What's New

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Updated April 26th - see below!!

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Congratulations to our newly elected 2008 Drum Majors!
Mackenzie Anderson (Head DM)

Emily Maxwell
Siobhan Mullen
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Thank you to all who made this year's Winter Guard and Percussion contest held at the TWHS campus such a huge success. With over 60 of some of the best Drumline and Guard teams that Texas has to offer, we has a FULL day of auditory and visual enjoyment from the Texas Color Guard Circuit. A special thank you goes to Claire Salmon, TWHS Color Guard Manager who did an outstanding job chairing the event.

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There has been a slight change of schedule to this years Chamber Music Festival. Prelims will now be from April 21-24. Click Here to see the latest updates to the Band Calendar.
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On February 23rd, we will be hosting a winter guard contest for the Texas Color Guard Circuit. Our contest will be one of the biggest of the year for the color guard contest circuit. Our show will consist of 79 units from all over the state. This is a major fundraiser for the color guard and band program, and we need as many volunteers as possible to put on this large event! With only 23 members in the color guard, we are asking band parents, band members, and alumni to come help us on the 23rd. We will need volunteers to work shifts in concession sales, ticket sales, program sales, security, parking, and hospitality. Any amount of time would be greatly appreciated! If you have not had a chance to get involved this year, this is a great and fun way to show your support! This is a fun day that truly shows how great the TWHS band is!

We will be having an informational night on Tuesday, January 29th at 7 PM in the band hall for more information and to sign up for shifts. If you are interested, but unable to attend the meeting, please email Claire Salmon at csalmon @conroeisd.net.

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Open Booster Board Positions – 2008/2009

Listed below are the open booster board positions, if you are interested, please contact the current officer and let them know. Position details are on the website under “By-Laws”.

First VP – Ways and Means (Phil Emanuel)
Secretary (Jane Watson)
Treasurer Accts Payable (Nancy Millar)
Pit Crew (Mark Sessions)
Color/Winter Guard (Cheryl Malden)
Merchandise (Mark & Stephanie Teed)
Grocery Cards (Tracey Brodeur)
Travel/Water (Katie Mullen)
Communications (Gary Maxwell)
Lone Star Preview (Dan and Jeanette Lemieux – needs shadow this year for '09/'10)

Some positions already have possible replacements but if you are interested, let the current officer know and they can provide details. If you have any questions regarding open positions in general, please contact Brad Rector (membership @twhsband.com).

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Fourth in the NATION! Way to go band! WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE AGAIN! After a bone chilling practice in the 20's at Avon HS on Thursday, the band performed their best ever at Grand Nationals Prelims. We had another cold practice on Friday along with Semi's and Finals on Saturday. Kids had a super time. We are so proud of them and of our fantastic directors who gave us a super marching season and showing the world that we are truly Champions. It showed during Finals where The Woodlands friends and family packed the stands to watch the 12 top bands in the nation display such diverse talent. Don't forget to go check out the photos of the performances and practices where we are still getting fantastic pictures.

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A message from BOA San Antonio: For those who did not get to BOA San Antonio, YOU MISSED A GREAT SHOWING by our marching band at Prelims Friday evening! And for all of the "first time" performers who has never experienced performing at a BOA, they did a super job. Way to go! Now on to finals...FINALS!!!!!!! The band had many parents and spectators in near tears for such a wonderful show. You cannot believe how far they have come in such a short time. Finals looked so much cleaner than prelims. And the results showed. THIRD Place with a score of 92.85, just behind LD Bell and Macus. Our show seems to not stop and just think what it will look like in two weeks! To all of the band - Students, Directors and Assistants - WE ARE PROUD OF YOU! Now onward to Indy.

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TWHS Band Pizza Night at Double Daves is Back! Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month will be TWHS Band night at Double Daves. They have 2 locations, one on Research Forest and one in Indian Springs shopping Center. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase, dine in, carry out or delivery. Double Daves will give 20% back to the band. Click Here for more info.

