The Band Trips Are COming! Here's your Master Post!There are a total of 5 different music activities happening this 2023 season, and many of them are nearing completion on the plans. But you need information sooner than later.
This is the Master Post. You can use it to get to all the other posts about the individual trips and activities. Mr. Windsor will keep each activity updated on their individual post, but you can always get to them from here. Click below for the appropriate details for you and your students.
Should you have any questions about any of these excursions, please email Mr. Windsor directly. Thank you once again for all your support! Contrapuntally yours, Joel Windsor, Notre Dame Collegiate Music Specialist
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These Activities are for St. Cecilia String Ensemble Students The St. Cecilia String Ensemble has never had a proper workshop trip, and it has been a very long time since NDC participated in our local festival. With this plan, we get both! We will take one day at Mount Royal University with their fantastic musicians, and a separate day altogether for the Highwood Lions Music Festival. One Trip March 14, 2023, Festival on March 24, 2023 |
 | We're going back to Strathmore, this time to play Jazz and Pans. This is an overnight trip that sees us playing in festival, and collaborating with our sister school Holy Cross Collegiate! |  |
Dates - March 27-28, 2023
Final Cost - $135 Paid Through SchoolCashOnline
This trip includes an overnight in Strathmore after workshopping with the Holy Cross Collegiate Stage Band and African Drumming Groups.
March 27, 2023
2:00 PM - Depart immediately after school
3:15 PM - Unload equipment at Holy Cross Collegiate
3:45 PM - Stage Band Workshop
5:00 PM - Go out for Supper (bring cash)
6:00 PM - Trading Workshops (NDC kids do African Drumming, HCC kids do Steel Pans)
7:30 PM - Check into Hotel
10:00 PM - Lights Out
March 28, 2023
Perform in Strathmore Performing Arts Festival as per times provided to us later in February. Includes adjudication by Steel Pan specialist Jodi Groenheide.
Go out for Lunch (bring cash)
Likely return by 3:30 PM.
What students will need:
We will need 2-3 chaperones for this trip, preferably female, to join us. If you are able, please email Mr. Windsor directly to indicate your availability.
More details to come as they become finalized!
March 27, 2023
2:00 PM - Depart immediately after school
3:15 PM - Unload equipment at Holy Cross Collegiate
3:45 PM - Stage Band Workshop
5:00 PM - Go out for Supper (bring cash)
6:00 PM - Trading Workshops (NDC kids do African Drumming, HCC kids do Steel Pans)
7:30 PM - Check into Hotel
10:00 PM - Lights Out
March 28, 2023
Perform in Strathmore Performing Arts Festival as per times provided to us later in February. Includes adjudication by Steel Pan specialist Jodi Groenheide.
Go out for Lunch (bring cash)
Likely return by 3:30 PM.
What students will need:
- Working Instruments, Pencil, Sheet Music, Mallets, Cables, Amplifiers, etc.
- Overnight bag with pajamas and clothes for 1 extra day
- Band Uniform
- Cash for Supper and Lunch
We will need 2-3 chaperones for this trip, preferably female, to join us. If you are able, please email Mr. Windsor directly to indicate your availability.
More details to come as they become finalized!
This Trip is for Grade 8 and Grade 9 Concert Band Students
 | We're going back to Pioneer Ranch, a location that has always treated Notre Dame Collegiate well, and is a perfect escape and opportunity to dive deeply into our music! This trip has become a favourite over the years, and this year's looks to make no exception. |  |
Dates - April 5 and 6, 2023
Final Cost - $150 Paid Through SchoolCashOnline
The trip includes bussing, equipment transportation, accommodations, many meals, clinicians, guest conductor, and camp activities. The itinerary is as follows;
April 5, 2023 (minor adjustments may be made)
What students will need:
We will also be packing
We need 5 chaperones, preferably at least 3 female, and one willing to drive a cube van separately. Please email Mr. Windsor directly if you are able to join us.
