Concert Rescheduled to Thursday Evening

Once again, due to school being closed, we have rescheduled the High School band concert, this time to Thursday evening. The call and performance times will be the same as they were going to be if we had held the concert this evening. They are as follows:

Jazz Ensemble- Call 6:00, Perform 6:30
Concert Ensemble (Mr. Clemens)- Call 6:15 in the Band Room, Perform 6:52
Concert Winds (Mr. Kulikowski)- Call 6:30 in the Choir Room, Perform 7:17
Concert Band (Mr. Pocaro)- Call 6:50 in the Band Room, Perform 7:41
Symphonic Band (Mr. Hughes)- Call 7:15 in the Choir Room, Perform 8:11
Wind Ensemble (Mr. Deep)- Call 7:30 in the Auditorium, Perform 8:45

All performance times are approximate and groups may start earlier if possible.

This Week's Concerts

Due to the cancellation of Monday evening's concert, all five High School bands will be performing on Tuesday evening's concert. The start time will be moved back to 6:30, and the call times and performance times for each group are as follows:

Jazz Ensemble- Call 6:00, Perform 6:30
Concert Ensemble (Mr. Clemens)- Call 6:15 in the Band Room, Perform 6:52
Concert Winds (Mr. Kulikowski)- Call 6:30 in the Choir Room, Perform 7:17
Concert Band (Mr. Pocaro)- Call 6:50 in the Band Room, Perform 7:41
Symphonic Band (Mr. Hughes)- Call 7:15 in the Choir Room, Perform 8:11
Wind Ensemble (Mr. Deep)- Call 7:30 in the Auditorium, Perform 8:45

All performance times are approximate and groups may start earlier if possible. In the event that school is closed tomorrow, the concert will again be rescheduled.

H.S. Concerts this week

Don't forget that the Shaker High School band concerts are this week on Monday and Tuesday nights. On Monday night, the Concert Winds (Mr. K), Concert Band (Mr. Pocaro), and Symphonic Band (Mr. Hughes) will perform. On Tuesday night, the Jazz Ensemble, Concert Ensemble (Mr. Clemens) and the Wind Ensemble (Mr. Deep) will perform. Both concerts start at 7:30 in the Large Auditorium. See you there!

Fruit Pick-Up Saturday, December 4

Anyone that sold fruit is required to help unload the truck. The truck is scheduled to arrive at the Middle School on Saturday Dec 4th at 8 am. We would like everyone at the Middle School at 7:30 am. After we have unloaded the truck and verified quantities, you can take your orders home.

Final Marching Uniform Business and Senior Show Video

First, from our uniform committee:
Almost all band uniform items have been collected and processed by the Band Uniform Committee. Many students handed in a raincoat that was originally assigned to another student, but there are still a small number of raincoats unaccounted for. Please check all closets, cars, and anywhere else a marching band raincoat might be, and return it to the high school Band Office if found. Even if a student has already handed in a raincoat, please make sure that there is not an extra one somewhere that should be returned. Any other band uniform items found, for example suspenders, should also be returned, even if a student will be continuing to participate in marching band in future years. There will be no penalty for turning in items late. Red polos, white pants, white t-shirts, berets, and gloves do not have to be turned in but may be donated if no longer needed. Thank you!

And the last post about marching band (for a while):
Here's a video of the Senior Show. Great job Class of 2011!

Uniform Collection

BAND UNIFORM COLLECTION

Students: Marching Band uniforms will be collected this Saturday, October 30 in the South Gym following the football game. All pants, jackets, raincoats, hats, braids and suspenders should be handed in at that time. Band members are reminded that they will need to bring a change of clothes on that day.

Parents: Many parent volunteers are needed for the uniform collection process. If you are available to help from 3:00-6:00 PM this Saturday, October 30, please contact Lynn Yule at lynn.yule@akzonobel.com or 216-991-2532. A brief training/meeting will be held at 12:00 PM in the South Gym.

Fruit and Candy Sale Reminder

Just a reminder that the Fruit and Candy sale is going on now. Find all the information that you need on the Fruit and Candy Sale Page. Fruit order deadline: Nov. 8th, Candy order deadline: Dec. 20th.

Here is a link to the candy sale homepage.

Video from Thursday and Pep Band this week

This week is college visitation week for upper classmen. We will be taking a pep band of under classmen to Warren Harding on Friday night. Freshmen and Sophomores should sign up ASAP, any Junior or Senior who would like to participate should speak to Mr. Clemens or Mr. Pocaro. We will be performing pep tunes from the stands on Friday, so have your flip folders stocked with everything that we have played this season, we will not march a halftime show.

To tide you over, here's a video from last Thursday's performance at Mentor.

Game 8 vs. Mentor and Concert Band Rehearsals

This week's game is Thursday night against Mentor. Call time will be 5 PM in full uniform (students and chaperones please note the early call time). The show will be "Separate Ways," "Hang on Sloopy," and "Livin' on a Prayer." Tip sheets will be available in hard copy and online tomorrow.

On Monday, October 18, all concert bands will be rehearsing. Please be sure to have your concert instruments ready. Those of you needing school instruments need to come in before 7:45 AM or after school to sign them out.

Game 7 and Possible Site Outages

Game 7 is this Saturday, October 9, at home at 2 PM against Euclid. Call time will be noon on the practice field in full uniform. The show will be Separate Ways, Poker Face, and Love Drunk. Have all other songs ready for the stands. To view the full tip sheet, click here.

Also, we will be switching registry and hosting services over the coming week. While the full Shaker Bands site may go down over that period, this blog will be available at shakerbands.blogspot.com. Any updates to the blog will still be distributed over the Feedblitz, and the Facebook group will also remain online.

Alumni/Community Band & Symphonic Band Auditions

Don't forget that alumni and community members are invited to join the Shaker Band out on the field for pre-game and halftime at the Homecoming game this Saturday. Rehearsal is at noon on the practice field and music is available from the band office.

Symphonic Band auditions begin next week, so keep practicing.

Alumni/Community Band This Weekend

The Shaker Band would like to invite all band Alumni and any Community members to join us on the field for both Pregame and Halftime during the Homecoming Game this Saturday, October 2, against Cleveland Heights. We have music available in the Band Office for "Alma Mater," "Star Spangled Banner," "Fight Song," "Let's Groove," and "Hang On Sloopy." Any current student who sponsors a member of the Alumni/Community Band can earn honors credit points. Rehearsal is at noon on the practice field behind the stadium, so dust off those instruments and see you there!

