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9/9/2019

Strings, Stage and Steel Schedule

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The Schedule for the Year of Strings, Stage Band and Steel Pans

My apologies for the delay on this message.  It has been an exciting startup to the year, but a busy one as well.  I can now fully confirm our after-school music program schedule, which is effective immediately;

Senior Jazz Combo - Monday mornings, 7:00 AM - 8:15 AM (Thursdays on weeks after long weekends)

String Ensemble - Tuesdays after school, 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM

Stage Band - Wednesdays after school, 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM

Steel Pans - Wednesday evenings, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

In the event of conflicts with other after-school activities (sports), our policy is to work with such situations on a one-on-one basis.  Solutions are almost always found, so that the student can still meet both commitments.

A note about supervision: Students cannot remain in the school unsupervised.  Please ensure that your student has a method of getting home (perhaps through carpooling options) or other teacher supervision once their rehearsals are done.

Thank you for participating in our after-school groups!  It is a big year for music already underway, and I am very excited for it!

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9/9/2019

Grade 7 Startup Camp

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Startup Camp is This Friday!

Hello Grade 7 Families!  I am very excited to see instruments in your students hands today and tomorrow.  This is the start of an exciting musical journey!

Startup Camp is This Friday, all Grade 7 Band students are expected to attend. I have professional musicians coming in to work with your students on Friday, so your students will be staying after school that day.  Later on that night they will be performing in their first-ever Concert Band Performance, just for you!  Students will also receive marks for their participation.

The itinerary is as follows;
12:30 PM - School is out, students will be served Subway lunch.
1:00 PM - Clinics start, all students
2:20 PM - Mini-Recital (professionals perform for the students)
2:45 PM - Second set of Clinics
4:00 PM - Switch to Full Band Rehearsal, first time ever
5:15 PM - Team-building games
5:45 PM - Picasso's Pizza Supper
6:15 PM - Doors open at the school for our family audience members
6:30 PM - Grade 7s perform their first performance ever.
6:45 PM - Cleanup
7:00 PM - Startup Camp is done.

Students will be learning valuable skills on how to put their instruments together, take care of their instruments (and your investment), play with great sound, the first most-important notes, and prepare their performance for you, and they will get that instruction from specialists on their instruments in a more one-on-one way.  It is an invaluable experience, and we can thank the Highwood Lions for making it possible for us.

I'm looking forward to seeing you Friday night, and getting this year started with your students!

God bless,
​Joel Windsor

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9/3/2019

Miss Instrument Rental Night?  I Got You.

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Did you miss Instrument Rental Night?
​Don't Worry, I Got you.

It's a busy startup.  If you couldn't make it, that's okay, there are backup plans.  But please don't delay, so that your students start playing at the same time everyone else does.
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If your student needs a flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone or baritone, you need to contact Long & McQuade to rent such an instrument.
  1. Call Long & McQuade at (403) 244-5555.
  2. Ask for the Band Department
  3. Tell them you want to rent an instrument, and have it sent to Notre Dame Collegiate with Mr. Windsor.
They will walk you through all the rest.

If you are in need of renting a baritone saxophone, bass clarinet or tuba, your student will need to meet with Mr. Windsor on Thursday at lunch.  That will be the last chance to rent from Notre Dame Collegiate this year.

Your student needs their instrument by Monday, September 9.  Please arrange for them to have an instrument by that date.

My student says they want to play in the stage band on a different instrument.  how does that work?

If your child already has a primary instrument assigned to them for Concert Band, they can have a different instrument rented to them for free from Notre Dame Collegiate.  We take a $50 deposit which you get back if the instrument doesn't need repairs.  The last chance to take advantage of this is on Thursday at lunch hour.
Example: David plays Tuba in Concert Band and has already rented it from NDC, but wants to play in the Stage Band. He works out with Mr. Windsor that Trombone is the best choice for him, so he rents a trombone from NDC for free, with the $50 deposit.​

How do I Pay my Rental FeeS?

