Anoka Marching Tornadoes

Final Notes - Bauquet, DVDs, Dog Tags

2011-10-29T10:29:00.000-05:00

Hey Band,

Congratulations on a great indoor show, a great Halloween Parade, and a strong finish to our marching band season! Mr. Farley and others in the audience shared many compliments with me about our show on Thursday.

There are a few business matters to attend to by the end of the season. Please read over these notes carefully.

- The Marching Band Banquet - Tuesday, Nov 1st - 7:00-9:30pm - AMS Fred Moore Cafeteria

Please join us to celebrate our incredible season! The main entree this year will be lasagna, with sides, salads, and beverages provided potluck-style:

Hornline - Side dishes

Percussion - Salads

Guard - Beverages

Please bring something for all to share! Food will be served at 7pm, with program to follow.

- Schmitt Music sold Youth in Music dog tags at the Metrodome show and they have a few left. It's a nice, classy-looking memento of the show. Cost is $5, and I have a demo tag for people to look at before they order. I will take orders through advisory the day after the banquet, Wed Nov 2nd.

- For ease of ordering, we will combine this year's Slide Show, Indoor Show, and Chippewa Falls Show into one super DVD. If you wish to acquire one, please bring a blank DVD clearly labeled with your name and leave it with Mr. Bussey. I will accept DVDs for copying through advisory the day after the banquet, Wed Nov 2nd.

- If you have not yet finished paying the Band Parent fee for marching band, we need to settle that account (no later than the end of the trimester on Dec 2nd). If you have not yet contacted Mr. Bussey about this matter, please do so as soon as possible. If I don't hear from you (either to finish payment or set up a payment plan), I will have to charge your band or orchestra account against the balance due after Dec 2nd and place a hold on your record through the activities office.

- For those of you interested in leadership positions (Drum Major, section leaders) for next year, the application process will begin in mid-February. Look for more details coming to you at the end of January.

THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this season - members, parents, staff, alumni, and friends - what an incredible achievement!

Best,

Bussey

YIM Recap - End of the Season

2011-10-24T11:16:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

CONGRATULATIONS on an incredible end to a highly successful field show season season! The band gave two very strong performances on Saturday, putting an exclamation point on Anoka's best field show season yet. In the afternoon performance (which determines the state Class placement awards) Anoka earned a second place finish behind perennial Class AA champion Waseca and also earned Best Winds and Best Percussion awards. THANK YOU to all of our members, staff, and parents for your time and effort this season. Senior vets - take pride in the knowledge that you leave our program stronger than when you began - thank you for your constant presence and great leadership!

Awards

2nd in Class AA

Best Winds

Best Percussion (overall highest score given in the afternoon by national judge - Anoka percussion best in the state!)

Notes for the End of the Season

The remaining schedule is:

M 10/24 (today) - rehearsal 5-830pm - space open for Section Feature practice 3-5pm

Th 10/27 - Indoor Concert - rehearsal 3-5pm - concert at 730pm

Sa 10/29 - Anoka Halloween Parade and Section Football

- 10-1130am - rehearsal, dress, load, go

- 12-230pm - on site at Halloween Parade (1pm stepoff, Anoka is host/1st band)

- 3-4pm - uniform check-in after parade

- 4-6pm - free time on your own

- 615pm - call at Goodrich for Section football game (pep band style)

Tu 11/1 - Banquet - 7-(no later than)10pm - AMS:FM Cafeteria (NOT AT AHS!)

The main dish will be provided for the Banquet. We will ask for potluck-style contributions from each section to cover sides, dessert, beverages, etc. Specific information will be handed out to the kids at tonight's rehearsal.

Mellos/Baris/Tubas - please take a look at your instrument and report its exact condition to me ASAP any time after Saturday 10/29. This will count as you "checking in" your instrument for the fall.

If you have not settled part or all of your dues with us, please do so ASAP!

Football Championship Games

With the Football team doing so well, the marching band does have a continuing obligation to provide entertainment for Section and State tournament football games. While we will augment the band with members from the entire program, but as the "core" of our band program the expectation is that you attend these events to form the "core" of our show band. The possible playoff dates are:

Sat 10/29 - 7pm @ Goodrich Field - noted in the schedule above

Fri 11/4 - 7pm @ TBA (likely Goodrich Field)

Fri 11/11 - 7pm @ TBA (State Quarterfinal)

Fri 11/18 OR Sat 11/19 @ TBA (State Semifinal) - this is during Band Camp - we will "cross this bridge" when we need to!

Fri 11/25 - @ HHH Metrodome - Time TBA (State Final)

Some of us will have conflicts with previously scheduled events (the Musical at AHS, church functions, hunting trips, vacations, etc), so it's not disastrous if you have to miss. Our expectation is that you make an honest effort to reshuffle your schedule to attend these dates. Please keep in mind that these games are some of the highest-exposure moments for our program and demand the kind of excellence and professionalism that we are used to displaying on a regular basis - hence our central role. I fully understand that ALL OF US - staff, members, parents - have "want to's" on these dates that do not involve playing an event. This is part of our responsibility as a marching band (albeit one we have not had to fulfill in many years!) and our expectation is that we provide a fun, exciting, and professional product for our team and our fans. WE NEED YOU AT THESE GIGS!

As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call or email.

Best,

Bussey

Chippewa Recap - This Week

2011-10-10T11:52:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

THANKS for an excellent weekend of marching band! I think we can all agree that Saturday night is "what it's all about" - performing for a full grandstand, under the lights, at the end of a great day. All our members, staff, and parent volunteers stepped up in a big way to help make this one of the best weekends I have experienced with our program. A special THANK YOU to the parents that traveled with us this weekend and helped take care of our kids so they were ready for our show in the evening.

Awards

1st in Class AAAA

Best Percussion

Best Guard

This is a short, but important week. While our show is essentially complete, we have some minor changes to add and a LOT to clean before the Youth in Music show in two weeks. I know it feels like a long way away, but we only have about 12 hours (hours!) of useful field time between now and then. Be prepared to move efficiently between reps and apply the information you are provided every rep - Show us you are hungry to make your show better!

Notes

Our highly successful football team is likely to go deep into the Section and State playoff brackets. As a SCHOOL, we are expected to perform at home Section games and State games. I have updated the Google calendar to reflect those dates, although I have not provided more information beyond the first one on Sept 29th - we just don't know enough yet!

Schedule (Now to the Halloween Parade)

Tuesday, Oct 11 - EARLY REHEARSAL - 3-5pm

3-320pm - Sectional time to work on Indoor Concert section features

320-4pm - Warm in sections for ensemble

4-5pm - Ensemble

We are running with a MINIMAL staff for this rehearsal - please be especially self-motivated.

Thursday, Oct 13 - Rehearsal 5-830pm

4-5pm - BLT Meeting

5-7pm - Sectionals as needed

7-830pm - Ensemble

Saturday, Oct 15 - Off Day - Sleep In(?)

Tuesday, Oct 18 - Rehearsal 5-830pm

5-7pm - Sectionals as needed

7-830pm - Ensemble

Wednesday, Oct 19 - Pumpkin Bowl Day - 3-9pm

This is a day off from school for kids, but not for teachers - AHS will be open but I strongly encourage you to take your gear with you Tuesday night so you can go directly to the field on Wednesday afternoon

Bruce Lee will be around to take section pictures as well as an "official" group photo.

Friday, Oct 21 - Rehearsal -

Saturday, Oct 22 - Youth in Music Marching Band Competition at the HHH Metrodome - 930am-11pm

Detailed schedule to come next week

930am - Gather, load

10am - Depart for Minneapolis

1pm - Afternoon show begins

145pm - Anoka Performs

7pm - Evening show begins

???pm - Anoka's Performance time determined by random draw

11pm - approximate departure

Monday, Oct 24 - Rehearsal 5-830pm

Focus - Staging Indoor Concert

This is a CHANGE - please remove the rehearsal on Tues Oct 25

Thursday, Oct 27 - Rehearsal 3-530pm, Indoor Concert 7-9pm

Saturday, Oct 29 - Anoka Halloween Parade - 9am-3pm - Uniform Check-In Immediately After - POSSIBLE Home Football Game @ Goodrich - 7pm Kickoff

Best,

Bussey

Congratulations!

2011-10-03T17:59:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone,

CONGRATULATIONS on an excellent weekend of rehearsing and performing. Not only did we have a great performance, we got some great comments from our judging panel as well as some...awards!

1st in Class AA

Best Winds

Best Percussion

Best Guard

Well Done, Anoka!

THIS WEEK

Tues Oct 4 - Rehearsal 5-830pm

Thurs Oct 6 - Rehearsal 5-830pm

Fri Oct 7 - HOMECOMING

This will be a busy day! Please be PREPARED for today as we have performances both before and after school, as well as departure to Chippewa Falls in the evening.

About the Homecoming Pepfest in the morning: all marching band members must attend to set the good example for our whole band program!

We will not have field time on Friday afternoon. The Meal Deal WILL be offered to us upon arrival at Goodrich, so bring money for food or a lunch/snack for before the football game.

Please plan a meal for yourself in between the end of the football game and our departure for Chippewa Falls - we do not have a meal stop planned on the way up Friday night.

7-830am - Homecoming Pepfest - AHS Fieldhouse

(830am-220pm - School Day)

230-320pm - Transfer to Goodrich, eat.

320-440pm - dress, warm for Pregame

5pm - Kickoff

6pm - Approximate Halftime performance, load trailer, disperse

(8pm - Homecoming dance begins in AHS Cafeteria - not involved with this, just FYI)

830pm - Re-gather at AHS

9pm - Depart for Chippewa Falls, WI

11pm - Arrive at Chippewa Falls, WI - load into Middle School

12am - LIGHTS OUT

Saturday Oct 8 - SHOW DAY - Chippewa Falls, WI

This schedule will flex somewhat, especially in the afternoon as we have not yet confirmed the joint events with the Chippewa Falls band.

7-845am - Wake up, Breakfast

9am-12pm - Rehearse at Middle School field

12-1pm - Lunch (possibly joint lunch with Chippewa Falls band, staff, parents)

1-3pm - Rehearsal (possibly joint rehearsal on High School field with Chippewa Falls band)

3-6pm - Free Time and Meal TBD

6-7pm - Watch Bands as a group with the Chippewa Band

7-730pm - Dress

730-835pm - Warmup

845pm - Anoka Performance - we will stay on the field for the Chippewa Falls performance

930pm - Return to trailer after awards - load trailer for 10pm departure

10pm - Approximate departure from Chippewa Falls

12am - Approximate return to AHS - no trailer unload

FUTURE SCHEDULE UPDATES - MAKE THESE CHANGES IN YOUR CALENDAR!

TUES OCT 11 - Rehearsal will be AFTER SCHOOL 3-5pm.

After much discussion and consideration, we have moved the banquet date from Monday Oct 31st to...

WEDNESDAY OCT 26 - Marching Band Banquet - AHS Cafeteria

SATURDAY OCT 29 - Uniform Check-In will be upon our return to AHS after the Parade. Please plan 30-60 minutes extra to accommodate this. All members should expect to participate in Uniform Check-In!

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!

Best,

Bussey

Irondale Recap - Next Up: Champlin, Homecoming, Chippewa Falls

2011-09-26T10:51:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

EXCELLENT work this weekend - we received many great comments about how we marched, played, AND rehearsed during our clinic time on Saturday afternoon from the national judging panel. If you have not seen our production yet (or haven't seen it since district #11...) I think I speak for ALL of us - come see our show this weekend!

We got several great ideas on how to improve our production from our clinicians, and over the next few weeks we will try and implement them during our rehearsals. Please keep in mind that the things we do over the next few weeks are ALL designed to make the show better/more entertaining - they do not reflect individual performance level, as right now our performance level is very high. Some of these things include: adding/subtracting music parts (small chunks), adding body to holds, minor drill alterations, etc. Something will change in EVERY rehearsal from here on out - if you miss a rehearsal you are responsible for the information you miss - check in IMMEDIATELY with your section so you are prepared for the next rehearsal.

Here is the schedule for the next TWO weeks - through out overnight trip to Chippewa Falls, WI. Chippewa will be getting its own email in the next few days as we firm up the specifics of our trip.

Tues 27 Sept

Rehearsal 5-830pm

Thurs 29 Sept

Rehearsal 5-830pm

Sat 1 Oct - Champlin Park SHOW DAY

9-1145am - Rehearsal

1145am-1pm - Lunch on your own

1-3pm - Rehearsal

3-345 - break/snack, load trailer (buses arrive 315pm), depart for Champlin

415-550pm - dress at Champlin, warmup, to gate

6pm - Performance

615-830pm - reload trailer, return to stands to WATCH BANDS & awards, depart

9pm - approximate return to Anoka

Tues 4 Oct

Rehearsal - 5-830pm

Thurs 5 Oct

Rehearsal - 5-830pm

Fri 6 Oct - Homecoming Football Game/Travel Night

Notes

- Kickoff for the game is at 5pm - two hours ahead of "normal" - we will not have field time after school - food provided as normal upon our arrival at 3pm

- We will depart for Chippewa Falls from the high school (NOT straight from the game). The Homecoming Dance will be going on at the same time - please be respectful of the dance by entering through the Fieldhouse doors or the back door of the band room.

Schedule

715am - Gather for Homecoming Pep Fest - ALL marching members attend to "set the example" for our whole band program!
3-330pm - meal provided at Goodrich AS SOON as you arrive from the high school
330-430pm - dress and warmup for football game
440pm - Pregame
5pm - Kickoff

6pm - Halftime performance (possibly shortened, chunk of show to perform TBD)
830pm - Arrive at Anoka - load buses for Chippewa

900pm - Departure from Anoka
11pm - Approximate arrival at Chippewa Falls HS, load in, snack

1145pm - LIGHTS OUT

Saturday, Oct 9 - Chippewa Falls SHOW DAY

Notes - More Details to come, but here's what we know now...

As of today we do not have our show schedule, but similar to last year we will perform in AAAA to ensure that we perform late in the show. This is LAST YEAR'S SCHEDULE copied in below. It will be SIMILAR but not IDENTICAL.

Chippewa Falls High School has a beautiful football facility with a turf field - the setup is similar to Irondale's. We have an excellent opportunity to rehearse ON the field on which we are performing later in the day - this is the reason we like to arrive on Friday night.

CPHS is quickly becoming a "second home" for our program, and for some of our kids this will be their third or fourth visit! Please use the utmost respect when interacting with the CPHS staff and facilities to ensure that our relationship remains strong.

As outlined below, the kids will receive two meals on Saturday (breakfast and lunch), plus the traditional after-performance snacks. Please consider bringing a few dollars for concessions at the show. Other than that the kids should have no real need for spending money.

LAST year's schedule - THIS year will be similar but not identical...

7am - 9am: Wake, breakfast
9am - 12pm: Rehearsal at Chippewa
12pm - 1pm: Lunch
1pm - 430pm: Rehearsal OR fun event OR combination of BOTH
430pm - 530pm: Return to Chippewa, eat, dress
530pm - 7pm: Warmup
715pm: Anoka Performs (1st of 2 in AAAA)
730pm: Pack up
8pm - 930pm: Watch Bands!
945pm - 10pm: Critique - final "stuff check": make sure you have everything!
1010pm: approximate departure from Chippewa
1215am: approximate arrival at Anoka, unload, depart

Have a great week!

Best,

Bussey

Sept 25 Anoka Marching Band Show Cancelled

2011-09-14T07:05:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone,

We informed the kids last night, but just so everyone knows...

I am truly sorry to announce that our show on September 25th is cancelled. We did not attract enough bands to host an event we felt would be fun and meaningful for all involved.

To all the parents that have put in their time and energy preparing for our home show, THANK YOU for your time and effort. We are now VERY well prepared to host our own show next fall!

--
Ben Bussey
Director, Anoka Marching Tornadoes
763 506 6333
anokamarchingtornadoes@gmail.com

Next Week: Sept 12-17

2011-09-12T11:42:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

EXCELLENT work this weekend at our performances at Rosemount and Eastivew! We did VERY well in comparison to our fellow bands at the Eastview show and are right where we need to be to continue to expand our show and have a great season.

Please walk in the door ready to leave off EXACTLY where we were stepping off the field at Eastview. We need to start right there and keep getting better and better.

THANKS to all our parent volunteers who helped out with both shows - it's a long day and we appreciate your great support!

Notes:

We had some kids gone for ACT testing this weekend. There is another testing date coming up on October 22nd. October 22nd is also the date of finals. You must do everything in your power to AVOID scheduling your ACT test date on this day! Next available ACT date: December 10th.

We will continue to make minor refinements, but the drill and notes you get this week should be good to the end of the season. If you have not yet done it, NOW would be a great time to finish your Dot Book/learn the notes you don't quite know.

Waseca is a longer commute - a little over an hour and a half - so I would recommend bringing something to do (homework, etc) for the ride up and a pillow for the ride home.

Schedule

Sept 13 - Rehearsal

5-830pm - Goal: Learn drill to the end of the show

Sept 15 - Rehearsal

5-830pm - Goal: Whole show on the field/begin adding body(?)

Sept 17th - SHOW DAY - America's Finest Parade/downtown Minneapolis and Waseca Field Show

THIS IS AN 8:30 CALL - YOU MUST BE AT AHS 1/2 HOUR EARLIER THAN A NORMAL SHOW DAY SATURDAY

830am - arrive at AHS, load, depart for downtown Minneapolis

930am - arrive at check-in outside Mpls. Convention Center, unload, dress

11am - parade stepoff - Anoka is Unit #50 (est. stepoff 11:40am)

1230pm - approximate time off parade route, load trailer, depart for Waseca (90 minute trip)

en route - lunch stop - eat Bag Lunch OR purchase lunch

4pm - arrival at Waseca High School

615pm - Performance time (605pm gate)

630pm - load trailer, watch other bands, FIREWORKS!!!!!!

830pm - approximate departure from Waseca

10pm - approximate arrival at AHS, unload trailer, disperse

--
Ben Bussey
Director, Anoka Marching Tornadoes
763 506 6333
anokamarchingtornadoes@gmail.com

This Week: Sept 6-10

2011-09-07T14:39:00.000-05:00

Hey Band,

It's been a busy week this week, getting back to school and getting ready for our first weekend of competitive events! Please continue to take care of yourself and schedule your time outside of rehearsal wisely.

REMINDER - as marching band members, you are the LEADERS and CUSTODIANS of our band program. Be a positive example to the other band students around you at all times, and make our ENTIRE program better!

Thursday, Sept 8

Rehearsal 5 - 830pm
Bring your Pep Band Folder

Friday, Sept 9 - Football Game

A "meal deal" for all band members, staff, and volunteers is available at the concession stand after rehearsal. $3 gets you pizza/hot dogs, beverage, chips, cookie. Please bring $3 or pack a meal for yourself to eat between rehearsal and game time.

3pm - Gather for Rehearsal at Goodrich Field
3 - 5pm - Rehearsal at Goodrich
5 - 6pm - Dress for game in AMS Band Room
6 - 9pm - Participate in Pregame and Game activities: our field show, Anoka Fight, Banner, pep band, etc.
Approximately 9pm - Reload trailer, disperse

Saturday, Sept 10 - Rosemount/Eastview Show Day

Show day schedules, as always, are a bit flexible. Please be prepared to make minor adjustments as necessary.

Bring warm clothes or a blanket to bring with you into the stands at Eastview - we won't have a better opportunity to see so many bands in one place until Youth in Music, go see what's out there and support your marching band colleagues!

9 - 10:30am - Rehearsal at AHS
10:30 - 11am - Buses arrive, load trailer, go
12pm - Approximate arrival at Rosemount
1pm - Rosemount Show begins: we perform at 1:15pm
145pm - Load trailer, depart for cool down area/food court
5pm - Eastview Show begins: we perform at 7:15pm

745pm - Load trailer, watch other bands
10:30pm - Approximate departure from Eastview
11:30pm - Approximate arrival at Anoka

Best,

Bussey

Saturday 8/27 Schedule

2011-08-26T11:56:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone,

Here's what we are looking at for tomorrow. There will be a lot going on once we get to Goodrich in the afternoon! Stay focused and relaxed as we get ready to put our show on the field for the first time.

We represent our band to our peers and colleagues tomorrow - be at your best all the time!

Invite people - everyone you know! This is a great, inexpensive early show for us and a chance to see Minnesota Brass at their absolute best!

REMEMBER TO BRING...

Lunch

Black socks

Under-uniform wear - athletic or spandex shorts, black compression-style t-shirt (think Under Armor or equivalent, highly preferred, you will be much more comfortable!) or black t-shirt, and black socks

TALL black socks - no ankle socks!

Music for Armed Forces Salute - available at the blog(scroll down): anokamarchingtornadoes.blogspot.com

Black socks of at least crew length

Water Jug

Dot book

Special Note for those of you who forget black socks...you will be issued previously used black socks that have been stored in the trailer for an unknown length of time.

I STRONGLY advise packing your bag tonight and rechecking it tomorrow before you leave for AHS in time to arrive by 850am (to start rehearsing at 9am!).

SCHEDULE

9am-12pm - rehearse at AHS

12-1pm - load trailer, travel to Goodrich, lunch - there is NO BUS for this event, plan a ride/carpool

1-3pm - rehearse at Goodrich

3-330pm - break

330-4pm - music sectionals on Armed Forces - locate on east side of AMS (away from Zion)

415-5pm - stage Armed Forces on Goodrich Field

5-530pm - dinner provided at Goodrich concession stand - we will eat first to facilitate picture-taking

530-6pm - dress in AMS band room - room is SET UP - if you move something, be ready to move it back!

6-730pm - gather for picture in Goodrich stands, move to pre show warmup, back to Goodrich stands to watch shows at 730pm

755pm - SHOW TIME

820pm - mass band on the field

830pm - return to stands to watch Minnesota Brass

850pm - retire to AMS band room to change - make sure to leave room EXACTLY as we find it

930pm - trailer reloaded (with EVERYONE'S help), dismissed

We're looking forward to a GREAT day tomorrow!

Bussey

Next Up - District 11 show, State Fair, Evening Rehearsals begin

2011-08-22T15:43:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

THANKS for an excellent camp week! We accomplished our goals of putting our show on the field up through the ballad, worked hard, had a TON of fun, and created a great vibe to start our season. As we move forward into our regular rehearsal schedule, let's continue to stay relaxed and focused as we put the rest of our show onto the field.

Generally speaking, our evening rehearsals are on Tuesday and Thursday from 5-830pm for the next two weeks and during the school year. HOWEVER, we do occasionally hold Monday and Wednesday rehearsals (the first one is not this week but next) - please PLAN AHEAD so you can get yourself there.

REVIEW YOUR NEW MATERIAL, or ANYTHING you can't play "in your sleep" between now and tomorrow's rehearsal! We have a lot of high demand exposure that we have to execute successfully to make this show truly special. Winds, hit D-E hard tonight and tomorrow morning, we want to make that sparkle as it is written!

Here's the upcoming schedule - this takes us up to Labor Day weekend.

Tuesday, Aug 23 - Rehearsal (winds and guard) - 5-830pm

Focus - learn drum break, clean what we know

Wednesday, Aug 24 - Rehearsal (all percussion) - 5-830pm

Focus - learn drum break(!), review cadence and parade tune for fair(?)

Thursday, Aug 25 - Rehearsal (all sections) - 5-830pm

Foucs - coordinate drum break to put on the field for the district show

Saturday, Aug 27 - DISTRICT #11 SHOW DAY! - 9am-9pm

9am-230pm - Rehearsal (with lunch break)

330-5pm - mass band rehearsal at Goodrich - we will treat this like a football game day - start thinking about rides/carpools

5-6pm - dinner at Goodrich concessions with all our friends from AndHS and CPHS!

6-730pm - dress, warm, reenter to watch our fellow school's shows

9pm - approximate show end time - dismissed after changed out of uniform and trailer reloaded - no return to AHS

Monday, Aug 29 - STATE FAIR DAY - 9am-8pm

9am call - morning schedule TBA - work parade tune and street marching until we feel ready to go, then pack and depart

2pm - parade stepoff

7pm - approximate departure from State Fair

8pm - approximate return to AHS

Wednesday, Aug 31

8am call (tentative) - Freshman Orientation - drumline only

5-830pm - Rehearsal (all sections)

Thursday, Sept 1 - Rehearsal (all sections) - 5-830pm

The Google calendar has been updated to reflect these changes.

Best

Bussey

Anoka Marching Tornadoes Spat Camp 2011

2011-08-14T15:29:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone,

Congratulations on a fun and successful four-day Mini Camp this past week! Thanks to your efforts, we are able to further refine our show to suit our group and set up for an even better performance season.

This coming week is a big week for us - it comprises almost a third of our rehearsal time for the season, and it is where we learn the majority of the drill for our field show. Members: walk in the door tomorrow at 855am ready to go. If we continue working at the pace we set last week we will be in great shape to have Anoka's best season yet!

Some Reminders:

- Bring a WATER JUG, bug repellent, sunscreen/sunglasses/hat, and a nutritious lunch every day.

- Make sure to get plenty of REST and always eat a nutritious breakfast every morning - get to bed early every night and minimize the soda and junk food

- If you are going to be absent for a rehearsal or performance, get that information to us ASAP. Write them down in a note or via email - thanks to those who have already sent in your absences

- There are a small handful of people yet to hand in registration forms - please get your forms in to us. We cannot allow members who have not turned in registration and health forms to travel by bus (District policy) - this happens THURSDAY, last chance!

- Dues are, well, due - please provide full payment or contact us to inform us of your financial situation/set up a payment plan/etc. Don't hesitate to email or call with questions, as many of you already have.

- We are always looking for parent volunteers, both for this week and over the course of the season. Particular needs: Wednesday evening to help coordinate uniform return from dry cleaners, Thursday to drive trailer to Metrodome and serve meals on site, time and date TBA to assist in prepping and sewing color guard flags. Please look for more information regarding volunteering from me at the email or contact anokabandparents@aol.com for more details

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Full band meeting to cover the sectional schedule and the day's objectives 9-910am

Rehearsal 910am-12pm

Lunch 12-115pm (on your own)

Rehearsal 115-415pm

Activities 415-5pm

Dinner 5-6pm

Rehearsal 6-9pm

Thursday - EARLY DOME DAY!

Rehearsal 9-1045am

Break/load/go 1045-1115am

Rehearsal at Metrodome (dinner provided on site) 12-8pm

Return to AHS approximately 9pm

Friday

Rehearsal 9am-12pm

Lunch 12-115pm

Rehearsal 115-445pm

Activity/break 445-545pm

Performance of all known material 6pm

Potluck dinner for all members, parents, family, friends, and spectators - AHS cafeteria - 630pm

One Last Thing: Marching Band is a FRONT-LOADED investment! We spend many hours in the summer working towards our eventual goals of a successful, enjoyable performance in the fall. The payoff for all our hard work won't be immediate. However, the QUALITY of our efforts this week will determine our success for the rest of the season, and provide a model for all of us to be successful in the future. Let's work hard, work well, have some fun, and have a GREAT Spat Camp!

See you tomorrow morning!

Bussey

Hornline Parts - 2011 Book

2011-08-07T18:54:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Thanks to those who came to the reading session on Tuesday, we have made some changes in the music that should improve our show.

Please have the new parts printed out and with you tomorrow at 9am. If you cannot print them out beforehand, COME EARLY to do so. We have just enough time and NO more!

Here are links to the entire season book in PDF format. Remember: the most efficient storage method for YOU is a 3-ring binder with plastic sleeves.

Parts list - click on part name for your individual part. All links should go directly to a PDF copy of the indicated part.

I have attached a horn score for any who are interested in studying how their part fits within the ensemble. Also, please use the mp3 linked below for tempos, etc.

INFECTION MP3

***Anoka Fight*** - NO CHANGES

***Armed Forces Salute - mass band tune for District #11 preview*** - NO CHANGES SINCE SPRING 2011

***Billboard March - parade tune for State Fair, Minneapolis, and Anoka parades*** - NO CHANGES SINCE SPRING 2011

***Star Spangled Banner*** - NO CHANGES

***Warmup book v.3*** - CHANGES, PLEASE REVIEW AND REPRINT IF NECESSARY

***Infection - fall parts*** - SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES, PLEASE REPRINT

See you tomorrow!

--
Ben Bussey
Director, Anoka Marching Tornadoes
763 506 6333
anokamarchingtornadoes@gmail.com

Let the Season Begin!

2011-08-02T14:43:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Welcome back to another great season with the Anoka Marching Tornadoes! We are less than a week from the first day of what should be our best season yet.

A big THANKS to all who attended the reading session today - we had a nice turnout from the frontline and windline, got a good start on playing the notes, and got a lot of great feedback about how to improve our music.

A few reminders:

- Review the handbook and calendar on the website for WHAT you need to bring and WHEN you need to be here.

- CHANGE from previous years: percussion and winds will have separate rehearsal times during Music Camp week Aug 8-11. Winds and guard will meet 9am-3pm and battery/frontline will meet 3-9pm.

- Get good, durable athletic shoes and a cooler/water bottle. We have several water jugs in the band "lost and found" that could use a good home...

- Bring a nutritious lunch or money to acquire one EVERY day. Take care with what you eat so that you feel your best and have the energy to rehearse in top form - limit or eliminate the trips to Casey's for lunch!

- The band parents are looking for volunteers during Spat Camp week, especially to serve dinner to the kids. Dinner is about a 5-7pm time commitment including setup and cleanup Email anokabandparents@aol.com for more details about volunteering for all of Anoka's band events.

- Print off your music at home and study it before Monday. Rookies, you are doing a GREAT job with this - keep it up! Links to PDF parts:

Flute

General schedule:

Aug 8 - Winds and guard 9am-3pm, percussion 3-9pm

Aug 9 - Winds and guard 9am-3pm, percussion 3-9pm

Aug 10 - Winds and guard 9am-3pm, percussion 3-9pm

Aug 11 - Winds and guard 9am-3pm, percussion 3-9pm

Aug 15 - Spat Camp - all sections 9am-9pm

Aug 16 - Spat Camp - all sections 9am-9pm

Aug 17 - Spat Camp - all sections 9am-9pm

Aug 18 - Spat Camp - all sections 9am-9pm

Aug 19 - Spat Camp - all sections 9am-4pm

Aug 19 - Spat Camp Preview Performance - free and open to all - 530pm - potluck dinner to follow

- Dinner is provided to kids at a one-time cost of $20 ($5 per meal) by the band parents association during Spat Camp week

Aug 23 - Standard Tues/Thurs evening rehearsals begin - 5-830pm

Aug 27 - District Preview show featuring, Andover, Anoka, Champlin Park, Coon Rapids, and Minnesota Brass - 9am call for band, 730pm show

Aug 29 - Anoka at the Minnesota State Fair

As always, please email or call with any questions you might have.

Best,

--
Ben Bussey
Director, Anoka Marching Tornadoes
763 506 6333
anokamarchingtornadoes@gmail.com

Next Up: Thursday, Independence Day, DCI MN, etc.

2011-06-27T11:27:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone,

We're in today at 2pm for the Roseville parade, and for you fans out there, we're early in the route, so make sure you're there for the 615pm parade start time!

Thursday, June 30th - Rehearsal 5pm-7pm

5-530pm - Gather in Band Room - Topics to include:
- Quick season wrap-up
- Tips on recruitment for the fall
- Collect money for DCI MN group ticket purchase - see info below for more details
- Discuss possibility of group jacket order for the fall (Taylor M and MaKala G presenting)
- Discuss important dates for the fall
- Announce something exciting...!
530-7pm - Recording Session with horns, drums in Auditorium - guard released - band released as soon as recordings are complete
- To record: Anoka Fight, Cheer Squeezers 1-3, "A" Team, Hey Song, Wipe Out
(630pm - Parents meeting for Fall Field shows begins in Cafeteria)

Monday, July 4th - Edina/Richfield Parade Day

This was such a GREAT day last year we decided to add one more parade. These are a fun, low pressure way to end the season - and a great way to play for BIG crowds! I am including route information that you can map at home if you choose.

830am - Call, load
845-930am - In Transit to Edina
930-1130am - On site at Edina (parade stepoff is 10am, Anoka is 3rd of 3 bands)
1130am-12pm - In Transit to Richfield
12-3pm - On site at Richfield
4pm - approx. return to Anoka

Edina Route - W 50th St between Hwy 100 and France Ave - staging zone is Edina City Hall parking lot (west end of route)

Richfield Route - Nicollet Ave S heading north to S 66th St, S 66th St heading east to 11th Ave S - staging zone is Augsburg Park/Richfield HS, dispersal is Veterans Memorial Park

Transitioning to the Fall...here are some important dates to pay attention to:

Saturday, July 16th - DCI Minnesota at TCF Bank Stadium - U of M campus
- Group tickets are $20 for 24 performing ensembles - that's less than $1 to see some of the world's BEST Drum Corps!
- Open to members, parents, friends...anyone who is interested in seeing some great field shows
- Make checks payable to "Anoka HS Band Parents" - we will write one check for the entire group
- Come support our attendees at the System Blue camp who will perform with the Blue Devils: Tanner Bergersen, Marshall Cornette, Alex Cary(?), and Ben Geiselhart

Tuesday, Aug 2nd - Fall Music reading session - 9-11am

Monday-Thursday, Aug 8-11 - Music Camp - 9am-3pm
- Forms and fees/payment plans due the last day of camp: Thursday, Aug 11th

Monday-Friday, Aug 15-19 - Drill Camp - 9am-9pm
- 6pm Friday - preview and potluck for band members, parents, friends

Tuesday, Aug 23rd - Evening Rehearsals begin, run usually (but not always!) Tues/Thurs 5-830pm every week to end of season

Saturday, Aug 27th - District Preview show at Goodrich Field - four district #11 bands, mass district band, and Minnesota Brass in performance

Monday, Aug 29th - State Fair Parade Day - tentative 9am call

Thanks for all your hard work this season - we have made IMPRESSIVE strides in all aspects of our performance, and we are looking forward to a GREAT fall field show season!

Best,

Bussey

Next Up: Fridley, St. Cloud/Osseo, Lake City, Roseville

2011-06-17T12:54:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone,

Thanks for a GREAT short week this week! We made significant progress on our show Thursday, and put on a memorable performance for people from as far away as Germany and Hawaii at General Mills.

Keep checking in with your music before Thursday - remember, YOUR individual effort makes ALL OF US better. I already know the guard and battery have scheduled sectional time for themselves - horns, it's time for you to step it up!

Here's what we're up to next week. The Google calendar reflects these time blocks as of today.

Thursday, June 23rd - Fridley

1-330pm - Rehearsal at AHS
330-415pm - break, EPL
415-530pm - in transit to Fridley
530-630pm - dress, warm on site
630pm - parade stepoff (we are unaware of Anoka's unit # at this time)
930pm - approx. start of awards
1030pm - approx. return to AHS, disperse (no unload)

Friday, June 24th - Day Off

Saturday, June 25th - St. Cloud/Osseo

7am - Call, load buses
715-815am - in transit to St. Cloud
815-945am - dress, warm, rehearse on site
10am - parade stepoff (Anoka is unit E-1)
Reload trailer off parade route
We MAY or MAY NOT have time to get you out of uniform - we will go to 1/2's on the buses if we don't have time
Our goal is to arrive in Osseo no later than 1230pm for our 1pm (approx.) stepoff (Anoka is Band #9 of 17)
145pm - approx. time off Osseo parade route
330pm - approx. time for awards
5pm - approx. return to AHS, disperse (no unload)

Sunday, June 26th - Lake City

10am - Call, load, go
1015am-1215pm - in transit to Lake City
1215-245pm - dress, warm, rehearse on site
2pm - parade stepoff (Anoka is 7th of 8 bands in a BIG town parade!)
430pm - approx. awards
7pm - approx. return to AHS, unload, disperse

Monday, June 27th

2-330pm - Call, rehearse at AHS
330-415pm - break, EPL
415-445pm - in transit to Roseville
445-615pm - dress, warm on site
615pm - parade stepoff (Anoka is unit #8 - 1st or 2nd band)
930pm - approx. awards
1030pm - approx. return to AHS, unload TBA, disperse

Best,

Bussey

Fwd: Thursday June 16 - Brooklyn Park Day UPDATE

2011-06-13T07:41:00.001-05:00

This should read Thursday June SIXTEENTH (16th), not 17th. Whoops! - B

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ben Bussey <anokamarchingtornadoes@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Jun 12, 2011 at 2:14 PM
Subject: Thursday June 17 - Brooklyn Park Day UPDATE
To: Ben Bussey <anokamarchingtornadoes@gmail.com>

Hey Everyone,

We've made an adjustment to the Thursday schedule to fit in a "touch up" rehearsal block. Please update your calendars/schedules/etc. to a 10am start time to the day (instead of 1pm). We know we'll run into a few conflicts with driver's ed classes that end at 11am. Please be at AHS as soon as you can manage.

Special note for those attending the Band Camp at AMS Fred Moore - Mr. Snyder and I will be speaking to Mrs. Olson tomorrow about releasing you early on Thursday.

Here's the new schedule for Thursday:

10am-1230pm - Rehearse at AHS

1230-115pm - load bus trailer with drums/horns, band trailer with everything else, relax, eat lunch

115-2pm - drive to General Mills HQ (buses only)

2-330pm - on site at General Mills

330-4pm - drive to Brooklyn Park Parade site (trailer to meet us here)

4-6pm - on site at Brooklyn Park - dress, warm

6pm - parade stepoff (Anoka is Unit #26)

9pm - approx. time for awards ceremony

10pm - approx. return to AHS

NICE WORK on Friday at our first parade and this weekend. We are set up for an incredibly successful Summer and Fall run!

Best,

Bussey

NB - Remember to talk up Fall marching band with those you know! First rehearsal is Monday August 8th, 9am!

Thursday June 17 - Brooklyn Park Day UPDATE

2011-06-12T14:14:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Special note for those attending the Band Camp at AMS Fred Moore - Mr. Snyder and I will be speaking to Mrs. Olson tomorrow about releasing you early on Thursday.

Here's the new schedule for Thursday:

10am-1230pm - Rehearse at AHS

1230-115pm - load bus trailer with drums/horns, band trailer with everything else, relax, eat lunch

115-2pm - drive to General Mills HQ (buses only)

2-330pm - on site at General Mills

330-4pm - drive to Brooklyn Park Parade site (trailer to meet us here)

4-6pm - on site at Brooklyn Park - dress, warm

6pm - parade stepoff (Anoka is Unit #26)

9pm - approx. time for awards ceremony

10pm - approx. return to AHS

NICE WORK on Friday at our first parade and this weekend. We are set up for an incredibly successful Summer and Fall run!

Best,

Bussey

NB - Remember to talk up Fall marching band with those you know! First rehearsal is Monday August 8th, 9am!

Upcoming Events - DCI Shows, System Blue, Fall Recruitment

2011-06-07T12:27:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Apologies for the "high volume" day - there's a LOT of info to get out there before the end of the school year! Here's a few things not related to our summer season but worthy of notice...

I. The System Blue Camp (July 14-16) running in conjunction with the DCI Minnesota show is low on registrants, and the Blue Devils have set a deadline of THIS FRIDAY to receive registrations before they decide to cancel the event. Since I am helping coordinate promotion here in Minnesota, if you were able to get me the form & fee by THIS FRIDAY at rehearsal I could get a student into the camp. I have forms available here in the AHS band office (and in e-format which I can send via email), or you may register online here.

This camp is open to all levels of performer in all sections, including drum major! So far I have had two interested students speak to me about attending - if we have more than five we could receive a "group rate" price break starting at $25 per kid and increasing based on the number of registrants we send from Anoka. Fee includes tshirt, three days of instruction from the top staff in the profession, free admission to DCI Minnesota, and a performance on the field with the Blue Devils! NB - This is not a requirement for members, just a fun way to get more involved in the marching community.

II. There are two big drum corps shows coming up this summer - basically, what we do in the fall but ever so much bigger, louder, and even more artistically amazing. The first is River City Rhapsody on Tuesday, June 28th in Woodbury; the second is DCI Minnesota on Saturday July 16th. Both events will feature many of the best examples the marching arts have to offer! We have the opportunity to buy tickets at a great group rate - keep an eye out for more information on how to order soon.

III. We are still recruiting new members for the fall! Talk it up these last few days of class. Direct them to the website. Show then the music. Play them the music! Show them the schedule. Parents, share the great experiences your child has already had with other parents. Have them call or email me here in Band Central. Tell them our first camp day is Monday, August 8th from 9am-3pm. For current members registered for the summer but not the fall - just let me know of your intent to return and I can update your information without the need to fill out a new set of forms. More members = more fun for all of us - so talk it up!

I think that's it for today...whew! See you Friday.

Best,

Bussey

Call for Volunteers 2.0

2011-06-07T11:35:00.001-05:00

PLEASE SEND ALL REPLIES TO THE BAND PARENT EMAIL ACCOUNT:

anokabandparents@aol.com

Hey Band Parents,

Looking to have some fun this summer, hanging out with the coolest group of kids at Anoka High School? Looking to see a little more of our great state? Looking to escape your children who aren't in marching band? Well, have we got the thing for you!

We've received such great support from our band parents and we're looking for even more people to lend a hand this summer. Our parents are a great bunch, and with their help last summer we had ZERO heat-related problems with our members. Please consider helping out even if your child is only in the fall program.

Please reply to Cary Gries at the band parents' email account and indicate the days you would be able to help out. We are especially in need of help this Friday, June 10th. That email is:

anokabandparents@aol.com

We have the following needs on parade days:

I. 1-2 parents per event responsible for driving the equipment trailer
- Must be comfortable backing up a 32ft. trailer (also, driving it forward)

II. 6-8 parents per event responsible for:
- Providing help with uniform issues before parades
- Providing water for the band during and after parades
- Managing snacks for a post-parade energy boost

III. Donations of ice and post-parade snacks

Here are the dates we're looking for help. Time commitments are approximate. Volunteers traditionally ride with the band to and from events, but meeting us at the parade is okay too. Sign up for just a few, or all of them!

June 10th - 4pm-10pm
June 16th - 4pm-10pm
June 23rd - 4pm-10pm
June 25th - 8am-6pm
June 26th - 11am-7pm
June 27th - 4pm-10pm
July 4th - 9am-5pm

THANKS in advance for your help!

Best,

Bussey

PS - Remember, replies regarding volunteers should go to Cary at anokabandparents@aol.com

Anoka Bands Receive Pentair Grant

2011-06-07T09:39:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

It's official enough we can announce the GREAT news - earlier this spring the Anoka band program received a $10,000 grant from the Pentair Foundation towards the purchase of a new trailer. The Pentair Foundation helps fund education and sustainability initiatives from around the country, and we are quite fortunate to be the recipient of this grant.

A BIG THANKS to Jim Grega for leading the charge in learning the grant writing process and writing this grant for us!

Best,

Bussey

Next Up - Champlin, Parade Camp, Brooklyn Park, and General Mills event

2011-06-06T14:18:00.000-05:00

Hey Band,

Here's the 411 for this week's events, plus a look forward to the week after.

Friday, June 10th - Champlin Parade

130-330pm - arrive at AHS, practice
330-430pm - break to relax, eat, pack trailer, load buses - generally referred to as "eat/pack/load" or EPL
430-5pm - drive to Champlin parade site
630pm - parade stepoff (Anoka is Unit #20, approx. stepoff 640pm)
710pm - approx. time off route - Sound of Music kids depart for AHS immediately - all others reload trailer & buses
9pm - approx. time of awards ceremony
945pm - approx. time arrive at AHS - unload into band room
10pm - dismissed

Saturday, June 11th - Parade Camp

9am-1130am - rehearsal at AHS
1130am-1245pm - lunch break
1245pm-3pm - rehearsal at AHS

Thursday, June 16th - General Mills rehearsal/Brooklyn Park Parade

1-115pm - Arrive, load trailer & buses
115-2pm - travel to General Mills World HQ in Golden Valley MN
2-3pm - unload, practice event, walkthrough
3-315pm - load trailer & buses
315-4pm - travel to Brooklyn Park, MN for parade
4-6pm - warm and rehearse on site
6pm - parade stepoff (Anoka is Unit #26)
9pm - approx. time for awards ceremony: Noble Street Park
930pm - load buses & depart
10pm - approx. arrival at AHS, dismissed (plan on NO unload/limited building access)

Friday, June 17th - General Mills Box Tops for Education Recognition event - Winds/Percussion/DM ONLY

7am - arrive at AHS, load buses & trailer
730-830am - travel to General Mills World HQ
830-930am - dress, breakfast, warm, set in place
932-937am - perform (this is off their schedule, so should be close to exact)
940am - load buses & trailer
10-1045am - travel to AHS, unload into band room, dismissed

Notes:

- Kids involved in both the marching band and the Sound of Music will depart from the end of the parade route in uniform, with their street clothes and cases, to make it to AHS in time for the beginning of the musical.

- Three students (that we know of...) are taking the ACT on Saturday. If you are taking the ACT this morning and have not informed us of such, please let us know so Mr. Snyder can write you a spot for the "Infection" portion of the summer show.

- Thursday, June 16th we will take ALL sections with us to General Mills HQ. Winds and percussion will rehearse for the event. Guard, we will find a zone for you and you can rehearse for the parade. This is due to space considerations - there is no room to spin in GM's auditorium!

- Friday, June 17th is winds/percussion ONLY, guard is not called. This should be a interesting event - it is for site coordinators of the Box Tops for Education program from all around the country. Click here for more info (from 2009, although the format is unchanged), and don't give away the secret...participants aren't being told there's going to be a LIVE marching band at this event!

- One last reminder to turn in forms and fees/payment plans!

See you Friday at 130pm!

Best,

Bussey

UPDATED: Volunteers Needed - Color Guard Uniforms

2011-05-27T11:03:00.001-05:00

One error in the guard uniform message - we do not have building access during Thursday's practice, so pinning/cutting fabric will occur during practice on Saturday, June 4th from 9am-4pm. All other information should be good at this time. Again, get in touch with us if you would like to help. Sorry for the confusion! - B

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ben Bussey <anokamarchingtornadoes@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, May 27, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Subject: Volunteers Needed - Color Guard Uniforms
To: Ben Bussey <anokamarchingtornadoes@gmail.com>

Hey Band,

Becky Gallagher, our FANTASTIC new color guard instructor, has suggested that we sew our own color guard uniforms this year. Phil & I think this is a great idea for the following reasons:

- We have complete control over color, cut, fit, etc.
- We can make more pants/tops instead of having to order more if/when we add additional members in the fall, saving on purchasing single outfits and shipping costs
- Even assuming a 150% need for fabric due to mistakes, our uniforms will cost 1/4 of last year's total(!)

To do this, we need volunteers to help with the following tasks:

- Copy patterns and take measurements during Tuesday's practice
- Pin/Cut fabric during Thursday's practice
- Sew pants/tops either during practices or at home

Guard members, please bring in the following on Tuesday:

- Pair of scissors
- Old newspaper for copying patterns

We will provide tape.

If you or someone in your family would like to help out with any part of the process (especially the sewing bit!) please reply to this email or leave us a message at (612) 209-2908.

Best,

Bussey

Volunteers Needed - Color Guard Uniforms

2011-05-27T10:29:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Becky Gallagher, our FANTASTIC new color guard instructor, has suggested that we sew our own color guard uniforms this year. Phil & I think this is a great idea for the following reasons:

- We have complete control over color, cut, fit, etc.
- We can make more pants/tops instead of having to order more if/when we add additional members in the fall, saving on purchasing single outfits and shipping costs
- Even assuming a 150% need for fabric due to mistakes, our uniforms will cost 1/4 of last year's total(!)

To do this, we need volunteers to help with the following tasks:

- Copy patterns and take measurements during Tuesday's practice
- Pin/Cut fabric during Thursday's practice
- Sew pants/tops either during practices or at home

Guard members, please bring in the following on Tuesday:

- Pair of scissors
- Old newspaper for copying patterns

We will provide tape.

If you or someone in your family would like to help out with any part of the process (especially the sewing bit!) please reply to this email or leave us a message at (612) 209-2908.

Best,

Bussey

Next Week: May 31 - June 4

2011-05-26T10:03:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Next week is a big week for us. We have worked hard on our fundamentals the past several weeks and are set up to make a TON of progress on our summer parade show! I have received a small handful of absence notices so far (thank you!) - remember that the deadline for notifying us about absences has already passed and that if you have not told us otherwise we expect you to be with us at rehearsal. Please take the time to double check that you have the following times written into your calendar:

Tuesday, May 31 - 5-830pm - all sections
Thursday, June 2 - 5-830pm - all sections
Saturday, June 4 - 9am-4pm - all sections

We are aware that we will have a bit of overlap with people involved in the musical on Tuesday and Thursday - please PLAN AHEAD - pack a dinner with you on Tues/Thurs and join us no later than 545pm.

We still have several people on the roster who have yet to turn in registration/health forms & fees. Please take care of this ASAP by sending/bringing them to rehearsal next Tuesday, or communicating with us by email to set up a payment schedule/fundraising help/etc. All forms are available for download at the website:

http://anokamarchingtornadoes.blogspot.com/

If you have any trouble accessing them please let me know and I can email out PDF copies or send hard copies home with members.

While you are at the website...check out the "Music and Music Memorization" tips in the handbook for great ways to work on memorizing your music this week/weekend. More music memorized = more "brain power" to focus on ensemble playing/marching technique = better overall performance individually and collectively = more FUN!

Thanks, and see you Tuesday,

Bussey

Fundraising - S/F

2011-05-23T10:41:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Several people (ie, parents) have asked me about fundraising opportunities in the summer and fall. We are always open to new fundraising ides! Please attend a band parent meeting or contact the band parents at anokabandparents@aol.com to share your ideas.

At this time the band program runs the following events

Early September (pickup in mid-September)
Peaches - Coordinated by Mr. Lace.
Very tasty CO/WA peaches picked and shipped fresh to us in a day or two. We make a great per unit profit on this sale, and the peaches are always excellent.

Mid-November (pickup in early December)
Green Valley Flowers/Poinsettia - Coordinated by the Band Parents
Flowers available for the Christmas season

February (pickup in late Feb)
Butter Braids - Coordinated by the Band Parents
Tasty baked goods

April (pickup in early May)
Green Valley Flowers/Spring Flowers - Coordinated by the band parents
Spring season flowers/plantings

Note: Money from these fundraisers can be used to pay the $260 Fall/$50 Summer Band Parents fee ONLY. The $240 district fee must come from another source.

Sponsorship Day - Date/time TBA (rained out on May 21st, will be rescheduled)
Coordinated by the Band Parents and directors
Date change coming out soon. We are excited about the twin possibilities of great positive community exposure and raising money for the entire band program. I get the sense that there were a few questions about the kids' expectations on this day, so I will follow up with more details when we have a new date set.

Target Field Workers

Please send an email to - anokatwinsworkers@aol.com - for more information about training and dates available. Parents sign up to work concessions at Target Field and earn $60+ per game/event, depending on type of job. Currently we have many band parents who use this avenue to pay for a wide variety of school-related activity fees and equipment needs. Money from the Target Field account can be used to pay for ANY marching band fee - Summer or Fall, the $240 due to the high school, the $50/$260 due to the Band Parents - Target Field money can cover it.

I am, as always, painfully available by email with any questions you might have.

Best,

Bussey

Parade Day Scheduling

2011-05-23T10:05:00.000-05:00

Hey Band,

I have received several questions from parents and families regarding parade days and exactly what times kids are committed to. I hope this answers some of those questions - I know there will still be individual conflicts and questions, so keep sending them in.

One of the tricky things about scheduling parades is that our performance time is usually determined one to two weeks in advance by each individual parade committee. I do have parade start times for each parade, and will be updating the Google calendar in the next week to reflect what we already know about each event/day.

Here's the schedule we have been following

- Beginning of Season - dates of parades are determined, applied for, and scheduled
- Mid-May - (this is where we are now) parade committees confirm with band directors and discuss unit lineups, parade start times, etc.
- 1-2 Weeks before a parade - parade committees send out detailed Unit Rosters to bands (this is how we find out exactly when we perform)
- About 1 Week before a parade - band directors send out detailed Daily Schedule for an individual parade day. This schedule will include:

1 - A rehearsal block before the event
2 - A break to eat a snack or meal (kids bring this meal) and load the equipment trailer and buses
3 - An approximate departure/transit time
4 - A short warmup at the parade site
5 - The parade start time and our band stepoff time (THESE WILL ALMOST ALWAYS BE DIFFERENT)
6 - Our approximate time off the parade route
7 - Our approximate return to AHS for pickup

Hope this helps clear things up. Please keep CHECKING IN!

Best,

Bussey

Sponsorship Day - Saturday May 21st - S/F

2011-05-18T12:21:00.000-05:00

Hey Band,

Our sponsorship day is coming up this Saturday! This event is for all members Summer and Fall. Several members have already spoken to me about absences, however...we need every member we can muster on Saturday! This event can help ensure the long term health and success of our program no matter what happens with education funding at the local/state/national level. For example, Irondale High School runs an event similar to this one and collects anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000(!!!!) in income every year. Come help make our day a HUGE success!

Reasons for having a Sponsorship Day:

- Increase positive community exposure
- Make money for the entire band program (with 100% PROFIT - every dollar earned goes right back to the kids/program)
- Avoid "fundraiser creep" - people getting tired of buying a product to fund a program
- Provide greater learning opportunities during the school day by bringing in instrument specialists to work one-on-one/in small groups with students
- Provide scholarships to individuals or reduce the overall cost to students of marching/jazz band participation
- Socialize with our fellow band members and parents!

Schedule:

830am - 9am: Arrive, dress, go over the day's activities
9am - 12pm: Fundraise in assigned neighborhoods
12pm - 1pm: potluck lunch in AHS cafeteria
1pm - 3pm: Fundraise in assigned neighborhoods
3pm - 345pm: Return materials, money, uniforms - debrief

We must be out of the building by 4pm - no exceptions!

Best,

Bussey

New Music Available!

2011-05-06T14:39:00.000-05:00

Hey Band,

The Armed Forces Salute parts are now up on the public folder at:

http://public.me.com/gutzon

They are the same as last year's District Preview show - if you still have your part from last year just bring it Monday.

Patrick/battery - make sure to review these parts tomorrow.

Hornline - make sure to print your part or pick one up BEFORE rehearsal on Monday.

Best,

Bussey

Schedule Corrections in Previous Email

2011-05-05T10:23:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

A couple corrections - thanks for catching them!

Mon May 21 should read SAT May 21

Mon May 24 should read TUES May 24

Thanks!

Bussey

Anoka MB Summer Rehearsal Schedule/Notes

2011-05-04T22:57:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Welcome back to another exciting season of Anoka marching band! Also, a BIG welcome to our TWENTY-THREE(!) new members from Anoka Middle/Fred Moore - your energy and dedication to our band program, even as students not yet IN high school, is an inspiring reminder of why we do what we do - thank you!

Here's a schedule reminder if you haven't checked The Google in a while:

Sat May 7 - Rehearsal 9am-4pm - PERCUSSION ONLY

Mon May 9 - Rehearsal 5-830pm

Sat May 14 - Prep Rehearsal for Army Nat'l Guard farewell ceremony 9am-1pm

Sun May 15 - Army Nat'l Guard farewell ceremony - 11am-130pm - CALL IS AT FRED MOORE/GOODRICH FIELD

Mon May 16 - Rehearsal 5-830pm

Mon May 21 - Sponsorship Day - 9am-4pm - CALL IS FOR ALL MEMBERS SUMMER AND FALL - SEPARATE EMAIL TO FOLLOW WITH MORE INFO

Mon May 24 - Rehearsal 5-830pm

Tues May 31 - Rehearsal 5-830pm

Thurs June 2 - Rehearsal 5-830pm - MAY NOT BE AT AHS, WATCH FOR MORE INFO

Sat June 4 - Parade Camp 9am-4pm

Fri June 10 - Champlin Parade - 2pm call at AHS

A few notes:

- Please turn in registration and health forms! We cannot allow students to travel/perform without their registration and medical information

- Please pay all fees or let us know if you will be paying fees on a schedue! We cannot allow members to travel/perform without proof of payment/proof of intent to pay. CALL OR EMAIL IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS - DON'T WAIT!

- Forms may be brought to rehearsal, dropped off in the AHS band office, or dropped off in the AHS main office if marked "Marching Band - Ben Bussey"

- Make sure you have ALL music for the upcoming season - PDFs can be found at public.me.com/gutzon or printed for you (OUTSIDE of rehearsal time!) in the band office. As of now we have music parts posted for all parts for everything but the fall show, with mp3s of the parade tune and show music coming up. Please store music in a binder with plastic inserts - music stored in this way is the best way to resist wet weather

- Please hem your uniform pants/sleeves and bring the uniform (in bag) back to rehearsal. We store uniforms/hats on the band trailer to ensure that students always have the major parts of their uniform. Students are responsible for providing BLACK SOCKS, their marching band shoes (we will order this week and issue on May 14), athletic/compression shorts for under their uniform pants, and show shirt (provided). Please use thread or hemming tape - don't cut/remove fabric from the uniform! We have several capable volunteers who can help with hemming if necessary, just let us know.

- If you know you will be missing events: please give us your absences IN WRITING - don't trust that you, or your section leader, or your staff will remember - let us know IN WRITING and we will know when to expect you!

As always, if you have questions or concerns, call or email us at any time:

anokamarchingtornades@gmail.com

763 506-6333

See you on Monday!

Best,

Bussey

2011 MUSIC NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD/PRINTING

2011-04-19T15:02:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

The NEW VERSION of the Warmup Book, NEW Parade tune (Billboard March), and copies of Anoka Fight and Star Spangled Banner are
now available for printing at home! Not to fear, our Show music is coming soon...

Please...

...have your music printed prior to 5pm this Thursday (our first Open House!)

...organize your music into a 1/2" or 1" binder with plastic sleeves for your music (it has to last ALL season - we have a few sleeves in the office but it is first come first serve)

...be ready to be HELPFUL and RESPECTFUL to our prospective members!

...contact me with any problems/issues you encounter with downloading the music. I have tried to set it up to be as intuitive as possible!

Having this task complete will help us project CLASS and GOOD ORGANIZATION to our new members, so please prepare your music ahead of time this year - 100% participation from our vets would instantly send a powerful message to our new members.

Click here to download your parts - make sure you get your part or parts from EVERY folder! The password is...the first half of Phil's favorite phrase, first letter capitalized.

Best,

Bussey

Summer Marching Band Begins NEXT WEEK 4/14

2011-04-08T12:49:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

The long wait is almost over! Our summer season begins with a meeting with Phil & I next Thursday, April 14th from 430-6pm. We will not play, but your attendance is vital in helping us with the bookkeeping for the upcoming season(s) in a timely and efficient manner.

Registration form, health form, and handbook are on the way in separate emails. Please print your forms out at home or ask me for a hard copy in the Band Office. As always, email me with any questions regarding the upcoming season.

Purposes of this meeting:

- Turn in registration and health forms for both Summer and Fall seasons
- Turn in payments or take time to discuss payment plans for the Summer and Fall seasons
- Set Up/Discuss the Open House and how to best interact with our new members
- Discuss music and music needs: pep band folders, new warmups, march tune, show tune, etc.
- Discuss schedule and absences - NEW form to fill out for absences
- Discuss school instrument rental - NEW formal check out of school instruments for mellos/baris/tubas/low WWs without horns
- Discuss Show Tshirt order, vote on a design so order may be placed

We know several of you will be gone for a variety of reasons, so if you have forms & money to turnin/t-shirt designs to share/thoughts for Bussey or Snyder please share them BEFORE you leave for WGI/go to the work shift you can't get out of/attend your emergency bowling banquet.

Looking forward to seeing you next week!

Best

Bussey

Pep Band for Girls Basketball State Tournament

2011-03-15T16:36:00.001-05:00

Pep Band for Girls Basketball State Tournament Game

Wednesday, March 16th - 2-7pm

We have a GREAT opportunity to support our girls basketball team in their FIRST appearance in a State Tournament!

Review the schedule below and REPLY TO THE MB GMAIL ACCOUNT if you or you and others intend to come. We need to have an idea of how many kids we are bringing to order tshirts/transportation.

Even if you have told Bussey, Lace, or anyone else verbally, REPLY HERE!

Thanks and see you tomorrow,
Bussey

Band room Opens (Lace) - 145pm
Bus departs for Target Center - 2pm
Approximate arrival at Target Center, meet Bussey, unload - 3pm
Approximate downbeat - 330pm
Game begins - 4pm
Approx. Game ends - 530pm
Bus departs for AHS - 6pm
Approx. Arrival at AHS (Lace) - 7pm

UPDATE: 2011 Season Calendar now available!

2011-01-24T10:31:00.001-06:00

The First Draft of the 2011 Season Calendar is now published online! Click here or look for updates if you have subscribed through Google/Outlook/etc. Mr. Bussey also has hard copies available in the Band Office.

Best,
Bussey

Winter Guard Opportunities

2010-11-01T12:26:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Kirsten has alerted me to some winter guard opportunities. If you'd like to keep spinning, get in touch with these guys or let me know and we can facilitate getting in contact with them.

St. Cloud Eclipse - St. Cloud All-City's winter guard accepts members from high schools that do not offer winter guard (like us!) If you are interested in continuing to spin on a regular basis, this is a great option.

http://www.stcloudallcity.org/guard_season.html

Spin Jam Woodbury, Nov. 13, 2010 - One day clinic. Complete info at the link.

http://www.northstarcircuit.org/Info/spinjam.html

Best,
Bussey

Halloween Parade UPDATE

2010-10-29T15:48:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Just a quick reminder about the parade and parade schedule tomorrow, and a couple notes about the end of the season.

Notes:

We got a nice turnout for the concert tonight, especially since we did not push "advertising" the show. Thanks for another great performance!

The Band Room is looking a little bit the worse for wear after Thursday night. Let's take a moment to clean and organize things on Saturday afternoon after we get back. Percussionists: EXPECT to spend some extra time cleaning & reorganizing the percussion room after the parade on Saturday!

The Banquet will begin at 530pm on Thursday, November 4th. We do understand that this is early for some parents - we are trying to accommodate marching band members who are also actors and crew members in our theater program. The musical opens the next day, Friday, November 5th and Thursday is their last rehearsal! The official program will begin around 6pm and we will keep food service open as long as we can to accommodate families that can't make it right at 530pm.

Here's the Schedule for the Halloween Parade tomorrow:

10am - 11am: Rehearsal
11am - 12pm: Load Trailer, dress at AHS
- take ONLY what you need for performance, leave Garment Bag and Shako Box at school! We will bring Chicken Coops and issue Chickens on site.
12pm: Leave for Parade staging area
1215pm: Arrive, unload, on-site warmup
1255pm: Line up
105pm: Parade Stepoff - Anoka is Band #1 of 13(!)
130pm - 3pm: Cheer for bands at the end of the parade route
3pm: Load Trailer, return to AHS
315pm - 4pm: Unload Trailer, dress, clean up Band and Percussion Rooms, Shed, etc.

ENJOY THE OFFSEASON - THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORD, EVERYONE!

Best,

Bussey

CANCELLED - Friday Dome Rehearsal

2010-10-19T14:09:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

For a variety of reasons Phil & I have decided to CANCEL Friday's rehearsal at the Metrodome. There will be NO scheduled marching band activities that day. Please enjoy the day off!

Best,
Bussey

Pictures From This Year

2010-10-18T11:52:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Kris Morse (Kaelin's mom) is coordinating pictures for the Indoor Concert/Banquet, so if you have pictures from this season you would like included, please put them on a CD and get them to Kris or Mr. Bussey by the end of the football game Wednesday evening.

Thanks!

Bussey

Final Schedule Update

2010-10-15T10:08:00.000-05:00

Hey Band,

We've reached the LAST schedule update of the season! We have a fairly busy two weeks ahead of us as we wind things up in 2010. Take note of all the different kids of things we're doing in the next few weeks - it's quite the diverse list!

Tuesday, Oct 19

5pm - 8pm: Rehearsal at AHS

Wednesday, Oct 20 - Pumpkin Bowl

3pm - 5pm: Rehearsal at Goodrich
515pm - 615pm: Downtime, dinner, dress
615pm: Indoor Warmup
635pm: Gate
645pm: Pregame
7pm: Kickoff

Thursday, Oct 21

3pm - 6pm: Rehearsal at Goodrich
630pm: Meet for Surprise Dinner, location to be announced at the end of practice

Friday, Oct 22 - Dome Rehearsal Day

9am - 915am: Gather at AHS, depart for Dome
10am - 1pm: Rehearse at Dome
1pm - 230pm: Pack up, travel home

Saturday, Oct 23 - Youth in Music Competition at the Dome

Scheduling for this day is somewhat flexible, and depends on whether we can leave the Band Trailer at the Dome overnight. Watch for updates!

EAT A GOOD BREAKFAST BEFORE YOU ARRIVE AT AHS THIS MORNING - BRING SPENDING MONEY OR A BAG LUNCH FOR DINNER!

9am - 10am: Gather at AHS, possible short rehearsal block
10am - 1045am: Commute to Dome, unload
11am - 12pm: Outdoor Warmup
1230pm - 1pm: Indoor Warmup
115pm - 145pm: Gate
145pm: ANOKA PERFORMS (4th of 7 bands in Class AA)
2pm - 445pm: Change, store gear, watch bands!
445pm: Finals lineup announced from the field

Scheduling at this point is fluid, and depends on whether we play in the evening show, and our placement within that group. Be prepared to be flexible!

If Anoka DOES NOT perform in the evening show:
5pm - 7pm: Dinner on your own
730pm - 1030pm: Band stays to watch evening performances
11pm: Depart for AHS, approximate return 12am.

If Anoka DOES perform in the evening show:
5pm - 6pm: Dinner on your own
Indoor warmup will be as early as 615pm
Pack up after our performance time, return to watch bands and awards.

Be prepared to listen well, move fast & with purpose, and to be flexible!

--------------------------------------------

Monday, Oct 25 - Change from Published Schedule

NO REHEARSAL

Tuesday, Oct 26 - Change from Published Schedule

5pm - 830pm: Rehearsal

Wednesday, Oct 27 - Change from Published Schedule

NO REHEARSAL

Thursday, Oct 28 - Indoor Concert

530pm: Arrive, set Auditorium
7pm: Show begins
8pm: Show ends, load trailer for Halloween Parade

Saturday, Oct 30 - Anoka Halloween Parade

9am - 1030am: Parade Block Rehearsal at AHS
1030am - 1130am: Pack/Load
1130am - 12pm: Travel to Parade Site, unload, dress
105pm: Stepoff - Anoka is Unit 1

Monday, Nov 1 - BLT Season Debriefing

230pm - 330pm: BLT meets to discuss season

Thursday, Nov 4 - Banquet

Best,
Bussey

Chippewa Recap/TWIB

2010-10-10T20:43:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

What an amazing weekend! You showed tremendous CLASS and QUALITY in spite of a grueling schedule that really began all the way back at Thursday night's rehearsal. From 5pm Thursday to 1am Sunday morning, we spent ten hours(!) rehearsing and gave three very different kinds of performances for three very different audiences - capped off with a memorable run of our show in front of a packed grandstand! Every section took great strides forward in their technical and artistic levels of performance, and as Phil says we are truly in "uncharted territory". It's up to ALL of us to see just how far we can go in the next two weeks, and I for one believe we are far from reaching this band's TRUE potential as an ensemble. The end of the field show season is almost upon us, keep pushing through to the end!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to our amazing parent volunteers this weekend, we could not have made this trip happen without you! Kids, give your parents a BIG HUG and THANK THEM for their constant support of you and our activity!

Recap:
1st of two bands in Class AAAA (Anoka, Hudson, WI)
Best Percussion
Best Guard
Highest overall scores in music and percussion - out of 13 bands!

Notes:

- This is an easy week by design: rest up for the final push to the Yimmies on Oct 23rd!

- We will have one (perhaps two) days of final flag work this Tuesday evening, 5pm - 830pm. I know there have been some frustrations in the past, but I am confident we have some of the kinks worked out and Tuesday will go smoothly. Kirsten and the guard will be present to help out any parents or students who would like to volunteer. Call Mr Bussey or Kirsten with questions, concerns, for more details, etc. The completed flags look GREAT - a BIG thanks to all who have helped out so far, we will definitely use them in future seasons!

- There are concerts in the Auditorium on both Monday (full band) and Tuesday (guard sectional/work time), and the groups on stage will be using the music wing to warm up and store valuables. On these days you will not be allowed to store your things in the lobby (that's you, guard!) or the main areas of the band and orchestra rooms (that's you, hornline!). Please PLAN AHEAD to accommodate our colleagues as they give their first performances of the season.

- I'm going to chalk this up to the length of the weekend, but our "lost items" pile grew much bigger. Help each other out - if you see something left on the field, go out of your way to find the owner. It's the CLASSY thing to do and I guarantee they will appreciate your extra effort on their behalf!

This Week In Band

MONDAY, Oct 11

5pm - 830pm: Rehearsal
- Note the change in date!
- Meet in band area, move outside, clear space in band room for choir concert at 630pm/7pm

Tuesday, Oct 12

5pm - 8pm: Guard Sectional/Final Flag Work Day
- Kirsten & Guard members expected, and parent/student volunteers welcome
- Meet in band area, move to M160 (Mom's/Uni/Milbauer's Room) or Cafeteria to accommodate orchestra concert at 7pm

Thursday, Oct 14

5pm - 830pm: Rehearsal (with a Special Guest!)
- Full Ensemble meeting at 5pm: NO INSTRUMENTS - every section must be present!

And that's it! I encourage you to schedule sectional time as your individual schedule allows. Otherwise, have a great week and we will see you MONDAY night!

Yay. Band.

Bussey

Building Access TODAY Sun Oct 10

2010-10-10T11:06:00.001-05:00

The high school building WILL BE OPEN this evening, no later than 6pm, for an orchestra rehearsal. If you have items in the band room you may pick them up then.

I apologize for the confusion about building access - this is a very frustrating situation for everyone involved, hang in there and we will figure out a permanent solution soon!

Weekend recap to come, it was a good one!

Best
Bussey

Flags

2010-10-05T09:47:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

We could definitely use some help with flags tonight, so if you'd like to stop by please send me or Kirsten an email, or reply to this one.

Thanks Band! - B

Champlin Recap/TWIB

2010-10-04T10:46:00.000-05:00

Hey Band,

What a great weekend! Beautiful weather for our Saturday rehearsal, and another step forward for us with our show. The body is IN and with time to clean it the percussion solo is really going to be something special. The guard is doing a great job fitting their work into the show. The percussion section as a whole had a pretty clean, consistent run. The winds finished the closer stronger than they ever have. Thanks for all your hard work so far - let's keep pushing to get better all the way to the end of the season - it's just a few weeks away!

Champlin Park results:
1st in AA (Anoka, Hastings)
Best Winds
Best Percussion
Best Drum Major - Peter Grega

Notes:

Chippewa Falls is this coming weekend! Be prepared for a big chunk of Chippewa information coming out tomorrow. The schedule is sketched out below.

Be prepared! Make sure to bring everything you need for the long weekend with you to school on Friday morning.

The Homecoming football game, according to Mr. Baufield, is at 7pm - normal football time. We will rehearse as normal on Friday afternoon. Be prepared to do a shorter version of our show on Friday night, to accommodate royalty announcements, etc. during halftime.

Youth in Music at the Metrodome is only two short weeks from this Saturday! If we have enough interested parties we can put together a group ticket order ahead of time and receive tickets at a nice discount ($12 adult, $7 student/senior, General Admission to either day or evening show). Look for an email with more information about this opportunity later this week.

This Week In Band:

Tuesday, Oct 5

5pm - 830pm: Rehearsal

Thursday, Oct 7

5pm - 830pm: Rehearsal

Friday, Oct 8

715am: Gather for Homecoming Pep Fest - ALL Marching Band members must play with the Pep Band!
315pm - 515pm: Rehearsal at Goodrich
5pm - 615pm: Eat, dress for Football Game
640pm: Set for Pregame
7pm - 10pm: Football Game - performance shortened for royalty ceremonies during halftime
1030pm: approximate departure from Anoka
1230am: approximate arrival at Chippewa - snack and lights out ASAP!

Saturday, Oct 9

7am - 9am: Wake, breakfast
9am - 12pm: Rehearsal at Chippewa
12pm - 1pm: Lunch
1pm - 430pm: Fun event TBA
430pm - 530pm: Return to Chippewa, eat, dress
530pm - 7pm: Warmup
715pm: Anoka Performs (1st of 2 in AAAA)
730pm: Pack up
8pm - 930pm: Watch Bands!
945pm - 10pm: Critique - final "stuff check": make sure you have everything!
1010pm: approximate departure from Chippewa
1215am: approximate arrival at Anoka, unload, depart

Best,
Bussey

Champlin Show Information

2010-09-30T16:57:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Here's the info for the Champlin Park Show on Saturday.

Map:

View Larger Map

Cost: about $5

Start Time: 6pm - Anoka performs at 730pm

Website: http://www.marchingrebels.org/ClassicInfo.shtml

Irondale Recap/TWIB

2010-09-27T09:24:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Congratulations on a great show this weekend and in taking a BIG step forward in how we rehearse and perform on show days! We got some great feedback from the panel this week, and in spite of a placement that might not reflect our true ability level, we had a good time and put some good work in on our show. There's going to be plenty of changes this week, so let's take that Saturday AM rehearsal as the model for our rehearsals this week.

Notes:

- We need to make sure you are settled up (or you've planned to) with the District and the Band Parents. Remember: the District fee is payable by check to Anoka High School: $240. The Band fee is payable by check or student account/fundraising to the Anoka High School Band Parents: $250. If you have questions, concerns, or would like to set up a payment plan/timeline, please contact Mr. Bussey.

- Our Trip to Chippewa Falls is in two weeks. Remember to start planning ahead for that weekend as necessary, we leave immediately from the football game on October 8th.

- We will be making one or two changes to the rehearsal schedule in the coming weeks. Please be watching for those date changes!

- As we get deeper into the season, make sure to map out your time outside of school/rehearsal so that you keep your grades up! The further you plan ahead (and the more you stick to a good plan), the easier your October will be!

- Look for information about the Indoor Concert and Banquet later this week!

This Week In Band:

Tuesday Sept 28

5pm - 830pm: Rehearsal

Thursday Sept 30

5pm - 830pm: Rehearsal

Saturday Oct 2 - Champlin Park Show Day

9am - 12pm: Rehearsal
12pm - 1pm: Lunch
1pm - 345pm: Rehearsal
345pm - 430pm: Pack/Load
430pm - 5pm: Commute to Champlin
5pm - 530pm: Eat @ Champlin - dinner is on us
530pm - 6pm: Dress
6pm - 720pm: On Site Warmup
730pm: Anoka Performs, 2nd of 2 in Class AA
915pm: Awards
10pm: Approximate departure from Champlin
103pm: Approximate arrival at Anoka, unload, and GO HOME

Have a Great Week!

Bussey

Irondale Info

2010-09-24T07:29:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

The Irondale Show takes place at Irondale High School in Mounds View. This is a BIG show (17 bands!) and parking is tight - leave extra time to walk to the school. Admission is $8/adult, $5/student & senior, free/kids under six. Gates open at 430pm and the show begins at 5pm. Anoka will perform first in class AA, about 650pm.

Map:

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=3939+7th+Ave,+Anoka,+MN+55303-1299+(Anoka+High+School)&daddr=irondale+high+school&hl=en&geocode=FTYUsgId8BVv-iFCg-M1Eev8USlBJ2tmbj6zUjGR9rgPsdfKmw%3BFcMFsAIdlcZx-iE11e5F_qGebynlgPCGRi-zUjGWotioGwCdAA&gl=us&mra=pd&mrcr=0&sll=45.263289,-93.308258&sspn=0.223765,0.441513&ie=UTF8&ll=45.267638,-93.307571&spn=0.16914,0.291824&z=11&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=3939+7th+Ave,+Anoka,+MN+55303-1299+(Anoka+High+School)&daddr=irondale+high+school&hl=en&geocode=FTYUsgId8BVv-iFCg-M1Eev8USlBJ2tmbj6zUjGR9rgPsdfKmw%3BFcMFsAIdlcZx-iE11e5F_qGebynlgPCGRi-zUjGWotioGwCdAA&gl=us&mra=pd&mrcr=0&sll=45.263289,-93.308258&sspn=0.223765,0.441513&ie=UTF8&ll=45.267638,-93.307571&spn=0.16914,0.291824&z=11" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

Best,

Ben

Waseca Wrap/This Week's Schedule

2010-09-20T15:06:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Thanks for a great weekend, both on and off the field! You are setting the bar ever higher both in terms of your personal conduct and your level of performance. While your awards this weekend are well deserved, I think we can all agree that we haven't even come close to tapping the full potential of this band or our show. Stay hungry for improvement. I know we came off the field feeling good, but not our best - like we still had more to give. Let's use that attitude to drive our rehearsals this week - give the best you have with every step and every note, and great things will happen for us come Saturday!

Awards Recap:

Waseca Marching Classic

1st of 4 bands in Class AA (Anoka, Hudson, Minnetonka, Andover)

Best Winds

Best Percussion

Notes:

- We are still in need of parent volunteers to help cut, pin, and sew a set of flags for the guard. We can train you to help! Just stop by during rehearsal and talk to me, Phil, or Kirsten to get started.

- We could use a few more volunteers to help the band during show days, especially with frontline percussion equipment. Show admission is usually free for volunteers, and you get to spend the day with a GREAT group of kids!

- We have had several requests to publish show information and maps/directions like we did in the summer. Start looking for those on Thursday afternoons. Many bands also run quality websites for their shows where you can find many of the same details - Irondale's is one of the best.

- Irondale runs split awards ceremonies like Rosemount/Eastview. Due to this and the long length of the show, we will pack up, check out the other bands in our class and the class awards, and then depart for home with Mr. Bussey promptly after our awards ceremony. If you wish to stay at Irondale after the awards ceremony and receive a ride home with a parent, please inform Mr. Bussey by Thursday.

- We are getting a bit sloppy in our bus riding habits: personal and band equipment left on the buses, trash left on the seats and floor at the end of the day Saturday, people moving around and sitting on the floor while the bus is moving. Mike and the A & M crew take great care of us and we need to return the favor! Pick up after yourself at the end of the day, and make sure you have ALL your gear as you exit the buses.

- As we get deeper into the school year, we know students begin to feel the pressure of grades and assignments from other classes. Start THINKING and PLANNING AHEAD to manage your time so that you can continue to do well in your classes, get enough rest, eat right, etc. Setting good time management habits now will help you for the rest of the year and beyond as well!

- The schedule for the Chippewa Falls weekend (Oct 8 - 9) is nearly set. Look for more news later this week. Important Detail: we will depart immediately after the football game Friday Oct 8. Homecoming is NOT a reason to miss this weekend - please plan accordingly!

This Week In Band:

Tuesday, Sept 21

5pm - 830 pm: Rehearsal - volunteers welcome to come help with guard equipment!

Thursday, Sept 23

5pm - 830pm: Rehearsal - volunteers welcome to come help with guard equipment!

Friday, Sept 24 - Football Home Game

Remember to bring everything you need for your performance WITH YOU TO SCHOOL this morning!

230pm - 3pm: Load Trailer after school, gather at Goodrich

3pm - 5pm: Rehearsal @ Goodrich

5pm - 6pm: Dress in Fred Moore band room, pregame, Banner

6pm - 8pm: Game - pep band during game, show for halftime

8pm: Undress in Fred Moore band room, disperse

Saturday, Sept 25 - Irondale Show Day

9am - 12pm: Rehearsal

12pm - 1pm: Lunch

1pm - 315pm: Rehearsal

315pm - 415pm: Snack/Pack & Load (Buses arrive at 4pm)

415pm - 445pm: Commute to Irondale

445pm - 630pm: Dress, warm up

650pm: Anoka Performs (1st of 7 in Class AA)

715pm: Pack up, watch some great bands!

835pm: Class AA awards

9pm - 930pm: Commute to Anoka

930pm - 10pm: Unload Trailer, disperse

Bussey

Saturday Recap/This Week's Schedule

2010-09-13T12:00:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Great first weekend. We had a few little kinks in the transportation plan, but we adjusted well and gave two very successful, professional performances. Be PROUD of your efforts this weekend and look forward to WORKING and IMPROVING our show. Our goals this week include finishing the show visually in the hornline, musically in the pit, and filling in work in the guard. Be prepared to REHEARSE WELL every minute - we have very few minutes of rehearsal left!

Notes about this week:

Waseca is a long commute (a bit under two hours), so be prepared to bring something to do on the bus ride - homework, books, a pillow, etc.

We are in search of some parent volunteers to help with burning and sewing flag silks. If you are interested our first session will be during rehearsal time Thursday. Please come a bit early (if able) to get instructions from Kirsten.

Schedule:

Tuesday, Sept 14

Rehearsal: 5 - 830pm

Thursday, Sept 16

Rehearsal: 5 - 830pm

Friday, Sept 17

Percussion Sectionals: 3 - 6pm (battery and front line percussion only)

Saturday, Sept 18 - Waseca Marching Classic Day

9am - 1pm: Rehearsal
1pm - 2pm: Eat/Pack/Load
2pm - 4pm: Commute to Waseca - this is great homework time for those worried about their classes!
4pm - 6pm: Dress, Warmups, travel to Gate (official beginning of show is 5pm)
620pm: Perform Show
640pm - 830pm: Undress, watch Champlin perform (huzzah!), Awards
9pm - 11pm: Commute home
11pm: Approximate arrival time at AHS, unload

Happy First Monday!

Bussey

APHC Broadcast

2010-09-08T12:38:00.001-05:00

Here's us! On national radio!

This Week's Schedule/State Fair Wrap

2010-09-08T12:34:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

This is a few days late, but congratulations on a fun and successful State Fair Performance day! We had a good time with the parade and a GREAT time taping last week's Prairie Home Companion show at the Grandstand! We've received some local press as well, with mentions in the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press. Later today or tonight I will make sure to embed the part of the Prairie Home broadcast so all may have a chance to listen!

Here's this week's schedule:

Tuesday, Sept 7

Rehearsal 5 - 830pm

Thursday, Sept 9

Rehearsal 5 - 830pm
Bring your Pep Band Folder!

Friday, Sept 10 - Football Game

3pm - Gather for Rehearsal at Goodrich Field
3 - 5pm - Rehearsal at Goodrich
5 - 6pm - Dress for game
6 - 9pm - Participate in Pregame and Game activities: our field show, Anoka Fight, Banner, pep band
Approximately 9pm - Undress, pack trailer for Rosemount

Saturday, Sept 11 - Rosemount/Eastview Show Day

Schedule is somewhat TENTATIVE, be on the lookout for revisions.

8 - 10am - Rehearsal at AHS
10 - 11am - Buses arrive, load trailer, snack, etc.
12pm - Approximate arrival at Rosemount
1pm - Rosemount Show begins: we are band #1
130pm - Enjoy our success, undress, reload, possible transfer to rehearsal site
5pm - Eastview Show begins: we are band #6 - perform, undress, reload, watch other bands
10pm - Approximate departure from Eastview
11pm - Approximate arrival at Anoka

Best,

Bussey

State Fair Day

2010-09-03T08:24:00.001-05:00

Tonight's show runs from 745pm to 1045pm. We may or may not be asked to participate in the entire performance. We will pack up and go immediately after our portion of our show is complete. Please be prepared to be a little flexible with pickup times this evening, or to organize a ride/carpool. If we stay for the entire performance my estimate of our return time is 12-1230am.

Remember to spread the word about tomorrow's broadcast!

Bussey

This Week's Schedule

2010-08-30T15:08:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Great work this Saturday, and congratulations on a VERY successful first show! We have plenty to add, and plenty to clean, but if this "first look" is any indicator, we should have a truly special season. Continue to work hard on your music and drill both in and out of rehearsal. Your individual dedication and attention to detail now will serve ALL of us later in the season!

Here's your final pre-school weekly schedule!

Monday, Aug 30

1pm: Meet to distribute fundraising letters

Tuesday, Aug 31

5pm - 830pm: Rehearsal

Wednesday, Sept 1

7am - 830am: DRUMLINE ONLY - 9th Grade Orientation Pep Fest

Thursday, Sept 2

5pm - 830pm: Rehearsal

Friday, Sept 3 - State Fair Day!

Make sure to pack a lunch or money for food and BLACK SOCKS. Please wear your SHOW SHIRT (not optional for band members!) and khaki or light-colored shorts and athletic shoes. While the current forecast does not call for it, show shirt and khaki shorts will be our parade uniform in case of warm weather.

We have been asked to appear on A Prairie Home Companion on Friday evening. The new schedule reflects this change. Right now we have little information other than an appearance time and that the band will be fed before taping begins. If you have further questions please wait to ask them until at least Wednesday evening - we are currently working with APHC production team on the details and will pass along more details as we learn them.

8am: Gather at AHS, load
815am: Depart for Fair
9am - 1230pm: Free time at the Fair
1230pm: Gather at Trailer, unload, dress
1pm - 2pm: Stage Parade
2pm - 3pm: Parade!
3pm - 4pm: Flexible time, TBA
4pm - 5pm: Dress and troop to the Grandstand
5pm - 7pm: A Prairie Home Companion sound check and meal (provided by APHC)
7pm - 10pm: APHC taping - timing is now somewhat flexible depending on Garrison's thoughts on our involvement. Schedule is now a "worst-case" (latest) scenario.
10pm: Undress, reload trailer, depart for Anoka
11pm: Arrive at AHS, unload, go home and enjoy your holiday weekend!

Best,
Bussey

Tomorrow - District #11 Preview Show

2010-08-27T15:34:00.000-05:00

Hey Band,

Tomorrow is our first SHOW DAY! Our call is 930am at the high school. Here is our schedule.

930am - 1pm - Rehearsal at AHS
1pm - 2pm - Lunch Break, Loading
2pm - Buses arrive, board to travel to Andover
230pm - Unload on site, reorganize
330pm - Sectional time (mass band music)
4pm - Mass band field placement and full ensemble rehearsal/run-through
5pm - 6pm - Dinner (see below for details on food)
6pm - 7pm - Individual Band Warm-up
7pm - Show begins - Anoka is #1 (of 4 bands)

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, free for children 5 and under

Spectators should park in the main lot accessible from Andover Blvd. on the west side of Crosstown Blvd.

Lunch is on your own. Dinner is your choice: on your own or purchase a Meal Deal offered by Andover for $5. This deal includes pizza or hot dogs, chips, drink, cookie.

Make sure to BRING YOUR SHOW SHIRT! This is your "uniform" when you are out of uniform on show days!

Phil has details posted for State Fair Day on the front page of the blog. Click over to there if you are looking for schedule information for that Friday. Students get in for free, and we will have some volunteer passes but we are are unsure of how many.

See you tomorrow morning at 930am!

Best,
Bussey

State Fair!

2010-08-27T13:59:00.002-05:00

State Fair Schedule For Friday September 3rd

8:00 Arrive at Anoka High School

8:15 Depart Anoka for State Fair

9:00 - 12:30 - Free time at state Fair

12:30 - Dress for parade

1:00 - Parade staging

2:00 Parade step off!

2:45 Parade over and get out of uniform

3:00 - 6:00 Free time at fair

6:45 - Arrive back at Anoka High School

Make sure to wear your 2010 marching band t-shirt and khaki shorts as this will be our uniform in the event of hot weather.

Spat Camp Recap/This Week's Schedule

2010-08-23T14:55:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

Congratulations to you for a successful, productive, and fun Spat Camp! Our Friday night performance was a fine example of our hard work over the past week and a glimpse at the excitement we can generate by season's end. Let's keep this "vibe" going through the course of the season - hard work, attention to detail, and respect for one another will lead us to great success as an ensemble. Look for a more detailed recap about Spat Camp and info about the upcoming season in the next edition of Clef Notes.

This week we begin our "normal" schedule, with rehearsals Tuesday and Thursday and a show day Saturday. We will add the Intro this week, as well as continue to adjust and improve on what we already know. We understand that people may have conflicts throughout the course of the season, but if you miss rehearsal you should expect to miss NEW information that will be critical to our success as an ensemble. Our expectation is that you discover (and practice, if necessary) any information that you miss in rehearsal on YOUR time.

Tuesday, August 23

Rehearsal 5-830pm

Thursday, August 25th

Rehearsal 5-830pm

Saturday, August 27th - District #11 Show @ Andover High School - Further details to come

Rehearsal 930am-1pm

Eat/Pack/Load 1-2pm

Arrive at Andover HS/Mass Band Rehearsal 230pm-430pm (times approximate)

Rehearsal/Dinner Break 5-6pm (times approximate)

Show Begins 7pm

Appriximate Return to AHS 930pm

A few reminders:

- A one-page text version of the schedule is now available. Pick one up in the Band Room or send us an email and we can attach a copy for you.

- Get us your scheduling conflicts! We have had several people email about new conflicts Sunday night. Please consider Tuesday your FINAL day to turn in conflicts for the upcoming season. Please refer to the handbook for more information regarding conflicts, excused, and unexcused absences. Remember: communicate EARLY and OFTEN!

- Get us your dues! We still have many people who have not handed in money and/or spoken to us about their financial situation. Please send us an email, call, or pass along a written note through your student - we aim to be as flexible and accommodating as possible so that EVERY student who wants to march can participate! If you have already turned in money or spoken to us - thanks!

- There are two ACT test dates during the marching band season: Sept 11th and Oct 23rd. Both are performance days for the band, with the second falling on the Youth in Music competition (state championship). Please schedule your ACT test later in the year to accommodate our schedule.

- Homecoming is scheduled for Fri, Oct 8th this year. The next day we will be in Chippewa Falls, WI for their field show. Currently, Phil and I have scheduled this as an overnight trip, with our departure immediately following the football game (more details to follow, most likely by the end of the first week of school). This is a busy time for students, so please mark this weekend down on your calendars NOW - students, if your participation in school Homecoming events conflicts with the marching band schedule, come talk to us RIGHT AWAY on Tuesday to resolve these conflicts.

- Our final show, the Youth in Music competition at the Metrodome on Oct 23rd, falls on MEA weekend, a common time for families to take short vacations during the early part of the school year. Parents, please make every effort to schedule your vacation time around our schedule, or make accommodations to allow your student to participate. This is the capstone performance of our season and serves as the State Championship competition for marching bands in Minnesota. We want every student to experience the final highlight of our field show season together!

I think I speak for the entire staff when I say that we are extremely impressed with the dedication and energy our students are putting into learning and rehearsing our show, and we look forward to an exciting season to come!

Best,

Bussey

Band Camp Performance/Potluck - 6-8pm Friday!

2010-08-19T12:35:00.001-05:00

Hey Band,

On Friday, we will host a performance of as much of our show as we have learned up to this point. Afterwords we will have a potluck for the band, staff, parents, family, and friends of the marching band. This is a fantastic capstone to the week, an early reward for all of our hard work!

Here is the schedule. The performance will be on the lower field behind the high school - look for the scaffolding. Dinner will be in the high school cafeteria.

6pm - Performance
630pm - Dinner - fried chicken provided by the Band Parents, with sections asked to bring the following:

Brass - Sides/snacks
Woodwinds - Beverages
Percussion - Desserts
Guard - Salads

We hope to see all of our band family on Friday night!

Best,
Ben Bussey

Thursday "Dome Day" Schedule

2010-08-17T08:41:00.001-05:00

We have finalized the "Dome Day" Schedule this Thursday. This is a great opportunity to get an early look at the band from a high vantage point, get used to playing in the Dome, and is offered to us FREE of charge!

Dinner for Thursday will be provided to you by the Band Parents at no additional cost.

Here it is:

9am - 12pm - Rehearsal at AHS
12pm - 130pm - eat/pack/load for commute to the Dome
130pm - Depart
2pm - 5pm - Arrive/unload/rehearse
5pm - 6pm - Dinner
6pm - 9pm - Rehearsal

Approximate return to AHS will be 10pm.

Thanks for a great first day of Spat Camp!

Bussey

Mini Camp Wrap Up/Next Week

2010-08-14T11:11:00.000-05:00

Congratulations on a fun and successful four-day Mini Camp this week! We accomplished a great deal and are well prepared for the upcoming season. We have 66 kids participating: 38 Hornline, 16 Percussion, 12 Color Guard. We are excited to see some growth in our numbers, especially in the Guard. Phil and I are proud of the positive work ethic and attitude everyone showed over the course of the week as - let's maintain that same FOCUS and intensity through next week and through the whole season!

Next week we take the next big step: Spat Camp! Here is the schedule:

Monday - Rehearsal 9am-9pm

- Lunch on your own, dinner provided for you

Tuesday - Rehearsal 9am-9pm

- Lunch on your own, dinner provided for you

Wednesday - Rehearsal 9am-8pm (note the earlier evening time!)

- Lunch on your own, dinner provided for you

Thursday - Rehearsal 9am-9pm

- Lunch & dinner on your own

- We have a special opportunity to practice in the Metrodome this evening! We will break around 3pm for dinner, eat/pack/load, then bus to the Metrodome for rehearsal from 5-9pm. After than we will bus home to Anoka, approximate arrival 10pm.

Friday - Rehearsal 9am-5pm

- Lunch on your own

- We will hold a performance of our accomplishments and a potluck dinner for ALL parents, staff, members, and friends beginning at 6pm. Come and see how far we've come in just a WEEK! Look for more information about the potluck in your email and on the blog on Monday or Tuesday.

Some Reminders:

- Bring plenty of WATER, bug repellent, sunscreen/sunglasses/hat, and a nutritious lunch every day.

- Make sure to get plenty of REST and always eat a nutritious breakfast every morning.

- We are still looking for parent volunteers to build props during the week. Please contact us ASAP if you are interested in helping out!

- If you are going to be absent for a rehearsal or performance, get that information to us ASAP. Write them down or reply by email.

- Registration materials are now Past Due. Please get your forms in to us! We cannot allow members who have not turned in registration and health forms to travel by bus (District policy).

- Dues are ALSO Past Due - please provide full payment or contact us to inform us of your financial situation/set up a payment plan/etc. Don't hesitate to email or call with questions, as many of you already have! Our bookkeeping is complicated by having several different fees (something Mr. Bussey is looking to streamline in future seasons!), so get in touch if you are confused for any reason.

See you Monday!

Mr. Bussey

Fall Reading session

2010-07-26T13:14:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow Tuesday July 26th there will be a fall music reading session. We will be going through the ballad and almost all of the closer as well as making a few adjustments to the opener.

We will also be passing out t-shirts! Cost is $5 for students and $10 for adults.

Hope to see you all there.

DCI MN

2010-07-16T11:09:00.003-05:00

DCI MN is just about here!

Mr. Snyder will be at the stadium with tickets for those that purchased them through the band parents starting around 1:30. The actual show will start at 2:00 I will stay outside of the stadium until about 2:15 so please arrange to have your ticket picked up by 2:00. Look for me at the front of the stadium by University Ave and Oak street.

Before you go into the stadium think about watching a group warm up outside of the stadium. Every corps will spend about an hour and a half warming up before they perform in order to get into the zone. It has become popular to also watch groups warm up. They will play parts of the show in sections and harness their focus.

The show will run until around 10:00pm with the announcement of scores.

Directions

Road Construction Alert!

WHERE: Interstates 35W and 94 will be completely closed in downtown Minneapolis this weekend as state transportation crews work on bridges that span the roads.

I-94 will be closed between Cedar Avenue S. on the east and the 35W/94 split on the west; the I-35W closing will span from the split to S. 7th Street.

RECOMMENDED DETOURS for I-94 are I-694 to I-35W to Hwy. 280. Recommended detours

EXITS OPEN: Several downtown exits from both freeways will remain open.

Parking -

http://stadium.gophersports.com/docs/Parking-Tailgating.pdf

Spectator parking is located in the Maroon, Gold, Northstar, Ski-U-Mah, Minnesota, Forth Street Ramp, University

Ave Ramp, Washington Ave. Ramp or Oak Street Ramp lots (Cost of $10).

or if you don't mind walking for 10 or fifteen minutes there is some residential free street parking away from the stadium.

Bonus Madison Scout Rehearsal!

The Madison Scouts will be practicing at Osseo High School Saturday morning from 8:30 to 11:15. They will probably do a full run of their show around 11:00. It is really cool to see how a world class ensemble practices and I highly encourage anyone to go watch a rehearsal before going over to the show

July Schedule and Other Notes

2010-07-12T14:36:00.001-05:00

Here's the schedule for the next few weeks:

Saturday, July 17

10am-2pm - Car Wash @ Auto Zone

2pm-10pm (ish) - DCI Minnesota @ TCF Bank stadium, Minneapolis

Tuesday, July 20

10am - 1pm: Reading Session @ AHS Band Room (no drumline)

Tuesday, July 27

10am - 1pm: Reading Session @ AHS Band Room

Thursday, July 29

Evening: Drumline sectional - exact time and location TBA

Monday, August 9

9am - 3pm: FIRST DAY OF MINICAMP @ AHS

Notes

- See the prior email regarding Saturday's show for ALL relevant information regarding the DCI show. Phil will be posted outside Gate E to hand out tickets and collect money. Remember to bring $20 per ticket if you have not yet paid for yours!

- Due to a cancellation, there are THREE tickets still unclaimed for the DCI show! Please email if you are interested in purchasing these tickets.

- The fall season starts soon! Right now we have 53 kids on the fall roster. However, we have had several kids express verbal interest but have yet to turn in registration information. Here's what you can do to help: get in touch with your band, orchestra, and choir friends! Bring them out to a reading session on the 20th or the 27th, or get them into the first day of camp, August 9th. We will be accepting registrations for the fall season through the end of mini camp week, so the more kids we see before then the more kids we can get excited about marching band!

Have a great week!

Bussey

DCI MN Event Information - Sat. July 17th

2010-07-08T08:10:00.001-05:00

IF YOU HAVE NOT ORDERED TICKETS FOR DCI MINNESOTA, YOU MAY DISREGARD THIS EMAIL.

Hey Band,

Tickets for DCI MN on Saturday July 17th have been ordered! We have a group of 35 including students, parents, friends, and even Mr. Lace! Please review the following information on how to make it to the show, how to pick up tickets, etc.

Date & Time:

Saturday, July 17th

2pm - evening (completion of the last performance est. 9-10pm)

Location:

TCF Bank Stadium

2009 University Avenue SE

Minneapolis, MN 55455

Basic Driving Directions From Anoka:

10 E to 35W S

35W S to University Ave/4th St Exit

University Ave E (into campus) - stadium will be on your left, across from Mariucci Arena.

Parking:

Parking is available in surface lots and ramps around the stadium, as well as metered street parking . Please plan to share the cost of parking with your carpool. We are currently unaware if UMN parking will charge an event rate for this show, but if we find out further information it will be passed on to you.

To pick up your tickets:

Phil or I will meet you at the Box Office outside Gate E. If you have NOT paid for your tickets, please bring $20 per ticket ordered to cover your participation in this event.

Thanks for your interest in Drum Corps and supporting the marching community!

Bussey

Quick Update

2010-07-07T12:22:00.000-05:00

Here's a couple of short items:

Show shirts have been shipped and will be in sometime this week. Information to follow about how to pick yours up!

DCI Minnesota tickets have been ordered and further information about how to pick those up will be out by the end of the week.

Hope your 4th was fun and filled with safe, controlled explosions that didn't cause injury.

DCI MN Clarifications

2010-07-01T12:08:00.001-05:00

The DCI MN show is at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus. The date of the show is SATURDAY JULY 17. The show officially begins at 2pm.

Please make checks out to the Band Parents. Band Account money is also fair game, please indicate to me or Phil with a note or an email if you would like to pay in this way. At this time we do not have current Band Account information available, so if you have any questions or doubts about what you have in your account please pay up front.

We will not be providing transportation. Please set up carpools with your sections/friends/family members.

The Car Wash goes from 10am-2pm on this Saturday as well. If you work the whole thing, you should be able to cover the cost of a ticket. Arriving late to a show this big should be no problem, so please fulfill whatever obligations you have to the car wash BEFORE leaving for the show - don't bail early. Between the car wash and the show this could be a fun and productive all day event!

Keep sending questions my way if you have them!

Bussey

Group Ticket Buy for DCI Minneapolis - Friday July 17th

2010-06-30T20:45:00.000-05:00

We have a GREAT opportunity coming up - on Friday July 17th EVERY DCI World Class Drum and Bugle Corps will be performing at TCF Bank Stadium! If you have never seen a Drum Corps show before, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience the very best marching band has to offer.

Cost is $20 per ticket. Please make sure money gets into the hands of Mr. Bussey, Mr. Snyder, or Drum Major Peter by the end of the Edina parade day this Saturday, July 3rd. Lace Rules Apply - if we don't have money with your name on it we won't order you a ticket!

For those of you in need of fundraising...the Band has a Car Wash scheduled for that day, 10am - 2pm! Hang out with your friends, make some money, and then carpool to the show.

This offer is open to kids, parents, and friends - anyone who is interested in seeing a truly AMAZING marching and musical performance. Kids, bringing your non-marching friends to this show would be another great way to get them interested in marching band...

For a list of competing corps, and more information about DCI and Drum Corps in general, visit their website at www.dci.org

Cheers,

Mr. Bussey

MB Party on Friday July 2nd

2010-06-30T20:22:00.002-05:00

Kelsey Anderson's mom has kindly volunteered her home for a Summer Marching Band potluck party! The fun will start at 6pm and run until 11pm or so.

The kids have created a Facebook event - see the event for details on which section is bringing which food item or beverage, and directions to Kelsey's house.

This is a great time to invite kids who might be interested in marching band and expose them to the social element of the band program!

Edina Details - Saturday July 3

2010-06-30T20:10:00.000-05:00

Here's what we know about the Edina Parade:

9am - Meet/load, depart when everyone is present

10am - Approximate arrival on site/parade stepoff

1145am - Approximate Anoka stepoff: we are #93 of 94 units

2pm - Approximate return time to the high school

Parade Site: www.edinaparade.org - they have some nice maps!

Alexandria Details for Sunday, June 27

2010-06-25T16:08:00.002-05:00

Here is what we know about the Alexandria festival.

Please eat a good breakfast and pack a nutritious lunch, we will have time to eat upon arrival in Alex.

Please plan on eating on the way home, either by bringing a few dollars for food or packing a supper as well as a lunch.

10am - Check in at AHS, load

1030am - Depart for Alexandria

1230pm - Arrive, Eat/Unpack/Unload

130pm - Parade stepoff

304pm - Anoka's estimated stepoff time

430pm - Estimated awards ceremony time

530pm - Estimated departure from Alexandria - possible food stop

830pm - Estimated arrival in Anoka

Osseo and Alexandria Maps

2010-06-25T15:54:00.001-05:00

Saturday, June 26 - Osseo - 12pm

View Larger Map

Sunday, June 27th - Alexandria - 130pm

View Larger Map

Week 3 Schedule

2010-06-18T15:16:00.000-05:00

Here's what we know about Week Three:

Monday, June 21 - Roseville Rose Parade

12:30 - 3:30pm - Band Rehearsal
3:30 - 4:30pm - Eat/Pack/Load
4:30pm - Depart for Roseville
6:15pm - Parade stepoff: Anoka is #73
9:30pm - Awards @ Rose Skating Oval
10pm - Depart Roseville

Tuesday, June 22 - Day Off

Wednesday, June 23
5 - 8:30pm - Band Rehearsal

Thursday, June 24 - Fridley Parade
1 - 4pm - Band Rehearsal
4 - 5pm - E/P/L
5pm - Depart
6:30pm - Parade stepoff: we are currently unaware of our unit #
9:30pm - Awards?
10pm - Depart Fridley

Friday, June 25 - Day Off

Saturday, June 26 - Osseo Band Festival
8am - Band Rehearsal
10am - Breakfast E/P/L
11am - Depart for Osseo
12pm - Parade stepoff: we are band #15 (of 20)
3:15pm - Awards
3:45pm - Depart Osseo

Sunday, June 27 - Alexandria Band Festival
Details TBA

Maps for Week 2 of Parades

2010-06-16T16:12:00.002-05:00

Brooklyn Park
Thursday June 17th

View Larger Map

Lake Crystal
Friday June 18th

View Larger Map

Waconia
Saturday June 19th

View Larger Map

Corporate Event Roster

2010-06-14T19:44:00.000-05:00

Here is who we have "on the list" for the corporate event on Wednesday morning. If you are on this list and NOT planning on attending, get in touch with Bussey, Phil, or Peter ASAP...like, yesterday.

Grega x2, Fedje, Kistler, Lund, Batie, Svare, LaMotte, Peterson, Twiss, Zeilbeck, Olsen, Weaver, Millard, Ludewig, Gries, Anderson, Nelson (?), Mauer, Herve, Ernst, Hansen, Knotz, Guard member x3, Drumline x everyone

Schedule for week 2 of performances

2010-06-14T09:54:00.003-05:00

Tuesday June 15

Normal practice 5 - 8:30 pm

Wednesday June 16

8:15 am - Cooperate gig call at Anoka high school

8:30 am - Depart for Bloomington

10:00 am - Performance

10:30 am - Lunch

1:00 - 4:00 pm - Drum line practice only

5:00 - 8:50 pm - Wind line and Guard practice

Thursday June 17th - Brooklyn Park Tater Daze

12:30 - 3:30 pm - Band practice

3:30 - 4:30 pm - Eat/Pack/Load

4:45 pm - Depart for parade

5:15 pm - Arrive at parade

6:30 pm - Parade Stepoff - Anoka is #17 (of around 100 units)

10:00 pm - Awards

After awards we will return to Anoka, approximate arrival around 11pm

Friday June 18th - Lake Crystal Battle of the Bands
12 - 1:30 pm - Band practice
1:30 pm - Eat/Pack/Load
2:30 pm - Depart for parade
6:00 pm - Parade Stepoff - Anoka is Band #9 (of around 40 units/12 bands)
9:00 pm - Awards
After awards we will return to Anoka, approximate arrival around midnight

Saturday June 19th - Lake Waconia Band Festival
12 - 2:30 pm Band practice
2:30 pm - Eat/Pack/Load
3:30 pm - Depart for parade
6:00 pm - Parade Stepoff - Anoka is Band #2 (of 17 bands - an all band event!)
9:00 pm - Awards
After awards we will return to Anoka, approximate arrival around 11pm

What a weekend!

2010-06-14T09:53:00.002-05:00

Congratulations on a great first weekend of parades!! Phil & I are incredibly proud of your work, your dedication, and your professional attitude and behavior all weekend long. Friday night's parade in Champlin Park was Anoka's first summer event in a decade - congratulations to YOU on reviving Anoka's summer marching program!

SCHEDULE UPDATE - New Date for Corporate Event

2010-06-10T09:33:00.000-05:00

The dates for our corporate event have been pushed back a day - from Tuesday, June 15th to Wednesday, June 16th. Please let Peter know if you can make the new date!

Also, the master calendar has been changed to reflect the approximate parade start times through the end of the season.

Also Also, please share this information with your colleagues who don't have internet access at home!

ACT testing on Saturday

2010-06-09T10:00:00.003-05:00

Students who are taking the ACT this Saturday will be able to make it to Saturdays parade in Waite Park. You testing will be complete at 1:00 our parade starts at 2:00 and we will probably be stepping off in the parade around 2:40

Please see Mr. Bussey or Mr. Snyder at tonights practice so we can know how many people we need to arrange rides for.

Directions to Parades

2010-06-08T10:29:00.002-05:00

June 11th - Champlin

Parade starts at 6:30 Anoka marching band is unit 60

View Larger Map

June 12th - Waite Park

Parade starts at 2:00 Anoka Marching band is unit 40

View Larger Map

June 13th - Albertville

Parade starts at 1:30 Anoka Marching band is unit 70

View Larger Map

We hope to see you at a parade this weekend!

Parade Week

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Schedule for this week. 6/8 - 6/13

Wednesday June 9th

practice from 5:00 - 8:30

Friday June 11th

Practice at Anoka

1:00 - 3:30 Practice

3:30 - 4:50 pack/load/eat

5:00 - Depart for Champlin Parade

6:30 - Parade starts we are unit 60

8:30 - Parade ends awards ceremony/pie eating contest to follow

9:00 - Depart Champlin for Anoka

9:30/10:00 - Arrive back at Anoka

Please make sure to pack a lunch or snacks. We will have some down time at the start of the parade route.

All members of the marching band should wear a plain white shirt under the uniform until show shirts get in.

Saturday June 12th Waite Park

11:15 Arrive at Anoka High School for announcements

11:30 load buses

12:30 Arrive at Waite Park for staging

2:00 Parade starts we are unit 40

4:00 Parade ends

5:00 Depart and return to Anoka

More details to come.

Sunday June 13th

9:00 Arrive at Anoka High School

9:15 - 10:30 Practice at Anoka

10:30 - 11:00 Pack load

12:00 - Arrive at Albertville

1:30 - Parade starts we are unit 70

4:00 Parade ends/ awards

4:30 Depart for Anoka / stop for food

Make sure to pack a lunch or bring some snacks there will be a some down time before we step off in the parade.

All time subject to change as more details come from parade coordinators.

Get ready for a great week of performances!

Music Update

2010-06-05T13:18:00.000-05:00

Mr. Bussey is learning SO many things about the internets and how they work today! The end result is that we have music in PDF format available for download. Click the "Music" tab or check your email for instructions. Don't hesitate to email us with questions, either. Remember: minicamp kicks off our first big week tomorrow at 10am!

Sunday mini Camp

2010-06-04T11:59:00.003-05:00

Schedule for Sunday June 6th.

10:00 Mini Camp begins with announcements.

10:15 - 11:30 Music

11:30 - 12:45 Marching / staging street show

12:45 - 1:55 Lunch

2:00 - Music memorizing / sectionals

2:45 - Marching / staging of show / playing memorized music.

3:30 - 4:50 Full band coordination of the show

5:00 End of a very productive day.

Get Ready the season is quickly approaching.

Remember to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, show music, and comfortable shoes! NO SANDALS!

Thanks for Coming - See You Sunday!

2010-06-03T20:04:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Bo Hoover, we have ALL our music for the upcoming season! Check back here for downloadable music before Sunday's rehearsal, or ask Mr. Bussey for a copy tomorrow during the school day.

Look for a detailed schedule for Sunday early tomorrow. We need your BEST participation and effort to get prepared for the season - our next parade is only a week away.

2010-06-02T09:20:00.003-05:00

New music parts are in!

There will be a reading session tomorrow June 3rd at 4:00 PM in the band room.

We will see you there.

Hour by hour schedules for the next weeks parades will be posted shortly.

Food on Sat. May 22nd

2010-05-21T14:48:00.000-05:00

QUick Update on food for our first parade day tomorrow...

Lunch is ON YOUR OWN - bring a healthy lunch with you to the school.

Dinner WILL BE PROVIDED FOR YOU - courtesy of our and Champlin's Band Parents - remember to say "THANK YOU" for all that they do for us!

Schedule for Saturday May 22nd

2010-05-19T14:19:00.003-05:00

Here is the schedule for mini band camp and our first performance of the season.

9:00 am - Full band meeting

9:15 am - Sectionals with Dies Irae

11:45 am - Full ensemble Dies Irae

12:30 pm - Lunch. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL UNIFORM PARTS!

1:45 pm - Return from lunch and practice Anoka Fight

2:15 pm - Full parade block Anoka fight

2:55 pm - Final run through before parade

3:00 pm - Get dressed / load buses and depart for Osseo

4:00 pm - Parade check in and on site warm up

5:00 pm - Parade begins. MARCH TRUE! (we will not find out our parade line up number before we arrive)

6:00 pm - Parade finish / dinner time with Champlin Park marching band.

7:15 / 7:45 pm Arrive back to Anoka high school and unload equipment.

All times subject to change!!!!

Some times likely to change !!

Shoes that were ordered came in on Monday and are ready to be picked up.

Make sure that all uniform parts are accounted for and ready for Saturdays performance. This includes uniforms that need hem adjustments.

We are looking forward to having a great and productive day. Please remember to get all health forms and registrations turned in before you get on the bus - we can't take you if you don't turn these in!

Friends and family are highly encouraged to make it out to see that band, please see the map in the previous post for directions. We hope to see you there !

May 22nd parade

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Check out the parade route for next Saturdays parade. The parade is scheduled to start at 5:00 PM.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/mn/osseo/882127388070414943#success

More information about next Saturdays parade to come as we get closer show time!

Check out some more music

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Check out these recordings of some of the music that has been selected for the

Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saëns

New World by Björk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjYKbIk5MKM

Instrumental version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkWd0azv3fQ

Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique- 5th Movement

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrezpUWIY98

Enjoy!

Sign up for the Car Wash Saturday, June 5th

2010-05-14T15:54:00.000-05:00

Sign up for your first fundraiser - Band Wash Car! Saturday June 5th! 10am-2pm! Earn 100% PROFIT! for your time! See the flyer posted on the band board or inquire for more details! Has Mr. Bussey worn out his ! key yet? Nope!!!!!!

Uniforms

2010-05-14T15:39:00.000-05:00

If you haven't been already, it's time to get fitted for your uniform! Here's how the process works:

1. Familiarize yourself with the uniform guidelines under the "Uniform" section. If you have lost your handbook, you can click over to the "Handbook" tab at the top of the page. It's okay, we'll wait...back so soon? Good! On to the next step...

2. Show up to Monday's rehearsal and (if you haven't been already), get fitted for a uniform by one of our unbelievably awesome band parents. You will be issued a JACKET, PANTS, and a HAT (SHAKO). The hat stays with us, but take your jacket and pants (stored in your garment bag, or course!) home for step three...

3. Hem your uniform at home using the following as a guide:
- put on the pants and your Dinkles (or other athletic shoes). Make sure to adjust the suspenders to allow for full range of motion in the hip and leg before hemming.
- Fold the pant leg hem under until the bottom of the hem rests ONE INCH (1") from the floor. Sew hem in place or use hemming tape. DO NOT cut off the excess material!
- Iron the pants and rehang on the hanger, taking care to maintain the origial seam pressed into the pant leg.
- Move on to step four...

4. RETURN your garment bag (full of jacket and pants on hanger) to AHS for storage on the band trailer. No need to worry about forgetting a piece of your uniform after you bring everything in - we take care of it!

Remember: our first parade is ONE WEEK away! Let's get this done so we can ALL look our best!

PS - If you or your family needs help with any of these steps, let us know! We have many dedicated student and parent volunteers ready to give your their time and advice.

BLT Notes

2010-05-14T15:18:00.000-05:00

A few notes from the BLT meeting yesterday after school:

- Rehearsals should begin at 5pm. Please be ready to perform at that time. This band can be great, but it takes YOUR individual commitment to greatness - and that commitment starts with being ready to go right at the beginning of rehearsal.

- We are welcoming new (and returning!) kids through next Monday, May 17th. After that we cannot admit new members for the summer season. Related: REGISTRATION and DUES are due Monday, May 17th as well!

- We have had two people volunteer to design a T-Shirt for the upcoming season, but we would love to have more input! If we get enough entries the band will vote on a top choice.

- Uniforms should be hemmed at home and then RETURNED TO AHS FOR STORAGE ON THE BAND TRAILER. We know this is a silghtly different process for everyone, but we are counting on our senior members to get the word out to everyone, especially rookies new to the uniform process - we have a show coming up FAST and it's time to get the job done!

See you at the next BLT!

Music Samples

2010-05-06T13:53:00.003-05:00

Music for your listening pleasure

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdT1Mw4QJT8

Got Shoes?

2010-05-05T15:20:00.000-05:00

Need to get marching shoes for the season? Dinkles can be purchased through the band (at a discount!) for $25. If you wish to order shoes, talk to Mr. Bussey ASAP!

Registration Update

2010-05-05T14:46:00.000-05:00

As of this afternoon, we have nineteen kids registered for marching band. At our first registration night, we had seventy(!) kids in attendance. While neither Phil nor I are particularly strong in the math department, I don't think 19 = 70.

Get your registration information into Mr. Bussey ASAP!

Registration and Health Forms

2010-05-03T17:11:00.001-05:00

It's time to get your registration and health forms in to Mr. Bussey! If you have lost yours speak to him during class or access them at the "Forms" section of the website.

UPDATE: Currently we are hosting the downloadable material through Google Docs, which requires a gmail account to access! Mr. Bussey is working on remedying this problem ASAP.

Notes 4/30/10

2010-05-01T01:12:00.001-05:00

- The "Music" page now has links to PDF versions the Warmup exercises we will use this season. Print them out and bring them to rehearsal if you do not yet have a copy.

- The "Schedule" page now displays our calendar (thank you, Google!) in an exportable format. We have updates posted through the end of the fall season. Note that the May 23rd Mini Camp is now on May 22nd, with a parade in Osseo that evening...plan ahead for the change in schedule!

- Kids: are your parents out there interested in getting involved? Have them check out the "Anoka Band Parents" link on the left, or send an email to anokabandparents@aol.com.

Thanks For Coming!

2010-04-23T07:14:00.000-05:00

A HUGE thank you to all the students and parents who joined us last night! We had a great turnout, with 72 kids and their parents showing up to express their interest in marching band.

If you weren't able to attend, next Thursday's rehearsal will be structured in much the same way, giving parents and kids the opportunity to ask questions at the beginning of the evening before the regular rehearsal begins. We are always looking for more kids to get involved, so tell your friends about the great time you had last night and get them out to next week's rehearsal!

Welcome to the Anoka Marching Band Blog

2010-04-13T12:23:00.001-05:00

Welcome one and all to the web home of the Anoka Marching Tornadoes! Phil and I intend to use this site to communicate much of the "Need to Know" information for students and parents. Please check back frequently for updates in scheduled rehearsal and performance times, downloadable warm-up and show music, and other information crucial to our success as a band.