Auditions Continue...

Congratulations 2010-2011 Wind Ensemble Members!

Auditions continue next week with jazz auditions. Saxes and Trumpets audition on 9/27, followed by Trombones and Rhythm Section on 9/28, and Combo auditions on 9/29. Jazz auditions are held in the afternoon.

Symphonic Band audition music is out and auditions begin on 10/4.

Rescheduled Game and Pep Band

Game 4 against Warrensville Heights has been rescheduled to Sunday at 4 PM. Band members are not required to attend, but we will have a pep band to support the football team. Anyone who is available can meet at 3:30 to get instruments. Just put on your Shaker garb and join us, rain or shine.

Honors Credit Form

You can find the Honors Credit form HERE. Don't forget that it's due tomorrow, Friday September 17.

Jazz Band Auditions

Jazz Band audition music is available for the trumpet and saxophone sections. Music will be available tomorrow after school for trombones and rhythm section.

Wind Ensemble Auditions Next Week

Wind Ensemble auditions are next week! The schedule is as follows:

Monday: AM-Saxophones, PM-Trumpets
Tuesday: AM-Trombones, PM-Flutes
Wednesday: AM-Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, PM-Clarinet
Thursday: AM-French Horn, PM-None
Friday: AM-Euphonium & Tuba, PM-Percussion

Practice Hard and Good Luck!!!

Game 3 vs. University School

Game 3 is this Saturday at home against University School. This week's show will be our Mass Band show and the eighth graders will be joining us for the second half of the show. We will perform "Separate Ways," "Abdul Feature," and "Livin' on a Prayer," then march back to concert set where the eighth graders will come out and perform "Here It Goes Again" and "Poker Face" along with us. Call time for Saturday will be noon in summer uniform.

Saturday's Uniform, Memorization Checks, and Facebook Group

Saturday's uniform will be summer uniform (white pants, black socks, black shoes, black belt, and band polo) PLUS the rain jacket. Call time is still noon. You can find the full tip sheet here.

Memorization checks are really starting to come along, see the lists posted in the band room to find out what you still need to check off.

We have also started a Facebook group to get information out to students (and some parents) more efficiently. The group is called "The Official Shaker Bands Group." Don't accept any imitators!

Memorization Checks

Also, we now have 73 students who will not be using their flip-folders on Saturday because they have memorized all their music. Many students are close to having the half time show memorized. Remember, we don't want to use flip-folders in front of our home crowd, so let's get everything checked off in the next two days!

Game 2 vs. Avon Lake

Our game this week is Saturday, September 4, against Avon Lake. We are still deciding what the uniform will be, but call will noon on the practice field. Watch for tomorrow's posting about uniform details. Remember, if you are not in uniform, including shoes that are all black, you will not be allowed to march.

Videos from Friday's Game, Take 2

Thank you for reporting the broken video links in the previous post. We'll jkeep working to upload the full screen versions, but you can now watch the videos here.

Here's "Any Way You Want It" from the stands...


And the closer, "Livin' On A Prayer"...



The file size for the opener is very large, so we are working on getting it up on a site for you to see. Enjoy!

Videos from Friday Night and Wind Ensemble Auditions

Great job on Friday Shaker Band! Here's some video from the Solon game: Any Way You Want It from the stands, Separate Ways, and Livin' on a Prayer. If you have other video or pictures from the game, please send them to the webmaster at shakerbands@gmail.com so we can put them on the website.

Wind Ensemble audition music is available in the band room for all instruments except for French Horn and Percussion. Watch for that music early next week.

Rehearsal will be inside on Monday, and directors will be available to check memorization, so come prepared. Remember, we don't want to use any flip folders at the home game on Saturday.

Wind Ensemble Auditions

Woodwind music for the Wind Ensemble audition is now available. Brass and percussion music will be available very soon, keep checking.

Preview Show Video

See the pride of Shaker Heights in action by watching the video of the Preview Show!

Game #1 At Solon

It's showtime!!! Our first game of the season will be under the lights this Friday at Solon. Call will be 5:15 in full uniform on the main field at SHHS. We will be performing the band camp show and have "Any Way You Want It" and "Gimme Some Lovin'" ready for the stands. For all the info, see the Tip Sheet. Bring your "A" game Shaker, because Solon's band is bound to put on a good show.

Full Uniform on Friday/ Final Uniform Fitting

We will be wearing full uniform to Friday night’s game, so be sure that all parts are in order, including all-black shoes and black socks. If you did not get fitted for your uniform during band camp, the final fitting time will be this Wednesday immediately after school. If you cannot make that fitting, please let the band office know so that we can try to make other arrangements with the Boosters. Tip sheets will be out tomorrow.

Great Job Raider Band!

The band did a great job on Friday at their Preview Show to close out band camp. A video will be posted shortly. Until then, enjoy reading this article that was in this Saturday's Plain Dealer featuring the Shaker Band.

The Show is on the Field

The Raider Band and Raiderettes have been working hard, and we now have the whole show on the field with music! We can't wait to play for you at our band camp preview show on Friday at noon in the High School stadium. See you there and keep up the hard work band and Raiderettes!

Charlotte Braverman Arrangements

Mrs. Braverman's arrangements are as follows:

Public Viewing- Sunday, August 1, from 2-4 PM at Brown-Forward,

17022 Chagrin Blvd, Shaker Hts.
Private Internment Service at Lakeview Cemetary
Public Memorial Service- Monday, August 2, at 11 AM at Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights, 2860 Coventry Rd, Shaker Hts.

Details regarding the Charlotte Braverman Memorial Fund will follow.

Marching Band Forms

The forms from the summer packet were due last Friday. People looking for those forms, including the squad leader application, can find them on the Marching Band Page. Those who have not returned their forms need to do so as soon as possible. Please call the band office at (216) 295-4233 if you have any questions. Also, marching instruments are available to be picked up. The office is open from 9 AM to 3 PM every day, or special arrangements can be made if necessary.

Our Deepest Sympathies

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Charlotte Braverman. Mrs. Braverman, a member of the band staff at both the High School and Woodbury Elementary, passed away Tuesday morning after a hard fought battle with cancer. Funeral arrangements are pending, and we will continue to update this blog as information becomes available.