April 5, 2023 (minor adjustments may be made)
- Depart at 9:00 AM, arrive at Pioneer Ranch southwest of Sundre at 11:30 AM
- Bag lunch upon arrival
- 12:30 PM Distribution to Room Assignments
- 1:30 PM First Camp Activity
- 2:45 PM Snack
- 3:15 PM Second Camp Activity
- 5:00 PM Supper
- 6:00 PM Predator and Prey Game Outside
- 8:00 PM Evening Snack
- 8:30 PM Campfire Songs (probably indoors)
- 10:00 PM Lights Out
- 7:30 AM Breakfast
- 8:30 AM Set Up Band Room and Clinic Room
- 9:30 AM Grade 8s in Clinics, Grade 9s with Mr. Thorlacius (Guest Conductor)
- 10:30 AM Break
- 10:45 AM Back in Clinics and Workshop
- 11:45 AM Room Switches
- 12:00 PM Lunch
- 1:00 PM Grade 9s in Clinics, Grade 8s with Mr. Thorlacius (Guest Conductor)
- 2:00 PM Break
- 2:15 PM Back in Clinics and Workshop
- 3:15 PM Camp-wide Cleanup
- 4:30 PM Departure
- 5:00 PM Supper in Olds (bring cash)
- 6:00 PM Depart Olds
- 8:00 PM Arrive at Notre Dame Collegiate
What students will need:
- Working instruments, pencil, sheet music
- Sleeping bag, pillow, pajamas, toiletries
- 1 extra day of clothes, but pack extras in case it gets wet
- Outdoor clothing (It's Alberta, and even in April it can drop to -20 degrees, pack mittens, toques, snowpants, everything, Mr. Windsor does not have extras)
- Cash for Supper for April 6
- No Internet, plan for that
- Any other overnight requirements
We will also be packing
- All our music stands
- All our percussion
We need 5 chaperones, preferably at least 3 female, and one willing to drive a cube van separately. Please email Mr. Windsor directly if you are able to join us.
This Trip is for All Grade 7 Concert Band Students
Every year we take Grade 7 Concert Band students on a simple overnight trip that helps them acclimatize to the festival experience while also developing those crucial interpersonal skills required of not only the collaborative experience of Band, but of the 21st Century on the whole. We usually go to Airdrie to do this, but that must change this year. So instead, to Lethbridge we go!
Dates TBA - Probably March 21-22, 2023
Final Cost - $110 paid through SchoolCashOnline
The trip includes a performance at the Lethbridge and District Music and Speech Arts Festival (dates to be announced sometime in February, which is why our dates are tentative). There are two potential itineraries for this trip, and I will update you as we discover them.
Potential Itinerary #1
Day 1 Depart at 12:30 PM, arrive in Lethbridge at 2:30 PM
Clinic with Dr. Nick Sullivan (good friend of Mr. Windsor's) from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Go out for supper (bring cash) at the Park Place Mall
Check into hotel at 7:00 PM, opportunity to go swimming in pool with waterslide
Lights out 10:00 PM
Day 2 Participate in the Lethbridge Music and Speech Arts Festival at the time they designate, listening to at least 2 other bands while we're there. Arrival back home 2 hours after last performance.
Potential Itinerary #2
Day 1 Depart 3 hours before performance at Lethbridge Music and Speech Arts Festival
Performance at Festival at the time they designate, listening to at least 2 other bands while we're there.
Go out for supper (bring cash) at the Park Place Mall
Check into hotel at 7:00 PM, opportunity to go swimming in pool with waterslide
Lights out 10:00 PM
Day 2 9:00 AM Go to the University of Lethbridge to enjoy clinics with Dr. Nick Sullivan.
11:00 AM Quick University Tour
12:00 PM Get lunch (bring cash)
1:00 PM Depart for Home, arrival at approximately 3:00 PM.
What students will need:
We will need 2-3 chaperones (at least two female) to join us. If you are able, please email Mr. Windsor directly to indicate your availability.
More details to follow as they become finalized!
Potential Itinerary #1
Day 1 Depart at 12:30 PM, arrive in Lethbridge at 2:30 PM
Clinic with Dr. Nick Sullivan (good friend of Mr. Windsor's) from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Go out for supper (bring cash) at the Park Place Mall
Check into hotel at 7:00 PM, opportunity to go swimming in pool with waterslide
Lights out 10:00 PM
Day 2 Participate in the Lethbridge Music and Speech Arts Festival at the time they designate, listening to at least 2 other bands while we're there. Arrival back home 2 hours after last performance.
