Special Announcements
Important Legislation
March/01/08 12:38
Important legislation is being considered that may
have a huge impact on our arts program, and arts
programs across the state. There are two bills
filed in the legislature requiring physical
education for middle school grades. In the
Senate, the bill is
SB 0610
by Senator Constantine (Seminole and Orange) and in
the House it is
HB 757
by Representative Davis (Duval) and cosponsored by
Rep. Homan (Temple Terrace).
The opposition points of the Florida Music Educators Association are:
• We are not opposed to more physical education in the school day, however, we do oppose this bill which does not provide for adequate implementation. Our position is that physical education and other electives should not be mutually exclusive.
• If additional mandates are to be placed on the school day, additional time and funding must be provided for implementation (i.e. add another period in the day, fund the teachers) so that other areas of the curriculum are not reduced or eliminated.
• Mandating PE without providing an additional period will eliminate fine arts classes in the middle schools for any school on a six-period day. This will lead to the elimination of high school programs which depend on classes at the middle school to begin building skills and techniques for student success at the high school level.
Other concerns that were voiced by members of our faculty include:
• We understand that this legislation will be decided over this summer for a fall implementation. This gives the schools no time to change the Master Schedules in a creative manner.
• Many of the lower achieving students are already mandated by the state to take a remedial reading and remedial math class. There are only 6 periods in the school day. This means that these students would not have the opportunity to take the required classes that would help them pass the FCAT.
• Due to all of the other mandated classes, the numbers of students who are taking high school credit in middle school are already feeling a time crunch. Currently, there is barely enough instructional time to meet the needs of these classes.
• Colleges look for well rounded students. They look at academics, test scores, and activities. We have seen the evidence that students in the arts have higher GPA's and SAT scores. If middle school arts and other electives are eliminated, and eventually high school electives, students will not have the opportunity to take the courses that help them to succeed as well rounded students.
The Palm Beach Post published a recent an article that you also may be interested in reading that describes the impact they see in their county: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2008/02/24/0224gym.html
If you would like to take a proactive approach to protect the future of music education and elective opportunities for our students:
1. READ Please visit www.flmusiced.org and look at the Legislative Alerts. Much of the information provided in this email is found on this website, but it provides further information, describes your role, and gives you the necessary information for you to take the next step.
1. TAKE ACTION Your voice matters. Since our students do not get a vote, you must speak up for them. It is up to you to contact our legislators, multiple times if necessary, until you receive a response. The website will tell you who to contact and how.
1. INVOLVE OTHERS Please forward the above information to anyone and everyone who believes that arts and other electives are essential, so that they too may voice their opposition to the implementation of this bill.
The opposition points of the Florida Music Educators Association are:
• We are not opposed to more physical education in the school day, however, we do oppose this bill which does not provide for adequate implementation. Our position is that physical education and other electives should not be mutually exclusive.
• If additional mandates are to be placed on the school day, additional time and funding must be provided for implementation (i.e. add another period in the day, fund the teachers) so that other areas of the curriculum are not reduced or eliminated.
• Mandating PE without providing an additional period will eliminate fine arts classes in the middle schools for any school on a six-period day. This will lead to the elimination of high school programs which depend on classes at the middle school to begin building skills and techniques for student success at the high school level.
Other concerns that were voiced by members of our faculty include:
• We understand that this legislation will be decided over this summer for a fall implementation. This gives the schools no time to change the Master Schedules in a creative manner.
• Many of the lower achieving students are already mandated by the state to take a remedial reading and remedial math class. There are only 6 periods in the school day. This means that these students would not have the opportunity to take the required classes that would help them pass the FCAT.
• Due to all of the other mandated classes, the numbers of students who are taking high school credit in middle school are already feeling a time crunch. Currently, there is barely enough instructional time to meet the needs of these classes.
• Colleges look for well rounded students. They look at academics, test scores, and activities. We have seen the evidence that students in the arts have higher GPA's and SAT scores. If middle school arts and other electives are eliminated, and eventually high school electives, students will not have the opportunity to take the courses that help them to succeed as well rounded students.
