Weekly Update: August 13th – August 17th ~ Welcome Back! FB @ Mainland!

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***SEE VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE BELOW REGARDING MEDICAL FORMS & FRIDAY’S TRAVEL EXPERIENCE***

THIS IS A BIG WEEKLY UPDATE! READ ALL THE WAY DOWN! IEGYB! 

This Week

  • Monday
    • First Day of School! IEGYB!
  • Tuesday
    • BDMB 6 PM – 8:30 PM
    • Concessions Team Meeting 6:30 PM (Band Room) 
  • Wednesday
    • Percussion Sectional 2:30 PM – 5 PM
  • Thursday
    • BDMB 3 PM – 5:30 PM
    • New York City Trip Interest Meeting! 6:00 PM (In Auditorium) 
  • Friday
    • FSU Band Day Sign Up/Payment DUE $25.00 (Students & Chaperones)
      • SchoolPay is an option.
      • Cash or Check is an option. (Turn in to safe.)
    • All State Contracts/Sign Up DUESee Mr. L for Contract
    • ALL STATE CONTRACTS CHANGED: Due Wednesday, August 22nd
    • Morning Pep Rally! 7 AMDoors Open @ 6:30 AM
    • Football @ Daytona Beach Mainland HSUniform: Under Uniform (Band T-Shirt, Band Shorts, Band Shoes, Back Pack, Hat)4:15 PM Call Time
      • TIMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED! PLEASE MAKE A NOTE! KICK OFF TIME MOVED FROM 7:30 PM to 7:00 PM. THANK YOU! 
      • 4:00 PM Doors Open
      • 4:20 PM Seated/Dressed.
      • 4:30 PM Depart
      • 5:15 PM Arrive Seminole Towne Center (Dinner Stop @ Food Court)
      • 6:00 PM Depart for Daytona Stadium
      • 6:30 PM Arrive Daytona Stadium
      • 7:00 PM Kick Off!
      • Return Info TBA
        • Return estimates/Info will come via Remind Text at conclusion of game. (Join by texting @apkbdmb to 81010!)

Looking Ahead 

  • Monday, August 20th – Student Leadership Meeting 2:40 PM – 3:15 PM
  • Week 2: Winds (Woodwinds/Brass) Full Group Sectionals will commence on Wednesday’s from 1:20 PM – 2 PM every other week and last through MPA week. A detailed schedule will come out later this week.
  • Saturday, August 25th – BDMB Rehearse-A-Thon 8 AM – 12 PM (Mandatory)
    • EARN FUNDS! Use this REHEARSE-A-THON FORM to solicit your donations today! SchoolPay can be used for those who wish to make a donation on your behalf!
  • Saturday, September 15th – FBA All State Auditions @ Ocoee HS
    • Student/Parent Contracts DUE Friday, August 17th!

***Medical Forms*** 

Visit our FORMS page to download, fill out, and turn in your Medical Form for the 2018-2019 season. You WILL NOT be allowed on the bus to travel with us to Daytona this Friday without this form. Paper copies are available in the band room.

Band Calendar

Please check the following locations for our Band Calendar and updates to our schedule:

Rehearsals and Performances begin this week and are considered mandatory for all performers. 

  • Google Calendar found at apopkabands.com/calendar
  • Printable Wall/Refrigerator Calendar found at apopkabands.com/calendar
  • Wall Calendars in Band Room
  • White Board Calendar in Band Room

New York City Trip INTEREST Meeting! 

Join us on Thursday evening for our initial NYC TRIP INTEREST meeting where we will lay out the Itinerary/dates, approximate costs, payment schedules, and possible fundraising initiatives. This meeting will occur in our Auditorium at 6 PM following BDMB Band Practice! Band members AND Parents should attend to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

All State  

Students auditioning for All State should turn in their contracts by Friday. If you are unaware of this process, please see Mr. L well in advance of Friday. If you have considered auditioning for All State but have not yet looked the music, please consider All County as it is too late to begin working on music for this audition. (All County prep is already underway! OCPS uses shortened versions of the All State excerpts!)

Volunteer Forms

Please visit the FORMS page to download, fill out, and turn in your Volunteer Form for 2018-2019! Our parents are the backbone of our success! Paper copies are available in the Band Room.

Band Uniforms 

Please see Ms. Janice ASAP if you have not yet ordered any necessary shoes, uniform items, etc. as related to the BDMB. Concert Uniforms will be ordered later in the Fall semester.

