2003 October Bugle

From the Director . . .

This has been our best start ever. Thank you to all of the students, staff, and Boosters who are hard at work on this year’s field show production. It is a great show and I can tell that we are all proud of the show itself and proud to be members of this fine program.

Over this past month, we have experienced the first football game and our first competition. We have also performed at two student rallies and at the renaming ceremony of the Country Wide Performing Arts Center (formerly the Civic Arts Plaza). All of this, coupled with eight elementary school demonstrations, has made this a very busy first month. Oh, and don’t forget the carwashes, Pasta Dinner, Fun Company Picnic and the AdBook sales.

As you all know by now, the machine that we call the “band program” is one spectacular ensemble with the best students working together toward one goal. I am proud of all of you and your participation in all of the events so far.

As a reminder, itineraries are available in the Band Room each and every Thursday before a competition weekend. Students are to pick one up on their own and bring the information home. Our email system is working well for updates, and as you are reading, our monthly newsletter is a great source for staying on top of things. The glitch with the calendar and our web site has been worked out thanks to Jeff Noli, please check it out at www.tohsband.org.

Please find enclosed in this newsletter (see page 4) a first run list of private music instructors. I encourage you to find a private teacher for your student to help with his or her individual needs. This is a great way to help encourage the individuality of each performer and help to prepare students to reach their full potential as a performer. The list will be updated and posted in the Band Room. I anticipate updates will be included in future newsletters as well.

If any help can be given toward the production of show props, and or continued help with our Wish List, please contact the Band Office at 379-0437.

Here’s to a great month . . . see you at the show.

Mr. Martone

Details being Finalized for Fall Trips

Your son or daughter should have brought home an information packet for the fall out of town trips. This packet had the names of the hotels on the cover page and contained permission slips for both Fresno and Phoenix as well as a suggested packing list. The permission slips should have already been returned to the Band Office, if you have not received this information packet you can pick up copies in the Band Office.

Students will travel by chartered buses to these events. We are scheduled to leave from school on the morning of October 31 and return Sunday evening November 2. We are staying at the Embassy Suites, 2577 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, 602-375-1777. The Bands of America competition will be held at the Band One Ball Park.

We will depart for the WBA State Championships in Fresno on Friday morning, November 21 and return on Sunday afternoon, November 23. We are staying at the Radisson Hotel, 2233 Ventura St., Fresno, 559-268-1000. We will be performing at Bulldog Stadium on the campus of Fresno State.

Anyone who is chaperoning these trips should be aware that they may be needed to help with equipment. If you have not been to any Friday night football games you should plan to attend next week so that you can find out what role you will be playing in the staging and field placement of the field show props. Any questions should be directed to Cheryl Pavell,

492-6047. Other general questions may be directed to the Band Office, 379-0437.

President’s Corner

Well, tournament season is in full swing. We got our feet wet in Simi Valley where Echoes of Camelot was well received by the judges and crowd alike. The first competition is always nerve wracking and Simi was no exception. All the Boosters who work at our tournaments and shows all deserve our collective gratitude for their hard work under pressure. As I write this, our own Tournament is upon us, followed by competitions in Costa Mesa and Valley View. Booster spectators are much appreciated when we are on the road. Come to cheer for the Band. It’s well worth the drive.

The Band will depart for Phoenix on Friday morning October 31. A Halloween party has been planned for our arrival in Phoenix. Costumes are allowed. In an effort to maintain decorum and for the protection of the public along our route, there will be no costumes worn on the bus trip.

Please try to attend our monthly Booster meetings. Every member is welcome. This is a great chance to see "the machine" close up and get your questions answered. We discuss finances, review and plan fundraisers, hear from Mr. Martone and share news of show season progress. Our children are working so hard. Show your support by getting involved.

When we are on the road, the Band Hotline provides updated information on competition results and return times for those left behind. Before you head over to the high school for a midnight pickup, call the Hotline, that way you won’t have to sleep in your car for two hours! The Hot Line number is 435-4331. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I am easily reached by e-mail at TOHSBANDPREZ@aol.com or call me @ 498-3638.

