MIDDLE SCHOOL 

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

 NEXT WEEK!

Join us for A Festival of Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 12. The program features our middle school music ensembles presenting a wide variety of seasonal music. Join us for traditional carols, great new arrangements, and a reminder of what the season is all about. The concert begins at 7 p.m. in our ZCS gymnasium. A freewill offering for the music department will be received.

CALL TIME FOR ALL THE MUSIC STUDENTS IS 6:45!

Choirs will line up by the choir room.

Students are invited to wear Christmas colors, sweaters, decorations, etc.

ADVANCE NOTICES FOR CHRISTMAS CONCERT

On THURSDAY, Dec. 12, the middle school music students will present a festival concert of Christmas music. Bands and choirs are both involved. Please make plans now to join us. A few advance notices for your planning:

1. The concert time is 7 p.m., and is in our gym. It looks to be about an hour long.
2. This is the one concert of the year in which we don't ask the students to be in uniform, but rather to celebrate Christmas by what they wear. Possibilities include Christmas colors, Christmas sweaters or ties, scarves and/or gloves, Christmas bows or other decorations. Use your imagination. Keep in mind that you need to be able to perform well in your 'costume', and so do those around you:)
3. Encourage your students to practice over the Thanksgiving break. The time between Thanksgiving and concert is very short this year.
4. I've been enjoying your students!

THE FALL CONCERT WAS A GREAT NIGHT OF PRAISE!

We're so thankful for all the teachers and students who helped make it possible. It was an evening of fun with music and joy and thanks to our God. Here's a clip to remind you of the evening. 

GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC THIS YEAR!

Band parents who are considering purchasing a new instrument for their student should be aware of this great deal! From now until the end of 2013, the YAMAHA Corporation is doubling their current rebate program on new instruments. That means $100-200 back on many models. Stop and see Mr. S for a brochure or shop at Meyer Music and ask about the Yamaha holiday rebate. A new instrument under the tree could mean a lifetime of musical satisfaction for your child.

1st-5th Grade Choir Concert

Our fall elementary choir concert is right around the corner! The students have been working hard and are excited to show you what they are learning in choir and music class.  The concert is on Tuesday, November 19 at 7pm  at Community Reformed Church in Zeeland.  All 1^st-5^th graders need to be in the church gym at 6:50; please do not drop them off before 6:40 as there will not be supervision earlier. If possible, have your child wear a solid, bright colored top and dress pants to the concert (no jeans please).

If you have any questions or concerns please let us know.  Thanks for all of your support! I am excited to see you all at the concert!

Kelli TenHaken

(ktenhaken@zcs.org)

Kevin Schonewill

(kschonewill@zcs.org)

FALL CONCERT NEXT WEEK!

Parents--You've no doubt been hearing about this one coming--I think the students are excited to share their music with everyone who attends. Some info about the night:

Time and Place:  7 p.m. in the ZCS Gym

Program order will be:
1. 7/8 Band
2. 5th Beginners Band
3. 6th Band
4. Offering and transition
5. 6/7 Choirs (together)

Dress:  Band students should be in uniform. 5/6 parents--make sure your student gets a gold polo as well as navy pants.  7/8 band: no hats or gloves, overlay with white side out for concert.

I'm hoping EVERYONE can make it!

thanks

Kevin Schonewill

WEATHER RELATED INFO

Since there is a chance of bad weather today, I thought I would add a post now that informs students and parents where to listen if they think the parade may be cancelled. I actually don't have confirmation of this, but I am suspecting both WHTC 1450 AM  and WJQK 99.3 FM will carry current announcements since they both have been covering the Pumpkinfest events. Also, if I get any notice of plans changing, I will post it here as well as send out a parent email promptly. Here's hoping we don't even need to know this!

            PARADE INFO--PARADE INFO

PUMPKINFEST PARADE

Saturday, October 5, 2013--3 p.m.

The ZCS Middle School Band will be marching this weekend in the Pumpkinfest Parade.Our staging area will be on east Main Street and across the street from Bethel CRC. THIS IS FURTHER EAST THAN OUR 'USUAL' SPOT! Best access would be the side streets that run into main somewhere east of that position. Students need to be there and ready by 2:30.

Parade begins at 3 p.m. It will follow a route west on Main, South on State, and then back east on Central before making a final turn north on Maple. Students will be finished immediately behind Cityside. You can meet and pick them up there.

The ZCS band room will be open from 1-2 p.m. If you have any last minute problems, stop there and I will assist you.

I will take the percussion equipment, flags, and banner. I will also have plumes and extra berets for the drumline. Students should be IN PLACE, IN UNIFORM, and WITH THEIR INSTRUMENTS by 2:30 p.m. (NO CASES, please)

Looking forward to a great parade together!

Mr. Schonewill

The FALL PARADE PUSH!

Every fall our 7/8 band feels the pressure of getting ready to march in a public parade just 5 weeks into the school year. This year the band has taken that challenge seriously and is working quickly to prepare for the Oct. 5 afternoon parade (note the 3 p.m. start time, parents).  We're unveiling some new looks as well as a few surprises in our marching routine that you won't want to miss. Students are working hard to MEMORIZE music, cadences, and routines. When you ask your student about the upcoming Pumpkinfest Parade, make sure to give them a word of encouragement. 

And by the way, just 2 1/2 weeks later (Oct. 22) we will also perform an indoor concert with 2-3 other songs. So there's no shortage of music to practice right now--for any of the ZCS band students. Parents should rejoice in hearing the 'happy horns' sound at home:)

BAND GROUPS IN FULL SWING!

