December 2002

From the President…

Dear Booster Families:

November was the crème de la crème!!Our Indy Bon Voyage family potluck in the rain was memorable! Thank you to Betsy, Nancy, Mary, Dorothy and all the families for

providing delicious food and fun. As many of you know, I provide weekly updates via email. I am providing some of the same information below for the benefit of those who did not receive those emails

The Indy Review: We have the official BOA video tapes of the student's performances in Indy. It was a definite 'Emotional Journey" to see our students perform in a professional football stadium. We will, in the near future, plan a family night to view the video tapes and show a slide show of all the candid pictures that many of our parents took. We can't wait to share this trip with all of you who were not able to be with us. Your student's were perfection, both on and off the field. They were a pleasure to be around. We are incredibly proud of their success, they are true National Champions.

There are not enough words to thank those parents that traveled with us. Without them this trip would not have been possible. We are indebted to Shari Smith for planning this trip. The careful details and location planning she did made this trip incredibly smooth. Thanks, from the bottom of my heart, Shari. The preplanning logistics trip that Terry McCallum and Jake Wood took the weekend before this trip was priceless. Thank you to them for taking the time to make that trip and then be there with us for the competition weekend. Their input and expertise was invaluable. Along with Jake and Terry was the ever fabulous equipment crew: Jeff Hoffman, Bill Cole, Irv Hilf, Gregg Stokell, Stephen Scheck, Tim Bernstein, George Davies, Mike Pancake, Scott Fouse, Camden Lorentson and Dorothy Hatfield (their chauffeur). These "guys" were the “Dream Team.” You name it, they did it and with no complaints from sun up till past midnight. Our Chaperones: Donna Chiurazzi, Kelly Pinkowski, Julie Lindberg, Gloria Paul, Bharati Savla, Naomi Burns, Edith Hauger, Linda Heckendorf, Judy Hightower, Gail Williamson, Gari Ann Douglass, Diane Folsom, Dorothy Hatfield, Cheryl Pavell, Lori Crosse, Cheryl Clayton, Cathy Philipp, Theresa Luna and Viviane Hilf were so helpful, patient, flexible, supportive and our cheering section in the stadium. Thanks, Mom's!!!!! Traveling separately, but lending thankful helping hands with whatever was needed were: Steve and Carol Polley, Melody Fouse, Pauline Pancake, Penny Hunter, and Scott Crawford. Them plus Linda Crawford, Lori and Jerry Dulek, Nancy and Mark Loomis, Wes and Celina Nishina, Michael Treuheit, Cathy Foster, Jeff Paul (all the way from Virginia), and the Smoot Family (I apologize if I left out your name and you were there) were also in our cheering section in the stadium. You can certainly hear them on the video tapes. Of course without the guidance, direction, encouragement and yes, love and support, from the staff, this trip and whole season would not be possible. Thank you to Michael Grogan, Matt Altmire, Lance Delgado, Stephen Ridley, Quintin Rice and Mike Freed, (Chris Velez, Sarah Barukh, Serjik Issagolian, and Mihara Shimamoto, in spirit only while we were in Indy). Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Marty and Mary Anne Martone for caring for our students as if they were their own and for having the vision, when they came to California, to know that the TOHS Lancer Band and Color Guard's legacy would only grow to be more successful than anyone would have imagined.

The San Diego Review: Parents, we should be incredibly proud of our students. They were once again, awesome both on and off the field. This weekend was the culmination of an unbelievably successful season. As Mr. Martone has said all season, "Success breeds Success." We are 28th in the Nation and 7th in the State. When you think of all the thousands of bands across the nation and the state, our rankings are SUCCESS!!!

Thank you to all the chaperones, equipment crew, food crew, pre-performance crews, parents and alumni for all your tireless help and support this weekend and through out the season. We simply could not have done it without you. Thank you to Shari Smith for planning another successful trip. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Martone and staff, you are the best!

Our Senior Circle that took place directly after our performance was yet another wonderful memory. Mr. Martone said to the whole band, "In simple words, that (performance) was simply the best of the season. The sweetest thing about that is what we said before we went on that we were doing that for the family. We know that was the best. We know what we can do when we work together. I am proud to be your director. I am proud that you are part of this band. I am proud that you took this journey with the staff and with me from the beginning of this season to this moment right now. This journey will never be over. The memories that you created this year will never leave you. Remember that. What you learn by teamwork and commitment and love and dedication towards one thing with many other people, will make you a successful person in whatever you do in life. You learn so much by giving of yourself, the more you give the more you get. We have talked about that all year. Learn from the feeling inside you get from giving. You gave everything you had tonight. No one can knock you down. You stand up for yourself. You do what's right. That's what we talked about integrity was. Doing the right thing when no one else is watching. You proved you had great integrity tonight on the field. That's what we're talking about. This band is not just music and marching, it's about making fine young adults and you are just that. I thank you for that." He said to the seniors, "I spoke to them in a circle earlier, I say this with such pride and admiration for them because they did not give up on a new band director or a new program or a new direction. They are extremely strong senior class and without their dedication and commitment the success that we have had this past year would not have happened until a future year. This has been extremely special because they have set the trend along with all of you, with all you juniors, sophomores and freshman each one of you will take a piece of them to share with future band members that will look at you when you are a senior. As they are standing here thinking about when they first came, thinking about their first year and how they changed all the way up until this point. At the beginning of the year I told them that this was going to be the tough year. No one was going to be doing anything for them any more. They have to cut their own path and do their own thing. They have made those choices and made all the right choices and they have done an excellent job, let's give it up for the seniors." As it should be, the traditional senior circle was very special and emotional. Thank you to the Senior Rep Mom’s, Bharati Savla, Donna Chiurazzi, and Pauline Pancake for arranging the memorable senior t-shirts and red roses and cards that the seniors gave to their parents. They are a treasure to behold.

