EP Bands

New Website!

2010-07-11T13:01:00.009-05:00

From now on, please refer to www.elmwoodparkbands.info for future announcements, handouts, and information. This blog will still exist, but will no longer be updated. Please update your bookmarks accordingly!

Parade

2010-07-04T15:15:00.002-05:00

Nice job in the parade today, everyone! Thanks to the Mrs. Schmidts for helping out with the water.

Remember there's no practice this Thursday! We'll see everyone on Thursday, 7/15. Luis is in charge of getting a picnic together after practice that day, so make sure you touch base with him before then.

Online Drill

2010-06-27T19:54:00.004-05:00

Check out the Beatles halftime drill on Youtube! Click any of the links below, and make sure to try them out in fullscreen HD so you can see your drill number once it's assigned to you.

Magical Mystery Tour Opener
Audience View
Drill View

Something
Audience View
Drill View

Can't Buy Me Love/Magical Mystery Tour
Audience View
Drill View

Band Fees

2010-06-27T11:35:00.003-05:00

Please remember that band fees are due before the 4th of July parade. You need fees paid to get your polos, and you'll need your polos to march! If possible, try to bring fees to this Thursday's rehearsal to eliminate last-minute crises.

First Marching Band Rehearsal!

2010-06-07T09:37:00.003-05:00

Our first rehearsal is this Thursday!

Time: 1:30-3:00PM
Place: EPHS
Bring: ALL MUSIC, marchable shoes, forms, fees, water, and sunscreen

See you there!

EPHS Band Update

2010-05-24T07:57:00.001-05:00

EPHS Graduation (Required)
Call time tonight: 6:00PM. Music is Pomp and Circumstance (Grundman) and Folk Dances. Dress is “nice” – shirt and tie for guys, equivalent for girls. No jeans, gym shoes, t-shirts, etc.

Elm Graduation (Extra Credit)
Call time tomorrow: 6:00PM. Get your music from the band room beforehand. Dress is “nice”.

Public Apology
My sincerest apologies go out to Kevin Craddock, Zack LaPuma, and their families. I inadvertently left their names out of the senior recognition at Thursday night's band concert, and I'm truly sorry. Everyone makes occasional mistakes, and I apologize that one of mine had to occur during what should have been your moments in the spotlight. Please accept my apology and my best wishes for your future endeavors.

SL/DM/Freshman BBQ
All EPHS Leadership Team and Freshman – there will be a BBQ here at EPHS on Thursday, June 3rd! I’ll provide the burgers, you provide the pop, chips, cookies, games, etc. We’ll meet at the pavilion near the tennis courts around 11AM.

Summer Band Rehearsals
We will start rehearsing for the 4th of July Parade starting on Thursday, June 10th. We’ll meet in the band room from 1:30-3 that day. Please be on time, with your instrument and all music that was mailed out.

No More Jazz Band
For this year, anyway. No final for Jazz Band! Please make sure you talk to me and register for the class with your counselor for 2010-2011.

Concert Band Uniform Accessories
Please make sure all uniforms, parts, and hangers are returned. You will be billed for them if they don’t come back!

Band/Choir Picnic!

2010-05-19T12:29:00.002-05:00

The Band and Choir will be having a picnic during lunch hours on Friday. Come on out to the BBQ near the tennis courts during your lunch time! Please bring something to share with everyone, like chips, side dishes, or pop.

4th of July

2010-05-17T13:50:00.002-05:00

In case you haven’t heard, the 4th of July Parade is back on. All Band rehearsals leading up to that will remain the same as announced. Stay tuned for further details.

Graduation Performance(s)

2010-05-13T13:51:00.000-05:00

EPHS Graduation (Required)
Date: Monday, 5/24/10
Time: 7:00PM (call time is 6:00PM)
Location: EPHS Gym
Music: Pomp and Circumstance (arr. Grundman), Folk Dances (seniors play Folk Dances only)
Dress: Look nice. Dress pants, shirt and tie for guys. Similar or dress for ladies. No jeans, gym shoes, t-shirts, etc.

Elm Graduation (Optional, Extra Credit!)
Date: Tuesday, 5/25/10
Time: 7:00PM (call time is 6:00PM)
Location: EPHS Gym
Music: Pomp and Circumstance (arr. Kinyon), other music TBA
Dress: Look nice. Dress pants, shirt and tie for guys. Similar or dress for ladies. No jeans, gym shoes, t-shirts, etc.