It must be band season--I've got instruments all over my office that need a little 'TLC'!  Over 135 band students are now 'into the swing' or rehearsing each week. We finally had a 'regular' week of school and went through our entire rehearsal sequence, and it was great! Now the fun and the work really begin. Parents-please ask your student if he/she is practicing at home. Have them show you what we're working on. Share in the fun of discovery!

OTHER NEWS:

1. 5th band students are asked to record all the minutes they practice in the front cover of their red books this week.

2.  7/8 band students are preparing for the Oct. 5 Pumpkinfest Parade. We've selected our song, edited it for parade use, chosen flag and baton teams, worked with drum cadence,and designed a marching formation. Students MEMORIZE as soon as you can--next week we're hoping to be out on the street.

3. Auditions for 8th grade vocal ensemble will be this coming week (Sept 16-20) during noon hours. Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of this group. We are making to do some performing at other schools in December, and we have some plans as well.

4. 6th and 7th grade choirs are being tested in groups to find the students' best voice range. Next week we will move into a specific part seating arrangement in order to begin preparing songs for our Fall Concert in October. 

5.  Our elementary students have been experiencing "Mallet Madness" together. Happy sounds of group percussion exercises are echoing from the music room. The students have learned very quickly.  

A BRAND NEW YEAR!

Welcome to the ZCS Music blog. If you are new to this site, you may want to page back through the past postings and see the kinds of information that is always available to you here. Basically, we just try and keep you updated on all the exciting things that are parts of the ZCS music program.

There is nothing quite like the beginning of a new school year. It is full of excitement and lots of fresh opportunities. I was reminded of that in Brass Class this morning as I looked out on 23 5th graders with a brand new 'noisemaker' in their hands. Experience tells me these weeks of sounding like a zoo will soon give way to some beautiful tones and recognizable tunes. During the course of the year, I get to witness minor miracles as students hearts, ears, and minds are opened up to new possibilities in their musical world.

I would ask you to pray for the music students at ZCS, that they will catch a glimpse of the wonder and majesty of our Creative God through their study of music together. It is an unusual and very special part of their day here at ZCS.

All 8th grade ZCS band students who are considering high school band at HCHS (a good idea, by the way), should take a look at this note sent over from Mr. VB about the BIG TRIP planned for spring of 2014. You may want to get involved!!

The Holland Christian High School  band and orchestra have a tripplanning meeting in the high school band/orchestra room on Monday,April 8 at 7:30 pm for spring of 2014. If you would be willing to helpserve with a team of parents in planning this trip and its fundraisersyou are encouraged to come. Those interested in being a chaperon arealso encouraged to attend so that you can find out more information.

GREAT JOB to all the students involved in the production of this year's elementary musical "G.P.S."!!
From the cast to the choir, to all the additional helpers, it was a job well done. We're so pleased with the way the students responded to the learning of all the music, and the Biblical messages with which they are now left in their heads and hearts. Praise God for the gifts and talents on display!  (Pictures or video coming soon)

GPS Info

The 2nd-4th graders will be presenting G.P.S (God's Plan of Salvation) next week already! The elementary musical is next Tuesday, March 12 at 7pm at Community Reformed Church. The second, third and fourth graders are excited to show you what they have been working on in choir over the last couple of months! 

The night of the performance, please bring your son or daughter to the church gym by 6:50. If you come earlier than that, keep your students with you until 6:40 as there will not be supervision in the gym until then; the doors of the sanctuary will open 6:30.  

Students should wear jeans with their G.P.S. t-shirts to the concert. 

This will be a fun night of singing and acting; you will be encouraged to look to God and His word as your guide as you journey through life.We hope to see you there! 

If you have questions please email us at kschonewill@zcs.org or ktenhaken@zcs.org. Thanks!

GPS Choreography

2nd-4th Graders--Check out these links to practice choreography for the musical!

The Ride of Our Lives

GPS

Winter PARADE OF BANDS Concert

Thursday. February 28

ZCS Gymnasium

7 p.m.

Band member information:

1. Dress is full concert uniform. No hats, gloves. Overlays on white side out. Check out your fit NOW.

2. Call time for all bands is 6:45 all groups will sit in the gym with their instruments when not performing.

3. Performing order by age, beginning with youngest band. Finale will be 7/8 band with HCHS band.

4. ALL band members are expected to stay for 15 minutes post concert for cleanup duties. 

5 All absences affect band grades see Mr. S. asap for advance notice of being gone.

Practice Contestants to be REWARDED

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT BETTER!  And so we are encouraging REGULAR practicing by competing class against class in the great SNOWTIME SMACKDOWN practice contest. Students, make sure to record your practice times from now until Wednesday, Feb. 20. Parents, 'encourage' your students to contribute to their class' practice totals and win the contest!  Practice cards must be turned in by Friday afternoon, Feb. 22 to be eligible for the contest.

DATES, DATES, DATES

This week all of the dates for second semester music happenings will be finalized. Many of them were on our original calendar, but some have been changed or added. I'll attach them here, but also post them at school, make handouts for the students, publish them in the Blue Note, and get them on the school' web calendar. It's very important that we ALL look ahead and plan for these dates. Second semester is going to be a great adventure. Parents, encourage your students to 'keep on keeping on!'

It's last week of the semester, and I'd just like to remind students and parents out there that I have a LOT of SOE assignments and band practice cards that have not yet been turned in.  Also, if you have done anything with singing that counts as extra points toward your grade, you need to notify me about it in writing. Don't lose credit that is easy to earn!  Take care of your 'stuff' today!  

LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT SECOND SEMESTER!!