Dear Students, Staff, Parents, and Community Members,

I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying a wonderful summer. As we prepare for the upcoming school year, I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you.

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Mr. Graham Westley as the new director of the Monroe High School Trojan Marching Band. Mr. Westley brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to our music program, and we are confident that he will continue to lead our band to new heights.

Mr. Westley has an impressive background in music education and performance. He holds a degree in Music Education from Carthage College and has previously directed successful band programs at Swallow School and Slinger High School. His commitment to fostering a love for music and developing the talents of young musicians is truly inspiring.

We are excited about the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that Mr. Westley will bring to our band program. His vision aligns perfectly with our goal of providing a comprehensive and enriching musical experience for all students. Under his leadership, we look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and achieving new milestones.

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Mr. Westley. We are eager to support him as he embarks on this new journey with the Trojan Marching Band.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Monroe High School community. We look forward to a fantastic year ahead with Mr. Westley at the helm of our Trojan Marching Band.

Sincerely,

Steve Pollzzie

Principal

Monroe High 

TMB 2024,
In this post you have digital access to the camp expectations, packing list, and digital versions of sheet music for this year. Again, this info can migrate to a Google Classroom once your new director is chosen. PLEASE sign-up to participate in Wednesday's teaching round. You deserve to have a say in who gets the job!

All my best, 

Swinkey

TMB 2024, 

I want to be sure you all have digital access to the materials you'll be receiving at band camp. Your new director can organize this info for you in Google Classroom once they're set up with a Monroe email address. In the meantime, those materials can live here for you to reference. These materials will tell you who is in your squad, who your section leader is, what your dot is in the show, where the dot assignments are in the drill, where your spot in parade block and attendance block are, and what the theme days and section colors are. Bookmark this page so you can find it quick if you need to!

Missing you, 

Swinkey

Students and parents,

We are preparing for one of our most favorite events happening on Tuesday, May 21- our Instrumental Music Boosters End of Year Banquet! We need your help to make the banquet special for all. 

Seniors and senior parents, by Friday, May 10,  please submit the following information to mimbcmonroe@gmail.com

·                     Student's name

• One baby photo

• One current photo

• Bands/Orchestras you have participated in during grades 9-12 (concert/symphony/jazz bands, wind ensemble, orchestra, etc)

• Instruments you play/have played during grades 9-12

• Post-graduation plans (if college, what school and major?)

• Honors graduates - cum laude (3.5-3.7 GPA), magna cum laude (3.7-3.9 GPA), or summa cum laude (3.9 GPA and above)?

• In FIVE words or less, describe your band or orchestra experience! 

o        Examples: "Swinkey is the best teacher!" or "Marching band almost killed me!" or "Friends became family!"

All other students & parents, you are also welcome to send your most favorite photos from the past few years to mimbcmonroe@gmail.com. Limit 5 photos per person please, due by May 10. 

All our families are invited, and we need your help to make sure we have enough food. The banquet starts at 6 pm with dinner followed by awards and celebrating our students’ accomplishments!! Please RSVP with the number of people coming to the banquet using this Google form: https://forms.gle/pQWu8L7QvzBgcXnP9

Marching band members and families, 

Please take note that Home Camp 2024 has been added to the Google Calendar. These meetings were NOT on the printed schedule at the time of registration night. Report times are as follows:

Student Leadership and New Members: Sunday, June 2, 4 PM 

All others: Sunday, June 2, 5 PM

Home Camp will be held Sunday - Wednesday this year, from 5 PM - 7 PM.  

At home camp, all band members will learn and refresh their skills of marching posture, attention, and fundamentals. The band will establish its practice routines and hold its first music rehearsals.

Please dress for athletic activity.

Please bring your instruments and music.

Please report to the band room early! 

Please attend all days.

Please notify Mr. Swinkey if, for any reason, you cannot attend one of these dates. 

Please, please, please make every effort to attend. 

All the best, 

Mr. Swinkey

Dear Parent or Guardian - 

Exciting news - our Monroe Instrumental Music program is moving from Charms over to CutTime! Welcome to modern simplicity in managing your student’s participation in our program.

• Stay informed without login hassles

• Get reminded without inbox clutter

• Expand your giving circle with a personalized touch

Please take 3 minutes to watch the awesome introduction video and see what’s in store for you.

What Happens Next - Your New CutTime Magic Link is On the Way

Be on the lookout for an SMS welcome message from CutTime via +1-844-385-8463. The message will come to your mobile device phone number we have on file for you via a ‘Magic Link’, which is uniquely personalized to you and secure. Once you receive the message with your CutTime Magic Link, you will gain access to your CutTime Portal Page where you can:

• View Announcements

• View and Subscribe to Events (such as rehearsals, games, performances, etc.)

• View and Sign Up for Volunteer Opportunities within events

• Check and Pay Account Balances

• Solicit Donations and Fundraise

• View and eSign Documents

If you do not yet have a mobile phone number on file with us - please share this information with us as soon as possible.  If you are unable to do this, please contact us with your email address so we ensure you can receive your magic link. Your mobile phone number and/or email address can be sent to MIMBCMonroe@gmail.com.

Missed / Can’t Find Your CutTime Magic Link?

No worries, you can go to: https://app.gocuttime.com/guardian/resend-magic-link to resend it to your device on file. (Note - your student must use a different spot to resend their magic link which is: https://app.gocuttime.com/student/resend-magic-link)

Hit ‘Stop’ and Opted Out of CutTime Magic Link Messages by Mistake?

No biggie, you can go back to your last message from CutTime and reply with ‘UNSTOP’ to resume the messages whenever you want.

CutTime is a Game Changer for Our Program 

Over the next year, we will see continuous new features, enhancements, and new services all hand crafted by a passionate team of former fine arts educators and booster leaders with incredible tech know-how. For more information on what this change means for you now and what is coming next visit their Welcome Parents-Guardians page here.

Thanks for all your support for our program! Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any other questions or feedback.

Best regards,

Mr. Swinkey, Mr. Goodman, Ms. Crawford 

and the Monroe Instrumental Music Boosters 

Band Parents,

Your student’s beginning instrument was an excellent start to their musical journey and a Step-Up instrument will allow them to advance even further! Step-Up instruments are crafted from high-end woods and metals, providing students with improvements in tone, as well as additional features (such as extra keys) to assist with response and technique. 

Meyer Music representatives will be at Monroe High School in the Band Room on Wednesday, April 17 from 6:00pm-7:00pm to assist students and their families that are interested in play testing and learning more about Step-Up instruments. 

Meyer Music offers Step-Up instruments as rent-to-own, with monthly payment plans.  

·  If you are currently on Meyer's rent-to-own plan, you can trade in your student-level instrument and apply 100% of your accumulated rental credit toward a Step-Up of the same instrument, continuing the rent-to-own plan on this upgraded instrument, or you can purchase it outright. 

·  If you have already paid off your rented student instrument, or if you purchased it outright from Meyer Music, you can trade it in towards a Step-Up of the same instrument, with a portion of your purchase credit applying toward the rent-to-own plan, or an outright purchase.

Meyer covers all repairs and maintenance to keep your instrument in optimal condition while you are on the rent-to-own plan, and a Meyer rep comes to your school weekly to pick up instruments that are in need of repair or service.

Of course, if the time or situation is not appropriate for you to change instruments now, we certainly understand and are committed to helping provide your student with the best music education possible, no matter their instrument.

Please fill out this short form if you are either planning to attend the event on Wednesday, April 17, or if you are unable to attend, but are interested in more information regarding your options from a Meyer representative: https://forms.gle/xswRpoAHpHUAt8Zz5 – We encourage you to attend and talk to the representatives, if at all possible.