EPHS Band Update

2010-05-11T07:53:00.001-05:00

Pep Tour Friday, 5/14
Band and Swing Choir people will be excused from classes on Friday to attend the Pep Tour. Please be practicing sectional feature tunes before then. Permission slips are due before Friday. Since it won’t be boiling hot on Friday, dress will be Band Polo with blue jeans. Approximate schedule is as follows:

7:30—Load busses and leave EPHS
8:00—Set up and begin at Elm Middle School
8:45-9:15—Tear down from Elm/Travel to John Mills
9:30-10:45—Set up/Perform at John Mills
10:45-12:15—Lunch at Russell’s Barbeque
12:15-12:45 Relax at Central Park
12:50-2:00—Set up/Perform at John Mills
2:15—Return to EPHS

Concert Thursday, 5/20
Our Spring Concert will be on Thursday, May 20th, at 7:00PM in the Auditorium. Call time is 6:00PM. Bring baked goods.

Band/Choir Picnic Friday, 5/21
All Band and Choir members are invited to come out to the pavilion by the tennis courts during lunch hours for a BBQ! Admission is one of the following: chips, dessert, side dish, or pop. (Enough to share.) Popplewell and Rhoades will be grilling. Yes, it will be edible.

Extra Credit Opportunities
If you need extra credit in Band, consider one or both of these options.

Tonight (Tuesday, 5/11) is the Elm Band and Choir Concert. If you say hi to me at the concert and then turn in a program tomorrow with your name on it, you’ll get extra credit.

Elm Graduation is on Tuesday, 5/25 in the EPHS Gym. Mr. Lowrey would like a couple EPHS “ringers” for this gig – particularly on brass instruments. Mr. Rhoades should have music by the end of the week; pick it up and sign up with him at the same time. Extra credit for those people.

Percussion Ensemble
Every Wednesday at 8. Be on time. You can’t use Disney as an excuse every week.

EPHS Graduation Monday, 5/24
All EPHS Band members are expected to perform at the EPHS Graduation. Additional music will be handed out before then. Graduation is at 7:00PM. Call time is 6:00PM. Seniors will join the rest of the band for the Senior Song – Folk Dances.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail.

2010-05-09T12:17:00.001-05:00

If anyone has any good pictures from the Disney trip, please e-mail them to rhoadesk@epcusd401.org and I'll post them here.

2010-05-04T14:00:00.001-05:00

Exiting at 1st avenue. Come get your kids :-)

2010-05-04T13:35:00.001-05:00

On the Eisenhower. Traffic is ok. ETA: 2:00.

2010-05-04T13:02:00.001-05:00

Gary, Indiana. ETA closer to 2:00, depending on Eisenhower traffic.

2010-05-04T12:09:00.001-05:00

Newton, Indiana for lunch. Still 1:30 or 2:00 ETA.

2010-05-04T07:36:00.001-05:00

Just north of Louisville for breakfast. ETA: 1:30 or 2:00. Stay tuned for more updates.

2010-04-16T08:36:00.000-05:00

Greetings from the EPHS Band Room!

MANDATORY Disney Parent Meeting

All students traveling to Disney need to bring their parents to a meeting in the band room on Monday, April 19th at 6:30PM. We will discuss all final details of the trip at this time.

JWPepper.com Listening Assignment

Today is the VERY last day I will accept these assignments. This was a great opportunity to increase your Q4 grade without much work. Last call – you can still get late credit for this assignment. If you need another copy, one was sent out with the last EPHS band update.

If you turned this in on time, thank you very much and enjoy your A! J

Disney Rehearsals

Please remember to report to the band room during A-Lab on Tuesday, 4/20/10 and Monday, 4/26/10. Please practice the Disney music outside of class so these rehearsals are more effective.

Scale Tests

Minor scale tests will begin during band class next Tuesday, 4/20/10. Please be reviewing minor scales #11-#4 at home. This test will be worth 50 points.

Drum Major/Section Leader Tryouts

We can still use more people trying out for DM and SL! Tryouts are after school on 4/20/10-4/22/10. Pick up a packet in the band room. Sections that need more representation: Clarinet, Low Brass/Woodwinds.

EPHS Band Update

2010-04-13T10:19:00.000-05:00

Mandatory Disney Meeting
There is a required meeting for all students traveling to Disney AND their parents/guardians on Monday, April 19th. The meeting will begin at 6:30PM in the band room. At the meeting we will discuss all the final details of the Disney trip.

Disney Band Music
PLEASE practice outside of band class! We have only two rehearsals left before we perform!!

Percussion Ensemble
PE is still meeting every Wednesday morning at 8:00. Please be prompt.

JWPepper.com Assignment
Students can still turn in this assignment late for up to half credit. Get it in before Friday. The original assignment is worth 20 points.

Schilke Field Trip
For those students who will be going to Schilke on Thursday – please meet in the band room at 7:50. You are responsible for making up all missed assignments and lessons beforehand. Bring money for lunch. As soon as we’re back to EPHS (during 3rd hour), you should report to class.

