Christmas concert/video info, last chance for solo and ensemble festival!

 Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you are doing well. I miss making music with you here at HCHS, but I have loved the time of seeing you in smaller groups and also seeing the continued progress that you are making. Unfortunately, we are unable to gather and play through our Christmas music together, but I am looking forward to seeing your video playing projects this weekend.

1. All students will meet in at their normal Friday class time tomorrow.

2. We will be recording and sharing performances of our Christmas concert music in January when we return. This will be a great way to wrap up our work on this music and also to continue to celebrate Christ's birth into the season of Epiphany.

3. This is your last chance to join in the solo and ensemble festival experience. It is definitely a great opportunity and I want to encourage anyone who is curious to reach out to me and ask for more information. We already have nearly 40 people signed up. svandenberg@hollandchristian.org

More solo and ensemble information is linked here.

4.  All students should plan on a Google Meet tomorrow during their normal Friday class time. Did I say this already? Don't forget. :)

5. Last June we received word that the HCHS Symphonic Band was selected to perform at the annual Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids. This honor is granted each year to a select small number of groups from across the state invited to perform at the conference. Unfortunately, the performance which was scheduled for January 29 has been cancelled. The invitation has, however been extended to January 2022 to the HCHS ensemble. The symphonic band will look forward to playing for music teachers from all over Michigan in January 2022. We are disappointed that our seniors won't be able to join us, but will certainly list their names in the 2022 program as part of the core group that was recognized for this honor and invite them to attend this concert and reception as one of our honored guests.

Thank you!

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High Schools  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Virtual meets this week, Disney Trip postponed, All State honors!

 Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I am looking forward to seeing your progress this week and I have really enjoyed meeting with you!

1. Students, here are your Google Meet times for this week.

Don't forget to enter your practice time on the practice log during class time on the day you are not meeting with me. You will find the log entry form on Google Classroom.

2. Unfortunately the Florida Trip committee and I have decided postpone our Florida Disney trip to the spring of 2022. It is a hard decision and one that I hoped I wouldn't have to make. There is much advanced planning and opportunities for student fundraising that go into a trip like this and it has become increasingly difficult to make these plans with so much uncertainty. If you had sent a check in to pay for all or a portion of your trip cost you should have received a check to refund this amount. All fundraised money will be carried forward for students that will be able to attend in 2022.

3. Congratulations to Holland Christian High School senior percussionist Paul Quinn and sophomore violist Ella Vanden Berg who have earned positions in the High School All State Band and Orchestra. 

Nearly 1500 students in the state of Michigan auditioned for a spot in these prestigious ensembles. The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association conducted virtual auditions this year and winners were selected by a panel of 25 judges. Special recognition goes to Paul who was selected as the first chair percussionist, the top position in the MSBOA All State Band. Congratulations to Paul and Ella!

4. Don't forget to check out our band and orchestra pictures from earlier this year linked here.

Thank you!

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High Schools  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Virtual Band and Orchestra

 Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I will certainly miss making music with students here at school for the next few weeks. We are planning to record a group performance in December when the students return.

Parents, because of the difficulty of making synchronous music via Google Meet our classes will be meeting in a 20 minute group lesson with me each week. The group lessons will allow students to demonstrate progress and also allow me to help students find areas to work on and set goals for the week. These group lessons will happen during the normal band/orchestra period and student attendance will be taken at that time. On the day that students are not in a meeting with me they will be logging their practice time during the band/orchestra period. These entries will contain a time stamp and attendance will be taken from these entries. This "week" will look a little different in that it is Thursday/Friday/Monday/Tuesday.

Students, be sure to sign up by tonight at 10:00 p.m. for your small group time on the Google Sheet that I posted on Google Classroom. You will be either logging your individual practice time via the form (in Google Classroom) or meeting with me in your small group during each class period.

You will need your instrument, a pencil, and your music for our group lessons.

In order to make the progress that you need between Google Meets, you should be practicing 4 to 5 days of the week at a minimum. I will give you specific areas to work in your first Google Meet and check back with you the following week.

Did you forget your instrument or music at school? Send me an email and I will have them in the HS office for you to pick up.

Because we are virtual we will not be able to record our jazz ensembles yet. We will remain flexible find another time to record these groups.

By the way, check out the pics from our pictures earlier this year. :)

https://hollandchristian.smugmug.com/High-School/Band-Orchestra/BandOrch20-21/

Thank you!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High Schools  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Concert Program and Video are Here!

 Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

Our Fall Concert is here! Enjoy and feel free to share!

