Looking ahead to January

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. You are invited to go to symphony night with us! A stop at Red Robin and then the GR Symphony for $7 on Saturday, January 9. The bus departs from HCHS at 4:45 pm. I would be helpful to have a few adults along so if you are interested in volunteering let me know and/or sign up here.

http://goo.gl/forms/2Kjf3kZdWt

2. Solo and Ensemble students, sign up for a time to meet with Mr. VB during Winterim Week here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-P7JAtvsSlnvFOntiLNFGtXSEavzvMn4w_7JSz3N7dE/edit?usp=sharing

3. We will not have pep band this Friday, however, we will have pep band on Friday, January 8 (6:15 pm at Civic Center).

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

December!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

1. The HCHS chamber orchestra is performing at Pillar Church Sunday morning and Central Ave. Christian Reformed Church on Sunday evening!

2. High School Christmas Concert - Dec. 17
The Band, Orchestra, and Choir Christmas concert will be held Thursday, December 17 at the DeWitt Auditorium in Zeeland. Performance times are 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Admission is free but seating is limited so reserve your tickets now at hchs.ludustickets.com or in the High School Office. We look forward to sharing in the celebration of our Savior’s birth through music.

3. We are planning on these additional rehearsals to prepare for the Christmas concert. We will order pizza for the afternoon rehearsals. Please fill out this form: http://goo.gl/forms/x3jgsysNIC

concert band Tuesday, Dec. 15 9:30 to 10:15 am

symphonic band Tuesday, Dec. 15 12:15 to 1:15 pm

symphonic orchestra Wednesday, Dec. 16 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm

4. We will have a dress rehearsal on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the DeWitt Auditorium in Zeeland. 

DeWitt Auditorium

Zeeland East High School

3333 96th Avenue

Zeeland, MI  49464

5. We will provide bus transportation from HCHS to the DeWitt Auditorium at 12:30 pm on Thursday, Dec. 17. Students who are riding the bus should bring a sack lunch to school since HCHS will not be serving lunch on this day. The bus will bring students back to HCHS following the rehearsal. They should arrive back at school by 3 pm.

6. Students will need to be at the DeWitt Auditorium by 5:00 pm Thursday evening. They are welcome to take a sack lunch to eat between concerts.

7. We will need 15 cases of 24 water bottles and volunteers to usher for both performances. 

If interested in helping with both/either email Deb Bratt at dlbratt@sbcglobal.net.

8. There are 73 students participating in solo and ensemble festival this year!

9. The previously scheduled band rehearsal on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 am is cancelled.

thank you!

-- 

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Important Florida Trip Information

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. Here is an updated itinerary for our Florida trip!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TsiJOKZbqBiG71bxiapqnn1kxm7cWMQU4IC9Ohfw55A/edit?usp=sharing

2. The final payment of $235 for the Florida trip is due on Monday, Dec. 14. 

3. This payment amount will be less for those who did individual fundraisers. Their information on payment will be communicated after the completion of those fundraisers, but before Dec. 14.

4. Are you joining our students down in Florida this Spring Break?  Disney is offering reduced price tickets to any guest associated with our Band and Orchestra trip.  The tickets are approximately 40% off the retail price, and are valid March 24 through April 7, 2016.  You do not need to be attending the concert to purchase tickets, and you may purchase as many as you like.  Orders must be placed by January 8 with a check made payable to Holland Christian.  Please contact Danielle Hilbelink for more information: danielle@hilbelink.net or 616-403-3062.

5. Florida Fundraiser info: So that you do not have to come twice, pick up for both the ham/soup sale and the Butter Braids will be Wednesday, December 16, from 8AM to Noon by the band room door.

-- 

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Volunteers needed and a calendar addition

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

1. Our next group fundraising effort, for the upcoming Band and Orchestra Florida trip, is concession sales during the intermission for HC musical, November 19-21.  We are looking for donations of candy and water.  If you would like to help out follow this link! Thank you!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f4caeac2f4-musical

2. The HCHS Symphonic Band will be adding a special event to it's calendar on Thursday, February 18 at 7:30 pm. This will be a special event working with an internationally renowned composer, Dana Wilson. This event will take place in Hope College's new performance hall.

