OK...

Long time, no hear, I know. So, I've been told by some of the older guard members that Mckee has announced that there WILL be a fall Marching Band program...I know some of you young ones may not be in the loop, but here's essentially it:

Tigard has some staff changes coming...they don't know exactly who the new team will be, but I've heard Dylan will come back to write drill, I have no idea about the percussion, and there will be new guard staff...again, I know no details of who it's going to be. That being said, I have no idea what my plans are - personally, I would find it awkward to tech under someone who I've probably never actually met, but who knows. Chances are I'll probably be around every now and then throughout the season, but as I have an evening job and am in school full-time, I probably won't be around quite as much as last year. As for the show, I hear it's a "repeat" of a show Tigard did years ago.

Another thing - I apologize for the lack of a middle school program, there were a lot of problems with teacher and budget cuts at the end of the school year, so several of us seriously doubted that a fall program could happen. But, as of now, there will be a show. For those of you who have not done a fall show, it's just colorguard outdoors...where you get to fight the wind and rain...FUN! :)

I strongly suggest all of you to do fall colorguard, you all have the capabilities to push yourself even more than where we left off, and it's a lot of fun. I know there will be definite changes, but don't let that intimidate you...if you ever go on in colorguard, you'll realize you have to work with a ton of different people with different styles, whether you like them or not, you kind of just have to go with it and have an open mind.

So, talk to each other about it and visit the band website and calendar for more info coming. Band Camp is in mid-August, as usual.

http://ths1.ttsd.k12.or.us/departments/perfarts/Band/band1a.html

Love,
Massa Kelsey

HEY! YOU!

Check the varsity blog!

Parade stuffs.

BE THERE. (Or be square. Your choice, yo. But nobody likes squares. Too many right angles.)

2010 Hint.

If we get enough membership this is what could be. Or not :) who knows. Hope you like it.

I hope you guys are getting as PSYCHED as I am...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdMypre-bD4

Recruit Time!!

We need to recruit! The more individuals we have, the more likely we can pull out three programs! Talk to your friends, your siblings, your friends' siblings, the kids you babysit, the kids your friends babysit, your neighbors' kids...basically anyone in middle school or high school.

We will likely have after school programs for Fowler and hopefully Twality, so if you're still in middle school, or have younger siblings in middle school, invite them to come! You can come yourself to help out and if it makes your friends/siblings more comfortable. One thing that we probably didn't do enough of last year was keep all the kids interested in constant contact...which is why we have this blog :) So, until we get numbers/emails/whatever from prospective members, you could give them this link.

More information to come...the middle school clinics will probably start April/May-ish.

Saturday Info

Meet at Tigard at 9.45am to get to Hudson Bay early to watch WDLs, get a feel for the school since none of us have been there before. I believe you all know who you are riding with?

And remember to load your flags on the trailer Friday afternoon at 3.45pm.

Bring $5 for Christy. SERIOUSLY. She spent a lot of time sewing our flags. Bring it Saturday.

Thursday 2/12

I need you guys to bring the $5 for Cristy by then.

I have Amelia and Osiri's money. That's it.

Please and thank you.

Drivers NEEDED this weekend...IMPORTANT

From Varsity blog:

"This weekend is going to be different than all the other competitions we have been to this year. There is only one round of competition. Percussion happens early in the day ending at 2pm. Guard starts after that and ends at 8pm.

Therefore, the guards are NOT going to ride the bus to the competition in Vancouver this weekend. However, we will ride the bus home.

WE NEED DRIVERS TO CARPOOL THIS WEEKEND. Please ask your parents/guardians if they could drive you and a few others to the show Saturday.

I need space for 6 JV to leave at 2pm. I also need space for 8 Varsity to leave at 3:30.

Ask NOW. PLEASE!"

HEY GUARD!

UMMM...So I don't know exactly what was up on Thursday...you guys know we're still in season, right??

