Whoops.
That's all I can say. Whoops.
I've been so distracted by school (ew, nasty right?) and I've neglected this privilage that I was given.
I will try to update from now on, following a regular schedule.
Now, onto business. Band business.
We tried marching yesterday, and today, and by 'tried' I mean strained to comprehend what the heck we were doing.
I can sympathize. Looking at that drill sheet for the first time, it might as well have been in Portugese. Heck, it would've been easier to read if it was.
But you're going to have to learn read them correctly.
The best advice I can give is to study the sheet, like you'd study for a test.
You need to gain an understanding of where you are, where you need to go, and how you will get there. This means taking the time to look at your drill sheet, just looking at it won't cut it.
Band is a class and you should treat it as such. If you are given a study guide in Science for a test the next day, you wouldn't neglect to read it. You would study your little heart out.
THE SAME IS EXPECTED FROM A DRILL SHEET IT BAND.
I cannot stress this enough.
Another issue I need to press upon your musical mind is that of stress.
Don't act like you don't get stressed, or impatient when you standing outside in the heat, while Mr. Bailey is working on something with a certain section.
Honestly, it happens to me also, but you can't let it show.
Intentionally making a rude comment is not an acceptable way to vent your stress.
Sighing at the top of your lungs, is not an acceptable way to vent your anger.
Melting the polar ice caps with your heat vision, also not acceptable.
Seriously. (especially that last one, global warming people.)
I know this entry was a bit short, but I'm straining for material to write about.
If you have any suggestions, any at all, tell me during our activity period.
NOW ONTO OUR SPECIAL MUSICAL FACTIOD OF THE DAY! (nightmare before christmas flavored):
The music we are playing this marching season was composed by Danny Elfman.
Elfman has worked with Tim Burton on many of his most popular projects including:
Pee-wee's Big Top Adventure, Beetlejuice, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns, Mars Attacks!, Sleepy Hollow, Planet of the Apes, Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and most recently Corpse Bride. (and of course The Nightmare Before Christmas)
Not to mention being the singing voice for the Nightmare Before Christmas characters: Jack Skellington, Barrel, and a minor character known as The Clown with the Tearaway Face.
The Nightmare Before Christmas's Soundtrack was also nominated for a Golden Globe in 1993. That has to tell you, we're playing so high class stuff.
The soundtrack was so popular, cover's of some of the main theme's were created.
Covering bands include Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco, Marilyn Manson, Fiona Apple, and She Wants Revenge.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Time to make some people blush.
Alright, a few days ago, Mrs. Smith went around and took some pictures of the band.
I made it a handy-dandy slideshow, which makes viewing a bit easier.
Hope you enjoy.
Whether it was us playing or us marching, she caught it, so here it is:
Music: That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)- Panic at the Disco
I'm awesome, I know.
Remember to check the band website and see if indeed we will have band next Thursday and/or Friday!
See you guys!
I made it a handy-dandy slideshow, which makes viewing a bit easier.
Hope you enjoy.
Whether it was us playing or us marching, she caught it, so here it is:
Music: That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)- Panic at the Disco
I'm awesome, I know.
Remember to check the band website and see if indeed we will have band next Thursday and/or Friday!
See you guys!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Let it rain, and clear it out.
Hey ya'll.
Okay, straight to business. Alright, maybe not serious business, but it's important none-the-less.
Today, our main goal was to learn the correct measurement for a flex step. Each section spilt up and practiced using lines drawn by Mrs. Smith.
The correct step size means that you take 8 steps in 5 yards. Anything more is to big a step, anything less means your step is to small.
As you all know we were washed out. LITERALLY.
Today it rained, of all days. We were steadily marching on the track when a slight drizzle began.
Before long that little drizzle became a large downpour. It really started to come down.
It was a test of sorts though. I test of focus. Instead of scrambling across the track and field we stayed in our marching lines and kept marching.
That is until the drum clicks became faster and faster, until it was every instrument and flag for themselves.
We had to hurry in, lest our instruments become ruined.
Each of the sections took off as fast as we could in the general direction of the band room.
Once inside, we took a small break and went back outside.
Only to have the same happen again.
Afterwards, we broke up into sections Brass/Percussion and Woodwinds.
