Mortimer Jordan High School Band

Schedule change

2010-07-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 23 and Friday July 30, we will end rehearsal at 12 pm. The main reason is the lack of A/C in the school on those days. There is no escaping the heat, and in the best interest of the students' health, we will end early those two days.

Spread the word!

Off to a GREAT start!

2010-07-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Great to see you all again today. We're off to a great start and I'm looking forward to a terrific camp. What you give is what you get, so give your all!

Welcome!

2010-07-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the MJHS Band news blog. Visit here to look for updates, news, schedule changes, and other news. I'm looking forward to the upcoming year.

Please feel free to leave your comments here, or email me at ccagle@mjhsbluemachine.com.

Fall Events

2009-10-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

October 23 Friday Football @ Pleasant Grove 5:00 pm Call time
October 30 Friday Football vs. Gardendale 6:00 pm Call time
November 9 Monday Veterans’ Day Program @ HS 2:00 pm (band only)
November 14 Saturday Warrior Day Parade 9:00 am Call time
November 19 Thursday Jefferson County Music Festival 7:00 pm (selected students)
November 20 Friday UAB Literature Workshop All Day (selected students)
December 5 Saturday Morris Parade 8:30 am Call time
December 5 Saturday Band Concert @ Enon 7:00 pm (band only)
December 6 Sunday Band Concert @ Enon 7:00 pm (band only)
December 12 Saturday Kimberly Parade 4:00 pm Call time (subject to change)

Blue Machine Schedule 9/14-9/26

2009-09-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Monday, 9/14, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Tuesday, 9/15, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Wednesday, 9/16, Guard 3:15-5
Thursday, 9/17, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Friday, 9/18, Football vs Springville, call time 6:15

Monday, 9/21, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Tuesday, 9/22, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Wednesday, 9/23, Guard 3:15-5
Thursday, 9/24, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Friday, 9/25, Football vs Cullman, call time 6:00
Cullman Game is Friday Night Lights with NJMS Band! NJMS call time TBA

Saturday, 9/26, Jamboree @ Shades Valley HS, call time TBA pm

Band Events Aug 31 - Sept 11

2009-09-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

Monday, 8/31, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Tuesday, 9/1, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Wednesday, 9/2, Guard 3:15-5
Thursday, 9/3, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Friday, 9/4, Football vs Brewer, call time 6:15

Monday, 9/7, No School
Tuesday, 9/8, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Wednesday, 9/9, Guard 3:15-5
Thursday, 9/10, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Friday, 9/11, Football @ Erwin, call time 5:00 pm, return time 10:30 pm

No Saturday performance

2009-08-21T18:58:00.001-07:00

The band will not perform at the rescheduled Jamboree game Saturday, August 21.

Band Events 8/17-8/28

2009-08-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

Monday, 8/17, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Tuesday, 8/18, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Wednesday, 8/19, Guard 3:15-5
Thursday, 8/20, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Thursday, 8/20, Meet the Devils, call time 6:15, Perform at 7:00
Friday, 8/21, Football Jamboree, call time 7:30, band will be dismissed after performance

Monday, 8/24, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Tuesday, 8/25, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Wednesday, 8/26, Guard 3:15-5
Thursday, 8/27, Rehearsal 3:15-5
Friday, 8/28, Football @ Curry, call time 4:30, return time 11:00

Band Camp Report

2009-07-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let you all know what a great week the Blue Machine had these last five days. We are off to a great start, due to the hard work put in by everyone!

Upcoming dates to remember:
8/3-8/5 Practice from 8-5
8/6 Pictures in uniform @ 8 am, done by 11ish
8/6 Practice 3:30-5 pm
8/7 Premier performance @ 6 pm (Jimmie Trotter stadium) followed by food/drink for all
8/7 Band Fees due for all students (contact me if you need more information about fees)

Express Registration

2009-07-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Parents,

I wanted to encourage you if you haven't already to take advantage of express registration. It is available to you at the school through next Wednesday. If you have paperwork complete and a checkbook, you can come in and avoid the lines on July 27-28. Plus, your child will not have to miss a minute of band practice on those days. Please consider this option if it is convenient for you.

Thanks for all you do for the band. I look forward to the start of this new year!

Mr. Cagle

Back to Band Camp!

2009-07-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Hey! Get out the horn! Get out in the sun! Get ready for next week!

Band Camp starts Wednesday the 22nd. Section leaders and rookies 8-12, all players 1:15 to 3.

Remember to wear light colored clothing, shorts, tennis shoes (no work boots guys...)

See you there!

Mr. Cagle

Spring Concert

2009-05-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

SPRING CONCERT INFORMATION

Where: Enon Baptist Church, Morris
Uniform: white pants, socks, shoes, and jacket
Call Time: 6:00 pm for Jazz Band - 6:15 for others

All students are expected to help load and unload equipment before and after the concert! We will begin loading the trailer at the end of class and run over the end of school time. Set up will begin at the church at approximately 5:00 pm - after Choir rehearsal. The more help, the quicker we get set up - so please be there to assist!

