Armada Schools Music Department

Our mission is to promote the excellence and importance of musical education in our community.  This website will be the primary method to communicate Armada's instrumental and vocal programs, fundraising opportunities, musical events, and a pictorial of students in action.  Please continue to visit our website often for updated information and enhancements.

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Report to the Middle School band room at 7:35am on Friday.

Return to Armada Middle School at 11:59pm on Saturday.

A complete itinerary can be found under the “info” tab.

HS Jazz Band and HS Orchestra
Concert Uniform

Thursday, June 14 5:30PM
Krause Elementary Cafeteria

The final count is in...... Our Marching Band Uniform Fundraising Campaign has brought in $27,604.63! Thank you to the Armada Education Foundation and the Four County Community Foundation who each provided grants to help us reach our goal! Thank you to the students, parents, community, staff, administrators from the Armada Area Schools and the Armada community who have helped us reach our goal! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Everyone's help has been greatly appreciated! Can't wait to see the band hit the field in September wearing those new uniforms!!!!

May 25th:  BBQ/Overnight:  The BBQ and activities are from 4-11PM and open to HS music department students.  After this there will be a few organized night time games outside until midnight.  This has been approved by Mr. Jankowski.  Three dads will be chaperoning the entire night.  Students need a permission slip to stay and we are holding their car keys, so no one will be leaving. The Armada Police Department is informed of the event and they will be driving through periodically.  Students will not be allowed in the building after 11PM.  Boys and girls will not be allowed to share tents.  No non-music students, or alumni or students without permission slips will be allowed after 11PM.  If the weather is bad, there will be no overnight and the event will end promptly at 11PM.  Everyone brings their own meat to grill and it is like a potluck.  Bring a dish or dessert etc.  Sign up in the band room for what to bring.

May 28th: Parade:  The parade steps off from the Amvets hall at 10AM. The building will be open at 9 for students to retrieve items.  The uniform is summer uniform.  Black shorts, orange tiger polos, white socks and shoes.

May 31st: Graduation:  Graduation ceremony begins at 6PM.  Students must check in with Mr. Loveday and be ready to set up at 5:30.  Concert uniform.

Have you seen the latest Armada Times article?  Be sure to check it out!
http://www.voicenews.com/articles/2012/05/16/armada_times/doc4fb3efcacc009586813442.txt

Community helps Armada band dress for success Published: Wednesday, May 16, 2012

It began with a $5 scarf sale and now, in just six months, Armada Area Schools Music Boosters, under the direction of Jean Persely, have nearly $25,000 in their new band uniform fund."This community has been so overly positive you just can't even imagine," said Persely, chairperson of the Armada High School Marching Band Uniform Campaign. "All I can say is outstanding, outstanding, outstanding; the community support is unbelievable.""This has just been remarkable, the amount of money these parents have been able to raise in such short time is by far one of the most impressive things I've seen," offered Armada High School Principal Phillip Jankowski. "And we do have a very supportive community here."Persely, of Memphis, took charge of the uniform fundraising project along with Music Booster parents Chris Hess and Deb Sheridan. In particular, Persely kept her twin daughters, Bridget and Kelly, who are involved in band and choir, in mind.

"I just thought 'well I can't just sit around and wait for someone to get band uniforms for my kid, I'll have to get something going,'" smiled Persely.A uniform committee was formed in November when they realized not only were there not enough uniforms for the students but the ones they had were 20 years old."The uniforms were just being maintained and repaired, like replacing buttons and sewing up sleeves," Persely said. "And then we found out we couldn't order new ones from the same place because it's been 20 years, so we just had to start from scratch so they all match.""The kids that are graduating now, weren't even born when these uniforms came in," added Jankowski.The goal was to raise enough money to purchase 100 uniforms. The band currently has 60 students, a number that will grow to 80 next fall and the extra 20 will keep things going for the next four or five years, Persely said."Right now we are at 82 uniforms that we can purchase," Persely said. "Each one is $300 and then we'll need rain gear and garment bags too but if we don't get those right away, we'll certainly settle for the uniforms."

