Category Archives: Announcements

Weekly Update: January 14th through 18th ~ Gettin’ Back To Work!

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Wind Symphony, and Matt Murphy/Daniel Harshmen represent Apopka @ All State Convention!

  • The clinic audience
  • Our clinicians: Mr. Kaminsky, Mrs. Dorsey, Mr. Fielder, Mr. Wansley, and Mr. McConn
  • Matt and Daniel representing APK at All State!
  • Mr. Wansley’s and the band!
  • Back stage ready to enter!
  • Izaih PROUDLY posing for a Pre-Performance Pic!
  • The stage view
  • With Mr. Wansley
  • With Mr. Kaminsky
  • Yeah, of course. 🙂
  • Again. 🙂
  • Getting ready!
  • Tampa Convention Center, Home of the Florida All State Convention!

We are proud of our All State Participants, Matt Murphy and Daniel Harshman for your perseverance, dedication, and commitment to pursuing music at the highest level! You have gone ABOVE AND BEYOND in order to achieve this honor and we salute you on a wonderful weekend of growth and performance! Congratulations gentlemen! We are PROUD OF YOU!

  • Mr. L and Matt
  • Daniel and Mr. L

To our Wind Symphony, you accepted a challenging task of taking part in a two-plus hour clinic session to help Band Directors from across the state of Florida learn and grow to better develop their own performers. I am so humbled by your discipline and attentiveness to work with each of the five clinicians and your willingness to be part of this process. The day was a tremendous success for Music Education.

Many thanks to Mrs. Kim Bercegeay, Mr. Cody Smith, Mrs. Marcy Warren, Mrs. Teresa Paylor, Mrs. Janice Pedroza and Mrs. Annie Coffee for being there with us and supporting our members as chaperones for the day! It was also awesome to have Mrs. Tracy Murphy and Mrs. Kim Harshman join us! We are grateful to our incredible Army of Parents for taking great care of our members each and every opportunity we have to travel and perform!

IEGYB!

Spring 2019, APK Wind Symphony @ All State Convention

This Week

  • Monday
    • 6 PM Band Parent Meeting (Band Room)
  • Tuesday
    • 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Wind Symphony (MPA Prep)
    • 4 PM Wolf Lake S&E Help Sessions
  • Wednesday
    • No Scheduled Events
  • Thursday
    • No Scheduled Events
  • Friday
    • 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM Darter Sound Pep Band
  • Saturday
    • 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM Darter Sound Pep Band

Looking Ahead 

  • Wind Symphony After School Rehearsal Schedule
    • Tuesdays from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM 
      • 1.22, 1.29, 2.5, 2.12, 2.19*, 2.26 (* 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM for Clinician) 
  • Wolf Lake Middle School Help Sessions
    • 4 PM – 4:45 PM
    • (1.15) 1.22, 1.29, 2.5, 2.12 (Tuesday’s through S&E)
  • OCPS All County Week January 21st – 26th (Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday) 
  • Epcot Performance Schedules! 
    • Freshmen Jazz Ensemble: February 12th (1 Date) 
    • Jazz Ensemble 2: January 26th, February 2nd, February 20th (3 Dates) 
    • Jazz Ensemble 1: January 23rd, January 30th, February 25th (3 Dates) 
    • All performances are at 9:50 AM and 10:55 AM (30 minute sets) 
  • FBA District Jazz/S&E/Auxiliary Performances @ University HS February 7th – 9th  
  • Concert Ensemble PRE-MPA Performance February 12th, 7 PM (Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony)  
  • FBA District Concert MPA @ Cypress Creek HS February 28th – March 2nd 

Chaperone Opportunity – Epcot’s “International Festival Of The Arts”

We are in need of chaperones to accompany each of our Jazz Ensembles for our Epcot performances. If interested, please contact Mrs. Ledford at tmrdled@gmail.com to let her know of your availability. The dates are listed above in the “Looking Ahead” section. Chaperones will each receive 2 free Disney passes for attending a day with us. The average schedule is departing at approximately 7:45 AM – 8 AM and returning around 12:30 PM. Please sign up for a time when your child will be performing with their Jazz Ensemble. (JE1, JE2, FJE)

NYC TRIP UPDATE!