Drum Major/Section Leader Tryouts
If you’re interested in trying out for 2010-2011 DM or SL, please take a packet and sign up with Mr. Rhoades before Friday. Tryouts are next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school.

EPHS Band Update

2010-03-23T10:11:00.000-05:00

Jazz Café 2010
You can still buy tickets for the 2010 Jazz Café! Mr. Rhoades will accept late orders at the $7 price through this week. Tickets will be $9 at the door. The Jazz Café will be on Wednesday, 3/31/10 at 6:30PM in the EPHS Cafeteria.

Disney Rehearsals
Rehearsals for the Disney trip will begin on Tuesday, 3/30. Due to several conflicts after school, rehearsals will be in the band room during A-Lab. Please make sure you have a pass and please show up ASAP. Thank you to all band students for making your trip payments promptly!

Band Boosters Meeting
The next meeting will be tomorrow, 3/24, at 6:30PM in the band room.

Marching Band 2010
The theme for next year’s marching band show will be Music of The Beatles! Please keep an eye out for music and information in the mail before the end of the school year.

Field Trip Opportunity

2010-03-16T09:38:00.001-05:00

In the morning on Thursday, April 15th, students may travel with Mr. Rhoades to take a tour of the Schilke Brass Factory in Melrose Park. There we will learn how brass instruments and mouthpieces are made, and students may have an opportunity to try them out afterwards. When we’re done touring, we’ll stop somewhere for lunch. Students will return before 4th hour begins; they will be expected to return immediately (and quietly) to class when we get back. Transportation will be the EPHS Activity Bus, so participation will be limited to 14 students (brass players will take priority). This field trip is at no cost to you (except for lunch)! Permission slips will be handed out today during Band.

Disney Payments

2010-03-09T13:35:00.000-06:00

Final payments are due Monday, 3/15. Contact Mr. Rhoades if you need to know the amount of your last payment.

Candy Sales

2010-03-02T10:29:00.001-06:00

Candy Sales will end this week. Please see Rhoades for any last minute purchases!

Private Lessons

2010-03-02T10:28:00.001-06:00

If you are interested in taking private lessons, please contact Mr. Rhoades. Students will be given an informational sheet today during 3rd hour.

Band Camp 2010

2010-02-24T10:38:00.003-06:00

Band camp will be 8/2-8/6, 8/9-8/10, from 9AM to 3PM. Please remember that Band camp is required for all band students.

Extra Disney Rehearsals

2010-02-24T10:38:00.002-06:00

Since the entire band is not traveling to Disney, we will be scheduling a few rehearsals outside of school. There will be some different music for the Disney Band in addition to a few pieces that have already been played. Dates for the rehearsals will be:

Tuesday, 3/30/10, 3-4PM
Tuesday, 4/13/10, 3-4PM
Tuesday, 4/20/10, 3-4PM
Monday, 4/26/10, 3-4PM (or possibly longer if needed)

Please check sport and activity schedules and contact Mr. Rhoades on or before Monday, March 1 with any conflicts that arise.

Concert 2/22

2010-02-21T10:37:00.001-06:00

Call time for the concert is 6PM, unless your extra credit tasks say to arrive earlier. Please bring baked goods to share after the concert.

Boosters President

2010-02-02T13:22:00.002-06:00

Band Boosters will be looking for a new president at the end of the year. If you may be interested, please contact Pat Craddock at craddockp@epcusd401.org.

Band Candy Fundraiser

2010-02-02T13:19:00.001-06:00

Here’s how the candy sale works:

Step 1 Go visit Mr. Rhoades.
Step 2 Buy a box of candy for $1/bar. Different boxes cost different amounts.
Step 3 Sell the candy BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL for $1/bar.
Step 4 Repeat from Step 1.

The boxes of candy each have at least a 50% profit margin, which means at least you get at least 50 cents per candy bar sold. That credit will be taken off your March Disney payment. Find out how much your next payment is so you know how much you should sell! Mr. Rhoades will have the candy available in his office until Thursday, February 11, while supplies last.

The general idea is that you pay in full before you sell – that way Rhoades and Popplewell don’t need to hunt you down for anything. It will be up to you to recuperate your funds once you purchase your box.

Prices per box are as follows:

Skittles/Starbursts Pack $30
Starburst GummiBursts $24
Blue Chocolate Variety Pack $30
Reese’s Big Cup $32
Red Max Box $52

Band people who are not going to Disney – you can still sell! Either pick a good friend and donate your profits, or ask Rhoades to have it added to your student account. This account can be used to pay for Band fees next fall.

DO NOT EXPECT MR. POPPLEWELL OR MR. RHOADES TO MAKE CHANGE! Please pay with exact change or with a check. Rhoades will not hand out any candy without advance payment in full. Checks can be made out to EPHS Choir or EPHS Band Boosters, just like the normal trip payments.

