Ram Band Update (9/28/10): Week 6 - Away @ Heath & Logan Band Festival

To all:

Homecoming 2010 was a success!  A great group of alumni came back to march with the Ram Band this year.  Thanks so much to the alumni!!!  The Jackson Apple Festival was also a success; all told, we brought home three trophies this year:  2nd Place Marching Band; 2nd Place Flag Corp; and, 1st Place Auxiliary Unit (Ramettes).  Congratulations to everyone!!!  

We have two weeks of football games on the road.  We'll also perform at the Logan Fall Festival of Bands this Saturday.  This week is not as busy as the last two week; but still plenty to do.  Read carefully!

• TUESDAY - Ram Band Study Tables - 3:30-5:30PM: Interim grade reports are coming out very very soon!  Keep on top of your homework and upcoming quizzes/tests.  Manage your time effectively!!!  We, the band staff, are here to help all students.  Ask for help if you need it!!!

• THURSDAY - Sectionals/Rehearsal - 6:00-9:00PM:  We're back to the Band Camp show this week.  We will perform it at Heath this Friday and Saturday at the Logan Band Festival.  Attendance is due @ 6:05PM.  Athletes: make sure you communicate with me if you have a conflict.

• FRIDAY - Away @ Heath:  We are on the road this week versus Heath.  Remember; WE ARE THE RAMS.  Cheer on our team and do your best!

• SATURDAY - Logan Fall Festival of Bands - 6:00PM: After taking the 2009 season off, we're returning to Logan this year.  Mr. North, Logan's band director, is very excited to have us back.  There's a special bonus this year!!  The Ohio University Marching 110 will be performing as the "Feature Band" at this year's festival.  It should be a great evening of music and marching.

Logan Fall Festival of Bands (Performance Schedule)

6:00 Logan Band - Pre-Game, National Anthem

6:15 Fisher Catholic

6:25 Nelsonville-York

6:35 Unioto

6:45 New Lexington

6:55 Licking Valley

7:05 Tecumseh

7:15 Oak Hill

7:25 Olentangy Orange

7:35 Whitehall-Yearling

7:45 Gahanna Lincoln

7:55 Logan

8:05 Ohio University Marching 110

8:20 All Bands Mass on Field for Trophy Presentations

FRIDAY (Away @ Heath)

Call: 5:30PM

Return: 11:15PM

Uniform: WINTER

SATURDAY (Logan Band Festival)

Call: 3:30PM

Return: 10:15PM

Uniform: WINTER

As always, if you have any questions, please send me an email.

Go Rams!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (9/24/10): Homecoming & Jackson Itineraries

To all:

Homecoming 2010 is here!!!  Despite the weather on Wednesday, the Homecoming Parade was well attended.  Nice job to everyone for being on top of everything.  There's a lot going on today and tomorrow; read everything carefully.

• FRIDAY - PEP RALLY: Later today is the Homecoming Pep Rally.  Ramettes and Aries Guard will perform.  We help create the culture of school spirit and support our Rams as they take on Licking Valley tonight!

• FRIDAY - HOMECOMING GAME 2010 vs. Licking Valley:  The Rams will square off against Licking Valley for this year's Homecoming game.  There is SPECIAL EARLY REHEARSAL (5:30-6:15PM) to incorporate any alumni who haven't been able to attend the previous rehearsals.  This rehearsal is mandatory; CALL: 5:15PM

• FRIDAY - AFTER THE GAME - "EAT WINGS RAISE FUNDS!!!": Our weekly fundraiser at BW's continues tonight after the game.  10% of food sales is given back to the band to help with our new Uniform Project.  Hope to see you there!!!

• SATURDAY - STATEHOUSE PICTURES:   Tomorrow is our trip to the Statehouse for the formal band photos as well as our parade competition in the Jackson Apple Festival Parade.  CALL: 12:45PM  We will depart WYHS in full uniform (SENIORS NEED THEIR GLOVES!!!!); exit busses at the Statehouse; take our formal photos for the 2010 season; take a SHORT break; get back on the busses; and head down to Jackson.  