It is because of speeches such as the one above by a man of such integrity, character and leadership that we are proud as parents and students to be able to be a part of this incredible organization. The simplest of words, “Thank you< Mr. Martone,” are simply not enough.

Check out the website www.JOLESCH.com for ordering excellent candid photographs of your students at Bands of America. Also check out the website www.pbase.com/onthetrail to see the many photos that Cathy Philipp took through out the season. You can download and print your own photos. As long as you are surfing the web, see our very own TOHS Band website at tohsband.org. Thank you to Jeff Noli, our new Webmaster, for always being up to date. Thanks to Steve Friedman for all of his great digital photos of our competitions that you can view on-line. More digital dad’s to love are Mike Pancake and Scott Fouse. Thanks everyone!!!!

There will be no official Booster meeting in December; however, we will have a Booster Family Social in the school cafeteria at 7:30pm during Caroling on Friday, December 13. Our Carolers and Drivers will join us upon their return. Please join us for cookies, cocoa and holiday cheer. Please bring three dozen cookies and your recipe to share.

It is a privilege and a blessing that I am able to be a part of this organization. I wouldn’t trade my memories for anything in the world. Thanks for sharing your students. May you have the Happiest of Chanukahs, the Merriest of Christmases and the Best Happy New Year ever!!

Musically yours,

Lynne Phillips

Concert Attire Update

Concert attire has been standardized to maximize our uniformity of appearance. This uniformity is an important aspect of performance and is noted by festival adjudicators. Concert attire will be required at the Jazz Band Concert on December 10 and at the Winter Concert on December 17.

All gentlemen will wear a white, wing-collared, long sleeved tuxedo shirt, black studs and cuff links, a black cummerbund and a plain black bow tie. Only black dress shoes and black socks are acceptable. Those in Wind Ensemble are required to wear a solid black, single-breasted tuxedo. The other ensembles may wear either a single-breasted tux or a solid black suit.

Those students in the Jazz Band or Percussion Ensemble must wear a black, long-sleeved shirt, black slacks, black socks and shoes. No vests or patterned ties or shirts are permitted in any performance group.

Tux ‘n’ Tails at 2940 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., 805-496-4181, has agreed to sell tuxedos to our band members for approximately $140. It is up to each band member to arrange their own fittings and purchase by December 10 or 17. This is a great price and the tux can be worn at any band or prom activity. Any boys wishing to sell used tuxedos or suits please post sale information on the bulletin board in the Band Room. Any questions? Please contact Sandee Tischler.

All ladies will wear the designated black, performance dress. The dress is full-length, with a modest scoop neck and long sleeves. The fabric is a mid-weight, washable knit. Please note you will be responsible for hemming the dress, NO SHORTER THAN ANKLE LENGTH. Only plan, black pumps are permitted. No sandals, sling back, backless, straps, over-sized heels, platforms or ornamentation are allowed. Please keep the heel to a 2 inch maximum for safety. Girls shoe check will be on Monday, December 9 during the lunch hour. Only sheer or opaque black nylons or tights are acceptable. Appropriate under garments should also be worn. (Please be aware that a slip should be worn under these dresses for they are sheer and can be seen through when on stage.)

The girls have been sized for their concert dress in class. The dress costs approximately $58 and will need to be hemmed no shorter than ankle length. Following is a list of girls wishing to sell used dresses. The size they have to sell in parenthesis (we will also have this info listed on the bulletin board). Last year was our first year using designated performance dresses, therefore these used dresses have only been worn three times.

One additional item for all performers, a minimum of jewelry can be worn. However, bracelets should not be worn by anyone. If any jewelry is deemed distracting by the director the student will be asked to remove it.

Any other questions, please contact Linda Heckendorf.

