Events:
Sat, September 8: Rehears-a-thon
September 10-14:
Fri, September 14: Football Game #2
Sat, September 15: Poway Days Parade
September 24-28:
Fri, September 28: Football Game #3
September News
Sunday, September 30, 2007 ~ Week VII VIPs
Section of the Week: "Low Brass" (Pictured: Baritones)
Note: Mr. Sybilski only announced the SOTW at the end of Saturday's rehearsal. Most likely this decision was insignificant in nature and is just a filler because they forgot to choose a section on Thursday night. Also, can they really choose all of the Low Brass for SOTW? Still, I decided to give you the baritones' funny section photo. You can find Tuba and Trombone funny photos in the news archives.
Rachel P. ~ Pit Section Leader (right)
Shirt Quotes: "This is life. No, you may NOT have a refund." (2007)
Birthday: April 30
Best Quality: "Determined"
Advice: "Marching band is not like the rest of the world. Society encourages us to have ideas and share them, as does school. Marching band encourages us to take orders and learn how a hierarchy works. Take each part of life as it is, and do NOT mix them up."
Leadership Advice: "Leadership skills are not something you can gain overnight, and if you ever want to be a real leader, you have to start acting like one immediately. Otherwise, the world will never see you that way."
What We Think: Rachel is a fireball as you can very well imply from the information above. She is determined, hardworking, and blunt, but in a good sort of way. You may have heard her making band announcements over the school intercom, as well as introducing performing groups at the Poway Festival in the Spring. She also has some experience in acting. Although some people consider her to be the polar opposite of Nafisah, they surprising work very well as a team. She has definitely proven herself to be a fierce competitor in the band.
Clarinets ~ Jessica M. (center)
Friday, September 28, 2007 ~ New Features
Sorry this update is a little late in the afternoon but I've been working on a whole bunch of projects lately. First and of most importance, please sign up for our emailing list by sending an email to macgyver@pacbell.net with your name, instrument, and grade. For the next two years I will be sending out a monthly newsletter about our new features! If you have ever recieved my emails in the past then you are probably already on the list, but if you are not sure please send my an email anyway. The first newsletter is scheduled to be sent out this weekend so please email me your info as soon as possible.
Next we have some cool new additions to the Band page. First, there are now scale sheets available for all major and minor scales for all instruments! True, I did steal them from another website, but I am glad to make them available to you. If you start passing off your scales early (especially freshmen) then you won't have to cram them all in at the end of the semester! Also, we have our first ever band article, written up by Navarre. It's titled, "Mallet Basics 101" and will give a little insight to melodic percussion instruments. Finally, I made a few additions the the "Leadership Contact Information" page as well.
This week's photo album is the Poway Days Parade ! For all of you people who still haven't realized it, please remember that photo albums will always be linked to under "Visual" in the left hand column. By the way, here are the current scores:
PHSMB.com = 0 Pictures
Wednesday, September 26, 2007 ~ Media of the Week
It's time to reveal last week's Mystery Song :
Poor Unfortunate Souls (The Little Mermaid) ~ By: Alan Menken
Since we haven't had many winners in a while, I decided to make this mystery song super easy. Only those of you who never watched the classic animated Disney movies would have had trouble guessing this one. Here are the winners:
Rachel P. ~ Pit Senior
Teresa C. ~ Flute Senior
Emily C. ~ Clarinet Freshman
Aria H. ~ Sophomore Flute
One of the reasons that I have decided to give out Mystery Song prizes is because it gives me the opportunity to distribute pictures to people. It would be impossible for me to personally give each and every one of you a picture, so this allows those who truly want high quality images to earn them. CLICK HERE for more information about our weekly Mystery Songs. Here's another clip, right on schedule:
Video of the Week (10/14/05)
Launch Video
Notes: In preparation for another football game, here is the fight song as played two years ago. (Note: I have never been able to show these older videos on the web until now!) (EDIT: 11/26/07)
Picture of the Week (9/26/07)
Notes: Here's our second preview pic for the PIFT logo, by Nafisah T . This is a draft of the lower half of the design done in her signature anime-style artwork. We'll forgive Nafisah some day for drawing the clarinetist's hands backwards!
Sunday, September 23, 2007 ~ Week VI VIPs
Before we get to the VIPs, here is a message from Emily M.:
Interested in learning American Sign Language? Come check out Sign Language Club every Tuesday at lunch in E-1. We'd love to see you there!
Pictured on the right is last year's Sign Language Club which consisted of almost all band kids. Emily does a great job teaching and organizing the group so I would encourage you all to attend!
Shirt Quotes: "Let's march, let's march today!" (2006)
Birthday: December 18
Best Quality: "Integrity"
Advice: "Don't fall during shows!"
Leadership Advice: "Do not ever yell at your section! if you yell people get defensive and will really dislike you."
The Pookian Pook of the high brass, Heather is a very spirited person who dressed up for all of the spirit days during Band Camp. Most of her best friends are in the flutes and clarinets and they are inseperable as you can see by the above photos. Plus, she attends Sign Language Club, mentioned at the beginning of today's update. Thanks Heather!