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Online.  Mr. Windsor and Mrs. Hartung are working to see your instrument rental costs posted on SchoolCashOnline, a system you have always been familiar with for school fees.  They should all be posted by Thursday morning September 5, at which point you can pay them online.
Please note: If your fees are not paid for by September 13, or an arrangement has not been made by calling (403) 652-2231, we will need to rescind your rental.  Please pay your fees in a timely fashion.

what about drums, piano, guitars or steel pans?

Students who use NDC equipment without owning it (like the percussion equipment, piano, or amplifiers) pay a "Usage Fee" of $40.  Steel Panners pay a "Usage Fee" of $20 if they aren't already paying for other percussion or electronic equipment.  This usage fee goes towards the cost of maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

what about buying?  Can i do that?

Of course, but buyer beware.  If you are buying an instrument online that is less than $300 but says that it is "new", it's a sham, don't waste your money.  If you are buying an instrument from a warehouser like Canadian Tire, Walmart, or Costco, stop, don't waste your money.  If you want to buy used, Mr. Windsor recommends you seek advice from him first, so that you don't buy a lemon.  Mr. Windsor does have access to many instruments that are reasonably priced used instruments (mostly flutes, clarinets and trumpets) ranging from $50 to $250, so feel free to ask him about these options.

does my student need reeds or oil?

Well, your student will definitely need some supplies. You can buy your supplies online from Long & McQuade's website and you can usually get free shipping with their shipping allowance.  Alternatively, you can call the store (403) 244-5555 and buy by phone, asking them to deliver to NDC, but it may take up to 2 weeks to get here.
  • Flutes need a polishing cloth.  That's usually it.
  • Clarinets and saxophones need cleaning swabs.  You can usually get Clarinet kits from Long & McQuade.  Consider also getting a thumb rest and/or a toothguard.  It just makes life more comfortable.
  • Clarinets and saxophones also need reeds.  Grade 7s first box of reeds should be "Rico 2.5 Strength" (the orange box).  Grade 8s will want the "Royal" reeds, and probably the same strength they played last year.  Grade 9s may want to take a half-step up in strength.  Seniors should seriously consider "Reserve" or "Van Doren" reeds, but if you're changing brands, don't change strength.
  • All brass instruments will need oil based on the type of instrument they are (valve oil, slide oil or rotor oil), a cleaning brush or snake, and a polishing cloth.  Instrument Care Kits are also available through Long & McQuade.
  • Percussionists should have their own drumsticks, medium-soft yarn mallets, timpani mallets and hard plastic mallets.  You may be able to get a deal on a "Mallet Bag" package from Long & McQuade.
  • Strings players will need Rosin.

If you have any further questions ...

Please just ask.  Remember, I got you.

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9/1/2019

We Have Lift Off!

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Welcome to a new music year!  I'll be your host, Mr. Windsor, and it is my pleasure to have you all back once more!  This blog entry is to give you as many details about what you need to know as quickly as possible.

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6/23/2019

Year-End Wrap-Up and Instrument Care

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The year is approaching it's close.  It's been a wonderful year, and a proper Year-In-Review Blog will be coming to you by the end of the week.  In the meantime, we need to properly manage the end of the year activities.

What To Do With Your Instruments

Mr. Windsor will not return your instruments to either Long & McQuade or St. John's for you.  You are responsible for your own instruments.
If you are planning on continuing in band or strings, don't return your instrument; if you continue to rent your instrument for a period of approximately 3.5 years, you may actually now own your instrument.  Instead, take it into Long & McQuade or St. John's for some summer maintenance.
If you're not carrying on in band or strings, you will need to return your instrument yourselves.  Long & McQuade may not be returning to NDC, so please arrange to have your instrument brought home.  You may not have access to the school in July or August.

Do I upgrade my instrument?

