Graduation Band

Our last performance of the 2014-2015 school year is the graduation ceremony.  This is a required performance for current 9th-11th grade members of Wind Ensemble.

Sunday, June 7th
CCISD Veteran’s Memorial Stadium

GRADUATION DAY ITINERARY

4:30 – Report to Band Hall
4:45 – Load Truck
5:00 – Depart for Veteran’s Stadium
5:30 — Rehearse at Clear Creek HS
6:45 — Set up on field
7:00 — Musical Prelude begins
7:30 – Graduation Ceremony Begins
9:00 – Graduation Ceremony Ends
9:45 – Arrive Clear Springs High School

RAIN PLAN ITINERARY

Due to construction at Carlisle Field House, the band will not be performing at graduation should the ceremony be moved indoors due to inclement weather.  A decision to implement the rain plan will be made between noon and 2:00 PM the day of graduation.  The district web site ccisd.net and Communication Hotline 281.284.0027 will have up-to-date information.

REQUIRED DRESS
Gentlemen
Slacks or khakis – No jeans
Collared button-down shirt with tie (serious ties only)
Dressy or leather shoes – no athletic shoes, sandals, or flip flops
Ladies
Slacks or khakis
DO NOT WEAR A DRESS – IT WILL BE WINDY AND YOU’LL BE HATING LIFE!!!
Collared button-down blouse – strapless or sleeveless not allowed
Low-heel shoes – no sandals or flip flops
Volunteers Needed!

Chaperons are needed for this event to help monitor students as well as help with coolers of bottled water.  Please click here and signup to chaperon.

Student Leaders Announced

Drum Majors
  • Daniel Del Nero
  • Sarah Lopez
Officers
  • *President:  Ben Hazel, Anna Lassmann, Jon Vega
  • Vice-President:  runner-up for President
  • Historian:  Lauren Grover
  • Librarians:  Deanna Ingram, Aaron Lassmann, Amaya Lynch, Jenigh Coleman
  • *Brass Rep.:  Julian Knight, Aaron Lassmann, Gilberto Torres
  • *Woodwind Rep.:  Jenny Duckett, Mackenzie Gaona, Maria Grimaldo, Angelle Roger
  • *Percussion Rep.:  Roland Hernandez, Brody Kite, Stephanie Nguyen
  • *Color Guard Rep.:  Lauren Grover

*To be voted on at Equipment Night

Marching Leaders
  • Flute:  Mackenzie Gaona, Angelle Roger, Samuel Sinchak
  • Clarinet:  Felix Fang, Deanna Ingram, Jenny Duckett
  • Saxophone/Low Reed:  Ben Tures, Maria Grimaldo, Ben Hazel
  • Trumpet:  Gilberto Torres, Anna Lassmann
  • Horn:  Cole Gibbs
  • Trombone/Euphonium:  Aaron Lassmann
  • Tuba:  Julian Knight
  • Batter Percussion:  Roland Hernandez, Brody Kite
  • Pit Percussion:  Stephanie Nguyen, Jon Vega
  • Color Guard:  Tamia Davis, Lauren Grover
  • New/Late Arrival/JV:   Pierce Valdes, Jenigh Coleman

 

 

Equipment Night

All 2015-2016 members are required to attend our Equipment Night next Tuesday, June 2nd.  Families with more than one child may follow the schedule with the older sibling.

Juniors & Seniors – 4:30-5:00 PM
Sophomores – 5:00-5:30 PM
Freshmen M-Z – 5:30-6:15 PM
Freshmen A-L – 6:15-7:00 PM
Clear Spring High School – Cafeteria

What Equipment Night Is For:
  1. Students to get sized for required equipment items.
  2. Payment #1 of the total band costs to be paid.
  3. Collecting the CCISD Summer Instrument Rental fee.
  4. Filling out and stuffing envelopes for our Rock-A-Thon.
  5. Parents to join our booster club.
What you need:
  1. Band member with a parent/guardian
  2. 10 stamps
  3. 10 addresses of family, friends, neighbors, business acquaintances and/or organizations who support 501(c)(3) organizations and fine arts programs (all students that bring in 10 addresses and stamps will receive a premium raffle ticket for rock-a-thon)
  4. Payment #1 of band costs is due ($150 for new members, $125 for returning members.)  No checks!  Cash, money order, or credit Card payments only
  5. If renting an instrument for the summer, $25 summer CCISD instrument rental fee.  Must be paid separately, make checks payable to “CCISD-MEF”
  6. If joining the booster club, membership dues will also be accepted, but must be paid separately as this money goes to the booster club – all forms of payment accepted.