A $3,000 grant from the Armada Education Foundation and another $1,500 grant from the Four County Community Foundation brought another tidy sum to the uniform account total. Persely wrote both grant applications on behalf of the school district."I've also had a ton of support from the band directors and Dr. Kummerow who's offered ideas and ways to get support and really brought in close to half the money himself, going out and asking for donations," Persely said.Student fundraisers have included selling tiger paw print fleece scarves for $5, a pair of raffles for an orange and black quilt with tiger stripes and a Lindt Chocolate sale. Students also hosted a collection drive, standing on corners in Armada one recent Saturday and Sunday holding jugs to collect money from passersby. "Our posters said we were collecting for new marching band uniforms and boy it was 28 degrees on Sunday morning but I was out there trying to make sure I got that flea market traffic," said Persely.The fundraiser was a success, with $2,000 raised in just two days. It was particularly rewarding for Persely to see so many students involved and doing a great job."This one was easier to get the kids involved in because they weren't selling anything out there and we just got lots of people stopping and complimenting us so it was a great community outreach too," Persely said.School administrators have been so impressed with the success of the fundraising drives they recently agreed to offset the remaining costs to reach that 100 new uniforms goal. Persely said Kummerow explained that technically the marching band is a course at the school so items needed for it fall into curriculum costs, like books do, so while they didn't have $40,000 in the budget for this outright, they're happy to help out with the end game."These uniforms are going to be school property so any monies donated to the fund go to the school, checks are made out to Armada Schools," Persely said.Barb Pert Templeton is a freelance reporter. She can be contacted at barbperttempleton.reporter@yahoo.com

The music department is once again offering summer music lessons.  This is the perfect time to improve your skills during the summer months at affordable pricing.

Lessons available on the following instruments:
All levels: Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone/euphonium, violin
Beginner level only:  Piano, voice, guitar, drums/percussion

A detailed memo is located under the Information Tab. 

Please contact Mr. Loveday to add your student to the list.

Wow, it's hard to believe that band camp is just around the corner.  Below is detailed information from Mr. Steve Love concerning the camp schedule.  For your convenience this information is available and can be printed by going to the Information Tab.  

Dear Band Student:
All students that will be in High School Band must attend  the summer band camp. The cost is 140.00 and includes room and board. I will be collecting a deposit of 40.00 by Friday, June 1. I also need a self-addressed envelope from every student.  You will receive a letter in early July with more details and reminders. The 100.00 balance will be due to me no later than Friday, July 13. You can mail your checks to: 
Steve Loveday
14543 Yale Ct.
Sterling Heights, MI  48313
 
Pre-Camp @ Armada  High School
Monday, July 30, 1:00-4:00PM and Tuesday, July 31, 9AM-12:00 noon
 
Band Camp –Tuesday, July  31-Saturday, August 4  (School bus transportation
We will hold camp at Camp Sea-Gull in Charlevoix, MI (8580 Boyne City Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720)
 
CampSchedule: 
Tuesday, July 31: Meet at 4:00PM at the high school to check in and load the bus. We will depart for camp at 4:30PM.  We will stop for fast food on the way to camp.   We will arrive at camp at 9:30PM, to unpack and sleep.           
 
Camp is all day, everyday, from Wednesday, August 1 - Saturday, August 4
 Students will stay in chaperoned male and female cabins.  Students will be fed 3 meals per day plus snacks, water, and Gatorade.
 
7:00AM Wake up
7:30AM Breakfast
 8:30AM-11:30AM Practice (snack and water breaks provided)
12:00PM Lunch everyday
1:00-4:30PM Practice (snack and water breaks provided)
 5:00PM Dinner
6:00-8:45PM Practice (snack and water breaks provided)
 9:00PM-10:45PM evening activities
 11:00 PM Lights out 

Saturday, August 4th (schedule changes after 4:00PM for departure)
4:00PM Final rehearsal ends, return to cabins to pack and load up
5:00PM Dinner 
6:00PM Depart for Armada High School
10:30PM Arrive at Armada High School.
 
You cannot miss camp and/or rehearsals and expect to march the show. Those that are attending conflicting school-related activities will not be penalized as long as I am made aware in advance. All performances and required activities are averaged into your grade. This applies to marching band and the entire school year. Each conflict will be assessed individually, due to the wide array of possible conflicts. I cannot wait for another great year of Armada Tiger Marching Band!   Yeah yeah!!!!
 
