Monday, August 17, 2009

2nd Week of Band Camp (Recap)

After a hot, exhausting week of 8 to 5's, the band was able to successfully learn the drill for the entire show, and memorize the first song. Congratulations to all! This next week, we will be focusing on refining the music, and learning to effectively shape the sound of our band onto the field. Keep up the good work!
-Danny Holland
Drum Major

Friday, August 7, 2009

1st Week of Band Camp












































Thus began a wonderful season of marching band.
In the wind section, we were able to play the first two songs well and march the first 14 sets on the field. Make sure that you are bringing in water, gatorade, snacks, etc. Here are the themes for spirit week:
Monday: "When I Grow Up" day
Tuesday: Super Hero Day
Thursday: Cross-Dress Day
Friday: Mystery Day (Your section leader will explain more on that)

Here is the schedule for next week:
Monday: Band Camp 8-5
Tuesday: Band Camp 8-5
Wednesday: Freshman Kick-Off 8:45-? Band Camp 1-8
Thursday: Band Camp 8-5 First Performance immediately after
Friday Band Camp 8-5

Again, fantastic work, see you all on Monday.
-Danny Holland
Drum Major

Friday, July 3, 2009

Band Stuff

Hey band.

Don't forget, first summer practice is Thursday, July 9th from 7-9 pm. Please be there if you can, but if you have vacations or other priorities, then don't worry.

I will be at Christopher Newport University for the month of July without cell phone access, but you can email me at rctycoon135@comcast.net . I will not be available at any of the optional practices. If you have any questions, please contact any of the other leadership. I will be back for August practice, but I expect you all to be practicing the music. We have a lot to cover in August, and the more music we have down by then, the better.

Greg will most likely be updating the blog for me while I'm gone. Any questions, please see him.

Good luck with the music, and have a relaxing summer!

-Danny Holland
Drum Major

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Mini-Camp Success and What is left to come


Mini-Camp and Leadership tryouts are now complete! A special thanks to all of the new marchers who came out to see how fantastic being in the marching band can be. I was very impressed by the maturity and attitude of everyone who attended the camp.
The leadership is posted at the bottom of the blog page. Congratulations to all that who made leadership. I will try to find a time for all the leadership to get together.
One announcement: be sure that at least one of your parents are at the meeting in the Band Room at 7 o clock pm next Monday. The commitment fee of $65 will need to be deposited at this time. Checks can be made out to SHSMBBA. Hope to see you there!
Again, thank you for all of the success of this years' mini camp. This year is going to be a great year for the Marching Knights!

Danny Holland
Drum Major

Friday, May 22, 2009

New Stuff

Hey guys!
I hope that everyone is excited for the new rapidly-approaching season!
Please excuse my absence of bulletin-writing, but with all the testing going on, I was swamped.
First off: A BIG congratulations to all of our departing seniors! Thank you all for your hard work and dedication.
Second: Here are some important band dates: Next Tuesday and Thursday, the 26th and 28th, are after school rehearsals for the Concert and Symphonic Bands.
Next, I would like to remind all that the mini-camp days for Marching Band are June 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Please come if you can. Leadership camp will be incorporated into these days.
That's it for now. Good luck to those trying out for leadership and I will see you all in school!

-Danny Holland

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

New Stuff

Hey Band!
I have some updates.
There will be a band booster meeting on Monday April 6th. If you are going on the spring trip, please plan on attending. If you have a truly legitimate reason for not going, please get it cleared with Mr. P.

We will be leaving for the spring trip to Williamsburg on April 17th at 9:30 AM.
Plan on returning home by approximately 3:15PM on the 19th.

May 14th will be the Band Awards Banquet. Make sure that you come!


I am pleased to announce the Spotsylvania High School 2009-2010 Marching Band Show:


PICANTE

It's a pretty intense Latin show with some really sweet trumpet and drum sections! Check out the link in the top right to listen to the music.


There will be more about leadership camp and mini band camp soon. As the new season approaches rapidly, stay connected for the upcoming dates and events.

-Danny Holland
Student Director

Monday, March 9, 2009

Bingo


Due to snow, we weren't able to get the bingo packets to most of you until late last week. Remember the Vera Bradley/ Basket bingo will be this Saturday, March 14th, doors opening at 6:00 pm and beginning at 7. Remember, each band member and one adult must work a mandatory 2 bingo's. I believe that set-up begins around 4. Those who are also taking the SAT that day, there shouldn't be any conflict between the two.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Interested in Joining the Marching Band?

Great!
The SHS Marching Knights are more than just a band, it's a huge family!
If you go to Spotsylvania High School, then visit Mr. P in the band room at the end of the fine arts wing for more info about joining us for the 2009-2010 season. If you are a rising freshman from Post Oak or Spotsylvania Middle School, please talk to your band directors there. They will be more than happy to give you extra information.
The typical marching band consists of:
Wind Section: piccolos, flutes, clarinets, trumpets, mellophones, alto saxes, tenor saxes, bari saxes, bass clarinets, trombones, baritones, sousaphones (marching tuba).
Drumline: quads, snares, bass drums, cymbals
Pit: marimba, xylophone, and optional timpani, windchimes, bass guitar, etc.
Colorguard: flags, rifles, sabres, and majorettes (twirlers).
I would really like to see our low brass and pit grow this year. If you have played tuba, baritone, or french horn, then you could easily adapt to their marching equivalents. However, anyone who can play a band instrument or has any musical experience whatsoever is welcomed to learn and be part of the band.
If you have played xylophone, or even piano, it will be easy for you to learn how to play various pit equipment. Still having any questions? Then email me, Danny Holland, the student director at rctycoon135@comcast.net for more details.
PS: Attention Band Members! More info about the Spring Trip and Bingo soon!
-Danny Holland




Monday, March 2, 2009

Refurbished Blog




Hello everyone. I hope everyone is having a successful school year. I have refurbished the blog, and added a few new gadgets to it. Just a reminder, Marching Band photos will be on March 23rd, during the entire school day, in the band room. DON'T FORGET! We want ALL band, drum line, and color guard members to be in the portrait. If anyone has any band pictures from the past year that they would like to donate to me, it would be much appreciated.
Leadership Camp and Mini Band Camp are approaching rapidly. (only 2 months).
More about that when the time comes.
Have a safe and successful rest of the year. Come see me in school if you have any questions concerning band pictures. Thanks.
-Danny Holland