Please communicate with Mr. Vanden Berg immediately if you will have a conflict with this event.

3. Young and old and all in between are invited to Swingin' the Night Away tomorrow night!

thank you!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Solo and Ensemble Sign Up and Swingin' The Night Away!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. It is time to sign up for solo and ensemble festival! Please use this link to sign up.

http://goo.gl/forms/KUqdwU2Pny

2. Symphonic Band members remember your uniform tomorrow. Dismiss from your 1st hour class by 8:35 am.

3. Swingin' The Night Away is on Friday! I hope every student, parent, sibling, uncle, aunt, grandparent and friend will come to join us in the fun!

6:45 to 7:30 pm dance instruction

7:30 to 9:30 pm music, desserts, and dancing!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Ham sale, Friday rehearsal, Swingin' the Night Away, pictures!

Hello band and orchestra parents and students,

1. Florida bound students are kicking of our ham and soup sale for those who are interested in participating. Here is a link to the flier:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0ar4_7dPCojRFNnc21GZ3RvTlR4THVmTHdfU3VTN0VNNG00/view?usp=sharing

2. This Friday is our 7:00 am full/symphonic orchestra rehearsal. All orchestra members must attend, please be in the band/orchestra room by 7 am, seated and ready to tune by 7:05 am.

3. Swingin' the Night Away is on Friday, Nov. 13. All jazz ensembles participate in this event and you are all invited to attend. 

The Semi-annual Swingin’ the Night Away is Friday, November 13, 6:45-9:30 p.m. in the HCHS Cafeteria.  Free dance instruction is from 6:45-7:30 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. will be dancing, vocal soloists and HC Jazz Bands.  Enjoy desserts and beverages.  Tickets are $5 at the door. All ages are invited to join the fun!

4. Volunteers are needed for Swingin' the Night Away. Sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e4aa9af2fa20-swingin2

5. Enjoy these group shots and individual pictures of band and orchestra students.

https://hollandchristian.smugmug.com/High-School/Band-Orchestra/201516-Band-and-Orchestra/

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

First concert in sight!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. Just a reminder that we are nearing our first concert on Tuesday, November 3 at 7:30 pm. Student call time for the concert will be at 7:00 pm. Please make arrangements to be sure that you arrive on time. Jazz Orchestra, Pisgah Mountain Wanderers, Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Orchestra all perform at this concert.

2. Please share this with family and friends:

FESTIVAL OF THE FINE ARTS!  Come and celebrate Holland Christian High School's Festival of Fine Arts!  From student sculptures to fiddle tunes, music from the Chronicles of Narnia to that of Billy Joel, from water color paintings to music performed on trash cans, prepare to enjoy a rich diversity of the arts.  The Band and Orchestra Fall Pops Concert is on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. with the Art Exhibition Closing Reception immediately following the pops concert...come eat snacks, look at art, and mingle with the artists!

3. Florida bound students first payment is due on Monday, Oct. 26. If you have questions please let me know or look at the information in the Trip Commitment Form in the Helpful Links section of the blog. All checks should be made out to Holland Christian High School.

4. Florida bound students make sure that you have all signed up for a volunteer opportunity! Thanks to those who on Friday who volunteered at Ditto, Habitat for Humanity, and the Rock After School Program!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Homecoming Weekend!

Homecoming Weekend!

1. Pep band is on tomorrow/Friday. 

-We will meet in the gym at 6:00 to practice with our student, parent, alumni, uncle, cousin.... pep band. We play at 6:30 pm. Join us in making a joyful noise!

2. Bring your cans to the game tomorrow and donate them to help offset the cost of the Florida trip. There will be a table by the main gate.

2. These are the chaperons for the Florida trip. A special thanks to them for being willing to help make this trip possible! The names with an asterisk are also helping organize fundraisers and planning the trip so feel free to thank them for their work and ask them any questions you might have.

Kristin Baron

*Danielle Hilbelink

*Michelle Hoffman

David Huisman

Rich Nagelkirk

*Kari Slenk

*DeLynn Unema

*Renae Van Ast

*Scott Vanden Berg

*Jenifer Van Zanten

Matt Veenstra

3. The next car wash sale is scheduled for Nov 23-Dec 10 .  If anyone needs car washes before that, contact Renea Van Ast at  616-218-1843 and email is rvanast@lodeso.com.

