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Thursday, March 30, 2006
Other high school bands in the NCBF Parade
Torrington High School has a list of 6 of the 12 other high schools (with photos and links) that will be appearing in the NCBF Parade. Check out their web site for more information. 10 marching bands were selected by nationwide audition and 2 were selected from local D.C. high schools as part of an annual rotation of local bands (I am told).
According to the THS web site, the NCBF parade is ranked 3rd behind the Rose Bowl and Macy's Thanksgiving Day parades.
According to the THS web site, the NCBF parade is ranked 3rd behind the Rose Bowl and Macy's Thanksgiving Day parades.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
The band departs for Seattle on Tuesday, April 4th, and flies overnight to Dulles airport arriving around 7 am EST.
The return flights will arrive back at SeaTac Airport on Sunday evening, April 9th around 8:30 pm PST.
The buses from Seattle are expected to arrive back in Spokane at about 3:00 AM (yeah, that other 3 O'Clock!) on Monday, April 10th. Band trip participants will have NO SCHOOL on Monday, April 10th.
DURING THE TRIP, to the extent possible I will be posting updates and photos to this web site. I may not be able to make updates until Thursday but please visit this web site each day while the band is away. I intend to have photos posted here. Very short text updates will appear starting on the 4th.
ON APRIL 9TH I will update travel and time information to the weblog as we depart Dulles, arrive in Seattle, and then make our way across state to Spokane. The telephone tree will be activated during the night to alert you to changes and arrival back at West Valley High School.
UPDATE: We return to Seattle on April 9th, but will not be back to Spokane until 3 AM on April 10th.
SOMETIME AFTER the trip, I expect to have a DVD of the trip available. This DVD will be available for a donation to the Band Boosters. I am donating all costs, including the costs of the DVDs in exchange for your donation to the Band Boosters. This DVD will be professionally photographed, edited and mastered through my business Coldstreams.com. Watch this space for announcement of availability, as well as announcements at Band Boosters meetings and through the band.
The return flights will arrive back at SeaTac Airport on Sunday evening, April 9th around 8:30 pm PST.
The buses from Seattle are expected to arrive back in Spokane at about 3:00 AM (yeah, that other 3 O'Clock!) on Monday, April 10th. Band trip participants will have NO SCHOOL on Monday, April 10th.
DURING THE TRIP, to the extent possible I will be posting updates and photos to this web site. I may not be able to make updates until Thursday but please visit this web site each day while the band is away. I intend to have photos posted here. Very short text updates will appear starting on the 4th.
I HAVE CONFIGURED this web site so that I can post short messages from my cell phone's text messaging feature. This will enable me to post text updates (I am apparently the last person in the country who does not have a picture phone so I can only post text from my phone). Watch for short updates starting on April 4th.
ON APRIL 9TH I will update travel and time information to the weblog as we depart Dulles, arrive in Seattle, and then make our way across state to Spokane. The telephone tree will be activated during the night to alert you to changes and arrival back at West Valley High School.
UPDATE: We return to Seattle on April 9th, but will not be back to Spokane until 3 AM on April 10th.
SOMETIME AFTER the trip, I expect to have a DVD of the trip available. This DVD will be available for a donation to the Band Boosters. I am donating all costs, including the costs of the DVDs in exchange for your donation to the Band Boosters. This DVD will be professionally photographed, edited and mastered through my business Coldstreams.com. Watch this space for announcement of availability, as well as announcements at Band Boosters meetings and through the band.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
AP Courses update
A meeting will be held with superintendent Polly Crowley on Friday, March 24th at 5 pm at the District office on Argonne. Parents interested in either continuation of the AP program or wishing to express a viewpoint regarding gifted education or the way this matter has been handled in secrecy should attend.
Update: A group of parents and administrators met to discuss the AP and Running Start issues. It was, as the superintendent described it, "a real eye opener" regarding a breakdown in internal and external communications at the school and district. Gene Sementi will take ownership of a developing a plan to improve, strengthen and promote the AP program. Parents called the meeting and largely ran the meeting. Parents will establish a follow up meeting to proceed to the next steps.
The issue over what happens to classes next fall remains unresolved until all the registrations are turned in. Barb Hahto said that AP courses have never been "not offered" due to low enrollment, although the administration is still sticking by it's desire to avoid low enrollment AP courses. We hope that promotion will be used to increase enrollments rather than just "not offering" low enrolled courses.
Update: A group of parents and administrators met to discuss the AP and Running Start issues. It was, as the superintendent described it, "a real eye opener" regarding a breakdown in internal and external communications at the school and district. Gene Sementi will take ownership of a developing a plan to improve, strengthen and promote the AP program. Parents called the meeting and largely ran the meeting. Parents will establish a follow up meeting to proceed to the next steps.