We only have 2 more rehearsals. Use them well. I know, we're all antsy, but you still gotta focus. Just get through this week without killing each other. That's all I ask. That and be clean as clean as you guys can be. It's gonna be awesome. :)

On another note, I want to thank you guys for being mine and Lulu's guinea pigs...as you all know, this was our first attempt ever to write and teach a show...and trust me, you'll have no idea how hard it is until you're actually in that position. Especially when you marched with some of your students...thank you for dealing with that, I know it was probably frustrating and a little awkward.

This has been a huge learning experience for both Lulu and myself, and I wanted to thank you guys for being a part of it...whether you finish top or bottom of your class, you guys will still be mine and Lulu's first guard.

That being said, I hope you all continue guard next year and push yourselves to learn how to do something new.

WGI Regional

Here's the link:

http://www.wgi.org/events/eventdetails.php?id=273

Prelims and Finals tickets are $15 each, $20 if you're staying through both prelims and finals.

Tisha has the schedule up on Varsity blog, be at THS at 7:45, pick up time will depend on if VWG makes finals.

Some Things

Just because we didn't get last place, absolutely does not mean our work is done.

The ending flag is a mess and we'll be cleaning that until champs on the 14th. :)

As for the WGI regional on the 7th, Tisha and myself would really like you (the JV) to come watch. It's fairly incredible what some of the groups in the northwest have come up with this year and other performing groups will be there from California and other states as well. It does cost, and you will have to pay to go since you're not performing. I'm guessing around $10...possibly $15.

You are not required to go. but I'd like you to.

About James:
I'd like for one day to visit James at home or wherever he is so that we can let him know that he's still a part of our guard family and we miss him. His mom called me today he will be ok but he cannot finish out the season with us. :(

Saturday

No group meal will be provided for tigard on saturday, so remember to bring money to buy from the concessions stand. thanks guys!^^

Friday + Saturday

Some of you wanted to have a little extra practice after school around 4ish, so I should be able to come at that time - I had been planning on coming anyway to help set up. Which by the way, unless you've got some previous arranged family-whatever/you're on your death bed/major head trauma, then expect that you are needed there tomorrow. If you can't make it to our informal rehearsal, you should be at the high school by around 7pm to help set up for RhythmFest. There is no set time for when it is over, it is done when it is done.

Saturday morning, for JV, at the LATEST be at the high school by 7:30am. You can come early (but please not at 4 in the morning - I will not be held reliable for you if something goes haywire while you're there without an adult) and rehearse/relax/channel energy/visualize your perfect show/whatever you need to do. And luckily, we have Durham's cafeteria from, I believe, 9am to 10:30am to do full run after full run after full run after full run. :)

Don't come in your uniforms - that's kinda gross. Wash 'em if they stinky. Cold water. Lay out to dry. Bring other clothing. Something you can move in while we're at Durham - you guys will get sweaty there, so as to minimize that, you guys will change at Durham's restroom-facilities once it's Varsity's turn, and then walk/drive back to Tigard.

We guys did really well tonight. For the most part. Keep it up. Keep the focus.

What To Expect Tuesday

Please come with a fresh attitude :)

We're all in this to have fun and I feel I've been pushing you guys too hard.

So no worries. Come with a smile and the readiness to learn. My goal is for you guys to have fun.

And we're going to have fun with this show.

See you tuesday.

p.s. please bring $5 to pay Cristy for making out flags before the Tigard Competition on saturday.

thank you

What's Going on the Next Couple Weeks

OK, so I know you guys had to basically learn a completely different show these last two weeks. You just have to deal. I know Evergreen will not be up to what Lulu and I expect because of all our time and rehearsal space restraints. Good news is, we are not going to completely rewrite the show after this competition, changes of course here and there, but nothing as major as what we just did. You need to understand that we changed the show so it's more "visually impacting" and "interesting" and more challenging for you guys. It's all in efforts to pull a good show together. So after Evergreen, the most major changes we'll have are dance work sequences. Maybe change a few counts of flag work so it fits better. Tweak transitions. Nothing major.

