Ram Band Update (7/5/11): Parade Wrap-Up

To all:

My sincere congratulations and appreciation to everyone for their hard work and dedication this week.  The beautiful weather during the middle of last week gave way to rain on Saturday.  Everyone accepted the challenge and put on a great performance Sunday.  Our new members stepped up to the plate and did a great job in their first week.  Congrats to everyone!  As we now look forward to the 2011 season, we know the potential within in us and where we need to grow starting in just 27 days.  That's right!  Our first pre-band camp rehearsal is Monday, Aug. 1 at 7:00PM. 

2010-2011 Ram Band Packets

Later this week, we will mail out the 2011-2012 Ram Band Packets.  Each packet will include information regarding: 2011-2012 Ram Band Calendar, Uniforms, Band Notes, Fees, Medical Forms, Band Ca mp Policies, Band Camp Permission, Code of Conduct, Parental Permission, and new for 2011, Charms.  Nearly all questions and concerns regarding rules and expectations are outlined within the packet.  Please read through everything carefully.

New for 2011-2012 - Charms Office

The Whitehall-Yearling Bands and Whitehall Instrumental Music Boosters Association are pleased to announce Charms Office.  Charms Office is an all-inclusive web resource package which is easily accessible from any web browser.  Charms includes tools for nearly every administrative and financial task encountered by the directors and WIMBA.  In addition, Charms is designed with personal security in mind.  No personal information is available without secure login.

Upon secure login, you will be able to view all current financial information including band camp, uniform, and other outstanding fees.  In addition, you will be able to view calendar events, volunteer for concession stand and chaperoning, upcoming events, instrument assignments, and download any misplaced handouts.

Every student will receive a personalized letter with secure login information with their band camp packet next week.  Please look over the "BLU E" Charms sheet and familiarize yourself.  I will make a full presentation of the major features during the Parent/Student Meeting on Thursday, Aug. 4 @ 6:30PM.

Band Room Closed until July 25

Mrs. Fletcher, Mr. Brough, and I will be on our respective vacations over the next few weeks.  There is no need to return a school-owned instrument.  We are available via email but won't check in at school until Monday July 25th.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe July and see you later this month!

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (6/27/11): Everyone Loves a Parade!!!

To all:

I hope everyone has enjoyed a few restful weeks.  This week 'unofficially' begins the 2011-2012 band season!!!  There are several events on the calendar as well as some updated information for your consumption.  

First; THIS WEEK:

• Monday, June 27: WIMBA Meeting @ WYHS Band Room - 6:30PM
• Tuesday, June 28: Rehearsal @ WYHS Band Room - 7:00-8:30PM
• Wednesday, June 29: Rehearsal @ WYHS Band Room - 7:00-8:30PM
• Thursday, June 30: Rehearsal @ WYHS Band Room - 7:00-8:30PM
• Friday, July 1: Rehearsal @ WYHS Band Room - 10:30AM -12:00PM 
• Saturday, July 2: 
• Rehearsal @ WYHS Band Room - 10:30AM-12:00PM
• Leadership Academy @ WYHS Band Room - 12:00PM-3PM - Squad Leader Applicants - SEE BELOW
• Sunday, July 3:
• Instrument Pick-up @ Band Room - 11:00AM-11:45AM: Anyone who needs to pick up their instrument before the parade can do so during the time frame listed above.
• Parade Line-Up @ Across from UDF - 12:00PM - All members are to report in Summer Uniform @ Noon!
• Parade Step-Off - 1:00PM

Ram Band Summer Uniforms

Beginning this Thursday, Ram Band summer uniform shirts & shorts will be available for purchase directly through the Uniform Room.  No order form submission is necessary.  Payment in full is required at time of purchase. Band Polos: $17.50 (S-XL), $19.50 (2XL-3XL).  Band Shorts: $15.00 (S-3XL).  Cash, Checks, or Money Orders are accepted and made payable to: WIMBA.

Schmidt's Update

Thank you to everyone who sent an email volunteering to work the Schmidt's booth this summer at several events.  We have two dates left which require more folks.  The dates below should be filled by Adult Volunteers ONLY.  (Both dates have band conflicts during our PreCamp and Band Camp schedule).  If any parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. are available to work; all earned money will go directly into your selected student's band account.  

Ohio State Fair

Wed Aug 3

5:30p-11:30p

4 slots available

Ohio State Fair

Sun Aug 7

9:00a-2:30p

4 slots available

Please let us know if you are available and interested!!!