AHS Campus/First Day Updates 

  • Schedule Change requests will not be open until WEDNESDAY. A Google Form link will be offered via the apopkahs.ocps.net website for you to fill out. The window will close on Sunday at 11:59 PM.
  • Students in the 1600 will have a NEW pathway in 18-19. In an effort to maximize student safety, ALL STUDENTS will be directed into the courtyard nearest the football stadium and will have to enter the 800 building via the Student Services entrance. We will no longer use the EXTERIOR BAND ROOM DOORS during school. Only BEFORE and AFTER school.
  • Band Room will open at 7 AM each morning. Students should be departing at 7:10 AM for class. 1st Period Concert Band Members should begin preparing for the rehearsal by warming up/following daily plan that is posted.
  • ProgressBook is your location for your schedule. No more paper schedules. Follow most up-to-date version on Monday.
  • Tardies will be tracked starting on Wednesday. Teachers will lock doors and you will have to receive a Hero note to enter the door. This will also be in effect for those in North Campus and 1600 Building. Move with a purpose!
  • MASTERY LEARNING is the goal of our campus. For all students, in all facets. We, as a faculty, have been challenged to focus on students developing a mastery level of learning in all that we do. These are exciting times to be a Student and Teacher at AHS and we look forward to seeing each of our members become MASTER LEARNERS!
  • The Apopka Band will utilize Canvas for the coming year! Have your laptops charged and ready to roll in class on Day 1! INSTRUMENTS on Day 2!

From AHS:

One Mill Tax Vote

One Mill Header

Click HERE to read the full article at ocps.net.

——————————————————————————————————————-

The renewal of a one-mill property tax will be on the ballot to:

  • Retain highly qualified teachers

  • Protect arts and athletics programs in schools

  • Maintain academic programs and student activities

This renewal is of a tax in place since 2010. Without it, OCPS will lack funding to continue fully supporting teachers and students. On Aug. 28, Orange County voters will decide if the one-mill property tax should be renewed for an additional four years.

The Big Picture

Without an extension of the one mill, OCPS will have $1,437 less in per-student funding than what 2007 funding would provide today, adjusted for inflation.

Without an extension of the one mill, OCPS anticipates a 2019 budget reduction of $143 million which will impact many hundreds of teachers, academic programs, arts and athletics. 

THIS REFERENDUM IS THE ONLY QUESTION ON THE ORANGE COUNTY BALLOT FOR AUGUST 28th. IT IS THE LAST ITEM ON THE BALLOT.

Who’s Ready For A Great Year? #iegyb

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End of Camp Performance!

Visit our Apopka Bands Facebook page to see the FB Live clips of Friday’s Performance! (Click link on right hand side of this page!) Enjoy!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our new 2018 BDMB on an incredible Summer Band Camp Experience! We are continuing to grow and explore new dimensions of the marching realm that will undoubtedly take us to new heights in our ability to excite and entertain the Apopka faithful as well as each and every audience we are able to pump up through performance! We are proud of you!

Alumni: It was an absolute joy to see many of you return throughout the weeks of camp to say hi and see what is going on in your BDMB. It is a true testament to the impact this program has had on all of our lives. In the future, as we sing the alma mater to close out rehearsals and performances, please know you are ALWAYS welcomed to jump in, grab a shoulder, and sing along with your family. My apologies for not announcing this on Friday at our end of camp performance! It was great to see you! Go forth and have a great Fall Semester! We look forward to seeing you each Friday that you can make it out to Blue Darter Football! #IEGYB!

As we look ahead, regular season begins Monday, August 13th, or first day of school. While you will be meeting new teachers, reconnecting with friends, etc., we are in “full steam ahead” mode. We will cover our official rules and expectations within each class on Monday, and begin rehearsals on Tuesday. Tuesday evening begins our first evening rehearsal of the season from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. And with that…. off we go! Football Friday will take us to Daytona Beach Mainland in our first contest on August 17th.

Remember: This is our first travel experience. Those without medical forms on file will not travel with the program. This is a mandatory trip. Get the form completed and turned in to Mr. L as soon as possible. You may also scan and email the form if you wis to do so.

Here is our Week 1 “Weekly Schedule”:

Weekly Schedule

  • Monday: OCPS First Day
  • Tuesday: BDMB Evening Rehearsal 6 pm – 8:30 pm
  • Wednesday: Percussion After School (TBA)
  • Thursday: BDMB After School 3 PM – 5:30 PM (Change from 17-18 due to 2:20 end time.)
  • Friday: Football @ Mainland (Call Time TBA)
  • Planning ahead is a CRITICAL component of our success. Our first week we will complete our annual 168 assignment to help our members understand their schedule tendencies and how they align/do not align with their goals and responsibilities. We will continue to refine and reinforce these principles throughout the year to ensure they understand the importance of planning and preparing for success in each phase of their lives. Take time to go over this with your member to reinforce how essential this within or daily approach to life.
  • Noteworthy Tidbits
      • Thank you to ALL that helped in or concessions clean up! APK football is just around the corner and the burgers will be flowing and smelling up the stadium!
      Charms Info Update! Haven’t filled it out yet? Do it now so we can connect you within the program!
      Committee Interest Questionnaire! Parents, have you filled out our booster questionnaire yet? If not, consider being a part of the organization that makes all of this possible! Click today to see how you can best your You time, talents, and treasures to serve our greatest resources (our kiddos!) alongside some incredible parents in APK!
      Forms! Visit our Forms page to get any missing forms!
      Sign Ups: FSU Band Day Sign Ups will occur through the first week of school. They will be finalized Friday, August 17th. Payment must be made for both students/parents to hold your seat for this year’s event. Each seat is $25 per person. Game Tickets are free.
      Sign Ups: Freshmen Jazz! Email Mr. L this week if you did not get a chance to sign up so he can add yo name to the list! (jeremy.langford@ocps.net)

    And Finally… Thank You!