But of course, this means that we'll be CLEANING like Mr. Clean himself for these last few weeks. Being clean is a major issue for us, so we need you guys to RETAIN everything we tell you, just as if you were learning new work.

On another note, I found this on this website I like - www.colorguardeducator.com and it's a list a things to get yourselves ready for competitions:

10. Do your homework...for color guard that is. You know best which parts of the show you need to improve. Even just 10 minutes a day can make a big difference in getting more comfortable with the choreography.

9. Be prepared! if you have academic obligations tend to them PRIOR to show day. Pack your bag the night before, get plenty of rest, set 2 alarms, and STRETCH before you go to sleep. This will help you relax prior to turning the lights out.

8. Conserve your energy. Show days are long and while time may fly by, don't underestimate the toll it can take on you mentally and physically. Choose wisely how you spend your time prior to the performance because in the end the main event is all that matters.

7. HYDRATE the right way. (Drink water. Not soda/coffee/energy drinks.)

6. Time is of the essence. Arrive at the show site (just meaning Tigard HS) with plenty of time to spare and use it wisely to prepare.

5. Familiarize yourself with entrance and exit locations, timing lines, lighting, and bleacher height. (This is more of an instructor thing, don't worry about it.)

4. Revel in the rituals. Many guards have a cheer or pre-performance tradition that allows members a moment to bond and get excited prior to performing. Make it fun, friendly, and fast so you don't lose focus.

3. VISUALIZE and mentally prepare. Your costume is one, your show hair is done and your makeup is flawless. Now it is time to get your head in the game. Find a quiet corner, play your show music, and visualize yourself performing [the way you want to perform it]. Take a series of long, deep breaths and imagine yourself releasing all your nerves and tension.

2. Follow the flow. Most competitions will have the same warm-up progression (body, equipment, deck). Allow your instructors to coordinate volunteers so you can stay focused (?). Don't allow one specific toss to consume your time. If you make mistakes in warm-up brush them off and move on to another part.

1. Stay cool, calm, and collected! Move with PURPOSE as you set your equipment and survey the crowd. Take long deep breaths to steady yourself, stand tall, and get your game face on (SHOW FACE)...it's show time!

(written by Meghan McCourt Feb 12, 2009)

I Got Bored.

Actually, I was jealous of Tisha's new layout. So I rebelled and changed ours too. Yeah. I'm such a non-conformist...all individualistic and such. (Lulu and Amelia feel free to change it if you want.)

Anyway, to the relevant stuff - our times have changed (as they will probably continue to until Saturday) for our arrival time/performance times. Be at Tigard preferably before 7.30am for Evergreen. As of right now, JV will be performing just before 1pm, but since this will most likely change, we'll give more details later this week...Tisha put up the new tentative schedule for all THS performing units on the varsity blog, there's a link - go click it.

Evergreen Schedule # 1

Load Truck Friday 3:45pm

Arrive at THS 6:45am

Busses Leave 7:00
Arrive at Evergreen 8:00
Fowler WDL prelims 9:00
WDL prelims 10:18
WGJV prelims 12:37pm
WGV prelims 1:52
Prelims end 2:58

FINALS 4ish to 9:30ish
Official times will be available after prelims

Leave for THS 10:00
Arrive THS/unload truck 11:00
PICK UP TIME 11:15

Singles Awareness Day Practice

So here's what the Varsity blog says about saturday:
"Our rehearsal will be from 7:45am to 3pm on Saturday the 14th. We have Durham's cafeteria/stage/multipurpose area! We have to move our stuff out of the gym before basketball starts in the gym, so BE ON TIME (or early!!). Thanks y'all!Tisha

PS - Anyone want to bowl afterwards?? :)"

I just want to add: Please be there, with a ready to learn attitude. Be ready to do alot of drill, because we will (probably) have a gym/cafeteria thats bigger than ours to work in.
Thanks, Amelia

Some Notes on Competition Etiquette...