If you have any questions or would like to talk to me directly, please send me an email and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Thanks!

Step-Up Video: https://youtu.be/wgR5Wl03yWQ 

Washington, DC Trip participants must attend tomorrow’s meeting at 6 PM. A parent or guardian must be present. Two permissions forms will be signed and handed in and medication instructions will be distributed. These forms cannot be signed by a minor. One requires notarization. If you wish to print your own copy of these forms and take care of them ahead of time, I will attach copies of them to these messages. Otherwise, copies will be available at the meeting. These completed forms must be on file by Friday morning’s departure. Thank you, parents, for your careful attention to these matters, and for helping me provide the safest, most enjoyable overnight trip experience for your student. The memories we make will last a lifetime! Looking forward to it!

Monroe Band members and families, 

Mark your calendars! Registration Night for the 2024-25 Trojan Marching Band will take place on Wednesday, April 17 at 7 PM at Monroe High School. Stations for permission forms and payment will be setup in the Commons. The meeting for new member families will take place at 7:15 in Lecture Room 1. 

If you (or your child) will be a member of 2024 TMB, attendance at this event is MANDATORY. 

What will happen at TMB Registration Night?

1. A parent or guardian of each student will turn in two permissions forms. ONE of these forms must be signed by a licensed notary. We will have a notary on site at Registration Night to perform this service for you. 

2. A brief introduction meeting will be held for families who are new to the Trojan Marching Band. 

3. Payment will be taken for participating in the 2024 TMB. Payment plans can be setup at this time. Scholarship applications can be filled out at this time. 

4. Students who are new or who need a new set of Summer Uniform pieces can try on marching shoes and other pieces of the summer uniform. 

If you wish to print out your own copy of the permission form and fill it out ahead of time, print-at-home files are attached to this post. Otherwise, printed copies will be available to you at Registration Night. 

Action item: Please complete this google form as soon as possible. This must be completed BEFORE you arrive. 

Click: Marching Band Registration (google.com) 

If you wish to print out your own copy of the permission form and fill it out ahead of time, print-at-home files are attached to this post. Otherwise, printed copies will be available to you at Registration Night. 

If you or your child cannot for any reason be in attendance at 2024 TMB Registration Night, please email mimbcmonroe@gmail.com immediately to make alternative arrangements. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the next edition of the Trojan Marching Band!

Sincerely, 

Mr. Swinkey

Mr. Goodman

The Monroe Instrumental Music Boosters Club

Monroe band family, 

Congratulations on a wonderful run at the MSBOA District Band and Orchestra Festival! All three bands received Excellent (II) and Superior (I) ratings in concert and sight-reading. Our students were recognized on and off the stage for their musical efforts and their professionalism at the event. From loading the band trailer to playing the concert and cleaning the school bus, our students went the extra mile to represent themselves and our school with pride and respect. Your teachers, parents, and administrators are so proud of you!

Our students will review the adjudicator feedback in class tomorrow. Soon, we will turn our focus to ensemble placements for next school year, selecting our student leadership team for the 2024 Trojan Marching Band, preparing for our Washington, DC trip, and having a fun and exciting Spring Concert. The fun doesn't end! The Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble are eligible to perform at the MSBOA STATE Band and Orchestra Festival. Mr. Swinkey will review the school schedule and consider whether it is responsible and appropriate to register the bands for this event. In the meantime, families of students in these classes should take a look at their calendars from April 24-27 and May 1-4, as these are the potential dates that State Festival will fall on. 

Some photos from District 12 Festival can be viewed on the MIMBC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonroeInstrumentalMusicBoosters

Recordings of the band's performance can be listened to here for educational purposes, but should NOT be copied, distributed, or downloaded due to copyright concerns: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tx-B3fTj-mc787YoRX-lrFt8GH4WvYtO?usp=sharing 

Students participating in Solo and Ensemble as soloists,

I have booked two rehearsals with our accompanist. All soloists (who are being accompanied by Mrs. Moore) will need to be present at these after-school rehearsals. They are TUESDAY, JANUARY 30 and TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6. 

All students being accompanied for S&E MUST attend. You will be given a specific time slot after school. Our accompanist, Mrs. Moore will be visiting at this time to work with each student playing a solo at Solo and Ensemble. 

Mr. Swinkey will be available all afternoon for coaching help on your events. Ensembles are encouraged to stay after school and get help!

Each student's accompanist fee is $50. Please have a private conversation with me if you are going to need assistance paying that bill. I will collect all of those fees and get them to Mrs. Moore, our accompanist. 

All the best, 

Mr. Swinkey 

Hello Monroe Instrumental Music Supporters!

You are receiving this email because you have supported the Monroe Instrumental Music Boosters in the past.  Tomorrow is our third annual Jazzy Holidays fundraiser! Thank you if you have already purchased your tickets.

If you haven't, please take a moment to visit the link here and purchase your tickets today: https://monroeinstrumentalmusic.org/product/jazzy-holidays/ Tickets will also be available at the door until we sell out.

With your $50 adult/$25 child ticket purchase, you will be treated to your choice of entree from a select menu while the Monroe High School Jazz Band performs your holiday favorites.  The menu is attached for your reference.  Please note your ticket does not include server gratuity or alcoholic beverages, which are available for purchase separately if you wish.

The band plays from 6-9 p.m.  For each ticket sold, 40% goes directly back into the Monroe Instrumental Music programs AND you get an amazing night out with great food an entertainment!

THANK YOU for all of your support!

Monroe Instrumental Music Boosters

Our December fundraiser is happening in collaboration with Hungry Howie's pizza. See the message below for information!

📣MIMBC’s Hungry Howie’s pizza coupon fundraiser has begun! 🍕 

Family and friends can buy a medium pizza coupon for $8.00 simply by filling out the form that was sent home with students.  

All forms and monies are due by December 7th. MIMBC will earn $4 for every pizza coupon sold. 

Coupons are not guaranteed to arrive before the holidays. If your student did not bring home a form, please ask them where it is! 😊

Friday, September 29 is Homecoming. Alumni of the Trojan Marching Band are welcome to join the band for pregame and stand tunes. All participants must submit an iChat (Criminal Background Check form) to Mr. Swinkey by Wednesday evening, September 27. Passing of the criminal background check is required to participate. This is a Monroe Public Schools policy that I am obligated to enforce. Thank you for your attention to it. 

1. The following insturments are available to borrow: Mellophone, Baritone, Sousaphone, Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Cymbals. Inventory is extremely limited. Please read the form and spread sheet carefully. 

2. I will not have printed copies of the music. You will have to do this yourself. 

3. All other info is located in the google forms. Walkups cannot be accepted - you MUST complete the google form and email Mr Swinkey the signed criminal background check form in order to participate. 

Google Form signup: https://forms.gle/jX4R8crZE5ys6nDF7

Instruments available: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16P5muK8JWZKkqDQY1AOhciE4PTs7pKwabUXUWrhlH7k/edit?usp=sharing

Criminal History Check (download, sign, and email to swinkey@monroe.k12.mi.us): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_fbZUpVmNkVR3Z9X8pVqXOimEOuL5Vjq/view?usp=drive_link 

looking forward to seeing faces old and new! Happy Homecoming!

~Mr. Swinkey

Thank you so much for participating in our 2023 fall mum sale! It has been a successful fundraiser.  Below are the details you need to make delivery to school and pick up on Thursday go smoothly.  

 • Mum delivery to Monroe High School will take place at approximately 3 p.m. on the front lawn near the Monroe High School sign. We will use the lawn and bus loop just like last year. Busses are finished for the day by that time.  

 • High school band students are asked to please STAY AFTER SCHOOL on Thursday to help unload and sort mums.  We also need help with the mum sale from 5-7 p.m. to load mums into vehicles. Many hands make light work!

