Baton Twirling Competition

We are hosting a Baton Twirling Competition on May 31st, 2008 in the Cocoa Beach Gym from 10-2pm – This is a recruitment effort as well.

The Band will be running concessions on that day. All Profits from this day will go to the Cocoa Beach Band program. The plan is to sell the drinks and snacks already in the cooler and to sell what ever is in the stand already (only). This will help us recoup money already paid out.

We will buy hotdogs and buns to sell as well—but only a limited amount.

Mr. Russell as I understand will be the Adult supervisor and Matthew and Justin will be the workers on this day.

If anyone else wants to be involved just let me know and we will sign you up.

Chuck Brooker

Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High School Band Banquet

Band Families,

It is that time of year again. It’s a time to celebrate a great year in our Band program and acknowledge hard work and effort with recognition and awards. We will have a Band Awards Banquet on Monday, May 12, 2008 at 6 pm. The location will be the Grand Ball Room at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Ocean Front. Mark your calendar.

This will be a dinner event that will be served to us. You will select your meal type, number of people attending, and send in your payment at that time. This event is for every band member in each band and their family members and/or guests. This is our band families' time of celebration. Students are always proud to be recognized in front of their parents and friends. Awards include Solo and Ensemble awards, District MPA awards and individual awards. All band students will be recognized.

The Hilton requires full payment and guest count in advance so all reservations and payments must be received no later than Thursday, May 1, 2008.

Chuck Brooker
Director of Bands

Band Dinner & Award Banquet

You Are Invited!

Who: Students, families & friends of Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High Bands
When: Monday, May 12, 2008
Where: Cocoa Beach Hilton Ocean Front -- Grand Ballroom
When: Doors open at 6:00 pmEvents: Dining begins at 6:30 pm.
Awards Ceremony to follow dinner. All Students will receive awards!
Dress Attire: Collared Shirts (tie optional) nice slacks or dress (No T-shirts or Shorts)

Cost: $18.00 per person (parents, students & guests)
Menu: Penne Pasta Primavera with Alfredo Sauce & Parmeson
or
Penne Pasta Primavera with Alfredo Sauce & Parmesonwith Vegetables and Grilled Chicken

Fresh Garden Salad
Garlic Sticks
Beverages - Coffee (reg. & decaf), Tea, Iced Tea
Dessert: Cake (compliments of Adrienne Roth, Brevard Business News)

RSVP: Complete Form below. Send with check to Mr. Brooker.
Register and pay no later than May 1 please - We need to order food in advance and
The Hilton requires full payment and guest count in advance.
Checks payable to "Cocoa Beach Band Boosters"
Confirmation: Check in at Door. Tickets will be distributed at that time.
Your check is your receipt.
Questions? Contact Claudia Davis
Email: ClaudiaCDavis@aol.com Phone: 960-2577

Please return the bottom of this letter along with payment to Mr. Brooker.


*************************CUT HERE***************************

Banquet Registration Form

Send with payment to Mr. Brooker by Thursday May 1, 2008

Student's Name ___________________________

Pasta Primavera Alfredo Dinners X _____________ (quantity)

Pasta Primavera Alfredo with Vegetables & Chicken Dinners X ______________ (quantity)

Total Number Attending Banquet _________ X $18.00 =

Total paid $_______­­______ Check # __________

Checks payable to "Cocoa Beach Band Boosters"