Memorial Day Parade

The Raider Band will be marching in the Shaker Heights Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 31. The band will meet in the City Hall parking lot at 8:30 AM. The ceremony begins at 9:00 AM, followed by the parade step off. The parade ends at Thornton park at approximately 10:30 AM. The band room will be open before the parade from 8:00 AM to 8:25 AM and after the parade from 10:45 AM to 11:30 AM. There will not be an equipment truck available, so please plan accordingly. Dress for the parade is white pants, black shoes, black socks, black belt, and the red Shaker Band polo shirt. See you there!

Ice Cream Social Concert on Election Day

The Ice Cream Social Concert is this Tuesday, May 4, at 6:30 PM on the front lawn of the High School, weather permitting. In case of rain, the concert will be held in the South Gym. All five concert bands will be performing. The Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will perform at 6:30, and the Concert Band, Ensemble, and Winds will follow. Ice cream sundaes will be available for $1 throughout the concert. Don't forget that Tuesday is also election day and the Shaker Schools need your support on Issue 12. The polls will be open until 7:30, so please plan accordingly.

Uniform Collection

Here is a message from the uniform committee...

Welcome back! This is a reminder that all uniforms will be collected during first period Band the first day back to school after spring break, Tuesday, April 6. Students should bring their uniforms to their first period Band classroom where parent volunteers will facilitate the collection. Uniforms do not need to be dry cleaned before they are collected. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Hundert at 921-7133 or maryhundert@aol.com, or Lynn Yule at 991-2532 or lynn_yule@akzonobel.com.

Thank You and Uniform Collection

Thank you to everyone who made the "Shaker Crosses the Alps" Tour a success. Over the coming days and weeks, we will be using this blog to make you aware of where you can find photos and video from the trip. If you have any photos that you would like to share, please contact us at shakerbands@gmail.org.

Parade in Salzburg

The Shaker Band had an amazing experience today marching through the Mirabell Garden in Saltzburg, Austria and playing a concert on the Kapitalplatz with the Salzburg Police Band and the Stadtkapelle from Oberwalt, Austria. What a fantastic experience! We will have pictures and video up as soon as possible. Tomorrow we visit the salt mines that give Saltzburg its name, then we come back to the hotel for an Edelweiss dinner, and then it's time to pack! See you on Thursday!

Innsbruck News Article

Here is a "loose" translation of an article that appeared on an Innsbruck, Austria based website.

Massive and at the same time classy. This is something which Innsbruck hasn't experienced: About 250 musicians from Shaker Heights High School in Cleveland, Ohio, have practiced to fulfill their dreams to play in Innsbruck's city center. Monday morning, their dream will come true in the heart of Innsbruck. The students from Shaker Heights High School Band will play on Maria-Theresia Street, including songs like "Star Spangled Banner",the "Radetzky March" or the "Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka". From 11am, the youth will will bring their thunderous music to Prachtstraße. They traveled to the Riesenkapelle in six buses to the Tyrol (part of Austria). (TT)

Great job Shaker Band. Here's the link (in German).

Flickr Photos Growing- Innsbruck Performance

The Flickr page for the Shaker Bands is constantly growing, with new photos being added as often as possible, and video clips from previous concerts as well as today's concert in Innsbruck, Austria. Please visit the page by clicking here, then spread the word to all your friends so that they can keep up as the students of the Shaker Band proudly represent the United States of America throughout the Alpine region.

Flickr Page Created

We had a great day today, visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, the Dakau Memorial Site, and Munich, Germany. Here is the Flickr page we have created to display the photos that we have been taking. Tomorrow, we will be playing a concert in Innsbruck, Austria in the morning, the departing for Salzburg, Austria in the afternoon.

Crossing the Tyrol

Today we traveled from Italy to Austria, making a few hour stop in the city of Brixen, Italy. The town met us with open arms, with the mayor himself welcoming us and passing along some gifts. Here is the "Beatles Medley" from that performance.

We also have been informed that the Shaker Band was mentioned on a Venice travel site. You can find that page here. The page includes several short video clips, and a nice article on the band's Venice performance.

Tomorrow we continue on to Germany, visiting Neuschwanstein Castle and Dachau Concentration Camp before returning to our hotel in Innsbruck, Austria.

Several people have asked about how to communicate with the blog. You can do so through our band email address, shakerbands@gmail.org.

Venice Video

Here's a video of the SHHS Marching Band playing the Journey hit "Don't Stop Believin'" during their first concert on the Campo San Stefano in Venice, Italy. This is a test, so hopefully it works!

Concert in Venice

We had our first concert today in Venice and brought the piazza down! We should have some video and pitures up for tomorrow's update. After the concert, we spent the afternoon walking the city and taking in all the famous sites. The band (and the chaperones) are tired, but are doing a great job. We are up early in the morning and headed to Austria, with a stop in Brexton, Italy for another concert. Check back tomorrow afternoon or evening for more updates!

We're In Venice!

We have landed safe and sound and are settled into our hotel in Mestre outside of Venice, Italy. We have a very early start tomorrow morning and will be playing we’re looking forward to our first concert on Campo S. Stephano tomorrow morning. Keep checking this page for update, including pictures and (hopefully) video. Here are a few pictures from today’s tour of Verona…

Time To Cross the Alps

Just a few final reminders before we go...

First, great job at the concert last night band members, and thank you parents, family, and friends for your attendance. What a great way to prepare for a fantastic trip. Students, the directors would like to thank you for all your hard work, it is sure to pay off in the coming week.

Trumpet players, remember that you are bringing your instruments as one of your carry ons, but you cannot have valve oil in your carry on since it is a flammable liquid. Please put it in your suitcase (which will be checked), and be sure to take it with you to our first concert in Venice.

3 Days To Go

Monday's Schedule
Morning: Rehearsal begins at 7:50 a.m. in the multi-purpose room. We will be ready for music testing starting at 7:30 a.m. The directors fill up quickly. It's on a first come, first serve basis.
After-school: Music testing/help will be available until 4:30 p.m.

Evening: Call is 6:30 p.m. in full uniform (Black socks, black shoes, uniform pants, suspenders, uniform jacket, white t-shirt under the jacket). We will meet in the multi-purpose room.

Uniforms must have been dry cleaned since marching band season.

Concert begins at 7:00 p.m. in the north gym.

Following the concert, all students (and parents) should meet with their group chaperone.
Packing will follow the chaperone meeting for percussion, tubas, band banner and flags. This will take some time, but we have to get it right.

Tuesday first period: We will have our final information meeting for students begining at 8:05 a.m. It is imperative that all students are present.

There will be a school truck to take sousaphones, large bass drums and quads to the airport. All other instruments are taken by students. If you play a large instrument and are leaving from Detroit, be sure to see Mr. Hughes on Monday.