The issue over what happens to classes next fall remains unresolved until all the registrations are turned in. Barb Hahto said that AP courses have never been "not offered" due to low enrollment, although the administration is still sticking by it's desire to avoid low enrollment AP courses. We hope that promotion will be used to increase enrollments rather than just "not offering" low enrolled courses.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Vote
Do not forget to turn in your mail in ballot (this election is exclusively by mail) by end of day, March 14th. The three items on the ballot this Tuesday are a WVSD "Operations and Maintenance Levy", a "Technology levy" (More information here) and a Spokane Valley Fire Department levy.
Talkin' Trash
The percussion line performed an improptu "Talkin Trash" at the Saturday night band fund raiser auction in the cafeteria. This performance, last month, at the regional Solo and Ensemble Festival, was selected to perform at the State Solo and Ensemble Festival this spring.
This video was recorded by Krystal Carter using the video mode of a digital still camera.
An Internet connection of 500 kbps or faster is recommendeded for best viewing. Windows Media format is recommended for Windows Internet Explorer users. Real Player format is recommended for Firefox, Mac OS X and Linux computer users.
This video was recorded by Krystal Carter using the video mode of a digital still camera.
An Internet connection of 500 kbps or faster is recommendeded for best viewing. Windows Media format is recommended for Windows Internet Explorer users. Real Player format is recommended for Firefox, Mac OS X and Linux computer users.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Mead HS Bands has a new web site
Mead HS has a new bands website and a new address www.meadbands.org (kinda like ours!) and a new weblog covering their band activities. Check them out.
Media updates
The media coverage page has been updated with the latest.
Note: Media page last updated on Sunday, March 12th.
Note: Media page last updated on Sunday, March 12th.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Traveling to D.C. with cameras
Put all valuables in your carry-on - not your checked luggage. This includes cameras, MP3 or CD players. Checked luggage CAN NOT be locked - if you lock it, the security staff will cut your locks, if needed, to inspect your luggage.
Do NOT pack any film - exposed or unexposed in CHECKED luggage. Always put film in your carry-on baggage. Checked luggage is now being scanned with X-ray equipment that damages film - carry-on baggage is x-rayed at the security gate with equipment that should not cause damage to most film. If you use "high speed" film with an ISO rating of say 800 or 1600, you should request that you film be hand checked at the gate. If you put film in a clear plastic bag, it makes it easy for them to see what you've got. (But who uses film anymore? Everyone seems to have switched to digital.)
Digital still camera memories are unaffected by X-ray security equipment. However, it is strongly recommended that you carry on all valuables, if possible, such as cameras. More information here.
Video tape, either analog or digital, is unlikely to be affected by airport x-ray machines.
Each airline specifies its own carry-on baggage limits. We won't know what those limits are until we know which airline is transporting us to D.C. As a pretty consistent rule, most airline restrict you to one carry-on item of 22" by 14" by 9" outside dimensions. They typically permit one additional "personal item" which could be a purse or very small camera bag.
Do NOT pack any film - exposed or unexposed in CHECKED luggage. Always put film in your carry-on baggage. Checked luggage is now being scanned with X-ray equipment that damages film - carry-on baggage is x-rayed at the security gate with equipment that should not cause damage to most film. If you use "high speed" film with an ISO rating of say 800 or 1600, you should request that you film be hand checked at the gate. If you put film in a clear plastic bag, it makes it easy for them to see what you've got. (But who uses film anymore? Everyone seems to have switched to digital.)
Digital still camera memories are unaffected by X-ray security equipment. However, it is strongly recommended that you carry on all valuables, if possible, such as cameras. More information here.
Video tape, either analog or digital, is unlikely to be affected by airport x-ray machines.
Each airline specifies its own carry-on baggage limits. We won't know what those limits are until we know which airline is transporting us to D.C. As a pretty consistent rule, most airline restrict you to one carry-on item of 22" by 14" by 9" outside dimensions. They typically permit one additional "personal item" which could be a purse or very small camera bag.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
March 11th - fundraising auction
The annual "spring" auction will be held early this year, on March 11th, to raise funds for the D.C. trip. The event will be held at West Valley High School beginning at 5 pm.
In addition to the auction, dinner is available. Dinner tickets are $5 for lasagna, salad and bread. Those under 5 eat free.
Set up for the auction will take place beginning Friday evening and continue on Saturday. Your help is needed! If you can help make signs to direct visitors to parking and the auction location, that too would be helpful. Contact Kaye, Judy or Nancy Klein. (Due to the high school remodel project, be sure to park only in the approved locations such as the large lot on the north side. Do not park on the road in the "congested area" immediately in front of the cafeteria or "temporary school office entrance" on the west side.)