Cocoa Beach HS Winter Guard Photo

Brevard School Board must cut $3.6M from budget — this month

BY KATE BRENNAN Florida TodayMonday, March 24, 2008
VIERA — With the school year two-thirds over and most of the money spent, the Brevard County School Board faces the daunting task of cutting another $3.6 million from its budget this month.
Superintendent Richard DiPatri wants the board to go even further at tonight's meeting. He recommended the board cut about $2 million more to brace for budget reductions next year that he said could run as high as $35 million if state revenue shortfalls worsen.
"I'm real nervous about next year, and I'm trying to build up as many reserves as I can," DiPatri told the board earlier this month. "I'm taking a very cautious, conservative approach."
In total, Brevard Public Schools has lost about $13.6 million this year from its $587 million operating budget, or just more than 2 percent.
The board already has pared down its budget by about $10 million through cost-saving measures implemented last August, including freezing 45 vacant positions, requiring each district department to reduce its budget by 10 percent and reining in employee travel expenses.
To trim the remaining $3.6 million and roll over nearly $2 million into next year's budget, DiPatri recommended:
•Reducing summer school programs by $1.83 million by cutting all enrichment programs and credit makeup courses and eliminating transportation, except for middle- and high-school exceptional education students.
•Reducing an emergency fund for capital projects by $1 million.
•Reducing the workers' compensation fund by $1.5 million.
Using two sources of revenue, the district is expecting $700,000 in state award money for middle-school students who earned a C or better in algebra, and $540,000 from a statewide settlement with Microsoft for overcharging districts for their products.
The board will decide whether to accept, reject or modify the recommended cuts today.
Board chair Janice Kershaw asked DiPatri to consider using a portion of the district's reserve funds to soften the blow from the budget cuts. But board members Amy Kneessy and Robert Jordan said they opposed dipping into the reserves now in case the situation gets worse later.
"We're saying $30 (million) to $35 million next year, but what's going to happen after that?" Jordan said. "How far is this going to go down? That's what really scares me. We really need to prepare for maybe five years of downward spiral."
Jordan, who said he'd prefer to ask each school and department to shave their budgets by a certain percent next year, expressed frustration at the way state lawmakers made cuts.
"So much for the governor saying they were going to hold education harmless because this is really harming us," he said.

Art and Band parents beat back physical ed requirement for middle schoolers

Art and band parents beat back physical ed requirement for middle schoolers
By LAURA GREEN
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 19, 2008

TALLAHASSEE — Bowing to Band boosters - the world's most powerful lobby, one senator joked - lawmakers backed away from mandating physical education for every Florida middle schooler.

Instead, parents would be able to let their child skip the semester of PE requirement, under an amended bill approved by a Senate committee Wednesday.

Arts activists flooded lawmakers with emails and phone calls concerned that the original version of the bill (SB610) would have limited access to their courses.

Sen. Larcenia J. Bullard, D-Miami, said she got many phone calls and about 1,400 emails from teachers of arts courses and others worried about the bill.

Most middle school students only get two electives. If PE were required, critics said, too many students would be forced to drop chorus or band to take a foreign language or remedial reading or math courses required for struggling students.

Senate education committee Chairman Sen. Don Gaetz congratulated sponsor Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, for coming up with compromise language.

"If I have to choose between band parents and anything else, I'll choose band parents," said Gaetz, former Okaloosa County Superintendent. "I know they are the most powerful lobby in the world."

The bill passed the Senate pre-k through 12 education committee with Sen. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, dissenting.

Brevard County Middle School Music Performance Assessment March 25 & 26

Hello Band Families,

We need Adult and Student helpers after school next week on Tuesday and Wednesday. Please volunteer and/or support your student if he/she wants to volunteer.

Cocoa Beach Jr Sr High School is hosting the Brevard County Middle School Music Performance Assessment next Tuesday and Wednesday March 25 & 26 in our new auditorium. For those of you who are not familiar, this is the Middle School version of the event our CBHS Wind Ensemble attended last Saturday at Satellite High School.

We will be host to 20+ Middle School Bands and parents over the 2 days. It is considered an Honor to do this. We will use our new auditorium to listen to the bands play and we will host a complimentary dinner both evenings for the judges.
The schools will begin to arrive each day at 2 pm and we will be busy until about 9 pm. Their arrivals and departures will be staggered.

There are various jobs involved and Yvonne Campbell will assign tasks when she gets volunteer commitments. Both students and adults will be assigned to each task.

