Merry Christmas!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

1. No pep band tonight, there were too many student conflicts, 

2. We will plan to play for pep band on Friday, January 10. Students should plan to meet at the Civic Center at 6:30 p.m.

3. Don't forget to check out the info about those not returning on the bus and extra Disney tickets from the Dec. 12 blog entry. The deadline is January 13.

4. Check out our updated trip itinerary for Florida linked here.

Thank you!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian Schools 956 Ottawa Ave. Holland, MI 49423  web: hollandchristian.org  blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com

Concert reminder, Florida info, Recital Night and more!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you have a blessed Christmas season, we are looking forward to sharing our music with you and our community on Saturday.

1. Remember to take your instruments and your music home for tomorrow. School will be open early tomorrow if you need to pick them up on the way to rehearsal.

2. 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 - this includes all family and friends.  The tickets are approximately 40% off the retail price and are valid March 27 through April 12, 2020.  You do not need to be attending the concert to purchase tickets, and you may purchase as many as you like.  You may even extend and upgrade your student's ticket.  Orders must be placed by January 13 with a check made payable to Holland Christian.  Please fill out this form and contact Janet Jenosky for more information: jjenosky@charter.net

3. Are you planning to return on the bus or stay in Florida? If you are not returning on the bus please fill out this form by Monday, January 13. Contact Janet Jenosky at jjenosky@charter.net if you have questions. We can save some $ if we send one charter bus back empty.

4. Solo and Ensemble recital night is on Monday, January 13.

All solo and ensemble students will need to be prepared to perform at this event. Be sure to practice your music over Christmas break. You can sign up for a time slot for January 13 here. Check with your accompanist before you sign up for a time.

5. Jazz Orchestra members, please make sure that you have Monday, January 27 from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on your calendar to play at the HCHS showcase/open house.

Thanks!

Mr. VB

--

	Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian Schools 956 Ottawa Ave. Holland, MI 49423  web: hollandchristian.org  blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com school: 616.820.2805 | cell: 616.212.8867 Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Christmas Concert, Chamber Orchestra, Ham, Florida Payments

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you are having a great week!

1. A quick reminder that Symphonic Orchestra tomorrow morning includes all strings at 7:00 a.m.

2. You are invited to join the HCHS Chamber Orchestra in worship at Central Ave. Christian Reformed Church on Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m.

3. Monday, December 2 we kicked off the annual Ham Band & Orchestra group fundraiser. This is a group fundraiser. 

Students may pick up their order forms and information in the band room by Mr. VandenBerg’s office door.  The envelope on his door is for turning in order forms.  Please put your order form in the envelope no later than Monday, December 9. The form is linked here.
The ham will be delivered on December 16.  Pick up will be from 2:30pm-3:45pm.  Payment is due at pickup. ( please do not submit payments early, thank you ) Each ham will be priced according to weight with the avg being 8.4lbs. We will accept cash or check at that time.
If you have any questions feel free to email Stacy Huffman at mamahuff4@gmail.com or call at 616-638-2832.

4. Our final Florida payment is due on Monday, December 16. I have a print out of each student's remaining balance and am happy to have students look up their balance. 

If you have not done any individual fundraisers and did make your first payment your balance is $275.

Each student's actual cost for this trip is $900, but because the Florida committee is committed to keeping this trip affordable, each student is asked to pay only $550. We have raised about $25,000 of the $35,000 needed to cover the difference for this trip. If you are financially able and willing to pay $900 instead of the $550 to support this effort to reach our goal it would be greatly appreciated.

5. Put Saturday, February 1 at 7:00 p.m. on your calendar to watch the HCS staff take on the ZCS staff in a basketball game fundraiser for our Florida trip!

6. Here is the info for our Christmas concert.

Concert Rehearsal

Friday, December 13, 7:15 to 9:15 a.m.

