Game 2 vs. Dobie

Schedule/Location:

2:30 PM Load Truck
3:00 PM Eat Dinner, Change into Summer Uniform
3:45 PM Block in Band Hall
4:15 PM Depart CSHS
5:00 PM Arrive Pasadena Veteran’s Memorial Stadium
6:00 PM Kickoff
9:00 PM Depart Pasadena Veteran’s Memorial Stadium
10:00 PM All students picked up at CSHS
Pasadena Veterans Memorial Stadium

In an effort to relieve the stress and enhance the excitement of football games, we have created the following two posts which can be referred to throughout the season.  Please make sure that you read them or you will be very stressed.

The following message is from Ms. Elizondo, our head Chaperone:

For all parents who will be chaperoning this year, there will be a short meeting outside the band hall at 3pm this Saturday.

For all Saturday games, parents need to be at CSHS outside the band hall by 3pm, and during the week games at 4pm.  Everyone must have a chaperone shirt.  Please take time to review the chaperone handbook (which has recently been added to CHARMS) prior to the meeting.  We are so excited to have such wonderful volunteers and are appreciative of your time and service to our band.  See you Saturday!  Karen Elizondo—Head Chaperone

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

2015 Show Shirt

2015 show shirt full shirtWe are now taking orders for our 2015 Show Shirt the design of which can be seen here. Every year we have a shirt with a design that is specific to that year’s show.  This is a great souvenir for both band students as well as family to purchase.  All orders must be made through the CHARMS Store.

ORDER DEADLINE:  WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16!
Order Instructions:
  1. Click here to go directly to the CHARMS online store.
  2. Click the button labeled “choose” next to the 2015 Show shirt.
  3. Select your size
  4. Click “No Description (click to add to cart)”
  5. Enter the quantity you want.
  6. Click “Update Cart”
  7. You may repeat the process to add additional show shirts to your order.
  8. When you have finished adding items to your cart click “Logon to Checkout”
  9. Enter your student area password.
  10. Click “Checkout”
  11. If paying with credit card select “PayPal” from the drop down box and click “Checkout” then proceed with checkout through PayPal.
  12. If paying with cash, select “Bill And Print” from the drop down box and click “Checkout”
  13. Print the order form that appears and drop this order form and your payment in the band hall safe.
Important Notes:
  • You MUST bring in BOTH the order form and your payment if paying with cash.
  • Orders are made through the CHARMS online store NOT through the cshschargerband.org online store.
  • Do NOT just make a Miscellaneous Payment in CHARMS; you must actually order the shirt in the CHARMS online store.  Miscellaneous Payments are not included in the shirt order which may result in your shirt not getting ordered.
  • Checks are not accepted when paying through the school.  Only cash or money orders are accepted

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

TMEA All-State & Region Etudes Available

The high school region band process is very similar to the junior high region band process, However, there are two main differences.  The first is that there is a freshman only region band audition which takes place before the high school audition  and which is a non-performing band. The Freshman Region audition is for the purpose of earning a region band patch, points toward your letter jacket, and most importantly practice for the high school region auditions.  Freshman may audition for freshman region, high school region, or both. The second main difference between junior high and high school is that the highest placing students at Region band will advance to the Area band auditions and then the highest placing students at Area will become Texas All-State musicians, a prestigious honor.  They will then have the privilege of performing with one of the All-State ensembles at the Texas Music Educators Association convention in February.

Though participation in the region band auditions is not required it is strongly encouraged as the whole process is a very educationally beneficial one.  Also, students who wish to attempt to move up a band for second semester must participate in region auditions and students who do not want to be passed up by another student, and possibly moved down a band, should participate as well. All Symphonic Band students will be tested on the Freshman cuts and all Wind Ensemble students will be tested on the entire etudes starting in September. Placement at the region audition in December will be a factor in second semester placement.

TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association) has posted the etude lists for the 2015-2016 All-State & Region Band auditions which can be viewed on TMEA’s website by clicking here.  For your convenience, we have also created packets with the etudes and performance guides available for download from CHARMS.  The Freshman cuts can be downloaded by clicking here or by visiting CHARMS.

We highly recommend that everyone purchase the etude books as the same book is often used every year and these books are excellent practice tools after All-State auditions have ended and before next year’s etudes are announced.  The list of etude books can be found by on TMEA’s website by clicking here.

All-State & Region Practice Recommendations

Do NOT immediately sit down and start playing through the etudes.  You will learn bad habits from doing this that will be hard to fix later.  Instead, break the etudes into small easily manageable sections, work through the steps below until successful and then play through the sections of music. (A section can be a couple of measures, one line, or maybe 2 lines, but do not do more than 2 lines at a time.)