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Don't forget that The Woodlands HS Band will be presenting the 8th Annual Lone Star Preview Marching Band Championship at Moorhead stadium on October 13th. We currently have 22 23 bands entered in the event. We would especially like to thank Catherine Baker who supplied this year's artwork for the show's Poster and Program cover. Please email Dan or Jeannette at Lonestar @twhsband.com to let them know you can help during the event.

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Slight change in schedule this week. Note: practice ending times have changed for Tuesday and Thursday. No practice on Mon and Wed (UIL rules state only 8 hours of practice per week)

Monday, Sept. 10^th               2^nd round of concert band auditions
Tuesday, Sept 11^th               ALL Band Rehearsal 3:30 - 6:30
Thursday, Sept 13^th              ALL Band Rehearsal 3:30 – 5:30
                                                $400 fee payment due
                                                NHS Induction (Seniors)

Saturday, Sept 15^th ALL Band Rehearsal 2:00 – 5:00 at Moorhead Stadium
Football against Northshore 7:00pm (home)

Arrangements are being made to provide Chick-Fil-A and McCalisters orders for Saturday, also iced down propel. Complete details will be forthcoming regarding Saturday’s schedule.

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What a wonderful turnout we had at this year's exhibition and BBQ. The food was great thanks to the Spirit Committee's selection of Dickies Bar-b-que. And the kids had a fun time afterwards at the "Love Fest" - dancing till midnight. Check the calendar and email from the secretary to see this week's schedule. Don't forget the football game Friday in Round Rock against #4 ranked Smithson Valley.

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I told you that updates will be coming in fast and furious! There have been so many updates, additions, deletions that I've lost count. See you at the BBQ/Exhibition Friday.

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We had a HUGE turnout at the Parent Meeting - Monday, Aug 13th. Welcome all incoming Band Parents and welcome back to the returning crew! I will try to keep the website as up to date as possible for you. Any questions please contact me at communications @twhsband.com.
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I've added a new section on the website to include emails from the Booster Board. Jane Watson, our Secretary/Parent Liaison is doing a spectacular job in keeping all of us informed on the happenings of the band via email. Click here to jump to the email page.

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The Spirit committee is looking for your donations and support to make this a special year for the kids. The following is a wish list so we can provide snacks and treats for upcoming events. . Specific brands are requested since we already have some of these items and would like to have the exact same thing for the kids. Your help is greatly appreciated.

1. 16 Cases of Otis Spunkmeyer 4 oz. muffins.
2. Flavor Ices or Otter Pops
3. Granola bars, fruit bars, crackers
4. Large bags of candy for goodie bags ( NO CHOCOLATE OR GUM PLEASE)
5. 300 Individual Packets of Lipton Cup-of-Soup Chicken Noodle Flavor
6. Individual Packets of Swiss Miss Instant Sugar Free cocoa, no marshmallows

Please bring the items to the band hall and place them in the directors office. If you have an questions or would like to volunteer to purchase some of the items, please e-mail spirit @twhsband.com.

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BAND PARENTS, Are you receiving emails from our band booster secretary, Jane Watson? If not, please contact her at secretary @twhsband.com. The following is just a sample of the very timely information your child should know.

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Band students will order required uniform items on Thursday. A representative from Tote Unlimited will be at the high school from 12:00 - 2:00 PM, in the cafeteria. Students will have a chance to try on marching shoes for size, try on gloves for size and see samples of tote and hanging bags.

Students are REQUIRED to have (order from TOTES):

marching shoes ($37)
gloves - long ($3/pair, at least 3 pairs recommended)

Totes accepts checks, credit cards and cash. Your student will only need one check this day. Please make sure you order your items on Thursday so you will have them for the first game!!

Optional items include (order from TOTES or get on your own):

tote bag ($34 for medium, $40 for large)
hanging bag ($30)
rain poncho ($5)

Students are required to have a hanging bag for their uniform and a tote bag for their "stuff." The bags from Totes are forest green, printed with "The Woodlands Highlander Band" and embroidered with EITHER one name or three initials. Students must have a rain poncho; the one from Totes costs a little more than what you can get at Academy, but is also better quality.