If you have new items or know of merchants who can donate items (valued $15 or more), please let us know!
Students should have received 3x5 cards with names of businesses they should visit/call to seek donations for the auction. However, the remainder of this week (Wednesday on), members of the Pep Band are in Tacoma, WA for the state basketball finals and will not be able to do much until they return. Parents can help here!!!!! (Congrats to the WVHS Boys Basketball team for winning the #1 seed position.)
D.C. Trip update
Leave Spokane April 4th - return April 9th. Parade is in the nation's capitol on April 8th.
Students and most parents will travel by bus from WVHS to SeaTac Airport, Seattle and then fly non-stop overnight to D.C.
As of Monday night, approval was given to authorize the purchase of airline tickets. There has been a slight increase in the total trip price due to a variety of issues including airfare/fuel charges, hotel changes, changes in the number of travelers, bus sizes required in D.C., and our inability to deliver all of our funds to EDT in a timely manner.
Some questions I have heard from students and parents are:
1. How many students are going? The unofficial word I received is that ten students were confirmed as not going (for any of various reasons).
2. How much money have we raised? From the poster on the wall, apparently about $60,000. Business donations have totaled around $2,000 to $3,000 combined, less than we had hoped for. We still have a major raffle ticket sales event underway, plus the upcoming auction.
3. How many total are going? I do not know but one parent had called EDT about adding on additional adult travelers and was told that there were just 2 available slots left. The total number of "slots" are pretty much determined by seats on the tour buses in D.C.
Corporate and Business Donations
It is not too late for us to continue seeking sponsorships. If you know of possible business contacts, please contact Director of Bands, Jim Loucks urgently.
Sponsoring businesses, depending of level of support, may have their names listed as a sponsor on the new Eagle Marching Band equipment bus, as well as other benefits.
The equipment bus is undergoing renovation, and work will really ramp up as materials are acquired. The bus will be all set to go by Fall Field Show competition season, and will likely be ready before then.
I will try to get the sponsorship letter and other information here on the web site sometime next week. I injured my back in January when I had intended to get this information online and it has since sort of slid right on by.
In addition to the auction, dinner is available. Dinner tickets are $5 for lasagna, salad and bread. Those under 5 eat free.
Set up for the auction will take place beginning Friday evening and continue on Saturday. Your help is needed! If you can help make signs to direct visitors to parking and the auction location, that too would be helpful. Contact Kaye, Judy or Nancy Klein. (Due to the high school remodel project, be sure to park only in the approved locations such as the large lot on the north side. Do not park on the road in the "congested area" immediately in front of the cafeteria or "temporary school office entrance" on the west side.)
If you have new items or know of merchants who can donate items (valued $15 or more), please let us know!
Students should have received 3x5 cards with names of businesses they should visit/call to seek donations for the auction. However, the remainder of this week (Wednesday on), members of the Pep Band are in Tacoma, WA for the state basketball finals and will not be able to do much until they return. Parents can help here!!!!! (Congrats to the WVHS Boys Basketball team for winning the #1 seed position.)
D.C. Trip update
Leave Spokane April 4th - return April 9th. Parade is in the nation's capitol on April 8th.
Students and most parents will travel by bus from WVHS to SeaTac Airport, Seattle and then fly non-stop overnight to D.C.
As of Monday night, approval was given to authorize the purchase of airline tickets. There has been a slight increase in the total trip price due to a variety of issues including airfare/fuel charges, hotel changes, changes in the number of travelers, bus sizes required in D.C., and our inability to deliver all of our funds to EDT in a timely manner.
Some questions I have heard from students and parents are:
1. How many students are going? The unofficial word I received is that ten students were confirmed as not going (for any of various reasons).
2. How much money have we raised? From the poster on the wall, apparently about $60,000. Business donations have totaled around $2,000 to $3,000 combined, less than we had hoped for. We still have a major raffle ticket sales event underway, plus the upcoming auction.
3. How many total are going? I do not know but one parent had called EDT about adding on additional adult travelers and was told that there were just 2 available slots left. The total number of "slots" are pretty much determined by seats on the tour buses in D.C.
Corporate and Business Donations
It is not too late for us to continue seeking sponsorships. If you know of possible business contacts, please contact Director of Bands, Jim Loucks urgently.
Sponsoring businesses, depending of level of support, may have their names listed as a sponsor on the new Eagle Marching Band equipment bus, as well as other benefits.
The equipment bus is undergoing renovation, and work will really ramp up as materials are acquired. The bus will be all set to go by Fall Field Show competition season, and will likely be ready before then.
I will try to get the sponsorship letter and other information here on the web site sometime next week. I injured my back in January when I had intended to get this information online and it has since sort of slid right on by.
