Merry Christmas!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you have a blessed Christmas. I am so proud of the kids' hard work and beautiful music making.

1. Take a minute to check out the pictures from our Christmas concert!

2. Students involved in solo and ensemble festival are encouraged to keep up their progress on their music during break.

 -Recital night is on Monday, January 29. Here is the recital night sign up. You can begin by talking to those in your ensemble and your accompanists to find out which time of the evening will work best for them.

-Saturday, February 10 is MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival

3. Pep band tomorrow night, 6:30 p.m. at the Civic Center! 

4. Band students should bring their instruments to school tomorrow. In addition to enjoying our concert video and donut we will practice some pep band music.

Thanks!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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 tomorrow!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

We are looking forward to our concert tomorrow!

1. Bring your instruments, music, and everything that you will need for our concert home this afternoon so that you will have it for our early rehearsal.

Our rehearsal is tomorrow at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts at 7:00 a.m. There will be bus transportation back to HCHS from rehearsal. Call time for the evening concert is at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow evening.

2. Parents, don't forget to finalize your Disney family ticket orders a.s.a.p. See the last blog post for details. Payments must be in per info in post.

3. There is pep band on Thursday for all concert band and symphonic band students. Be at the Civic Center by 6:30 p.m., you will get in the game free.

4. The jazz orchestra is playing on main street for lunch on Thursday at the HS and at the HCMS chapel from 2:25 to 2:55 p.m. on Friday.

Have a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year!

Thanks!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"

Disney family tickets, Christmas concert help needed, Recital Night change!

 Hello band and orchestra students and families,

1. Did you know that you can order your family tickets for Disney World at a discounted rate because we are performing at Disney World. Here is a link that details pricing for family tickets. Family tickets are the same as student performer tickets. This link has a description of the different ticket packages. Please follow this link to place your order and for final details. Disney Family Ticket Order Form.

We would like families to note that Genie Plus is not currently available for student tickets and if it does become available we would not encourage student participation. The cost is high and we would like student groups to be able to stick together and enjoy the parks in community.

2. We need your help on Tuesday, Dec. 19 for our Christmas Concert. You can sign up here! We need volunteers to pass out programs, take the offering, and to be ushers. We will use ushers this year to help make sure that we can use all seats at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts. Early arrivers will be asked to fill the middle of the sections first and to fill all seats.

3. Recital night has changed and will now be on Monday, January 29. My apologies for the change. It will still take place in the HCHS band/orchestra and choir rooms and kids will be able to sign up for the time of their choosing. Here is the recital night sign up. You can begin by talking to those in your ensemble and your accompanists to find out which time of the evening will work best for them.

Thanks!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"

Busy December ahead, ham fundraiser and pep band dates!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

Had a blessed Thanksgiving!

Here is some info and reminders.

1. Now is a great time to practice for playing tests and solo/ensemble festival!

2. Here is a link to the ham fundraiser form. This is an individual fundraiser.

3. Dates to keep in mind.

Sunday, Dec. 3 Chamber Orchestra at Pillar and Central Ave. CRC

Friday, Dec. 15 7:00 a.m. orchestra practice

Tuesday, Dec. 19 7:00 a.m. concert dress rehearsal at Jack H. Miller

Tuesday, Dec. 19 6:30 p.m. concert call time

Tuesday, Dec. 19 7:00 p.m. Christmas Concert

Monday, Jan. 22 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. recital night (solo/ensemble people)

Saturday, Feb. 10 MSBOA District Solo/Ensemble Festival at Wyoming HS

4. These will be our basketball pep band dates for this year. We will meet from approximately 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Holland Civic Center. Students in the pep band get into the games free. Please let me know if you have any conflicts. 

Thursday, Dec. 21 

Friday, Jan. 12

Friday, Jan. 19

Thank you!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"

More concession supplies needed and other important info!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. The HCHS band and orchestra is selling concessions at the HCHS musicals to help raise money for band/orchestra retreats and trips. We could use your help. We need more water, fruity mentos, and theater size candy boxes.

We don't have enough to cover our remaining shows. Please bring this in tonight before the 7:00 p.m. show or tomorrow before the 2:00 p.m. matinee.

2. Please double check that your information is correct for solo/ensemble festival and let me know if you see any discrepancies including people who are involved in your event, time frame requested......

3. Did you know that the HCHS Chamber Orchestra will be taking part in worship at Pillar Church (9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.) and Central Ave. Christian Reformed Church (5 p.m.) on Sunday, Dec. 3?