Required Band Gear to get on your own include:

black "spandex" shorts (2+ pair good idea)
black socks (multiple!)
black towel to sit on during games
Band T shirts (forest green with band logo) – orders taken later

Band T-shirts will be ordered on a future date along with other “fun” items from the Merchandising Committee (hoodies, PJ pants, parent shirts.)

Questions? Call Judy Carter at 281-419-4776.
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Congratulations to Susan Mayer for becoming the head band director at McCullough Jr. High. You may remember her from last year as manager of the TWHS Color Guard. She was also Band Director at Joel L. Deretchin for two years and was named Deretchin Teacher of the Year in 2007. We wish her all the best in her new position. Taking Susan's place as Guard Manager is Claire Salmon. You may have seen Claire around...she assisted the guard a few years ago and, oh yes, she is married to Andy Salmon, our own percussion director.

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The senior slideshow dvds are finished and will be passed out on Monday, the 6th, at noon, after the first practice of summer band. If anybody has any questions you can call Catherine Baker at 832-766-2553 or email her at catherineb1989@yahoo.com. There will be a LIMITED supply for those who didn't pre-order a copy, so get there early! They are $5.

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Congratulations to Mr. J's son Kevin and all of his Orwall National 10-11 teammates for becoming Texas East Baseball CHAMPIONS!

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It's that time of year again when you will be seeing updates to the website coming fast and furious. As soon as I receive information I will be updating news for you about the 2007-2008 season. Stay tuned....
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Dear Past and Present Band Members

In case you are unaware, on Wednesday morning Megan Litterer (2006 TWHS graduate – drum major/flute soloist) was involved in a serious car accident here in The Woodlands. Megan is in stable condition in the ICU Neurology department at Memorial Herman Hospital (medical center). Bruce and Jerilynn have been staying nearby in a hotel. For an update on Megan's condition, click here...

Please keep Megan and her family in your prayers.
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Congratulations to the TWHS Marching Band for coming in Second place at the 4th of July Parade. The band looked and sounded great! In first place came the Houston All-Stars who has placed first for the past three years. Congratulations Houston All-Stars. 3rd place went to Woodlands College Park. Click here to view photos taken at the Parade. If you have any pictures you would like to add, forward them on to me at communications @twhsband.com and I'll include them.

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Reminders:

Thursday, May 10^th: Band Booster Meeting (last one of the school year) – 7:30pm Band Hall

Friday, May 11th: last chance to send email to the spirit committee (see band website, under “what’s new”) to reserve Finals tickets for BOA Grand Nationals in Indianapolis

Tuesday, May 15^th: Jazz Band concert (see band website for details – 06/07 Calendar)

Saturday, May 26^th: Mandatory Band Practice for ALL students (both current and upcoming 8^th graders) – see band website for details (06/07 Calendar)
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The block of super seats that we purchased for the BOA Finals is now sold out. However, due to continued strong interest we are going to purchase an additional block of tickets. We will place the order in May once we know how many more folks are interested in going. The deadline for being included in this additional block of tickets is Friday, May 11.

We have no way of knowing if there are still going to be super seats available at that time, but our plan is to buy the best remaining seats available as a block. So, if you are interested in being included in this block of seats, please send your email requesting seats and mail your check as instructed in the flyer before the deadline. If the cost of seats ends up being less than $55 each you will be given the opportunity to swap your check for one with the new price. Click here to order your tickets.
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Remember May 26^th is a mandatory practice for all students from 1:00 – 5:00 with pizza afterwards
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WOW this past week was full of amazing performances by our band students. The Finals performances were all brilliant . . . TWHS truly has some of the most gifted band students. Congratulations to all the students! Thank you Band Directors, Mark and Stephanie Teed and Judges for this wonderful week! We can’t wait for the 2^nd annual Chamber Music Festival!
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