Thank You Very Much! 
Mr. Loveday

Call times:

6:15pm - 6th grade orchestra

6:30pm - 7th/8th grade orchestra

6:30pm - 6th grade band

6:45pm - 7th/8th grade band



Also, please bring a snack to share for the "after glow" following the concert (i.e. cookies, brownies, juice, etc.)

AN UPDATED CALENDAR OF EVENTS HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE INFORMATION TAB.

05/25/12:  Seniors Last Day - Congratulations and Best of Luck!
05/25 & 05/26/12:  MS Cedar Point Trip
05/28/12:  Memorial Day Parade 10 am step off at the Armada Amvets Hall
05/29/12:  Baccalaureate Volunteering Musicians 7 pm at the Ruth Isaacson Auditorium
05/30/12:  Graduation Rehearsal - All HS Groups at 10 am at the HS Gym
05/31/12:  Graduation Ceremony - All HS Groups at 6 pm at the HS Gym
06/01/12:  American Red Cross Bleed for the Band Blood Drive 1 pm to 7 pm HS Auxiliary Gym
06/14/12:  L & L Scholarship Dinner (Tentative) Rehearsal 3 pm, Performance at 5:30 pm Krause Elementary
07/31/12 - 08/04/12:  Marching Band Camp
08/13/12:  Opening Ceremony Armada Fair - HS Marching Band 6 pm at the Armada Fairgrounds

2011 - 2012 Entire Music Department Calendar can be viewed under the Information Tab

What a wonderful May Day present the HS Marching Band received: a $1500 grant from the 4C Foundation! Thank you! This brings our total raised up to: $24,766.16!!! That is enough for 82 uniforms!!!!!

We are all so fortunate to live in such an amazing community! With the help of so many wonderful people driving through town on trash hauling day, church, the flea market and running errands, we were able to raise $2,034.14! Thank you Armada! Thank you to all the students and parents who were able to help out this weekend! We are getting closer and closer to new Marching Band uniforms for this fall!

To date, we have received $23,266.16 in donations!  That translates to 77 uniforms!
Check out the pictures posted under the 'picture' tab, and on Facebook: Armada Music Boosters
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We need EACH AND EVERY band student to sign up for our Tag Day Fundraiser THIS WEEKEND 4/28 and 4/29!  Contact Jean Persely at 784-0054 or robpers@earthlink.net to help out accepting donations from cars for marching band uniforms.

The schedule and availability below.

We completely understand when you and your family have prior committments and are unable to work the weekend. For those of you who are able to, we still have plenty of openings. Also, if you want to play your instrument on a corner, spots are available at all times, except for Sat 9 - 10.

Remember to wear your orange polo shirt - but also... dress for the weather! Arrive 5 minutes prior to your start time. This will be held rain or shine, cold or warm!

Tag Day is being held at 4 Corners, by 5/3 Bank and Cozy Corner. The schedule is as follows:

SATURDAY:
9 - 10: Brendan, Jon, Alex, Natalie, Jamie, Chylie: - need 1 adult
10 - 11: Josh, Colin, Paul: 1 open spot - need 1 adult
11 - 12: Billy: 3 open spots - need 1 adult
12 - 1: Renae, Rachel: 2 open spots - need 1 adult
1 - 2: Renae, Rachel: 2 open spots - need 1 adult

SUNDAY
7 -8: 4 Open spots - need 1 adult
8 - 9: 4 Open spots - need 1 adult
9 - 10: Evelyn, Ryan, Kelly: 1 open spot - need 1 adult
10 - 11: Evelyn, Ryan, Kelly: 1 open spot - need 1 adult
11 - 12: TJ, sibling, Sarah: 1 open spot - need 1 adult
12 - 1: TJ, sibling, Sarah: 1 open spot - need 1 adult
1- 2: Alex, Caitlyn, Gabby: 1 open spot - need 1 adult

It is with great regret that we must inform you that the annual dinner dance scheduled for April 13, 2012 at the Krause Elementary School has been canceled due to a lack of ticket sales.  
  
The minimum required amount of advanced ticket sales was 125 to support the catering and other expenses. 
As of the last day of advanced sales only 65 tickets were sold.   This included 17 performers and 48 guests.  As with any event, many hours of preplanning are required which leaves the planning committee very disappointed.
 
The intent of the annual dinner dance is to showcase our talented musicians and vocalists in a fun environment for family and friends.  The poor showing of support for this event certainly casts a shadow on future events. 