MOMS & DADS are needed for the following:

INFORMATION AND PROGRAM DISTRIBUTORS 2 pm – 9 pm (shifts available)

2 adults. First shift starts at 2 pm to set up and work at tables in the Theatre Lobby. You will provide information to parents and directors. We will provide you with all the details including diagrams. You will also distribute programs.

BUS DIRECTOR - 2 pm – 9 pm (shifts available).

1 Adult in the parking lot to direct the busses.

DINNER SERVERS – 5 pm to 7:30 pm

2 or 3 Adults to help serve the meal we will be providing for the judges and a few
other people. The dinner will be served between 6 and 7 pm. Yvonne Campbell will coordinate the dinner and needs helpers.

CONCESSION (TABLE) 2 pm to 9 pm (shifts available)

2 or 3 to run a small concession area outside the Theatre. Will sell drinks and light snacks. I (Claudia Davis) will coordinate this and I need helpers.

UNIFORM HELPERS – WED ONLY (3:30 pm to 4:30 pm)

2 - 3 Middle school parents - Our performance time is 4:30 on Wednesday. Our kids need to be dressed and ready. Need helpers after school that day to help dress the kids.

As you see, we need help from 2pm – 9pm both days. If you can work both days, great! Or if you can only work a shift on either or both days that is appreciated too!

We can’t have too many helpers so yes, we need you!

Please contact me with your dates and times you are available. Yvonne Campbell will give you your assignment unless you have a particular job request.
Please RSVP as soon as possible.

Thank you,
Claudia Davis
960-2577
ClaudiaCDavis@aol.com

Oppose SB 610 (Senate Bill) letter

Copy of Email I sent to Florida Senators

Hello,
I have been notified that SB 610 will be heard in the Senate K-12 Education Committee on Wednesday, March 19 at 9:00 a.m. I understand that this is the bill which mandates 225 minutes of PE each week for middle school students (grades 6-8).
I am a band student parent that is highly concerned about the future of the school Music Program being impacted if this goes through. Even though my son will be a senior in Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High School next year, I support this kind of education in our schools and I want it to continue.

While I totally support schools offering Physical Education, I do not want the Music program to be jeopardized. I am concerned that "SB 610" will obliterate the ability to maintain a music program in our schools by not making it available due to scheduling restrictions to students. Especially at the age (middle school years) when students normally make the commitment to a musical program.

Also, many students from the K-12 school music programs eventually feed into the music programs offered in Universities and beyond. Here is a quote directly from website at Florida State University
"Florida State University's arts programs—dance, film, music and theatre—rank among the finest in the world."

What will happen to this and other similar music programs if students are not able to learn music when they are young?

I agree with the following points:

Talking Points
• Mandating PE without providing an additional period will eliminate fine arts classes and other electives for any school on a six-period day. This will lead to the elimination of high school programs which depend on middle schools to begin building skills and technique for student success at the high school level.
• This effort has significant fiscal impact even though certified PE teachers are not required by the bill. That uncertified teachers may be responsible for instruction dramatically reduces the effectiveness of the effort and many more instructors are still required to implement such a class for every middle school student. If the course is not to be taught with integrity and standards, then it is, indeed, an empty gesture.
• If additional mandates are to be placed on the school day, additional time and funding must be provided for implementation (ie. add another period in the day, fund the teachers) so that other areas of the curriculum are not reduced or eliminated.
• We are not opposed to more physical education in the school day, however, we do oppose this bill which does not provide for adequate implementation. Our position is that physical education and other electives should not be mutually exclusive.
Will you help support our music program being able to continue?
We would appreciate any support that you can give to our concerns.
Please let me know if you receive this email. Thank you in advance for whatever you can do.

