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