There is Something in the Air

This morning I tipped the blinds to illuminate the living room and was pleased to see bright sunshine! Spring? A few minutes later I glanced through another window to see thick fog! Bright, but visibility at 20-feet. Not long after that there were bits of bright blue breaking through. Spring is only a few weeks away!

This has me feeling something in the air...? My mind started putting together pieces of recent events and making leaps into the future. I have recently met with potential staff members for the Fall marching season, the Band Dance - with students from many band programs, the upcoming Spring Tour (Disneyland!) all started to roll pleasantly into a theme: another exciting season of marching band is coming.

I am the first to love concert season, but the marching season holds a special potential for getting the band-juices flowing. The Cougar Marching Band has a great season ahead in 2010 for several reasons. First, there will not be another change on the directors podium. (The current seniors deserve applause for breaking-in four directors during their SSHS years: Lopez, Lewis, Bartrum, Reynolds.) Second, the marching program will be carefully planned and executed both musically and visually. Third, the student leadership and marching staff component will be highly engaged prior to the season to ensure the most productive use of time during band camp and rehearsals. Lastly, the directors hosting marching contests have agreed to use the same judging procedures (rules, number of judges, etc.) resulting in a better opportunity for success in competition.

Overall, I awoke today to find that the marching season is calling louder as each week passes and the days continue to have more minutes of sunshine. This morning was a particularly loud call to select the music, hire the staff, and seriously plan for success in Fall 2010 on the marching field!

There is something in the air: excitement for a great season of intense music, success in competition, and Cougar Pride on the marching field in Fall 2010. Spring is coming. March is a busy month with the annual Zone Concert (3/11), Pre-Festival Concert (3/18), and Concert Band Festival (3/25-26). April we begin to get serious about the Fall field show music to be presented at the Spring Concert in May...and there is the thrill of performing at Disneyland!

So here we go, cougars: Spring is here this month, a busy round of concerts is upon us in March, and the future is brighter with every passing day. Go Cougar Bands!

Rehearse Then Dance

Today, Saturday, will be filled with activity for many Cougar Band members. First there is the Drumline and WinterGuard practice from 9am-3pm. The evening will be the Band Dance. Stephanie and Lynn have worked hard to get the many details worked out for this dance. With invitations to bands across northern Nevada this may be a 1st annual event if it is well attended. I am wishing a good time to be had by all that attend.

2 Hour Delay

It is so nice to have a relaxed morning enjoying the winter scene and a good Americano.

Tonight - Monday - is rehearsal for Drumline and Winter Guard.

Snow Day - - for church!

My pastor called to announce that church was cancelled as the parking lot can not be cleared!

I am enjoying the "day off" with quiet time at home. Looking at the snow is so peaceful.

Disney Parade - Cougar Band Approved!

I got a call today from Disney's Performing Arts Department to inform me that the Cougar Band has been approved/selected to march on Main Street in Disneyland on Friday, May 21st!

This is great news for the Cougar Band.

Flutes - Sonata Competition at UNR

Congrats to Christine for playing well two difficult pieces at the annual Sierra Flute Society "Sonata Competition" held in the UNR Nightingale Hall. She did a fine job playing. All Cougars can be proud to have dedicated students seeking the best opportunities to perform. Thanks Christine! She received 4th place in the Senior division.

Busy Saturday - Tomorrow

A hectic and fun day is in store for all Cougar Band members:

2:30pm - 7:00pm = Pep Band for both Girls & Boys Varsity "Last Home Games"
2:00pm = Drumline and WinterGuard practice begins

I am thrilled to have a busy Saturday featuring many SSHS Cougar Band members.

Rotary Contest - Success!

Thank you to each of the six (6) students that performed at the Rotary Music Contest held this morning at Red Hawk Event Center in Wingfield Springs:

• Branden $25
• Kevin $25
• Lauren $25
• Erik $50 - third place
• Quinton $100 - second place
• Michelle $200!! - first place

Spring Tour UPDATE

Check the Cougar Band website for new information about the tour. Letter given to every band student family ready to go! Bus SignUp posted in band room...make first payment to reserve bus seat! Disneyland Parade ---- here we come!

Full Orchestra - First Rehearsal

Cougar strings and band students combined forces today under the baton of Dr. Mariani to rehearse Dvorak's New World Symphony and a great arrangment Stravinsky's Firebird.

For a first rehearsal all went well. I am excited. This will be a huge crowd pleaser for the Washoe orchestra festival.

Booster Meeting Tonight - Spring Tour

Finalize the plans for spring tour (read: Disneyland trip), plan for winter guard and winter drumline, review upcoming concert season, graduation, fundraisers, and next marching season. Whew! Spring Tour gets top priority.

All invited.

Full Orchestra - First Practice

Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be the first rehearsal for Full Orchestra. This will be an amazing experience for strings and wind/percussion players. Repertoire: Antonin Dvorak's "New World Symphony" - 1st movement, and the "Bercuese and Finale" from the ballet Firebird by Igor Stravinsky. Real Music for Real Musicians.

2:45pm-4:00pm Tuesday, February 9th.

Jazz Sax Duet - A-OK!

I got a call late last night: Jazz Sax Duet approved and given a rating, award in the mail. What is the award? Blue? Red? - I do not know. We will wait for the school-mail to deliver it to SSHS. Then Shauna and Cayla can be happy; after being so disappointed receiving a "No Mark" rating.

The judge - who was excellent - thought that "jazz" music was not appropriate. That may be true in CA, but in NV - jazz duets, trios, etc. are A-OK!

Solo & Ensemble Festival - TOMORROW

Saturday, tomorrow, many Cougars will perform at the SSHS Auditorium and Choir Room. Solos, duets, trios, quartets, quintets and larger ensembles will be presented by the Cougars and our special guests - Lancers.

Drumline + Pep Band = Friday

Friday will be a busy day for the Cougar Band:

• Drumline 4:30pm load trailer, carpool to Reno High, 6pm perform
• Pep Band 6:00pm meet at band room, 6:30pm begin playing in Gym

Thanks for supporting the Cougar Band in all it does.

Booster Mtg. Postponed

Monday Feb. Meeting Postponed!

We will meet soon...watch for update on next meeting.

Disney Itinerary being finalized ASAP. - stay tuned.

Tuxedo Fits - Looks Good, too.

Thanks to all the uniform moms (Carrie, et. al.!) for your great help in getting the guys into tuxedos for concert season. It is a pleasure to have all this wonderful support for our great Cougar Band members.

Drumline to Perform!

This Friday (2/5) our very own Cougar Drumline will perform at the 1st Annual PIE (percussion individual and ensemble) SHOW at Reno High. The show starts at 6pm.

The drumline music is very cool: listen to it.

Instructors Joel Scrivner and Stephany Centeno are working the battery and pit respectively. Thanks!