Band and Orchestra Fall Concert Program

HCHS Band and Orchestra Fall Concert Video

I highly recommend watching the video with external speakers or headphones if you are able. The sounds of tuba, bass clarinet, bari sax, bassoon, cello, and bass do not work as well on laptop or phone speakers. :) You won't want to miss the deep sounds of these instruments!

Thanks,

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High Schools  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Solo and ensemble festival, lesson scholarships, pics tomorrow!

 Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

Don't forget that tomorrow is picture day! Orchestra meets at 7:15 a.m., concert band during class, symphonic band during flex, and be sure to bring your dressy black shoes/socks.

1. It is the time of year where we start thinking about the MSBOA District Solo and Ensemble Festival.

This year the festival might look a little different, but the core goal of developing musical independence and fluency in our students is still the same.

Here is the sign up for district solo and ensemble festival: District Solo and Ensemble Form. We will also be discussing this in class.

2. The Band/Orchestra/Choir (BOC) Parent Board has also pledged its support of developing student musicians by offering lesson scholarships. Individual lessons are a great way to improve as a musician and get the special focus on the unique aspects of your instrument.

Here is the form for lesson scholarships: BOC Lesson Scholarship Form

Please complete both of these forms by Thursday, Nov. 5.

Thank you,

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High Schools  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Fall is here, group pictures and bands are moving indoors!

 Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

Warm greetings from HCHS band and orchestra.  

Good news! With the weather turning colder we are thankful for the bands to have received that news that we are able to return to indoor playing starting tomorrow. The bands have loved the time that we have had at the park. Starting our day at the lake enjoying the changing of the seasons has been a balm and a joy. 

1. HCHS Bands will be indoors.

2. Wednesday (Oct. 21) morning we will be taking band and orchestra pictures. Group photos will be taken and also action shots while students are playing.

-Symphonic Orchestra 7:15 a.m. (this includes everyone in orchestra class plus select woodwind/brass/percussion)

-Concert Band during 1st hour

-Symphonic Band during family flex

We will 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.

--All band/orchestra uniforms will be at school on Friday, so you will need to change at school. You may use bathrooms and locker rooms.

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

--Girls: Appropriate footwear for your dress.

--Parents of band guys may want to take a few moments to teach the art of how to tie a tie. :)

3. We are looking forward to our upcoming virtual concerts! There is a little change in when we will record these and when we will release the recordings. You are encouraged to gather the family on these nights and enjoy the music and the chance to encourage the gifts of these musicians.

IMPORTANT: Please plan to be at school on these days and do not schedule any appointments during these times. We will keep uniforms at school for these days. Please remember to bring appropriate footwear to school on these days.

We will record on these dates:
Wednesday, Oct 28 at 8:30 a.m.--Concert Band
Wednesday, Oct 28 at 11:40 a.m.--Orchestra
Thursday, Oct 29 at 8:00 a.m.--Symphonic Band
Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7:15 a.m.--Jazz Combo
Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7:15 a.m.--Jazz Orchestra

Recordings will be released at this time:

Monday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m. for the HCHS Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Orchestra
Monday, November 23 at 7:00 p.m. for the HCHS Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combo

Thank you!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High Schools  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Fall Retreat at Camp Geneva

 Dear band and orchestra students and parents, 

We are looking forward to our band and orchestra retreat this weekend! This retreat will happen Friday night only, we will not gather on Saturday. See more details about the fun on the form linked below.

 

Please fill out this form by Thursday evening to verify that you will be attending so that we can be sure to have the right amount of food ordered.

 

Please plan to drop off and pick up at Camp Geneva on the Pine Side. (17000 Quincy St, Holland, MI 49424).

 

Thank you!

Mr. VB

 

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High Schools  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

We are back at it! :)

 Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you enjoyed the long weekend.

It has been such a blessing to be back in school with students. I am so grateful to the bands and how well they have done with the logistics of going to Kollen Park. We have enjoyed having an audience in the park now and then as people pull up a camping chair or blanket or just listen as they jog through the park.

1. Our band/orchestra retreat this year will be full of fun, food, games, and music making at a two-day, day-only retreat. This band and orchestra retreat will be held on Friday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and  Saturday, September 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is a great way for us to get to know each other better and meet new friends. 

2. Here is our listing of events and concerts for this year. You will notice that there are evening dates and times listed for concerts for this year. Please enter those dates in your calendars, but know that if the health situation does not change those concerts will be virtual events and will be recorded during the school day and not in the evening.