2011 Band Camp & PreCamp Schedule

The yearly band mailing will be sent home late next week but go ahead and mark your calendars now with the following information:

• Mon, Aug. 1 - PreCamp Rehearsal - 7:00-8:30PM
• Tues, Aug. 2 - PreCamp Rehearsal - 7:00-8:30PM
• Wed, Aug. 3 - Fall Football Program Pictures - 7:00-7:30PM; PreCamp Rehearsal - 7:30-8:30PM
• Thu, Aug. 4 - Parent/Student Meeting & Potluck - 6:30PM
• Fri, Aug. 5 - PreCamp Rehearsal - 7:00-8:30PM
• Sun, Aug. 7 - DEPART FOR BAND CAMP
• Fri, Aug. 12 - RETURN FROM BAND CAMP; Parent Preview - 3:30PM

*** STUDENTS - Make sure you were socks and shoes for all practices!!! ***

If you have any questions, let me know.  See you Tomorrow!!!

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (5/31/11): Updated Summer Information

To all:

I hope everyone is enjoying your summer break so far.  The recent change in the weather has been a welcome transition into our break.  Get outside and enjoy the sunshine!!  (With sunscreen of course...)  Today's email will include some updates to previous information as well as 'new' items for your consumption.

Whitehall Independence Day Celebration - July 3rd, 2011

Just before school released, I learned that my first summer schedule was not accurate.  This year's Independence Day Celebration will indeed take place on July 3rd, 2011.  This means our rehearsal and performance schedule for the annual parade has been modified.  

Please mark your calendars accordingly:

• Tuesday, June 28: Rehearsal @ WYHS Band Room - 7:00-8:30PM
• Wednesday, June 29: Rehearsal @ WYHS Band Room - 7:00-8:30PM
• Thursday, June 30: Rehearsal @ WYHS Band Room - 7:00-8:30PM
• Friday, July 1: Rehearsal @ WYHS Band Room - 10:30AM -12:00PM  (*** RED WHITE AND BOOM - Downtown ***)
• Saturday, July 2: 
• Rehearsal @ WYHS Band Room - 10:30AM-12:00PM
• Leadership Academy @ WYHS Band Room - 12:00PM-3PM - Squad Leader Applicants - SEE BELOW
• Sunday, July 3:
• Instrument Pick-up @ Band Room - 11:00AM-11:45AM: Anyone who needs to pick up their instrument before the parade can do so during the time frame listed above.
• Parade Line-Up @ Across from UDF - 12:00PM - All members are to report in Summer Uniform @ Noon!
• Parade Step-Off - 1:00PM

Ram Band Summer Uniforms

Beginning the last week of June, Ram Band summer uniform shirts & shorts will be available for purchase directly through the Uniform Room.  No order form submission is necessary.  Payment in full is mandatory at time of purchase.  Cash, Checks, or Money Orders are accepted and made payable to: WIMBA.  No changes in pricing have occurred but I will send the pricing information later this month.

Schmidt's Update

Our next scheduled Schmidt's dates are for the Creekside Jazz & Blues Festival in Gahanna (June 17-19).  We have not received the exact number of slots available yet.  Those who have emailed me already will receive first priority.  I will email you directly with that information when it is made available to us.

2011 Ram Band Squad Leader Applicants

I've received many questions regarding the "next" step in the application process.  

• Step 1 was submitting your written application (35 applicants).  
• Step 2 Mini-Interviews which will take place the week of the July 4th practices.  I will post a sign up sheet for your mini-interviews.  Each interview is 5 minutes in length.  Mr. Brough and I will ask questions related to your written application.
• Step 3 Leadership Academy
• All squad leader applicants will take part in our first Leadership Academy from noon to 3PM on Saturday, July 2nd.  Several activities will take place to teach and reinforce the Ram Band method of leadership.  Applicants who submitted their applications by May 19th are required to attend for their applications to be valid.  *** Free Lunch for all Applicants ***
• Step 4 is your Playing Audition which takes place after the parade.  
• Playing Audition Requirements:
• Woodwinds & Brass: Bb, F, Eb, Ab Major scales, Fight Song '75, Alma Mater, Star Spangled Banner (All Memorized)
• Percussion: Warm Up Sequence, Fight Song '75, Parade Cadences (All Memorized)

2011 Drumline Summer Sessions

Four sessions are being offered during May/June; all Tuesday evenings 6-8PM @ the WYHS Band Room.  Please make your best effort to make all four sessions during May/June.

