Winter Park Band Notes
October 9, 2016
From Mr. Blackmer
I hope that everyone made it through Hurricane Matthew unscathed! By all accounts, we were very fortunate for the path that the storm ultimately decided to take, and the damage around our immediate area seems to be fairly light.
A lot of information in this week's Newsletter! Please read carefully. And, as always, please take a moment to look over the Band Calendar for the next several weeks. October is a busy time of year, and the schedule is a bit off from typical weeks (see below)!
Thank you!
All the Best,
Mr. Blackmer
All-County Band Auditions
Registration for All-County Band auditions is now up. All Winter Park Band students are strongly encouraged to prepare an audition for All-County, and it is an expectation for Wind Ensemble students. Auditions will take place on Monday, November 14 at Oak Ridge High School.
All information regarding All-County Band can be found on our website HERE. Please note the registration deadline of Wednesday, October 19!
Band Camp 2017
With the release of the 2017/2018 OCPS school calendar a couple of weeks ago, we are now able to announce the dates for Band Camp 2017!
To allow additional summer time for students and their families, we are shifting the entire Band Camp schedule back one week. The first week of camp will be Monday, July 31 through Friday, August 4, and the second week will be Monday, August 7 through Friday, August 11. This second week will coexist with "Welcome Back Cats," and we are working on a special schedule for Band students to pick-up textbooks, get lockers, check out laptops, etc.
This new schedule format will give our students a full eight weeks off for their summer break. With this information available so early, please make summer vacation plans, doctor appointments, etc., accordingly! Also, please pass this information along to any current 8th Grade Band families that you know!
The first day of school will be Monday, August 14.
Calendar Reminders / Changes
- Wednesday, October 12: Due to the Marine Band concert later that night, the after school Marching Band rehearsal will only run from 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM.
- Thursday, October 13: Note that this is a Thursday away game!
- Wednesday, October 19: Because of testing, this will be a full school day (no early release) and the Marching Band rehearsal will run from 2:45 PM - 6:00 PM (like a Monday).
- Friday, October 21: This final away game at Boone will be with the full Marching Band.
- Tuesday, October 25: The Marching Band will hold a rehearsal this day from 2:45 PM - 5 PM to make up for the lost rehearsal on October 26 due to the Homecoming parade.
- Thursday, October 27: Our Homecoming football game is a Thursday night game!
Solo & Ensemble MPA
The registration deadline for Solo & Ensemble MPA is right around the corner (November 16). Like last year, all Winter Park Band students will need to prepare a solo or ensemble for February, and they will have a choice whether to perform at Solo & Ensemble MPA or for our Chamber Ensemble Recital on February 7 and 8. Also like last year, students who wish to perform works that cannot be found in the WPHS Band Library can order them directly through Mr. Blackmer.
To register for Solo & Ensemble MPA, click HERE. Must register by Wednesday, November 16.
For a complete list of the Florida Bandmasters approved S&E music, click HERE. Please note that all events (S&E MPA or the home recitals) must have music selected from the official FBA list at a grade 3 level or higher.
Spoleto Spirit Night
The Spoleto restaurant in Winter Park will be holding a "spirit night" to support the Winter Park High School Band on Thursday, November 3, from 6 PM - 9:30 PM. They will be donating 10% of all receipts for patrons identifying themselves with the Winter Park Band! Please make it a night out to enjoy some terrific Italian food, and invite your friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. All they need to do is tell their server that they are there supporting the Winter Park Bands, and we will receive 10% of their total bill!
The Winter Park Spoleto is located at 349 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 32789. Their phone number is (321) 972-1425. You can find out more about their restaurant and menu by visiting their website at www.spoletoitalian.com.
New York Tour Payment 3
Just a reminder that the 3rd New York Tour payment is due one week from tomorrow. If you have payment questions, please contact Mr. Blackmer at Christopher.Blackmer@ocps.net.
Band Fair Share 3
The 3rd Band Fair Share payment was due this past Wednesday, October 5. If you ever need reminders about what is due and when, the Financial Obligation forms can be found on the Band website under FORMS.
The next Fair Share is due Wednesday, November 2 for all Guard students, and March 1 for all winds and percussion.
Trunk-R-Treat!
Because the week leading up to Halloween is occupied with a Homecoming parade and performance, not to mention a long 3-day weekend, we will be holding the annual "Trunk-R-Treat" following Marching Band rehearsal on Tuesday, November 1. More information to come! Please be sure to note that we will not be holding a marching band rehearsal on Monday, October 31!
St. Olaf College Band
We are very fortunate to be hosting the St. Olaf College Band here at Winter Park High School on Monday, January 30 for a 7 PM concert! All Winter Park Band students will be required to attend, so please mark your calendars! Tickets will be $10 for adults at the door, and all students are free.
The St. Olaf College Band is one of the finest college bands in the country, and we are very excited to be hosting them on their tour through Florida!