High Note Festival, Thursday, May 26th 2022:
Important Trip Information
The High Note Music Festival is an adjudicated program held at Lake Compounce Amusement Park in Bristol Connecticut. We prepare a program of three pieces, and after we perform, we receive written and audio comments about our performance. I take an ensemble of 7th and 8th grade students that meet certain criteria in regards to musical ability and social maturity. It is designed as an 8th grade student event, but I use 7th graders (and sometimes even 6th grade band students) to "fill in" the instrumentation that is missing. The Festival band usually numbers about 70-80 members.
If you have a 96 average (or higher) in band for Trimester 1 and 2, you may automatically go, just pay the participation fee. Any 8th grade student that doesn't have a minimum 96 grade average may audition, but 7th grade students must have a 90-95 average to audition. Auditions occur from the beginning of February until Spring Break). Auditions are on each piece, and are pass/fail. You may audition as many times as you need to to pass. Mr. Whitmoyer may continue to audition certain students at his discretion, to fill spots or replace students that cannot go. On the day of the festival, when the adjudication is finished, the students may enjoy the rides and attractions in the park for the remainder of our scheduled day.
Mandatory Trip Rehearsals
Please arrange for a ride home, there will be no late buses available.
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 2:30-4:20 HMS Cafe
Thursday May 30th, 2019 2:30-4:20 HMS Cafe
What you should bring/wear
All students should bring their music, instrument, bag lunch/snack, money for dinner and other extra expenses, accessories such as rosin, extra strings (if you already have a set), towel, sun glasses, bathing suit if going on any water rides, the school purchased t-shirts and something to read/do on the bus ride. Since we are leaving rather early, a small pillow can be brought to take a nap on the way up or the way down. Electronic devices are not recommended and students risk losing them on this trip.
I strongly suggest valuables, iPads and unnecessary electronics not be brought on this school function. There is no liability on the school’s part and it up to the discretion of the student/parents as to what you bring. If something gets lost/taken/broken/misplaced it would be a loss for the student. Phones are encouraged but the district again has no liability for loss/damage.
The dress code for this trip is like any other school day with the exception of the supplied Trills and Thrills t-shirt. For this performance and park visit students wear school clothes and NOT concert dress. Dress comfortably and appropriate for the days weather.
The Bus/Your Belongings
Anything brought on the bus should be removed including all wrappers, bags, belongings, music and trash. Leave the bus exactly as you found it. When you get off the bus to enter the park, the same bus will be there when you come back however the bus may leave to refill, etc. while you are on the rides. Do not assume things you may need will be there in the middle of the day. Items such as towels, money, should be brought into the park and secured in a locker so it is available anytime you need it. As a final suggestion students need to mark all cases and belongings with a luggage tag or masking tape so if something is misplaced it can be returned to you or the school.
Food/Refreshments
Madison Middle School recommends bringing a bag “brunch” to be consumed after we load the buses from the performance site before we reach the park. That way no park time is lost and money can be saved on park refreshments, amusements and food. Snacks can sustain students through the morning filled with playing, loading buses etc. Students can purchase their actual lunch in the park so it is necessary that students bring additional money to cover this expense as well as any games or souvenirs they may wish to purchase.
How much extra money?
Students should bring an additional $20-$40 to cover any extra park games, snacks and possibly early dinner for the day. Park dinner is around $10 depending on what you buy. If you do not plan on getting any souvenirs $20 would be a conservative and safe estimate.
Rules in the Park/Respecting Chaperones
There will be a large number of parent chaperones helping out with packing and primarily supervision of our students. Once chaperones and student groups are formed at the park, students are to go to each and every ride with their group when they explore the park OR
if one half of a group goes on a specific ride/line the other half does not want to go on they will set a meeting place/time after that ride to ensure everyone is safe and sound. Both halves will eventually meet up after 30 minutes as set by the parent/guardian.
Student safety is the absolute highest concern on a trip of this size and communication needs to be made on a constant basis once we are in the park. Under no circumstances are students to report to a chaperone any later then 30 minutes after a meeting or split between two adjacent rides. Groups should stay together a majority of the time and not separated. In case of an emergency, students need to be located immediately. They should be found within their group, not off in another section of the park. If it becomes brought to the attention of Mr. Holmgren or Mr. Thornton that a student is not following these simple guidelines grounds for disciplinary action will take place.
The parent chaperones set the rules and students are expected to follow them just as if they were in school. Misconduct or disrespect towards other park patrons, the chaperone, or any type of problems will be dealt with accordingly and parent notification and pickup may occur. Have a good time but remember that you represent our proud school and any inappropriate actions you make reflect poorly on yourself and our institution. Consequences will follow at the return to school in addition.
Chaperone groups are forming this week! Expect an email from Mr. Holmgren confirming your participation. Thank you!
Mr. Holmgren
HMS Band Director
holmgrem@trumbullps.org