Jack H. Miller Center, Hope College

-please arrive between 7 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. so rehearsal can begin on time

-Mandatory attendance for all band/orchestra students

-No Performance Attire Required

-Busing will be provided back to HCHS for students who did not drive to rehearsal

Concert Performances

Saturday, December 14, 2:00pm and 4:00pm

Jack H. Miller Center, Hope College

-Mandatory attendance for all band/orchestra students at both concerts
-All students must meet in the Hope College band/orchestra room at 1:30pm.

-Students will need a water bottle and may bring a snack to eat in between performances. There will not be time for students to leave the campus to get anything to eat.

-Students are encouraged to carpool and asked to park on the nearby streets to leave room in the parking lots for those who need closer proximity to the building.

Thank you!

--

	Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian Schools 956 Ottawa Ave. Holland, MI 49423  web: hollandchristian.org  blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com school: 616.820.2805 | cell: 616.212.8867 Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Butterbraid and Looking Ahead!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

Here are some reminders about upcoming events.

1. Butterbraid pick up is tomorrow from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

2. We are nearly reaching final days of solo and ensemble sign up and over 40 people already signed up, don't miss out on this great opportunity. The Oct. 19 blog post has the sign up link.

3. Looking ahead, we will have an early rehearsal for all orchestra members (at school) on Friday, December 6 at 7:00 a.m.

4. Florida bound band and orchestra students have an opportunity to volunteer and to give back to the community that supports us. Help move toys for the Central Wesleyan Church's Christmas Store on Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. I will have a paper sign up in class. Every year, the Christmas Store ensures that nearly 400 families have access to great Christmas gifts for their children as well as the opportunity to experience the gift of Jesus.

Read more at: https://www.centralwesleyan.org/christmas-store

5. All band and orchestra members will rehearse on Hope College's campus at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts for our Christmas concert on Friday, Dec. 13 at 7:15 a.m., more details to come, this is just a reminder to keep it on your calendar. :)

6. The High School Music Department invites you to its annual band, orchestra and choir Christmas concert on Saturday, December 14, in the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, located on the campus of Hope College. Like last year, we will be offering two performance times for those who would like to attend: one at 2:00 pm and one at 4:00 pm. We look forward to sharing in the celebration of our Savior’s birth through our music.

7. Congratulations to Holland Christian High School senior trombonist Matt Dykstra, who earned a position in the Michigan High School All State Band!

Over 2000 students in the state of Michigan auditioned this year for the Michigan All State Band and Orchestra. Matt will represent HCHS in this prestigious group. The All State Bands will perform on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids.

--

	Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian Schools 956 Ottawa Ave. Holland, MI 49423  web: hollandchristian.org  blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com school: 616.820.2805 | cell: 616.212.8867 Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Veteran's Day tomorrow, pics, and your help needed

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

Thanks for all who came to the concerts and Swingin' the Night Away last week. The kids did great work!

1. Check out your opportunity to support our Florida trip by donating to our concessions fundraiser which helps all of our Florida bound students. We still have a few slots that need donations. Here is the sign up.

2. You can find our new band and orchestra photos on the HC website linked here.

3. Symphonic Band members, remember that you will need your uniform at school tomorrow for Veteran's Day Assembly. I suggest that you come to school dressed in your uniform since we will get ready for this right away.

Thanks!

Mr. VB

--

	Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian Schools 956 Ottawa Ave. Holland, MI 49423  web: hollandchristian.org  blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com school: 616.820.2805 | cell: 616.212.8867 Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Concert and STNA week!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

Here are a few important announcements.

1. We are looking forward to our concert on Monday.

-Orchestra should be at school and meet in the choir room by 7:00 p.m.

-Band students should be at school and meet on stage to run the combined piece by 6:45 p.m.

-The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and don't miss the marching percussion, a mariachi performance, and the HCHS jazz orchestra on main street immediately following the concert along with punch and cookies.