4. The hotel room sign up and the volunteer site sign up will be available for Florida bound students to start signing up tomorrow at lunch.

-- 

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Coming Soon!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. Remember that Butter Braid pick up is Thursday (tomorrow) from 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm outside the hs office.

2. Pit Orchestra will begin rehearsing next week Monday from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. We will practice all of the Mondays and Thursdays that school is in session in October.

3. Symphony Night is back! You are invited to add this to your calendars. We (all those interested) will be taking a bus to see the Grand Rapids Symphony on Saturday, January 9. This evening will include dinner at Red Robin and the music of the Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony. They will be performing among other things, Arturo Marquez's Danzon No. 2.

4. This year our Solo and Ensemble Recital Night will be on Monday, January 18 starting at 6:00 pm in the high school music rooms. All students considering solo and ensemble festival should add this date to their family calendars.

5. Our Florida students could still use a couple more chaperons. Consider joining us on this fun adventure! Email me if you are interested.

6. Students might want to consider taking this Winterim course taught by Beatles expert and Calvin College professor, Dr. Bob Keeley and instructors from the Michigan Academy of Folk Music.

From Bluegrass to Beatles: Music for the People and By the People

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Florida info and a Special Invitation!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. Florida trip students will be sending out 4 letters tomorrow or Wednesday during class requesting donations for our trip. Please carefully consider who you might send your letters to. Each student is required to send 4 letters. Here is a copy of the letter that we will be sending: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17NEV90DpL9GUAlRFwNoIDFWXnfLZQPtQDCnuSQndfMw/edit?usp=sharing

Please fill out this form with the addresses and also keep a copy of addresses to bring to class tomorrow.

http://goo.gl/forms/7IkCxKTJNR

2. We want you to join the Holland Christian High School Pep Band!

All alumni and/or parents who play an instrument are invited to join us on Friday, Oct. 16!

What: Alumni and HCHS Combined Pep Band!

When: Friday, October 16

5:00 pm eat dinner at the alumni tailgate BBQ
6:00 pm combined pep band practice in the HCHS gym
6:30 pm start playing pep band music in the stands before the game
7:00 pm join your family and friends for the game or stay and play with the pep band during the game
pep band will play 5 songs at half time and you are welcome to join us again!

Who: All HCHS band alumni and parents, whether your instrument has been collecting dust in the closet or if you have just performed at Carnegie Hall.

Why: fun, to meet old friends, to get those chops back in shape, to celebrate the tradition of music at HCHS

Music: Contact me and I will send you the music in an attachment. You can use your old lyre or bring an HCHS music stand out.

How: Just fill out this form or email me!

http://goo.gl/forms/8KEWGGFiPO

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Pictures Next Week!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

1. Band and Orchestra Pictures are Thursday, October 1.

We take pictures in our full concert uniform. Digital versions of these pictures will be available and posted online after our group and individual pictures are taken.

-Symphonic (also known as full) Orchestra at 7:00 am. (Be in the building picking up your uniform by this time.)

-Concert Band during 1st hour band.

-Symphonic Band during 2nd hour band.

-All band/orchestra uniforms will be at school on the day of group photos, so you will need to get dressed here. You can use bathrooms and locker rooms.

--Guys: dressy black shoes and socks are required. 

-Girls: appropriate footwear for your dress.

-Parents of guys may want to take a few moments to teach your young men how to tie a tie before next week Tuesday morning.

-Students will all be bringing uniforms home at the end of the day (Oct. 1), please make arrangements so that this can happen on this day. All uniforms that are not taken home on Thursday will be put back in the storage room. For those who forget to bring it home on Thursday, Oct. 1, please do not forget that you have not brought your uniform home until an hour before the concert.

2. We will switch the early morning rehearsals for symphonic orchestra and jazz orchestra on Oct. 1 and 2. Symphonic orchestra (including all string players) will meet on Thursday at 7:00 am and Jazz Orchestra will meet on Friday morning at 7:15 am.

3. I would love to nominate top performing band and orchestra members to participate in these events. Please let me know tomorrow or Monday if you are available and interested.