Potential Itinerary #2
Day 1 Depart 3 hours before performance at Lethbridge Music and Speech Arts Festival
Performance at Festival at the time they designate, listening to at least 2 other bands while we're there.
Go out for supper (bring cash) at the Park Place Mall
Check into hotel at 7:00 PM, opportunity to go swimming in pool with waterslide
Lights out 10:00 PM
Day 2 9:00 AM Go to the University of Lethbridge to enjoy clinics with Dr. Nick Sullivan.
11:00 AM Quick University Tour
12:00 PM Get lunch (bring cash)
1:00 PM Depart for Home, arrival at approximately 3:00 PM.
What students will need:
- Working Instruments, Pencil, Sheet Music
- Overnight Bag with pajamas and clothes for 1 extra day, swimwear optional
- Band Uniform
- Cash for Supper (and maybe lunch depending on the schedule)
We will need 2-3 chaperones (at least two female) to join us. If you are able, please email Mr. Windsor directly to indicate your availability.
More details to follow as they become finalized!
Disney Trip Update!
By now your family should have provided 2 payments of $250 each to the school towards the Disneyland Trip. The first was due on December 9, the second on January 9. The next one will be due on February 9, the following ones on March 1, April 1 and May 1. This will cover the cost of the entire trip.
If you are missing one or both of those payments, please submit them immediately. If you miss 3 payments, I will cancel your participation on the trip.
If you are missing one or both of those payments, please submit them immediately. If you miss 3 payments, I will cancel your participation on the trip.
Mandatory Family Meeting, Full Trip Update
NEW DATE - March 6, 2023 in the NDC Library at 6:30 PM
Please prioritize being here. Parents MUST be here WITH students, as we will be completing Notarized Letters of Consent that night, and parents MUST be present to sign these papers.
A Note About Flights and Passports
In the past I suggested that I would need a copy of your passports. That is no longer the case. Instead, we are using Flight Centre, and therefore you will provide your passport information to their online form instead.
Please register your flight with the button above before February 8, 2023.
Note: As we are travelling as a group, all flights must be registered with the group. We will not be able to accommodate individual plans, including the use of any travel points or credit card rewards, as that separates the student from the group. Everything must be done as a group to ensure student safety and efficient management of the trip.
COVID Protocols
Please note we are flying out-of-country. If you have proof of vaccination against COVID-19, bring it with you to the airport, even if you meet one of the requirements of someone who does not need such proof.
If such proof of vaccination is not possible, please review the guidelines at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/proof-of-vaccination.html for details of how you can still participate (look one-third of the way down for Noncitizens, Nonimmigrants (Covered Individuals)). At this point in time, any person under the age of 18 does not require proof of vaccination, and those with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine do not require proof of vaccination.
It is your responsibility to know what documents you are expected to have to enter the US by air, so please stay on top of it! Mr. Windsor must be at arms length from all such matters.
A note about insurance: We have been given the guidance by our school division that our insurance is very exhaustive, and that additional insurance through Flight Centre is not necessary. You are still welcome to get additional insurance if you so choose.
If such proof of vaccination is not possible, please review the guidelines at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/proof-of-vaccination.html for details of how you can still participate (look one-third of the way down for Noncitizens, Nonimmigrants (Covered Individuals)). At this point in time, any person under the age of 18 does not require proof of vaccination, and those with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine do not require proof of vaccination.
It is your responsibility to know what documents you are expected to have to enter the US by air, so please stay on top of it! Mr. Windsor must be at arms length from all such matters.
A note about insurance: We have been given the guidance by our school division that our insurance is very exhaustive, and that additional insurance through Flight Centre is not necessary. You are still welcome to get additional insurance if you so choose.
Good News about Luggage!
We made arrangements with Flight Centre to ensure that all our instruments are considered free checked luggage, even if it's oversized. Mr. Windsor always uses a hockey bag to try to get the luggage to be condensed into fewer pieces, so that may mean more of you will be able to bring your regular luggage without extra costs being incurred. We'll still need to make some creative things happen, so when rooming assignments are complete, you can coordinate with your roommates how you may be able to share some luggage space for bringing trinkets home.
106 Sleeps Left As Of January 24!
Almost Sold Out!!!