  1. Read the Performance Guide
    • This can be found on TMEA’s website by clicking here or in the packets available for download from CHARMS.
    • Read it again as you begin to learn and improve on the etudes.
  2. Practice small sections of the music at a time
    • Mark your phrases before you start practicing
    • Work on only one phrase at a time
    • Do not combine phrases until you can do each of the following
      • Play each phrase without stopping
      • Play each phrase with logical breaths
      • Play each phrase at the same tempo
  3. Attack the hard parts first!
    • These will be the sections that need the most time to work up
    • It is OK to go slower on these sections in the beginning
    • Is is NOT OK to play through the etude slowing down on the hard parts and speeding up on the easy ones.  Everything must be at the same tempo unless there is a ritard or a tempo change that is marked.
  4. Use a metronome
    • Seriously, use a metronome 100% of the time that you are practicing, and focus on completing the steps below, in-time with the metronome.
    • Start slow, only get faster when you can complete all of the steps below successfully.
    • Don’t get frustrated and turn the metronome off.  Keep it on and make yourself stay with it.
    • If you can’t play it with the metronome, then you definitely can’t play it without one.
  5. Determine the key of each section and practice the scale, scale in thirds, and arpeggios for that key.
    • A lot of times the key is in the title
    • If it is in a minor key, practice the scale, thirds, and arpeggios three times more than you would if it were a major key.
    • Memorize the scale, thirds, and arpeggios
    • Be sure to play the full range of the etude
    • Practice with a metronome turned on
    • Practice both slowly while focusing on getting every note to sound the same, and fast while focusing on getting your fingers to be even.
    • Make this a part of your daily routine every time you practice.
    • If there are chromatic segments, practice the chromatic scale as well.
  6. Count the rhythm with a metronome
    • Count as strongly as if you were playing (don’t whisper under your breathe)
    • Instrument should be in playing position
    • Finger/position your part as you count
    • Only continue when you have counted and fingered/positioned 100% successfully.
    • If there is a rhythm that you are not sure how to count, work on a different section until you have asked for help.
    • Continue doing this two or three times a week until auditions are over.
  7. Say note names with a metronome
    • Always do this under tempo, you won’t be able to do it as fast as counting or playing.  You may need to go as slow as 50, 60, or 70 beats per minute, but it will definitely pay off in the end.
    • Say note names as strongly as if you were playing (don’t whisper under your breathe).  Practice until you get it right.
    • Say flats and sharps (e.g. if you have a B-Flat, then say “B-Flat”)
    • Finger/position your part as you say the note names
    • Only continue when you have said the note names and fingered/positioned 100% successfully and in time with the metronome
  8. Play the part
    • Record yourself with an app that can playback the recording slower than it was performed (Audacity and Goldwave are good ones)
    • Listen to the recording at different speeds and analyze your performance
    • Did you stay with the metronome?
    • Did you play the correct rhythm?
    • Did you play the correct pitches?
    • If you are having trouble playing the correct rhythms, then spend more time counting.  If you are having trouble playing the correct pitches, then spend more time saying note names.
    • If you hate the way you sound, practice to sound better.
  9. Move on to next section or repeat this section at a faster tempo

Posted on by Lester Williams.