Marchers of the Week:
Clarinets ~ Cayla H. (right)
Before the new stuff, I would like to tell you about an amazing animated series called
Avatar: The Last Airbender In the show, a young boy named Aang is a young Avatar and has the ability to control or "bend" air, water, earth, and fire elements. However, he must master all of the elements in order to stop the ruthless Fire Nation and restore balence to the world. The first episode of Season 3: Fire, airs tonight at 8:30 PM on Nickelodeon so be sure to catch it! EDIT: Nickelodeon will be showing a new episode every Friday for the next 10 weeks. You'll thank me later. Click on the picture to see the Season 3 Trailer!
Here's some more show narration that was revealed for the 2nd movement on Wednesday. The words that are crossed out were omitted from the original text and any words that are not in quotes are additions.
Phrase Narration
Mvt. 2: "I kept quite still and said nothing. For a whole hour..."
(Measures 34-61): --now, I say, Then "there came to my ears a low, dull, quick sound...It was the beating of the old man's heart...It grew quicker and quicker, and louder and louder every instant."
(Measures 70-71): "The old man's hour " time "had come!"
(Measures 76-77) "He shrieked once --once only"
(Measures 79-82) The old man was dead. "...stone dead. His eye would trouble me no more."
Here are a few new additions to the Music page! First, there is "Live Recording" of us playing the first movement. Throughout the season, we will have a series of live recordings to allow you to listen to our progress. More importantly though, we have a professional recording of "The Southerner," our new parade march! I spent a whole 99 cents for this track, so enjoy, but please do not save. Finally, if you scroll all the way down, I have added two special marches that I think you will enjoy!
As always, here is our Friday photo album: Football Games ! Just as a public service announcement, this photo album will be linked to under "Visual" in the left hand column, along with all of the other photo albums for your future viewing! Finally, here are the times for Saturday practices, probably from now on:
8:30 AM to 11 AM, 12 PM to 2:30 PM
Wednesday, September 19, 2007 ~ Media of the Week
It's time to reveal last week's Mystery Song :
Specter of the Goblin (Spider-Man) ~ By: Danny Elfman
This one was a little tougher because the only recognizable part of the song are three specific Spider-Man chords at the end of the track. Although it wouldn't have taken a musical genius to figure it out. Too bad there are no winners again this week. CLICK HERE for more information about our weekly Mystery Songs. Good luck identifying this week's clip:
Video of the Week (9/15/07)
Launch Video
Notes: Clarinets doing the Hokey Pokey before the Poway Days parade! What's not to like? (EDIT: 11/26/07)
Picture of the Week (9/19/07)
Notes: Here's our first PIFT (Poway Invitational Field Tournament) preview picture by our very own Nafisah T. ! As you will notice, Poway is spelled, "Poeway" in honor of Edgar Allen Poe. This intricate eye & heart logo is to go on the back of the shirts! Be sure to check back every week from now until the PIFT for another preview and the lastest news!
Sunday, September 16, 2007 ~ Week V VIPs
Shirt Quotes: "I know what you are thinking and you should be ashamed of yourself." (2007)
Birthday: November 27
Best Quality: "outgoing & inclusive"
Advice: "Always have a good attitude, because it makes everything better, including the running, blood, sweat, and tears filled with sunscreen :)"
Leadership Advice: "Try your best the first year, nobody expects you to be perfect. Keep working at it and always lead by example, nobody wants to be yelled at all the time for the stupidest things. Great things can be accomplished with your silence."
What We Think: Trevor is not only one of the top musicians in the band on several instruments but he is one popular guy. He has been in Wind Symphony for three years and has been section leader for two. For the clarinets, he adds a bit of fun to almost everything that we do and never gets stressed out. He is a pretty cool senior!
Marchers of the Week:
Clarinets ~ Melanie S. (left)
Friday, September 14, 2007 ~ New Features
Congratulations to Nafisah T. for winning the PIFT shirt drawing contest this year! I have seen the designs and they really are awesome! Hopefully we will have some images of the design to put up by next week. For now, check out the Band Camp ~ Page 2 photo album under Visual which includes the other half of the 104 Band Camp pics!
Speaking of shirts, the shirts that we were planning to sell last week have been cancelled. The Band Boosters have told me that I cannot use my re-drawn EB logo for the shirts; no specific reason was given for their decision. Even just 4 shirts, for us 4 staff members were denied. It is a disappointment that this project was shut down completely, when my only intent was to support the band...
But alas, we shall not give up! I have an idea for a BETTER shirt design that involves everyone. Thank you for supporting us and spreading the word about this site. How can you do this? Well, now you can view and print out some advertisement Invitations to macgyversfriend.com/emerald, and even pass them out if you want to! The invitations will be linked to under Effect if you ever need more!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007 ~ Media of the Week
During the last part of Saturday's Rehearse-a-thon, Mr. Sybilski revealed the experimental beginning narration, which consisted of serveral quotes from "The Tell-Tale Heart." I have listed that narration below, but have crossed out the parts of the original phrases that were cut.