May 31 - 6:00-8:00PM (TODAY)
June 7 - 6:00-8:00PM
June 14 - 6:00-8:00PM
June 21 - 6:00-8:00PM

As always, please let me know if you have any questions.  

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (5/15/11): 2010-11 End-of-Year Wrap Up

To all:

This email serves as the last "Ram Band Update" for the 2010-2011 school year.  We will definitely send out updates over the summer so keep checking your email!!  There are only 4 days of school left but SEVERAL items needing our attention, please read carefully.

This week in Ram Band land:

• Monday - Candy Sale Closeout - The Spring Candy Sale is officially over.  Please sell any remaining candy bars and turn in all $$$ this week.  We'll distribute copies of your sales receipts once all accounts have been credited.  

• Monday - Drumline Auditions - Auditions for the 2011 WYHS Drumline are scheduled for tomorrow, May 16th beginning at 4:00PM.   Results will be posted following the band exam on Thursday.

• Monday - WIMBA Meeting - Tomorrow @ 6:30PM
  
  
• Wednesday - WYHS Final Exams

• Thursday - WYHS Final Exams - Band Final is 12:15-1:30PM.

• SUNDAY - WYHS Graduation - Aladdin Shrine Temple - The HS Band and 8th grade band will perform for the ceremony which begins at 2PM.  Students are to report to the HS Band room @ 12 noon.  Graduation is a formal event; therefore, members of the band must dress accordingly.  Formal dress is required:  Gentlemen – dress slacks or khakis, button-down shirt, tie, and dress shoes.  Ladies – pants or dress of knee length or longer, dress shoes, and blouse.  Athletic shoes, cargo pants, jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are not acceptable. 

Schmidts Fundraiser

Schmidt's German Restaurant; a Columbus institution, has presented an opportunity for our students and their family members to work their fundraising tents throughout the Columbus area for community festivals.  Any worker (student or family member) receives an hourly rate for their time.  That rate is applied directly to their WIMBA account; in turn, towards band camp.

 

Our final schedule is not set yet; but we have requested the following events:  Columbus Arts Festival (June 3-5), Creekside Jazz & Blues Festival-Gahanna (June 17-19), Red-White-Boom (July 1), Dublin Car Show (July 8-9), Good Guys Car Show (July 9-10), Jazz & Ribs Festival (July 22-24), and Ohio State Fair (July 27 - Aug 6).  

Please email me directly if you or anyone in your family is interested in working these events; all events/shifts are first come, first serve.

As always, if you have any questions, let me know.

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (5/3/11): Band Banquet, Drumline Auditions, & Graduation

To all:

Just a short email this week with a few reminders:

Band Banquet - Next Tuesday - 6:30PM - WYHS Auxiliary Gym

Next Tuesday evening is our annual Spring Awards Banquet for Concert, Symphonic, and Stage Band.  We will honor our accomplishments this year and wish our graduating seniors the very best in their next steps towards the future.  Remember, this is a "dessert" banquet.  We ask all families to bring a dessert to share with everyone.  

2011 Drumline Clinics & Auditions

All 8th grade percussionist and members of the 2010 Drumline have received this year's audition packet and clinic schedule.  This year's clinics are optional but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all returning members.  Clinics will be held: Tuesday - May 3, Thursday - May 5, Tuesday May 10, and Thursday May 12.  All clinic times are 3:15-4:30. 

Auditions are scheduled for Monday May 16 beginning at 4:00PM.  

Graduation - Sunday May 22 - Aladdin Shrine Temple

The HS Band and 8th grade band will perform for the ceremony which begins at 2PM.  Students are to report to the HS Band room @ 12 noon.  Graduation is a formal event; therefore, members of the band must dress accordingly.  Formal dress is required:  Gentlemen – dress slacks or khakis, button-down shirt, tie, and dress shoes.  Ladies – pants or dress of knee length or longer, dress shoes, and blouse.  Athletic shoes, cargo pants, jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are not acceptable. 

Don't forget to turn in your Coupon Books and any payments received!!!  Candy Sale will continue until next Friday, May 13.

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (4/27/11): Candy Sale!!!!

To all: 

Its that time again.  The 2011 Band Camp Candy Sale begins today!!!  All members of the Ramettes, Aries Guard, and Marching "Ram" Band who plan on returning and going to Band Camp have the opportunity to sell Anthony Thomas chocolate bars over the next 2.5 weeks.  

Candy will be distributed starting TODAY @ 3:00PM from the WYHS uniform room.  Each student can check out one bag of 30 bars at a time.  Each bag you pay off permits you to check out another bag.  You are financially responsible for the candy checked out.  