2. First Florida trip checks for $275 are due on Monday, Nov. 4. Please make checks payable to Holland Christian Schools with Florida trip in the memo line.
We will have a print out of how much each student has raised so far with their fundraisers here at school if you would like to check out your amount. Otherwise please email Janet Jenosky at jjenosky@charter.net and she can reply with the amount you have earned so far. You will be able to apply your fundraising to your second payment.

3. We want you! Sign up to make desserts and/or volunteer at Swingin' The Night Away.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084AAEAD28A46-swingin

4. We need volunteers to help out with concerts, passing out programs and taking offering. 

If you would be willing to help take offering and/or arrive 30 minutes early on Monday to pass out programs please email Janet Jenosky at jjenosky@charter.net

5. Don't forget to go to the last blog and sign up for solo and ensemble festival.

6. You are welcome to join HCHS and the Symphonic Band for our Veteran's Day Assembly on Monday, November 11 from 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., help us to thank our community's veterans for their service.

    -Symphonic band members remember your band uniform on Monday, Nov.11.

Thank you!

Scott

--

	Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian Schools 956 Ottawa Ave. Holland, MI 49423  web: hollandchristian.org  blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com school: 616.820.2805 | cell: 616.212.8867 Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

November is coming soon!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

1. The Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra Sunday (Oct. 20) at 7:00 p.m. in the HCHS auditorium.  These remarkable jazz musicians will be in our own auditorium.

2. Solo and Ensemble Registration is open! All band and orchestra students are urged to consider trying solo and ensemble festival out! Please fill out this form if you would be interested in participating.

The event is on Saturday, February 8 at Zeeland East High School and it only takes a short amount of time that day.  See more info and sign up at this link. 

3. We kicked off our Butterbraid sale on Friday for those who would like to earn toward their Florida trip. We have more fliers at school. I will post a pdf of the flier here on Monday. This is an individual fundraiser. 

4. We will have an orchestra rehearsal on Friday, November 1 at 7:00 a.m. for all orchestra members. This is a required rehearsal for the orchestra including woodwind, brass, and percussion.

5. Our fall concert and Swingin' The Night Away are coming soon, help us get the word out!

Come and celebrate Holland Christian High School's Festival of Fine Arts! From student sculptures to the movie music, from choral anthems to the deep sounds of the tuba, prepare to enjoy a rich diversity of the arts. The Band and Orchestra Fall Pops Concert is on Monday, November 4, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in the HCHS Auditorium. This concert will include music from Aladdin, Lion King, Avengers, in addition to the jazz orchestra, drumline, and a mariachi ensemble. You won't want to miss it!

The Choir Concert is on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. also in the auditorium. The Fall Art Exhibition will be on display in Main Street from November 4-7. Come eat cookies, listen to music, and soak in art!

The Holland Christian Jazz Bands and the Old Timer's Jazz Band are proud to present the Swingin’ the Night Away in the HCHS cafeteria on Friday, Nov. 8, from 6:45 to 9 p.m. Admission is $5.
-New to swing dancing? No worries! Dance instructors will be on hand to teach us the basic steps of swing, so the evening can be enjoyed by novice and experienced dancers alike. (6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
-Not in the mood for dancing? Come socialize, indulge in some delicious desserts, punch, and enjoy the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and more.

Thank you!

--

	Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian Schools 956 Ottawa Ave. Holland, MI 49423  web: hollandchristian.org  blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com school: 616.820.2805 | cell: 616.212.8867 Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Sub pick up, pictures and pep band next week!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall weather. Here are a few announcements and reminders for you.

1. Sub sale pick up will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, October 9, from 2:30 - 4:00 near entrance F by the band/orchestra room.

2. Helpers are needed to distribute subs tomorrow (Wednesday), please email Kari Dyhuis if you would be willing. tomkarid@sbcglobal.net

3. Florida letters will be put in the mail tomorrow, feel free to connect with the recipients of the letter to let them know it is coming. We are grateful for this way to help keep this trip affordable for all students.