Mr. Bailey and Luke gave us clear directions on how the song needed to sound and how we were to achieve that sound.
Whether those directions were followed is a different story.
After all that was done, the band meet again in the High school Band room to put together our previous efforts.
And I must say, I'm really starting to like where we are going.
I've also stayed after the designated practice time to watch the color guard.
I must say, they are doing awesome.
They will far surpass last year's performance, trust me.
All problem's are immediately fixed, and everyone is able to voice concerns.
It's great.
Their spins are on time, flags are moving in the same way, and people are working together.
RANDOM MUSICAL FACTS OF THE DAY!:
DO YOU KNOW WHO JOHN PHILIP SOUSA IS?
Well, he is one of the most important American conductors and composers in our military's history. Dubbed the, "March King", John Philip Sousa started his musical career at the age of six. At that time he was found to have Absolute Pitch, which is the knowledge of how to replicate or identify a musical note without the help of artificial means.
Later on in his life, he climbed the Military ranks to finally become a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy.
And of course, it was he who conducted the Navel band at the time.
Okay, straight to business. Alright, maybe not serious business, but it's important none-the-less.
Today, our main goal was to learn the correct measurement for a flex step. Each section spilt up and practiced using lines drawn by Mrs. Smith.
The correct step size means that you take 8 steps in 5 yards. Anything more is to big a step, anything less means your step is to small.
As you all know we were washed out. LITERALLY.
Today it rained, of all days. We were steadily marching on the track when a slight drizzle began.
Before long that little drizzle became a large downpour. It really started to come down.
It was a test of sorts though. I test of focus. Instead of scrambling across the track and field we stayed in our marching lines and kept marching.
That is until the drum clicks became faster and faster, until it was every instrument and flag for themselves.
We had to hurry in, lest our instruments become ruined.
Each of the sections took off as fast as we could in the general direction of the band room.
Once inside, we took a small break and went back outside.
Only to have the same happen again.
Afterwards, we broke up into sections Brass/Percussion and Woodwinds.
Mr. Bailey and Luke gave us clear directions on how the song needed to sound and how we were to achieve that sound.
Whether those directions were followed is a different story.
After all that was done, the band meet again in the High school Band room to put together our previous efforts.
And I must say, I'm really starting to like where we are going.
I've also stayed after the designated practice time to watch the color guard.
I must say, they are doing awesome.
They will far surpass last year's performance, trust me.
All problem's are immediately fixed, and everyone is able to voice concerns.
It's great.
Their spins are on time, flags are moving in the same way, and people are working together.
RANDOM MUSICAL FACTS OF THE DAY!:
DO YOU KNOW WHO JOHN PHILIP SOUSA IS?
Well, he is one of the most important American conductors and composers in our military's history. Dubbed the, "March King", John Philip Sousa started his musical career at the age of six. At that time he was found to have Absolute Pitch, which is the knowledge of how to replicate or identify a musical note without the help of artificial means.
Later on in his life, he climbed the Military ranks to finally become a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy.
And of course, it was he who conducted the Navel band at the time.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Slide to the left, slide to the right.
First off, I would like to correct a previous post I made.
It was brought to my attention today during our break. Yesterday, the drill down was considered a tie. Jeremy and Bobby were both considered winners.
We had the same situation today. People were slowly picked of, including me. I got out on one of the first commands.
I'm not very good at drill downs.
Any who, two people were left standing. Nick, a trumpet, and Dylan, our resident french horn, had toughed it out until the end. After an insane, literally, amount of commands both of them stood standing. They truly deserved the title of drill down champions.
Mr. Bailey has now introduced rewards for drill downs.
THAT'S RIGHT, YOU CAN WIN FABULOUS PRIZES.
Okay, maybe not fabulous, but nice.
You have your choice of a free scale pass-off, or a free bus ride for away games.
Personally, I'd choose the free scale.
It'll just make the burden a little easier.
Especially if there is one scale, you just can't play right.
On to today's curriculum:
It consisted of review and a new marching fundamental called the 'Slide.'
A slide is much like a flank, but your upper body remains facing forward.
While it may seem uncomfortable and unnecessary compared to the flank, but it serves a much bigger purpose.