Phrase Narration
Mvt. 0: TRUE! nervous, very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why WILL you say that I am mad? The disease had sharpened my senses, not destroyed, not dulled them . Above all was the sense of hearing acute. I heard all things in the heaven and in the earth. I heard many things in hell. How then am I mad? Hearken! and observe how healthily, how calmly, I can tell you the whole story.
Mvt. 1: It is impossible to say how did the idea first enter my brain? The old man had the eye of a vulture, whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold.
(Measures 27-30): I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye for ever.
(Measures 74-75) "Who's there?"
It's time to reveal last week's Mystery Song:
The Rumble (West Side Story) ~ By: Leonard Bernstein
This time I really was expecting a huge response because West Side Story is so well known. I guess I expected too much because I recieved a grand total of 0 guesses. "The Rumble" even has themes from the musical's opening "Jet Song." Hopefully there will be some winner for next week. CLICK HERE for more information about our weekly Mystery Songs. Here's your next clip to guess:
Video of the Week (9/10/05)
Launch Video
Notes: Here's something that you can look forward to at the Poway Days Parade. Some of you may recognize the beginning of the old "Get Funky" cadence during the last seconds of the video. (EDIT: 11/26/07)
Picture of the Week (9/8/07)
Notes: The new opening flags were revealed on Saturday's Rehearse-a-thon. This eye is rumored to be joined by staircase and heart flags for movements 2 & 3.
Sunday, September 9, 2007 ~ Week IV VIPs
Shirt Quote: "You aren't alone as long as there are cookies" -Noelle
Birthday: May 24
In the color guard section, Brittaney stands out due to her apparent abundance of energy. She is outgoing and always happy to make new friends. Along with the fact that she is easy to talk to, Brittaney is the most experienced color guard leader and so is a very good person to go to for help. Even if you don't need assistance, Brittaney is always happy to just chat and joke around. ~ Sheep
Marchers of the Week:
Color Guard ~ Christeen H.
Clarinets ~ Marilyn P. (center)
I would like to now take this opportunity to introduce our new staff member:
Sheep ~ Color Guard Representative & Writer
Sheep already has some experience in web design, loves math and science, and will be giving us news from a guard perspective. Sheep's first entry was a description of Brittaney, which you can read above. Hopefully, Sheep will be providing even more written rescources as well that you can look forward to this year!
Friday, Sepetember 7, 2007 ~ New Features
Page 1 of the Band Camp Photo Album is up and can be viewed under Visual. Last year I posted exactly 100 pictures for Band Camp, but since I am so generous, this album's grand total is 104! Half of them are up for now and Page 2 will be coming next week. Enjoy!
Also, I have created the Leadership Contact Information page which will exist under Band containing phone numbers and email addresses of most all of the section leaders (if you couldn't figure it out from the title). Please do not abuse the information on this page.
For awhile now, I have been considering making shirts for this website. These t-shirts would be black (to wear under your uniform) with this site's Emerald Brigade logo on the back. Please take a look at the prospective version of what the shirt will look like:
I would love to make this test shirt a reality, but I need to know how many of you out there would be interested in buying one to show your support of this site. The estimated price for this shirt is 15$ but this figure will hopefully decrease, depending on how many people would like to buy it. The website will be making no profits from any of the shirt sales.
I honestly would like to hear your opinions on this topic, so please email me or talk to me at school. Check back for more status updates concerning this idea. Thanks for all support out there!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007 ~ Media of the Week
It's time to reveal last week's Mystery Song :
Pink Elephants on Parade (Dumbo) ~ By: Ned Washington & Oliver Wallace
I personally thought that this one was a cinch, since the name of the song was mentioned in the lyrics. Here were our two winners:
Emily M. ~ Clarinet Senior
Katie M. ~ Color Guard Junior
Remember, in order to win, you must email me the song title and the movie it came from. I will only accept electronic entries, no verbal ones. Let me also remind everyone that the winners will recieve special reserved pictures, that will never be seen online, EVER. Now, here's this week's clip:
Video of the Week (8/13/07)
Launch Video
Notes: The color guard practice their routine for the first movement at Band Camp. (EDIT: 11/26/07)
Picture of the Week (8/19/05)
Notes: It's amazing how much more this one means to me two years later...recognize anyone?
Sunday, September 2, 2007 ~ Week III VIPs
Section of the Week: Percussion
(Yeah, I guess my prediction was wrong!)
Leadership of the Week:
Lucy Y. ~ Publicist (center)
(left)
Shirt Quote: "Did that come out of your nose - don't let it touch me!"
Birthday: March 22
Best Quality: "My kindness"
Advice: "Enjoy the time spent with everyone and be nice to everyone because after four years together they become your family!"
Leadership Advice: "Make sure above everything else that band is fun. Though it is your job to instill rules and practice into everyone if the program is boring and hard no one will want to return."
Marchers of the Week:
Color Guard ~ Katie R.
Trombones ~ Matthew A.
Clarinets ~ Michael J. (left)
Video of the Week:
This feature will be moving to Wednesdays along with Mystery Songs.
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