4. Next week Thursday, Oct. 17 is band and orchestra picture day. Group pictures will happen during the respective class periods with symphonic orchestra pictures happening during family flex. Your picture will be taken in your full concert uniform (tuxes and dresses). Uniforms will be kept at school until picture day. Please make a plan to take uniforms home next Thursday or Friday after school. 

5. Students will need to bring appropriate footwear for pictures including dress shoes and for guys - black socks (no tennis shoes or white socks please).

6. Next week Friday (18th) is our final football pep band. 

Thank you!

--

	Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian Schools 956 Ottawa Ave. Holland, MI 49423  web: hollandchristian.org  blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com school: 616.820.2805 | cell: 616.212.8867 Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Retreat tomorrow, reminders, Florida letter!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

We are looking forward to the retreat tomorrow! Check out the Sept. 6 blog for a packing list. See you at school tomorrow, bus leaves at 6:00 p.m. or at Camp Geneva Pines by 6:15 p.m.

Here are a few reminders of stuff from past blogs.

1. This is a last reminder for Florida commitment forms and retreat consent forms.

2. This is a last reminder for chaperons for the Florida trip, please contact me a.s.a.p. if you are willing to help out.

3. All uniform and rental fees are due next week Thursday.

Here is a heads up about next week.

4. Florida bound students will be sending out 4 letters on Oct. 1 or 2 during class requesting donations for our trip. Please carefully consider who you might send your letters to. Here is a copy of the letter that we will be sending.

It is a priority for the Florida Trip Committee that this trip be affordable for every student regardless of their financial situation. In this effort we will be sending out letters as part of a group fundraiser. Money donated as a result of this group fundraiser will offset costs for the whole group and these donations are tax deductible. It is not possible to have donations as a result of this letter writing endeavor go directly to an individual student.

Please fill out this form with the 4 names and addresses that you will be sending letters to. The form should automatically send you a copy of your responses which you can use when you fill out the addresses.

Thank you!

--

	Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian Schools 956 Ottawa Ave. Holland, MI 49423  web: hollandchristian.org  blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com school: 616.820.2805 | cell: 616.212.8867 Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Retreat info, Florida info, uniforms, rentals!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you are having a great week! Last week's blog entry had all information related to schedules for this year, and this one has everything financially related. 

Here is the nitty gritty info about trips, retreats, fees, and the music lesson scholarships for band and orchestra this year.

1. Chaperons are needed for our Fall Retreat! Please email me if you are willing to help out.

2. Chaperons are needed for our Florida trip! Please email me if you are willing to help out.

3. The Band, Orchestra, Choir Parent Board (BOC) is offering music lesson scholarships. Follow this link and fill one out if you are interested. The deadline is Friday, September 13. The scholarships awarded may be used immediately or for later in the school year.

4. Here are an important note about the fall retreat and a consent form to print off and fill out and return to school with a check for $55 by Thursday, September 19. Payment and forms can be mailed to HCHS or dropped in the designated envelope in the band/orchestra room. The fee will cover the cost of food and facilities at Camp Geneva. Please communicate with me if you are in need of financial assistance. This retreat is for all band and orchestra students. It is not required, but you are strongly encouraged to attend. We are looking forward to this time together.

5. We are so looking forward to the Florida trip this year from April 1 to April 6! This trip is for all students in band and orchestra, it is not required, but you are encouraged to attend. Please follow this link for trip information and a commitment form. Please print the form, fill it out and turn it in by Thursday, September 19. I will also have paper copies available in the band/orchestra room. Here is a preliminary (not finalized) itinerary.

6. Band and orchestra uniform fitting is coming soon! The fittings will take place during band and orchestra class periods.