Basketball 2/19

2010-02-02T13:18:00.002-06:00

Call time: 6PM
Game time: 7PM
Wear polos and be on time for full credit. We'll be done after halftime so that we can enjoy pizza in the cafeteria with the 8th graders. EPHS students please bring a dessert to share.

Senior Solos

2010-01-13T10:20:00.000-06:00

If you're a senior and you'd like an opportunity to play a solo with band accompaniment at the May concert, get an application from Mr. Rhoades and return it by Friday, 1/29/10.

Disney Payment

2010-01-11T10:06:00.000-06:00

Your next payment of $200 is due this Friday, 1/15/10.

Chicago/TheatreFest

2010-01-11T09:38:00.001-06:00

GREAT JOB to all cast, crew, and pit for a PHENOMENAL performance at TheatreFest! The energy evident in this performance was easily double that of any previous.

Basketball Band 2010

2010-01-11T09:36:00.000-06:00

Dates are listed below. Performances are 50 points each. Call time is 6:00PM for a 7:00 game unless otherwise listed. Wear jeans and EPHS Band Polos. Freshman/JV basketball members should report to band as soon as your game is finished. Varsity team members should be present at games for the opposite gender when possible. Notify Mr. Rhoades ahead of time of any conflicts.

Tuesday, 1/12 Girls vs. Luther North
Friday, 1/22 Boys vs. R-B (pack the place)
Monday, 1/25 Girls vs. Lisle
Friday, 2/19 Boys vs. Illiana Christian (8th grade night)

Disney Payment due Tuesday, 12/15

2009-12-09T12:02:00.002-06:00

Please make sure that $200 payments are received on or before Tuesday, 12/15/09. Only paid students will be able to sign up for hotel rooms and bus seats at that time.

Concert Monday, 12/14

2009-12-09T12:01:00.000-06:00

The EPHS Holiday Band Concert will be at 7:00PM on Monday, 12/14/09. Students should arrive FULLY DRESSED at 6:00PM with baked goods.

Band Boosters Meeting

2009-11-23T10:38:00.001-06:00

Tonight's meeting will be at 6:30PM in the Band room.

Photos from Band Competition 10/17/09

2009-11-16T06:27:00.000-06:00

Check out photos taken at the NCHS Competition here courtesy of the NCHS Band Boosters.

Cookie Dough Delivery

2009-11-09T06:58:00.001-06:00

Cookie dough will be delivered to EPHS on Tuesday, 11/24 during the day. Please make arrangements to pick up your orders immediately after school.

EPHS Percussion Ensemble

2009-11-09T06:57:00.000-06:00

EPHS Percussion Ensemble will meet each Wednesday from 8:00AM - 8:50AM until our Winter Concert on 12/15. Please make sure you're on time and ready to go each week.

Jazz Band 11/9-11/13

2009-11-09T06:55:00.001-06:00

There will be NO Jazz Band on Tuesday, 11/10 or Thursday, 11/12. Jazz Band will meet on Friday, 11/13.

Cookie Dough

2009-10-27T09:05:00.002-05:00

Cookie dough fundraiser forms need to be in by the end of this week. Checks may be made payable to EPHS Band Boosters.

Band Boosters

2009-10-27T09:04:00.001-05:00

There will be a Band Boosters meeting on Wednesday, 10/28, at 6:30PM in the EPHS cafeteria.

Concert Band

2009-10-27T09:03:00.003-05:00

Concert Band has started! Students have received music, folders, and pencils, all of which will be required for each daily rehearsal. Music will be turned in at the end of the concert cycle for a grade.

Practice Thursday, 10/22/09

2009-10-22T09:51:00.001-05:00

Please remember that the band will rehearse even if it’s raining. Rehearsal may be shortened as needed. Students must report to practice in order to receive all points, regardless of weather. Dress warmly; if it’s barely drizzling or just chilly, we’ll be outside!

Cookie Dough Fundraiser

2009-10-22T09:48:00.000-05:00

Students traveling to Disney should have picked up a fundraiser form on Tuesday. Extras are available in the band room and all money (Checks to EPHS Band Boosters) is due by Friday, 10/30/09.

Band Boosters Meeting CORRECTION

2009-10-19T08:23:00.002-05:00

Our next meeting will be NEXT Wednesday, 10/28, at 6:30PM in the EPHS cafeteria.

IMEA Auditions (select students)

2009-10-11T10:21:00.003-05:00

IMEA students should report to the bus immediately after school on Tuesday. We will leave as soon as possible and should return around 6:30PM.

Columbus Day Parade

2009-10-11T10:21:00.001-05:00

Call time tomorrow is 10:00AM at EPHS. Rain or shine, students must show up to get points.