This is the second major event cancelled this year due to lack of support.  The annual music festival trip to Gatlinburg, TN scheduled for April was cancelled earlier in year. 

We are proud to announce the results of the State Solo & Ensemble Festival held March 24, 2012 at Lapeer East High School.

Rosie Cunningham - Proficiency II Solo - Trumpet - 2nd Division Award
Holly Ernst - Proficiency III Solo - Solo - Viola - 1st Division Award
Sarah Sheridan - Proficiency I Solo - Baritone Sax - 2nd Division Award
Ryan Schmidt - Proficiency I Solo - Bb Clarinet - 2nd Division Award
Ashley Cefali/Autumn Killop - Ensemble-Duet - Tenor Sax - 1st Division Award
Jamie Penzien - Proficiency I Solo - Flute - 2nd Division Award
Raechel and Renae Greenia - Ensemble-Duet - 1st Division Award

Congratulations to all of our wonderful musicians!

Thank you to the band students who volunteered during ArtMada!   Our incredible students sold  12 scarves, $20 raffle tickets, and collected $28 in donations. We have just 16  scarves left in stock. We have sold a total of $69 in raffle tickets (for this drawing) and a total of 196 scarves! Our GRAND TOTAL is now updated to:  $12,932.02 for a TOTAL of 43 uniforms!
 

Ticket sales for the annual dinner dance have been extremely slow.  Sales began on 3/07/12 and as of 3/22/12 we have only sold 17 tickets.  We must have a minimum of 125 tickets purchased by 3/28/12 or the event may be cancelled.

It would be heartbreaking to have to cancel this event.  Last year we had our highest attendance at 165 guests.

This event is always well represented, however we need an immediate commitment from the students and parents.  Door sales will be extremely limited as the venue change to the Krause Elementary School Cafe/Auditorium gives us a maximum occupancy of 144.

The HS Choir and Chorale have planned a trip to Indiana on April 12, 2012 to see Bobby McFerrin perform at the Palladium in Carmel Indiana and visit the Indianapolis zoo.  The group will depart at 6:30 am and return to Armada at approximately 3:30 am on April 13th.  They will then rest up for a few hours before the Chorale group performs at the Annual Dinner Dance Friday evening.

Monday, March 5, 2012  Waterford Mott High School Exchange Concert and Clinics

 7:45AM-2:45PM (approx. times) – There will be no buses at the high school once we return.  The
  school day will be over.

 Dress:  Schoolcasual, no need to dress up, but dress appropriately as we are representing our school.
 All students must bring instruments.  Large percussion equipment will be provided.

 9-10:30AM                  
String students will have a clinic with Orchestra Director and Violinist, Nick Karpinski.

 9-10:30AM          Band students will watch Waterford Mott’s second band perform and watch Mr. Loveday
run an onstage clinic with them.

 10:30AM-12:00PM      Armada Band students will perform on stage and Band Director Dave Philipp will do an onstage clinic with them while the orchestra observes.  Following this, Waterford’s top band ensemble will perform and all Armada students will watch as Mr. Loveday does the onstage clinic.

 12:45PM-2:00PM       
Lunch at Buddy’s Famous Pizzeria, 2612 N Squirrel Rd., Auburn Hills, MI  48326. 
Students can choose to either order off of the menu and split their bill with their group (18% gratuity will be added), or they can pay $14.00 each and this will cover their all you can eat pizza luncheon with drink, tax, and tip.  
 
2:00PM      Load buses to return to Armada High School.

 2:45PM      Arrive at Armada High School.

Congratulations to Armada High School students Sarah Sheridan and Ryan Schmidt for their acceptance into the Grand Valley State University High School Honors Band.  Sarah and Ryan had to submit a written application and a CD playing a portion of a solo or etude as part of the audition process.  The event will take place on the Allendale Campus on the weekend of February 17 through February 19, 2012.  The weekend will conclude with a concert on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 3:00 pm   Congratulations to Sarah and Ryan.  Below are a few pictures from the concert.