Game Day Preparation, Procedures, & Expectations

Departure Preparation:
  • All instruments except Flutes and Clarinets go on the truck.  Trombones last on, first off.
  • Do NOT load flip folder on truck. This is checked during uniform inspection.
  • Load truck BEFORE eating dinner
  • Dinner will be served buffet style in front of Culinary Arts.  We will also have some tables available in Room 1816.
  • Clean up your own mess!!!!!!!
  • Change into uniform AFTER eating dinner.
  • We will have uniform inspection in the band hall before departure.  If you are missing an item get it taken care of before a director comes to check you so that you do not delay our departure or hold up your line for dismissal.
  • Have all items laid out in front of you in the same configuration as posted on the white board.  This will make inspection go a lot faster.
  • Students will be lined up in rows by grade level.  Seniors by parking lot wall, then juniors, sophomores, and freshmen by hallway wall.
Game Procedures:
  • Please read the section in the Charger Band Handbook regarding expectations at football games.
  • Remember that parents, friends, relatives, etc. are not allowed to bring food or drink to a band student at any time before, during or after the game. Any violation of this may result in the student being excluded from the marching band for the remainder of the year. We will be providing an apple or a banana after halftime. Anyone with a medical condition requiring an alternate dietary need should have already contacted Mr. Williams.
  • Students must ask a chaperone for permission to go to the restroom.  A chaperone will accompany them to and from the restroom.
Game Behavior Expectations:
  • Students are expected to treat the chaperones and other parent volunteers with the utmost respect and appreciation. Anyone who does not adhere to this will face disciplinary action.
  • While it is our intent to have a good time and enjoy the atmosphere that comes with Texas high school football, we are there to do a job. Remember our purpose is to support the football team and represent the school and community with dignity and class as well as act as the premier spirit organization on campus.  We also have a job to do at halftime entertaining the crowd and providing excellent support for the drill team during their performance. We are very confident we will succeed. With this in mind, please refrain from visiting with your child or bringing family members up to the band to see them. This goes for younger siblings of the band members as well
Post-Game Procedures:
  • We will send a text message as soon as we leave the stadium letting those know who aren’t at the game what time to pick their child up from CSHS. Please plan to be there no later than five minutes before our texted arrival time. Do not park in drive lanes or against the curb.  If you see someone parking in these areas, please ask them politely to move as they will be in the way and delay the buses and truck from being unloaded.  The band parking lot will have plenty of free parking spaces.  
  • When we arrive at school each student is responsible for getting his or her instrument off of the truck and back into their assigned locker (or for pit, the pit room). Students who leave instruments on the truck will face disciplinary action the following week.
  • Once your instrument and uniform (when applicable) are put away, you are free to leave. Remember to take your belongings with you.  This includes but is not limited to your water jug, shako, gloves, shoes, garment bag, tote bag, undergarments and instrument.

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

Game 1 vs. North Shore

Schedule/Location:

3:00 PM Rehearsal
4:00 PM Load Truck, Eat Dinner, Change into Summer Uniform
4:40 PM Block in Band Hall
5:00 PM Depart CSHS
6:00 PM Arrive Veteran’s Stadium
7:00 PM Kickoff
10:00 PM Depart Veteran’s Stadium
11:00 PM All students picked up
CCISD Veteran’s Memorial Stadium

The first football game is always one of the most exciting and stressful events of the year.  In an effort to relieve the stress and enhance the excitement we have created the following two posts which can be referred to throughout the season.  Please make sure that you read them or you will be very stressed.

Notes:
  • For the safety of all Students, they will all be fed a game meal and receive a 3rd quarter snack even if they are not up-to-date on their band payments

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

Important Volunteer Information

If you have signed up or plan on signing up to volunteer or chaperon any band event this year this applies to you.  If you have volunteered in the past, you need to reapply.  Please take care of this today as it can take a few days to get approved.  We need all chaperons to be in compliance by Friday’s football game.  Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.

We received the following message this morning……

All parents or community members interested in volunteering, must reapply to be a volunteer for the 2015-2016 school year. The system has been cleared as of August 1st to support new registrations. Volunteers can apply online at https://ccisd.net/online-forms/volunteerregistrati… Approved volunteers will be notified via email and will be directed to contact your campus to see what volunteer opportunities are available.

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

Game Day Checklist (Summer Uniform)

Please make sure that you have the following items with you for all football games that require the Summer Uniform.  We will have a uniform inspection in the band hall before departing for the game to check for all of these items except some instruments (see below).  Students missing items will either need to purchase new items or will be sent home.

What should be loaded on truck:
  • Instrument (except flutes and clarinets) and instrument accessories (e.g. reeds, valve oil, sticks, harnesses, etc….)
  • Lyre
What you need for uniform inspection:

Please be fully dressed in the summer uniform for uniform inspection.

  • Flutes and Clarinets
  • Flip folder (containing ALL stand tunes in order) Do NOT load this on the truck.
  • Blue half gallon water jug purchased at Equipment Night
  • Blue band polo
  • Black band shorts
  • Black no show socks (NOT ankle socks)
  • Black band shoes
  • Plain black leather or faux-leather belt(NO bling)
  • Longer hair tied back with plain THIN/SKINNY BLACK hair tie
What you cannot have:

This is not a comprehensive list, only a list of the most common items that students bring that they are not allowed to have.

  • No jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, wristwatches, anklets, etc…
  • No thick/wide or colored headbands (students may wear a THIN/SKINNY BLACK headband to keep there bangs out of their face)
  • No Hats
  • No Sunglasses
  • Phones must remain out of sight at all times

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

Meet The Chargers

This is a community pep rally.  That means that all members of the community are invited to come and show their support for the Clear Springs Chargers Band, Silverados, Cheerleaders, and Fall Athletes.

