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Year-End Wrap-Up and Instrument Care

6/23/2019

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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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Welcome Grade 6 Families!

5/29/2019

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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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Final Concerts and Assignments

5/26/2019

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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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Final Marching Band Preparation

5/16/2019

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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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Marching Band Details

5/7/2019

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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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NDC Music Jacket Orders

5/1/2019

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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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Final Band Camp Details

4/30/2019

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It's finally upon us!  The rescheduled Band Camp is a go, and having looked at the forecast, although there may be a tiny bit of precipitation, we should have a great weekend!  Here are our final itinerary details ...

Friday, May 3, 2019
8:15 AM - All students at the school (you may need to drive their equipment in)
  • Suitcases and Sleeping Bags go on the stage first
8:33 AM - Marching with Grade 7 Band Class
9:31 AM - Loading Bus to ready for departure
  • All students help load music stands and percussion equipment into the bus
10:15 AM - Bus Departs NDC, eat bag lunch on the bus
12:45 PM - Arrival at Pioneer Camp
  • Go Through Orientation.
  • Deliver our belongings to our assigned rooms
  • Set up Band Shell
1:30 PM - 4 different activities, students will be told what activities they are doing during band class.
3:00 PM - Snack
3:30 PM - Second set of 4 different activities
5:00 PM - Full Band Setup and Rehearsal
6:00 PM - Supper and Cleanup
7:00 PM - Predator and Prey Game
8:00 PM - Campfire or List B Practice
9:30 PM - Snack
10:00 PM - Evening Liturgy, settle in rooms
10:30 PM - Quiet in Camp

Saturday, May 4, 2019
8:00 AM - Breakfast and Cleanup
9:00 AM - Clinic Session 1 (guest experts on our instruments)
10:30 AM - Clinic Session 2
12:00 PM - Lunch
1:00 PM - Final set of 4 different activities
2:30 PM - Snack
3:00 PM - Full Band Workshop
5:00 PM - Final Facility Cleanup, Load the Bus
6:00 PM - Departure from Pioneer Ranch Camp, stopping somewhere along the way for supper
9:30 PM - Expected return time at NDC

What to Bring and Pack

  • Instrument (in good working order) with extra reeds/oil/maintenance supplies
    • Percussionists will need to bring all their mallets, including for bells, xylophone and vibes
  • Music Folder
    • Sound Innovations Book
    • List B and/or C Pieces
  • Sleeping Bag (good to -4 degrees)
  • Pillow
  • ALL WINTER CLOTHES, including snow pants, toques, mittens, scarves, winter coats and boots.
    • NOT OPTIONAL.  Kids found not to have these clothes will not be coming on the trip, and there are no refunds at this point.  They will be asked to show this at school on Friday.
  • 3 changes of clothes, just in case one of those changes gets wet
  • Pajamas
  • BAG LUNCH, as we will be eating a bag lunch for our first meal once we arrive at camp.
  • Debit Card/Prepaid VISA/Cash for supper on Saturday night
It's been a few years since I've done this trip, and I'm looking forward to it all!  A special thank you to our chaperones Sheena Bamlett, Sabrina Draper, Bryn Hermanski and Graham Osborne.  We are also looking for one additional chaperone to ensure we meet the numbers the camp asks us for, so if you can help out, please email me immediately so I can make sure there is enough food for you!  Without you wonderful volunteers, our trip would not be possible, and I know they will love this trip!  Extra Chaperone information provided by the Pioneer Camp Staff is available here.
See you all Friday!
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Volunteers Needed for Two Organizations!

4/15/2019

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The Gift of Music Society and the Foothills Philharmonic Society are looking for volunteers, and they've requested Notre Dame Collegiate students!

Our community outreach is very important, and is something that we at Notre Dame Collegiate are very proud of.  As we approach the time when Mr. Windsor seeks support from community organizations for such things as NDC Music Jackets or other sponsorships, our community outreach becomes very important for their consideration as well.  It is also possible that through this community outreach we can develop a relationship with these organizations to the benefit of our students, for example by building relationships between our student strings players and Foothills Philharmonic members!

The Gift of Music Society is happy to accept volunteers of any age, while the Foothills Philharmonic Society is looking predominantly for high school students.  Notre Dame Collegiate always lends our timpani to the Foothills Philharmonic Society, so it would be wonderful to have some students with an awareness of our timpani to help.  We also have some very capable Grade 9s who can help out with the tasks the Foothills Philharmonic Society may need.