Account statements were distributed on TUESDAY for all that signed up for the NYC Trip. Each member should have made THREE PAYMENTS at this point. Reminders: Fair Share MUST be paid off in order to attend. Please visit charms office.com to check on your account status. 

We still have several outstanding members who have not turned in their Pretzel Rod sales. Account balance slips will be given to those members as well.

All questions for our NYC trip should be directed to Kim.Bercegeay@ocps.net.

Big Apple, HERE WE COME!

Weekly Update: November 26th through November 30th ~ Pushing To The Holidays!

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Weekly Course Outlook 

This Week 

Monday

  • No Scheduled Events 

Tuesday

  • Winter Prism Solo & Small Group Audition Sign Ups 
    • Sign Up In Band Room BEFORE School 
  • Darter Sound Rehearsal w/ Mr. Smith 
    • 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM 

Wednesday

  • Winter Prism Solo & Small Group Auditions 
    • 1:30 PM until Completed 
    • 5 Minute Time Slots
    • Performances should be 2 – 4 Minutes MAXIMUM

Thursday

  • No Scheduled Events 

Friday 

  • New York City Payment #3 Due Date! 

Looking Ahead 

  • Winter Prism Week Activities! December 3rd – December 7th Each day will require participation of each member, however, it may not be the same amount of time based on the individual’s performance needs/ensemble needs. Check the daily rehearsal calendar to see what your rehearal needs will be. 
    • Monday – Tech Rehearsal 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM 
    • Tuesday – Dry Run/Full Run #1 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM 
    • Wednesday – Dress Rehearsal 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM 
    • Thursday – Performance #1! 7 PM Downbeat 6 PM Performer Call Time 
    • Friday – Performance #2! 7 PM Downbeat 6 PM Performer Call Time 
    • Performer Notes (And Parents!) Each member will need to arrive  early for performance nights to ensure their performance materials are set in the place for the night’s show. Post show, each performer will need to clean up their areas and either reset, or tear down items as needed to clean up our event. Thank you for your attention to this need for our program. 
  • Saturday, December 8th: Apopka Holiday Christmas Parade 
    • Morning Call Time – TBA
    • Meet behind McDonald’s located on 441 in Apopka
    • Parade ends at Dream Lake Elementary School 
  • FMEA/All State Performance Rehearsal Schedule (Plan Ahead!) 
    • Tuesday, December 11th: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Mandatory Wind SymphonyRehearsal w/ Percussion (For FMEA/All State Performance in January) 
    • Tuesday, December 18th: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Mandatory Wind SymphonyRehearsal w/ Percussion (For FMEA All State Performance in January) 
    • Saturday, January 5th: 9 AM – 2 PM (Includes Lunch) Mandatory Wind Symphony Full Day rehearsal with FMEA/All State Clinicians
    • FMEA/All State Conference January 9th – 12th Thursday, January 10th 3 PM – 5 PM Wind Symphony Performance Tampa Convention Center

Weekly Update: September 24th through September 29th ~ Middle School Night! Rookie Marching Day!

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This Week

  • 9.24.18 – 9.28.18 Weekly Course Layout
  • Trombone Clean Up Week! 
  • Monday
    • 2:40 PM – 3:15 PM Student Leadership Meeting
  • Tuesday
    • SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENT INVENTORY DAY
      • We need ALL School Owned Instruments to be brought in on MONDAY for a FULL PROGRAM INVENTORY ON TUESDAY. 
    • 6 PM – 8:30 PM BDMB Tuesday Evening
      • Mvt. 2 Focus
    • GET YOUR CLEAR STADIUM BAG! Open to all BDMB Families after rehearsal! SEE PURCHASE DETAILS BELOW! 
  • Wednesday
    • BDMB Pictures – EVERY CLASS
    • 1:20 PM – 2 PM Brass Sectionals
    • 1:30 PM – 3 PM Bass Line Sectional
    • 6 PM – 8 PM Percussion/Color Guard Sectional
  • Thursday
    • BDMB Pictures – EVERY CLASS
    • 3 PM – 5:30 PM BDMB Thursday Afternoon
  • Friday
    • INITIAL NYC TRIP PAYMENT DUE! PAY VIA SCHOOLPAY OR CASH/CHECK!
    • Football vs. Evans (Home) MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT! 
      • Pep Rally
        • 6:30 AM Doors Open
        • 6:50 AM Warm Up
        • 7 AM Pep Rally!
      • Game
        • Halftime Performance: Mvt. 1 & 2 + Fight Song Off Field
        • Uniform: Full BDMB Uniform (Under Uni, Jacket, Bibbers, Shako, Plume)
        • 5:30 PM Gear To Field
        • 6 PM Courtyard Call Time/Sectionals (Welcome MS Members!)
        • 6:15 PM Arcs
        • 6:30 PM March To Stadium
        • 6:50 PM PreGame
        • 7 PM Kick Off