• SATURDAY - JACKSON APPLE FESTIVAL:  Students will need street clothes for their free time in Jackson.  It will be much COOLER tomorrow; high of 74 in Jackson.  Dress accordingly.  While I'm not requiring students to wear their polos, I want everyone to wear something WHITEHALL.  Students will have approx. 1.5 hours of free time to enjoy the festival.  They will need money for dinner in Jackson.  We will return to the busses, dress, and line up for the parade.  The parade steps off at 7:45PM.  If we depart Jackson in a timely manner, we will stop in at the McDonalds in Chillicothe for a late night snack.  ONLY IF WE DEPART QUICKLY!!!! 

FRIDAY

Call: 5:15PM  (** SPECIAL REHEARSAL WITH ALUMNI @ 5:30 **)

Uniform: WINTER

SATURDAY Itinerary

12:00    Band Room Open

12:45

    

Band Call

01:30 

  

Depart for Ohio Statehouse - IN FULL UNIFORM

01:45

    

Arrive Statehouse

02:00

    

Picture Time

02:45

    

Depart Statehouse for Jackson

04:30

    

Arrive Jackson

06:15

    

Return to Buses

06:45

  

 Line up for Inspection

07:00

    

"Mosey" to Start Position

07:45

    

PARADE STEPS OFF

???

      

Parade Ends

09:00

    

Depart Jackson

09:45

    

Arrive McDonalds-Chillicothe – ONLY IF WE GET OUT OF JACKSON FAST!!!!

11:45

    

Arrive WYHS

12:30

    

GET SOME REST

Uniform: WINTER  (STREET CLOTHES FOR JACKSON FREE TIME)

Directions to Jackson: Whitehall-Yearling High School to Jackson, OH

Parents: If you are planning on traveling to Jackson to watch the band, Parking is limited; so arrive early!!!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me!

GO RAMS!!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update: Week 5 - Homecoming 2010 & Jackson Apple Festival

To all:

First of all; let me hand out some kudos to some well-deserving folks:

Kudos go out to the Rams Football team for a huge victory on the road last night!  Great Job Guys!!!  

Kudos go out the Aries Guard, Ramettes, and Ram Band for yesterday.  Everyone performed to the best of their ability despite Mother Nature's interference.  You each displayed P.R.I.D.E. and represented yourselves and our community with honor.  Thank you.

Kudos go out to the Bexley Lions Club, Bexley Boosters, Bexley Music Parents, the Boy Scouts, and especially, the Bexley Marching Band, for being wonderful hosts.  I truly believe this renewed tradition is here for a long time to come.  Thank you.

Kudos (and my apologies) go out to SQUAD 8; Honor Squad for Week 4.  In all the craziness of last night, I completely lost track of time and never announced or recognized them.  Congrats to Kim Euman, Lindsay Mays, Tabetha Baumann, and Delina Farnlacher.  Thank you ladies for all your hard work each and every week!!!

Alrighty, back to business...  Next week is Homecoming 2010 AND the Jackson Apple Festival trip.  Busy Busy week!!! Please read carefully and check your calendars!

• MONDAY - WIMBA Meeting: The general meeting will begin at 6:30PM in the Band Room.  All parents, grand-friends, and family members are welcome and highly encouraged to attend.  The more involvement we have from you; the stronger our organization will be.  See you there!!!

• MONDAY - Alumni Band Rehearsal - 7:00-8:30PM: The 2010 Alumni Band, Aries Guard, and Ramettes will meet several times next week to dust off their instruments, flags, and poms.  All Marching "Ram" Band members are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to attend Monday & Tuesday's rehearsals - EXTRA PRACTICE for next week's music checks)

• TUESDAY - Ram Band Study Tables - 3:30-5:30PM: Interim grade reports are coming out very very soon!  Keep on top of your homework and upcoming quizzes/tests.  Manage your time effectively!!!  We, the band staff, are here to help all students.  Ask for help if you need it!!!

• TUESDAY - Alumni Band Rehearsal - 7:00-8:30PM: The 2010 Alumni Band, Aries Guard, and Ramettes will meet several times next week to dust off their instruments, flags, and poms.  All Marching "Ram" Band members are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to attend Monday & Tuesday's rehearsals - EXTRA PRACTICE for next week's music checks)

• WEDNESDAY - Homecoming Parade & Bonfire - CALL: 5:45 @ Etna Rd Elementary:  All Aries Guard, Ramettes, and Marching "Ram" Band members will march in the 2010 Homecoming Parade.  Freshman: talk to upperclassmen about what your uniform should be for the performance.  