 • Sellers must pick up your entire order and distribute them.  Alternatively, you can meet your buyers at the pickup location.  We will not allow individuals to pick up their plants at MHS without you.  If they arrive at MHS to pick up their plants, they will be told to contact you.

 • We will give you the original order form back at time of mum pick up.

 • Volunteers with wagons will help you load your mum order in your vehicle. In the case of very large orders, you may need to make a couple of trips.  Please plan accordingly and have your entire order loaded by the end of pick up at 7 p.m.

 • Sellers will receive $2 per mum sold in their Charms account and $2 will go in to the Monroe Instrumental Music Boosters general fund to help kids do things like go to band camp!

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Solomon at 734-625-4245.

Emergency Announcement: Tomorrow's MHS Varsity Football game, scheduled at Jackson HS, has been MOVED TO Monroe HS @7pm because of a fire in Jackson that closed schools. The game WILL be held at Monroe HS. We will do a pep band for this game (no marching). Summer uniforms. Students who are out of town, or have a prior commitment (family/work/school) are excused. If you're here, I hope you will join us in playing in the stands. We will be desperately in need of concessions stand volunteers. Because this is a highly unexpected development, students will NOT be punished for not attending. We simply want to come together and provide a good, authentic home football game experience for our community. Band and concessions are a major part of every game!

Where: Monroe High School 

Who: All TMB 2023-24 Members who can make it!

When: Thursday, August 24, 2023

Time: Students Report at 6 PM. Kickoff at 7 PM.

Uniform: Summer Uniform: Red Hat, Red Shirt, Black Shorts, Short White Socks, White Dinkles, NO GLOVES.

Thank you everyone for stepping up and making the best of a hectic situation!

Mr. Swinkey

Band students and parents, 

Below this post are all of the Handbook, one-page schedules and permission forms for the school year. They will be mailed to your home address by the high school main office. Printed copies will also be available in the band room by request. Remember that all calendar dates are also on the calendar on this website. Add them to your phone calendar by pressing the + icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the calendar.

All students must return a signed permission form for their class(es) and a handbook acknowledgement form by Friday, September 8. Documents can be turned into the band room in class or mailed to Monroe High School, addressed to me. 

See you Monday, 

Mr. Swinkey

Band families, 

This is your reminder that we will hold our next Trojan Marching Band practice one week from tomorrow at Monroe High School at 4:00 PM. At 7:30 PM, the MIMBC will serve dinner at the football stadium. All band parents (and siblings!) are invited to attend. We call this event the "Family Picnic". Sarah Kokx (camp director) and I will review important information about band camp, including when and where to check-in, how to pack your meds, and what to bring and not bring to band camp. 

Monday morning, July 17, we will leave for band camp at Spring Arbor University. We are so excited to go to camp and learn our halftime show! Please pay attention to your emails for potential correspondance from the Monroe Instrumental Boosters about any missing forms or payments this week. 

Additionally, please remember that the season's full calendar can be viewed here on this website under the tab titled (calendar). All season practices and performances are on the calendar. Additionally, I have made a one-page document with those dates for you. It is attached below. 

See you next week!

Mr. Swinkey

Marching Band members and families: this is your reminder that tomorrow begins our 2023 Trojan Marching Band Home Camp. It will be our first full practice of the year with all members present! MMS 8th graders will arrive at MHS at 2:00 PM via school bus. Rehearsal will commence on the football field by 2:30 PM. Students must bring clothing that is appropriate for marching in, including closed-toes shoes. 

What: TMB 2023 Home Camp

When: Tuesday, June 6. Wednesday, June 7. Thursday, June 8. 

Where: Monroe HS Band Room and Football Field

Who: ALL members of the 2023-2024 Trojan Marching Band

What to bring: Instrument, flip folder, sunscreen/hat, water bottles, appropriate clothing for marching activities. 

Looking forward to a few days of marching, music, and FUN! The Home Camp daily schedule can be viewed below. A successful season starts on Day One. See you there!

~Mr. Swinkey

This week, the complete leadership team of the 2023-24 Trojan Marching Band was selected. Students filled out applications online, where they wrote about what band means to them, what makes a good leader, and how they would handle specific job-related situations. Each applicant had the chance to chat with myself and other camp staff one-on-one and share their hopes, goals, and concerns for next year's band. We are proud to say that 45 students filled out applications for leadership positions. That's almost half the band! Thank you to all students who showed this initiative. Our leadership team can be viewed below. 

Last Thursday, the Drum Majors for the 2023-24 TMB were selected via a lengthy audition process. Drum Major is the head leadership position of a marching band. It is the drum major's job to conduct the band in performance, lead the band in parades, call field commands, and act as a role model, leader, and communicator. The drum majors are the primary liaison between the students of the band and the band director. 

Ten outstanding applicants applied for the job of Drum Major. This year's judging panel consisted of:

-Mr. Swinkey, Director

-Mr. Goodman, Associate Director

-Grant Prater, Assistant Director

-The 2022-23 TMB Drum Majors

There were two vacancies this year. The drum major audition process consists of the following components: 

1. Demonstration of conducting fundamentals, showing clear and consistent pulse in 9 different styles at varying speeds, with and without a metronome running, without fatigue. 

2. Conducting a piece of your choice, demonstrating musicality and clarity in the placement of each beat.

3. Teaching demonstration, giving feedback to a demo "freshman" on how to correct mistakes in their posture. 

4. Interview questions, answering a question from each member of the panel. Questions are about leadership style, personal preparation, and how you might handle specific situations, similar to a job interview. 

After several hours, the panel selected sophomores Nathan Jones and Rowan Stamper for the positions of Drum Major, based on their outstanding performances in all four areas of the audition. Nathan and Rowan have each marched two seasons of band in the trumpet section. They join rising senior Gabriel Stamper, who will fill the role of Senior DM this upcoming school year. Congratulations to all ten applicants for your initiative and commitment, and we look forward to a great season of band with our new DM's!

Students and parents,

We are preparing for one of our most favorite events happening on Tuesday, May 23  - our Instrumental Music Boosters End of Year Banquet! We need your help to make the banquet special for all. 

Seniors and senior parents, by Friday, May 12,  please submit 1 baby pic and 1 current pic of your senior along with the student name you wish to have included to: mimbcmonroe@gmail.com

All other students & parents, you are also welcome to send your most favorite photos from the past few years to mimbcmonroe@gmail.com. Limit 5 photos per person please, due by May 12. 

All our families are invited, and we need your help to make sure we have enough food. The banquet starts at 7 pm with dinner followed by awards and celebrating our students’ accomplishments!! If they have not already done so, please ask your student to RSVP with the number of people coming to the banquet. 

Thank you!

Amy Solomon

President, MIMBC

Good afternoon, Monroe Band!

Tomorrow, Thursday, April 20, is our All-City Band Concert! We can't wait to bring this event back for the first time since 2018! Here is a reminder of the important information that students and parents should know. 

What: All-City Band Concert

Who: ALL band students in Monroe Public Schools

Performance Location: MHS GYM

Performance time: 7:00 PM

Student report time: 6:30 PM

Student report locations...

• Wind Ensemble: Choir Room

• Concert Band: Band Room

• Beginning Band: Auditorium Stage

• MMS 7/8 Band: Lecture Room 2

• Triumph Band: Lecture Room 1

Uniform: MHS - Concert Black Attire, MMS - typical concert attire

Concert Duration: approximately 1.5 hours

See you tomorrow!