The Palm Beach Post published a recent an article that you also may be interested in reading that describes the impact they see in their county: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2008/02/24/0224gym.html
If you would like to take a proactive approach to protect the future of music education and elective opportunities for our students:
1. READ Please visit www.flmusiced.org and look at the Legislative Alerts. Much of the information provided in this email is found on this website, but it provides further information, describes your role, and gives you the necessary information for you to take the next step.
1. TAKE ACTION Your voice matters. Since our students do not get a vote, you must speak up for them. It is up to you to contact our legislators, multiple times if necessary, until you receive a response. The website will tell you who to contact and how.
1. INVOLVE OTHERS Please forward the above information to anyone and everyone who believes that arts and other electives are essential, so that they too may voice their opposition to the implementation of this bill.
Guest Clinician and Conductor Announced
February/13/08 11:55
The
Freedom Band Program is pleased to announce Dr.
Richard Greenwood as our Guest Clinican and Conductor
of our Pre-MPA Concert Weekend.
Thurs. Feb. 22 rehearse with the Wind Symphony after school from 2:30-5pm.
Friday Feb. 23 rehearse with Symphonic Band from 8:15-10:10am.
rehearse with Wind Symphony from 10:20-11:45am.
Sat. Feb. 24 rehearse with Symphonic Band from 9-10:30am.
rehearse with Wind Symphony from 10:30-12:30pm.
The weekend will end with a CONCERT at 3pm in the Freedom PAC featuring both ensembles.
Here is a brief Bio on Dr. Greenwood.
Dr. Richard Greenwood joined the Orlando Concert Band in 2000 as Musical Director. Dr. Greenwood holds degrees from the University of Kentucky and University of Northern Colorado in music education and conducting, and a Doctor of Philosophy in music from Florida State University. As guest lecturer, he has spoken at the Mid-West National Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, and the World Association for Symphonic Band Ensembles Convention in Valencia, Spain. His ensembles have performed for numerous events at the Disney Studios and the American Band Association convention. He is a frequent adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor of music festivals and workshops throughout the United States and serves as Florida's representative to the College Band Directors National Association.
Thurs. Feb. 22 rehearse with the Wind Symphony after school from 2:30-5pm.
Friday Feb. 23 rehearse with Symphonic Band from 8:15-10:10am.
rehearse with Wind Symphony from 10:20-11:45am.
Sat. Feb. 24 rehearse with Symphonic Band from 9-10:30am.
rehearse with Wind Symphony from 10:30-12:30pm.
The weekend will end with a CONCERT at 3pm in the Freedom PAC featuring both ensembles.
Here is a brief Bio on Dr. Greenwood.
Dr. Richard Greenwood joined the Orlando Concert Band in 2000 as Musical Director. Dr. Greenwood holds degrees from the University of Kentucky and University of Northern Colorado in music education and conducting, and a Doctor of Philosophy in music from Florida State University. As guest lecturer, he has spoken at the Mid-West National Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, and the World Association for Symphonic Band Ensembles Convention in Valencia, Spain. His ensembles have performed for numerous events at the Disney Studios and the American Band Association convention. He is a frequent adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor of music festivals and workshops throughout the United States and serves as Florida's representative to the College Band Directors National Association.
Orlando Christmas Parade
December/14/07 13:09
Orlando
Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 15,2007
The schedule is as follows:
9:00 a.m. - Call Time - Students quick run-through w/ guard outside w/ music & Marching
- Snack Break (students bring their own, recommend nuts, granola bars, sandwich)
- Dress in uniforms
10:00 a.m. - Load Buses
10:45 a.m.- Arrive downtown
- Warm-up
- Snack Break (provided by the band, granola bars & water)
- Plumes
- Line-up
11:30 a.m.- Parade Steps-off – Group #89
2:00 p.m. - Load buses for return to Freedom
2:30 p.m. - Arrive at Freedom
- Unload buses/undress/put away equipment
3:00 p.m.- Dismissal
Website for further information including the parade route:
www.orlandochristmasparade.com
Television Viewing:
Locally: December 22, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. on WRDQ TV27
Nationally: December 23, 2007 at 9:00 p.m. on SuperStation WGN
Should you have any questions, please see Mr. Perez or Ms. Brown.