Claudia Davis
http://ClaudiaDavis.net
PS: Please listen to this exciting musical clip (2 minutes) performed by Cocoa Beach High School. I hope you are as thrilled as I am when I listen to this. I do not want to see this program go away!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Gg64Pl_5ehM

FCAT ALERT! Cocoa Beach Jr Sr High School

Alert #1--Tuesday, March 11--FCAT Reading for students in grades 7, 8, 9, and 10
Wednesday, March 12--FCAT Mathematics for students in grades 7, 8, 9, and 10
Thursday, March 13--FCAT Science for students in grade 11
Monday, March 17--FCAT Science for students in grade 8
Wednesday, March 19--FCAT Norm Referenced testing for students in grades 7, 8, 9, and 10

Alert #2--New testing rules from the state have come down. Any student who has possession or access to any electronic device, such as a cell phone, iPod, or mp3 player, MUST have their test invalidated even if the devices are turned off. Please be sure to tell your student to take special care with their electronic items. Our suggestion is that these items be left at home or kept locked in vehicles or in lockers.

Alert #3--Checkouts from school will not be permitted for those students involved in the testing. The testing lasts the entire day on Tuesday, March 11, and Wednesday, March 12. There will be make-up days for students who are sick on test day.

Alert #4--Please encourage your student to get a good night's sleep before each of the tests and to eat a good breakfast before coming to school. Let them know that you take this testing seriously and that they should strive to do their best. High stakes testing such as the FCAT can be stressful for students, but with your attention and caring, your students will come thorough fine.

Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High School has an outstanding record on the FCAT. Our students are well prepared and with your help we are looking for a repeat of past years' successes.

March 15 District Festival MPA - Saturday

Performance at District Festival at Satellite – 9:00am - 1:15am

Be at CBHS in your seat ready to play at 9:00am (already tuned) - fully dressed and having already eaten breakfast. Our MPA performance will be at 11:30am at @ Satellite High - We will return back to CBHS at 1:15am - Parents are needed for chaperoning - I need five chaperones for this event. Please email me if you can chaperone.

Band Student Practice Logs and Procedures

Hello Parents,
Just a reminder that each student has a practice requirement of 3 hrs each week. That is a half hour each day or any combination thereof. These hours should be logged into www.charmsmusic.com .

Here is the link to directions for access charms for those that have misplaced them.www.cocoabeachband.com then follow on to the find out more words next to the blue Charms logo

Thanks for helping the students remember that they are graded on their practice time. Helpful practice tips are below.

Practice: Why do we practice?
- To be responsible to the music.
- To be responsible to your classmates because the ensemble is only as strong as its weakest members. Musicians who do not come to rehearsal prepared and knowing their music lower the level of the whole group.
- To increase your technical playing ability; the speed and accuracy with which you play pitches and rhythms.
- To solve playing problems presented by the music.
- To improve your concentration, focus, stamina and endurance.
- To learn something new and for the sheer enjoyment of exploration.
- Practicing your instrument is like making a bank investment, the smarter and the more you invest, the greater the guaranteed return.