Mr. Swinkey

Parents of Wind Ensemble members - we received our schedule for state solo and ensemble yesterday from the MSBOA state office. You will recall that we got division one ratings at district festival and advanced to the state festival. This is a big deal for our students! This is one of the highest levels of adjudication that school band musicians can receive in Michigan. Our performance information is below. We hope to see some of you there! If you would like to go to the performance, considering riding a bus and being a chaperone. If you are intersted, please send me an email at swinkey@monroe.k12.mi.us.

What: State Band Festival 

Who: WIND ENSEMBLE ONLY

Where: Brighton High School, 7878 Brighton Rd, Brighton, MI 48116

When: Thursday, April 27, 2023

Time: Arrival at approx. 3:15, Warmup at 3:50, performance at 4:20 PM

Uniform: Concert Blacks

Thank you for your attention to this exciting event! Mark your calendars!

Mr. Swinkey

Monroe Band Family, 

If you would like to listen to our performances at the 2023 MSBOA Band and Orchestra Festival, audio-only recordings are available on the band website. Click below to access them. Thank you, students, parents, and families for making this festival season such a great one! My favorite comments came from our sight-reading judge, who complimented our student's engagement with the process and the huge fan club presence in the room. We are lucky to be so supported in our music-making by our families!

See you Monday, 

Mr. Swinkey 

Monroe Band Family, 

Tomorrow is MSBOA State Jazz Festival! We are looking forward to a great performance. We would love a huge crowd, so tell everyone you know to come see the show. The jazz band will play for a panel of four judges and receive a clinic from a professional jazz musician. Here are all the need to know details, along with a printable schedule. All students received this schedule in class. 

What: MSBOA State Jazz Festival

Where: Roosevelt High School, 540 Eureka Rd, Wyandotte, MI, 48192

When: Performance at 4:30 PM. Students ride bus with Mr. Goodman.

Who: ONLY Monroe High Jazz Band. Students who are not in jazz band do not need to attend this event, but they are welcome to come see the show!

Thank you everyone, and we will see you there! 

Mr. Swinkey

Good afternoon, band families. Concert season is back at Monroe HS! The Concert Band and Wind Ensemble's next big performances are...

1. Pre-Festival Concert

   1. Where: Monroe HS

   2. When: Thursday, February 23

   3. Time: 7 PM

   4. What to wear (students): Concert Black Attire - see below

   5. Student Report time: 6:30 PM

2. MSBOA Band Orchestra Festival

   1. Where: Woodhaven HS (students are taking busses)

   2. When: Thursday, March 2

   3. Time: Concert Band plays at 3:55 PM. Wind Ensemble plays at 7:55 PM. 

   4. What to wear: Concert Black Attire - see below

   5. Student Report Time: You'll be riding the bus with me after school! 

This pair of concerts are a great opportunity to show off our students' ability to play challenging music in a very classic environment. At MSBOA Festival, we will be heard by a series of adjudicators, who will score our performance and give us feedback upon which to grow as a team. 

Parents - Families - Fan Clubs - you are welcome and encouraged to attend MSBOA, just like you'd attend a football game!

A complete itinerary for MSBOA is attached below! Printed copies will be available at the Pre-Festival Concert. 

A permission slip is required to attend MSBOA festival. Printed copies will be available at the Pre-Festival Concert. Parents can sign them and turn them in right outside the auditorium prior to the concert!

Please see the second attachment to learn about what to wear for these concerts. 

Email me with any questions, and Go Trojans!

~Mr. Swinkey

This Thursday, MHS Jazz Band members will be traveling on a performance trip to Central Michigan University. We will depart MHS by 8:00 AM and will be returning as late as midnight. The trip is a long day and students have been instructed to pack and plan accordingly. Any jazz band parents who wish to attend the trip as chaperones should contact me immediately by email if you wish to go along with us. The schedule for the day is attached below. This is one of the best trips of the year and we are going to have so much fun!

Students attending Solo and Ensemble tomorrow, here are some reminders and details. I've also attached some important documents, just in case you need them!

Where: Benjamin Franklin High School, 31000 Joy Rd, Livonia, MI 48150

When: tomorrow! Arrive 45 minutes prior to your scheduled performance time.

What to wear: Anything that you feel dressed up and comfortable in! 

What to bring: your instrument, extra reeds/valve oil, your copy of the music, your original (purchased) copy to give to the judge. 

IF YOU ARE ONE OF THE STUDENTS WHO NEEDS TO DROP OFF OR PICKUP THEIR JUDGE'S ORIGINAL IN HEADQUARTERS, IT IS LABELED "MSBOA HQ" ON THE MAP!

Arrive in your warmup room (labeled with a W on the map) at least 30 minutes prior to performance time to check in. 

Soloists, DO NOT perform without your accompanist. You are NOT ready to go until they are present. 

Ensembles, DO NOT perform without every member of the ensemble present. If one member of your group is missing, you will receive feedback, but not a rating. If someone in your group has an emergency and can't show up anymore, I still recommend playing for comments. 

Students, remember that you can rearrange yourself, your stands, and the performance room however you would like. Just keep in mind that the judge may want you arranged in a certain way so that they can watch your posture, emobochure, hands, etc. during the performance. Be polite and respectful of your judge at all times: they want to help you!

Attached are the schedule, building map, and parking map. Have a great day, and in the event of an emergency, you can always find me in Performance Room 17. Please do not knock or interrupt a performance room to find me. 

Break a leg!

~Mr. Swinkey

Good afternoon band families. Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 14, is our band winter concert. Our students have been working EXCEPTIONALLY hard to bring you this concert. You won't want to miss it!

What: Winter Concert

When: Students report at 6:30 PM. Music begins at 7:00 PM. 

Where: Monroe High School Auditorium. 

Who should come: EVERYONE! This is a family affair. Let the kids show off - bring your family, neighbors, and friends!

What to wear: Students must wear "concert black" attire (formal black and white dress clothes of their choosing). Santa hats, ugly Christmas sweaters, elf ears, or a splash of green and red color are allowed for this concert's uniform!

Students will sign in before the concert and sign out at the conclusion of cleanup. All chairs, stands, instruments, and folders must be cleaned up for students to receive their attendance grade. 

See you there!

~Mr. Swinkey

Today is wreath & poinsettia pick up!!

-Sellers are to pick up their entire order and deliver to their buyers. DO NOT send individual buyers to the high school to pick up their order.

-The pick up location is Monroe High School Door G1, NOT THE COMMONS. -This door/hallway is accessed by the same parking lot as the band room. See the attached map.

-Do not arrive prior to 5 p.m. as we will still be sorting the delivery from the greenhouse.

-Students will be available to help you load.

-You will receive your original order form back so you have the details of each person’s order as you deliver.

-Do not leave until someone from the Boosters verifies with you that you have your entire order.

-Remember, poinsettias are very sensitive to cold. It’s fairly warm today but don’t let them sit in your vehicle too long.

-If you have any questions or issues, please contact Amy Solomon at 734-625-4245

Thank you!!!

Monroe Instrumental Music Boosters

Band community, 

I have met with the operators of the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade and have received our report and TV information. Please see attachments for information about when to report, when to see us on TV, and what to wear under your uniform. Excited to be a part of this magical event!

Mr. Swinkey 

Band community, 

This week caps off a long run of performances for our students. We will celebrate all things instrumental music tonight and tomorrow with our annual marching band concert this evening and our annual Fall instrumental concert tomorrow. The students have prepared programs long in the making for both events, and we look forward to sharing the music with our community! Please invite friends and family to share in these celebratory events. They are guaranteed to be the best free concerts you will find this side of the Raisin River!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Report time?

A: 5 PM for Trojan Spectacular, 6:30 PM for Fall Concert

Q: What uniform will students wear?

A: Full TMB Uniforms on Wednesday, Halloween Costumes or "Concert Blacks" on Thursday.

Q: Really, Halloween Costumes on a classical music concert?

