HS
• 11/4 - 1st Round - State playoffs
  

• MB Competitions
• 10/8 – Sherwood Fall Showcase (Sherwood HS))
• 10/22 – Liberty Marching Arts Challenge (Hillsboro Stadium)
• 10/29– Century Showcase (Hillsboro Stadium)
• 11/5 – Fesssstival of Bands/NWAPA Championships (Autzen Stadium/Eugene)

And we often have other things that come up that we might participate in – television performances, assemblies, college football appearances, etc – who knows?

We ARE the face of Tigard High School!  Join us!