Music testing update: Every student needs 200 points. 90% of the students have more than 180 points. 85% have more than 190. More than 75% have a perfect score of 200. Lets get this wrapped up. With every student contributing, the performances will be outstanding.

Folders: Please check your son or daughters flip folder for correct order, yellow dot side and red dot side labeled 1-12, and the sides of the windows should be taped shut with a small piece of tape. "Gimme Some Lovin'" should say Blues Bros 02-03 on the top. Rainer March should have a very small cheat sheet for pronounciation taped in the window (unless they speak German).

Check your flight pattern information to see when you need to be at the airport (3 hours ahead of departure). Be respectful of each others time, don't be late and make your flight group wait at check-in until you arrive. Do not check in online or check your bags at the curb check.

Here are the correct numbers for flight pattern #8. There is a typo (flight number) in the little book and on the pdf. Your tickets are correct.


Flight Date City Pairs Depart Arrive AIRCRAFT

UA 5729 24-Mar-10 CLE/ORD 1012A 1038A CRJ
LH 431 ORD/FRA 440P 700A +1 346
LH 3952 25-Mar-10 FRA/LIN 845A 955A 733

LH 414 1-Apr-10 MUC/IAD 315P 630P 330
UA 5667 IAD/CLE 955P 1116P CRJ



If there is a flight delay or connection issue, go to www.shakerbands.org for updates. A representative from Macy's will update the website if necessary. The updates will go out through feedblitz, however it may take several hours until they reach you. Also, be sure to check the website throughout the trip for information and photos.

Carry-ons: We recomend a back pack. It passes the carry-on size restictions and will be very useful to have during the trip. Don't forget the 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons.

If you are planning to use credit cards throughout the trip, be sure to contact your credit card company and inform them about your travel.

A great site for checking forecasts for the regions we will be visiting is www.wunderground.com.
Here is the list of cities we will be visiting and the days we will be visiting on:

Thursday- Verona, Italy
Friday- Venice, Italy
Saturday-a.m. Bressanone, Italy and p.m. Innsbruck, Austria
Sunday- a.m. Fussen, Germany and p.m. Munich Germany
Monday- a.m. Innsbruck, Austria and p.m. Salzburg, Austria
Tuesday- Salzburg, Austria
Wednesday- Salzburg, Austria

Info from Dr. Mawhorter

It's always best to bring medication in original containers; and in your carry-on for access. It may also help to have a day-by-day pill box. As long as a few pills are in the original container, then a pre-loaded pill box will be OK if a customs agent has questions.

We have the health sheets with medication lists; though some of you properly informed me that one or two items may have changed. For this situation or anyone with a slightly complicated list, I strongly encourage writing out the medication and dosing schedule on three 3x5 cards, or short printed list. One copy to the student's wallet or purse, one copy for chaperones, and one copy for me. Go through your student's medications to make sure they are comfortable with how to take them. I will be available to address any questions or concerns that may come up.

No vaccines are required, but the Shaker Health Department 216-491-1480 has free flu vaccine and hepatitis A vaccine ($12 - 18 and under; $40 over 18) for anyone wishing protection. Both nasal and injectable H1N1 flu vaccines are available.

The least sedating over the counter anti-nausea medication contains meclizine (look at the active ingredient part of the label), sold by several brand names.

Looking forward to a wonderful trip,
Steven Mawhorter MD

6 Days To Go

Thank you for attending our meeting. Your support is greatly appreciated. The many positive comments helped. We have worked tirelessly to put together an outstanding trip, but in truth, we are all very tired.

The general pecking order for decision making for the band trip is: Band Group Needs, Individual Student Needs, Chaperone Needs, then Staff Needs. We all agree with this philosophy and will maintain it as we travel.

Thank you to all of the parents and students who assisted at the meeting. You saved everyone a lot of time.

It was worth our time to print and organize the point sheets. Many parents made sure that their son or daughter was present this morning for testing and/or music help. There is only one student below 100 points. With only 12 students below the 150 mark, we now have 83% of the band at 180 points or more. The final opportunities for testing will be on Friday at 7:30 AM and after school until 5 PM.

For band rehearsal for Friday, we will meet on the track at 10:30 a.m. sharp.

Monday’s Concert will be in the North Gym at 7:00 p.m.
-Call Time: 6:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room
-Dress: Full (freshly dry cleaned) uniform- Black Shoes, Black Socks, Uniform Pants, Uniform Jacket and Suspenders.
-There will be brief chaperone group meetings following the concert.
-Packing for percussion, tubas, band banner and flags will take place after the concert. This will take a while, we need to disassemble and pack the harnesses and pack/secure/weigh all of the instruments.

We are missing a few of the small tour books that go in our neck pouches. A few families or shadow trip members must have accidentally picked one up. Shadow trip booklets are larger and were in your document packet. We only had enough for each band member or chaperone traveling on the trip. If you have an extra, please return it a.s.a.p. so we can get it to the right person.

Uniform Collection
Band Uniforms will be collected from 7:45-9:00 AM the first day back after spring break, Tuesday, April 6, with follow-up on Wednesday, April 7. Students should bring their uniforms to their first period band class room, where parent volunteers will facilitate the collection. The more volunteers we have, the quicker and smoother the process will be. Anyone who is able to help between 7:45 and 9:00 AM on Tuesday, April 6 or Wednesday, April 7, please contact Mary Hundert at maryhundert@aol.com or 921-7133, or Lynn Yule at lynn.yule@akzonobel.com or 991-2532.

We have ‘Shaker Band’ neck pouches for the shadow trip. We will have them available when you check in at the airport.

Click here to see which hotel band members will be in for the Innsbruck nights.

Click here to view the Slideshow Presentation from Wednesday night's meeting (PDF version, download time will be long due to the large file size).

9 Days To Go

Testing Week Rehearsal
We are still rehearsing during testing week. Students with less than 180 points should report to the band room at 8 AM to get extra help from the directors. Solo, section features, and other special rehearsals will be taking place tomorrow and Thursday. The next full rehearsal is Wednesday morning at 10:30 AM sharp in the North Gym. Please follow the directions for entering the school through the band room as laid out in previous posts.

Final Document Meeting
The Final Document Meeting is this Wednesday, March 17, in the Shaker Middle School Auditorium. Document pass-out will begin at 6:30 PM, and the meeting itself will begin as close to 7 PM as possible. Please plan on arriving early to avoid long lines and speed up the process.

