Ram Band Update (8/30/10): Week 2 - Away vs. Bloom Carroll

To all:

How bout those Rams!!!  Congratulations to our Rams football team!!!  Great job guys!  It was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the game.

Kudos to Squad 2 - our honor squad for Week 1.  Great job!!!  All your hard work paid off.

Please read carefully and communicate clearly!

• Tuesday - Ram Band Study Tables:  We had a strong group of students working diligently last Tuesday.  I'd love to see 10 more students there tomorrow.  Remember; your teachers will be increasing the rigor of your classes.  Plan effectively; execute diligently.

• Thursday - Music Checks: Don't forget students!!! Last week was your one freebie music check.  This week - Music Checks are for real!!!  The following songs will be checked:  The Pretender, Bad Romance, Ain't Nothing Wrong With That, 4 Minutes, and Thnks fr th Mmrs.  Some of these songs will NOT be rehearsed before Thursday.  It is your responsibility to PRACTICE ON YOUR OWN.  If you need practice or memorization help; ask your squad leader or a director.

• Thursday - Evening Sectionals/Rehearsal:  We had a great start last week.  All our sections worked hard towards our performances.  Don't forget to work on ALL your music during your sectionals.  Attendance is due @ 6:05PM.  Athletes: make sure you communicate with me if you have a conflict.

• Friday Night - Away vs. Bloom Carroll (Kick Off - 7:30PM):  We hit the road this week and head down US 33 towards Lancaster.  The Rams face off against the Bulldogs of Bloom Carroll.  We'll perform the Band Camp show this week.  Here are the directions:  Whitehall-Yearling HS to Bloom Carroll HS

UNIFORM:

Friday: SUMMER

BAND CALL:

Friday (Bloom Carroll game): 5:30PM 

Open Band Room (M-F 3-5:30PM): The band room is open every day of the week until 5:30PM.  Students are HIGHLY encouraged to use this time to practice their music or work on homework.  Tuesday is reserved for Ram Band Study Tables; but every other day is completely open.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me immediately.

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (8/23/10): Week 1 - Home vs. Fisher Catholic

To all:

First off; congratulations to everyone for creating a game atmosphere last Friday night.  Our "halftime" performance was much stronger than two weeks ago at the Parent Preview; but it still needs more attention to detail.  The music we MUCH MUCH stronger but, we had some mental errors in our marching.  We need to focus even more this week and eliminate those little errors.

Its hard to believe this is only Week 1 of the 2010 performance schedule.  Just think; the 2010 Aries Guard, Ramettes, and Marching "Ram" Band started rehearsals four weeks ago!!!  We have a great calendar of performances ahead of us!!!  

We have a busy week ahead.  Please read carefully and communicate clearly!

• Tuesday - Ram Band Study Tables:  We had a strong group of students working diligently last Tuesday.  I'd love to see 10 more students there tomorrow.  Remember; your teachers will be increasing the rigor of your classes.  Plan effectively; execute diligently.

• Thursday - Music Checks: Don't forget students!!! Last week was your one freebie music check.  This week - Music Checks are for real!!!  The following songs will be checked: Star Spangled Banner, The Pretender, Bad Romance, Ain't Nothing Wrong With That, 4 Minutes, and Thnks fr th Mmrs.  Some of these songs will NOT be rehearsed before Thursday.  It is your responsibility to PRACTICE ON YOUR OWN.  If you need practice or memorization help; ask your squad leader or a director.

• Thursday - Evening Sectionals/Rehearsal:  We had a great start last week.  All our sections worked hard towards our performances.  Don't forget to work on ALL your music during your sectionals (especially.... FIGHT SONG '75, HEY SONG and HEY BABY)  Attendance is due @ 6:05PM.  Athletes: make sure you communicate with me if you have a conflict.

• Friday - Ram Band Tour: This Friday, Aug. 27, is our annual Ram Band Tour of Whitehall.  The Ram Band, Aries Guard, and Ramettes will travel to each elementary school to perform a concert in support of recruiting for the 5th grade band program.  All members will be released from class at 8:00AM and we will return to WYHS at 12:30PM.  Each student will need to bring money for lunch on Main St.  See below for uniform information.  (ECC/FCC students: I will email your schools later today.)