We wish you a fun day and a fantastic show!
Saturday, December 15,2007
The schedule is as follows:
9:00 a.m. - Call Time - Students quick run-through w/ guard outside w/ music & Marching
- Snack Break (students bring their own, recommend nuts, granola bars, sandwich)
- Dress in uniforms
10:00 a.m. - Load Buses
10:45 a.m.- Arrive downtown
- Warm-up
- Snack Break (provided by the band, granola bars & water)
- Plumes
- Line-up
11:30 a.m.- Parade Steps-off – Group #89
2:00 p.m. - Load buses for return to Freedom
2:30 p.m. - Arrive at Freedom
- Unload buses/undress/put away equipment
3:00 p.m.- Dismissal
Website for further information including the parade route:
www.orlandochristmasparade.com
Television Viewing:
Locally: December 22, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. on WRDQ TV27
Nationally: December 23, 2007 at 9:00 p.m. on SuperStation WGN
Should you have any questions, please see Mr. Perez or Ms. Brown.
We wish you a fun day and a fantastic show!
St. Augustine Competition - Itinerary & Directions
October/25/07 14:18
1:
Start out going EAST on TAFT VINELAND RD toward
AMERICAN EAGLE WAY.
0.5 miles
2: Turn LEFT onto S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRL / US-441 N / US-17-92 / US-17 N / US-92 E.
6.0 miles
3: Merge onto I-4 E.
51.4 miles
4: Merge onto I-95 N via the exit on the LEFT toward JACKSONVILLE.
57.3 miles
5: Merge onto FL-16 E via EXIT 318 toward TECHNICAL INSTITUTE / ST AUGUSTINE / FLAGLER COLLEGE.
4.6 miles
6: Turn LEFT onto VARELLA AVE.
0.6 miles
7: End at St Augustine High School:
3205 Varella Ave, St Augustine, FL 32084, US
Total Est. Time: 2 hours, 1 minute Total Est. Distance: 120.64 miles
**************************************************
ITINERARY & INFORMATION FOR ST. AUGUSTINE
Friday, 10/26/07:
11:00 a.m. Picture on risers in front of Band Room
12:00 p.m. Mandatory Rehearsal at FHS
5:00 p.m. Load Semi with all equipment and uniforms
Load Semi with two, large green coolers full of ice water. These can be moved on the green carts.
Load Semi with large white cooler full of Gatorade for pre-pay lunch.
Load Semi with 6-gallon cooler with ice water
6:00 p.m. Rehearsal ends
Saturday, 10/27/07:
6:30 a.m. Call time
Bus signs taped in window
Load plumes on bus
Load medical bag on bus
Load sandwiches, chips and granola bars on semi or bus
6:45 a.m. Students in Block for Inspection
Color Guard wearing Red/Blue during the day and Gray/Blue if chilly later.
Band wearing white practice shirt, black show t-shirt, blue practice shorts, black socks and band shoes.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a jacket or sweatshirt as it may be chilly.
Preferably a band jacket or sweatshirt; or from a Freedom sport or club; or one that is red, white or blue
Jacket or sweatshirt must meet OPCS dress code.
7:00 a.m. Load buses
Count and verify students on each bus
Depart
~10:00 a.m. Arrive at St. Augustine HS
Students may have a small purse or back pack for personal items.
No hats, visors, bandanas, headbands, etc. Sunglasses are ok.
Students may visit the restroom in groups of 3 or more
Students may NOT visit the concession stand until after we perform.
10:45 a.m. Pre-Pay lunches will be served
11:15 p.m. All Dress in uniforms
CG-Hair and Make-up
Band – remove show shirts and leave on the bus. Wear white practice shirt and blue shorts under uniform. (No need for navy under armour.)
Equipment Dads begin unloading the truck
Students to leave personal items on the bus
12:00 p.m. Everyone to semi to get instruments and/or equipment
Instrument cases and CG bags to remain with semi
12:15 p.m. To Warm-up – Band follow Mr. Perez, Guard follow Ms. Brown. Percussion Pit to remain with the equipment near the truck with Mr. Price.