A: Yes, really. Please make sure all costumes are school-appropriate and that you can play your instrument while wearing it!

Q: Do concerts at MHS involve meals, bussing, trailer-hauling, etc, in the way that marching festivals and parades do?

A: No, none of that. Have a seat in the auditorium, stay for a good time. 

Good afternoon, band families. 

This post is about the MSBOA Solo and Ensemble festival. S&E is a unique opportunity to prepare music as a soloist or in a small group setting and perform in front of an adjudicator for a rating. If you are new to band or spent much of Middle School Band living through the closures of the pandemic, you probably don't know much about S&E. I've done my best to explain it in the video! It is a fun event, and I strongly encourage band members to put a group of friends together and play some music. It's not as hard as it seems, and you'll learn LOTS of musicianship skills by playing without my help. 

Solo and Ensemble will be held on January 28, 2023 at Livonia's Franklin High School. Transportation is not provided. Registration costs $10 per soloist or $8 per ensemble member. Examples of ensembles include:

-Percussion ensemble

-Duet, Trio, Quartet (play with 1-3 of your best friends)

-Brass or Woodwind Quintet

-Saxophone Ensemble

-Large groups of the same instrument (trumpet octet, clarinet choir, flute choir, etc.)

Registration forms with payment must be turned in to Mr. Swinkey by November 1. 

Good afternoon, band members and families!

Attached is a minute-by-minute schedule with information about tomorrow's performance at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association's District 12 Marching Band Festival. I encourage parents who are not volunteering with the band to arrive early and watch other band's performances. MSBOA Festival is a great opportunity to see many regional bands perform! I have attached the day's schedule and the program of events for your convenience. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What time is our performance?

A: 8:00 PM, in the Class A school section of the schedule.

Q: Is there an admission cost for family members?

A: General Admission $6

Q: Will you feed us beforehand?

A: Yes, there will be yummy Sodexo food served at 4:20 PM!

Q: Should I wear my summer uniform under my big uniform?

A: Yes, of course. It will be chilly at night, so I highly recommend that you wear a long sleeved shirt and leggings/tights/joggers under the uni!

Q: Should I wash my summer uniform and my white gloves, and clean the outside of my white Dinkles shoes before Monday?

A: Yes, of course.

Q: Do I need to be at practice on Monday?

A: Yes, of course, unless you have pre-arranged with Mr. Swinkey to share your time with another activity. 

Q: Will I get a zero in my grades if I didn't plan ahead and make sure I wasn't schedule to work on Monday, October 10?

A: Yes, of course. Failure to plan is planning to fail. 

Q: Is the MSBOA Marching Band Festival a fun, exciting event full of people who love band as much as I do?

A: YES! OF COURSE!

This is our last adjudicated festival of the season! All our hard work will be on display. Be your best self tomorrow!

Mr. Swinkey

Good afternoon, band members and families!

Attached is an information video and minute-by-minute schedule with information about this Friday's many events. We will be performing at the Homecoming Parade in downtown Monroe (5:00 PM), doing our Senior Show during pregame (6:40 PM), inviting alumni to join us on the field at the end of halftime (8:00 PM), and performing our halftime show, Defiance, one more time for the home crowd after the football game ends. It will be the last time we take to Bunkelman Field this fall, and it's a night you don't want to miss. Bring the whole family!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can Alumni of the Trojan Marching Band join us for this Homecoming game?

A: TMB Alumni are welcome to join us in the stands and on the field after the HOCO Court Presentation ends! Sit in the stands, bring your own instrument, wear MHS gear! 2022 show theme shirts are always available for sale at the concessions stand. Sheet music will be available. At the conclusion of the Court presentation, we will have some fun with this year's Homecoming theme (Neon) by playing our favorite song from the 1980's: Funkytown! Sheet music is viewable below. 

Q: What time is our practice?

A: After School

Q: Will you feed us beforehand?

A: Yes, there will be pizza!

Q: Should I wear my summer uniform under my big uniform?

A: Yes, of course. It will be chilly at night, so I highly recommend that you wear a long sleeved shirt and leggings/tights/joggers under the uniform!

Q: Should I wash my summer uniform and my white gloves, and clean the outside of my white Dinkles shoes before Friday?

A: Yes, of course.

Q: If my child is on Homecoming Court, do they have to be in the band during the Parade? 

A: No.

Q: If my child is on Homecoming Court, do they have to change clothes to perform with the band? 

A: No! We will not be doing any marching while playing until post-game. If Court members wish to change into the senior shirt for post-game, they may do so. 

Q: Do you still need help moving things on and off the field and guarding the band's seats in the stadium?

A: You bet I do. Thank you for all your help this season, parents and families, as we move place to place!

Great job at the Downriver Fanfare, band! Let's wrap up our season with energy and excitement!

Mr. Swinkey

Good afternoon, band members and families!

Attached is an information video and minute-by-minute schedule with information about next Tuesday's performance at Wyandotte Roosevelt's "Downriver Fanfare" marching band competition. I have also taken some time to explain to those of you who are new to our marching band community what exactly it is we are doing by going to these different styles of festivals and competitions, and why each one of them contributes to the educational experience that our students are having by participating in the Trojan Marching Band. 

For your convenience, I've also attached the entire Fanfare schedule for your perusal. You may wish to arrive early and see other bands in action. There are a million ways to perform the marching arts, and you can see many of them on display at Ida on Saturday and at Roosevelt on Tuesday! There is guaranteed to be a diverse array of music, performing styles, and marching techniques from all the different bands at these shows. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What time is our performance?

A: 8:00 PM, in the Class A school section of the schedule.

Q: Is there an admission cost for family members?

A: General Admission $7. Students and Seniors $5.

Q: Will you feed us beforehand?

A: Yes, there will be yummy Sodexo food served at 3:45 PM!

Q: Should I wear my summer uniform under my big uniform?

A: Yes, of course. It will be chilly at night, so I highly recommend that you wear a long sleeved shirt and leggings/tights/joggers under the uni!

Q: Should I wash my summer uniform and my white gloves, and clean the outside of my white Dinkles shoes before Tuesday?

A: Yes, of course.

Q: Do I need to be at practice on Tuesday?

A: Yes, of course, unless you have pre-arranged with Mr. Swinkey to share your time with another activity. 

Q: Will I get a zero in my grades if I didn't plan ahead and make sure I wasn't schedule to work on Tuesday, October 4?

A: Yes, of course. Failure to plan is planning to fail. 

Q: Is the Downriver Fanfare a fun, exciting event full of people who love band as much as I do?

A: YES! OF COURSE!

Great job this week, band! Two more weeks of hard work and then you can relax a bit, and be proud of what you've accomplished!

Mr. Swinkey

Good afternoon, band members and families! 

Attached are the informational video and a minute-by-minute schedule information about our performance at this Saturday's Ida HS Marching Band Review. It has been four years since we have performed at this show, so here are a few things to know about the event:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What time is our performance?

A: 9:15 PM - Yes, that's a little late in the evening. We will be the largest band at the show, and as such, we are usually scheduled towards the end. 

Q: Is there an admission cost for family members?

A: General Admission $5. School-aged children $4. Preschool and younger are free.

Q: Will you feed us beforehand?

A: Not this time. Please eat before hand, and I will allow some concessions to be purchased at the show. They run a full concessions stand.

Q: Should I wear my summer uniform under my big uniform?

A: Yes, of course. It will be chilly at night, so I highly recommend that you wear a long sleeved shirt and leggings/tights/joggers under the uni!

Q: Should I wash my summer uniform and my white gloves, and clean the outside of my white Dinkles shoes before Saturday?

A: Yes, of course.

Q: Do I need to be at practice on Saturday?