I was planning on having a conversation with guys about this on Tuesday, but this is just so you REMEMBER...

Varsity told me some things that you guys were doing during the competition (including those of you who have done this before....SHUN) that were completely inappropriate for competition etiquette.

1. Absolutely NO food fights. You guys are well beyond that age. You cannot be making messes for someone else to clean up. Be mature.

2. NO spinning outside of warm up areas. The only time you guys will bring your equipment with you around the school is when we're getting ready to warm up/perform. We could be disqualified for spinning outside of the "transit" process.

3. On a side note of the previous, I NEVER want to see you guys use rifles as "guns" or sabres as "swords"....like I said at the competition it SCREAMS "NEWBS"; honestly, I've seen guards/bands do that with their weapons, and I completely lose respect for them...they are not toys. We use them for our art, not to goof off with...you may as well be some jerk who decided to raid the guard closet who thought he was funny. It's not funny. DON'T DO IT.

4. There is to be NO screaming around the hallways of the school, no goofing off of any sort. Other guards/WDLs notice this. Think about what that says about our guard. What it says about Lulu and myself. You think that's fair?

5. Remember to travel in groups of three, I know Lulu and I aren't Mckee, but it's for "safety purposes".

6. ALWAYS respect other WGs/WDLs and their property. They work just as hard, if not harder, to put on their shows too.

JV Rehearsing at the Competition

Thank you Kalen for taking some photos of JV rehearsing at Westview...Lulu and I were way too anxious to remember to take pictures :)

Westview Evaluation Scores up on NWAPA website.

Here's the link to the recap

http://www.nwapa.us/admin/event_images/big_photo/3_~09NWAPAPreviewPrelims.pdf

Tigard JV is on the 3rd page. We actually placed 6th in Ensemble (which is how well all the flags spun together and you performed together) and General Effect (the overall effect your show has on the audience) And 5th in performance for General Effect 2.

Basically from reading this recap guys, I believe if you completely 180 and turn on your performances. We could be hitting 1rst and 2nd place. Its going to take a lot of hard work from all of you in the next two weeks. Kelsey and I are rewriting staging (drill) as well as we're making the work you already have more interesting and difficult. Don't be scared by it. You know, the only reason North By North West is as amazing as they are is because all of their members are excited to try new things. They're in this activity because they're always learning something new, and mastering it so the rest of us who watch them...are on the floor dying because it's so good.

Help us help you :) Your show is going to be 1,000 times better by Evergreen on the 21rst.

love <3
Lulu

Rifle Work!!!

So, riff-lays, this is your feature, for your reference...it was not my personal best run, but oh well. I would LOVE it if you guys were able to show me up and prove to me that you guys can do this rifle work on Saturday. *(remember we're just doing singles this weekend)

On another note, thank you guys for being so adult about deciding to practice tomorrow...I know, it's friday, you're in high school/middle school, you want to have a life, I get it. But thank you thank you thank you!! You guys won't regret having a little extra practice. And plus I totally know you guys like it :)

Competition Day and Guard Party

I'm really proud of the work you guys did tonight. You reminded me why I love guard so much.

I love seeing your performance, even if it's messy right now :)

I hope you all are having as much fun as I am, the season will be over before you know it.

Oh, and I have a surprise for each of you on saturday, KELSEY TOO :)

Guard party sunday :) so work hard today and tomorrow so we can hand out and relax on sunday

Thanks again,

Much love and respect

Lulu

Some Rather Unfortunate Information

I got a call from Chistine Ross (BAPO Treasurer) last night telling me that the only person who has paid anything towards their fees is Clint. Because of this, The boosters won't write me a check for your pants. So No Pants for the first competition.

This information was not the happiest I've heard.

The organization doesn't require your fees paid up front but they have to receive a minimum payment from you otherwise we won't have flags or uniforms. This is your responsibility so get it done so we can have a successful season.

