The NWSS music department is looking forward to an exciting and music-filled year.

We have some very exciting performances and events happening this year.
Here are a few dates and events to pencil into your calendar.

Tuesday, September 7th- first day of classes

Wednesday, September 10th- Z block schedules (including sectionals) and class lists posted outside band rms

Monday, September 13th- Z blocks start!

Friday, September 24th- Pro-D Day (students do not attend)

Saturday, September 25th- FAN-OF-THE-BANDATHON!!! 9am to 9pm in the band rooms at NWSS

Mid October- annoucement of spring trips, letters home regarding spring trips

Thursday, October 21st- Chocolate Drive Fundraiser. 6:30pm in Pearson Cafeteria at NWSS.

Wednesday, November 10th- Remembrance Day Assemblies

Mid November- Trip deposits due

Wednesday, December 8th- Winter Band Concert, 7pm in Massey Theatre. Tix $5 + service charge from Massey Theatre Box Office. www.masseytheatre.com or 604-521-5050

Thursday, January 13th- Winter Choral Concert, 7pm in Massey Theatre. Admission by donation.

Spring at a glance:
February- Envisions Jazz Festival
March- GREASE the Musical: March 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th @ 7pm and March 6th Matinee at Massey Theatre
April- Grade 11/12 band and senior choir trip
May- Grade 9/10 band trip, Mayday, Hyack Parade, Music Monday Choir Concert
June- June Review Concert and Awards Night

Band trips are an important part of building community in our department. These trips are not a vacation, but rather an often intense educational opportunity that involve performance, workshops, clinics and concerts. Not only is it a great educational opportunity, traveling with the music “team” is a social opportunity that raises the standard of our ensembles by creating stronger bonds between musicians. Life-long friendships are formed, and students create memories that last long after high school.

The music department provides students with opportunities to fundraise to help pay for their individual trips. With the exception of concerts, the money raised by an individual student during a fundraiser will go directly towards that student’s trip cost. The music auxiliary treasurer keeps a record of each student’s account balance, much like a bank, and that money can be used towards the student’s trip costs. For example, if a student sells 10 entertainment books and each book earns them a profit of $9, they have $90 in their student account. That means that a trip costing $350 will now cost the family $260. If students participate in every fundraiser, the money quickly adds up. Last year, we had students who paid the entire trip amount through fundraising, and still had money in their accounts that they can access for the upcoming year. We had a student raise over $300 in the meat sales fundraiser alone.

It is expected that students in music ensembles will take advantage of the fundraising
opportunities provided throughout the year in an effort to attend the trips. We understand the importance of academic achievement and the concern of missed classes. Grade 9-10 trips rarely miss more than 1 day of classes, and we make every effort to keep trips a reasonable length with as little school missed as possible.

Grade 9/10 trips and choir trips are generally between $250 and $350. Senior trips are generally between $600 and $900. Trip locations will be announced in October.
We have strict rules and regulations to ensure a safe and secure environment for students on trips. Any parents/guardians wishing to accompany the group as a chaperone or wanting more information about trips can contact Ms. Proznick at kproznick@sd40.bc.ca or 604-517-6260.
Detailed trip information will be available in early October, and initial trip deposits will be due mid October.

Fundraisers at a glance:
October- Selling Entertainment Books
October- Chocolate Drive
November/December- Meat Sales
January- Clothing Drive

This was shared by Frank DeMeiro at the Vocal Jazz Summit XV in Powell River. It is an excerpt from a presentation by Dr. Karl Paulnack of the Boston Conservatory of Music.

from-frank-demiero-at-vocal-summit-xv.doc