Each bag (30 bars) sold equals $15 toward your account.  There is no limit on selling candy bars.  Several members have completely paid for band camp selling candy.  

Payments in cash are recommended; but checks and money orders are accepted (made payable to: WIMBA).

*** SPECIAL NOTE *** - No candy is permitted to be sold during class time.  Lunches and after school ONLY.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (4/25/11): Kudos and Busy Weeks Ahead!

To all:

There are only 19 days of school left in the 2010-2011 academic year.  Its hard to believe everything started on July 23, 2010 with our Squad Leader meeting.  Before business, I'd like to hand out some 'kudos':

• Arts Festival/Popcorn Concert: Congratulations to all our student artists and musicians for a fantastic event on April 14th.  Its wonderful to showcase all the artistic talents of our students in one event!  

• Student Teachers: Thank you to Ms. Monasky and Mr. Slingerland for all their hard work with all our students.  They did a wonderful job working with our students 5th through 12th grade.  Both have a bright future in music education!

Band Camp 2011

As previously announced, Band Camp 2011 is scheduled for August 7-12 at Camp Willson.  Camp fees will be $230 per student.  All previous balances must be paid before any fundraising monies will be applied to this year's camp fees.  With that in mind, we have two upcoming fundraisers.  Please read below:

Fundraiser #1 - Anthony Thomas Candy Bars

Each student can sell 30 bars at a time.  For every 30 bars sold, $15 dollars goes toward their band account.  Several students have completely offset their band fees selling candy bars every Spring.  

 

Students can pick up their initial 30 bars.  Once we receive $30 for the initial bag, students can sign out another 30 bars.  The same process works for every successive bag.   There is NO limit for total number of bars sold.

 

Special Note: Candy Distribution will be through RMS (8th Grade Band) and WYHS Band Room (Ram Band Members).

Candy Bar distribution will be announced TOMORROW following tonight's WIMBA meeting.  

 

Fundraiser #2 – Schmidt's German Restaurant

 

Schmidt's German Restaurant; a Columbus institution, has presented an opportunity for our students and their family members to work their fundraising tents throughout the Columbus area for community festivals.  Any worker (student or family member) receives an hourly rate for their time.  That rate is applied directly to their WIMBA account; in turn, towards band camp.

 

Our final schedule is not set yet; but we will be requesting the following events:  Columbus Arts Festival, Creekside Jazz & Blues Festival-Gahanna, Red-White-Boom, Dublin Car Show, Good Guys Car Show, Jazz & Ribs Festival, and Ohio State Fair .  More information regarding Schmidt's will follow.

Back to business; lots to do in the next four weeks.  Verify your calendars!!!

• WIMBA Meeting - TONIGHT - 6:30PM:  We will be holding elections of officers and chairs this evening as well as planning the calendar for 2011-2012.  See you there!!!
• City of Whitehall Spring Clean Up - Saturday 4/30 - 10am-12pm: Each year, the city sponsors a community clean-up event.  Everyone meets at Whitehall Community Park and heads out to 'clean-up' the city.  Please take a couple hours out of your weekend to give back to the community!
• Spring Awards Banquet - Tuesday 5/10 - 6:30PM - Auxiliary Gym:  All "Ram" Band members and their families are invited to our Spring Awards banquet; celebrating our musical achievements throughout the year.  We will honor all classes and especially our seniors.  Several special awards will be given and a few surprises are in store!  Each family is asked to bring a dessert to share.
• Drumline Auditions:  Parker and I will communicate directly with 2010 Drumline members and current 8th grade percussionists regarding their clinics and auditions.  
• WYHS Spring Exams - May 18-19:  All WYHS students will complete their final exams Wednesday and Thursday May 18-19.  Keep on top of your studies and finish the year strong.
• WYHS Graduation - May 22 - 2:00PM - Aladdin Shrine Temple: The HS Band and 8th grade band will perform for the ceremony which begins at 2PM.  Students are to report to the HS Band room @ 12 noon.  Graduation is a formal event; therefore, members of the band must dress accordingly.  Formal dress is required:  Gentlemen – dress slacks or khakis, button-down shirt, tie, and dress shoes.  Ladies – pants or dress of knee length or longer, dress shoes, and blouse.  Athletic shoes, cargo pants, jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are not acceptable. 

Don't forget: WIMBA - TONIGHT @ 6:30PM!

Let me know if you have any questions.

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann