A big thank you!

Hello again everyone,

I just want to post again to say thank you to everyone involved in this past marching season. Fellow students-thank you so much for the hard work you have put in this marching season. I know many of you had no idea what you were getting into when you came to the first day of band camp, but you have persevered and put in the work, and produced a spectacular result with our show. It was a pleasure to play and march with you all and I am so proud of your efforts and our final product. Parents- thanks to you for enduring the emotional and financial pressure that this activity brings and being supportive of us during our season. The rides, money, and support do not go unnoticed by us students. A special thanks to the parents involved in the senior activities throughout the season; you all really made it a special experience for my and the other seniors' seasons and it is very much appreciated.

I hope you have enjoyed the marching season as much as I always do, and lets bring the same intensity to concert season as we segue into the new period of the year. Once again, thank you.

-Matt

Day One - Over

Hey Brass,

Congrats on finishing day one in one piece. Obviously it's only a fraction of what it will be like next week with the full days but it was a good taste for how the rest of band camp will be. That burn in your shoulders, will it be getting better? Only marginally. Sorry if that's sad news, but that soreness is what's going to be pushing our bodies to become capable of holding our horns up for the 9 minute show. I can promise you, however, that it will improve if not next week then over the next couple of weeks. As your bodies get used to the muscles we're using so often, it will start to hurt less. But until then, PLEASE keep the horns up during brass arc and technique block until we are able to relax, it helps us in the long run and also helps the staff stay focused on moving forward with our instruction as opposed to having to stop and correct the ones who are letting their instrument down.



Secondly, HYDRATE! I believe we did a good job with it yesterday since nobody went home with dehydration or anything but it's an ongoing process guys. Keep drinking a lot of water tonight, and stay away from soda. Otherwise guys, great job today and keep it up. Don't forget to bring your show music if you didn't have it with you today, and we'll see you tomorrow.

-Matt Hall

Band Camp Checklist

Alright everyone, band camp is upon us and now is the time for last minute shopping and preparation! Here is what you need for band camp, so if you don't already own any of these items I would advise you grab them immediately:

• Large water bottle: I'm not talking about your cute little Camelback water bottles ladies. At least a half gallon bottle is going to be what you need in order to stay hydrated during the day, and you're going to want to drink it all during rehearsal with how thirsty you will be. Be sure you write your name somewhere on the bottle because there is bound to be somebody with the exact same bottle as you, and it helps in avoiding mishaps.If you can find a water bottle like this, you will be just fine.                                                             
•  Tennis shoes: Once again, ladies, band camp is not the time to be putting together your best outfits and all that stuff. Everyone needs to have normal tennis shoes or running shoes, preferably that are supportive because of all the running and marching we will be doing.
• Sunscreen or Sunblock: I don't care how tan or brown you are, bring sunscreen. You will get burnt to a complete crisp if you don't put it on and the rest of your next two weeks will be extraordinarily painful. There is a distinction between sunscreen and sunblock; sunscreen allows a little bit of the light to get through so that you can get tanner, while sunblock allows nothing through. Both are safe and will prevent burns so choose which one you'd rather use, and buy a lot of it.
• Attire: Thin, light shorts, thin or wicking shirt for sweat and a hat and/or sunglasses. Dressing as light as possible is the biggest tip I can give you. Wearing black jeans and a black cotton shirt will have you swimming in your own sweat in a matter of 20 minutes. Not an enjoyable thing. A hat and sunglasses are optional, but you are definitely going to need one or both of them.
• Good food!: Obviously one of the most important, not only for nutrition and heath reasons but because of that great feeling you get when opening your paper bag after a long morning of hard work and having all your favorite food to eat. Pack a lunch that will taste great and also rejuvenate you for an afternoon of more hard work.

And of course, your instrument, but that's a given. If you've got to run out and get any of these items, please do so in order to have the safest and best band camp experience possible.

-Matt

Music, music, music!

Band camp is officially one week away everyone! Now is the time to be seriously looking at your music and getting it memorized. If nothing else, you've got to be able to play your parts come next Wednesday.

So, point being, if you have been slacking off and not practicing, now is the time to get off your butt and start. It's crunch time, brass; let's come into band camp and wipe the floor with the woodwinds.

-Matt

Reminders and New Music!

Hey everyone

Here is the most important thing for the moment: KEEP MOVING THOSE SLIDES! tone quality and intonation are going to be a big focus this season, and with stuck tuning slides we can't improve those issues. Keep moving them throughout the summer; if it is already stuck, let your section leader know and have them text me, we'll get it taken care of.

Also, music for the second movement is up. Grab the part you think you'll be assigned and start practicing/memorizing the music. Band camp is fast approaching; have the music ready to go guys.

-Matt

Back from ASP

Hey everyone,

Sorry for not posting over the past week or so, I've been on a mission trip called the Appalachia Service Project. In a nutshell I've been repairing homes for the less fortunate in Appalachia, this year in a town in Magoffin County, Kentucky. Right there!

But, I'm back in town now and will be posting on a pretty regular basis once again. Although nothing new has come up over the past week, make sure you are continuing to practice your horns and the opener music, including memorization of it! Also don't forget to work on your warm up packets, those have to be memorized for band camp also. Finally, stay hydrated and active, especially in the heat. Hopefully band camp will not be in the 100's this year but if it is, we've got to be prepared. Hope your week was enjoyable and I will talk to you soon.

-Matt

Jazz Band Reminder & Opener Clip

To all of you in Jazz Band:

 

We were officially accepted to play for the NC State Convention! This means that we will have our most important performance of the year basically during marching band season. So, you've seriously got to be practicing the music in your folders. It's not easy stuff, especially Cherokee. (Look at the tempo) Be putting in a lot of time over the summer on this music so we're ready to start rehearsals as soon as school is in, and probably before.

To marchers:

If you haven't yet gotten your part for the opener, go ahead and grab it. The link to the parts is in the previous blog post.

Here is what the opener sounds like, pretty sweet:

http://panthercreekband.org/music/the-storm-opener/the-storm-opening-music/view

Get practicing guys!

-Matt Hall

Opener Is Up!

Just a heads up -

The opener has been posted on the website! Grab your part and begin playing through it. Try and have it memorized for band camp; it makes things go so much faster in rehearsal.

http://panthercreekband.org/music/the-storm-opener


-Matt Hall

Summertime

This evening Chris Sefton and I went on a fishing expedition and were pretty successful. Despite not having too much luck with the bass, the bluegill and sunfish were biting like crazy and we ended up catching 5 each.

                                                                        ^                             ^
                                                   Here's one of mine    &     one of Chris'

Just some proof that we're not involved with music ALL the time. Enjoy the summer guys, band camp will be here before you know it! Make sure you're practicing at least a little, exercising and most of all keeping hydrated.

-Matt Hall

In Case You've Forgotten What Day It Is..

Here's a helpful video to remind you:

Gotcha ;)

-Matt Hall

Quick Reminder

Hey everyone,

Nothing new today other than reminding you that marching band registration is due tomorrow! If you intend on doing marching band but have not registered, email DR ASAP!

Otherwise have a great evening!

-Matt Hall

Cleaning!

Yesterday we had a group come and clean out the band room, and when I say clean, I mean totally clean everything. The trophies (All of them from the top of the instrument storage room) were moved to another location, everything was removed from the band room floor into the storage room so that the floors can be redone, and everything was scrubbed to perfection. This means we even had to move the tubas from the floor up above the lockers, and all the jazz combo stuff above the drum lockers. It was a lot of work but we were able to get it done quickly, and now we can all return to a clean band room at band camp.

Just keep in mind that it didn't get cleaned magically, and try to keep everything nice and organized for as long as possible. As long as each person keeps their eyes open for ways to maintain this, we'll have no issue keeping it clean.

On an unrelated note, music will be out SOON! I'll post on here when it's up. Warm up packets are going to be up within a week; they are something to work on and memorize before band camp. Yes, memorize! 

If you haven't begun practicing yet go ahead and start! If absolutely nothing else, PLEASE take your horn out and move the slides. It would be terrible to have them repaired only for you to let them get stuck again.

Hope your summer is going well,

-Matt Hall

DCI Video

 Just a quick reminder - Come tomorrow to help clean the band room! Any time is good and stay for as long or short as you like.

Since there's not too much to go over today, here's the Bluecoats hit from last year. Those of you who went on the Atlanta trip over the summer will remember it, because it's freakin awesome. Get pumped for this year's trip guys! We get to see all the top ten corps again! The song is Creep by Radiohead, a great song that is just amazing when they do it here.

-Matt Hall

Congratulations Graduates!!

I just want to give a big congratulations to our graduates! They have all done so much for our program and will not be soon forgotten. The precedent they've set for us is a great one and we have got to work to preserve and improve upon it. Summer is officially here guys, enjoy it and have fun, but remember band camp will be here in 2 and a half months with hard work. The music is going to be posted to the website soon and I'll let everyone know through the blog that it's up so you can all print off a part and begin practicing. (Seriously, the music's gonna be hard so practice)

Other than that, stay in shape and have a lot of fun! Summer has officially started!

-Matt Hall

Hey guys,

A few of us went in and helped with organizational things for the band room today. The majority of the work is going to be happening on Monday and Tuesday of next week, so stop by if you can.

Don't forget about graduation on Friday, be at Panther Creek at 3:45. Don't forget to bring your instrument! See you then.

-Matt Hall

And finally,

John Foulkes; Tuba Section Leader

 

Hey I'm John Foulkes and I'll be the tuba section leader this year. I am really excited for this coming year cause tubas are gonna be kicking [butt]. I like to run and hang out with friends. Before band camp, I will require my entire section to chug a pint of promise land chocolate milk. Also, make sure to work out to build strength for the tuba. And obviously, practice the tuba. I'm really excited for this coming band season! 

So that's the tuba section leader. Couple reminders for things you already know in case you forgot, clean out your lockers, bring your instruments home (and practice!!) and if you're available to come in at all this week or next monday or tuesday you are welcome to come and help out with the cleaning of the band room. Drop by anytime for as long as you want, all help is appreciated.

For today, Happy Summer!!!
-Matt Hall

Some Reminders

When we go back on Monday to finish up exams, remember:

• Take home marching instruments! It would suck to have to come back to school to get it.
• Clean out your locker. This one is often forgotten and DR hasn't made the announcement yet, but clean your stuff out and bring whatever you need home. Chances are the one you had this year won't be your locker for next year so get everything out.
• To wind ensemble: Don't forget to bring your instruments to class on Monday, we'll be playing graduation music.
• Graduation next Friday with a rehearsal, and we are going to be cleaning the band room out on Wednesday and Thursday once school is out. Come and help if you want.

That's it for now. Have a great weekend brass.

-Matt Hall

Some Inspiration...

The rehearsal from yesterday got me thinking we may be better than my freshman year's brassline, which was absolutely ridiculous. Check out the show, especially our first hit. This is what we want to surpass this year guys, we can do it:

It is the result of hard work over the summer, band camp and throughout the season. If we put forth this effort and more we can definitely even improve with the hornline we have this year.

-Matt Hall

Hey guys -

Great rehearsal today. For the first time the vets and rookies have played together, that was a fantastic sound, and I know that we are headed towards great things. I completely agree with Swofford that this hornline has the most potential, at least that I have seen in my past three years. Just keep in mind everyone that we have all got to be putting in the hours over the summer when we don't want to. Keep in shape; go running, do push ups and sit ups, or just walk at a minimum. Most importantly get into the habit of drinking more water than you think you should each day, you'll need that for band camp. Remember, clear pee = hyrated. I know it's funny but it's a legitimate way to see if you're drinking enough.

As the concert season winds down, start taking home your marching instruments once they've been checked out to you if it applies. Also, don't forget about graduation next Friday, June 8th. We'll be having a rehearsal for that before the ceremony at Panther Creek, so check the band website for more info on that.

Keep up the good work everyone, today was very promising and has got myself and hopefully youall excited for what's to come.
-Matt Hall

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope that everyone is having an enjoyable day off from school and that their weekend was fun. Don't forget to be figuring out your section shorts deal over the summer so you can have them for band camp.

REMINDER: After school band practice TOMORROW! We start after school and go I think until 4:30 so have your rides arranged and don't forget! Sunscreen might also be worth bringing along with a water bottle because it will be hot.

Here is Callum Reid's bio, he'll be the Baritone section leader next year (Written by Callum himself):

"Callum Reid, usually known as either Prince Callum or Mr. Dubstep, leads the baritones this year. He is known for his than ties, doubt-able character, and ability to unify a bunch of absolute [idiots] into a section. If you see him, you should ask him for a high five- he probably won't give you one."

See everyone at the rehearsal tomorrow!

-Matt Hall

Memorial Weekend!

Happy extended weekend everyone! I am currently staying at a friend of my cousin's beach house in Oak Island, North Carolina. We've spent all day at the beach and will be back in the ocean tomorrow before returning home. 2 Days of relaxation for me before some more work on Monday before I have to go back to school. 