While flanked, your instrument is facing away from the audience in the stands, which means that they won't hear it as well as they should.
A slide solves this problem by allowing a marcher to move in a different direction, while simultaneously facing the audience the entire set.
This is the last time I will state this in the blog, because I feel I'm wasting my keystrokes on this subject.
The talking has to cease. It's a matter of respect. By talking while a Band Leader is talking, you are blantantly disrespecting them. Basically, to their face.
I'm sick of it, Luke is sick of it, Mr. Bailey is sick of it, Mrs. Smith is sick of it, and anyone who cares about the wellbeing of the band is sick of it.
Just stop it.
Specially' requested by Tyler,
we have a RANDOM MUSICAL FACT OF THE DAY about trombones:
Did you know that the longest musical piece written for the Trombone is, "Mahler's Third?" It contains the longest trombone solo in musical literature. How long is this solo, you might ask?
32 MINUTES LONG. That's right.
Over half an hour.
So next time you complain about the Nightmare Before Christmas, imagine memorizing a 32 minute long solo.
Jack Skellington won't seem so scary after that.
It was brought to my attention today during our break. Yesterday, the drill down was considered a tie. Jeremy and Bobby were both considered winners.
We had the same situation today. People were slowly picked of, including me. I got out on one of the first commands.
I'm not very good at drill downs.
Any who, two people were left standing. Nick, a trumpet, and Dylan, our resident french horn, had toughed it out until the end. After an insane, literally, amount of commands both of them stood standing. They truly deserved the title of drill down champions.
Mr. Bailey has now introduced rewards for drill downs.
THAT'S RIGHT, YOU CAN WIN FABULOUS PRIZES.
Okay, maybe not fabulous, but nice.
You have your choice of a free scale pass-off, or a free bus ride for away games.
Personally, I'd choose the free scale.
It'll just make the burden a little easier.
Especially if there is one scale, you just can't play right.
On to today's curriculum:
It consisted of review and a new marching fundamental called the 'Slide.'
A slide is much like a flank, but your upper body remains facing forward.
While it may seem uncomfortable and unnecessary compared to the flank, but it serves a much bigger purpose.
While flanked, your instrument is facing away from the audience in the stands, which means that they won't hear it as well as they should.
A slide solves this problem by allowing a marcher to move in a different direction, while simultaneously facing the audience the entire set.
This is the last time I will state this in the blog, because I feel I'm wasting my keystrokes on this subject.
The talking has to cease. It's a matter of respect. By talking while a Band Leader is talking, you are blantantly disrespecting them. Basically, to their face.
I'm sick of it, Luke is sick of it, Mr. Bailey is sick of it, Mrs. Smith is sick of it, and anyone who cares about the wellbeing of the band is sick of it.
Just stop it.
Specially' requested by Tyler,
we have a RANDOM MUSICAL FACT OF THE DAY about trombones:
Did you know that the longest musical piece written for the Trombone is, "Mahler's Third?" It contains the longest trombone solo in musical literature. How long is this solo, you might ask?
32 MINUTES LONG. That's right.
Over half an hour.
So next time you complain about the Nightmare Before Christmas, imagine memorizing a 32 minute long solo.
Jack Skellington won't seem so scary after that.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
I'M ON FIYA! (fire)
Hey, hey, hey.
Ok, the first topic at hand is Drill Downs. Today, I was very surprised.
It took a while to finish the drill down. Much longer than I expected.
And one can surmise that, we are only getting better at rapid fire commands.
Yay for listening!
It all came down to Bobby and Jeremy, and Bobby took the win for himself and the saxophones.
All it took for him to win was a simple horns up, but that changed everything in the end.
This exercise is meant to sharpen your listening skills. This means don't get out so you don't have to do it. It's for your benefit and the bands benefit.
We're teaching life lessons here. If you don't do it for the band, at least help yourself by trying.
And once again, it was really freaking hot. Major rays, dude. Though, my sun burn is turning into to a nice tan. I can't complain.
Remember, dress in light colors, darker colors tend to retain heat.
STAY HYDRATED. We cannot stress this enough. We do not want you passing out in the middle of a drill. We look bad, and you'll end up looking stupid. Lose-Lose situation.
Mr. Bailey provides water during our breaks, so you have no excuse not to drink something.