Equipment Night is held on June 2 in order to get everything ordered over the summer so that it is available for distribution during Summer Band and to give parents a financial break from the Back-to-School rush.  Students will be sized for a blue band polo and black shorts which will be worn for the first three or four football games because of the heat.  (You will need to get a plain black leather belt before the first football game.)  Also, they will be sized for a black sweat-wicking shirt, black gloves, and black band shoes to be worn with their marching uniform which we will assign them in the fall.

Please understand that the polo/shorts combination and the marching uniform require a tailored look.  If you are accustomed to purchasing shirts or shorts one size larger because “that’s the style” or with the intent for your child to “grow into it”, this will not be allowed.  Remember that this is a uniform and uniforms are meant to be fitted to the person’s measurements.

Another very important aspect about this event is that it is a tax free night.  All items ordered and paid for Tuesday night will be exempt from sales tax.  If you have to order or pay after Tuesday night, you will be charged sales tax and additional shipping charges may apply.  Please note that because this is a uniform, the items listed above must be purchased from us.  Items may not be substituted from another retailer.  Items purchased previously may be used provided they are in excellent condition.  The directors will have the final say.

Notes:
  • We will accept payment of the total band costs at this time if you would like to get it out of the way.  ($500 for Freshman, and $325 for upperclassmen)   No checks!  Cash, money order, or credit card payments only.
  • Park behind the school and enter the cafeteria through the back parking lot.  Do not enter from the front of the school.
  • School owned instruments will not be available for pick at equipment night due to the fact that our yearly inventory check was changed by the district to June 3rd.  Instruments will be available for pickup after that date, please contact Mr. Brown to arrange a pickup time.
  • Upperclassmen – As a reminder, you are required to have the band shoes, blue polo, black sweat-wicking shirt, black shorts, garment bag, tote bag, and blue water jug, which cannot be purchased from another retailer.  So if you have lost, outgrown any items, or have items that are not in like new condition, you must order new ones.
Parent Volunteers needed:

In order for equipment night to proceed smoothly we do need parent volunteers to help.  If you are able to help, please click here and sign up to help.

2015 Marching Show Available

The 2015 Halftime/Competition Show entitled “Waterways” is now available to download from CHARMS.  All current high school students should print their parts and bring them to school beginning the week of May 26th so we can play them in class.  Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band students will also be playing music in preparation for Graduation.

Download Instructions:
  1. Click here to go to CHARMS
  2. Enter student ID to log in (or other password if you changed it from your ID)
  3. Click on the “Handouts & Files” icon
  4. Click on the folder labeled “2015 Marching Show”
  5. Click on the PDF file for your instrument.  Part assignments will be as follows….  Current high school students should print whatever part they were assigned for their UIL march.  Current 8th graders should print 2nd/3rd parts.  If there are no multiple parts for your instrument, then you print the part that is in the folder.  Final part assignments will be listed with the audition results at Equipment Night on June 2.
Please note:
  • Percussion parts are currently being written and will be available later this summer.

Summer Instrument Rental

All students who will be checking out a school owned instrument for the summer must pay a $25 CCISD Instrument Rental Fee.  This fee is assessed by our school district to provide and maintain instruments for students and is due at our Equipment Night on Tuesday, June 2nd.  Instruments will be available for pickup after June 3rd due to a change in the  district’s yearly inventory check.  Please contact Mr. Brown to arrange a time to pickup an instrument.

Current freshman, sophomore, and junior students must see Mr. Brown to check out the instrument before Equipment Night.  Incoming freshman must click here to complete a google form requesting an instrument.

Please note that we send many of our instruments out for summer repairs and we may not have an instrument available for everyone at the beginning of the summer.  Students that do not receive an instrument because of repairs will be contacted when the instrument returns from the shop and arrangements will be made to pick it up from school.  Also,  because we are still a relatively new school and because some sections will be the largest they have ever been, we may not have enough instruments for everyone.  In order to provide these students with instruments, we will be purchasing additional instruments, however, these new instruments may not be available until October.  In order to fill the gap between Equipment Night and October we will attempt to borrow instruments from other schools, though there is no guarantee that any will be available.

updated 5/26/2015: added info about instrument pickup.