Students are responsible for their own instrument (except percussion and tubas) and folder. These things will not go on the trailer.

End of Year Events

2009-05-05T05:56:00.001-07:00

Here's what's happening in the MJ Band for the rest of the year:

Thurs. May 7 - Sat. May 9 - JSU Honor Band for selected students
Tues., May 12 - Band Booster Meeting
Thurs., May 14 - Spring Band Concert, Enon Baptist Church, 7 pm
Mon. May 18 - Thurs. May 21 - Instrument and Uniform inspection during class
Fri. May 22 - Band Banquet, Vestavia CC, 6 pm - Money for tickets is DUE Friday, May 8

Trip Meeting/Band Boosters change

2009-04-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

The April Band Booster meeting has been moved to Tuesday, April 14 at 7 pm. All Orlando trip participants and/or their parents should attend this meeting. Information regarding the trip will be given out, and questions you have will be answered. If you have a conflict and cannot attend, please let me know so that I can meet with you another time.

I'm looking forward to the trip! See you on the 14th.

Students Selected to honor bands!

2009-03-24T20:27:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the following students selected to participate in honor bands this Spring!

UNA Honor Band:
Brandon Archer
Allison Evans
Leah Hudson
Jason Parrish
Patrick Rutledge

JSU Honor Band:
Brandon Archer
Jami Cantrell
Allison Evans
John Hill
Leah Hudson
Jason Parrish
Cody Ray
Patrick Rutledge

More information will make its way home to parents of those participating. Congrats!

Spring Break!

2009-03-13T15:56:00.001-07:00

Have a great Spring break! See everyone back next week.

Website updated

2009-03-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

Please take a second to check out the newly renovated band website. It's still a work in progress, but continue to check periodically for updates. Many thanks to Leah Hudson for the effort and creativity she offered in this project.

Mr. Cagle

January Calendar

2009-01-04T18:22:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

I hope you've all had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed the time with family and friends as I have. Of course all good things must come to an end, as school starts back Tuesday. I wanted to remind you of the band's schedule for the next few weeks.

After-school rehearsals and sectionals will resume Tuesday, Jan. 6. We will continue to have sectionals on the regular scheduled days, and make up rehearsals/sectionals on Wednesday afternoons. This schedule will last until District Contest, the second week of February.

I plan to start back with Jazz Band soon, once Wednesday make up rehearsals are finished. Students will be informed in advance when this will start.

Also, the second payment toward your Universal Orlando trip is due this month. All participants (students and chaperones) need to have $300 in each account. Please call or email if you have any questions about anything I've discussed here.

Musically yours,

Craig Cagle
Mortimer Jordan High School Band
8601 Old Highway 31
Morris, AL 35116
(205)379-4870

November 17-21

2008-11-12T09:41:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of events for next week:

Monday, Nov 17 - Chair auditions 3:00-4:30
Tuesday, Nov 18 - 9th grade after school practice 3:00-4:15
Wednesday, Nov 19 - Chair auditions 3:00-4:30
Thursday, Nov 20 - All County Band rehearsal 9-2 and performance at Boutwell Auditorium
Friday, Nov 21 - All County Band Literature workshop 9-2 UAB Band Room

Make Sure To Plan Ahead!

Mr. Cagle

Concert Band Auditions

2008-10-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

Auditions for chairs in concert band will be held after school on November 17 and 19. Students will sign up for a 2 minute time slot. On Wednesday, Oct 29 a note will be given out to students with instructions and music. Auditions will determine chair order for the remainder of the year.

Your child should be able to tell you on what day and time they play. Auditions are required, and students will receive a grade. Students who do not audition will receive a 0 and be placed at the end of the section.

Gardendale Game and Warrior Parade

2008-10-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday night - October 30 - MJHS vs Gardendale
Call time is 5:45, we leave @ 6:00

Take uniform home if marching in the Warrior Parade!

Saturday morning - November 1 - Warrior Day Parade
Students need to meet at Warrior Elementary School @ 8:30
Dress is band uniform with white pants and all the accessories

Any questions? Call 379-4870 or email ccagle@mjhsbluemachine.com

Remaining Marching Band schedule

2008-10-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 23 3:15-4:00 After-school practice
Friday, October 24 6:10 call time Football vs. Pleasant Grove
**Friday Night Lights with NJMS Band!!
**Senior Night!!
Tuesday, October 28 6:30 call time Fall Concert – all band members are required to attend
Thursday, October 30 5:30 call time Football @ Gardendale
Saturday, November 1 call 8:30 am Warrior Day Parade
Saturday, December 6 call 9:30 am Morris Parade
Saturday, December 13 call 4:30 pm Kimberly Parade