Schedule:

Wednesday, August 26th

3:00 – Rehearsal
5:30 – Rehearsal Ends – Dinner Break (bring your own)
6:10 – Assemble in Band Hall
6:30 – Meet the Chargers in Main Gym
7:30 – end of event
7:35 – Band Hall closed/all students picked up
Clear Springs High School – Competition Gym

What to wear:

Rehearsal clothes are acceptable; however, students may change clothes and be less smelly if they so choose.

Note:

As you can see in the schedule above, rehearsal on this day ends at 5:30.  Students may bring a sack dinner or parents may deliver one to school at 5:30.  We will not be providing a meal.

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

Back To School

Students bringing instruments, rehearsal gear to school in the morning…
  • Go directly to the Cafeteria upon arrival.  Do not go to the Fine Arts Hallway
  • Wait in the Cafeteria until 7:00 AM or until Dr. Ruiz releases you
  • Exit through the parking lot doors(do not go down Mane Street)
  • Cross breezeway
  • Enter glass doors by Band Hall by 7:10 AM (do not enter exterior band hall door)
  • If you arrive after 7:10 AM, you will need to enter through the Cafeteria and wait for the bell to dismiss students to First Period
Students not bringing instruments, rehearsal gear to school in the morning…
  • Remain in Cafeteria until bell rings dismissing everyone to First Period
  • Do not enter the Band Hall or hang out in the Fine Arts Hallway before school
Remember that for security reasons, only students currently enrolled in band are allowed in the Band Hall.  All non-band students will need to wait on Mane Street or in the cafeteria.
What students need for band class…
  1. Band binder with fundamental book and show music (downloadable from Charms), flip folder, and lyre for instrument. (THIS INCLUDES FOOTBALL PLAYERS)
  2. Dot book
  3. Instrument (THIS INCLUDES FOOTBALL PLAYERS)
    • With all necessary equipment such as reeds, valve oil, etc….
  4. Pencil(s) (THIS INCLUDES FOOTBALL PLAYERS)
  5. Athletic shoes (THIS INCLUDES FOOTBALL PLAYERS)
    • We will do basic marching in the band hall, students are required to change into athletic shoes if they are not wearing them to school.
  6. Clothing that allows students to perform all visuals
    • Students wearing tight jeans or skirts will need to change into athletic shorts; however, this will need to take place during the 7 minute passing period as we do not set aside class time for students to change clothes.
What students need for after school rehearsals…
  1. Band binder with fundamental book and show music, flip folder, and lyre for instrument.
  2. Dot book
  3. Instrument
    • With all necessary equipment such as reeds, valve oil, etc….
  4. Pencil(s)
  5. Water jug or Camelbak (1/2 gallon minimum; does not have to be the blue one purchased at Equipment Night) – we suggest filling the jug with ice then with water so the water will still be cold by the time rehearsal begins at 3:00.
  6. Athletic shoes
    • Vans, converse, vibram five fingers, or similar shoes, sandals, and flip flops are not acceptable footwear.
  7. White athletic t-shirt and shorts (any color)
    • Tank tops are allowed.
    • Ladies undergarments must remain hidden
  8. Sunscreen
    • Get the correct SPF for your skin type.
    • Apply sunscreen before going outside.
  9. Hat/visor and sunglasses
    • Sun protection for your eyes
    • Silly hats are not acceptable.
  10. Students may eat a snack after school.  Those who eat A lunch are encouraged to eat a snack after school.

Note: failure to have required items at during and after school rehearsals will negatively affect weekly participation grades.

Notes for parents…
  1. Please refrain from dropping forgotten items off at the front desk for your child.  If possible, please wait until 2:45 and deliver the items to your child outside the band hall.
  2. The UIL 8-hour Rule begins with the first day of school.  Please pick up your child within ten minutes of the conclusion of rehearsals.  We will not go over time due to the UIL 8-Hour Rule.  To re-familiarize yourself with this rule, please see the required forms section at Charms.
  3. Please use caution when picking up your child as there will be a lot of foot traffic moving in both directions across the driveway.  Please use a designated parking space if one is available or pick your child up from the front of the school.
  4. For the safety of the students, please avoid driving on the band practice field while students are on the lot moving equipment.

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

Rock-A-Thon Wrap-up and After Party

Congratulations to all the Charger Band members who participated in our annual Rock-A-Thon.  We brought in over $24,000 dollars, which is the highest we have ever raised at rock-a-thon.  With the envelopes and online donations that are still coming in, we will push the threshold of $25,000!  We also had over 70% of all the band members participate, which is the most we have ever had participate.  The directors are very proud of all of the students who stepped up to the challenge and set a new fundraising record for Clear Springs High School – awesome job Chargers!!!

