Cougar Web Update

I want to formally invite people to view the Cougar Band WEB at www.sshscougarband.org. Use this site for checking schedules, listening to band music, viewing photos and video, and reading about the band.

Thanks for Mark Rauh for providing excellent photo images for use on the web page. Expect many more cool images, audio, and video to be posted as band camp gets underway.

Drum Major Workout

Today Michelle and Stephanie - drum majors for the Cougar Band - worked, organized, and planned for the 2009 season. All the extreme effort resulted in a major step forward for the SSHS Band room and band trailer. These two - and their fellow DM Quinton - will be working on memorizing the music and developing conducting technique.

Bass Drums are officially ordered! Yea! Also, mallets, drum heads, shoes, and gloves!

Currently there are more than 110 band members enrolled in the Cougar Band. Spread the word that this 2009 marching season will ROCK. Get everybody on the bandwagon. (pun intended)

First Bass - Battery Drum Order

Pun intended. First, Bass drums will be delivered next month as that is the most immediate need of the battery percussion. These Pearl-brand bass drums will complete a partial set already owned by SSHS Band. A careful examination of the current bass drums revealed cracks and splits in four of five drum shells and only two undamaged rims.

After the bass drums order is processed, a subsequent order of tenor drums and snare drums will provide the SSHS Drum Line with awesome equipment allowing the well-worn Yamaha equipment to be retired. A formal retirement ceremony will be scheduled to honor the passing of such dedicated instruments that have served many students and the entire band for nearly a decade. ;-)

Uniforms Ordered - !!!

Today I completed the paperwork for new SSHS Cougar Band uniforms from Fred J. Miller. This is called an "Add-on Set" meaning the uniforms are exactly the same as the current inventory in color and design. This order is for complete uniforms including shakos (hats), hat box, plumes, bibs (pants), jackets, and baldric (sashy-sparkly-thingy). The planned arrival date is before the UNR "Sierra Classic" which is the Nevada State Championship. Until these new uniforms arrive the Cougar Band will make due as in past years using all-black for some band members.

Making a List, Checking it Twice

Another successful day was had by all at the SSHS Band Room prepping instruments, music, and uniforms for marching season 2009.

With the careful assistance of Ms. Cruz (drum instructor) the order for battery percussion was finalized. Hunter, Jerry, and Brandon kept very busy organizing the room, tuning timpani, fixing mallet carts, and much more. Stephanie and Lauren (Brandon, too) worked on brass and woodwind instruments. GG checked for detailed needs of woodwind instruments.

A highlight for me was spending quality time with both (!) principals and a quick meeting with the athletic director.

Stephanie went home with a wind score and Ms. Cruz a percussion (pit/battery) score. My confidence in the success of the 2009 marching season continues to grow as I witness first hand the willing support of students, parents, administrator, and staff. Go Cougars!

Mr. R

Staff Update

I am pleased Aaron Hines has agreed to function as the SSHS Cougar Band field show "consultant". His duties will include functioning as a show evaluator at specified rehearsals. Mr. Hines will provide an "outside" opinion on the continued development of the show design and execution. His insight will be valued as a resource for establishing excellence in the Cougar Band.

Getting Ideas for SSHS Show

I took a road trip to Utah to watch DCI drum corps at Weber State U. Also, I will be attending the EDGE! and eNVision performance today at UNR student union at 3pm. All this is stimulating great ideas for the design of the SSHS contest field show performance.

Getting Ready to GO!

Today I have been settling into the band room and band office. This includes going through every drawer and cabinet. I found a giant unopened box of Rice Krispies Treats which I have managed to not open...yet!

Boosters: Tonight I will meet with Boosters for the first time.
Staff: Still working on building a complete staff of highly skilled and motivated coaches.

Band Handbook

I have been working on a comprhensive band handbook that will provide much needed information to band members and parents. The final version of the 2009-10 Band Handbook will be available online. What will the Band Handbook contain? Detailed information about contests, practices, band camp, classes, what to weark, costs, trips, and much more.

New Band Directors starts BLOG

I am pleased to be the band director of Spanish Springs High School band program including the MARCHING Band, Drum Line, and Color Guard.

I look forward to developing a great marching program for 2009.