4. In order to prepare for our Christmas Concert the full orchestra (including all orchestra students plus the brass/ww/perc who play with full orchestra) should plan to meet on Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:00 a.m. in the band/orchestra room.

Thank you!

Scott

 

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"

Veterans Day and Florida info!

 Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. Symphonic band students are taking part in the Veterans Day assembly tomorrow. Please come to school in your concert uniform and head right to the gym at 8:00 a.m. for a combined practice with the Holland American Legion Band members.

2. The HCHS band and orchestra sell concessions at the HCHS musicals to help raise money for band/orchestra retreats and trips. We could use your help.
Please sign up here to donate candy:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4EA8AC2EA3FE3-45890702-candy

3.  Are you joining our students down in Florida this Spring Break?  Disney is offering discounted tickets to any guest associated with our Band and Orchestra trip - this includes all family and friends. Check out the link here for more information.

 Your students are getting the "3-Day Park Hopper Option Package."  The tickets are approximately 40% off the retail price, and are valid March 27 through April 10, 2024.  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 trip ticket.  Please email Janet Jenosky by Monday, December 11th at noon if you would like to purchase tickets for these dates.  We need to purchase all the tickets with one order to get the discounted price.  Families can also book tickets at regular Disney World rates on their own.  Please contact Janet Jenosky for more information: jjenosky@charter.net or 586-872-6114.

 

4. We are happy to accommodate your family's spring break plans. If your child is not planning to return home on the bus for our Florida Trip please fill out this form. See itinerary for details. The trip itinerary is linked here.

 

5. Last call for all solo and ensemble sign ups. Do this today! Here is the form that you can use to sign up.

6. Florida first payments were due on Monday, if you haven't already, please bring in your payment. The next payment is due January 18. Here is the intention slip with fundraiser and payment dates.

Thank you!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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 week and more pics!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

We are looking forward to concert week! Here are the plans for the week.

1. Wednesday at 7:45 a.m. the symphonic band and concert band will rehearse our combined number Lion King in the band/orchestra room.

2. On Thursday at 7:10 a.m. the full orchestra will meet in the auditorium to rehearse for the Thursday evening concert.

3. Thursday concert details:

call time for all students: 7:00 p.m.

concert time: 7:30 p.m.

wear your concert uniform

orchestra meets in choir room

symphonic band meets in band/orchestra room

concert band will grab instruments and head right to stage

4. Jazz students will wear black and should arrive to HC by 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening.

4. We still need more help next week Friday night with Swingin' the Night Away. Please sign up to help out or donate desserts here.

5. We have the individual band/orchestra pictures/candid shots as well now. You can find them here!

Thank you!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"

Pictures and upcoming events!

 Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you are doing well! 

1. Don't miss the jazz concert tonight in the HCHS auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

2. Take a minute to enjoy the great shots of our wonderful band and orchestra students. The pictures are also able to be found through our HC band/orchestra photos link on the HC webpage.

https://hollandchristian.smugmug.com/High-School/Band-Orchestra/23-24/Professional-pics/

3. We need your help for Swingin' the Night Away. Sign up here. Did you know this is a fun event for all ages and it is a fundraiser for the HC music department?

4. Don't forget to turn in uniform and rental fees....see the last blog for details.

5. Don't miss these great events coming up!

FESTIVAL OF FINE ARTS

Come and celebrate Holland Christian High School’s Festival of Fine Arts! From student drawings and paintings to movie music, from choral anthems to the deep sounds of the tuba, prepare to enjoy a rich diversity of the arts. The HS Choir Concert  is on Wednesday, November 1 at 7:30 pm in the HS Auditorium. The HS Band and Orchestra Fall Pops Concert is on Thursday, November 2 at 7:30 pm also in the auditorium. The Fall Art Exhibition will be on display in Main Street from November 1-3. Come eat cookies, listen to music, and soak in art!

SWINGIN’ THE NIGHT AWAY

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, November 3, from 6:45 to 9 pm. Admission is $5, and goes to support the music program at HCHS. New to swing dancing? No worries! Dance instructors will be on hand from 6:45 pm-7:30 pm to teach us the basic steps of swing, so the evening can be enjoyed by novice and experienced dancers alike. 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!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"

Upcoming event reminders!

 Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. Here are a few upcoming events!