NOW FOR THE BIG FINALE!
The officers know you don't like push-ups. We know. But when we must, we will.
From this point on, if you are late to band it will result in push-ups.
Say you are 10 minutes late, reasonable right?
That will cause a 20 push-up punishment.
17 minutes? 34 push-up punishment.
The amount of minutes you are late is doubled to equal your push-up count.
These punishments will be carried out during the first break of the day.
While everyone is inside drinking their nice, refreshing water, you will be stuck out in the sun, doing push-ups.
And don't think we won't see you come in late.
They don't call him "Eagle Eye" Bailey for nothing.
(actually they don't call him that at all, but it's a neat name)
Random Musical Fact of the Day!:
Today I will be providing a video for the fact of the day!
Easy enough to pay attention too.
Today I will introduce to you the THEREMIN!
This is Gnarls Barkley's- Crazy played on the Theremin:
The guy moving his hands aimlessly in the air may seem like he's doing nothing, but he is actually playing a Theremin.
You'll notice that his movements slighty resemble the pitch, volume, and rhythm being played. That's because his movements directly affect what is played.
The distance from one antenna determines frequency (pitch), and the distance from the other controls amplitude (volume). Additionally, some theremins use a volume dial and have only one antenna.
Ok, the first topic at hand is Drill Downs. Today, I was very surprised.
It took a while to finish the drill down. Much longer than I expected.
And one can surmise that, we are only getting better at rapid fire commands.
Yay for listening!
It all came down to Bobby and Jeremy, and Bobby took the win for himself and the saxophones.
All it took for him to win was a simple horns up, but that changed everything in the end.
This exercise is meant to sharpen your listening skills. This means don't get out so you don't have to do it. It's for your benefit and the bands benefit.
We're teaching life lessons here. If you don't do it for the band, at least help yourself by trying.
And once again, it was really freaking hot. Major rays, dude. Though, my sun burn is turning into to a nice tan. I can't complain.
Remember, dress in light colors, darker colors tend to retain heat.
STAY HYDRATED. We cannot stress this enough. We do not want you passing out in the middle of a drill. We look bad, and you'll end up looking stupid. Lose-Lose situation.
Mr. Bailey provides water during our breaks, so you have no excuse not to drink something.
NOW FOR THE BIG FINALE!
The officers know you don't like push-ups. We know. But when we must, we will.
From this point on, if you are late to band it will result in push-ups.
Say you are 10 minutes late, reasonable right?
That will cause a 20 push-up punishment.
17 minutes? 34 push-up punishment.
The amount of minutes you are late is doubled to equal your push-up count.
These punishments will be carried out during the first break of the day.
While everyone is inside drinking their nice, refreshing water, you will be stuck out in the sun, doing push-ups.
And don't think we won't see you come in late.
They don't call him "Eagle Eye" Bailey for nothing.
(actually they don't call him that at all, but it's a neat name)
Random Musical Fact of the Day!:
Today I will be providing a video for the fact of the day!
Easy enough to pay attention too.
Today I will introduce to you the THEREMIN!
This is Gnarls Barkley's- Crazy played on the Theremin:
The guy moving his hands aimlessly in the air may seem like he's doing nothing, but he is actually playing a Theremin.
You'll notice that his movements slighty resemble the pitch, volume, and rhythm being played. That's because his movements directly affect what is played.
The distance from one antenna determines frequency (pitch), and the distance from the other controls amplitude (volume). Additionally, some theremins use a volume dial and have only one antenna.
Monday, August 4, 2008
HOLY CRAP! IT'S HOT!
Title pretty much sums up today's experience.
IT WAS A SCORCHER! I could literally feel my pale white skin becoming the hue of a lobster.
But that's not the only thing that was important about today! Of course, as a band member, now that today was our first 'full band' drill down. It was intense.
I mean seriously.
Of course, I was sent to stand at attention for the stupidest thing possible. I don't think the call was stupid, but it was a stupid thing to do on my part. I laughed.
It just goes to show that you have to put on your A GAME for drill downs. You represent your section in a drill down. You make your whole section look good if you are the last marcher standing. It will surely leave a smirk on your Drill Captains face too. I failed, Cassie didn't though. Cassie and Mary duked it out in an all out drill command battle.