Disney Payment

2009-10-11T10:18:00.002-05:00

If you plan on traveling to Disney, please bring your deposit of $100 on or before Thursday, 10/15. Please make sure it's in a marked envelope with a trip payment slip.

Concert Thursday 10/15

2009-10-11T10:17:00.003-05:00

Call time for Thursday's concert is 6:00PM. Please bring baked goods (packaged three per bag for easy selling) at this time. The concert will begin with Band at 7:00, and Band members will stay for the Choir's performance.

Pit Orchestra

2009-10-11T10:16:00.001-05:00

Please note that the Pit rehearsal for Thursday, 10/15 has been changed. We will rehearse from 11:30-1:30 in the band room, directly after your 2nd hour final.

Pit Orchestra

2009-10-11T10:14:00.000-05:00

Please note that the Pit rehearsal for Thursday, 10/15 has been changed. We will rehearse from 11:30-1:30 in the band room, directly after your 2nd hour final.

Pit Orchestra

2009-10-07T07:47:00.001-05:00

Our next Pit rehearsal will be tomorrow (Thursday, 10/8) from 3-5 in the Band room. All other Pit rehearsals have been added to the blog calendar.

Disney Trip Meeting

2009-10-05T09:12:00.001-05:00

There will be a change in the Disney Trip meeting time to accommodate those students attending College Night later that evening.

This mandatory meeting (for all students going to Disney and their parents) will be in the Band/Choir room at 6:15 on Wednesday, October 7.

NCHS Marching Competition

2009-10-02T12:45:00.002-05:00

Our competition time for the competition at Benedictine University on October 17th is 5:30PM. Here is an updated itinerary for the day:

2:30 Call time at EPHS, change into uniforms and load busses
3:00 Leave EPHS on busses
4:00 Arrive at Illinois Benedictine University, warm up, move to competition area
5:30 Band Performance
5:45 Finish performing, return to busses to change
6:00-10:00 watch other bands' performances - bring money for concessions
10:30 Depart Benedictine
11:15ish Arrive back at EPHS, put uniforms away

Please have rides at EPHS at 11:15.

Kaleidoscope Concert/Bake Sale

2009-09-30T11:10:00.000-05:00

Please help support Band Boosters by dropping off your baked goods for our Bake Sale, taking place before and after the 7:00PM October 15th concert at EPHS.

Drop off time will be 6:00PM (call time) in the hall outside the auditorium at the High School. All money will go toward helping our band program become bigger and better!

Please package items 3 to a plastic bag so that they will be ready to be priced and displayed!

Thank you!
Band Boosters

Band T-Shirts

2009-09-17T09:27:00.001-05:00

Please remember that all EPHS Band students should wear their Band t-shirts on game days. Tomorrow (9/18) we will be wearing the t-shirts during the Pep Assembly as well.

Columbus Day Parade Update

2009-09-17T09:25:00.003-05:00

Call time for the Columbus Day Parade will be 10:00AM at EPHS. We do not yet know where we are in the parade order - I will post an ETA back at EPHS when I have more information.

Band Boosters

2009-09-14T06:48:00.000-05:00

The next Boosters meeting will be Wednesday, 9/16/09 at 6:30PM in the EPHS Band room.

Pit Orchestra for Chicago

2009-09-10T10:34:00.003-05:00

Students interested in Pit should sign up on the Band room door by the end of the week. Ability to participate will be primarily designated by instrumentation needed. We will begin rehearsals on Thursday afternoons (3-5) as soon as the music arrives. (TBA)

NOTE: The blog calendar says that Pit will begin next Thursday, 9/17. This will only be true if the music arrives before then. Please stay tuned (and pay attention in class!) for more details.

Uniform Parts

2009-09-08T06:41:00.003-05:00

Please remember that all Band students must have the following uniform accessories to be eligible to perform:

Full-length black socks
Black marching shoes
White gloves
Ties for long hair

Please e-mail Mr. Rhoades if you do not yet have shoes, and remind him for ones that should now be ordered. You may not march without them! Extra gloves are available for $2/pair. Get them BEFORE the next performance on Friday, 9/18/09.

Pictures

2009-08-31T06:52:00.002-05:00

We need new pictures for the blog! Please e-mail them to Mr. Rhoades if you have any.

Columbus Day Parade

2009-08-31T06:42:00.001-05:00

The EPHS Band has been chosen to march in the Chicago Columbus Day Parade this year. The parade steps off in Grant Park at 12:00 Noon on Monday, 10/12/09. More details and call time to follow.