Color Guard Announced!

Congratulations to the new members of the 2015-2016 Clear Springs High School Color Guard!

  • Alasia P
  • Asia S
  • Ashley R
  • Emily T
  • Emily W
  • Faith D
  • Gabby C
  • Jenayah H
  • Kaitlyn S
  • Katherine S
  • Kencee H
  • Lauren B
  • Lauren G
  • Sarah R
  • Tamia D
  • Alyssa Sandefur

Summer Lessons

If you will be taking lessons this summer on a CCISD campus you will need to download, print, complete, and turn in the following form by Friday, May 22nd:

Student Enrollment Form – Summer 2015

Summer lessons will occur at Space Center Intermediate and League City Intermediate.  You should speak with your private lessons teacher to determine the location and time.  You do not need to complete this form if you will be taking private lessons at a location other than a CCISD campus.

Instrument Collection

CCISD will be conducting its annual inventory of all school owned instruments the week beginning May 26th.  In order to facilitate this, all school owned instruments must be turned in by Friday, May 22nd.  Failure to turn in an instrument will result in the full value of the instrument being added to the Clear Springs fine and fee list.

When checking in the instrument, students should include a note in the case indicating any repairs that are needed.

Notes:
  • If you need your instrument over the weekend, please see Mr. Brown.
  • We will begin checking the instruments back out to students on Wednesday, May 27th.

Color Guard Auditions

Are you interested in performing during halftime as a member of the Clear Springs Color Guard next year.  If so, come out and audition:

May 11-May 14
5:00-7:00 PM
Clear Springs High School – Band Hall

Color Guard is an activity that combines the use of equipment such as flags, sabers, and rifles with dance. Prior dance or guard related experience is helpful but not at all required.  It is a fine art and P.E. credit.  If you have any questions, please contact the director at colorguard@cshschargerband.org.

Concert Uniform Collection

We will begin collecting Concert Uniforms on Monday, May 18th.

  • Uniforms must be dry cleaned and then returned to school still in the plastic.
  • Write student’s name on the receipt and then attach the receipt to the plastic.

Uniforms must be turned in by Friday, May 22nd or you will be added to the Clear Springs High School fine and fee list. 

Spring Concert

Our final concert of the year is coming up and everyone is cordially invited to attend and support the students as it is always more enjoyable for the students to perform to a packed house with loud applause.

Thursday, May 14th
7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:50 PM)
Clear Springs High School Auditorium

This concert is looking to be a great concert for the whole family. Selections will include a medley from The Sound of Music to celebrate its 50th anniversary, and to give you a taste of our fun filled trip to Orlando,  music from the Harry Potter movies and a medley of classic Disney songs.  You are sure to leave the concert with a catchy tune stuck in your head.

This will also be the last time our seniors will perform with The Clear Springs Charger Band.  This means that this concert could be the last time some of these seniors will ever play with a band again, so all family members and friends won’t want to miss it.

Important notes for students and parents:
  1. Uniforms will be worn
    • Boys – Tuxedo Jacket, tuxedo pants, tuxedo shirt, black bow tie, black cummerbund, long black socks, black dress shoes or black marching shoes.
    • Girls – black band dress, black close toed shoes with an inch or less heel.
  2. Call time for Concert Band is 6:00
  3. Call time for Symphonic is 6:30 PM
  4. Call time for Wind Ensemble is 7:00 PM

2015-2016 Parent Meeting

All members of the 2015-2016 Clear Springs Charger Band and at least one parent/guardian is required to attend next week’s meeting:

Tuesday, May 5th
6:30 PM
Clear Springs High School – Auditorium

We will discuss Auditions, Summer Band changes, Equipment Night,  Dues, and Fundraising.  This is the only opportunity to hear everything straight from the directors and ask questions as needed before next year.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

2014-2015 Band Banquet

The 2014-2015 school year is quickly coming to a close, which also means that the 2014-2015 edition of the Clear Springs Charger Band will be coming to an end as our seniors graduate and incoming freshman join to form the 2015-2016 Clear Springs Charger Band.  However, before we say goodbye to our seniors and welcome in the new freshman, lets all get together and celebrate our achievements from this year as well as reminisce about your favorite memories by attending the 2014-2015 Clear Springs Charger Band Banquet.