When do we practice?
- It is better to practice more often and for shorter periods of time - just as it is not effective to cram for an exam. Irregular practice does not usually lead to any significant progress.
- Preferably at the same time every day to maintain consistency and be sure to develop a consistent routine.
Where do we practice?
- A quiet room free of noise and distractions. Do not play with the television or radio on because you need to be able to concentrate and listen closely to your sound.
- Try not to practice with other people in the room because there might be a tendency to want to "perform" for that person thus inhibiting any real practice and progress.
- Ideally, you'll want to be able to practice in a room that you have setup specifically for practicing with access to a piano. What do we need in order to practice?
- A good, firm chair.
- Sufficient lighting.
- A piano, if possible, to check notes.
- A metronome, to check our sense of rhythm and time.
- A tuner, to check our pitch.
- A music stand.
- A pencil.
- Your instrument.
- Your music.
- Perseverance and dedication.
- A positive attitude.
How do we practice? -
If you are sitting, make sure you are sitting "tall", and sitting on the front half of the chair with the small of your back away from the back of the chair. Make sure that your back is straight and that shoulders and arms are relaxed. Imagine that a string is attached to the top of your head and that it is continually making sure that your spine is straight.
- Setup specific goals to be accomplished for the practice session and remember to pace yourself. - Have a set warm-up routine to begin your session. Balance your warm-up routine by covering breath support exercises, scales and arpeggios [for everyone], long tones and lip slurs [for wind instrumentalists], mouthpiece buzzing [for brass players], and vocalizing [for singers]. - Following your warm-up, isolate the difficult music first. Remember to check your key and time signatures, tempo and markings. Read through the music or passage on a "dry run". - Practice everything slowly at first. This will give your brain the opportunity to get acquainted with the physical actions required to produce the sounds the music requires. Gradually increase the metronome pulse as you become familiar with the music.
- Use a pencil [NEVER PEN!] to lightly write in fingerings, articulations, breath marks, rhythms, and accidentals that you think may be troublesome.
- Drill on counting where it might be troublesome by:
• Writing out the counting.•
Counting out loud.
• Counting and clapping the rhythm.
• Playing on a single pitch.
• Playing as written.
- If a particular passage gets frustrating after repeated attempts, don't worry about it! Move on to something else, and try to tackle it again at a later time.
- If you feel tense, begin by taking long, deep breaths and stretch and limber your muscles.
- Use your tuner to develop a centered sense of pitch.
- Use your metronome to develop a centered sense of time at all tempi.
- At the end of your session, feel free to work ahead, or to play anything you like! Try to spend some time composing your own tune or playing a tune that you've heard 'by ear'.
- One last thing, remember that practice does not make perfect, but perfect practice does! Practice Time
- How much? 45 minutes per day of uninterrupted time. 5 days a week.
- Where? Room with the door shut, no interruptions, no radio on, chair, music stand , metronome.
- What? Music from class, music from technique book, music and scales assigned by Director, own music for fun.
- Why? Learning an instrument is a complex skill with many tasks taking place simultaneously There will be many time that frustration will set in. This is where you as a parent can help a great deal. Encouragement and praise when praise is due are crucial for your child to feel successful.
Private Lessons
A. Why? Again we are dealing with a complex skill.
B. When? As soon as you are financially able to support them.
C. How much? Aprox Fifteen – twenty dollars per 30 minutes.
D. With whom do you study ?
See Director for reccomendations
A word or two about attitude: The key to successful progress is a positive attitude towards what you are attempting to accomplish. There is no substitute for perseverance and self-discipline. There is no "magic formula" for success. Real performance ability on a musical instrument is about 90% hard work and 10% talent, with a large dash of interest thrown in.

In the words of famous NFL coach Vince Lombardi: "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."

Chuck BrookerDirector of Instrumental Music
National Board Certified Teacher Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School
www.cocoabeachband.com

Middle School Concert Band Rehearsals

Dear Teachers,

Students in the Middle School Concert Band have two upcoming very important mandatory rehearsals after school in order to prepare for our district required, Music Performance Assessments. As you can imagine have a rehearsal to fix and adjust balance, rhythms, notes, etc. with students missing from that ensemble would be a nightmare. We plan two after school rehearsals during this time of year each year to help meet the district assessment needs.

The students were given information on these rehearsals as well several weeks back. I know that some of them may not come see you directly so I thought I would send this courtesy email as many of these students are in the extra curricular and enhancement programs after school, track, swimming, OM, etc that practice after school during the week. I know that your practices and rehearsals and meetings are important and that is exactly why I am sending you this email in advance to allow for better planning.

Please allow these students to be present at these required rehearsals without penalty.

The rehearsals are:

February 27 Mandatory after School Practice 3:30pm-5pm @ CBHS-AUD w/ special clinician

March 4 Mandatory after School Practice 3:30pm-5:30pm @ CBHSAUD w/special clinician

Thank you for your help. If you have any questions please see me. These students in the class are listed below:

BALL, ANDREA MARIE

BANKS II, RODERICK TIMOTH

BARGERS, JARED MICHAEL

BARKLEY, MIKAYLA DANIELLE

BERRY, KYLE

BOBO, CHRISTOPHER RYAN

BOEHMER, JOHN RYAN

BOSLEY, BRADLEY WILLIAM

CARAVELLA, ETHAN ALEXANDE

COONEY, EMILY ANN

CRAFT, LAURA MARIE

CRIDER, CHRISTOPHER STONE

DELGADO, KEVIN MICHAEL

ESTES, LANDON QUIN

HENDERSON, WILL RYAN

HUDLESTON, HAYDEN JAMES

JOHNSON, JOSHUA PETER

JONES, JULIAN RICHARD

KINNEY, JULIA PAULINE

LE CROY, REBECCA ANN

LEAHY, DANIELLE SHAE

MARQUARDT, JOEL ANDREW

MULBERRY, GEOFFREY RAYMON

MURRAY, NICOLE LANE

NOVOTNY, KYLE STEPHEN

O'CONNOR, JORDAN ASHLEY

OLSSON, MATTIAS PETER

POTTLE, STEPHANIE ANN

RIVERA, MELISSA

ROSS, RICHARD STANLEY

SCISLAW, MARCUS ANTHONY

SHAW II, MANUEL ERNEST

SMITH, SOPHIA ERIN

STABILE, ANTONY JAMES

THOMAS, TUCKER JOHN JONES

TOUMA JR, ANTOINE EMILE

TUMULTY, TYSON SCOTT

VAIL, ALEXANDREW SCOT

VICOS, SOPHIA FAY

WEETHEE, JORDAN ALEXANDER

WIDRICK, ARIEN DEANNE

WILLIAMSEN, CECELIA CONCHIT


There actual Music Performance Assessment is on March 25 or the 26 here at Cocoa Beach. We will not know the exact time or date until a week before hand , but we will be asking for the 26th evening. I will keep you posted.


Thank you, thank you, thank you,

Chuck

Chuck Brooker

Director of Instrumental Music

National Board Certified Teacher

Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School

www.cocoabeachband.com

Florida Band Masters Solo and Ensemble Competition Results

This past weekend band students participated in the Florida Band Masters Solo and Ensemble Competition. Cocoa Beach was represented very well. 86 students received Superior ratings – First Place. (That is the highest rating possible) 33 students received an Excellent rating – Second Place. This is an outstanding accomplishment for these young students. This event included Cocoa Beach band students in the 6th -12 grades performing solos, duets, trios, quartets, and even a clarinet choir’s for high school and Junior high and the color guard. 26 students have qualified for the State Solo and Ensemble Festival. Congratulations to all of these students!

In addition, the Cocoa Beach Winter Guard team received Superior Ratings for the first time in 5 years! Congratulations Winter Guard and Coach Mrs. Lindsey.

Thank you to everyone for your support of the band and these students

I passed out the comment sheets in class. Ask your student how they did!

Chuck Brooker
Director of Instrumental Music
National Board Certified Teacher
Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School

www.cocoabeachband.com

Pizza and Music

Cocoa Beach Bands and Beginning Orchestrateams up with Joe Corbi’s Fund Raising

Our fund-raiser begins today. Our goal is to have as many participants as possible sell at least 11 items. Joe Corbi’s products will make excellent gifts for your friends and co-workers.

Proceeds from this fund-raiser go to fund Mr. Brooker’s music programs and materials that will enhance the educational experience at Cocoa Beach. Your help is greatly appreciated on this event.
Details
1. The Sale begins today and ends February 22. Students are asked to simply take orders from family, friends, and neighbors. Please do not sell to strangers. Many parents help by taking a brochure to work and taking orders from co-workers. Please collect money when taking orders. Make checks payable to: Cocoa Beach Jr. Sr. High
2. Please turn in your money in the collection envelope by February 22.
3. Delivery will be the first week in March.
GREAT REWARDS
1. Sell 11 Items or more: Simply fill out the FREE TICKET in your brochure and turn in the ticket with your collection envelope and you will receive: 1-FREE Grandma Corbi’s Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough
2. For every 11 items sold, (sell 22 items, get 2 chances to win) your name will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win a Family Vacation to either Disney Resort Magic, Sanibel Island, Florida or a Disney Cruise!! Simply read the instructions and fill out the Rewards Program Entry Form in your brochure and turn the form in with your collection envelope.(all trips include round trip airfare, hotel and taxes and more!!)