At time of posting this message, there are only 18 tickets left for the concert! Go to https://ndc.ticksuite.ca to purchase yours now!
Change to the Schedule - Student Help Needed
Due to a miscommunication, the gymnasium will not be made available to us until 5:00 PM. Many of your students had volunteered to help set up the concert immediately after school, but unfortunately that will not be possible, and students will not be able to remain at the school after school is done on Monday.
Students are not required to volunteer for setup, however their help will be most definitely welcome. If students are able to arrive as early as 5:00 PM, they can help set up chairs, stands and percussive equipment at that time and earn Community Service Hours doing so. We should be able to get the concert set up in that short time frame if many volunteers show up.
All students are still required to arrive by 6:00 PM with the appropriate attire. Please note, black pants should be formal pants (not track pants, sweatpants, denim, leggings or tights). Students will be distributed to warmup rooms at that point.
Students are not required to volunteer for setup, however their help will be most definitely welcome. If students are able to arrive as early as 5:00 PM, they can help set up chairs, stands and percussive equipment at that time and earn Community Service Hours doing so. We should be able to get the concert set up in that short time frame if many volunteers show up.
All students are still required to arrive by 6:00 PM with the appropriate attire. Please note, black pants should be formal pants (not track pants, sweatpants, denim, leggings or tights). Students will be distributed to warmup rooms at that point.
STRINGS/STEEL PAN/STAGE BAND SCHEDULE CHANGES
Please note the following changes to the String Ensemble, Steel Pan and Stage Band Schedule for the coming weeks;
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 – LUNCH MEETING INSTEAD – After school Strings practice is being moved to Lunch Hour during the school day instead.
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 – ALL STEEL PAN GROUPS MEET SIMULTANEOUSLY IMMEDIATELY AFTER SCHOOL – Junior Panorama will join Senior Panorama immediately after school until 4:45 PM
Thursday, December 15, 2022 – Regular Stage Band Rehearsal
Monday, December 19, 2022 – ODD SCHEDULE FOR STAGE BAND – We will meet on Monday instead of on Thursday, as Thursday is the last day of classes before Christmas
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 – Regular Strings Rehearsal (New Music Distributed)
Wednesday, December 21, 2022 – Regular Steel Pan Rehearsals (Seniors at 3:20, Juniors at 5:30)
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 – LUNCH MEETING INSTEAD – After school Strings practice is being moved to Lunch Hour during the school day instead.
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 – ALL STEEL PAN GROUPS MEET SIMULTANEOUSLY IMMEDIATELY AFTER SCHOOL – Junior Panorama will join Senior Panorama immediately after school until 4:45 PM
Thursday, December 15, 2022 – Regular Stage Band Rehearsal
Monday, December 19, 2022 – ODD SCHEDULE FOR STAGE BAND – We will meet on Monday instead of on Thursday, as Thursday is the last day of classes before Christmas
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 – Regular Strings Rehearsal (New Music Distributed)
Wednesday, December 21, 2022 – Regular Steel Pan Rehearsals (Seniors at 3:20, Juniors at 5:30)
See you all on Christmas Concert Night!
Less than a week away, do you have your tickets?
Hello all, this is just a quick reminder for our Christmas Concert coming on December 12, 2022 at 6:30 PM.
Tickets for Music Students Only are Free. Mr. Windsor will be providing tickets for students for free to reserve their audience seats. All other audience members will need to purchase a ticket for entry. Tickets for adults are $5, and children under 6 are free. While tickets will be available at the door, they are best purchased in advance. Purchase them online with the link below, or purchase them at the school's front office.
Tickets for Music Students Only are Free. Mr. Windsor will be providing tickets for students for free to reserve their audience seats. All other audience members will need to purchase a ticket for entry. Tickets for adults are $5, and children under 6 are free. While tickets will be available at the door, they are best purchased in advance. Purchase them online with the link below, or purchase them at the school's front office.
Students are expected to be the school by 6:00 PM. They should have their white shirts, black pants/socks/shoes already on when they arrive. They will be sent to their designated warm-up rooms upon arrival. Students will also have reserved seats in the audience for when they are not performing, as they are expected to participate as supportive audience members throughout the concert.