Attendance

2009-08-24T10:43:00.000-05:00

As detailed in the 2009-2010 Band Handbook, please take a moment to review the policy on Excused Absences:

“Attendance is mandatory at all Band-related events. Students should arrive early so that they are ready to go at the call time. Absence requests are to be submitted to the director in writing at the earliest notice, and will be considered at the director’s discretion. Examples of excused absences include funerals and weddings in the immediate family, legitimate illness (with a doctor’s note), other school final events (not practices), and other related family emergencies. Work, vacation, non-emergency appointments, oversleeping, freight trains, lack of fee payment, and lack of transportation are not considered to be excused absences or tardies. Because band is a group activity, every member’s participation is essential to the success of the whole. Attendance is considered as part of each student’s participation grade.”

…Speaking of the handbook, some of you students still owe me a parent signature!!

There are some occasions where things come up last-minute and cannot be explained ahead of time. In those cases, please feel free to send in a note after the fact or send me an e-mail.. Unfortunately when it comes to attendance, students are “guilty until proven innocent”. That is, if a student is not at a Band event and I haven’t been notified ahead of time, their grade will be a 0 for that event. Some of you may have fallen into that category this weekend; please let me know if there’s a way I can fairly and justly help your grade in that regard.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Football Scrimmage 8/22/09

2009-08-21T08:11:00.004-05:00

Call time for the scrimmage is 10:30AM.

Wear your band polo, khaki shorts, and marchable shoes.

The game starts at approximately 11:30AM, and we will be finished after halftime.

To receive full credit for the performance, you MUST arrive on time. If the weather turns inclement, we will cancel at that time...not before!

Weather Update

2009-08-19T14:05:00.004-05:00

80% chance of thunderstorms for tonight. Rehearsal will NOT be cancelled. Please come prepared for slight moisture, and know that we will head inside if the weather becomes so inclement.

Students who still need uniforms should arrive a few minutes early and will be fitted at that time.

Marching Band Picture Day

2009-08-18T11:21:00.002-05:00

Athletics has just informed me that our Picture Day time is Tuesday, August 25th, right after school. Tennis and Soccer students should see Mr. Rhoades ahead of time, as they have matches that day.

Students will report to the band room immediately after school, change into uniform, and head out to the field. We cannot wait for late students; those who are not there on time may not be in the final picture.

Band Boosters Meeting

2009-08-12T09:14:00.000-05:00

This year's first Band Boosters meeting will be held on Wednesday, 8/19/09 at 6:30PM in the EPHS Cafeteria. Please note that there is also Marching Band practice during that time.

Scrimmage Performance

2009-08-12T09:12:00.002-05:00

The EPHS Band will be performing at the football team's scrimmage game on Saturday, 8/22. Details are as follows:

Call time: 10:30AM
Game time: 11:30AM (approx)
Dress: Band Polo, khaki shorts, gym shoes (same as 4th of July)

We will play in the stands and perform at halftime. Students will be dismissed after halftime. This performance will replace the Band Preview Night from years past.

WEDNESDAY night rehearsal

2009-08-12T09:11:00.001-05:00

Due to the Freshman Orientation on Thursday, 8/20, we will have our weekly night rehearsal that week on Wednesday, 8/19, from 6-8PM.

Band Camp 8/5/09

2009-08-05T07:55:00.001-05:00

Band Camp will begin at 10:00AM on Wednesday, 8/5/09. We will still dismiss at 3:00PM.

Band Camp!

2009-07-30T11:34:00.001-05:00

Dear EPHS Band Parents and Students,

Next week is Band Camp! In this e-mail are several things you need to know to make the EPHS Band as successful as possible. Much of this information was sent out in the mailer you received in May, but please review this e-mail as a reminder!

1) Rehearsal times
Rehearsals during Band Camp will be from 9AM-3PM, Monday-Friday. Bring a lunch! The following Monday and Tuesday (8/10 and 8/11) will be used only if necessary, and would be 9AM-12PM. IF YOU'RE ON TIME, YOU'RE LATE!

2) Uniform Fittings
Uniforms will be fitted to students after Band Camp rehearsals. Seniors on Monday, Juniors on Tuesday, Sophomores on Wednesday, and Freshmen on Thursday. Anyone not fitted by then can go to the 'make-up' fitting on Friday. At the fittings, please wear something appropriate that would ordinarily be worn under the Band uniform, i.e. a t-shirt and gym-type shorts. Please do not wear pants, cargo shorts, or other baggy attire.

3) Things you Need
Instrument, music, lyre, drill (already marked), SHOES (no sandals), comfortable clothes, hats/sunglasses (outside only), sunscreen, water bottles, lunches, PENCILS, etc.

4) Blog
Please check out the blog (epband.blogspot.com) as often as possible! There hasn't been much to update over the summer, but there will be a lot there once school starts!

5) Weather
Band Camp will be held regardless of weather. We may march in slight amounts of precipitation, so please check the weather before you come and dress appropriately. If the weather should turn severe, we will rehearse indoors.