Trip Itinerary
Click here to view a detailed trip itinerary.

Final History Lesson
Here is a final history lesson on three trip stops: Dachau Concentration Camp, Brenner Pass, and Neuschwanstein Castle.

12 days to Go

There's a lot of information here, so please read it all.

Packing Tips
-You are packing for a nine-day trip. Expected temperatures: Low 42 High 65
-It is important to pack light! Luggage space on the motorcoaches and planes will be limited.
-Pack versatile, comfortable clothing you can layer for warmth. Rain is possible. Casual, but nice, is the general attitude for dress in Italy and Austria.
-Remember that luggage space is limited and you need to leave space for souvenirs.
-Please inform Dr. Mawhorter of your child's medication.

Luggage
-Each tour member is allowed to bring one suitcase under 50lbs in weight.
-Participants may also bring one carry-on bag, a medium-size school backpack is perfect
-Remember to strictly follow the 3-1-1 rule for airport security
-Piccolos, Flutes and Clarinets should be packed in your checked luggage or carry-on.
-Trumpets and Alto Saxophones will be treated as carry-ons (you may still have a carry-on).
-All large instruments will be checked.
-Check with your airlines to see all size and weight restrictions for international travel.
-Links for airline and 3-1-1 have been provided in earlier emails.

Items to Bring:
-Shirts, pants, shorts, skirts
-Socks/undies
-Band Hoodie, fleece top, sweater and/or light jacket
-Good walking shoes
-Travel alarm, watch, camera, new batteries
-Toiletries kit, contact supplies, glasses
-Info: guidebook, phrase book, map, tour handbook, trip info…etc.
-Shaker neck pouch w/student I.D., trip-tik, passport copy and emergency contact info.
-ATM debit card/credit card/traveler’s checks/cash/Euros to start the trip
-Uniform: jacket, pants, suspenders, black socks, black shoes, a white t-shirt for under your uniform (the one the boosters gave you), and the Alps trip t-shirt. (uniforms buddy program dissolved)
-Instrument: mouthpiece, lyre(s), flip folder, music, extra reeds, extra sticks, valve oil…etc.
-Medication: must be in the original container it was dispensed in, clearly labeled with your child’s name, the medication’s name frequency and dosage.

Optional Items to Bring:
-Address book
-Small umbrella and/or hat
-Small binoculars
-Small towel and wash cloth
-Hair dryer, curling iron, power adaptors for Italy/Austria. You can share items with your roommate(s).
-Ziplock bags, rubber bands, safety pins, twist-ties
-Journal notebook, pens, novel, travel game etc
-MP3 players
-Photos of home and family to show your new friends.
-Sunscreen (we hope)

Suggested Leave-At-Homes
-Irreplaceable or excessive jewelry
-Unnecessary electrical appliances
-Laptop computers
-Video game players

Testing Week:
Be sure to follow all guidelines outlined in the last email. Only enter the school through the band room door. Stay out of the hallways. Bring a lunch.


March 17th, 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School Auditorium- Final Documents meeting. Each family must send a representative.


March 22nd, 7:00 p.m. in the High School North Gym- Trip Concert.


Medical and Liability Forms- Still missing 9; collected 503.

2nd Case Plan:
Bad News: The airlines have been charging full cost on every second checked bag for international flights. We have been updated by other traveling music ensembles about this. This is a worst case scenario for us. The total 2nd bag charge could exceed $20,000.00 for the trip. Therefore; we need to adopt the following plan to help avoid as many of these charges as possible.
Everyone- Be very mindful of the size and weight of your luggage. Over size or over weight luggage will cost $350 and you will be responsible for the cost. Also we are dissolving the uniform buddy program. Each student is responsible to pack and take his or her own uniform.

Piccolo, Flute and Clarinet players
-You need to either pack your instrument and case in your luggage or take it as a carry-on.
-You will be assigned to assist large instrument players through the airports or assigned a band office ‘2nd case’ to check.

Alto Sax and Trumpet players
-You need to take your instrument, in its case, as a carry-on.
-You will be permitted one carry-on (back packs are best) plus your instrument.

For Your Information

Austria
Population : 8,356,707
Area : 32,383 square miles
Capital : Vienna
Largest City : Vienna
Government : Federal Parliamentary Republic
Official Languages : German (also recognizes Slovene, Croatian, Hungarian)
Ethnic Groups : 82.5% Austrian

Italy
Population : 60,231,214
Area : 116,346 square miles
Capital : Rome
Largest City : Rome
Government : Parliamentary Republic
Official Languages : Italian
Ethnic Groups : Italian

Germany
Population : 81,757,600
Area : 137,847 square miles
Capital : Berlin
Largest City : Berlin
Government : Federal Parliamentary Republic
Official Languages : German
Ethnic Groups : 91% German, 2% Turkish, 7% other

Weather forecasts for the coming week

Verona
Occasional rain, highs in the mid 50s low in the upper 30s

Innsbruck
Rain, highs in the low 50s/upper 40s lows around freezing

Salzburg
Highs early in the week in the upper 30s; warming as the week goes on into the upper 40s. Long term forecast calls for continued warming with highs in the 50s by next weekend. Overnight lows below freezing overnight and into the 40s by the end of the week. Cloudy/partly cloudy with a chance of rain all week .

14 Days To Go

Thank you for your support as we prepare for the trip. It is difficult to reply to each individual question, so we try to address questions that apply to more than one person in our group emails.

Music Tests
Score totals and individual point scoring sheets are posted twice daily outside the band room.
-60% of the students have between 170 and 200 test points (200 is perfect). This is where they should be at noon on Thursday (which it is).
-24% of the students are close to the pace, with a score of 125-169
-15% of the students are a behind the pace, with a score of 52-124
-2 students, or <1% of the students, are below 50 and have a lot of work to do.
Wait until you hear our kids, they sound awesome! Nice Work.

Testing Week
We must follow all procedures outlined below- Read the entire section so you know what to do.

We will rehearse early on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Prior to rehearsal on Monday, Wednesday and Friday the directors will be available for help. Tuesday and Thursday will be for sectionals, soloists and help sessions. If you keep your instrument in your hall locker, take it home each night. You will not have access to it when you need it.

Monday’s Rehearsal- 10:30 AM Sharp
If you are testing- relax- do a great job on your test. The test comes first no ifs, ands or buts.
-After your test, you can be released at 10:00 a.m. (10:40 for the late slot)
-Once released, come directly to the band room- the halls must remain clear.
-Bring a pack lunch to eat (school goes until 3:10 each day).
-Eat your lunch in the band room, then meet us for rehearsal.