Bambi and Bette to chaperone the Guard to warm-up (bring 6-gal water cooler & cups)
Ro and Joyce to tape drumline and others
Stacy, Cathy, Tenis, Linda to plume
All others to chaperone the Band to warm-up
1:10 p.m. End Warm-up
Water Break at Water Stations
CG-Arm bands and feathers
1:25 p.m. To the Gate
Chaperones to the Seating Block to enjoy the show
1:35 p.m. Band and Equipment at the gate
1:45 p.m.. SHOW TIME!!
2:00 p.m. Students Return to the buses and semi to undress and store instruments and equipment
Equipment Dads return to the truck to load wind instruments, battery and CG equipment (Do not load Pit Equipment, just store near the semi.)
Bambi and Bette to chaperone the Guard back to the buses
Patty, Sheryl, Gail to distribute water bottles
All others to chaperone the Band back to the buses and to deplume
2:30 p.m. Color Guard wearing Red/Blue during the day and Gray/Blue if chilly later.
Band wearing white practice shirt, black show t-shirt, blue practice shorts, black socks and band shoes.
Students may have a small purse or back pack for personal items.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a jacket or sweatshirt as it may be chilly.
Preferably a band jacket or sweatshirt; or from a Freedom sport or club; or one that is red, white or blue
Jacket or sweatshirt must meet OPCS dress code.
No hats, visors, bandanas, headbands, etc. Sunglasses are ok.
Everyone returns to the Stadium to watch the remaining bands
2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Students may visit the restroom and Concession Stand in groups of 3 or more
Remain seated while groups are performing. Only move from the stands in between groups.
Remember do not say anything negative about other bands while in the stands or walking
around. You never know who is listening.
4:00 p.m. Students return to the Seating Block
Watch Winter Park and FIU performances
4:45 p.m. Preliminary Awards
5:30 p.m. Dinner (on your own) at the Concession Stand or you may bring a dinner from home
6:00 p.m. Finals Begin – (Hopefully Freedom will be included)
If Freedom is in the finals, we will repeat everything including unloading the truck, dressing, warm-up, performance and reloading the truck and participation in a retreat.
If Freedom is not in the finals, we will stay and watch most of the finals and leave about 8:00 p.m.
When we leave: Load buses for return to Freedom
Count and verify students on each bus
2 hrs later: Arrive at Freedom
Unload buses and equipment truck
Remove Bus Signs, Plumes and Medical Bag
_ hr later: Announcements
Dismissal
We’re looking forward to a fantastic day and your best performance ever. Should you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mr. Davis, Mr. Perez or Ms. Brown.
Mr. Davis Mr. Perez Ms. Brown
Band Director Associate Director Color Guard Director
0.5 miles
2: Turn LEFT onto S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRL / US-441 N / US-17-92 / US-17 N / US-92 E.
6.0 miles
3: Merge onto I-4 E.
51.4 miles
4: Merge onto I-95 N via the exit on the LEFT toward JACKSONVILLE.
57.3 miles
5: Merge onto FL-16 E via EXIT 318 toward TECHNICAL INSTITUTE / ST AUGUSTINE / FLAGLER COLLEGE.
4.6 miles
6: Turn LEFT onto VARELLA AVE.
0.6 miles
7: End at St Augustine High School:
3205 Varella Ave, St Augustine, FL 32084, US
Total Est. Time: 2 hours, 1 minute Total Est. Distance: 120.64 miles
**************************************************
ITINERARY & INFORMATION FOR ST. AUGUSTINE
Friday, 10/26/07:
11:00 a.m. Picture on risers in front of Band Room
12:00 p.m. Mandatory Rehearsal at FHS
5:00 p.m. Load Semi with all equipment and uniforms
Load Semi with two, large green coolers full of ice water. These can be moved on the green carts.
Load Semi with large white cooler full of Gatorade for pre-pay lunch.
Load Semi with 6-gallon cooler with ice water
6:00 p.m. Rehearsal ends
Saturday, 10/27/07:
6:30 a.m. Call time
Bus signs taped in window
Load plumes on bus
Load medical bag on bus
Load sandwiches, chips and granola bars on semi or bus
6:45 a.m. Students in Block for Inspection
Color Guard wearing Red/Blue during the day and Gray/Blue if chilly later.