The Armada High School Jazz Band under the direction of Steve Loveday participated in the 39th Annual Jazz Weekend at Central Michigan University on Friday, February 10, 2012.  The band played great and they looked great in their new black shirts and colored ties.  The band enjoyed a day filled with great jazz.  The evening was concluded with a jazz concert featuring legendary trumpeter Bobby Shew.  The driving winds and snow didn't damper the fun for the group.  More pictures can be seen on the Pictures page of the website.

It's that time of year again for an evening of music, vocals, and food.  Please join the Armada High School Jazz Band, Orchestra, and Chorale for a terrific evening on Friday, April 13, 2012.  The event will be held at Krause Elementary School in the Cafe/Auditorium.  Doors open at 6 pm.  A delicious buffet will be served at 7 pm.  Basket raffles and a 50/50 raffle will round out the evening.  Tickets go on sale on March 5, 2012.  Student performer ticket price is $13.00 and $20.00 for all other guests.  A flyer outlining all details is located on the Information Tab of the website.

The Music Department will replace the customary March meeting with a special Open House for all music students and parents.  The Open House will take place at the HS Auditorium.  We will have a variety of students perform and have lively discussions of current events and the growth of the music program.  We will also have refreshments in the cafeteria.  Please join us for a relaxing time of good music and friendly conversations!

The tentative schedule for MSBOA District 16 Festival has been published.  Below is the performance schedule for Armada.  The entire schedule can be viewed on the Information Tab of the website.

Warren Woods Tower HS -- Saturday, March 10, 2012
09:00 am     Armada Middle School    7th & 8th Grade String Orchestra
12:55 pm     Armada High School       String Orchestra 
 
Anchor Bay High School -- Saturday, March 17, 2012
10:55  am    Armada High School     Concert Band

Armada Times

 Armada band looking for a new look

 Fundraising in high gear to fit influx of new members

 Wednesday, February 1, 2012

 By  Matthew Fahr
Staff Writer

 The success of the Armada music program has come full circle as the Armada High School band prepares for an increase in their ranks.

The band has been fixing, re-sewing and squeezing into uniforms, that date back to the 1980s, for the past decade. Some members of the band have had to don clothes out of their own closet due to the fact that there are not enough to go around or are incomplete.

Interest at the middle school level has grown and those middle school students are about to enter the hallways of the high school.
 
Armada High School Band Director Steve Loveday said there were 20 new members this year and he expects that there will be at least 25 next year, meaning a full head count of the band could go over 100 in the next few
years.

"We just don't have enough to go around and the ones we do have don't even fit some of the kids and are just too old," Loveday explained.
 
The Armada Music Boosters and Jean Persely are looking to change that before the start of the next school year in the fall of 2012.

Persely is the chairperson of the Armada High School Marching Band Uniform Campaign that is seeking to raise $40,000 in the next few months so that new uniforms can be ordered and be ready for the start of the new school year.

"There are going to be eight seniors graduating and 25 freshmen coming in next year, so this is something that the band really needs for next year and for the future," Persely said.

Persely, who has been in the district for just over a year, and has twin daughters, Bridget and Kelly involved in band and choir, is leading the charge to update the wardrobe of the band as they continue to expand.

 She has been applying for grants wherever possible and got a solid head start with a $3,000 grant from the Armada Education Foundation. The Boosters have also held fundraisers through a Tiger scarf sale and a quilt raffle.

 They have also begun an Adopt a Uniform program with Krause Veterinary Clinic being the first to sign up.

Band members played at Holly Days and have even gone as far as simply putting a paint can outside of the high school cafeteria to have students donate whatever they can to help the band.

The music department will conduct their annual Little Caesars Pizza Kit fundraiser, with orders being accepted through Feb. 10.

To date, over $8,000 has been raised, but time is running out to have an order placed in time for the
next school year.

"Anything we get is closer than we were at the beginning and gets us closer to where we want to be," said Persely.

Both Loveday and Persely said support has been strong from the community and former members of the band.

"We are doing a lot better than we expected so far," said Loveday.

Persely added, "People have been very supportive and have been giving us words of encouragement with letters and notes that they have attached to their donations."

Updates on further fundraisers and  information on the music program can be found at armadaschoolsmusic.com.
 
Contact
  Matthew Fahr at (586) 716-8100, ext. 300 or at matt.fahr@voicenews.com.

The High School was represented by a large number of participants in the annual festival held on January 28, 2012 at Rochester High School.  A record number of events have earned the opportunity to perform at State Festival in March by achieving a 1st Division Rating for their performance.  Armada's representation is greater than some of the larger school districts at both the State Level and District Level.