Betsy Connolly, Band Booster President

Thanks to everyone for our successful and most enjoyable Pasta Dinner. We enjoyed the performances of many of our talented students. A special thank you goes out to alum Kay DeGennaro for making the pasta sauce. It was outstanding. And Jeanine Eyre’s family gets the prize for purchasing the most tickets to the dinner 35!!! Thank you for your support. The dinner has netted over $1500. Please be advised if you did not return your unsold tickets before the deadline your student’s account will be charged $35.

Great Kards are still available. We did not have strong sales during the first run, only 125. We will offer them again, they make great gifts for office co-workers and neighbors. If you would like some Kards, please contact Lindsay Barukh, 379-3094.

Thank you to everyone who worked at the Fun Company/Rockwell picnic on Sunday. They were again pleased with our efforts. We collected $2700 for all the hard work and half will be credited to ISSAs.

Watch the November Bugle for the wreath fundraiser. This was extremely popular with those who participated last year.

Last but not least, start thinking about the Dinner Dance and Silent Auction. It is scheduled for Sunday evening, February 8 (the date was incorrect last month in The Bugle) at the Los Robles Golf Course Clubhouse. Every family is asked to contribute an item or gift certificate for services in the amount of $25 or more. These contributions will be put together in gift baskets for the silent auction. No used items please, but if you do receive a unique gift that you received in the past that doesn’t quite match your personality donate it to our cause. We can always find a place for it. Don’t forget your employers, they may be willing to donate to our cause. Now is the time to start asking!! We will be forming a committee to organize and plan the dinner; if you are interested in helping, please call Polly Toohey, 523-2569 or Sandee Tischler, 497-6502.

Don’t Forget Scrip…

With the holidays just around the corner now is a great time to buy scrip. Enclosed in this newsletter you will find a mini scrip order form for national scrip. Complete order forms with all the vendors that we have available are on the Band Room door. Orders are due to Mary Roberts by Monday evenings, details on how to contact her are on the form.

Please note, we have a new item in stock or for pre-order, it is the Encompass Card. This card is accepted everywhere that American Express Cards are accepted this included Costco,

Wal-mart, Ralph’s and Albertson’s as well as many restaurants. Dena Watson has all the in stock scrip and is available after practice most days. If you need something specific give her a call at 495-3327 otherwise plan to see her at school.

Ralph’s scrip is no longer available, but they are establishing a new “Community Card” program. Details will be forthcoming. And lastly, you must re-enroll in the Escrip program before November 1. Simply log on to www.escrip.com.

Financial Report

Thank you to all the families who have been timely in paying their fall band expenses. Remember all accounts should be paid in full by October 31. Statements were being mailed last week. If there is any discrepancy, please contact Mike Sandler,

498-7519. All chaperone fees should also be paid in full by October 31.

Students are still responsible for their ASB car wash tickets. This $100 or any portion thereof should be paid ASAP. Names are posted on the Band Room door. Talk with Mrs. Martone if you have questions.

Concert Attire Fitting

Girls will soon be fitted in class for their concert dresses. If anyone has a dress that no longer fits they can resell it. Additionally, boys may sell their tuxes that they have outgrown. However, new tuxedos will be fitted at the tux shop.

Attach the self-addressed, stamped envelope to the item(s) you wish to sell. If it is sold the money will be mailed to you. If sizes have been removed please note the size on the garment. All garments must be in clean, wearable condition; any stained or torn should items not be submitted. There will be designated sale days and items should be turned in a week before the sale. There will be separate dates for dresses and tuxes. If you do not pick up your unsold items before December 15 they will be considered a donation to the Band. There is a flyer on the Band Room door will complete details on reselling your gently used concert attire. Call Diane Folsom, 492-2240, or Dorothy Hatfield, 529-5819, with questions.