Performance Time Changes

You, JV, will now be on the floor at 12:28pm...and I believe Varsity goes on at 2:28pm, and WDL 10:46am, but don't quote me on that. You can check the NWAPA site for the whole performance schedule, http://www.nwapa.us/ (these times keep changing by the way, they won't be solid until, probably, the day before)

What Happening Saturday, and 2/3 and 2/5

Alrighty, it's crunch time amigos.

We've got a lot of work to do, like Kelsey said and we really need focus from you guys during next weeks rehearsals.

Saturday: Come prepared with DRILL,and all your equipment, eat lunch before you come, but we'll take a 15 minute break to eat again at 3:00. Girls wear undergarments you plan to wear at the first competition, boys as well. Your pants will be on the way soon. We're hoping they'll be here in time. Our goal is to show maddie the drill, review it with the rest of you and get all of our flag work moving with the drill.

Tuesday: Bring Make Up (white, silver, anything sparkly.) Bring curling irons, or something to curl your hair with. I want to show you guys and gals what I want for make up and hair. Guys, I'm bringing a big thing of gel and we'll figure out what to do with you :) I want to attempt to do run throughs of the show....with music.

Thursday: This is the day for dress rehearsal. I'd like to do run throughs in costume...this is our last rehearsal before our performance. Please come dressed. I'd like to completely maximize our time.

Saturday 2/7: We'll get to the school in the morning, Do hair and make-up. I'd prefer you were ready BEFORE we get on the bus because as soon as we're off the bus, we're warming up and getting ready for our performance. Parents the preliminary performance is at 12:12pm at Westview High School in Beaverton if you'd like to come and watch. No word on Finals yet :)

It's quite important to remember not to be nervous. You are all really good :). A lot better than you probably think. Kelsey and I are very surprised by how well you are all doing and NO score we get on Saturday will change the fact that we are so so so immensely proud of all your guy's hard work. We've both watched you blossom in front of us and it literally is like watching your own children grow up. This was our first season teaching. You guys have taught us a lot about ourselves and I've really enjoyed the experience so far. I'll be proud of you no matter if we get first or last place. Tigard JV is the best team in the northwest in my eyes. So you guys will go out there and show all those people exactly what we see in rehearsal. An amazing team with amazing people doing amazing things!!

:D I'm so cheesy I know. You love me anyway n_n

Westview Evaluation Performance Schedule

As of now (tentatively), JV will be performing around 12:12pm on Saturday the 7th, and the Varsity at 2:51 for the prelim/eval shows. They will post final performances later...We'll give you guys the itinerary as soon as possible.

Saturday Rehearsal...YEA!!

Hey all! Remember that we have rehearsal this Saturday from 12pm to 4pm. It was going to be much longer, so don't complain!! We really have A LOT of stuff to cover, so PLEASE come prepared to learn and be *open minded* to any changes/additions/challenging work. We do it because we love you. :)

As we are a TEAM, Lulu and I expect you guys to help each other out when Lulu and I are...distracted. Just as we had spoken to you guys earlier tonight, this is not a "social" thing on Saturday. You compete in less than a week and a half. Wait. Let that sink in. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do your best for not just us instructors, but for everyone on the team so we have a good eval show. Your show is amazing, and it's come along, but we have so much farther to go.

Yea team! See you all Saturday!!

JV Show Shirts

One more item of business tonight. I created a "show shirt" similar to one you would buy, say if you went to see Cirque du Solieil or a Concert.

The company I'm talking to (Phantom Chicken) will do them for $8.50 each which is an amazing price for custom made show shirts. If we order more than 24 from them, price drops to $6.25 a piece.

So, guardlings (and parents too) would you like to have show shirts?

Here are the designs I made, please comment on here telling me which one you like and we'll put it to a vote. I'd like the entire guard to have one as well as family and friends too :) They've all been aptly named. Our show is called Room of Angel by the way, as it is the title of the song and I really couldn't think of a better name for it.