Congratulations to our top 5 earners:
  1. Brody Kite ($1,150)- winner of an iPad Mini 3 and will DJ the last regular season football game
  2. Samantha Study ($1,127)- Winner of a $50 Amazon gift card and Wind Ensemble piece selection
  3. Gilberto Torres ($871)- Winner of a $40 Amazon gift card and halftime song selection at last regular season football game
  4. Elijah Baetz ($850)- Winner of a $30 Amazon gift card and Symphonic Band song selection
  5. Sarah Rolen ($840)- Winner of a $20 Amazon gift card and Concert Band song selection
Congratulations to our top 3 sections:
  1. Percussion/Oboe/Bassoon ($243.60 avg per person) – Winner of free tickets to our after party at Bay Area Raceway
  2. Color Guard ($204.63 avg per person)
  3. Clarinet ($197.67 avg per person)

Honorable mention also goes to the clarinet section for being the only section with 100% participation.  Congratulations!

A BIG thank you goes out to Laura Santos, Geri Hazel, the student leaders, and the rest of the Rock-A-Thon committee for all of their hard work securing prizes, decorating the commons, and planning our most fun Rock-A-Thon ever!

After Party:

9:00AM-11:00AM
Bay Area Raceway

The after party is only for those students who participated in the Rock-A-Thon.  Tickets are free for the Percussion/Oboe/Bassoon and top 5 earners.  Tickets are $15 for everyone else who participated in rock-a-thon.  Tickets include unlimited go cart rides, free play on video games, and free play on pool table/air hockey, etc.  If you want to play the games that give out tokens, you will need to bring extra $ for that.  We will have a few drinks and snacks there, however, if you want to bring your own drinks, food or snacks, that is OK as Bay Area Raceway allows us to bring food.  You may want to wear your Charger Band sunglasses…the track can kick up dust and worn off tire tread and those are the perfect glasses to keep out the crud as you race around the track!

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

Preview Night

Come out and support our kids at our annual Preview Night.

Saturday, August 22nd
6:00 PM Performance; 5:00 PM Report 
Clear Springs High School – Back Parking Lot

Our kids have been working hard this summer & want to show off what they have learned.  The performance will take place on the band parking lot behind the school so you will probably want to bring folding chairs.  Following their performance we will have an optional meal and social gathering in the cafeteria.  This is a great opportunity for parents to meet and/or socialize with their children(s)’ friends’ parents, and for the kids to get a chance to relax and enjoy each others company before school starts.  Following the preview night meal students will be having a water balloon war (details will be announced before preview night).

This year we will be serving pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, cookies, soft drinks, and water in the cafeteria immediately following the performance. Tickets are $5 per plate for both parents and students and will be sold at the door.  There is no presale.

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

Uniform Fittings

Students will be wearing their blue polo and black shorts for the first several football games after which we will wear our marching uniforms.  Uniform fittings will begin next week.  You must wear clothing  similar to what you will wear under your uniform which includes light weight properly sized athletic shorts (NOT thick over-sized basketball shorts) and a properly fitted t-shirt.  All uniforms will have a tailored look (not baggy).

Seniors, Juniors, and all percussion
Wednesday, August 19th
1:00 PM

Freshman, Sophomores, and anyone who missed Wednesday
Thursday, August 20th
1:00 PM

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

Pick-up/Drop-off

Starting Monday, August 17, several activities will be rehearsing/practicing on campus at the same time.   In an effort to keep the driving lanes clear in case of an emergency we and the campus administration are asking that if you arrive early to pick up your child from an event that you please park in a parking space rather than waiting in a driving lane or against the curb.  Because the back of the school will be very congested around the time we end rehearsal, we are asking that students be picked up in the front parking lot.

Last year, there was an emergency situation on campus where an ambulance had to be called.  This happened right around the time we dismissed from band practice.  With the congestion of multiple athletic events/practices going on at the same time as our rehearsal, it left the back driving lanes of the school very congested to the point that it impeded the path of the ambulance to reach its destination.  The person in need was fine; however, the mobility issue caught everyone’s attention to address the situation in case there is a life-threatening emergency the next time an ambulance is called.

Thank you for complying with this policy as we strive to do what is best for the safety of our students, staff, and guests at Clear Springs High School.

Note: If someone asks you to move, please cooperate.  There may be parent volunteers, school personnel, law enforcement officials, and fire department personnel making occasional checks of the drive lanes after school hours.