If you have any questions feel free to email Mr. Brooker @ brookerm@brevard.k12.fl.us THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

Second ANNUAL PLAYATHON - Success!

We had nice musical evening in our new Audiorium and on the school campus.

See details of event below.

Second ANNUAL PLAYATHONWhen: Friday, February 8 from 3:30 PM until 10pm

NOTE: Parents may, at their option, pick up students at anytime. What: This event has several purposes.1. It is a fundraiser. Students will collect pledges on the attached form. Donors may make a pledge based on the number of hours the student participates or they may pledge a flat rate. All monies are applied to student personal account for trip/balance.2. It is an opportunity for students to rehearse and perform their Solo Ensemble music as well as having section rehearsals for each instrument.3. The younger students will receive coaching on their instruments from the experienced older students, Mr. Brooker and Professional Instrument Coaches.4. FUN!!! There will be different areas set up for games and other activities. The Particulars:Food: Students should bring $5. We will be ordering pizza for dinner on Friday, and will provide drinks. We will also have some snacks and any and all snack donations will be gladly accepted.Performances: At, or about 8:30pm we will have various ensembles perform their prepared pieces for each other. CHAPERONES: Please contact Mr. Brooker or Yvonne Campbell or Mrs. Davis if you are able to chaperone.brookerm@brevard.k12.fl.us ycampbell1@mac.com claudiacdavis@aol.com

Solo & Ensembles Feb 15-16 @ Satellite HS

Mr. Chuck Brooker, Director
1500 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach Fl 32931
Phone 783-1776 _______________________________________________________________

It is that time of year again for instrumental solo and ensembles!! All Students in the Cocoa Beach Band program will participate in the solo and ensemble festival and will receive a grade for their participation. Middle school students will play an assigned solo with provided piano/computer accompaniment. High school students may play either a solo with piano or an ensemble such as a duet, trio, quartet, etc. depending on their grade level. They can also choose to participate in an ensemble or small group. They are limited to 3 events to participate in. Each student will perform their solo and ensembles on February 15-16, 2008 at Satellite High School. I and other volunteers will work with them on their music before then. This event is another way to excel individually and master new areas of music and their instrument.In order for each of our students to participate CBHS Band must pay an assessment fee for each student. Our assessment amount this year will be $6.50 per entry. That is for each event you participate in. CBHS Band pays this fee for you. If you do not participate for any reason you must repay this fee back to the Band. Solo and Ensemble Festival is at Satellite High School on February 15 & 16, 2008. Your performance will be on one of the two dates assigned by the district. Please set aside Friday, 15 and Saturday the 16th of February for this event. You child will be assigned a time slot one week in advance and I will share that with your student then.

General Information:
1. Arrive early to warm-up (about 45 minutes) and find your room based on your judge (look for maps at Satellite High).
2. Make certain measures are numbered the same for you and the judge.
3. If you are using the school accompanist, don't be concerned if you can't find them. They will find you and they do have a schedule!
4. Check your schedule carefully.
5. Make certain that all ensemble members get together on equipment and transportation Arrangements. Choir members: Bring a folding music stand please!
6. Photocopy your music for you to play. The judge gets the original. Number allmeasures on both.
7. Dress appropriately. Girls: Nice Dress or Blouse with dress slacks. Boys: Dress shirt, tie, dress pants. A jacket or suit would be nice but is optional.
8. Your performance is open for family, friends, and others. I encourage all of you to listen to as many events as possible.
9. Success is not measured by your rating. Performing for the judge and receiving comments will help you become a BETTER musician. THAT'S WHAT FESTIVAL IS ALL ABOUT!!

Each student will introduce themselves or their group in the following manner. Please memorize if possible.