If you are not testing and your music score is above 180 points- be here by 10:15 for the 10:30 rehearsal. You may enter the school only through the band room entrance. You may not use any other door, walk through hallways or use your hall locker. Remember to eat before coming, there are not lunch periods throughout the shortened day.

If you are not testing and your music test is below 180 points- be here by 8:05 a.m. Don’t sleep in until your music is ready. The directors will be here each morning starting as early as 7:30 a.m. We are here for help and/or testing. You may only enter the school through the band room entrance. You may not use any other door, walk through hallways or use your hall locker. Remember to pack a lunch before coming, there are not lunch periods throughout the shortened day.

The school is permitting us this extra practice time. Be sure to follow all expectations. We need this time.

Dots and music order sheet were handed out.
Instructions are on the sheet. Folders should be perfect. Please check your son’s or daughter’s flip folder to see if it is in order.

Important Dates
March 17- Final trip meeting. Mandatory attendance (every household must be represented), March 22- Trip Preview concert- No excuses. 100% attendance. Large instrument packing will follow the concert

Medical Forms and Liability Forms are past due (only 97% in).

If you are missing music, copy someone else’s part. Don’t root through the band office.

Flute and Clarinet players will either have a band office case assigned to transport (carriers, tools…), be assigned to assist a sousaphone or quad player, or have a second ‘uniform suitcase’. Find four non-flute/clarinet playing band members and tell them you can be their uniform buddy to Milan and home from Munich. Give a list to Mr. Deep and you will be one of our uniform transporters. We need about half of the flute/clarinet players to handle uniforms. On return to Shaker, you will need to bring your suitcase to school the first day we return to turn in the uniforms.

Marching practice will happen outside. Be prepared. Hope for warm weather.

Date Correction

Yesterday's posting had an incorrect date. The Trip Concert will be held on Monday, March 22 at 7 PM in the North Gym at SHHS. 100% attendance is expected from all students. Sorry for the misinformation.

15 Days to Go

Important Dates- All Events Start At 7 PM
March 11- Chaperone Meeting at Dr. Grant’s House
March 17- Final Document Meeting at the Middle School (every family must be represented)
March 21- Trip Concert in the High School North Gym (100% attendance from our students)

Music Testing is going well for more than 85% of our students
Wednesday's Assignments
170 points or more- Multipurpose Room at 8 AM
91 to 169 points- Large Auditorium at 7:55
90 points or less- Practice Rooms C and D at 7:45

Euros- get at least a few as a starter
We hear that Charter One bank, on Warrensville by Target, has a large supply of Euros on site. You can get these even if it is not your bank.

Current rates:
-1 US Dollar = .73 Euro
-1 Euro = 1.36 US Dollar

Luggage
Everyone is permitted one suitcase and one small carry-on. These must fit within the size and weight limitations of your air carrier.

Phoning Home and Checking Email
We recommend that you contact your long distance provider and obtain an international calling card that includes a list of country access codes. You can also deposit coins into pay-phones, or use phone cards that can be purchased in Newspaper or Tobacco Shops. However, this is much more difficult than in the past thanks to cell phones. Do not dial home from your hotel room as heavy surcharges can be applied, for which you will be responsible. Be aware that the use of personal cell phones may carry substantial voice/data roaming charges. Check with your individual provider prior to departure for these fees.
Computer access is not free and is very limited at our hotels. There are internet cafes where students may have a chance to check email. However, since the students will be in groups, access will be limited. Also, the rest of the group may not want to check email. It is best to assume that you will not hear from your son or daughter while they are traveling. That way if you are contacted, it’s a bonus.
There are two adults planning on keeping everyone informed. One is planning a ‘virtual shadow trip’ (I love the name). The other plans on uploading photos, a blog and possibly small video clips daily. This is your best bet to stay in touch.

More History Lessons
This history of Salzburg puts emphasis on the religious tyranny that has effected southern Europe for Centuries. Modern European History emphasizes the Nazi influence. A broader perspective brings to light the long history of strife throughout Europe; much of which was based on religion. Click here to read more.

19 Days to Go

Rehearsal locations and times for Monday are as follows

50 Points and less- Practice Rooms C and D at 7:45 with Mr. Hughes

51 to 100 Points- Stage 3 (Under the Large Aud.) at 7:50 with Mr. Clemens

101 to 159 Points- Large Aud at 7:55 with Mr. K

160 Points and up- Multi Purpose Room at 8:00 with Mr. Deep

Percussion- Band Room at 7:45

Here are a few travel reminders

Protecting Your Luggage and Valuables
-Protect and carry valuables such as your passport copy, e-ticket receipts, traveler’s checks, debit-cards, credit cards and cash in the zippered ‘Shaker Bands’ neck pouch.
-All checked luggage must NOT be locked unless you have purchased a special TSA approved lock. Make sure you have your Macy’s and Shaker Band luggage tags attached to your bags at all times. It is wise to also include identification inside your suitcase in case a tag is destroyed or removed.
-Do not pack items such as your money, ticket receipts, or other travel documents in your checked luggage.
-Lost or damaged luggage must be reported before you leave the airport. The airlines will not be responsible for unreported loss or damage. See your tour guide if you need help with lost or damaged luggage.

Time Difference
Germany, Italy and Austria will be 6-hours ahead of Cleveland. When it is 9:00 a.m. in Cleveland it is 3:00 p.m. in Europe. EDST will be in effect on March 14th. DST will go into effect in Europe on March 28th.

Inoculations and Medications
Special inoculations are not required to visit Europe. We encourage you to check with your physician as a precautionary measure. DO NOT pack medication in your checked luggage. We suggest you obtain a duplicate of your prescriptions and inhalers. Please inform a teacher or administrator of any illness immediately so that you can receive treatment.
Prescription medications will be collected and disbursed by our medical staff. Please let us know if a student needs to keep certain prescription with them. All medications must be in the original container with the pharmacy label intact.

Weather and Clothing
The entire trip is casual so please dress for comfort. You can expect average high temperatures from 50-60° F during the day with nighttime temperatures about 10 degrees cooler.

Phoning Home
We recommend that you contact your long distance provider and obtain an international calling card that includes a list of country access codes. You can also deposit coins into pay-phones, or use phone cards that can be purchased in Newspaper or Tobacco Shops. We do not recommend dialing home from your hotel room as heavy surcharges can be applied, for which you will be responsible. Be aware that the use of personal mobile-phones may carry substantial voice/data roaming charges. Check with your individual provider prior to departure for these fees.