The easiest way to improve the quality of your instrument is to upgrade mouthpieces.  It is similar to upgrading your computer by adding extra RAM, or upgrading your car by adding a cold-air intake.
Nonetheless, for aspiring lifelong musicians, the instrument may be the thing you wish to fully upgrade.  See Mr. Windsor for individual recommendations.

Last Chance to Submit Assignments or Performances

Students who have not completed any written assignments or tests have until June 25 to complete them.  Mr. Windsor is available on Monday, June 24 from 7:00 AM - 12:00 Noon, and again Tuesday from 12:00 Noon into the evening for booking if necessary.  Breezin' Thru and Recordings are no longer being accepted except in extremely extenuating circumstances.

People Who Bought Jackets

You should notice the jacket purchase now appears in your SchoolCashOnline.  Once payment is submitted, I can deliver your child's jacket to them.  The embroidery has been completed thanks to the help of Maria and Melanie Stey at Flys Etc.

Mr. Windsor needs Volunteer Help

We have new spaces for storage sheet music, and the sorting is an arduous task for one person.  If your student can help Mr. Windsor with the sorting process, there are CS hours available that can be applied to either this year's or next year's CS Hour Count.  Thank you to the great volunteers who have already helped pack up the large equipment.

Band books, music, toques, jackets, or other materials

All band books, sheet music, toques, jackets, or any other material lent to the students needs to be returned for future use.  Any items not returned need to be repurchased, reducing the music budget unnecessarily.  Please ensure your items are returned to Mr. Windsor by June 25, 2019.

Summer Musicking Opportunties for "Music Addicts"

Students who want to get a musicking fix in sometime during the summer may wish to keep in contact with Mr. Windsor.  Please see Mr. Windsor to add yourself to the "Musicking Addicts" group.  There are already a number of students who have expressed interest in jamming out sometime over the summer.

What's Planned for Next Year?

Toronto 2020

The Senior High Wind Ensemble is eyeing up a trip to Toronto on April 30-May 3, 2020.  There will be a need for increased support in fundraising in this regard, but we are truly excited to perform in this National Festival while also checking out the Toronto Symphony and Niagara Falls.  We will want a maximum of 2 female chaperones to help with this trip.  Contact Mr. Windsor if you are interested.  Deposits of $100 will be needed at the beginning of September from all participants.

Ensembles

Steel Pans will continue, and may split into two groups if enough younger musicians opt to join.  Stage Band will also continue, as will the String Ensemble.
A new addition next year based on interest may be the Senior Jazz Combo, focusing on musicking for gigging.  We need a high school pianist, drummer and bass player as a minimum to make this group work.  Please indicate your interest to Mr. Windsor if you want to try this out.
Notre Dame Collegiate continues to grow its music program.  Thank you for your continued support for an amazing music education program!

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5/29/2019

Welcome Grade 6 Families!

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June 25, 2019 Update ...

We have cancelled our Rental Night for Instruments in June.  We will instead be renting instruments on Sept. 3, 2019.
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If you want to rent your student's instrument early, please check your email for a message from Mr. Windsor regarding how to do that rental.  If you haven't received one, please email him for details.

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Dear Grade 6 Families,
​   It is my pleasure to be a part of welcoming your family to Notre Dame Collegiate, and helping your students be prepared for the transition!  Transitioning to Grade 7 is relatively straightforward, and there are very few things that we need your input on to get your student completely ready for NDC.
   First, all students will need to decide their involvement in Band at NDC.  I encourage every student to study music, as there is plenty of research showing music as the only field of study that helps students systematically develop connections between every area of the brain, develop their own character and express their own personalities, and develop the 21st century skills of collaboration and creativity all within that same area of study.  That, and it is a huge amount of fun!

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On different days in February and April, your students tried out four instrument-types; Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet and Trombone.  These are not the only instruments available, but they gave students an idea of what those types of instruments feel like.  Other instruments that are encouraged in Grade 7 Concert Band (a class offered inside the schedule) include Oboe, French Horn, Baritone and Tuba.  Saxophone is not included in this list of recommended instruments (frankly because Saxophone in Concert Band is boring), however students keen on the saxophone are encouraged to play Clarinet in Concert Band to develop skills in an interesting and fun way, and to play Saxophone in the after-school Stage Band where the Saxophone parts are more fun.