The program for the banquet will begin with an Italian dinner buffet after which the directors will present various awards for achievement and service to various members regardless of class.  We will also be having door prizes and will be treated to an awesome slide show put together by Mr. Clark.  To close the evening we will be letting the kids loose on the dance floor.  Don’t worry parents, there will be parent chaperones to keep an eye, or several eyes, on things.

Cost: $25 per person
Make checks payable to: CSHS BAND BOOSTERS or pay online by clicking here.
Payments are due no later than May 8 to the Band Hall safe.
Student ticket orders must have the following 3 items included:

  • Page 2 of the Band Banquet Ticket Order Form
  • Check or cash for the ticket(s); or PayPal order confirmation
  • “All Clear Form” printed from the CSHS Library Website showing that the student is clear of all fines and fees owed to any department at Clear Springs. Click here for instructions.

Friday, May 15, 2015
7:00 – 11:00 pm
Doors will open at 6:30 pm (Please do not arrive before 6:30)
Nasa Gilruth Center (Enter off Space Center Blvd.)

Please note:

  • Only currently enrolled CSHS band students may attend.  Dates and former band members may not attend. 
  • Students may not leave and re-enter the banquet.
  • Students who do not drive themselves must be picked up by 11:00 PM.
  • Parents may purchase tickets and attend; however, we are limited to the capacity of the room.  Students, staff, CSHS Band Boosters Executive Board, banquet organizers, invited guests, and senior parents are placed at the head of the guest list.  If ticket purchases exceed room capacity, we will notify those who are on the excess list and issue refunds accordingly.

2015-2016 Audition Music

The 2015-2016 audition material is now available for download from CHARMS.

Students NEW to the Clear Springs Band will need to create a Clear Springs CHARMS account before they can download the music:
  1. Click here to create an account.
  2. Click the “NEW Students Click Here!” button.
  3. On the next page, enter the information in ALL fields (not just the ones in red). This includes email, phone number, instrument, cell phone number, and cell phone carrier (needed in order to receive text messages).
  4. When you are done, be sure to click the green “Register” button.
  5. On the next page, click “Add Adult”. Be sure to click the green “Update” button before leaving the page. Do this for each adult you want to add.
  6. After all of your information is entered in CHARMS, you are ready to download your music.
Download Instructions:
  1. Click here or the CHARMS link at the top of the page.
  2. Under “STUDENT AREA PASSWORD”, enter your CCISD student ID.
  3. Click on the “HANDOUTS & FILES” icon.
  4. Click on the “2015-2016 Audition Music” folder.
  5. Click on the PDF for your instrument.  A scale sheet is included in the audition packet. Scales are expected to be played as written – tongue up/slur down. Students who do not perform the articulation as assigned will be scored accordingly. You may use this scale sheet as a guide at the audition; however, a scale sheet will not be provided for you at the audition.

***Tenor and Bari Sax students will audition on Alto. There is no separate audition for Tenor or Bari. Students need to provide their own Alto Saxophone.

Woodwind and brass auditions begin the week of May 18th and percussion will be May 26th, please check our Google Calendar for the specific day and times.

The audition material contains a cover letter with more detailed information.  Please read it as it contains information that you will need to know for auditions.

Chili’s Give Back Event

A great way to help help raise some additional funds for the band is to have lunch or dinner at Chili’s.  Yes, you read that right, simply have lunch or dinner at Chili’s and present the following flier when you pay for your meal and Chili’s will donate 15% of your purchase amount to the band.

Chili’s Give Back Event Flier

Tuesday, April 28th
11am-11pm
2845 Gulf Fwy S
League City, TX 77573-6781
(this is the one by 646)

This is a very easy way to raise some funds.  Let’s try and make this as successful as possible by not only participating but also by printing out extra fliers and giving them to friends, relatives, and/or co-workers.

Please remember to present the flier when paying for your meal!!

Pre-Participation Physical

All students who will be participating in High School Band during the 2015-2016 school year are required by the district to have a Pre-Participation Physical which must be dated after April 1, 2015.  These Physical Forms  are due the first day of Summer Band (July 29 for freshmen; July 31 for all other classes).  Forms are available for pickup in the band office and available for download online by clicking here.  IMPORTANT:  Make sure you have the correct form by checking that “REVISED 12-4-14” is in the upper right-hand corner of page 3.  This is the Medical History page.