GVSU String Leadership Day (Sat., Oct. 17)

Calvin College Honor Band (Wed, Nov. 4) note change of date from calendar

Hope College Honor Band (Mar. 4, 5) 

Calvin Honor Orchestra (Jan 29 or 30)

4. Oh, yeah, pep band tomorrow.... 6:15 pm warmup.

thank you!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. You are encouraged to apply for the BOC private lesson scholarship. See information below:

Private lesson scholarship applications are available, please see link below. This is a great opportunity for HCS students. For several years now the Holland Christian Schools Band, Orchestra, and Choir parent board has offered scholarships for students seeking private lessons/ instruction on their instrument. The deadline to turn the application in is Thursday, Sept. 17.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZEDHyEU8CTIPPisz0G2vozSQQWR5y7r8HJHgPYg7-wk/edit?usp=sharing

2. Just a reminder that Friday night is pep band! All symphonic band and concert band members are encouraged to attend. No special clothing required.

     -we will start warming up together at 6:15 pm and go out to the field at 6:30 pm.

     -don't forget your lyre

-- 

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

It was great to see many of you last evening. Here is some important information.

1. Parents can find the previous email with a link for practice time submission. This is sent to parents/guardians only, not to students. Students will be responsible for tracking their time and asking the parents to submit it.

2. Everyone who is planning on the Florida trip this spring please print and fill out the trip commitment form which is linked below. Please turn this form in by Monday, September 14.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b8lMJntYQx71Uc84SOrqOVl_hYtnSmS1TJZ53gr6ZtM/edit?usp=sharing

3. Friday, September 11 will be the last day that any absences for any concerts for this school year can be excused. Please be sure to check all concert dates with your home calendars and communicate any conflicts with me.

4. You will be able to find some helpful links in the upper right corner of this blog.

-- 

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Pep band, lessons, and a long weekend

Dear band and orchestra parents and students,

I hope you enjoying your week and looking forward to a relaxing weekend!

1. Just a reminder that tomorrow night is our first pep band performance. All symphonic band and concert band members are encouraged to attend. No special clothing required.

     -we will start warming up together at 6:15 pm and go out to the field at 6:30 pm.

     -don't forget your lyre (Meyer Music has them if you do not)

2. Band and orchestra students see your email inbox if you want to come before the football game for pizza. 

3. It is the perfect time to schedule instrument lessons! I have openings after school or I can recommend you to a local expert on your instrument. Lessons are definitely a worthwhile investment! Email me if you have questions.

4. Next week Tuesday morning (after Labor Day) we will have jazz band at 7:15 am.

5. The weekly before school rehearsal schedule going forward is:

Monday: Jazz Orchestra 7:15 am

Tuesday: Jazz Band 7:15 am

Wednesday: Symphonic Band Percussion 7:30 am

                     Orchestra Fiddle Group 7:15 am

Thursday: Jazz Orchestra 7:15 am

Friday: Symphonic Orchestra 7:00 am

thank you!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Letter to Florida bound students and parents

Welcome musical students and parents,

Please read this letter carefully and let me know if you have any questions.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AhdU9x2fH3034va3s6xqlP_MnHdv689FGLAcssEkxts/edit?usp=sharing

We look forward to sharing in this wonderful year and this wonderful opportunity with you.

thanks,
Mr. VB

Florida itinerary information

Hello musician students and parents,

I know many are eager for information regarding the instrumental music trip this year.

In case you are wondering who is included in the Florida trip, please see the blog post from August 9, point #2.

Here is the an outline of the itinerary for the trip to Florida:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AFDbf4ugX2ROC5efSNnIsIct8lI_g-mcapsRmfv_UdA/edit?usp=sharing

More information coming soon!

-- 

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Important Calendar Information

Hello musical students and parents,

We are off to a great start having fun, creating beauty, and building community! 

1. These documents contain important dates for your family to enter into your home calendars. We walked through the Instrumental Music Schedule in class today so the students should be able to help you decipher which events are for them and which are not. Students were also given a paper copy.

2. Opportunities for Instrumental Musicians will help answer questions like: "Am I in pep band?", "Who can be in jazz band?", "When is Solo and Ensemble Festival?" "What is symphonic orchestra?" and more.