Each fall band and orchestra students are assessed a uniform fee that covers uniform alterations, repairs, marching shoes and gloves, and dry cleaning. (The shoes and gloves are for band marching uniforms only.) This fee will be due by Thursday, October 3. It is $15 for orchestra and $25 for band. Please communicate with me if you are in need of financial assistance. Please designate uniform fee in the memo line of the check. This fee can be mailed to HCHS or placed in the designated envelope in the band/orchestra room. 

Additional notes: 

-Band and Orchestra guys will need black dress shoes and black socks for their tuxedo and girls will need appropriate footwear for their black dresses. These items are not provided. 

-Brass, woodwind, and percussion members of the symphonic orchestra only need to pay the band uniform fee, not both.

7. Each fall student who is using a school-owned instrument are assessed a rental fee of $60 for the year. This fee covers a portion of the cost of repairs and maintenance. Students who switch instruments to help with the balance of the band or orchestra are given a waiver on this fee for a year. Those checks are due on Thursday, October 3. Please communicate with me if you are in need of financial assistance. Please designate instrument rental in the memo line of the check. This fee can be mailed to HCHS or dropped in the designated envelope in the band/orchestra room.

Thank you!

--

	Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian Schools 956 Ottawa Ave. Holland, MI 49423  web: hollandchristian.org  blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com school: 616.820.2805 | cell: 616.212.8867 Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Dates and Calendar Stuff for 2019-20!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

There is quite a bit of information in this blog post, hopefully it is not information overload. Think of this blog post as a instrumental music handbook. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. 

1. Pep band tomorrow night, pizza and pop at 6:00 p.m., playing in the stands at 6:30 p.m.! 

 Who? All concert band and symphonic band students, communicate with me if you can't be there

 What? we will play before the game, at the quarter, when we score, and at half time

          - after halftime we will pack up and put stuff away

          - after halftime the band/orchestra room will be locked so be sure you don't leave personal belongings that you will need for the                  weekend.

          - all band and orchestra members can join us for pizza, sign up here

2. Links to concert dates and other important event dates:

Concert Band

Symphonic Band

Orchestra

All Groups - (except pep band)

Pep Band

3. Please save this link to the band and orchestra page and calendar on the HCS website. It contains the most up-to-date information about upcoming events. Subscribe to the calendar and all of the dates will automatically appear in your google calendar.

4. This document is a description of the many opportunities for instrumental musicians at HCHS. It includes descriptions of pep band, marching band, symphonic orchestra, solo and ensemble festival, jazz band, pit orchestra and more. There are so many opportunities for our music students to encounter through the year. Take a minute to check them out.

5. Parents and students, please be sure that these dates are added to your family calendars. Please fill out the form linked below to verify that you have signed off on the dates and also use this form to communicate any calendar conflicts for this year. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

This form is due by Monday, September 9:

https://forms.gle/1pdPryo3D7Vz5cMT6

6. Next week we begin early morning group rehearsals. If your child is in one of these groups they will know and you will also receive and email. See the schedule for morning rehearsals below.

Monday: Jazz Orchestra 7:15 a.m. Normally on Mondays, but we won't meet on Labor Day :)

Tuesday: Jazz Band - 7:15 a.m. Yes, starting right after Labor Day

Wednesday: Folk Music Ensemble or Chamber Orchestra - 7:15 a.m. 

Thursday: Jazz Orchestra - 7:15 a.m.

Friday: Symphonic Orchestra - 7:00 a.m.

Percussion Ensemble/Drumline will meet during their class periods.

7. Parents, we want you! :) Chaperons are needed for the retreat at Camp Geneva on Thursday, September 26 at 6:30 p.m. to Friday, September 27 at 3:00 p.m., we need your help!

svandenberg@hollandchristian.org

8. More Florida information is coming soon. Check the August 17 blog entry for preliminary dates and a brief description. We will need chaperons for this as well. Contact me if you might be interested.

Thank you!

-- 

	Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian Schools 956 Ottawa Ave. Holland, MI 49423  web: hollandchristian.org  blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com school: 616.820.2805 | cell: 616.212.8867 Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