Dinner Dance Plans Off to a Great Start

Melody Fouse and her committee have begun making plans for our annual dinner dance. The event will be held on Saturday, evening February 1, 2003 at the Clarion Palm Garden Grand Ballroom in Newbury Park. In addition to the auction and dinner we are always treated to the outstanding performance by our Jazz Band. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 6pm, dinner will be served at 7pm. Tickets cost $35.00 per person and will go on sale in January; watch The Bugle for more details. Please invite friends, neighbors and relatives this is our biggest fundraiser of the year. It is always a great evening!

We are requesting a donation worth approximately $25 from each family. It could be a gift certificate, a nice but unwanted gift or a special talent, skill or service that you can provide. We will also need baskets, trays and such for packaging the silent auction items.

Please consider approaching area businesses for donations. This works especially well if you are a regular customer. Betsy Connolly has solicitation letters in envelopes with return envelopes folded inside. Everyone should pick up a few and personally deliver them to the merchants that they patronize. Please contact Betsy Connolly, 498-3638, with any questions you might have regarding either personal or business donations.

Table sponsorships are available. Band families and area businesses have sponsored entire tables in the past. By sponsoring a table, you or a business purchase the entire table and then invite family and friend to join us at this event. Please contact Melody Fouse for more details about sponsorships.

This year’s event promises to be an elegant evening of great entertainment and fun. So mark you calendars now, you won’t want to miss this great night.

Jazz Band’s Season Begins

The Jazz Band will be performing on Wednesday, December 18 at the Ronald Reagan Library. (This performance is not open to the public.) All members should bring their Jazz Band attire with them to school that day, they will depart a 3pm. Attire includes black shirt, pants, shoes and socks. If you students wears a

t-shirt under their shirt, please make sure it is

black as well.

If anyone has a truck or van and can help transport the equipment to the library please let Gloria Paul, V-P Jazz Band, know. Any other questions, call Gloria.

Miscellaneous Reminders

See’s Candy - Always available, cost is $24, with $12 going directly to your student account. See Mrs. Martone in the Band Office to pick up candy.

ASB Car Wash - If you have not met your $100 obligation for the ASB car wash please get those monies in as soon as possible to the Band White Box. Sell See’s Candy to pay this off!

Color Guard Auditions - Second semester auditions for color guard will be held during the week of January 13. Those who were not in the Guard during the fall are also welcome to audition.

Band Placement Auditions - All ensemble members will also audition during the week of January 13 for second semester placement.

Band Account - Please make every effort to bring your account current. All fees were due by October 15. Please contact Shari Smith in the Band Office to discuss payment questions.

Pancake Breakfast - The Pancake Breakfast, scheduled for early January, has been postponed until later in the Spring.

National Scrip Orders - Please note that the last day to order scrip before the winter recess is December 10. Please contact Mary Tessendorf with you order. Order forms are always available on the Band Room door. Paper scrip will continue to be available from Dorothy Hatfield.

From the Director . . .

Let me start this fall season wrap up with the following quote:

Championships are won by uncommon people because they are willing to the things that a common person won’t do.

A common person is basically lazy. We want to become uncommon people.

I believe and feel very passionately that we have completed an extraordinary first step in a new era for our Band. We were not lazy and have accomplished a lot throughout this season. I am very proud of each and every student, staff member, Booster, and volunteer that helped make our season a success. WE DID THIS AS A TEAM!!!

We all know that there are two types motivation:

Extrinsic – motivation from outside stimuli, i.e., the carrot in front of the horse

Intrinsic – motivation from inside oneself

The rewards we have won this year are from the intrinsic motivation that you, the students created. There were times were the staff was the carrot, but through the season, the magic and momentum carried you beyond were you thought you were capable of going.

As a teacher, I am most proud of that transition of thinking, and seeing the excitement in your faces that says we can do anything.

We have accomplished a lot this season. We set a goal to be a national band. The truth is that any of the 88 bands that went to Nationals can say that. The fact that we went to the big dance and placed 24^th in prelims, becoming a semi-finalist band, the first time going is something extremely special. We have EARNED the right to say that we ARE a National Band.

Remember the Journey of Life and the Journey for Excellence is one that is never ending. Also remember the magic you felt after the best performance of your season. That is something no one person or judge can take away from you. Hold on to your accomplishments and cherish them, thanking those around you for creating a moment in time that will never be forgotten.

Please advertise our concerts so that others may see your talents.

Happy Holidays to all . . . Enjoy the Winter Break . . . You’re the Best!!!

Mr. Martone

A LOOK AHEAD...

Tuesday, December 10

Jazz Band/Percussion/Color Guard Concert

7:30pm

Wednesday, December 11

Executive Board Meeting

7:30pm

Friday, December 13

Caroling

5-8:30pm

Social 7:30pm

Saturday, December 14

Student Party

December 21– January 5

Winter Break—HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wednesday, January 8, 2003

Executive Board Meeting

7:30pm

Tuesday, January 14

Subway Restaurant Night

BOOSTER MEETING

7:30pm

Booster Dedication Reaps Big Reward