6) Fees
Most students have paid their fees already. If you haven't, please do so quickly. They were due on July 4th. The district has a strict "no pay, no play" policy regarding class fees.

7) Other Forms
Please return all forms included in the mailer if you haven't already. They were due on July 4th.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or e-mail! E-mail will be answered most efficently, as I am not in the office every day.

Rehearsal 7/16/09

2009-07-15T11:01:00.003-05:00

Please remember that rehearsal will be held from 10AM-12PM in the Band room. Bring in a blank CD and Mr. Rhoades will give you a CD full of all the music needed to help you learn the halftime show!

4th of July Parade

2009-07-03T07:34:00.003-05:00

Uniform:
EPHS Band Polo
Khaki shorts
Gym shoes

Call time is 10:20 at EPHS. The festival will be going on, so please plan accordingly. At that time we will load buses with equipment and head to the circle for the parade. The parade steps off at 12:00 noon, and we are 13th in line. If the parade moves at a decent pace, we should be done sometime around 1:30-2:00 at EPHS.

IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER:
Report to EPHS at the required time. If the parade is canceled, we will cancel. Please be prepared for some light sprinkles.

Added Rehearsal

2009-06-25T09:18:00.002-05:00

Please note that there will be an added rehearsal on Friday, 7/3/09, from 10-12 in the Band room, to accommodate those students attending Summer School. If you have a previous conflict, please e-mail Mr. Rhoades (rhoadesk@epcusd401.org) as soon as possible.

Reference Recordings

2009-06-20T12:23:00.003-05:00

Parents and Students,

Please bring in a blank CD-R to rehearsal during the summer if you would like to receive reference recordings that may make practicing the Halftime music easier. Mr. Rhoades will make copies accordingly.

(We were trying to get them available somehow on a school website, but at this time that is not possible.)

The next rehearsal is Thursday, 6/25, from 10-noon in the EPHS Band Room.

Marching Band Rehearsal 6/18

2009-06-18T07:06:00.002-05:00

Marching Band rehearsal will be today from 10AM-12 noon. We have plenty of things to do - both inside and outside - so please be prepared for both if the weather permits.

Remember: please wear SHOES for MB rehearsals...not flip-flops, sandals, slippers, boots, or heels!

Freshman/Leadership Team BBQ (CANCELED)

2009-06-03T17:20:00.004-05:00

The BBQ scheduled for today (6/11) will be CANCELED due to inclement weather. Our next rehearsal (involving ALL EPHS band members) will be next Thursday, 6/18, from 10-12 in the EPHS Band Room.

EPHS Band Mailer

2009-05-26T12:46:00.000-05:00

Dear Parents and Students,

There is a VERY IMPORTANT mailer on its way to your houses in the next few days. Enclosed is information about Band over the summer, including Band Camp. Students, please do not "intercept" this and keep it from your parents. Parents, please take some time to review all of the information provided, then feel free to e-mail with any questions.

- Mr. Rhoades

Fourth of July Parade

2009-05-14T07:44:00.000-05:00

The Band Boosters need some volunteers for the Fourth of July Parade! Volunteers will help keep the kids cool, pass out water, etc. Please contact Pat Craddock at craddockp@epcusd401.org if you are interested in helping.

Concerts

2009-05-13T11:26:00.001-05:00

A job well done to our Elm Band students on a good concert last night!

There is an EPHS concert tomorrow (Thursday) night at 7:00. Come support our seniors in their last concert at EPHS!

Boosters Meeting

2009-05-11T07:31:00.001-05:00

The next boosters meeting will be held at 5:30PM this Wednesday, 5/13/09. Please note the time change.

Next Band Boosters Meeting

2009-04-23T07:31:00.003-05:00

The next Boosters meeting will be on 5/13/09 at 6:30PM at EPHS. We will discuss Hackney's, the Pep Tour, and Graduations.

Boosters Meeting

2009-04-20T07:14:00.000-05:00

There will be a boosters meeting this Wednesday, 4/22, at 6:30PM in the Cafeteria. We will discuss Hackney's, our upcoming concerts at Elm and EPHS, and Graduation.

District Calendar Correction

2009-04-20T07:13:00.000-05:00

The EPHS Band is NOT going to Elmhurst College on Friday. This event is for the EPHS Choir.

Jazz Cafe

2009-04-01T10:58:00.001-05:00

Jazz Cafe is tomorrow night! Come on over for some music and snacks. We'll start Thursday night at 7:00PM in the EPHS cafeteria.

Elm Practice Cards

2009-03-31T13:34:00.000-05:00

Elm Practice Cards for March should have now been turned in. April practice cards will be handed out today and tomorrow in class. Yes, students need to practice over Spring Break!

Band Boosters

2009-03-26T07:12:00.002-05:00

EP Band Boosters isn't just for high school parents!