Electricity
The electricity in Europe runs at 220 volts, 50 cycles. You will need to bring an adapter and converter in order to use a U.S. hair dryer, curling iron, razor, or travel iron. Some appliances now are able to accommodate both 110 and 220 volt current. Please review your device information before departure. Converter and adapter kits can be purchased at Target, Walmart, REI, etc.

U.S. Customs
You can now bring back into the United States $800.00 of personal and household goods duty free. Anything above this amount and you will have to pay duty.

Identity Theft
Please contact your credit card company prior to departure to advise them that you will be using your credit/debit card in Europe. This should insure that your card can be used hassle-free during the trip.

Currency
1 US Dollar = .73 Euro 1 Euro = 1.36 US Dollar

Money and Credit Cards
We recommend you bring a combination of cash and some type of credit/ATM card for the tour. Traveler’s checks are also acceptable, but often have a commission to the agency that redeems the checks. MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most major souvenir shops. Local currency can be withdrawn from ATM Machines with cards on the Plus and Cirrus systems. You must have a PIN for these cards to work and they will carry a standard ATM charge when used. You generally receive the Interbank rate of exchange. It is essential that you contact your credit card company prior to departure to inform them that you will be using the card out of the country. You can get a student credit card at www.visabuxx.com, or at select local banks, for use on the tour.

Tipping
Gratuities are included in the tour and no tipping will be necessary for students.

United Airlines Luggage Regulations To Avoid fees:

International Checked Baggage:
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,52482,00.html

Carry-on Baggage:
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,1032,00.html

Delta Airlines Luggage Regulations- Avoid fees:

http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/baggage_allowance/index.jsp

3-1-1 rule for Carry-ons

TSA and our security partners conducted extensive explosives testing since August 10, 2006 and determined that liquids, aerosols and gels, in limited quantities, are safe to bring aboard an aircraft. The one bag limit per traveler limits the total amount each traveler can bring. Consolidating the bottles into one bag and X-raying them separately from the carry-on bag enables security officers to quickly clear the items.

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

20 Days To Go

Remember, we will be in Verona just three weeks from now. There are only six rehearsals left, plus testing week.

A Message From Dr. Mawhorter

A fabulous opportunity awaits! I am privileged to support the band as a volunteer physician. I trust all the medical forms are handed in. They provide excellent basic information that will help me effectively meet your needs. We want your trip to be as hassle free as possible.

Realizing each person and their situation is unique, I want to know if there are any particular details you think I need to know that are not captured on the form.

Students or parents may contact me. Yes, I am Jenny and Mike’s Dad; but as I care for you each conversation is personal and private.

I can be reached at mawhors@ccf.org or 216-445-2412. If appropriate a typed summary can be given to Mr. Deep in a sealed envelope.

Flight Information

Flight information can be found in two PDF files. Here is an alphabetical list of names with flight pattern numbers. Find you pattern number, then look here to find your specific flight information.

The Plans for the 150+ Club

Next Monday it will become the 160+ club, Tuesday- 170+; Wednesday- 180+, Thursday-190+, and Friday it will become the 200 club. Rehearsals will be in the multi-purpose room starting at 8:00 a.m.

The Zero Points Club begins tomorrow (Friday)

It will meet in the practice rooms C and D at 7:45 a.m. Next Monday it will become the < 50-club; Tuesday < 70; Wednesday < 90; Thursday < 110 and Friday < 130. This is a performance tour. This is not the minimum expectation, this is far behind the pace.

Important Dates

-March 11 – Chaperones meeting, 7:00 p.m. at Dr. Grant’s House
-March 17- Final trip meeting. Mandatory attendance (every household must be represented)
-March 22- Trip Preview concert- No excuses. 100% attendance. (Packing will follow the concert)

Medical Forms and Liability Forms are past due (only 72% in). PLEASE HELP!!!

22 Days Until the Alps

With the trip just over three weeks away, we are coming down to the wire.

7 rehearsals remaining, plus testing week
There have been several early rehearsals called. We will have rehearsals during testing week. There will be more info soon.

Music Testing
Here is the daily message, ask your son or daughter to explain: The travel clubs are posted. No student should have less than 50 points. If you do, you are far behind the pace. Anyone over 150 is close. You are not eligible to test first period until you have begun your testing before or after school. If you have questions see Mr. Deep and he can check your scores in the database.

The 150+ rehearsals begin Wednesday at 8:00 a.m
These rehearsals are for the band members who have earned at least 150 points on their playing tests. 150 points is expected from all band members by March 5th at 4:30 p.m. The score everyone must achieve is 200 points. Keep in mind that the 150 point cut-off will be raised periodically.

Important Dates

-March 5- Staff Flight Leaders meeting- 9:30 a.m.

-March 11- Chaperone meeting- 7:00 p.m.

-March 17- Final Document trip meeting in the Middle School Auditorium. (Mandatory attendance- every household must be represented)

-March 22- Trip Preview concert in the North Gym at the High School- Mandatory- 100% student attendance. (large instrument packing will follow the concert)

-March 24- Depart

-April 1- Arrive home

Medical Forms and Liability Forms are past due
Only 56% of forms are in. Please do your part. We have 512 forms to collect and copy (multiple times). There are still 228 that we are waiting for.

Passports
12 still to be collected. If this involves you, email Mr. Deep and update him on your situation.

If you are missing music...
Copy someone else’s music who has the same part. Do not root through the band office or ask a director to replace your lost music.

Uniform Buddies
Flute and Clarinet players will either have a band office case assigned to transport (carriers, tools…), be assigned to assist a sousaphone or quad player, or have a second ‘uniform suitcase’. Find four non-flute/clarinet playing band members and tell them you can be their ‘uniform buddy’ to Milan and home from Munich. Give a list to Mr. Deep and you will be one of our uniform transporters. We need about half of the flute/clarinet players to transport uniforms. On return to Shaker, you will need to bring your suitcase to school the first day school resumes and turn in the uniforms.

Marching practice will happen outside
Be prepared. Hope for warm weather.

Flight Information
Information will be released soon. We are waiting for updated numbers and times. Airline mergers have slowed our updates.

VISA card options
There are two that have been recommended at the band booster meeting. Both families have had good luck with these.

-AAA travel VISA card

-VISA bucks card (To sign up, just go to usbank.visabuxx.com. There are several other banks that may offer the same program. It is easy for a parent to keep track of all transactions and add money to it online.)