Congratulations to all of our participants:

Holly Ernst, viola solo - 1st Division               
Sarah Sheridan, baritone sax solo - 1st Division 
Bailey Ernst, piano solo - 1st Division
Rosie Cunningham, trumpet solo - 1st Division
Ryan Schmidt, clarinet solo - 1st Division       
Autumn Killop and Ashley Cefali, tenor sax duet - 1st Division 
Alissa Gianferrara, violin solo - 1st Division
Jamie Penzien, flute solo - 1st Division
Lauren Goedtel and Holly Ernst, viola duet - 1st Division 
Raechael Greenia, trumpet and Renae Greenia, clarinet, mixed duet - 1st Division 
Allison Hess, marimba solo - 2nd Division
Karalee Jerse, violin solo - 2nd Division                       
Davanne White, violin solo - 2nd Division
Alsa Brice, violin solo - 2nd Division                           
 

The Middle School was represented by a record number of participants in the annual festival held on January 14, 2012 at Rochester High School. 

Congratulations to the following students:
Trumpet Solo –  Division I – Annie  Cunningham
Flute Duet –  Division I – Elise Morgan, Annabelle  Altermatt

Mixed Quartet  – Division I – Kori Kirksey, Madison  Kortas, Alex Schultz, Jared Couch
String Quintet  – Division I – Sarah Prohaszka, Kaylee  Nelson, Danni Borucki, Rachel Clough, Courtney  Martens

Flute Duet –  Division II – Madison Kortas, Kaele  Polzin
String Duet –  Division II – Katie Grabowski, Faith  Fetty
String Duet –  Division II – Kirsten Madill, Sarah  Prohaszka
String Duet –  Division II – Malyn Berger, Faith  Fetty
String Duet –  Division II – Lucy Lyszak, Autumn  Martin
Woodwind Trio  – Division II - Cayman Dulz, Lexi Nowicki, Tori Griffin
Woodwind Trio  – Division II – Tori Nichols, Olivia  Zagorski, Caitlyn Zendt

Flute Duet –  Division III - Annette Ruczynski, Molly  Pratt

Solo & Ensemble Festival is an opportunity for students to perform a selection of music of their choice for adjudication.  They can also elect to  have their musical selection critiqued for performance only.  Scoring is based
on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being the highest rating possible.  Students or groups who eearn a rating of 1 or 2 receive a district medal. 

If you have a desire to become more involved in the music program, please consider becoming a music booster representative.  The boosters work in conjunction with the music directors on all levels of activities.  Specific
duties include communication, providing financial support, hosting fundraisers, maintaining uniforms and equipment, and coordinating chaperones and other help for events. 

The growth and sustainability of the music program depend on the dedication and commitment of volunteers.

We are conducting a recruiting drive to fill the follow positions for the 2012-2013 School Year:
1 to 2 - Choir Representatives
1 to 2 - Middle School Representatives
1 to 2 - High School Representatives 
 
Representatives from each group bring value as the "experts" and ensure that all of the fine details are covered to support the music directors.  

The main role of a booster member is to manage and coordiate programs and fundraisers and to develop a network of parents to assist with the variety of tasks. In addition one of the representatives also fulfills the administrative role by preparing the meeting minutes, newsletters, and updating the website. 

The amount of time spent on booster related activities is 2 to 4 hours a month.  There are no meetings during the
summer.

We welcome the opportunity for any person considering joining the boosters to contact current members and job shadow the current representatives.  You will find that the duties and responsibilites are shared among the group and are well-organized.

If anyone is interested in learning more about becoming a booster representative please contact one of the current booster members.  You can find the complete list of booster members and contact information under the Booster Tab. 

The Uniform Committee is starting a new sweet fundraiser for all middle school and high school music students. You can choose from an assortment of Lindt Lindor Truffles and other fine chocolates including Valentine treats for
the "special" someone in your life. An order form is included on the Information Tab.  The fundraiser will run from 01/11/12 - 01/25/12. The tentative date for pick up from the HS band room is 02/09/12.  Order forms will be distributed to students during music class by 01/11/12.