The alternative to the Band music class is known as "Academic Enrichment", a course that focusses on foundational skills including typing, learning how to hand write, specific study skills, organization, review of core course concepts, and then they do have the opportunity to complete homework as well.  It is designed specifically for those students who need to focus on those types of skills and activities.
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Stage Band is one of three extracurricular music courses offered at Notre Dame Collegiate.  It is known as "The Woodshedders", and features saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and the rhythm section consisting of piano, guitar, bass and drumset.  The "Panorama" Steel Pan Ensemble is unique to Notre Dame Collegiate and features Caribbean Pan Drums, and also provides opportunities for bass guitar players and drumset players.  The brand new St. Cecilia String Ensemble is a beginning level string group with opportunities for those with some more experience as well.  It features violins, violas, cellos and string basses.  Students can choose to join any of these after-school groups.
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With this information you have a better idea what music will be like at Notre Dame Collegiate.  For those of you who were anticipating an Instrument Rental Night in June we cancelled in favour of a Fall option.  We will instead be renting instruments on September 3, 2019.  If you want to rent your student's instrument early, please check your email for a message from Mr. Windsor regarding how to do that rental.  If you haven't received one, please email him for details.

I really am looking forward to next year of beginning band with your students!  It promises to be an exciting adventure together!
Email Mr. Windsor
Contrapuntally yours,
Joel Windsor, MME, RMT
Notre Dame Collegiate Music Education Specialist

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5/26/2019

Final Concerts and Assignments

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We are rapidly approaching the end of our performing season at the Notre Dame Collegiate Music Department, so here is what you need to know to get to the end!

Skip the Line-Up,
​Buy Tickets Before the Show

While our new ticketing software does make things much easier for our volunteers, if everyone waits to buy their tickets at the door, the lineups will be long.  We ask that you purchase your tickets in advance to make those lineups much easier to manage.

Every NDC Music Family gets one complimentary ticket per family.

Every person needs a ticket, even if they are Pre-School aged.
There are reduced rates for those who want to buy tickets for both shows - Buy Them Here!
Buy Tickets for Both Concerts
Buy for the 4S Concert
Or get One-Night Only Tickets here.
Buy for the Year-End Concert

Year-End is Approaching, Final Chances to Get Assignments In!

There are a number of assignments students should have complete by this point in time.  They can get these assignments completed at home.  Please help your students by giving them space and time to complete these tasks;

Grade 7 - Concert B-Flat Scale and Hexachords in Charms, Breezin' Thru Theory Chapter 1 for their clef only, Breezin' Thru Theory Chapters 2-4, Breezin' Thru Theory Chapter 26 Beginner Section Only, Breezin' Thru Composing First Composition

Grade 8/9 - List A and List B Pieces in Charms, Breezin' Thru Theory Chapters 2-6, Breezin' Thru Theory Chapter 26 Beginner and Intermediate Sections, Breezin' Thru Composing Theme and Variations Composition

Senior High - List A and List B Pieces in Charms, Breezin' Thru Theory Chapters 3-7, Breezin' Thru Theory Chapter 26 complete, Breezin' Thru Composing Theme and Variations Composition

As always, thank you for your support throughout the year!

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5/16/2019

Final Marching Band Preparation

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First, let me extend to you my admiration for your students.  Marching Band is a different kind of commitment, one that allows students to demonstrate their work ethic, continual self-improvement, grace through adversity, and dedication.  These are the kinds of skills we hope students develop as they work their way toward the workforce, so to see them do as well as they are is exciting to me!