Room of Angel: Despair
http://www.zazzle.com/room_of_angel_despair_shirt-235705819506809830
Room of Angel: Life and Death
http://www.zazzle.com/room_of_angel_life_and_death_shirt-235218437408462975
Room of Angel: An Eye for An Eye
http://www.zazzle.com/room_of_angel_an_eye_for_an_eye_shirt-235575558892306418

Show Flags

I just went out and bought the thread to sew them with and Me, Kelsey and Cristy Ogden will start to sew them Wednesday night, so you guys will have show flags soon.

I just ask that you please please please treat them with more respect than you treat your grandmother and take care of them. We can't afford to replace them if they get ruined.

For the most part they should stay in pretty good shape seeing as how we practice indoors...but still.

Reminders to all, checks or money for the pants ($24) should be in the black box in the band room (text me if you don't know where) by Tuesday 1/27. I need to order them asap. Then I can give you guys your full uniform to show the Varsity how antithesized we are compared to them :P

JV Parent Information

Ok Parents! This blog is for you guys too.

The competition dates are as follows:
Saturday, February 7th Westview Evaluation Show
Saturday, February 21rst Evergreen Competition
Saturday, February 28th Tigard Competition (I suggest you all come to that one)
Saturday, March 14th Championships

Some information for the first timers:
Competitions are ALWAYS supervised by Myself, Kelsey, Tisha, Dylan, Mike and Karyln.
The kids will never be unsupervised at any time. There is also a rule of three, if they go anywhere within the competition space it must be with three other members of the performing unit (i.e. a drumline member, or jv and varsity guard member)

If the kids will be leaving a competition (not the way they came on the bus) with parents or, with friends parents etc. They must physically show me or Kelsey themselves WITH THE PARENTS they are leaving with as well as a signed approval note. Nobody may leave until those two things have occured. We want to make sure you're safe and accounted for.

Drop off and pick up times will be announced for the first competition as soon as I know what they are. Generally it's fairly early in the morning between 7-9 am and pick up time between 10pm-12am. Competitions are ALL day. Kids will have to show up a little earlier than the scheduled time to do hair and make up because once the bus takes off it's a whirlwind day.

The kids should bring a few things to each competition
1.The uniform!! Always always always make sure your uniform is packed the night before a competition, and re-check again in the morning. The bus cannot wait for you if you forget your uniform at home. Gloves are a part of your uniform so don't forget them either.
2. Your Equipment. Same deal with the uniform. Make sure you have ALL equipment the night before.
3.Money. I'm not sure if the parents are doing what they did last year where a designated set of parents buys lunch and everyone pays them back. but just in case bring money. Each school has a concessions stand...but beware that prices can be kind of steep so it'd be a safe bet to bring $10 or more.
4. Warm Clothing. It's cold. It's winter. Bring lots of clothing to bundle up in. We get to the school very early in the morning on competition days and sometimes are forced to wait outside while doing hair and make-up. Don't freeze to death. Socks included!
5.Something to do in between performing. Lots of hours go by between us performing and us leaving for home. So bring things to keep you occupied like homework. It's also fun to watch other guards in the free time as well as watch the drumlines.

It's also traditional for the Winterguard teams to do something called Secret Pal. We put everyones name into a hat and each person picks a name. You then get a gift (under $20) for that person, to be given competition day. It's a fun thing to jazz everyone up for competition day and I think it's a sign of trust and friendship and I'd like to carry on the tradition.

Ok...I think I've covered everything. If Parent's have more questions please don't hesitate to call or email me anytime of the day or night. I'm always happy to help you guys.
email:
laurenneel@yahoo.com

phone:
971-533-0517

Unitards are in

Just got the Unitards yesterday. I want to give you guys the uniform as a whole...soo...get me the money for the pants (check or money $24) by tuesday and I should have the pants by next week sometime :).

Also the fabric for your flags is in and we'll get started making them asap. We'll still practice with the flags we have, don't want to ruin the nice new flags! Remember if you guys can to give me $5.00 to help pay the woman who's graciously giving up her time to help us get them made. It'd really be appreciated.