Band Events Friday, Aug 29

This Friday there are two events involving the band:

Pep rally - our first - is during 4th block. Band students must wear band t shirts. Auxiliaries should check with their sponsors for uniform information

Game - call time for all students is 6:10 in the band room. This means dressed and ready with all equipment/instruments at that time. Attendance will be taken at that time. Band students must wear band t shirts under the uniform.

The band uniform will consist of jacket, NAVY pants, LONG white socks (I have them for sale $2), white band shoes, band gloves (will be given out tomorrow to those who have paid $5) and hat and plume. Band t shirt will be worn under the jacket, and students should wear some lightweight shorts.

Auxiliary uniforms to be determined by sponsors for this game. Make sure students check with their sponsors in advance.

UAB All Star Marching Band

Information has been sent home to those interested in the UAB All Star Marching Band. The event is Saturday, Sept 20. Deadline for registration is Sept 1 - next week. The cost is $35 per student (even though the form says $45.) This is a group discount that UAB offers.

Students will enjoy rehearsals with the UAB band and free admission to the game vs. AL State, plus some other things listed on the sheet that went home.

Parents, please send the check and registration forms directly to UAB. I do need to sign the first form before you send it in, our you may not be accepted.

Thanks for your interest in this fun event. I know the students in the past have had a great time!

Handbooks go home

Handbooks for all band, guard, and dance line members went home today. Included is information regarding schedule, grading, and other policies. Please read this information carefully as there are some changes due to our new block schedule. There are three forms in the back that must be returned before August 29. That's next Friday. The forms are also available on the band website.

http://mjbluemachine.com/MJHS%20band%20forms.htm

Note that there is no notary required on any form this year.

Mr. Cagle

Meet the Blue Devils

Our next performance is at Meet the Blue Devils - Thursday night at 7 pm at the stadium. We will still have after-school practice from 3:15 to 5. Students need to be back at school by 6:30. This year, we will not play and leave, but sit while the other groups are announced, as a courtesy to them. With this in mind, plan on your child being out longer than in past years.

Band students will wear band t-shirts, shorts of your choice, and band shoes. Auxiliary sponsors will determine what each group will wear. Check with them if you are unsure.

Everyone be sure to stop by the concession stand for dinner/refreshment while you're there!

Forms Due

Handbooks will be handed out within the next couple of days. Please read carefully as there are some changes in it, mainly due to schedule changes at the high school. The forms in the back of the handbook are due back to me on or before Friday, August 29. In case your child forgets to show you the handbook, the forms are available on the band website. Just follow the link below.

http://www.mjbluemachine.com/MJHS%20band%20forms.htm

MJHS Blue Machine in the news

If you didn't see it in the news when it was first posted, check out these pictures on al.com.

http://www.al.com/birminghamnews/photos/gallery.ssf?cgi-bin/view_gallery.cgi/bama/view_gallery.ata?g_id=5118

It was also great to see the article about us in the Birmingham News last week. In case you didn't read it, the article was quite positive!

Keep up the good work!

After-School Rehearsal!!

After-school rehearsals will begin Monday, Aug. 18. Rehearsals for band members will take place every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:15 to 5:00 pm.

Auxiliary will practice on Mondays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, not from 3:15 to 5:00. This is being done to accomodate the schedule of our instructor, Ashlen Pettry, who is a majorette at UAB. On Tuesday and Thursday, they will practice from 3:15 to 5:00.

These rehearsals will continue until our last marching competition on October 11.

Make sure to bring appropriate shoes and clothing for the outdoors!

See you there.

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