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

August 7th Band Updates:

  • Audio, coordinate sheets, and drill charts from performers perspective have been uploaded to the 2015 Marching Show folder in CHARMS
  • Students will not be allowed to leave band early to pick up their schedules the week of 8/10.  They may pick up their schedules after band.
  • Please be aware that if the heat wave continues when school begins we will need to push our after school rehearsal back to 6:00-8:30 PM the first several weeks of school.  We will continue to monitor the weather and let you know what we will be doing before school begins.
  • This is the last weekend for Rock-A-Thon sales, please get out and get more pledges.  We currently only have 24% participation from the students.  We especially need the Freshman to step up and get more pledges.
  • As a reminder, percussion rehearsals the week of 8/10 will be 7:30-11:30AM and 5:00-9:00PM.  There will be no afternoon rehearsal for the percussion.

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

Dot Books – aka GPS for Band

In order to learn drill students are given coordinate sheets.  These coordinate sheets tell the students where on the football field they are supposed to go and how many counts they need to take to get there.  However this is not enough information to excel at the drill, it is only enough to initially learn it.

In order to excel, we have the students make something called a Dot Book which contains their coordinate information as well as additional information that we have the students add when we are out on the field learning and cleaning the drill.

All students (i.e. varsity, jv, drum line, pit, and color guard) are required to have their dot book on them whenever we are on the practice field.  Students who do not have their dot book or do not have a dot book completed up to the point instructed by directors will be asked to leave the field and will only be allowed to return when they have their completed dot book.  Varsity members risk being moved to jv and jv members will not be considered for any openings on varsity if they do not have completed dot books.  Also, we will have several dot book checks for grades during the first 9 weeks.

What we will provide:
  • 1 set of Dot book pages are free (replacement pages will be 5 for $1)
What students will provide (needed 8/10):
  • 2 loose leaf binder rings (or spring links) to hold the Dot Book pages together.
  • A lanyard or shoe lace in order to wear the dot book around their neck or waist when we are out on the field.
  • a pencil (not a pen) in order to write in the dot book (note that students should already be bringing a pencil to rehearsal in order to write in their music).

 

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

E B Dazzled Spirit Sales

Spirit Sales have begun!  Our first give back vendor for spirit sales is taking pre-orders to be delivered on Preview night, August 22 after dinner.

E B Dazzled is selling rhinestone t shirts and hoodies to the band with a percentage being donated as a fundraiser.   Details and pictures are below.  If you would like to order anything, please call Karen at (713)962-5511 or e-mail her at kashtx413@yahoo.com.  You may call or email your orders in now, or place your order at preview night and they will be delivered after preview night

The Clear Creek shirt below is an example of the style of the shirt that we will get, ours will say Clear Springs Chargers.

The shirts are $25, $27.06 with tax.  The hoodies are $35, $37.89 with tax.

There are two styles of shirts-REGULAR LOOSE FIT, which run true to size, and can be ordered in V-Neck or Crew Neck or FITTED, which run one size small, and only come in Crew Neck..

REGULAR FIT runs S-3XL.  FITTED runs S-2XL.

HOODIES run true to size S-2XL.

Also available is the new SPIRIT SHIRT. These shirts are $45, $48.71 with tax.  Once our band has an order of 24 or more of these, we will be able to have them produced so if you are interested in this particular design, please get those orders in pronto!

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

Beat the Heat

Below are the guidelines that were developed by CCISD administration and athletic trainers a few years ago regarding the temperature and humidity levels during practices.  I have also included the section from our band handbook where we address the issue.  You have also seen and signed the UIL document with their heat guidelines.  Furthermore, every staff member has gone through annual training by the UIL and has been certified in CPR.  We also have several HST students who are trained in First Aid and CPR.

 

While all of these guidelines are helpful and are great at communicating that we have plans in place, we do not overlook the fact that common sense is of the utmost importance.  Students are expected to have a buddy who watches out for them and makes sure they are drinking water during practice.  They are also expected to notify an adult or a student leader (who will then notify an adult) if there is a student not drinking water or who is having difficulty.

 

Students may not at any time share water jugs or drink after each other.  Whenever this happens in drum corps or marching band, mono and other illnesses tend to go through the group like wildfire and shuts them down for several days.  In addition to putting the students in danger, we do not want to lose preparation time because of something that is preventable.