• Friday Night - Home vs. Fisher Catholic:  The 2010 football season will kick off this Friday evening at home as our Rams take on the Fighting Irish of Fisher Catholic.  We will perform the 2010 Pre-Game Show as well as our Band Camp Show.  Let's start the 2010 football season right and cheer on the Rams to a WIN!!!

UNIFORMS:

Friday (Ram Band Tour): SUMMER

Friday Eve (Fisher Catholic game): SUMMER

BAND CALL:

Friday (Ram Band Tour): Check into 1st period; THEN report to Band Room.  (Late start Seniors - check in w/ Mr. Herrmann)

Friday Eve (Fisher Catholic game): 6:00PM 

Open Band Room (M-F 3-5:30PM): The band room is open every day of the week until 5:30PM.  Students are HIGHLY encouraged to use this time to practice their music or work on homework.  Tuesday is reserved for Ram Band Study Tables; but every other day is completely open.

Great Traditions: - Honor Squad:  Each week; we will recognize students and their dedication to excellence who are demonstrating P.R.I.D.E. in rehearsals and on the field.  Honor Squad is taken from nominations by the squad leaders and auxiliary officers.  The directors will then keep an eye on the nominees to see who is demonstrating their best.  The winning squad will be recognized during the half time show each week and receives special privileges.

Miami University Band Day - GROUP TICKETS:  Don't forget! Group Tickets orders for the 54th Annual High School Band Day @ Miami University (September 11) are due this Friday.  $10 per seat; cash or checks payable to: WIMBA.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me immediately.

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band FUNdraiser: "Eat Wings; Raise Funds"

To all:

I have asked WIMBA to set a long term fundraising goal to purchase new uniforms for the Marching "Ram" Band.  These uniforms will debut when the new Whitehall-Yearling High School opens in just a few short years.  This project is very meaningful and everyone in the Ram Band family has the opportunity to make this a reality.

I'm proud to announce that WIMBA has entered into a fundraising partnership with BW3's on Broad Street.  As part of their "EAT WINGS; RAISE FUNDS" program, BW3's will donate 10% of all pre-taxed food sales (less alcohol and promotional discounts) from any guest that presents the fundraising ticket.  Fundraising tickets will be handed out at the football games to anyone who is interested.

Our "EAT WINGS; RAISE FUNDS" dates are Friday's after Whitehall football games (except 10/1 & 10/8 - due to extended travel).  All students, parents, families, and friends are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to make their way to BW3's after the games.  

"EAT WINGS; RAISE FUNDS" starts TOMORROW NIGHT!!! 

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (8/18/10): First 5 Day Week

To all:

My apologies for the tardiness of my weekly update; details for this Friday needed to be ironed out.  There are several events this week; please read carefully.

• Tomorrow - Thursday Night Rehearsal:  Sectionals begin at 6PM with attendance reported to Mr. Herrmann by 6:05PM.  Band is a co-curricular; therefore all in-school and after school events are mandatory and directly effect your grade.  To receive full credit, you must be present throughout all of sectionals and rehearsal. Any and all absences or tardies fall under the Attendance section of the 2010-2011 Handbook.  Athletes must report any conflicts prior to the end of school Thursday.  It is the students' responsibility to communicate clearly with their band directors and coaches.   (Students: Do not eat before practice tomorrow.  Our new pizza supplier will be providing everyone a free pizza to try.)

• Friday - Band Football Program Photos: Pictures for the 2010 football program will be taken during band on Friday.  All Aries Guard, Ramettes, and Marching "Ram" Band members should bring their SUMMER UNIFORM to school Friday.  We will change at the beginning of class and head over to the stadium.  In addition to the full band, Aries Guard, and Ramette photos; seniors will have their individual pictures taken.  

• Friday: Ram Band Fan Night - As part of our on-going new uniform project and in conjunction with the WYHS Athletic Department; we will be having "Ram Band Fan Night" here at the stadium.  Admission to the football scrimmage is FREE.  The concession stand will be open for everyone.  To support the new uniform project; we will accept donations of any amount and in exchange, you will receive a static sticker to place in your front window showing your support of the Ram Band.  This fundraiser will run throughout the 2010-11 school year at every home event involving the Marching "Ram" Band.  

Ram Band Fan Night

Uniform: SUMMER (Band Polo, Band Shorts, white socks, white shoes)

** White shoes ONLY ** (no grey or black shoes are accepted)

Call: 6:00 PM

As always, email any questions.