• THURSDAY (12th Period) - MUSIC CHECKS: Don't forget students!!!  There is a NEW show next week.  Take your instruments home this weekend!!!  Practice Practice Practice!!!

• THURSDAY (Evening) - Sectionals/Rehearsal with ALUMNI BAND:  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 - Homecoming 2010 - Home vs. Licking Valley:  The Rams will square off against Licking Valley for this year's Homecoming game.  There is a SPECIAL EARLY REHEARSAL (5:30-6:15PM) to incorporate any alumni who haven't been able to attend the previous rehearsals.  This rehearsal is mandatory; CALL: 5:15PM

• SATURDAY - Statehouse Formal Picture & Jackson Apple Festival 2010: And if we weren't busy enough the previous 5 days; we're off to Jackson again for our traditional trip to the Statehouse and then on down Jackson for the Apple Festival and Parade Competition.  A detailed itinerary will be sent out next week.  So you can plan accordingly for your Saturday; here is the CALL: 12:45PM.

Students: Take your instruments home this weekend and practice.  Thursday will be here before you know it!!!

If you have any questions, please let me know.

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (9/14/10): Thursday Bexley Itinerary

To all:

Thanks to some great support from the Transportation Department; all has been solidified for our travel arrangements to Bexley HS on Thursday.  Please read everything below very carefully.

As previously stated, we will be rehearsing with the Bexley band Thursday after school prior to the "band spread."  In order for us to be on time to that rehearsal, we will leave directly from school at the end of the day.  All students will need to bring their travel items (spats, gloves, black shoes, black socks, concession money) to school Thursday morning.  I will be in the band room before school begins so everything can be safely stored during the day.  

BUSSES:

We will temporarily reassign busses for this trip to accommodate equipment transport and unloading @ Bexley HS.  Here are the re-assignments:

(1) Drumline, Sousaphones, Baritones, Trombones, Tenor Saxes, Drum Major, Any other Bus Loaders

(2) Trumpets, Alto Saxes, Mellophones

(3) Piccolos, Flutes, Clarinets

(4) Aries Guard & Ramettes

UNIFORM: WINTER + POLO

We will be wearing our WINTER uniforms on Thursday.  As a sign of Aries Guard, Ramette, and Ram Band spirit, I'd like everyone to wear their Aries Guard/Ramette/Ram Band polos to school Thursday.  Don't forget to have your gloves, spats, black socks, and black shoes at school ready to go.  You won't have any opportunity to go home to retrieve them!

BAND CALL: See Itinerary Below

BEXLEY GAME ITINERARY

02:45 Busses 1 & 2 + Equipment Bus Depart WYHS

03:00 Arrive BHS
03:10 Busses Return to WYHS  (Equipment Bus remains to finish unloading)
03:30 Busses 3 & 4 Depart WYHS
03:45 Busses Arrive BHS

04:00 Rehearsal Begins (WH & Bexley)

05:30 Rehearsal Ends

05:45 "Band Spread" in Bexley HS Cafeteria (Bexley, Whitehall, & Ohio School for the Blind Bands)

06:30 Bands Dress

06:50 WH Inspection

07:00 March to Stadium

07:15 Bexley Pre-Game Begins

07:30 Kick Off

If anyone has any questions, please let me know.

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (9/13/10): Week 4 - Away vs. Bexley

To all:

My congratulations to everyone for several fine performances in two days.  We showed excellent school pride on Friday night and continued that pride straight into our first road trip of the season to Miami University.  As your director and a Miami alumnus, I was very proud to have our students showcased throughout the day on Saturday.  Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to excellence.

We're back on the road this week for a short road trip to our neighbors to the west; Bexley HS.  This week's performance is very special for our bands and our communities.  Mr. Johnson (Bexley Band Director) and I have revived a tradition of the Bexley and Whitehall bands performing a combined halftime show.  Many of you were able to see the new beginning last year.  We are continuing this wonderful 'new' tradition this year as well.  The Bexley Athletic Boosters, Music Parents Association, and Lions Club are sponsoring a "Band Spread" dinner for all students.  We will travel to Bexley HS early to rehearse with their band and move directly to the dinner and social time.  