Concert Band

Symphonic Band

Orchestra

All Ensembles in one document

Here is the link to band and orchestra google calendar. Look for the subscribe button so that you can have those dates automatically entered into your calendar. You do have to scroll down a little bit to get to the calendar.

3. Please see the last blog post about the spring Florida trip information and be sure to keep that on your radar and on your calendar.

4. It is All State audition preparation time. All students who are up for a challenge and willing to work hard are encouraged to audition to be among the finest high school musicians in the state of Michigan.

Here is the form to fill out if you would like to do an all state audition. I recommend starting in on this right away this weekend. Please complete this form by Wednesday, September 9 https://forms.gle/S8vbc1FGLoQ1Fxc48

Auditions will be done here at school "live." We will record you from the opus event site. Recordings will be completed on October 19. 20, or 21.

5. Thank you to our symphonic band set up crew who have faithfully been setting up at the park and prepping this for our rehearsals! This is a big help.

Are there any concert band students and parents that would be willing to head directly to Kollen Park on Monday mornings at 8:00 a.m. and on Wednesday mornings at 8:25 a.m. to set up chairs and stands at the bandshell? This helps give us a few more minutes to make music together. Please email me if you are willing to help out. svandenberg@hollandchristian.org 

Thank you!

-- 

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High Schools  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Back to School Band and Orchestra 2020!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

Welcome to the new year! I am looking forward to seeing familiar faces, getting to know new students, and making great music! 

There certainly will be some things about this year that will look different, but what will remain the same is my love for helping students, our love for making music, and the joy that this shared project brings to our lives.

1. We care about the health and safety of our students/musicians, so our daily routine and room set-up have been adjusted in accordance with safety guidelines. Follow this link to see the details of our band and orchestra plan for beginning this new year.

2. Last year’s Florida spring break trip had to be postponed because of these unprecedented circumstances.

We are planning/hoping to take that trip this year with a concert band, symphonic band, and orchestra to Florida with performances at Disney World. We are planning on departing Holland on Wednesday, March 31, and heading home on Sunday, April 4, arriving back in Holland on Monday, April 5. 

Some families decide to travel to Florida and have their children stay with them at the end of the trip rather than ride the charter bus back to Holland. 

We have lots of fun on these trips. The trip is not required, but you won't want to miss it. :) Financial assistance is available. We are waiting to see how things develop health-wise over the next months and we are working to be sure all money is refundable in the event that the coronavirus does not allow us to travel again this coming spring. More info will be made available at a later date, but put the dates on your calendar.

3. We will not be able to do an overnight band/orchestra retreat this year; however, we will still gather to share fun, food, games, and music making at a two-day, day-only retreat in September. This band and orchestra retreat will be held on Friday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and  Saturday, September 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please put these dates on your calendar. This is a great way for us to get to know each other better and meet new friends. 

4. No instruments will be needed on Monday the 24th or Tuesday the 25th. We will use those days for fun welcomes, getting to know each other, instructions, and handing out music.

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 school: 616.820.2805 | cell: 616.212.8867 Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Congratulations, Reimbursements and Summer Lessons!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

It was so wonderful to see you on drop off day. I am so glad that we were at least able to see your faces in person this one time before the end of the school year. I pray that you have a blessed summer. 

Some information and announcements for you.

1. Congratulations to the Holland Christian High School Symphonic Band, which was selected to perform at the annual Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids! This HCHS group is one of a select number from across the state invited to perform at the 2021 conference. The group will play for music teachers from all over Michigan on Friday, January 29, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. You are also invited to attend this exciting event. Tickets for the HCHS performance at DeVos Performance Hall will be available to the general public at Ticketmaster and at the box office in January. 

2. HCHS has not yet been reimbursed by Disney, our bus company, or our hotel, so we are unable as of yet to reimburse seniors and those who are not returning. We do have confirmation that these refunds will come in full. In order to help us process any refunds in a timely manner when this money does come in, please fill out this form so that we can send refunds to those who request them as soon as we are able.

Please note: To those who paid for the 2020 trip and who are also planning to go on the Florida trip or considering going in the spring of 2021, HCHS will apply the funds toward your child’s spring 2021 Florida trip cost. 

3. Is your summer possibly a little slower than normal? This is a great summer to get better at your instrument. I am giving lessons this summer and so are many local specialists on your instrument. BOC is also offering summer lessons scholarships.