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (8/15/10): Technology Update

To all:

 

The last few years we’ve taken baby steps to move the “Ram” Band into the 21st Century.  Several people have offered their assistance in this venture and we appreciate it!

 

With that in mind, I’ve set out three technology goals:

1.       Decrease our reliance on printed media (paper, paper, paper)

2.       Increase our reliance on electronic communication

3.       Lower costs of communication

 

All three goals are quite important to our entire band community (directors, staff, WIMBA officers, chaperones, students, and families).  Our phones, smart phones, and computers have set an expectation of lightning quick access to information.  To continue our transition to electronic communication, we’ve created two resource options.  One is accessible through the web; the other only requires a cell phone with SMS (texting).

 

 

Option 1: Marching “Ram” Band Blog (http://whitehallbands.blogspot.com)

 

This website is accessible 24 hours day through your web browser.  Currently, it offers three resources of information: (1) All “Ram Band Updates” are copied and posted there; (2) The entire Ram Band calendar is available online; and, (3) our Twitter feed.  The blog offers the option to access all these resources any time; especially if you accidently click “Delete” after you read the latest update e-mail.

 

 

Option 2: “Ram” Band on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/@wyhsramband)

 

Our twitter feed contains concise information regarding events in the immediate future.  For example: a Ram Band Twitter post would include: Band Call, Uniform, and other important information for a band event that evening.  Just a few short days ago (Aug. 10); Twitter introduced "Fast Follow" as an option for anyone who wishes to follow a particular feed but they themselves do not want to sign up for an account on Twitter.  Once you have set your cell phone to follow our Twitter account; all posts will be automatically sent to your phone immediately.  No need to sign on the web or create an account.  Standard messaging rates apply, but many of us already have unlimited messaging. 

 

If you are interested in following the "Ram" Band Twitter feed, text ‘follow wyhsramband’ to 40404 from your cell phone.  You will receive a response similar to: "Welcome to Twitter!  You're now following @wyhsramband and you'll receive their Tweets on your phone."

 

 

Don’t worry; everyone will continue to receive our weekly “Ram Band Updates” throughout the school year.  These two new options will increase our speed and clarity of communication.

 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me immediately.

 

GO RAMS!!!

 

Mr. Herrmann

 

 

Ram Band Update: 2010-2011 School Year Begins!!!

To Everyone:

 

The 2010 Band Camp was a success!  The entire staff was very proud of all the hard work each and every student put forth despite all the obstacles this year’s schedule and Mother Nature dealt.  I trust everyone got plenty of sleep this weekend. 

 

This week in Ram Band Land:

1. School Resumes TOMORROW:  I’m excited to start the new school year and continue all our hard work from Band Camp.  Just a reminder that band meets 12^th period each day and you must have proper marching attire each and every day.  You may change from pants to shorts; but it must be done as fast as possible and on your way to band.  Once you arrive in the band room, you are there.  Attendance will be taken 2 minutes after the bell rings; which means you are: IN YOUR SEAT and READY TO GO.  Anyone arriving after the 2 minute grace period will be counted as tardy and marked in Progressbook accordingly.
2. Thursday Night Sectionals/Rehearsals begin NEXT WEEK.  Sectionals begin at 6PM with attendance reported to Mr. Herrmann by 6:05PM.  Band is a co-curricular; therefore all in-school and after school events are mandatory and directly effect your grade.  To receive full credit, you must be present throughout all of sectionals and rehearsal. Any and all absences or tardies fall under the Attendance section of the 2010-2011 Handbook.  Athletes must report any conflicts prior to the end of school Thursday.  It is the students’ responsibility to communicate clearly with their band directors and coaches.
3. Ram Band Fan Night – This Friday - August 13 – is officially postponed.  It has been marked on your calendar for this Friday and next, Aug. 20.  Details for next Friday are forthcoming.  To be clear: All Ram Band, Aries Guard, and Ramettes are FREE this Friday night.

 

Special Note: You should expect to receive a Ram Band Update each Monday or Tuesday with the week’s events and schedule.  Please read carefully.

 

Again, great job to all our students for their hard work and special thanks to our parents and counselors for their support throughout camp.

 

GO RAMS!!!

 

Mr. Herrmann