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.