The calm before the storm

A quick recap of last week, a little about where we're at, and things to come!

RECAP
Last week brought us our first REAL week of rehearsals.  We have been able to slow down and clean things up.  It is a slow process but the process we need, and will work through for the rest of the season.  We cleaned up about 3 "chunks" of our show this week with about 4 to go before we can call ourselves "Week 1 ready".  Lots to be done, but we'll get to that soon...

Our football game was another success - a quick fun fact:  Not only do our kids memorize our contest show, parade songs, school song, and National Anthem, but we also memorize the opposing team's school song!  We don't want to spend too much time on this (don't want them falling in love with us...) - we memorize their school song in about 2 days!! a total of about 2 hours worth of work and we go out and nail it!  The kids work hard and make sure that everything we do is a success, even if our schedule doesn't allow much time.  The game went fantastic - first time in uniforms (modified as well), first time with (some) show flags, and first time without Dr. Beat.  Upon reviewing our performance today in class everyone is in agreement that we have lots yet to do, but we are much further ahead than last year in our performances...keep in mind:  this Friday would be our first performance LAST YEAR...we've already chalked two performances on the board!

CALM BEFORE THE STORM
Well we have hit that awkward "in-between" time of our season.  We are through with camp but we haven't really started competing yet. To me this is possibly the most difficult part.  What are we working toward?  We've stopped learning massive amounts of charts and we're focusing on just 5-6 charts for 3 hours?! 

We're working toward unforgettable experiences through incredible performances.  To do this we have to put in the extra effort and really nit pick at details.  It is INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT to get through these next two weeks.  Once the kids get the addicting taste of performing in front of a silent crowd of hundreds and hear their parents cheering them on - they get ramped up and this feeds them from week to week.  So parents and students who have been through this before:  keep focused on the future while working today (isn't that a line from a ride in Disney World?) - and keep encouraging those "newbies" who haven't had the experience of performing at a contest yet! 

THIS WEEK
I'm really looking forward to our family picnic planned for tomorrow (tuesday).  Bring friends, family, dogs, anyone!  A quick reminder of what's going to happen:

5:30 - Tunes start pumping
            Directors start dunking
            Cotton Candy gets devoured 
6:00 - Dinner starts
            - 8th and 9th graders:  Main Entree (enough for 10)
            - 10th graders: Side Dish (enough for 10)
            - 11th graders: Dessert (enough for 10)
            - 12th graders: 24 pack of water or 12 pack of soda
            - EVERYONE BRING YOUR OWN: chairs, plates, cutlery, napkins


6:30 - Rehearsal begins
             We'll show you how we go through a rehearsal, perform a bit for you and explain our show so you can follow along as the season progresses.  parents are free to leave at any time however we will continue to rehearse until 9:00. We'll have t-shirt order forms for EN band apparel as well as season t-shirts  for order (your child gets a season t-shirt at no cost)


No football game this week!  Enjoy your long weekend!!


WHAT IS LEFT TO DO?


I'm so glad you asked!!!! Here is a list of items that you can be a part of to help us have a successful season:


- Bus Chaperone
- Food Committee 
- Pit Crew
- Uniform Committee
- Volunteer at upcoming fundraisers (ACD this weekend!)
- EN invitational volunteers on September 22
- Attend Booster Meetings!


We're always in need of help.  I love this activity because it is a true FAMILY ACTIVITY.  If you want to be involved we want you!!!


Finally I leave you with a Trailer for our show "There's No Place Like Home" - enjoy! 


- Mr. Munoz