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