A: Yes, of course, unless you have pre-arranged with Mr. Swinkey to share your time with another activity. 

Q: Will I get a zero in my grades if I didn't plan ahead and make sure I wasn't schedule to work on Saturday, October 1?

A: Yes, of course. Failure to plan is planning to fail. 

Q: Is the Ida Marching Band Festival a fun, exciting event full of people who love band as much as I do?

A: YES! OF COURSE!

Great job this week, band! Two more weeks of hard work and then you can relax a bit, and be proud of what you've accomplished!

Mr. Swinkey

Good afternoon, band members and families! 

Attached are the informational video, minute-by-minute schedule, and a promotional flyer with information about our performance at next Wednesday's Belleville HS Marching Band Review. This is such a fun event and I can't wait for all our new members to experience it!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What time is our performance?

A: 7:45 PM

Q: Is there an admission cost for family members?

A: General Admission $5. Children 12 and under are free. 

Q: Will you feed us beforehand?

A: Yes, of course. 

Q: Will it be Sodexo food again?

A: Yes, of course. 

Q: Should I wear my summer uniform under my big uniform?

A: Yes, of course.

Q: Should I wash my summer uniform and my white gloves, and clean the outside of my white Dinkles shoes before Wednesday?

A: Yes, of course.

Q: Do I need to be at practice after school?

A: Yes, of course, unless you have pre-arranged with Mr. Swinkey to share your time with another activity. 

Q: Will I get a zero in my grades if I didn't plan ahead and make sure I wasn't schedule to work on Wednesday, September 21?

A: Yes, of course. Failure to plan is planning to fail. 

Q: Is the Belleville Marching Band Review a fun, exciting event full of people who love band as much as I do?

A: YES! OF COURSE!

Great job last night, band! I look forward to three more weeks of hard work and excitement with you!

Mr. Swinkey

The band handbook/syllabus can be viewed below. I suggest that parents and guardians take a moment to review the rules, expectations, and grading procedures for a school year in the Monroe High School Band. Students, we will go over this together in class. Each student must turn in a signed copy of the handbook page - you will receive one on the first day of school, and it must be signed by a parent/guardian. 

Band members and families, 

Attached you will find this school year's concert band/wind ensemble schedule. This includes concerts at school as well as band festival and optional performances like Solo and Ensemble. All band students will get a paper copy of this document on the first day of school. Additionally, all these dates are on this website's Google Calendar. Did you know you can import that Google Calendar into your own Google account by pressing the "+" sign in the corner of the calendar? This will add all band dates to your personal google account so you can see them on your device's calendar app. 

~Mr. Swinkey

TMB Families, 

Thank you for a great two weeks of band camp! Our next event as a band will be the Monroe County Fair Parade on Sunday, July 31. That is one week from today. Students must be dropped off at the west end zone of Navarre Field at 12:00 noon with their instruments. The parade steps off at 1:00 PM and has a variable run-time. We usually reach the end of the route between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM, depending on how far back in the parade lineup we are placed. Transportation to and from the parade route is not provided by Monroe Public Schools. 

Students will wear their summer uniform. As a reminder, the summer uniform include white Dinkles shoes, short socks, black uniform shorts, red uniform dry-fit shirt, and red baseball cap. If you ordered a summer uniform piece and it has not yet been delivered, it will be available for pickup at MHS later this week upon delivery. Please stay tuned to Remind for further information. 

Tubas, drums, cymbals, and the band's banner are already loaded onto the band's trailer and will meet us at Navarre Field. Parents, we will need a few of you to help us as "water walkers", carrying water bottles for students on the parade route. Signup for this can be found on Charms! 

See you next week!

Mr. Swinkey

Band Families, if you would like a hard copy of this season's TMB schedule, you can find it attached below. Additionally, all these dates are listed on this website's google calendar! You can import those dates into your own google account and have them on your personal phone for reference!

MHS Band Families, 

This is a reminder that we are just over a week away from our Spring Instrumental Concert! The Spring Concert will be held next Thursday, May 19, at 7:00 PM in the MHS Auditorium. The Spring Concert is our biggest of the year, and will feature the String Orchestra, a combined Symphony Orchestra, the Jazz Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble! 

As per usual, Concert Band members should report at 6 PM to the band room. Wind Ensemble members should report at 6:30. The music begins at 7:00 PM. Mrs. Felder and I want to give a heads up that this is a long concert! 

~Mr. Swinkey

📣Help Support Monroe Instrumental Music Boosters by purchasing from our Spring Fruit Fundraiser!  

🍊We are offering premium fruit from Florida Indian River Groves, hours off the tree, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee!

🍋Shopping made EASY! Online Sales: Deliver directly to the door of any address within the continental U.S. for only $7.95.

🍎To purchase:

• Go to: 

https://shop.floridaindianrivergroves.com/ecommerce/1028801

• Select “Order Now”

• Enter the Organization ID: 1028801, and start shopping. Pick your student at checkout to receive 50% of the profit in their Charms account!

🍍To sell:

Automate outreach to contacts on your mobile device and social networks by using our FREE mobile app. Search “Fruit Fundraising” in your app store.

🍐Important Dates

Fundraiser Starts: February 23, 2022 Fundraiser Ends: March 25, 2022

❓Questions? Contact Amy Solomon - mimbcmonroe@gmail.com

Dear Trojan Marching Band Families,

Brightspark by Worldstrides has asked me to email you today with some important pre-departure information regarding our upcoming trip. I will be posting the following information to google classroom for all of our students, and Brightspark will be attaching the information in the Brightspark portal for all families registered on the trip. Please review this information and reach out if you have any questions.

Message from WorldStrides:

The safety and security of our participants is, and always will be, our highest priority. To support travel in this new environment, WorldStrides has been reviewing every aspect of our programs from pre-departure all the way to a program’s return home to help mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19.

Our Health & Safety team continues to closely monitor the situation and will adjust our protocols as needed. All protocols are guided by current recommendations from the CDC and our Medical Director, Dr. Neal Sikka. As your program approaches, you will receive additional information related to your program and will be informed of any changes.

As we proceed with your travel plans and itinerary, please review the below travel requirements for your program and the WorldStrides COVID-19 Advisory.

Travel Requirements

• Pre-departure Testing – Participants must schedule a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 3-5 days OR an antigen test taken within 2 days of trip departure and submit test results to the Program Leader.

  • Testing requirements may vary based on destination.

  • Anyone receiving a positive test result will not be able to participate on the program. In this circumstance, they should not take a second test, since only the first result will be accepted.

• Additional destination requirements – If there are additional destination requirements, WorldStrides will provide specific guidance based on our program destination(s) in the coming weeks.

• Testing exception for participants who have recovered – If a participant has been diagnosed with and recovered from COVID-19 within 90 days of departure, they should provide documentation of recovery (proof of their positive test and a letter from a healthcare provider or a public health official stating that they are cleared to travel).

• Close contacts - If a participant has been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of the program start date, they will not be able to participate and should stay home unless they meet an exception (e.g., fully vaccinated and have tested negative 3-5 days after exposure and are not experiencing symptoms; or recently recovered from COVID in the last 90 days).

Program Protocols

Pre-departure

• Limit exposure to others – Participants are asked to limit time outside their home for 14 days prior to travel, with the exception of going to school or work or engaging in other essential activities. Please strictly observe COVID-19 safety protocols (masking, social distancing, and hand washing) and avoid large gatherings and crowded spaces.

On-program

• Daily symptom checks – Participants will be asked several questions about how they are feeling to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.