*** SPECIAL HALF TIME GUESTS ***  In addition to our bands combining to perform, we are proud to announce another performance during half time.  The Ohio School for the Blind Marching Band will begin the half time festivities as special guests of Bexley and Whitehall.  Mr. Schneider (retired band director from Bexley) now volunteers his time with this group.  He contacted Mr. Johnson to see if they could perform.  Mr. Johnson and I are happy to welcome them and look forward to their performance.

This week is another one-week show with WEDNESDAY NIGHT REHEARSAL and a THURSDAY NIGHT Game!!!  Only 4 school days until our performance!!! 

Translation: Instruments MUST go home and students MUST practice.

Please read the schedule very carefully:

• TUESDAY - Ram Band Study Tables:  We are entering the 5th full week of school.  Keep on top of your homework and upcoming quizzes and tests.  Study tables will run 3:30-5:30 tomorrow.  There are a few students who I will ask to report to study tables this week.

• WEDNESDAY - Music Checks:  Don't forget students!!!  This is a NEW show this week - AND - its only a 4-day band week.  Practice Practice Practice!!!

• WEDNESDAY - Evening Sectionals/Rehearsal:  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.

• THURSDAY Night - AWAY @ Bexley - BANDS on Parade: Three bands for the price of two!  Its going to be a great week for all bands involved.  I'm finalizing our itinerary and bussing.  I'll send out an additional email with that information as soon as I can.  Check your inboxes frequently!

• FRIDAY - "WING IT & SING IT!" @ Buffalo Wild Wings:  Our "Eat Wings, Raise Funds" events continue this Friday evening with two special events scheduled @ BWs.  First, at 6:30PM, there is a WING EATING CONTEST for the coaching staffs from WYHS.  We want you to come out and cheer on our coaches as they raise money for the Athletic Department.  Then, from 7:00-11:00PM, its WING IT AND SING IT!!!  BW's is setting up a karaoke system for all those American Idol fans to come out of belt away.  10% of food purchased will be donated to WIMBA and go towards the new uniform project.  Hope to see and HEAR you there!!!

DON'T FORGET: WEDNESDAY NIGHT REHEARSAL!!!

THURSDAY

Band Call: TBA (I will send out ASAP)

Uniform: WINTER

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

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (9/8/10): Miami University Band Day Information

To all:

This Saturday is the Ram Band trip to Oxford, Ohio for the 54th Annual Miami University High School Band Day.  The Aries Guard, Ramettes, and Marching "Ram" Band will perform before the game, during halftime, and a special postgame performance.  

There is a lot of important information, so please read everything carefully:

UNIFORM: WINTER + BAND POLO

Our busses will be parking away from the stadium complex on Saturday (similar to OU last year).  There is no opportunity for us to walk the entire band back to the busses to change.  Students will exit the busses: "WAIST DOWN" which means they will wear their band polo, winter uniform trousers, black shoes, black socks, and spats.  They will carry their jackets, overlays, hats, and gloves with them.   Aries Guard & Ramettes: See Missy and Mrs. Fletcher for more information.

FOOD:

WIMBA will be providing a morning snack and lunch for a small fee; $2.00  Snack: Cereal Bar & 1 bottle of water (on bus ride to Oxford); Lunch:  Choice of sandwich, chips, cookie, fruit, and 2 bottles of water.  (Orders will be taken today and payment is due by Friday)

In addition, all students should bring $10-15 for concession food.  (College concessions can be more expensive than HS)  Students will be given the opportunity during 3rd and 4th quarter to get concessions.  We will NOT stop for dinner on the way home.  This will be their 'dinner' for the ride home. 

SCHEDULE:

06:00 AM Band Room Opens

06:30 AM Band Call

07:00 AM Depart WYHS

09:30 AM Whitehall-Yearling Arrival @ Miami

10:00 AM Field Rehearsal in Yager Stadium

11:15 AM Lunch @ Equipment Bus

12:00 PM March to Upper Parking lot for Performance for Miami fans

12:45 PM Miami Band Concert

01:15 PM Parade from Tailgate Town to Stadium (short distance)

01:45 PM Miami Band Pre-Game performance

02:00 PM Kick Off

03:30 PM Half Time Performance (Patriotic Tribute) - ALL BANDS

05:30 PM Post Game Performance - Whitehall-Yearling & Miami Band

06:30 PM Depart Oxford

09:00 PM Arrive Oxford

FAMILY TICKETS:

Family tickets arrived this morning!!!  If you pre-ordered tickets for the game, they are available for pick up today (until 5:00), Thursday evening, and Friday (before and after the game).  