Looking Ahead 

  • October 5th – FB vs. Mandarin (Homecoming! Alumni Band!)
  • October 12th – FB @ West Orange (Away)
  • October 19th – Football BYE Week/No Game…. But…. (See next entry!)
  • October 20th – Competition at University High School (All Day) GO BAND! 
  • October 26th – BDMB MORNING REHEARSAL (No School) 9 AM – 12 PM
    • FB @ Wekiva 5 PM Call Time

NYC! Spring 2019!

It’s here! Commitment Week! Friday is the day to finalize your seat plans for our incredible SPRING 2019 TRIP TO NYC! Be sure to get your payment in via SchoolPay (Click LINK on right side of this page!) or Cash/Check!

Look for VERY IMPORTANT UPDATES this week regarding fundraising, sponsorships, and more to help you earn the money necessary to bring this trip to life!

Visit the Trip Page to see payment details!

Boone Follow Up! Middle School Night! 

Great night for the Blue Darter Band & Blue Darter Football! Go Big Blue! This will a fast-paced game! Enjoyed getting to hear Mvt. 2 in performance for the first time! MANY THANKS to all of our parents for taking care of us on this night! And a HUGE THANKS to the Boone Admin for feeding us pizza after halftime! That was a most generous gesture!

This Friday we host our rising 8th Grade Members from Wolf Lake Middle, Apopka Memorial Middle, and Trinity Christian Schools! We look forward to an incredible night of welcoming nearly 150 FUTURE DARTER MARCHERS into our band on the night! The Class of 2023! IEGYB!

Honor Bands 

See last week’s post for the Honor Band opportunities at both FSU and USF – See Mr. L if you are interested!

OCPS ALL COUNTY BAND INFORMATION will be posted this week. The live audition is Monday, November 12th. (7+ Weeks Away.) There is no cost associated with this audition, however, you MUST sign up with Mr. Langford no later than Wednesday, October 17th.

Program Inventory 

It is time for a full inventory of our program’s assets for OCPS. If you perform on a school-owned instrument, please drop it off on Monday so that it can be inventoried and returned to you by Wednesday. TUESDAY IS OUR INVENTORY DAY. 

Band Pictures 

On Wednesday and Thursday we will hold our annual Band Picture Days. Our photographer, CG Photo, will be in house to capture all of the photos during each of our classes. Please ensure your student is present during this time to be included in our yearly composite photo.

Picture previews and sales will occur on Thursday, December 6th prior to our opening night of Winter Prism 2018. There will be no online previews this year. Pictures that are purchased should be returned prior to the Holiday Break.

CLEAR APK Stadium Bags! 

$10 while supplies last! BDMB Families can purchase their APK Stadium Bag AFTER REHEARSAL on Tuesday! General sales will begin Friday! Get them soon! They will sell out fast!

These bags meet all general stadium guidelines for new security measures in most stadiums, regardless of sport and/or level of the sport.

Weekly Update: September 17th through September 21st ~ FB @ Boone!

