July Update #1 - 6/25/19
Happy Summer!
The debut of the 2019 edition of the WHSMB is already NEXT WEEK! In this time of year, it is very important that everyone relaxes, unwinds, visits the pool or beach, but also does what is necessary to prepare for our upcoming events.
4th of July Parade Week
7/2 (Tuesday) - Rehearsal, 6-9 PM
7/3 (Wednesday) - Rehearsal, 6-9 PM
7/4 (Thursday) - Woodstown 4th of July Parade
8:45 AM - Call time (report to music room)
9:00 AM - Walk to parade starting location/warm up (E Millbrooke Ave/45)
10:00 AM - Parade step off
11:30 AM - Load buses at Marlton Park, return to WHS
11:45 AM (est.) - Dismissal
Attire: We will be wearing the traditional outfits of plain red t-shirts, blue caps, and khaki shorts. Mrs. Nowmos has reached out to parents and students regarding information on obtaining these - be sure to read the message you have received from her. Everyone must bring their own pair of khaki shorts - they are not provided. Shirts and caps are provided free of charge to new members and those who did not march last year. Replacement shirts and caps for veteran members are $3 and $2 respectively.
I encourage all families and friends to watch the parade! For additional information on the Woodstown 4th of July Parade, please visit: http://www.woodstown4thofjulyparade.com/
July Rehearsals and Mini Band Camp
We begin our regular Tuesday night rehearsals following the week of the 4th of July Parade. These rehearsals are 6-9 PM on:
7/9
7/16
7/23
On Wednesday, 7/31 and Thursday, 8/1, we will hold our Mini Band Camp each day from 9 AM-2 PM. These rehearsals are intended to serve as a preview to our upcoming full Band Camp and will help accelerate our progress far forward - each day will feature an abbreviated Band Camp schedule. I will have more information out about this camp as the dates get closer, but for now, know that attendance is absolutely imperative!
DCI Show Trip
Drum Corps International is the marching arts at the highest level! We are fortunate to attend this trip to watch the major league of marching give a performance virtually in our back yard on their national tour. DCI is what we use as a model for the structure of our band and will have a lineup you do not want to miss. ALL are welcome to attend, family and friends included! This year's corps includes:
The Cadets - Allentown, PA (see our Front Ensemble Arranger, Garrett Davis, in action as center marimba!)
Santa Clara Vanguard - Santa Clara, CA (2018 World Champions)
The Cavaliers - Rosemont, IL
Boston Crusaders - Boston, MA
Crossmen - San Antonio, TX
Jersey Surf - Camden County, NJ
The form is due to the band mailbox by Tuesday, July 9th. Please print and complete at this link:
If you still want to see what DCI is, check out either of these videos as a short preview... or just talk to Sam Clemente.
SCV 2018 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4_j5W8-L3g
Cadets 2019 Marimba (Garrett cam!) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xd-muwXbBQ
Attendance Conflicts Form Issues
I have been contacted by several members of issues regarding the Attendance Conflicts form. When filling it out, be sure that you scroll through the entirety of the form until you reach the blue "Submit" button. You will receive a conformation email following this. On mobile devices, the form tends to glitch and seem to disappear, but by scrolling through the page you will find that it is still there. Make sure you receive the confirmation message when you go to submit the form.
I have just contacted students who submitted the form for future dates. If you did not just receive an email from me but believe you submitted the form, resubmit the form.
Handbook Signatures
Signatures of the last page of the WHSMB Handbook are due on 7/2. If you need another copy, you can find the handbook in the documents and forms section of this website.
This is a very exciting time of the year for us - the more work we put in now, the farther we will be able to go by the end. Let's GO!
July Update #2 - 7/9/19
Firstly, thank you to all who helped towards making our Fourth of July Parade performance a massive success! I have heard nothing but positive feedback from the audience and am proud that we are able to uphold one of Woodstown's strongest annual traditions. Without our parent volunteers, administrative support, and student effort, events like this simply would not be possible.
This update will be relatively simple - we are now in full summer swing. I likely won't send out another update until Mini Band Camp. We will meet the next 3 Tuesdays in July from 6-9 PM before our Mini Band Camp.
Upcoming Dates this Month
7/9 (Tuesday), 6-9 PM
7/16 (Tuesday), 6-9 PM
7/23 (Tuesday), 6-9 PM
Mini Band Camp Day 1: 7/31 (Wednesday), 9 AM-2 PM
DCI Show Trip: 7/31 Evening
Mini Band Camp Day 2: (Thursday): 8/1, 9 AM-2 PM
DCI Show Trip
If you would like to attend, the form and payment is due to the band mailbox by TONIGHT. Please print and complete at this link:
Drum Corps International is the marching arts at the highest level! We are fortunate to attend this trip to watch the major league of marching give a performance virtually in our back yard on their national tour. DCI is what we use as a model for the structure of our band and will have a lineup you do not want to miss. ALL are welcome to attend, family and friends included! This year's corps includes:
The Cadets - Allentown, PA (see our Front Ensemble Arranger, Garrett Davis, in action as center marimba!)
Santa Clara Vanguard - Santa Clara, CA (2018 World Champions)
The Cavaliers - Rosemont, IL
Boston Crusaders - Boston, MA
Crossmen - San Antonio, TX
Jersey Surf - Camden County, NJ
If you still want to see what DCI is, check out either of these videos as a short preview.
SCV 2018 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4_j5W8-L3g
Cadets 2019 Marimba (Garrett cam!) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xd-muwXbBQ
Practice
This month is absolutely crucial to our development during the season and is not to be looked at as a joke or wasted time. The more time you put in outside of rehearsal, the more valuable rehearsal time will be. Revised Movement 1 parts will be out soon and we will begin to assign Video Assignments. Be prompt, have the required equipment, take care of your body and be healthy, and be ready for an amazing season!
Mike Massaro
Woodstown High School
Marching Band Director/Music Arranger
Jazz Band Director
Substitute Teacher