Sign up for summer lessons: This summer I will be offering lessons a few different ways depending on the coronavirus circumstances and also depending on the current guidelines as well as the desires of your family. Here are the 3 options:

 -Zoom lessons

 -In-person lessons at school, 6 feet apart if needed, outdoors. I have plexiglass shields to keep music from blowing away. Bring your sunglasses.

 -In-person lessons at school, indoors, 6 feet apart if needed.

All in-person lessons will happen in or near the band room.

For more info and to sign up, follow this link.

4. Next school year's concert dates have been entered into the Band and Orchestra google calendar for your advanced planning. You can find the calendar by scrolling down when you arrive at the band/orchestra page on the HCHS website. Included in this is our Florida trip scheduled for March 31 through April 5!

Deo Volente
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

Senior tributes, music/uniform turn-in, summer lessons

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope that you are doing well and staying healthy.

Here are a few announcements and reminders.

1. Be sure to catch the video tribute and feel free to watch our senior send off and awards zoom in case you missed it.

Orchestra Senior tribute

Band Senior tribute

Our zoom awards ceremony and senior send off!

2. Next week Friday will be drop off day when you can drop off all band/orchestra stuff at school from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. More info to come soon.

- All HCHS music including folders, books, and sheet music. Please remember to check for solo and ensemble music.

- HCHS-owned band and orchestra instruments

- Band and orchestra uniforms

     -Concert Uniforms

     -Tuxedos needs to have the pants, jacket, vest, shirt, and tie

     -Dresses

3. Do you have an instrument at home that you would like to keep at home for the summer? Please fill out this form so we can keep track of where these instruments are.

4. Sign up for summer lessons! This summer I will be offering lessons a few different ways depending on the coronavirus circumstances and also depending on the desires of your family. Here are the 3 options. 

 -Zoom lessons

 -In person lessons at school, 6 feet apart if needed, outdoors. I have plexiglass shields to keep music from blowing away, bring your sunglasses.

 -In person lessons at school, indoors, 6 feet apart if needed.

All in person lessons will happen in or near the band room.

Summer lessons are such a great way to get ahead, catch up, prep for solo/ensemble festivals, prep for auditions, prep for college scholarships (there is a lot of money available even for non-majors). Sign up soon! :)

For more info and to sign up, follow this link.

5. Though we are unable to celebrate with a parade this year, we are grateful for the opportunity to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our country. Memorial Day is a chance for us to pause and remember. 

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 school: 616.820.2805 | cell: 616.212.8867 Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ

Last week of school for our seniors!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

We have entered this last week of the school year for our seniors.
I am looking forward to these times for us to gather together (albeit virtually) and celebrate.

1. Zoom awards and celebration night tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Vanden Berg is inviting all band and orchestra students and parents to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
You won't want to miss this chance to celebrate! It will last about 15 to 20 minutes.

Topic: Awards and Senior Celebration night!

Time: May 12, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78688243750?pwd=Nm5nL1ZuSWFUeHcxbUdJL0o2SmtMUT09

Meeting ID: 786 8824 3750

Password: 4tVPgf

2. Senior's Last Week of School--Zoom Class Meetings

On Thursday, for our last week of school we would like to meet at our normal class times
to pray together and send our seniors off!

     3rd Period Symphonic Band - 10:10 -10:25  

Mr. Vanden Berg is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. All symphonic band members are invited!

Topic: Symphonic Band Last Class for Seniors

Time: May 14, 2020 10:10 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71129942596?pwd=RTl3RVhPZUp6QnNNcWFmbGtTMTliQT09

Meeting ID: 711 2994 2596

Password: 6yUjhg

     

     4th Period Orchestra - 11:00-11:15 

Mr. Vanden Berg is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. All orchestra members are invited!

Topic: Orchestra Last Class for Seniors

Time: May 14, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72968117373?pwd=b2J6NmZCRU42ODQrWmZFeWp3SFIxQT09Meeting ID: 729 6811 7373

Password: 1XfdSn

3. Seniors: "Roll on Through" -- Band and orchestra stuff drop-off time on Friday

*This is only for seniors.*

From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. you, driven by a parent, will drive-thru the HCHS parking lot to drop off:

- All HCHS music including folders, books, and sheet music. Please remember to check for solo and ensemble music.

- HCHS-owned band and orchestra instruments

- Band and orchestra uniforms

     -Concert Uniforms

     -Tuxedos need to have the pants, jacket, vest, shirt, and tie

     -Dresses

Click here to see the map of where to go.

4. 9th through 11th grade end-of-the-year information will come at a later date.

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 school: 616.820.2805 | cell: 616.212.8867 Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