The Fine Arts Parents Need Your Culinary Skills. The HRCFAPA intends to sell baked goods at the concert, but need you to help out by bringing in your special Christmas Treats. Baked goods should be labelled with your family name (or the student's name) on it and the ingredients list, and brought into the school after school hours.
Please also anticipate your student will remain for a short amount of time after the concert to help with cleanup.
The Fine Arts Parents Need Your Culinary Skills. The HRCFAPA intends to sell baked goods at the concert, but need you to help out by bringing in your special Christmas Treats. Baked goods should be labelled with your family name (or the student's name) on it and the ingredients list, and brought into the school after school hours.
Please also anticipate your student will remain for a short amount of time after the concert to help with cleanup.
Mr. WIndsor is Looking Forward to
Seeing You All At The Show!
Now Announcing the 2022 Notre Dame Collegiate CHristmas Music Showcase, December 12, 2022 at 6:30 PM!
It's time for another music showcase at Notre Dame Collegiate! This strictly in-person event will feature every one of our musical ensembles and the High River Catholic Fine Arts Parents Association looks to make treats available during Intermission.
Tickets Available to Families Only until November 27
To make sure you all get a chance to get your tickets before they are opened to the public, tickets sales are only being announced to families at this time. On November 28, 2022, ticket sales will go public.
Performing Musicians will not need additional tickets. Mr. Windsor will be providing a Complimentary Ticket for each student.
Performing Musicians will not need additional tickets. Mr. Windsor will be providing a Complimentary Ticket for each student.
What Parents Need To Know TO Prepare
- Students will need appropriate uniform clothing, see "what students need to know"
- Students are expected to participate in the entire concert from start to finish
- The Fine Arts Parents Need Your Culinary Skills. The HRCFAPA intends to sell baked goods at the concert, but need you to help out by bringing in your special Christmas Treats. Baked goods should be labelled with your family name (or the student's name) on it and the ingredients list, and brought into the school after school hours.
- Buy your tickets online at https://ndc.ticksuite.ca!
What Students Need To Know To Prepare
- You must have the proper uniform of black pants, black socks, black shoes and a white no-logo shirt (T-shirt, tank top recommended). Mr. Windsor will provide the jacket.
- You are expected to be at the school by 6:15 PM with your instrument already tuned up with the rest of the band. This probably means arriving by 6:00 PM.
- You are expected to participate in the entire concert. Remember, concerts are a major portion of your mark. The concert is expected to go to around 8:30 PM.
- Right about now is the time to check your instruments for maintenance and supplies (ie. do you have enough reeds to last you through the concert?)
- You are expected to help with clean-up. You can volunteer to help with setup after school, however everyone helps with clean-up.
Mr. Windsor is Looking Forward to
Seeing You All For THe Show!
On an unrelated note, please note that students do have some music assignments they are to complete in a timely fashion. These assignments can include any of the following;
- Breezin' Thru Theory Review Chapters
- A responding assignment (An article response for Strings musicians, listening assignments, and similar topics)
- A creating assignment (creating motifs, themes, variations or transcriptions)
- Sight-Reading Assignments (especially for Grade 9s and Senior High)
Hello all!
This is just a quick reminder of our plans for a recording session during class on Tuesday, October 25. We will be recording Siyahamba and As Winds Dance as audition material for the Disneyland Stages.
Students will need the following;
We only get one try at this, so we need to be ready to do our best. Thank you!
Joel Windsor, Notre Dame Collegiate Music Specialist
This is just a quick reminder of our plans for a recording session during class on Tuesday, October 25. We will be recording Siyahamba and As Winds Dance as audition material for the Disneyland Stages.
Students will need the following;
- A functional well-maintained instrument
- A white shirt to wear under our NDC Band Jackets
- Black pants, socks and shoes (no colour, white, or grey at all)
- A readiness to do your absolute best with a video camera recording us.
We only get one try at this, so we need to be ready to do our best. Thank you!
Joel Windsor, Notre Dame Collegiate Music Specialist
If you have not turned in the Notice of Intent for the Disneyland Trip, please do so immediately. You can download it here, and you can upload a completed copy to your Opus to make sure Mr. Windsor gets it quickly.
Mr. Windsor
Mr. Windsor will provide you with some interesting hints, help, advice, and resources on this page.
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