If you have a band student at home, you are welcome to come to meetings and see what's going on firsthand. Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22nd, at 6:30PM in the EPHS Cafeteria. Meetings usually last between 30 and 60 minutes and are a great opportunity to get involved, meet other band parents, and make a difference for the kids! If you have any questions about boosters, please e-mail Mr. Rhoades at rhoadesk@epcusd401.org.

Band Boosters Meeting

2009-03-24T09:16:00.001-05:00

There is a Band Boosters meeting on Wednesday, 3/25/09, in the EPHS Cafeteria at 6:30PM. We will discuss Jazz Cafe and the IHSA Contest.

Elm Practice Cards

2009-03-24T09:14:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder - Elm Practice Cards are due next week!

7th grade due on Tuesday, 3/31
8th grade due on Monday, 3/30

Elm Practice Cards

2009-03-16T13:46:00.003-05:00

Elm students should have 240 minutes of practice after today. Please keep up with your students on this!

Many students have not yet turned in their signature sheets to go along with the practice cards. Please remember that students must turn those in BEFORE they receive credit for the practice cards. Extras have been available continuously in Band class.

EPHS IHSA Contest

2009-03-16T13:42:00.003-05:00

A Tentative Schedule for Saturday, 3/28/09:

(a note will be sent home in the next couple of days)

7:45AM Arrive at EPHS, change into Concert Uniforms (or arrive dressed)
8:00 leave for Mother McAuley HS
9:00 arrive at MMHS, unload
9:20 Choir warmup
9:40 Choir performance
10:00 Band warmup
10:30 Band performance
11:15 leave for EPHS
12:00PM arrive at EPHS, change, go home

Elm Sectional Schedule

2009-03-09T13:29:00.002-05:00

The Sectional Schedule for Elm has been posted to the calendar. They will receive a note in class today or tomorrow about this. Groups are as follows:

A Flutes and oboes
B Clarinets
C Alto Saxes
D Trumpets
E French Horns
F Trombones, Baritone, Tuba, Tenor Saxes, Bari Sax, Bass Clarinet
G Percussion

Please remember that all after-school events are worth 10 points. Students involved in Elm sports practices should come to sectionals first.

Band Boosters Meeting

2009-03-06T15:59:00.002-06:00

There will be a Band Boosters Meeting at 6:30PM on Wednesday, March 25th. We will discuss Jazz Cafe and the IHSA Contest.

Concert Recordings

2009-02-25T14:04:00.001-06:00

Mp3 files of the pieces played on Monday's concert can be found at the district's Fine Arts Website.

Elm Practice Cards

2009-02-23T14:56:00.003-06:00

Starting in March, Elm Middle School Bands will be using practice cards. These will be handed out Monday and Tuesday, 2/23 and 2/24 in Band Class. Please note that there is a typo on the pink sheet: It says that 400/450 would earn an 80%, whereas in real mathematical terms that would equate to 88.89%. Please revise as such. There is a section on there that will need to be returned by the end of the week, and the actual practice card will be due at the end of March. The whole Band and I greatly appreciate your honesty and integrity in signing off on the practice cards.

Should the practice card be misplaced, please e-mail Mr. Rhoades for an additional copy at rhoadesk@epcusd401.org.

MSC Band

2009-02-13T22:28:00.003-06:00

Students participating in MSC Band will be excused from academic classes all day on Tuesday, 2/17. They should report to the Auditorium before 8:30AM. Rehearsals will run all day. Dinner will be provided, but students should bring their own lunch or plan on purchasing it in the cafeteria. There will be time for students to change into standard black concert attire after dinner.

The concert will be at 7:30PM and will be open to the public, so please come out and support the arts in Elmwood Park!

Summer Update

2009-02-11T10:09:00.004-06:00

Tentative dates will be set later today for the summer and for 2009 Band Camp. These dates have not been officially approved, but can still be used for a general guideline.

Please note that Band Camp (set for August 10-14) is required for all EPHS Band students. Please do not schedule vacation during this time. Students must be in attendance during band camp in order to be eligible to march in the first performance.

Elm Sectionals and Rehearsals

2009-02-04T10:32:00.001-06:00

Elm Students and Parents,

Please take note that the schedule for sectionals at Elm has been changed. You should have seen a blue note with this updated information sometime last week. The schedule posted here is ALWAYS the first to be modified and should be your #1 source of information whenever possible.

As a reminder, sectional groups are as follows:

A - Flutes and Oboes
B - Clarinets
C - Alto Saxes
D - Trumpets
E - French Horn
F - Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Bass Clarinet, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba
G - Percussion

Boosters Meeting

2009-02-04T10:19:00.001-06:00

There will be a Band Boosters meeting on Wednesday, February 11th, at 6:30PM in the cafeteria.