By Bridget Goleta

OHS Band and Auxiliary Newsletter

October 2008

Note From Our Director:

Greetings OHS Band Family,

    We are in full swing into this new year, and our Band is sounding and looking just fine. Our "Latin Music Tour by Bus" theme is winning the ears and (dance) feet of our audiences as we prepare to put our show on the competition circuit. Our Guard has been working hard with their new instructor Robert Guzman and crew and they even had their uniforms for the FIRST HOME GAME...a first for them!!! They performed with grace and pageantry!  Our Band's sound has been recognized by long time listeners as improved, balanced, different and WOW!  Well I'll tell you this, when you have students with good grades, an eagerness to do well, involved instructors and a supportive Booster group....WE WIN!!!! ( And that may even mean competitions!)

    Our group has already performed in three parades, rallies, back to school night, a football game and Cancer Walk. We have had a successful car wash, tri-tip fundraiser and e-waste collection (all on the same day may I add).  We are working our way to what I feel will be a very fine year! I'm excited, the kids are excited and working together very well, the parents are having fun as we plan for a better year than last year; and last year was pretty successful overall!  So let's continue to do our parts in keeping the music alive and watching our children grow up being successful during these high school years.

     Our Spring Trip to Hawaii is shaping up and the cost will be in the $1050.00 range. We must continue to prosper from our fundraising efforts this year so that we can maintain our ability to travel and let our kids experience the cultural exchange experiences that I have been able to continue for the last 15 years. Travel is knowledge and every advantage helps. Parent/adult chaperones are encouraged to be a part of this excursion for six days during the week of April 10-18, 2009. Actual dates are coming soon. Cost includes air, hotel and transfers. The Band will perform in selected venues and schools during the week. Enjoy, with our children, the lavish tropical beauty and nature experiences during our Spring Break in Hawaii.

     Speaking of fundraisers, band fees are due now. Please make arrangements to pay your fees and contribute your ad (family or business) for our Competition Program. These fees also pay for our transportation, competition entry costs, uniform cleaning and running our Band. We have a very good band this year and we want each member to be able to capitalize in this educational experience. If your child receives reduced lunch at school and you need a reduction in Band fees, please contact me so that we my discuss that issue. Please do not let a shortage in finances short change your child in this experience. Let's talk if we need to.

     This time of year is very busy for us in Band from now through December, and I strongly urge parents to check your child's progress regularly. If you are not sure if we are having that band practice or event that your child says they are going to, feel free to call one of us and ask.  Our Band will perform at various activities and may have to miss a class. My colleagues and I understand that if a student is not performing up to par (based on that teacher's info), he or she may have to miss a  performance. I collect (as well as all extracurricular groups) grade checks each week to monitor my student's progress. Those students with grades of C- or lower must do study hall with us at lunch or after-school. I want each of our members to be able to perform without a grade issue. So please, students and parents, let's check those grades and work to get help when you first find yourself not understanding something in class. We do have homework in my class also. You should hear your child practicing their music, or part of the show, at home. Ask your child to perform for you! You should be able to tell if it's music or not! 

    As most of you know, we ask for parent volunteers to help at various events. Yes I would like to see you parents at these events even, if your child tells you that "you don't have to come." This IS a FAMILY organization and I would like to see parents watch your child's development and teamwork efforts in our Band. Come out to Thursday night practice, football games and competitions. Please don't distract while I have them in practice, however, share with them what they may have learned and a possible explanation of what you may have been watching. Please mark November 15 on your calendar for our Band competition. We need your help for at least a couple of hours to 15 hours (and join us 'ol faithfuls) as we put on one of the best competitions on the circuit. It will be another wonderful Booster event!

   If you have other questions for me, please reach me in my office at 278-3185. The Band Room number is 278-3184. Thanks to All for your hard work and dedication to our program. To our new parents, thank you for getting on board and continue helping us to "Keep The Music Alive!" See ya soon....Mr. Legohn

Fundi Legohn

Performing Arts Director,

Oxnard High School

(805)278-3185

Fundraising:

As Mr. Legohn mentioned in his article we had our triple fundraiser last month.  Thank you to all who sold tickets and volunteered their time to wash cars, help cook/serve tri-tip lunches and monitor the e-waste collection.  None of this could happen without everyone’s participation!  The profit from this event are as follows: Tri-tip $2400 and Car Wash $2549, e-waste information is not yet available.  Congratulations to William Hsu as the Top Tri-tip seller and Sade Hill as the top car wash seller.

Looking forward, your student should be bringing  home information about 2 tamale sales, the first one starting 10/23.  There will also be a Poinsettia sale for the holidays. 

There will also be another Band Night Out on Thursday, October 23 at Jersey Mike’s.  15% of all sales goes back to OHS Band  & Auxiliary!!!  Make sure you take a flyer. The next Band Night Out will be November 7 - 9 at William Hsu’s family restaurant, China Palace.

From the Treasurer:

Welcome to the 2008/09 school year.  As a reminder, student account statements will be mailed out on October 6th.  If you would like to receive your statement via email, please let me know.  Also, if you  have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly either via email at treasurer@OHSmarchingband.com or by phone 805-985-8842

Home Competition News:

Planing is well underway for our home competition to be held on November 15.  Plan on coming to a competition meeting or contacting Yvonne Ramsey if you’d like to volunteer. Due to the cancellation of Arroyo Grande’s “Central Coast Classic”, we have an opportunity to host some new bands.  So let’s make this one, one that they will want to return to next year.

Competition packets went home with your student on Monday, Sept. 29.  Included are additional family and business advertising forms.  Also, you will find trophy sponsorship forms.  This allows family, sections, friends, businesses, etc. to sponsor a trophy to be presented at our comp.  The names of the sponsor will be engraved on the trophy and will be included in our competition program.  It is not too late to submit an ad.  Deadlines for the trophy sponsorships and advertising is Oct. 17.  So turn in all info by Oct. 17 and earn 20% for Trophy sponsorships and 25% for advertising.

Band News:

Water needed!  We are continuing to ask our families who have not donated 2 cases of water to please do so soon.

Volunteers needed for Friday Night Football games, contact Tracie Hill

Contracts and Band Fees are now past due.  If you have not turned in either, please do so soon.

Replacement warm-ups will cost $75.00.

Band Calendar:

10/3 - Football vs San Marcos                                       

10/8 - Multi Cultural Day at Oxnard College                   

10/10 - Football vs  Ventura - Homecoming                   

10/17 - Football @ Camarillo                                         

10/17 - All Competition program ads and Trophy sponsorships due                                  

10/18 - Competition at Royal High School                      

10/20 - Booster Meeting @ 7:00pm                               

10/22 - No School                                                         

10/24 - Football @ Hueneme                                         

10/25 - Competition @ Simi Valley High School                       

10/28 & 10/29 - Finals, Minimum Days                          

10/31 - Football vs Rio Mesa                                         

11/1 - Competition @ Hart High School