 

Parents, please monitor your child at home.  I have spoken to all of the students and have instructed them to drink a lot of water.  Gatorade and similar drinks are great at replacing electrolytes after rehearsal.  They are also good to drink in the evening before bedtime as some will remain in their system for morning rehearsals.  Soft drinks, tea, and coffee should be limited to no more than one per day during marching season.  These drinks tend to accelerate dehydration.  We also ask that students stay away from energy drinks such as Red Bull and Monster.

 

In the Heat Guidelines, there is mention of “the sensitive group”.  This is in reference to students who may suffer from asthma, may be recovering from an illness, or who have extra sensitivity to the heat due to weight or other medical issues.  If your child falls into this category, please have a conversation with them encouraging them to use common sense and to sit out when they feel it is warranted.  We will not penalize students who have to sit out; however, if they sit out frequently, we do need to re-evaluate their activity level and their responsibilities in the marching band which sometimes results in reassigning them to a less strenuous position.

 

During summer rehearsals we will be outside in the morning and inside in the afternoons.  While we are outside, there will be parent volunteers who will be at the ready in case a student gets overheated.  If you are available to volunteer during this time, please visit the calendar at Charms to sign up.  It is a great way to see what we do and to get to know fellow band parents!

The following is from the CCISD Heat Guidelines:

 

High School Extracurricular Activities

  • When the temperature reaches 100 degrees or above, all students in the sensitive group may sit out without penalty.
  • When the temperature reaches one of the following conditions then, all outside practices will choose one or more of the options listed.
    • 104 degrees or above
    • 100 degrees or above AND the humidity is 45% or above
  • OPTIONS when conditions are met:
    • Practice will be moved to air-conditioned areas
    • Practice will be called
    • Practice will begin after 6:00 p.m.

 

 

Please see the following sections from our band handbook regarding the heat.

HEAT PLAN

  1. Students are required to bring a ½ gallon jug of water to every practice*.  Bottles purchased in the school vending machines or at convenience stores are not sufficient for hydration during practice.
  2. Light colored and lightweight clothing should be worn*.  White shirts are required at all marching rehearsals.
  3. A hat or visor is highly recommended along with sunglasses.
  4. Sunscreen should be used at every rehearsal.
  5. Students who overheat will be taken into the building to cool down.  If further treatment is needed, the parent will be contacted and an attempt will be made to locate an athletic trainer or school nurse.
  6. During periods of severe heat (temperature of 104 degrees or higher as per district policy), rehearsals will be moved indoors or rescheduled to late evening.

*Students who do not have a ½ gallon water jug filled with water or who are not wearing proper rehearsal attire will be sent home with an unexcused absence.  Parents should not deliver forgotten items to the front desk or attendance office.  You may deliver it to the band hall or back parking lot after school.

 

 

RAIN PLAN

  1. Rehearsals will take place in the event of rain.
  2. The band will not rehearse outside during severe weather or during storms where lightning is present; however, we will rehearse outside during periods of light rain.
  3. A staff member is constantly monitoring the presence of lightning with a lightning detector.
  4. According to district guidelines, the practice field will be cleared and all students moved indoors when lightning is within 6 miles.
  5. We will not return to the field until 30 minutes have passed following the last lightning strike.
  6. Rehearsals that are canceled due to severe weather will be rescheduled to the next day or time will be added to the remaining rehearsals for that week.

 

Posted on by Lester Williams.

Extracurricular Fee News – 2nd Band Payment Due

CCISD Extracurricular Fee News

At the school board meeting Monday night, Dr. Smith announced that the district is no longer assessing the extracurricular fee.  He and the school board expressed their gratitude to the parents and families who shouldered this extra burden when the legislature created the school funding crisis a few years ago.  The hope is that we never have to assess this fee again, however it may have to be implemented in the future should future legislatures drastically cut funding to schools.

2nd Band Payment Due

The 2nd band payment of $125 for new members and $100 for returning members is due August 1st.  This can be paid with a credit card through CHARMS (service fee applies) or can be paid with cash, money order, or cashiers check. NO personal checks please.  If paying with cash, money order, or cashiers check this should be placed in the band hall safe on Monday morning.

Instructions to pay through CHARMS:
  1. Click the CHARMS link at the top of this page or click here to go to CHARMS
  2. login using your student ID or whatever you changed the password to
  3. Click the “finances” Icon
  4. Click “Pay fixed Payments” and complete checkout through paypal (service fee applies)

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

Summer Band – 1st Day Checklist

The following list of items should be brought with you on your first day of Summer Band.  Please review it carefully to ensure that you do not forget anything important, and do not wait until the night before to look at it.  READ IT NOW!  For your convenience, you can print it out by clicking the print button at the end of this post.