Cassie came out victorious though.
CRITICISM IS EMINENT! IN 3, 2, 1...
Talking. Talking. Unterhaltung (German). 話すこと (Japanese). говорить (Russian).
Doesn't matter what language I say it in, it's a problem.
I've said it since the first entry in this blog, no talking while an authoritative figure is speaking, or is about to start or finish speaking.
Mr. Bailey introduced an new concept today:
RESPECT FOR THE PODIUM!
Not so much the physical podium itself, for it is an inanimate object, but the power it represents. Every great leader has used a podium at one point or another.
They demanded respect from their followers, and so does Mr. Bailey and Luke.
So what does this mean? R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
(you're lucky I'm not there to actually sing it for you)
We also practiced our flanks as a whole band. Something that was new for the upperclassemen also. It's a level playing field.
YOU HAVE TO PRACTICE MARCHING FUNDEMENTALS AT HOME.
THE SAME GOES FOR YOU MUSIC!
ARE YOU PRACTICING? CHOOSE ANSWER NOW:
A)Yes, I had almost finished memorizing Part 2 of our marching music, that was, until you inturepted me Mr. Queen.
or
B)No, I am wasting my time still reading this post. I don't plan to do anything really productive today. brb pwning n00bz in halo3.
What did you pick?
RANDOM MUSICAL FACT OF THE DAY!:
The Ocarina is an ancient wind insturment dating back almost 12,000 years.
In the Chinese culture the ocarina, though in a different form, has played a very important role.
It is just as important in other Asian cultures, though. In Korea, Japan and Taiwan an annual Ocarina festival in its honor.
There is an actual mathematical formula to find it's frequency:
Where v is the speed of sound, A is the total uncovered area and V is the enclosed volume.
and hey Bobby.
IT WAS A SCORCHER! I could literally feel my pale white skin becoming the hue of a lobster.
But that's not the only thing that was important about today! Of course, as a band member, now that today was our first 'full band' drill down. It was intense.
I mean seriously.
Of course, I was sent to stand at attention for the stupidest thing possible. I don't think the call was stupid, but it was a stupid thing to do on my part. I laughed.
It just goes to show that you have to put on your A GAME for drill downs. You represent your section in a drill down. You make your whole section look good if you are the last marcher standing. It will surely leave a smirk on your Drill Captains face too. I failed, Cassie didn't though. Cassie and Mary duked it out in an all out drill command battle.
Cassie came out victorious though.
CRITICISM IS EMINENT! IN 3, 2, 1...
Talking. Talking. Unterhaltung (German). 話すこと (Japanese). говорить (Russian).
Doesn't matter what language I say it in, it's a problem.
I've said it since the first entry in this blog, no talking while an authoritative figure is speaking, or is about to start or finish speaking.
Mr. Bailey introduced an new concept today:
RESPECT FOR THE PODIUM!
Not so much the physical podium itself, for it is an inanimate object, but the power it represents. Every great leader has used a podium at one point or another.
They demanded respect from their followers, and so does Mr. Bailey and Luke.
So what does this mean? R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
(you're lucky I'm not there to actually sing it for you)
We also practiced our flanks as a whole band. Something that was new for the upperclassemen also. It's a level playing field.
YOU HAVE TO PRACTICE MARCHING FUNDEMENTALS AT HOME.
THE SAME GOES FOR YOU MUSIC!
ARE YOU PRACTICING? CHOOSE ANSWER NOW:
A)Yes, I had almost finished memorizing Part 2 of our marching music, that was, until you inturepted me Mr. Queen.
or
B)No, I am wasting my time still reading this post. I don't plan to do anything really productive today. brb pwning n00bz in halo3.
What did you pick?
RANDOM MUSICAL FACT OF THE DAY!:
The Ocarina is an ancient wind insturment dating back almost 12,000 years.
In the Chinese culture the ocarina, though in a different form, has played a very important role.
It is just as important in other Asian cultures, though. In Korea, Japan and Taiwan an annual Ocarina festival in its honor.
There is an actual mathematical formula to find it's frequency:
Where v is the speed of sound, A is the total uncovered area and V is the enclosed volume.
and hey Bobby.
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