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This Week 

  • 9.17.18 – 9.21.18 Weekly Course Layout
  • Mellophone Clean Up Week! 
  • Monday
    • 6 PM Full Program Fall 2018 Parent Meeting/New York Trip Meeting 
    • 7 PM SGA Talent Show
  • Tuesday
    • 6 PM – 8:30 PM BDMB Tuesday Evening
  • Wednesday
    • 1:20 PM – 2 PM Woodwind Sectionals
    • 1:30 PM – 3 PM Bass Line Sectional
    • 6 PM – 8 PM Percussion/Color Guard Sectional
  • Thursday
    • 3 PM – 5:30 PM BDMB Thursday Afternoon
  • Friday
    • Football @ Boone (Away) 
      • Pep Rally
        • 6:30 AM Doors Open
        • 6:50 AM Warm Up
        • 7 AM Pep Rally!
      • Game
        • Halftime Performance: Mvt. 1 & 2 + Fight Song Off Field
        • Uniform: Full BDMB Uniform (Under Uni, Jacket, Bibbers, Shako, Plume)
        • 5 PM Call Time
        • 5:15 PM Seated by Sections (In Bibbers w/ Case & Hat Box)
        • 5:30 PM Depart for Boone
        • 6:15 PM Arrive Boone
        • 7 PM Kick Off
        • TBA Return to AHS

Looking Ahead 

  • September 26th/27th – BDMB PICTURE DAYS! (In Classes)
  • September 28th – FB vs. Evans HS (Middle School Night!)
  • September 29th – Rookie Marching Day w/ Leadership! 8 AM – 11 AM
  • October 5th – FB vs. Mandarin (Homecoming!)
  • October 12th – FB @ West Orange (Away)

FB vs. DP Wrap Up! 

Go Big Blue!

Victory!

We had a great night with Blue Darter football and enjoyed an exciting victory over DP! The energy for the evening was high and brought an electric feeling to the stadium. Be sure to check out our FB Page (Click on right hand side of webpage) to see photos that are uploaded from Friday’s game as well as other contests this season! Thank you to Mr. Osegueda for your time and talents in showcasing our program on Friday!

Click HERE to watch the halftime performance video!

Fall 2018 Parent Meeting

Yay parents!

Please join us for a Fall 2018 Welcome meeting that will also include New York Trip information for those who would like to attend. This session will begin a 6 PM on Monday evening in the band room! Come to learn more about the layout of the program, opportunities and ways to serve our program, and important details about our trip to New York City! See you there!

Rookie Marching Day! 

This is the day we have all been waiting for…!!! The day that the Rookies get to follow up and gain invaluable experience in mastering the concepts they have been working on since camp. Lead by our Leadership team, this time of peer mentoring and learning has proven to be a true difference maker in the performance ability of each of our members. Veteran members that would like to further enhance their marching ability as well are encouraged to attend. The session will last from 8 AM until 11 AM. Plan ahead now for this incredible experience!

Alumni Band! 

Come and join us for our annual Homecoming Festivities on Friday, October 5th! We look forward to having our alumni perform with us at our PreGame festivities! This year, we will perform Land Of A 1000 Dances together during the PreGame celebration! You can download the music below and prepare now for an awesome night. For the evening, we ask that you join us in the courtyard at 6 PM so we can get you set up with the sections and have a run through. The performing alums will march into Roger Williams Field with us to perform. Any guests accompanying the alums will need to enter through the ticketing area.

Click HERE to download your music!

Once PreGame is complete, you can enjoy the game from anywhere in the stands! The BDMB will give a Post Game performance for this game as the Homecoming King & Queen festivities will occur during halftime. Looking forward to seeing you there! Be sure to join us at the end, “around the bird”, as we sing our alma mater together!

A “New Opportunity” for Concessions! 

We have begun a NEW CAMPAIGN to support our program through Concessions Donation opportunities! Through making a donation towards our sales efforts, you can watch your donation double, triple, even quadruple in value by supporting this effort!

For example, in donating $30 towards our concessions operation, you are helping us to purchase an 80-pack of hot dogs and 80 buns. At $3 per dog, this $30 donation now becomes $240 and actually multiplies your original donation by 800%! Yes, you read that right, 800%! We will continue to offer similar comparisons and how you can help us – now for the part that makes it easier!

All of this can be done VIA SCHOOLPAY! Click on the SchoolPay logo on the right hand side of this page and scroll to the bottom to see the New DirectConnect Button for Concessions Donations! We take care of all of the purchases! No need to shop!

We thank you for your support of our efforts to raise funds for our members and look forward to watching your donations grow exponentially as we continue to build an incredible program through which our members can grow and learn!

IEGYB!

 

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.

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!