Band wearing white practice shirt, black show t-shirt, blue practice shorts, black socks and band shoes.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a jacket or sweatshirt as it may be chilly.
Preferably a band jacket or sweatshirt; or from a Freedom sport or club; or one that is red, white or blue
Jacket or sweatshirt must meet OPCS dress code.
7:00 a.m. Load buses
Count and verify students on each bus
Depart
~10:00 a.m. Arrive at St. Augustine HS
Students may have a small purse or back pack for personal items.
No hats, visors, bandanas, headbands, etc. Sunglasses are ok.
Students may visit the restroom in groups of 3 or more
Students may NOT visit the concession stand until after we perform.
10:45 a.m. Pre-Pay lunches will be served
11:15 p.m. All Dress in uniforms
CG-Hair and Make-up
Band – remove show shirts and leave on the bus. Wear white practice shirt and blue shorts under uniform. (No need for navy under armour.)
Equipment Dads begin unloading the truck
Students to leave personal items on the bus
12:00 p.m. Everyone to semi to get instruments and/or equipment
Instrument cases and CG bags to remain with semi
12:15 p.m. To Warm-up – Band follow Mr. Perez, Guard follow Ms. Brown. Percussion Pit to remain with the equipment near the truck with Mr. Price.
Bambi and Bette to chaperone the Guard to warm-up (bring 6-gal water cooler & cups)
Ro and Joyce to tape drumline and others
Stacy, Cathy, Tenis, Linda to plume
All others to chaperone the Band to warm-up
1:10 p.m. End Warm-up
Water Break at Water Stations
CG-Arm bands and feathers
1:25 p.m. To the Gate
Chaperones to the Seating Block to enjoy the show
1:35 p.m. Band and Equipment at the gate
1:45 p.m.. SHOW TIME!!
2:00 p.m. Students Return to the buses and semi to undress and store instruments and equipment
Equipment Dads return to the truck to load wind instruments, battery and CG equipment (Do not load Pit Equipment, just store near the semi.)
Bambi and Bette to chaperone the Guard back to the buses
Patty, Sheryl, Gail to distribute water bottles
All others to chaperone the Band back to the buses and to deplume
2:30 p.m. Color Guard wearing Red/Blue during the day and Gray/Blue if chilly later.
Band wearing white practice shirt, black show t-shirt, blue practice shorts, black socks and band shoes.
Students may have a small purse or back pack for personal items.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a jacket or sweatshirt as it may be chilly.
Preferably a band jacket or sweatshirt; or from a Freedom sport or club; or one that is red, white or blue
Jacket or sweatshirt must meet OPCS dress code.
No hats, visors, bandanas, headbands, etc. Sunglasses are ok.
Everyone returns to the Stadium to watch the remaining bands
2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Students may visit the restroom and Concession Stand in groups of 3 or more
Remain seated while groups are performing. Only move from the stands in between groups.
Remember do not say anything negative about other bands while in the stands or walking
around. You never know who is listening.
4:00 p.m. Students return to the Seating Block
Watch Winter Park and FIU performances
4:45 p.m. Preliminary Awards
5:30 p.m. Dinner (on your own) at the Concession Stand or you may bring a dinner from home
6:00 p.m. Finals Begin – (Hopefully Freedom will be included)
If Freedom is in the finals, we will repeat everything including unloading the truck, dressing, warm-up, performance and reloading the truck and participation in a retreat.
If Freedom is not in the finals, we will stay and watch most of the finals and leave about 8:00 p.m.
When we leave: Load buses for return to Freedom
Count and verify students on each bus
2 hrs later: Arrive at Freedom
Unload buses and equipment truck
Remove Bus Signs, Plumes and Medical Bag
_ hr later: Announcements
Dismissal
We’re looking forward to a fantastic day and your best performance ever. Should you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mr. Davis, Mr. Perez or Ms. Brown.
Mr. Davis Mr. Perez Ms. Brown
Band Director Associate Director Color Guard Director