This physical can be performed at your family doctor, however a doctor will be available at Clear Springs on Thursday, April 23rd from 2:30 to 5:00 for your convenience.  This will be in the Clear Springs High School Competition Gym.  The cost will be $25 dollars; cash is preferred or checks may be made payable to Dr. John Kirkwood.  Please note that Wind Ensemble members will not be able to take advantage of this as they will be at UIL Contest; instead, they will either need to get the physical at their family doctor or go to Clear Creek High School on April 22 between 2-6. Click here for more info.

These physicals are due the first day of Summer Band, but can and should be turned in to the band office if completed before the end of the school year.  Do not let the trainer keep the form.  Wait for the doctor’s signature and take the form with you when you are done.  You can then turn the form in the next day to Mr. Brown or Mr. Williams.

BE SURE THAT BOTH PARENT AND STUDENT SIGN THE BOTTOM OF PAGES 1, 2, AND 3!  FORMS WITHOUT SIGNATURES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Important:
  • If you will be participating in both band and athletics you will need one copy of your physical form on file in the band office and one copy of your physical form on file with the athletic trainer.
  • It is the students responsibility to make sure a copy of the physical form is made and that one is given to the band directors and one to the athletic trainer.

2015-2016 Leadership Applications

As many of you know, a high school band program can only function successfully with outstanding leadership from both the students and parents.  As such, all students that would like to have a greater role in the Clear Springs band program need to download, print, complete, and turn in the 2015 Drum Major Application or the 2015 Marching Leader Application by Monday, April 27th.  Both of these can be found on CHARMS or on the band calendar under “more details” after clicking on the due date.

Students who are auditioning for drum major do not need to turn in the marching leader form.  If they are not chosen as Drum Major they will automatically be considered for another leadership role, two applications are not necessary.  There is a place on the form to indicate in which positions they are interested.

When to take the SAT and/or ACT

Attention all students, especially juniors!

Those of you who will be taking the SAT and/or ACT exams  next year need to be planning ahead now so that you can take the exams and not miss any band events next Fall.  Juniors in particular will need to take their exams at the end of this school year and/or in June – especially if you will be attempting early acceptance to Texas A&M or the University of Texas.

For your convenience we have included the SAT/ACT dates on our band calendar for the remainder of this year as well all the SAT/ACT dates for the 2015-2016 school year and have noted which days do and do not conflict with band events.  You will see multiple test dates throughout the year with only one or two conflicts.  Per the Band Handbook, the SAT and ACT are not considered excused absences from band events, therefore planning ahead is required by the students in order to be able to take the exams, do well on them, and meet all their band commitments.

The available dates, per the band calendar, for the remainder of this school year and June are:

  • SAT – May 2 and June 6
  • ACT – April 18 and June 13

Please take advantage of these testing dates if you are applying for early acceptance to any university.  The first available time after those listed above are not until November.

Texas Music Scholar Application

The Texas Music Scholar Award designates students in high school music programs who exemplify attributes of meritorious performance in the areas of scholarship, musicianship, and citizenship. Designation is attained by TMEA Active Member recommendation of students in grades 9-12 who have met the following criteria during the current school year:

  • Is a viable member of the school’s parent musical organization for the entire school year.
  • Maintains in all coursework an overall “A” average as defined by the local school district for the entire school year.
  • Maintains academic eligibility for the entire school year.
  • Participates in all scheduled events of the parent organization.
  • Attends, as an audience member, two director-approved concert events of high school, collegiate or professional level during a school year.
  • Has auditioned, been selected, and participated as required in a TMEA or ATSSB organization (band, orchestra, or choir).
  • Performs a UIL Prescribed Music List Class 1 solo for a competition or public performance.
  • Consistently exhibits behavior which brings honor to the parent organization, school and community.

These criteria may be met through participation singularly or in any combination of band, orchestra, or vocal organizations. The distinction may be achieved each school year. The school year is defined as the beginning of the year through the next-to-the-last official grade reporting period of the local school district for the purposes of calculating grade averages and determining eligibility. To be eligible for this award, download, print, complete, and turn in the Texas Music Scholars Application by Monday, April 27.  Late applications will not be accepted. Texas Music Scholars receive a certificate, patch, and letter from the Texas Music Educators Association signed by the Executive Director. Please note that this is an award, not a scholarship or other offer of money.