Please review the following dates, and volunteer your students for what you can.  If your student can volunteer, please let Mr. Windsor know.

April 27, 2019 - Gift of Music Concert (Young Musicians Extraordinaire, with ice cream!)
  • Ushers, CD Sales, and similar help - 4 volunteers - URGENTLY NEEDED
May 3, 2019 - Foothills Philharmonic Society - Concert (Request Grade 11 and 12 students)
  • Ushers, Front of House Support
  • Stagehands (moving equipment on and off the stage)
May 8, 2019 - Foothills Philharmonic Society - Dress Rehearsal
  • Stagehands (moving equipment on and off the stage)
May 10-11, 2019 - Foothills Philharmonic Society - Concerts in High River and Okotoks
  • Ushers, Front of House Support
  • Stagehands (moving equipment on and off the stage)
May 22, 2019 - Foothills Philharmonic Society - Dress Rehearsal
  • Stagehands (moving equipment on and off the stage)
May 24-25, 2019 - Foothills Philharmonic Society - Concerts in High River and Okotoks
  • Ushers, Front of House Support
  • Stagehands (moving equipment on and off the stage)
June 8, 2019 - Foothills Philharmonic Society - Concert
  • Ushers, Front of House Support
  • Stagehands (moving equipment on and off the stage)
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Rescheduled Band Camp Dates - May 3 and 4

3/26/2019

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We did it!  We got the Band Camp rescheduled!

Our new band camp dates are May 3 and 4, 2019.  This is still a Friday and Saturday.  Although the educational goals will be different, the format will largely be the same.

One minor inconvenience ... I need you to fill out paperwork again.  I need permission forms with medical information submitted once again, as the previous forms will not suffice for this trip.  I'm sorry for that inconvenience.  Deadline for returning forms is April 16, 2019.
Download New Permission Form
All students in Grade 8/9 Band can participate, even if they weren't able to for the original trip.

I'm also in need of at least 6 chaperones, with a minimum of 3 females and minimum of 2 males.  Please also indicate on the forms if you are able to help out as chaperones on this trip.
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Senior Trip Update

3/24/2019

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Our Senior Trip is coming up quick, and we are about ready to leave!  It is a busy musical time for you, so please be prepared.  The Itinerary is as follows;

Saturday, April 6

3:00 PM - Arrive at NDC and load the Activity Bus
3:30 PM - Depart NDC
5:45 PM - Stop in Red Deer area for supper, must take food on the bus
7:45 PM - Arrive at Hotel in Edmonton
8:20 PM - Arrive at LaserQuest in Edmonton, bus goes back to hotel.
9:00 PM - Walk back to hotel
10:30 PM - Lights out

Sunday, April 7

6:45 AM - Wakeup Call
7:15 AM - Depart Hotel
7:30 AM - Arrive at Festival at the Winspear Centre
8:20 AM - Perform in the Winspear
8:40 AM - Depart for breakfast, change now if you wish
9:45 AM - Go by foot to mass
10:30 AM - Mass
12:30 PM - Go to West Edmonton Mall, bus goes back to hotel
6:00 PM - Meet for dinner
7:30 PM - Bus picks us up at West Edmonton Mall, we leave to Winspear for Evening Concert
8:00 PM - Evening Concert
10:00 PM - Return to Hotel
​11:00 PM - Lights Out

Monday, April 8

8:00 AM - Wakeup Call
9:30 AM - Check out of hotel
10:00 AM - Masterclasses
12:50 PM - Depart Masterclasses for lunch at the hotel, change into uniforms after
2:00 PM - Arrive to listen to Workshop at Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre
3:00 PM - Workshop at Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre
4:00 PM - Depart Edmonton
6:00 PM - Stop in Red Deer for Supper
8:00 PM - Arrival at NDC, done for the trip.

Please pack

  • Your music
  • Your folder
  • Your instrument (including extra toys if you use them in Prelude and Primal Dance)
  • Extra reeds / slide oil, etc.
  • Your uniform (which will be worn twice)
  • Changes of clothes, including pajamas (remember, Catholic School Band Trip)
  • Swimwear if desired (no pool at hotel, but you may go to the waterpark)
  • Cash for 1 breakfast and 3 dinners
  • Extra shopping cash at your risk
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