• Mask requirement – Masks will be required throughout the duration of the trip in all indoor spaces and on the motorcoach, regardless of vaccination status. Participants may remove their masks when engaging in outdoor activities where social distancing from others not with the group can be maintained, provided that state, local, or venue requirements are met. WorldStrides will provide participants with one disposable mask per day for each day of the program. These masks will be shipped to me prior to departure. Participants should bring their own masks as well.

• Illness on-program – If a participant exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, WorldStrides will help them get tested and safely separate from the rest of the group while awaiting the results. I will be in close contact with you as I work with WorldStrides to make arrangements for the participant’s care plan. WorldStrides will make every effort to secure quarantine/isolation accommodations in the same location as the group, although this may not always be possible. The participant's testing and medical expenses should be covered by insurance. As a reminder, WorldStrides recommends that all participants bring a copy of their insurance card and use their insurance as primary. WorldStrides will cover the participant’s lodging and meal expenses during the quarantine/isolation period. If the diagnosed participant is a minor, WorldStrides will arrange and cover the cost of a flight for a parent/guardian to join their student at the program location.

• Contact Tracing, Testing and Quarantine – In the event a participant experiences symptoms of COVID-19, WorldStrides working with their Doctors on Call or local health officials will provide guidance to the group to reduce the risk of additional exposure. Everyone’s cooperation will be appreciated under these circumstances. I will work with WorldStrides to identify the roommates of the participant experiencing symptoms and any others within the group who may have been in close contact with the participant. Per CDC guidelines:

  • Participants who are not fully vaccinated will be required to take a COVID-19 test and quarantine even if the test result is negative and they are not experiencing any symptoms.

  • Fully vaccinated participants* identified as close contacts will not be required to quarantine. However, they will need to take a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after exposure.

WorldStrides will help coordinate testing of any additional participants as needed, and I will be in close contact with you if your participant is impacted. If the close contacts’ quarantine will end after the program end date, they may be able to complete their quarantine at home if a guardian or another responsible adult can drive to pick them up.

*What does it mean to be fully vaccinated?

According to the CDC, in general, people are considered fully vaccinated:

• 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or

• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated.

Good afternoon, band families! If you or your child are attending our Disney trip, PLEASE WATCH.

The final payment for Disney World is due January 17th. The Monroe Instrumental Music Boosters have generously voted to contribute $300 to each student's Disney World trip. The details in the following video explain where this money came from, and how this action will benefit you, even if your trip is fully paid for, or you owe less than $300. You have options. Please watch this short video by Booster treasurer Jen Friedline for further information. If you wish to use money from your Charms account to pay your remaining Disney balance, please complete the easy Google Form!

Thank you everyone, and thank you to our Boosters who have made this opportunity possible! 

-Mr. Swinkey

*UPDATE - DUE TO THE RECENT SHIFT TO REMOTE LEARNING, THE SCHOOL WILL NO LONGER BE PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION. TICKETS CAN BE PICKED UP IN THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT FROM 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM ON SUNDAY.*

Good afternoon,

Our band field trip to see the Broadway show "Come From Away" at the Stranahan Theater in Toledo, Ohio is this Sunday, January 9! This will be a fun trip. Please check the list of attendees below if you can't remember whether or not you bought tickets. If you plan to ride the bus, please be at the band room by 11:15 AM. The bus should arrive at the theater by 12:15 PM. If you are driving separately, please meet us there at this time to retrieve your tickets. The bus will likely return to MHS by 4:15 PM. Students who ride the bus will be responsible for notifying their parents of our departure and arrival times. 

Where: Stranahan Theater 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH 43614.

When: Requested at band room by 11:15 am.

Expected Arrival Time at Theater: 12:15 pm.

Expected Arrival Time at MHS: 4:15 pm.

Take care, 

Mr. Swinkey

Thank you so much for participating in our 2021 holiday flower sale! It has been a very successful fundraiser.

• The pick up location is Monroe High School Commons. 

• Do not arrive prior to 4 p.m. as we will still be unloading & sorting the delivery from the greenhouse.

• You will be able to back up your vehicle on the sidewalk if you have a lot of flowers and wreaths to pick up.

• Students will be available to help you load.

• You will receive your original order form back so you have the details of each person’s order as you deliver.

• Do not leave until someone from the Boosters verifies with you that you have your entire order.

• Remember, poinsettias are very sensitive to cold.  It’s fairly warm today but don’t let them sit in your vehicle too long.

• If you have any questions or issues, please contact Amy Solomon at 734-625-4245.

Thank you!!!

Band members and families, 

On Sunday, January 9, we will be taking a field trip to Toledo to see the national Broadway tour of "Come From Away", the Tony-award winning musical. In 2020, we would have seen this show on Broadway, but our NYC trip was cancelled because of the pandemic. Thankfully, the tour is coming to us! This trip is optional. Tickets for students are $20, and tickets for adults are $57. Students, you have been hearing about this everyday for the last two weeks in class. If you want to go, please fill out this google form by tomorrow and bring your money to the Red MIMBC box in the band room. 

It's going to be a blast! 

-Mr. Swinkey

Good afternoon, 

This week we will have our first concert band and orchestra concert of the year! Our Orchestra, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble students have been working extremely hard on their concert program each day in class, and they can't wait to perform on Thursday. Please view the text below for details. 

What: MHS Orchestra and Band Concert

Where: MHS Auditorium

When: Band members report at 6 PM, music begins at 7 PM. 

Admission: NONE! 

What to Wear: Halloween costume! Or, if you don't wish to wear your Halloween costume, wear "concert blacks" (black and white dress clothes).

We are looking forward to seeing our friends and family for this spooky celebration of instrumental music. I expect the orchestra to begin at 7, jazz band around 7:20, Concert Band around 7:40, and Wind Ensemble around 7:50. Times may vary, as the stage will need to be reset for each group. This performance, like all performances, is worth a large portion of each students' grade. 

Thank you everyone! 

Mr. Swinkey

Good afternoon band families!

We are four days away from one of our biggest performances of the school year: the MSBOA District 12 Marching Band Festival. The event takes place next Monday, October 11, at Flat Rock High School. The schedule is nearly the same as Tuesday's performance in Wyandotte. Thankfully, Flat Rock is much closer to home, so we should be home earlier! Please be reminded of the usual protocol details: wash your summer uniform, clean your white marching shoes, make arrangements for food if you do not wish to eat school-provided dinner, etc. 

2:30 PM - Warmup/Stretch/Runthrough

3:45 PM - Load Trailer

4:00 PM -  Dinner 

4:45 PM - Change into uniforms

5:30 PM - Load busses

5:45 PM - Depart for Flat Rock HS

6:10 PM - Arrive. Leave gear on busses. Watch a few bands.

7:15 PM - Unload instruments

7:35 PM - Warmup

7:50 PM - Stage at gate

8:00 PM - PERFORM

8:20 PM - Take group photo in front of Flat Rock HS

8:35 PM - Receive Ratings, load busses

8:45 PM - Depart Flat Rock HS

9:15 PM - Arrive at MHS/Take off uniforms/Clean up/Go home

Important Information

-This is a ticketed event for guests. Price is $6.00.

-Concessions stand and merchandise table will be open.

-This is a graded performance.

Thanks everyone for reading this important announcement! Next Monday will be a fantastic and FUN day for us. Email me with any questions you may have!

-Mr. Swinkey

Band members and families, 

You will recall that last week, our performance at the Belleville Invitational was cancelled due to rain. We also cancelled this weekend's performance at the Ida Festival because of the schedule conflict with the MHS homecoming dance. I wanted to make up some of these lost opportunities and give our amazing students a chance to perform at another festival. It's critical that we get to play a festival before we attend the MSBOA festival on Monday, October 14. Thankfully, the band director at Wyandotte Roosevelt HS was able to take us in next week! I'm excited to tell you that we will be performing at the Downriver Fanfare Invitational next Tuesday, October 5. Our performance time is 8:00 PM! 