2008 All County Band Members!!!

2008-10-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the following members of the 2008 All Jefferson County Band. They will be performing at the Jefoed Music Festival on November 20, and at the Jefcoed Band Literature Seminar on November 21:
Caroline Edmonds, flute
Elizabeth Mosley, flute
Allison Evans, oboe
Leah Hudson, clarinet
Jessica Johnson, clarinet
Kalai Waldrop, clarinet
Quintin Howze, trumpet
Caleb Jeffers, trumpet
Brandon Archer, trombone
Andrew Mauldin, percussion

Wednesday Practice

2008-09-29T20:31:00.001-07:00

Due to the upcoming contest on Saturday and the number of absences from recent practices, I have decided to schedule after school practice this Wednesday, Oct. 1 and next Wednesday, Oct. 8. We will not take a break after school, and practice will end at 4 pm. All band and auxiliary members should be there.

Please make every effort to get your child to every practice. Attendance during the next two weeks is crucial. Our show is incomplete when bodies are missing. I appreciate your understanding to help us prepare the best we can while compensating for the lack of school day practice time.

Please call or email if you have any questions.

Greater Birmingham Marching Festival - This Saturday!

2008-09-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend the band is traveling to Minor High School to compete in the Greater Birmingham Marching Festival. We will hold a quick warm up and rehearsal at the MJHS stadium, then depart for Minor. Students should eat lunch before meeting at school that day. Concessions and souvenirs will be available at the contest after we perform. Below is a schedule for Saturday, October 4.

12:00 Practice at MJHS
12:45 Load and dress
1:30 Depart for Minor HS
2:15 Arrive at Minor HS
2:50 Warm up
3:20 Performance
5:40 Samford University Exhibition
6:00 Awards Ceremony
6:30 Depart for MJHS
7:00 Arrive at MJHS and unload

I look forward to seeing you at the contest. Thanks for your continued support of the Blue Machine. I am very proud of the progress the students have made in recent weeks, and I know they come through in performance.

Friday vs Cullman and Jamboree Info

2008-09-24T06:17:00.001-07:00

Here's some information about this weekend's band events:

Friday we will have a short after school run through of the show. To accomodate those who cannot make it home to eat after that time, we will again have pizza and drinks for $5 per student. Please pay Mr. Cagle in advance to make the process quicker on friday. Last week some students paid as they got food, and this slowed down the line.

Saturday is the Jamboree at Shades Valley. I have tickets for sale in my office. They are $5 each. All money collected for tickets if purchased from me goes back into our Band Account! Instant 100% fundraiser! If you wait and buy tickets at the gate at SV, they are $6 and all money goes to SV's Band. Please make your purchase before Saturday to save money and support us! The Jamboree will be the first opportunity to see the Blue Machine perform with out the crowd noise you hear on Friday nights. I hope to see you all there!

More information will be coming home via your child regarding the schedule for these two events. Ask your son or daughter if you do not receive it by tomorrow.

Friday at Springville

2008-09-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

Friday call time for the band is 5:00 pm. There is no practice after school on Friday. We will load buses and depart for Springville at 5:15. Return time should be around 10:30 pm.

Band Events Sept 11-12

2008-09-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

Here's what's happening in the band world this week:

Practice Thursday (tomorrow) from 3:15 to 5 for everyone but Colorguard. Colorguard will meet from 6-8 pm.

Pep Rally Friday during 4th block. Band members wear band t-shirts!
Call time for game vs. Erwin is 6:15

Our last practice before we perform at the game is Thursday! Let's make it a productive one!

Keep selling Pizza/AU/UA items. It's easy money toward your trip! The fundraiser ends next Thursday the 18th. All money is due on that day. Remember to make checks payable to MJHS and include the customer's phone no. on the check.

Band Events this week! Sept 2-5

2008-09-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Here's what's happening this week with the Blue Machine!

Wednesday - be prepared to go outside 4th block!
Thursday - Band and Majorettes from 3:15-5 pm, Dance and Colorguard from 6-8 pm,
Friday - practice/run show @ 3 pm, 4:30 call - load buses and depart for Brewer HS, return time should be around 11 pm

On Friday I will be providing pizza (not drinks) for students who do not have a ride home or time to go home between 3:30 and our call time of 4:30 pm, Please let me know by Thursday if you are interested and I will take money before you eat - cost is $5 per student - all you can eat.

Next week - student fundraiser (pizza, calzones, and other frozen foods PLUS Alabama and Auburn items) almost all profit will go toward student trip accounts and a small amount to the band. The fundraiser will run from September 8 to Sept 18.

As always, call, email, or come by the school if you have questions, or just come by and see us practice some day!

Craig Cagle
Mortimer Jordan High School Band
8601 Old Highway 31
Morris, AL 35116
(205)379-4870

Band Events Friday, Aug 29

2008-08-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-13T19:52:00.001-07:00

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!!

2008-08-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

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.

Welcome!

2008-08-12T22:28:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the MJHS Band blog! Here you'll find information about all things Band related. Check back daily as new posts will appear frequently!