The music department will conduct the annual Little Caesars Pizza Kit fundraiser effective January 17, 2012.  Orders must be submitted by February 10, 2012.   Pick up date will be Monday, February 27, 2012 from  2:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the High School Band room.  All items must be picked up that evening as the pizza kits are perishable. 

Students...please remember to ask your teachers or other Armada School Staff if they would like to participate in the Lindt Lindor Candy or LIttle Caesars Pizza Kit fundraisers. 

First and foremost the Uniform Committee would like to thank the local community for the outpouring of support towards our uniform support letter campaign.  As of February 1, 2012, we have received donations totaling $8096.40.  We are so grateful for the support and ask every household and business to consider supporting our endeavor by making a donation in 2012.  The donation flyer is located on the Information Tab. 

The Uniform Committee is starting a new sweet fundraiser for all middle school and high school music students.  You can choose from an assortment of Lindt Lindor Truffles and other fine candies including Valentine treats for the "special" someone in your life.  The fundraiser will run from 01/11/12 - 01/25/12.  The tentative date for pick up from the HS band room is 02/09/12.  Order forms will be distributed to students during music class by 01/11/12.

We have sold a total 180 Tiger Paw/Tiger Stripe scarves and we have 40 remaining scarves in our inventory.

Another quilt and two pillow set will be raffled off at the Annual Dinner Dance held on 4/13/12.  Tickets are being sold at various Armada school functions and sporting events.  Please contact Jean Persely at 586-764-5956 if  you'd like to purchase tickets for the April 13th raffle to be drawn at the Annual Music Dinner Dance held at the Krause Elementary Cafeteria/Auditorium.

The Armada Music Department is launching several fundraising campaigns in the pursuit of purchasing new marching uniforms for the high school band.  The marching band program is growing by leaps and bounds and the current inventory of uniforms dating back 28 years will not meet the current demands of the band population.  The band simply does not have the needed inventory.  For example, the band is graduating 8 students in 2012 and receiving 25 freshmen.  

The vintage uniforms have seen better days, but thanks to the dedication of the music boosters and a small group of parents and grandparents the uniforms have been inventoried,  professionally dry cleaned, and mended each season for the past two years to ensure our musicians look their best.  The kids have a renewed sense of Tiger Pride wearing clean, well-cared for uniforms during each performance.

In addition to fundraising for the marching uniforms, we are fundraising for concert blazers for the middle school band students.  The addition of blazers will compliment their current uniform of tuxedo shirts, bow ties, and black slacks.

The music department needs to raise a minimum of $40,000 to purchase 100 new marching uniforms and 100 concert blazers.  The uniforms include a fully constructed coat, pants, shako style hat, a plume, gloves, rain gear, and garment bags.  A grant application has been submitted to the Armada Education Foundation and another will be submitted to the Four County Community Foundation in April 2012 in hopes of securing additional funding.  With the support of the community our goal is to purchase marching uniforms for the 2012 marching season. 

Our most exciting fundraiser will be launched in December.  We have developed a Community Support Program which encourages the local community, current music students, and alumni to support our endeavor through a tax-deductible donation.  Take advantage of the Michigan's Charity deduction by making your donation by 12/31/11 and you will get credit on the federal form.

We have four levels of support: 
Whole Note Club Member - $1,000 contribution
Half Note Club Member - $500 contribution
Quarter Note Club Member - $250 contribution
Adopt a Uniform High Stepper - $300 contribution

A donation of any amount would surely be appreciated and will help us reach our goal of $40,000. 
We need to raise all funds by March 2012 in order for us to place our order for 100 uniforms to ensure they are ready for September 2012.

Download your official Community Support Form from the Information Tab of the website.  

Other exciting fundraising opportunities are currently underway.  The music department is selling tiger paw and tiger stripe scarves for $5.00 each.  As of 12/08/11 a total of 153 scarves have been sold!  These will be available during home basketball games and during music concerts.   We have also included an order form for the scarves on the Information Tab.  A raffle is being held for a beautiful quilt and three pillows.  Tickets are being sold at all music concerts with the drawing to take place during the high school band concert held on 12/08/11.  The outpouring of support for the first raffle for the quilt and pillows was tremendous.  We sold a total of 453 raffle tickets.  The lucky winner was Bridget Persely, a HS student and the daughter of Jean Persely.  Bridget was so excited and couldn't believe she was the lucky winner!
  