This performance will run just like our other performance dates. We will rehearse after school, food will be provided, we'll suit up, get on the bus, get to the school, warmup/tune, take the field and perform, receive our judge's feedback and awards, and head home. Here is the likely schedule for the day:

2:30 PM - Warmup/Stretch/Runthrough

4:00 PM -  Dinner + Load trailer

5:00 PM - Change into uniforms

5:30 PM - Load busses

5:45 PM - Depart for Wyandotte Roosevelt HS

6:30 PM - Arrive. Unload. Tune in Roosevelt HS gym. 

7:45 PM - Travel to stadium gate

8:00 PM - PEFORM

8:45 PM - Awards ceremony

9:15 PM - Depart Roosevelt HS

Approximately 10:00 PM - Arrive at MHS/Take off uniforms/Clean up/Go home

Important Information

-This is a ticketed event for guests. Prices are $5.00 for students and seniors, and $7.00 for adults. 

-Concessions stand and merchandise table will be open

-This is a graded performance

Thanks everyone for reading this important announcement! Next Tuesday will be a fantastic and FUN day for us. Email me with any questions you may have!

-Mr. Swinkey

Students and families,

As a reminder, here is the band's schedule for this week's Homecoming festivities.

Friday

2:00 PM - Report to practice field in summer uniform. Don't forget your picture order form!

2:30 PM - Get into uniforms. Take band pictures!

4:30 PM - Load trailer and busses

5:00 PM - Homecoming Parade, Downtown Monroe (starts at MMS, ends at Knights of Columbus parking lot)

5:30 PM - Dinner at MHS band room. School food available, or BYO/parent food drop off

6:30 PM - Line up/Step Off

6:45 PM - Pregame

7:00 PM - Kickoff

Let's have a great week! Happy Homecoming!

Mr. Swinkey

Hello,

Thank you so much for participating in our 2021 fall mum sale! It has been a very successful fundraiser.

• The pick up location is the Solomon residence, 120 Dexter Ave, Monroe, MI 48162 between 4-7 p.m. Tuesday. If this day and time is a problem for you, please contact Amy to make other arrangements.

• Turn east on Dexter Ave off of N. Monroe Street.  Dexter Ave is directly across Monroe Street from Victory Honda. 

• Most orders will be picked up on the south side of the street.

• If your order was over $300, you will pick up mums on the north side of the street.

• Pull in front of the residence (parallel park along the black top) for loading of your order – about 5-6 vehicles will fit at one time.

• You will receive your original order form back so you have the details of each person’s order as you deliver.

• If you have any questions or issues, please contact Amy Solomon at 734-625-4245.

Good afternoon, TMB families! 

Our Monroe Instrumental Music Boosters have opened another sale of band spirit wear! Our students love to wear their band gear year round, and it makes a great Christmas present for family members. This sale runs through October 6. Get yours today - CLICK HERE! 

On Wednesday, September 22, before we board the bus for the Belleville MB Invitational, we will take photos in our band uniforms. This is school picture day, but just for band! You can buy group pictures of the band, individual shots of your student, or group pictures of your favorite band members. There are tons of options, and these also make amazing gifts. Every student received an order form and envelope in class. I have extras available. Please select what, if anything, you'd like to buy, place money in the envelope, and hand directly to the photographer on picture day (next Wednesday, September 22). 

Thanks for a great Elementary Tour today! If you have any questions, I am just an email away: swinkey@monroe.k12.mi.us

-Mr. Swinkey

Good morning, TMB members are families! Recently, you may have heard a lot about our Spring Break trip to Disney World. I will be attending tonight's Board of Education meeting, looking to get this trip approved. Meanwhile, there are still a number of seats available on the trip! Attached, I have provided you with the itinerary, as well as registration instructions. Myself and Mr. Williams, our tour consultant, will be talking about this a lot in the coming weeks. Marching down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom is a highlight of many band students' high school experience, dating back many decades of tradition. I encourage all students to go! 

Hello, band families!

Our Monroe Instrumental Music Boosters general meeting will be at Monroe High in the band room at 6 pm. Anyone who attends must wear a mask.  If you are not comfortable gathering face to face, we are using zoom as well.  Details below:

Topic: MIMBC General Meeting

Time: Sep 8, 2021 06:00 PM America/Detroit

Join Zoom Meeting

https://monroe-k12-mi-us.zoom.us/j/84329665746?pwd=K3ZqSXRyMnljT0g1WStTZkNFY0F5dz09

Meeting ID: 843 2966 5746

Passcode: 677654

Agenda:

-Secretary’s Report (review/approve prior minutes)

-Treasurer’s Report

-Directors’ Reports (Swinkey/Goodman/Felder)

-Disney trip

-Concessions update

-Mum fundraiser (Orders due Sept 17; pick up Sept 28 from 4-7 p.m.)

-Next spirit wear fundraisers (Sept 15-Oct 6 and Oct 11-Nov 5 – for holiday gifts!)

-Sponsorships & Signage

Dates/expectations of these upcoming events:

-Belleville Invitational (Sept 22) BAND PICTURE DAY after school – order individual photos

-Ida Invitational (Oct 2)

-MSBOA Festival (Oct 11 or 18)

-Trojan Spectacular (Oct 20)

Good afternoon,

We are ready to start selling mums for our next Booster fundraiser! Attached please find a flyer as well as an order form.

Please note, these are the same mums from Schwartz’s Greenhouse as other groups are also selling, but our pots are smaller (8”) instead of the really huge ones (9” or 10”) that most groups are selling.  As such, our price is less as well, only $8 each!  This fundraiser will split the profits 50/50 between the seller’s Charms account and the general Booster account.  We make $3 per mum sold so that’s $1.50 per mum that goes directly to each student for every one they sell.

The sale runs until Friday, September 17, after school.  We will pick up orders and payment from the Boosters mailbox in the band room at 2:30 and that will be the final time to turn in orders.  No orders will be accepted without cash or check payment with it.

Mums are being delivered off site. The pickup locating is on the order form. Delivery is on Tuesday, Sept 28 and we are expecting all sellers to pick up their orders from 4-7 p.m. that day.  Sellers can also give their buyers my address, but then I expect the sellers will show up to help hand out the mums. (After band practice, for those in band.

Have a wonderful evening!

Mr. Swinkey

Attention, TMB families! Google has updated its Sites page as of September 1, 2021. This update to our site has slightly changed the website url. Our website is now located here at sites.google.com/view/monroehighschoolbands. The content is still the same, but the look and web address are new. Sorry for any inconvenience! Please bookmark this website for future use. 

Band families: in order to give students a chance to earn money and afford band camp expenses, we will be kicking off a series of fundraisers this spring, starting today. Without further ado...

🍕🍕🍕🍕 It’s Pizza Time!!! 🍕🍕🍕🍕

Attention Instrumental Music Students - Starting today, and for the next 4 weeks, we’re selling Pizza Kits to raise money for MIMBC. 

To reach our goal and be successful, we need everyone’s help. It’s super easy to join the fun!

To get started follow the link below to create your very own Seller page. You can customize your page, upload a video, create an avatar, and watch how many pizza kits you’ve sold. You’ll get your own special link to send to your friends and family so they can buy delicious pizza kits and support our fundraiser.

Pizza Kits will be delivered directly to their home by FedEx, so send the link to your out of state family and friends, too. You can even post your Seller link on your social media pages.

link: https://fundraising.littlecaesars.com/login/join-fundraiser/346b6342-39c8-43b1-9803-6e75780d1c77 (https://fundraising.littlecaesars.com/login/join-fundraiser/346b6342-39c8-43b1-9803-6e75780d1c77