  1. CCISD Physical Form
    • Cannot use any other form
    • Must be signed by Parent/Guardian AND student in THREE separate places
  2. Band Handbook Acknowledgement/Film/Media Release Form
    • Signed by Parent/Guardian and Student
  3. UIL Acknowledgement form
    • Signed by Parent/Guardian and Student
  4. UIL Health Tips for Marching Band Acknowledgement Form
    • Signed by Parent/Guardian and Student
  5. Parent Consent Form for school sponsored trip
    • Signed by Parent/Guardian
  6. Student Medication Form
    • Signed by Parent/Guardian
  7. Sheet music for 2015 Marching Show and Fundamental Book
    • These need to be in a 3 ring binder with plastic sheet protectors.
  8. Flip Folder and Lyre for instrument.
    • This will be used for stand tunes which will be posted to CHARMS at a later date.
  9. Instrument
    • With all necessary equipment such as reeds, valve oil, etc….
    • Instruments will be set down on concrete, therefore it is recommended that you bring a small towel to place underneath your instrument. (Not required)
  10. Pencil(s)
  11. Water jug (1/2 gallon minimum; does not have to be the blue one purchased at Equipment Night)
    • Updated 7/27: Water jugs ordered on equipment night will NOT be distributed the first day of Summer Band because the equipment items have not yet been delivered. Camelbaks are highly recommended for rehearsals. (not required)
    • Blue water jugs (the one from equipment night) are required for football games.
  12. Athletic shoes
    • Vans, converse, vibram five fingers, or similar shoes are not acceptable footwear.
  13. Athletic t-shirt (white) and shorts (no jeans or long pants)
    • Tank tops are allowed.
    • Ladies undergarments must remain hidden.
  14. Sunscreen
    • Get the correct SPF for your skin type.
    • Apply sunscreen before going outside.
    • Reapply as needed during breaks.
  15. Hat/visor and sunglasses
    • Sun protection for your eyes
    • Silly hats are not acceptable.
  16. Prepare for rehearsal at least 48 hours in advance
    • Drink Gatorade the night before rehearsal
    • Eliminate soft drinks and energy drinks from your diet
  17. Eat a quality breakfast and drink lots of water before rehearsal
    • Do NOT eat a big bowl of sugary cereal or pop-tarts.  You will end up feeling terrible and/or becoming ill.
    • Breakfast should include protein and avoid simple sugars.
Instructions For Downloading Music and Forms
  1. Click here or the CHARMS link at the top of this page
  2. Enter your student area password (initially your CCISD student ID)
  3. Click “Files & Handouts”
  4. Click “2015 Marching Show” and “Fundamental Book” and then click the PDF for your instrument.  (It is recommended that you print a test page 1st to ensure that everything is working correctly in order to avoid wasting any ink.
  5. Download and READ the 2015 Band Handbook, and then continue to number 6.
  6. Click the folder “Required Forms” and download and print every form
Important Note About Physical Form:
  • ANYONE WHO DOES NOT HAVE A COMPLETED PHYSICAL FORM WILL BE SENT HOME AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RETURN UNTIL ONE IS TURNED IN WITH ALL SIGNATURES.

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments

Summer Band Is Almost Here

As you should already know, even though you are probably trying to forget about it, we will be kicking off Summer Band next week.  This time of year can be a very exciting time for band students as we get up off the couch, head to school early, learn a ton of new stuff, and make countless new friends that you will always remember.  The Freshman and Upperclassmen will be getting together for the first time to form the 2015-2016 edition of the Clear Springs Charger Band, a group that will only be in existence for this one year.

We will be starting a journey, one which will take us from thinking about one new concept at a time to thinking about literally hundreds of different concepts all at the same time, while also entertaining thousands of people.  So everyone buckle up, because here we go!

Freshman Begin
Wednesday, July 29th at 8:00 AM
Clear Springs High School – Band Hall

Color Guard Begins
Thursday, July 30th at 8:00 AM
Clear Springs High School – Band Hall

Full Band Begins
Friday, July 31st at 8:00 AM
Clear Springs High School – Band Hall

1st Day Checklist:
  • Click here in order to view a detailed checklist of everything that you need to bring with you and everything that you need to do on the first day of Summer Band.  READ IT NOW! Do not wait to read it until the night before or you will be very stressed.
  • All required forms and music are now available for download from CHARMS.  Please visit CHARMS by clicking the link at the top of this page or by clicking here, and download them as we will be collecting the forms at the beginning of rehearsal on the first day and you may be sent home if you are missing something.

Posted on by Lester Williams. 0 comments