Here's where I'm staying for the weekend!

The beach is only a couple minutes down the street and the intercoastal waterway is within a minute's walk of the house; nice set up, I know.

Enjoy your Saturday night!

-Matt Hall

Hey guys,

Sorry for not posting yesterday. I was swamped with schoolwork and barely had time to do it, much less post to this. No worries though, we'll catch up to the woodwinds. The bios are coming, but the remaining section leaders are taking their time to work up what to say, so expect them within the next few days or so.

For now, here is next year's hit. For those of you that haven't heard it yet, brace yourself for some sound and turn your speakers up. To all the rest, enjoy:

-Matt Hall

Introducing Chris Sefton, trumpet section leader!

Hey everyone! I'm Chris Sefton and I'll be the section leader for the trumpets this season. I started playing trumpet in sixth grade like most kids in band and have enjoyed it ever since. I moved to North Carolina just before my freshmen year of high school from Cincinnati, Ohio. That being said I don't get a lot of southern things (sweet tea? grits? Okra?) and I think I've only eaten at Bojangles once unlike Matt. Over the summer I'll be spending a lot of time outside fishing, riding my bike, things of that nature. Oh, and I'll be practicing of course which hopefully all of you will be doing as well! Two quick random facts about me;  I'm looking forward to a great marching season next year!

• Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
• Favorite Band: Muse  

I'm looking forward to a great marching season next year!

Quick note from Matt - 

I was just about to add to my post that my favorite band was Muse also when Chris sent me this bio so I've decided for the sake of individuality I'll say my second favorite band is the Avett Brothers. Seeing as two of the brass section leaders have the same favorite band you should definitely consider checking Muse out, they're a sweet group that makes pretty awesome music. Also, come to the concert tonight! See you there,

-Matt Hall 

Introductions & Announcements! 

--Announcements--

• Tomorrow (May 23) is the first night of band concerts. Symphonic band, indoor percussion, Mills Park Middle School, and the Panther Creek Jazz band will all be playing. Even if you aren't in one of the ensembles, you really should come; it's good to support the band and the music is actually really good, you might enjoy it. Bring a friend along if you want.

•  Thursday (May 24) is the second night of concerts, and concert band, wind ensemble and jazz combo will be playing. As I said before you should come even if you aren't in one of these ensembles, the wind ensemble especially is playing some ridiculous music.
   

--Introductions--

For the next few days I'll be doing a little bio for each brass section leader so that you've all got a chance to get to know a little about them before band really starts this summer. If nothing else, it will put a name to a face if you weren't able to attend rookie night, or give you a little bit about who they are and what they'll be like as your section leader.

Today's intro is for the mellophone section leader, which coincidentally is me, Matt Hall.

 So that's me (the guy obviously) in front of the WWII memorial in Washington D.C., where our band trip was over spring break. I've been doing band since 6th grade, and I am a trumpet player. I switched over to Mello last marching season to fill out the 12 mellos they needed, and I have loved it since. Swofford always writes the mellos absolutely sick parts that are a challenge to play, which makes it even more appealing to me personally. Here are some facts about me;

• Middle School: Salem MS (Go Spartans!)
• Years of band experience to date: 6
•  Favorite thing about marching band: Competitions; not necessarily winning, (although it's always nice) but just the feel of competing not only for a title but a crowd reaction is a really rewarding experience that I enjoy a lot.
• Go-to restaurant: Bojangles or IHOP. For fancier food, Daniels.

I'm really looking forward to next year's marching season and to see what the next year has got in store. Get pumped about the show guys, the Storm is coming!

Tomorrow's bio will be for trumpets! Goldenboy Chris Sefton will be introduced so stay posted and enjoy your Tuesday night.

-Matt Hall

Welcome Brass!

Hey everyone, Welcome to the 2012 brassline! This is the first post of the year so I am just going to welcome you all, returning and new marchers. I'll be posting on this DAILY since we are competing with the woodwind blog for the most posts. Whichever one of us gets more will receive a freezy pop break while the other section has to run laps, so the stakes are high guys. Basically this will be a tool for keeping you all in the loop over the summer and throughout the marching season. I'll post reminders about things we should be doing over the summer and upcoming events when we've got them. Obviously there's not going to be vital things to post about every single day, so I'll try and keep it interesting with some drum corps videos and stuff like that. Just stay in the loop especially during the summer and welcome again to the brassline. -Matt Hall, 2012 brass captain