Hello, My name is________________________________, I am a student at Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School. I/we am in the __________________________grade(s). Today I am going to perform the _______________________________(insert the name of the piece of music). Thank you in advance for your comments.
Always be polite. You are representing Cocoa Beach

Band Practice Needed

Students should be applying outside the classroom practice time on their instrument. Right now we are focused heavily on Solo and Ensemble music. Students should be practicing 30 minutes a day up to 3 hours a week. More is better!

Please ask your student about their practice time. Please help them find the time to do their band homework. Grades are given for practice.

Practice logs are kept on the band Charms account.www.charmsmusic.com

Chuck Brooker
Band Director

Serv Safe Class Feb 28 & 29

ServSafe will be offered on February 28 and 29 at ESF. If you are not ServSafe Certified, please contact Food and Nutrition Services at 690. This is soon to be a job requirement and is in your best interest to have this certification. Space is available on a first come first served basis. Books for the class will be sent out tomorrow for study prior to the classroom training. Certification is good for five years from examination date. If you were certified by Food and Nutrition Services at ESF, you are still good for at least a year.


Mary S. Lake
Field Operations Supervisor
Food and Nutrition Services
321 633-1000 ext. 634
lakem@brevard.k12.fl.us

Educational Services Facility
2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940-6601

Sunshine Law and Public Records Caution:
Most E-mail communications made or received by Brevard Public Schools employees are considered public records that must be retained and, upon request, made available to the public and media.

Winter Guard Performances

Jan.19- Winter Springs High School (Premiers-orlando area)
Feb.9- Colonial High School (orlando)
Feb.15-17= FBA Solo and Ensemble
Mar.15- St. Augustine High School
April 4- Finals- Silver Springs Arena, KissimmeeTBA- Cocoa Beach Performing Arts Showcase

Wind Ensemble Calendar Feb - May 2008

February 8, 2007 Playathon 3:30-11pm @CBHS AUD * Optional

February 15-16 Solo and Ensemble Time TBA @ Satellite - Mandatory

February 27 Mandatory after School Practice 5pm-7:30pm @ CBHSPAC
With Special Clinician
March 3 Mandatory Prefestival Performance - Time TBA@ CBHSPAC
March 5 Mandatory after School Practice 3:30pm-5:30pm @CBHSPAC -With Special Clinician
March 13 Mandatory after School Rehearsal 3:30pm-5pm @CBHS PAC
March 15-16 Brevard County High School Music Performance Assessment
Mandatory – After School - Time TBA@ Satellite

May 20, 2008 High School Band Spring Concert 7pm
Mandatory – Students Arrive at 6:15pm for Warmups and Tuning

May 24, 2008 All Bands - Trip to Busch Gardens – Tentative - *optional

May 30, 2008 Graduation Performance – Upcoming 9th grade students perform with the HS Wind Ensemble – this is a Cocoa Beach Tradition

All events marked as mandatory events are grade events. Each student is need at the rehearsals as we are a team and fixing some parts while others are absent is useless. We need everyone at all events listed.
Please mark your calendar.

Chuck Brooker
Director of Instrumental Music
National Board Certified Teacher
Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School
www.cocoabeachband.com

Winter Concert Volunteers Needed Wed Dec 19 at Satellite HS

Hello Band Families,

Parent Volunteers are requested by Mr. Brooker for the following positions:
(Arrive by 6 pm at Satellite High School to help).

1. Chaperones are needed to sit in the front of the auditorium with the students (beginner, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble). Great view!

2. Parents are needed to help distribute cummerbunds and ties to Concert Band students and collect them back from students after Concert Band plays. Also, assist students with putting these items on. Report at 6 pm - go right to the front seats in the Auditorium.

3. Parent needed to transport box of Cummerbunds to the show and then return it -- (preferably by the next day).

4. Group of parents to hand out programs (stand at table in the lobby).

5. Ushers for "Preferred" seating (Dale Mosher will oversee).

6. Helpers to help carry canned food items out after the show.**

**We need boxes to collect canned food donations.

Please email me back and let me know which of the above you would like to help with.

Thank you!

Claudia
ClaudiaCDavis@aol.com
960-2577 cell