3. Please note the extra instrumental rehearsals in your at home calendars as well. 

4. All of these dates are also entered in the Instrumental Music Interactive Calendar. Save this link:

http://www.hollandchristian.org/fine_arts/highschool/band_orchestra/calendar

This site contains the most up-to-date information about upcoming events and rehearsals.

Instrumental Music Schedule

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UjWWdXwdQVJufPURFH2XMhhq3eM_k9o4eBROMKAb3-I/edit?usp=sharing

Pep Band Schedule

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YSoKnnqEs7MJqXTsuFq1ljIm5qkKskiXs_is7NHaszM/edit?usp=sharing

Instrumental Rehearsals, Chamber, and Honor Groups Schedule

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lg2D4G8BWudcJr2cqG7QhONERNPoAEa7hwDdvz14-YM/edit?usp=sharing

Opportunities for Instrumental Musicians at HCHS

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LNFmsA3EYAbplcVNyMwolX4gpXugwJ71jEqGAv9mU2s/edit?usp=sharing

-- 

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Making Music Tomorrow

Hello musicians and parents!

1. Don't forget to bring your instrument tomorrow, I am looking forward to making music with you!

2. Over the next few days I will be posting important information on my blog related to the year's schedule. Make sure that you review all of the information.

3. Thursday will begin this year's early jazz orchestra rehearsals (these people already know who they are).

-- 

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Kick Off Party!

We are looking forward to seeing you at the HCHS band and orchestra kick off party that takes place at Kollen Park (240 Kollen Park Dr, Holland, MI 49423) near the band shell on Thursday, August 20 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. It is okay if you are coming from other events or practices or need to come a little late or leave early. Parents are invited to attend.

Sign up here to volunteer to bring a few things to the party!

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/9040948A5AA2BA02-kick

Opportunities with American Legion Band and Pit Orchestra

Hello HCHS band and orchestra students and parents,

1. All symphonic band members are invited to join Mr. VB and play with the American Legion Band on Tuesday evening (yes tomorrow the 11th). Get your chops back in shape for a new school year by playing along with a fun local community band!

Meet at the HCHS band room at 5:45 pm for about an hour of rehearsal and then play along with the American Legion Band for their concert at Kollen Park Band Shell at 7:30 pm. Bring your instrument and be dressed in a white collared shirt and black or navy dress pants and dressy shoes. 

You can do this next week Tuesday, the 18th as well!

 2. Are you interested in playing for the pit orchestra for the musical? We have loads of fun! We need a keyboardist, a guitarist, a bassist, strings, and flute. Other instruments could join, but will have to transpose their own parts.

Sign up here if you are interested:

https://docs.google.com/a/hollandchristian.org/forms/d/1Bv0JRpiICzXJlaB99-V4dKCegLJDHX8ZPKqFFBYIdhM/viewform

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
616-820-2905 (2982)

Welcome to HCHS Band and Orchestra 2015-2016

Hello HCHS band and orchestra students and parents,

Welcome to the new school year! I am excited to get to know you and to begin making music together.

Here are a few items to look forward to for this year:

1. The annual band and orchestra kick off party and barbecue will be on Thursday, August 20, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. All band and orchestra students are welcome to join us for games, food, and fun. Come for part of the party or the whole thing! The location is at Kollen Park near the band shell.

2. Symphonic band, chamber strings, and orchestra juniors and seniors save the date on your calendars. We will be taking a trip to Florida, departing on Monday, March 28, and returning on Saturday, April 2. More information will come on this soon.

3. Get a sneak peak at this year's calendar online:  http://www.hollandchristian.org/fine_arts/highschool/band_orchestra/calendar
Save this link. Throughout the year this is the best place to get the most up to date information on band and orchestra events.

4. Are you interested in learning more about pep band, chamber strings,  state solo and ensemble festival, pit orchestra and much more? See this link for descriptions of opportunities for HCHS band and orchestra members this year:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LNFmsA3EYAbplcVNyMwolX4gpXugwJ71jEqGAv9mU2s/edit?usp=sharing

Thank you!
Mr. Vanden Berg