History Lessons

John Murphy is continuing to gather some history on the towns that we will be visiting on the the trip. Here is some information on Innsbruck and Venice.

On a different note...

We have a new member of the Shaker Band family. Please join Jason and Heidi Clemens in welcoming their daughter Elizabeth Marie. Libby was born at 4:36 PM on Saturday, Feb. 27, weighing 7 lbs, 7 ozs. and measuring 19 inches long. Mr. Clemens has taken a couple days off, but will be back at rehearsals in the middle of this week.

Three and a Half Weeks Until the Alps

As discussed in previous posts, medical and release forms are now available. Click below for the appropriate form.

Student Medical Form

Chaperone Medical Form

Release Form for Students and Chaperones

Please fill out the appropriate medical form and the release form and return them both as soon as possible to the Band Office.

As far as other announcements, we are still waiting for 15 passports to be turned in, 10 students and 5 adults. We are also still missing 5 "Six Weeks To Go" Questionnaires, 3 student and 2 shadow trip participants. Both of these items are due immediately.

Music checks are being conducted, but only 10 out of the 220 students going have checked off more that half of their music with a director. 40 students, or 5 groups of 8, have yet to sign up as part of a trip group. Please check with your student concerning whether or not they have signed up as part of a group. This posting is also the last call for roommate groups that would be interested in combining to form the triple rooms needed for several nights of the trip. Triples will soon be assigned if there are no volunteers.

Lastly, for those of you who travel on a regular basis, we would like to make you aware of a special phone offer from "Wireless Traveler." For more information, click here.

4 Weeks To Go

While there are no new announcements this week, we continue to ask parents to check in with their students regarding their progress on music checks. If students have not checked any of their trip music off with a director, they are behind. Rehearsals for the trip will begin on Wednesday, following Tuesday night's concert. Student and chaperone passports should already be turned in to the band office, and Six Week Questionnaires are due from all participants immediately. Final reservations for meals are already being made, and the information on that sheet is important for making those decisions. Be watching for the Trip Medical Form that will be posted on this website shortly. Once posted, we ask that all trip participants fill them out and return them as soon as possible. Remember that the final document meeting is scheduled for March 17 at 7 PM in the Shaker Middle School Auditorium for all trip participants.

To whet you appetite, read a brief history of Verona, Italy, one of the stops on the trip, here.

5 Weeks Until the Alps

Here's another update regarding "Shaker Crosses The Alps." These announcements have been made during morning band rehearsals, and the band staff is asking all parents to echo them at home as well as the window of time until the trip closes.

Passports
Student and chaperone passports are due IMMEDIATELY. We are still waiting on 33 passports. The copying and sorting process described in the previous post is already occurring because we cannot wait any longer.

Marching Instruments
All marching instruments are prepared for pick-up and should have been signed out by now.

Music
Students have received 18 of the 20 pieces of music we will be performing on the trip (the Austrian and Italian national anthems will be coming soon), along with flip-folders and lyres. Flip-folders should be loaded with the music in the order that was passed out, and pages should be taped on each side to avoid losing music. Trumpet, trombone, snare drum, and bass drum players need to stop by the band office to pick up extra windows and heavy-duty rings. Testing has already begun and students who have not checked off at least some pieces from the list with a director are behind. Students should be prepared for some early rehearsals (before 8:05) in the month of March.

Six-Week Questionnaire
The questionnaire is still available here. We are still waiting for 46 student, 12 chaperone, and 21 shadow trip participant questionnaires. Those questionnaires contain important information regarding dietary restrictions and preferences that are necessary for planning meals. The order for the clothing printer will be placed soon, and students who do not return this form by Tuesday morning will not receive their trip hoodie. Medical forms will be coming out soon, please be on the look out for them and return them as soon as possible.

Finally, remember that the very important Final Document Meeting has been scheduled for March 17 at 7 PM in the Shaker Middle School Auditorium.

Audio and Video Pages Updated

Taking a break from trip updates, the "Audio" and "Video" pages under the "Downloads" heading have been updated with tracks and videos from the High School concerts on December 14 and 15. You can click on the links to watch or listen online, or you can right-click on the link, select "Save Target As," and assign a name to the file to save it to your own computer. More audio and video to come!

Trip Information, Please Read All

With the trip just over six weeks away, final preparations are underway.

Questionnaire
A “Six Weeks To Go” Questionnaire is only available on our website, here. All trip participants, including chaperones and shadow trip participants, should fill out a questionnaire and return it to the band office immediately. Students will need to select a color for their hooded sweatshirt from this chart.

Passports
Student and chaperone passports are due to Mr. Deep IMMEDIATELY. All passports need to be signed and valid through 10/10/10 (due to travel restrictions in some countries and for safety reasons). Once turned in, passports are immediately locked in the Band Office, then transported in batches to the Administration Building for copying and safe keeping until the trip. While we are on the trip, copies will be kept with each student, with chaperones for all of their trip group members, in the Administration Building, and at least two sets of full band copies will be kept by the band staff during the trip. All the real passports will be locked in hotel safes while on the trip. The process of copy and sorting so many passports takes time, so passports are needed well in advance of the trip.

Uniforms
Uniform exchange will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 9 and 10, from 3 to 4 PM in the uniform room, by the band room doors in the South parking lot for students experiencing any uniform issues. Students should try on their uniforms to make sure they still fit. Any uniform parts being exchanged should first be dry-cleaned. ALL UNIFORMS MUST BE DRY CLEANED BEFOR THE TRIP. Please make arrangements now.

Passover Seder
For those interested in the optional Passover Seder dinner while on the trip, and invitation, including additional information, can be found here. All participants are invited.

Final Document Meeting
The mandatory Final Document Meeting for all trip participants has been scheduled for March 17 at 7 PM in the Middle School Auditorium.

Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is needed for packing the instruments and equipment for a long plane ride across the Atlantic. If you have any available, please send it in to the Band Office.

Email Updates
As the trip draws closer, updates like this will become more regular, and information will not be sent home in handouts. Please be sure that you have registered to receive email updates whenever this blog is updated. We will also be using the blog for updates, pictures, and videos while on the trip.

Travel Group Sign-up, Passports, and Uniforms

It is time for students to sign-up for their travel groups. The registration form and information is available outside the the band office and here. Also, students' passports will be collected soon and should be valid until 10/10/10. Full marching band uniforms must be dry cleaned before the trip.