    To every person who made our Summer Band Camp a tremendous success. We are grateful for the efforts that were given to learn, to grow, to support, to serve, and to build or program by our Members, Student Leaders, Parents, and Staff these last two weeks! Our Fall 2018 Campaign will be an incredible experience together and we grow and learn more about coming together through performance!

    Congratulations to our ROOKIE CLASS on a great start to your BDMB career! You did an outstanding job!

    We hope you have an incredibly restful week and get ready for your best school year yet….. This is your year! Strive for the highest…. and, as always, never forget, IN EVERYTHING, GIVE YOUR BEST! NOW, GO TAKE A BATH! #iegyb #themachine #2018bdmb

    Get it Mr. Ellis! Go Big Blue!!!

    Band Camp Updates! Read On….!!!

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    Sign Ups

    Both sign ups will be on the white board beginning on Thursday morning. Please see the descriptions below for each of the sign ups.

    • FSU Band Day
      • Saturday, September 8th
      • $25.00 per person/Payment made by August 17th
      • Limited number of tickets for game
      • Sign ups will end by August 17th
    • Freshmen Jazz Ensemble
      • We are excited to offer a BRAND NEW “Freshmen Jazz” ensemble this year! Sign up this week so this can be added to your schedule for the coming year. See Mr. L if you have any questions!
      • Standard Jazz Instruments are encouraged! All instruments are welcomed! Join in for some incredible fun!

    Laptop Distribution

    Thursday (Last Names A-L) & Friday (Last Names M-Z) will be the distribution time for new students at AHS to come and pick up their laptops for the coming year. Times are from 12 PM – 7 PM each day. This includes new students in 10th – 12th grades as well as any AHS students that turned in their laptops at the end of last year. On Thursday, students can depart at the conclusion of camp. (4 PM) Friday camp ends at noon and members are encouraged to go immediately to get their devices.

    Clean Up Volunteers Needed! 

    Saturday morning from 8 AM – 12 PM is our annual Concession Clean Up opportunity! Please join us to help prepare for the coming season! We need both parents and students alike to come and help kick off the new season ahead! STUDENTS: Volunteer hours await you!

    Charms Info Update 

    • Please click Charms Student Information Form to add your information for our Charms Office system. ALL MEMBERS need to fill this out so we can update your information!
    • Parents! Please fill our the Committee Interest Questionnaire to help us best serve our students in the coming year! New parents and old parents alike please join us in making this the best year yet!

    Friday Performance Update

    We look forward to seeing you all on Friday! Come and join us for an incredible Premier Performance of the Blue Darter Marching Band!

    • 6 PM (Students Courtyard Call Time 5:30 PM)
    • Uniform: Under Uniform for Vets (Band T-Shirt & Dark Shorts for new members)
    • Performance Plan
      • No Rain: Courtyard Warm Up, March to Parking Lot, PreGame, Band Olympics Relay, Half Time Performance
      • Rain: Gymnasium for all performance material. Stand still performances only.

    Fall 2018 BDMB Kick Off Event!

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    Fall 2018 Kick Off Event! 

    Monday, July 23rd, 2018 @ 6 PM!

    This is event is our official Kick Off to the Fall 2018 BDMB! This event is for both parents and students! We will collect forms (below), fees, and have volunteer sign ups for our upcoming season! This event is a simple one-stop-shop to better help get the year off the ground and running!

    We will begin with a brief general session to welcome everyone back and then proceed to stations to turn in the various forms and info as needed. Some forms are now via Google Forms and can be completed NOW! The Uniform-Financial form is a “Type & Print” for that you can complete at home, however, we will have paper copies available on Monday evening.

    SCHOOLPAY is now ready for you to pay ahead! Visit the Blue Darter Band page via the SchoolPay website and you can pay now!

    Forms

    • Medical Form (Copy of Insurance Card also needed)
    • Uniform-Financial Form – Type & Print!
      • SchoolPay: Blue Darter Band Page
      • To update the numbers, try scrolling to page two. Numbers should appear. 
      • You can print to “PDF” to save a copy for yourself. Print a copy to bring with you if you are filling it out before coming to the Kick Off Event. 
    • Charms Student Information Form (via Google Forms)
      • ALL MEMBERS need to fill this out so we can update our Charms Student/Parent information.
    • Committee Interest Questionnaire (For all Parents!)
    • Concessions/Chaperone Sign Up will be available at the meeting!

    We look forward to an incredible camp and season ahead!

    Seven Week Scale Challenge!

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    Check out our Seven Week Scale Challenge and join us on the journey! #iegyb!

    Booster Committee Questionnaire

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    Click below to fill our our survey for parents to find the best fit for you as we populate our service committees for the 18-19 Blue Darter Band. Many hands make light work…. Fill out the form today so we can begin planning for the success of this year’s Program!

    Please fill out by Friday, June 9th so we can begin to populate our various committees and set up connection to begin looking ahead towards our season’s goals!

    Click HERE for the form!