If anyone would like to assist in our current raffle by selling tickets at events or to their family, friends, or work associates, please contact Jean Persely at 586-764-5956 or at robpers@earthlink.net.

We'd like to thank Jean Persely for donating the materials and using her creative talents in making the quilts and pillows, and scarves.
  

Below are a few of our musicians and Mr. Thomason showing off their Tiger pride by modeling our Tiger Stripe and Tiger Paw scarves that are being sold to help raise funds for new marching band uniforms.    The first raffle for the beautiful quilt and three pillows took place on 12/08/11 during the high school band concert.  Another raffle will take place on 4/13/12 at the Annual Music Department Dinner Dance.

Below are a few of our enthusiastic musicians showing off their current band  uniforms and the fashionable scarves, quilt and pillows. 

Sarah Sheridan, baritone saxophonist, was selected for the CMU High School Honors Band.  In order to be considered for the honors band program Sarah had to prepare an audition recording to be reviewed by the faculty of CMU.  Sarah was very excited to receive the news that she had been accepted. 
CMU hosted its 27th Annual High School Honors Band the weekend of November 19th & 20th.  A total of 48 high school musicians throughout Michigan participated in the event.  Saturday and Sunday were filled with rehearsals and sectionals leading up to the main performance on Sunday at the Staples Family Concert Hall on the campus of CMU.   Under the direction of James Batcheller and John E. Williamson, the Honors Band performed four selections of music.  The musical event also included various CMU Chamber Ensemble performances.  
This was Sarah's third experience performing for an honors band program.  She also received an invitation to particiapte in the CMU summer band program.  Congratulations Sarah on your fine musicianship.

Staff, students, and parents representing the Armada High School Chorale and Choir recently attended The Oakland Chorale and University Chorus Concert held on Friday, November 18, 2011 at the University Presbyterian Church.  The annual concert is supported by the College of Arts and Sciences of Oakland University.  The 39 member Chorale and the 80 member Choir performed a wonderful selection of music lead by Michael A. Mitchell, conductor and Kwamise Taylor, assistance conductor, accompanied by Julie Stapleman, piano & organ.  The lively Armada Group enjoyed a wonderful evening of music and food at a local restaurant.

The music boosters received a check from Kroger Rewards for the period of 07/31/11 - 10/30/11 in the amount of $234.34.  Thank you to all of the Kroger shoppers who have signed up for Kroger Rewards.  Please tell your friends it is easy to sign up and desiginate rewards for the Music Boosters.  Please see the Fundraising Tab for specific details.

The HS Music Department is planning a trip to Gatlinburg, TN.  The tentative schedule is 4/25/12 - 4/29/12.  It is important to determine the level of comittment to finalize the trip.  Attached under the Information Tab is the tentative itinerary and sign up form.  Space is limited.  Therefore please complete the attached form including a $50.00 deposit and give to Mr. Loveday ASAP.

Armada High School Marching Band's performance at festival on October 11, 2011 was terrific.  The band earned a good (II) rating for their performance.  They earned many A's for technique and just missed receiving an excellent (I) rating.  The band was very proud of their performance. 

The band had a great marching band show entitled "I-Pod Shuffle" which included hits from the 70"s, 80's, 90's and 00's.  Songs included "Dream On", "Don't Stop Believing", "All the Small Things", and "Poker Face". 

The marching drill was written by Steve Loveday and Rebecca Durbin.

Congratuations to Mr. Steve Loveday and the entire Armada High School Marching Band.  

As a courtesy to all parents and a reminder to students a copy of the high school syllabus can be printed from the Information Tab of the website.  It is critical that there is a clear understanding of requirements for continued success.

Dr. Kummerow was the lucky recipient of the 50/50 raffle from the Friday, 9/16/11 Varsity football game.  He generously donated his winnings to the Athletic Boosters and Music Boosters in the amount of $253.00 for each program.  Thank you so much Dr. Kummerow!

The Music Voucher is attached under the Forms Section of the Booster Tab if a student elects to use money from their music account to pay for music related expenses.

The Armada Music Department boasts an impressive percentage of the student population
 in various music programs.

The Middle School has 35% of the total population participating in music programs.
The High School has 25% of the total population participating in music programs.

"Sing the praises of a musical education!"