Year-End Wrap-Up and Instrument Care

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!