FAMILY DIRECTIONS:

The following link is directly to Yager Stadium in Oxford:  Whitehall-Yearling HS to Yager Stadium @ Miami University Plan on 2-2.5 hours of travel time by car/truck/SUV.  Once you've turned off I-70, there are only 2-lane roads leading to Oxford.  Traffic in Oxford will be heavy after noon; so I would advise arriving before noon if possible.  

FAMILY PARKING:

Parking for Yager Stadium is $5.00 prior to 11AM and $10 from 11AM to Kickoff (2PM).  There is limited street parking south of the stadium on Sycamore, University, Campus, and Vine Streets (see link - Oxford Map).  

BAND CALL: 6:30AM

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

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann

Ram Band Update (9/7/10): Week 3 - Home vs. Grandview & Miami Band Day

To all:

I hope everyone had a wonderful three day weekend.  Kudos to the Aries Guard, Ramettes, and Ram Band for a great performance on Friday night.  We now give the Band Camp show a rest as we enter a huge three week stretch in our performance calendar.  We will perform 3 different shows in the next couple weeks; tighten your seat belt!  Here we go!!!

Kudos to Squad 4 - our honor squad for Week 2.  Great job!!!  All your hard work paid off.

This week in Ram Band land brings our first Saturday event.  Please read carefully:

• Today (Tuesday) - Ram Band Study Tables:  We are entering the 4th full week of school.  Keep on top of your homework and upcoming quizzes and tests.  Study tables will run 3:30-5:30 today.  We've had a solid group of students each week.  I hope to see more today!

• Thursday - Music Checks:  Don't forget students!!!  This is a NEW show this week - AND - its only a 4-day school week.  Music checks are in two short days!  Practice Practice Practice!!!

• Thursday - Evening Sectionals/Rehearsal:  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 - SENIOR/PARENT NIGHT & SERVICE SALUTE - Home vs. Grandview Heights:  We return home this week for the Rams to face Grandview Heights.  Its a very special night for our Seniors and their Parents.  In addition, the Aries Guard, Ramettes, and Ram Band will salute the men and women of our Fire & Police Departments and the five branches of the US Armed Forces.   *** NOTE FOR SENIOR PARENTS ONLY:  Please plan on arriving at 6:00PM and report directly to the Auxiliary Gym.  Your seniors will join you at 6:15PM for pictures as well as placing everyone in order.  Each senior will be escorted across the field by their parents/guardians in a special ceremony prior to Pre-Game.
  

• Saturday - Miami University Band Day:  This Saturday is the Ram Band trip to Oxford, Ohio for the 54th Annual Miami University High School Band Day.  The Aries Guard, Ramettes, and Marching "Ram" Band will perform before the game, during halftime, and a special postgame performance.  I will send a separate email later today or tomorrow with finalized information on Saturday.  *** Tickets should be arriving today or tomorrow.  I'll contact those folks separately!! ***

BAND CALL:

Friday (Senior Parent Night): 6:00PM

Saturday (Miami Band Day): 6:30AM - YES A.M.

UNIFORMS:

Friday (Senior Parent Night/Grandview): WINTER

Saturday (Miami Band Day): SUMMER/WINTER (more information in the Miami email)

WINTER UNIFORM ACCESSORIES:

This is our first week for Winter Uniforms!!!  Students will need to wear BLACK SHOES with LONG BLACK SOCKS.  As I said at the Pre-Band Camp meeting, we prefer a shoe with a heel (Doc Martins are a good example).  This heel prevents excessive wear on the spat strap.  In addition to the black socks and shoes; students will need to purchase GLOVES ($2.00) and SPATS (S-XL $5.50 | 2X-3X $6.50).  Gloves and Spats are available for purchase through the uniform room after school Thursday, during Thursday Night rehearsal, and Friday.  

As always, don't hesitate to email me with any questions you might have!

GO RAMS!!!

Mr. Herrmann