Our meeting time on Saturday is 8:30 AM at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.  Please don't be late, as we will need to warm up and line up according to the needs of the parade organizers.
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Jackets will be brought there, as will NDC toques for students to borrow.  I do not have access to gloves, but I do recommend them simply for the students' comfort.  If your student plays an instrument where their fingers cover holes (like a clarinet or open-tone-hole flute), they will still need their fingertips, so fingerless gloves are advised, however for other students full-fingered gloves will work.
Students need to wear black pants, and an undershirt that is appropriate for the weather.  Current forecasts suggest that it will be cooler, much like this morning, but without the drizzling rain.  Please keep an eye on the forecasts just in case.  Running shoes are a must, but I'm not concerned about the colour (if you can choose black, great, if not, I'm not concerned).

Also, if your student requires medical tools such as inhalers or anti-histamines, please ensure your student brings it with them.  We will keep such tools with us in our wagon.  Sunscreen is a good idea, even if it is cloudy.  Sunglasses are also acceptable.

Students are responsible for bringing their instruments.  Percussionists are responsible for their sticks.  Snares, Basses, Quads and Tubas will be brought by Mr. Windsor.  All reed players should have a backup reed or two in their pocket just in case theirs breaks on the parade route.

We anticipate the parade being done at 11:00 AM, and beef-on-a-bun to be available after that in George Lane Park.  Your students' NDC Jackets are their tickets for free beef-on-a-bun, therefore they will be expected to keep their jackets and return them on Tuesday.  Jackets do not need to be washed, we will do so here at the school.

​I am really looking forward to this community outreach for our school once again.  The community enjoys seeing local musicians in the parade, and your students have been working hard memorizing music and practicing their parade drill to look and sound good!  Please support them as best as you can as they prepare for this performance!

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5/7/2019

Marching Band Details

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I NEED YOUR RESPONSES, PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM AFTER YOU READ THE INFORMATION BELOW.

The Little Britches Parade is two weekends from now, and we have some details for the Grade 7s who are marching, as well as the Grade 8s and 9s who have volunteered to join them.

First, I need to be very clear about the number of participants for insurance reasons.  All Grade 7s should be participating in the parade, as they have been working hard on this new skill and should share it with the community.  Grade 8s and 9s are invited, and the Grade 7s would really enjoy their participation as extra supporters.

I'm also in need of parent helpers to walk alongside the students in the parade to ensure they are taken care of, well-watered, and supported.


We will meet at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church at 8:30 AM.  The parade organizers want us lined up at that time.  The parade will end likely before noon, and then students are invited to George Lane Park to enjoy food provided by the Highwood Lions Club.  Following lunch, depending on the number of students available, we may also participate in the Battle of the Bands.  Families are encouraged to have students participate, and then carry on to their family plans for the Long Weekend following supporting their students in the music program.

Uniform is black pants, running shoes (black, if possible, but not a big deal if not), and a very lightweight white undershirt (muscle shirts or tank tops are best, T-shirts might be too much).  I will provide the rest of the uniform.
Complete the Marching Band Day Form

<- Fill Out Before May 11.

Grade 7 Students who haven't completed this form are assumed to be participating.  Grade 8s and 9s who wish to participate must complete this form.

​The parade goes rain or shine.  In case of rain, we have the hoods on our jackets.  In case of shine, have your students put on sunscreen, and we will have lots of water on hand.  I also highly recommend bug repellent.
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I am really looking forward to this community outreach for our school once again.  The community enjoys seeing local musicians in the parade, and your students have been working hard memorizing music and practicing their parade drill to look and sound good!  Please support them as best as you can as they prepare for this performance!

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5/1/2019

NDC Music Jacket Orders

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We are about to place an order for some new NDC Music Jackets.  This affords us an opportunity.
Order your own Customized NDC Music Jacket
Students are not required to purchase their own jackets, but many students have expressed an interest in having their own with a customization on the sleeve.  This is their chance to do it.  We expect them to arrive before the Little Britches Parade.

Jackets are $55 including customization.
​Orders need to be in by May 5, 2019.
Order yours now!

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  • Home
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