-orchestra tulip planting during class tomorrow (dress for the outside work)

-Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 7:00 p.m. HCHS Jazz Orchestra festival concert with local high schools and guest professional musicians! (in HCHS auditorium)

-Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. HCHS Band and Orchestra concert (in HCHS auditorium)

-Friday, Nov. 3 from 6:45 to 9:00 p.m. Swingin' the Night Away (in HCHS cafeteria)

2. Take your instruments home this weekend so that you can practice and prepare for upcoming concerts.

3. We need your help. Here is the link for the Nov. 2 Band/Orchestra hospitality Signup Genius (i.e. handing out programs, offering, refreshments).

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4CA9A928AA8-45249233-fall 

4. Purchase tickets for the Oct. 24 jazz concert here. hcjo.ludus.com

5. 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, Nov. 2. It is $15 for orchestra and $25 for band (2 uniforms). 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: 

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

 

6. Each fall students who are 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. Those checks are due on Thursday, Nov. 2. 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!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"

Retreat donations, S & E sign up, and reminders for pictures on Friday!

 Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. We need your help. Would you be able to donate/bring one of these items for Friday's retreat?

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4EA8AC2EA3FE3-45063031-2023

2. Did you know that it is time to think about and start signing up for Solo and Ensemble Festival? It is good to start planning for this now. 

Here is the form that you can use to sign up.

and

Hope College even has an event to help you prepare your solo/ensemble on Nov. 18

3. Here is a reminder from a previous blogpost. We will keep uniforms at school until Friday morning. Kids can take them home after school on Friday or Monday/Tuesday next week.

Did you know that band/orchestra students are getting fitted for their band/orchestra uniforms during their class periods? Guys will wear a tuxedo, vest, shirt, and tie and girls will wear a black dress. A special thanks to Carol Redder who has headed this up for many years! 

We will be taking pictures at school on Oct. 13. All students will need to provide their own footwear appropriate to be worn with a tux or dress. Guys will need black dress shoes and socks and girls will need black flats or other appropriate dressy black footwear.

-Orchestra: Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:00 a.m. is picture time for the full symphonic orchestra which includes all orchestra students and the woodwind/brass/percussion students that join the orchestra. We will also take section pictures during class.
-Jazz Orchestra pictures will be at 7:45 a.m.

-Symphonic Band pictures will be during class.
-Concert Band pictures will be taken during class.

4. Thank you to Robert Silva, Steve VanDyk , Mitch Disselkoen, Adam Vandenbelt, Rebecca Wigger, and Stacy DeMaster for being willing to chaperon this weekend!

Thank you!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"

Important info and reminders!

 Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

Here some important information and reminders. I hope you enjoy the beautiful weather!

1. Last chance for Butter Braid orders is to have them turned in first thing on Monday.

2. The Florida trip (individual fundraiser) sub sale starts Monday

3. Retreat payments and permission slips were due last Friday. We can still take any last permission slips on Monday. 

Here is the retreat information letter.

Here is the retreat consent form (with medical information).

4. Florida intention slips are due on Monday.

5. As part of an effort to keep this trip affordable for all students we will be sending out letters requesting donations in class on Friday, Oct. 8. This is a group fundraiser and the donations are shared between all students and will go to help offset the cost of the trip for all students. In order to facilitate this process, please complete this address letter form by Wednesday, Oct. 6. Each student will need 3 or 4 names and addresses. Here is a copy of the letter we will send.

6. Here is a reminder. You are encouraged to take individual or private lessons on your instrument. It is a great way to get musical guidance, mentoring, and tips that can really help students to excel on their instrument. The HC Music Boosters has a scholarship to help encourage students to take lessons. Please check out this form and fill it out if you are interested.

Thanks,

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"

Chaperons needed, lesson scholarship and more!

 Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

1. Chaperones are needed for the HCHS band/orchestra retreat. Please email me if you can help out. Check out the last blog post for more details.

2. You are encouraged to take individual/private lessons on your instrument. It is a great way to get musical guidance, mentoring, and tips that can really help you to excel on your instrument. The HC Music Boosters has a scholarship to help encourage students to take lessons. Please check out this form and fill it out if you are interested. This is also a great way to start prepping for solo and ensemble festival!

3. The HCHS band and orchestra is raising money to help support our trip to Florida and instrumental music education at HCHS. You may place your Butter Braid order with a Band or Orchestra student and you can order online and pay by credit card using this link: https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/918a2c07-9af7-4d15-8eb9-b81b43ffdef5  

4. Did you know that band/orchestra students are getting fitted for their band/orchestra uniforms during their class periods? Guys will wear a tuxedo, vest, shirt, and tie and girls will wear a black dress. A special thanks to Carol Redder who has headed this up for many years! 

We will be taking pictures at school on Oct. 13. All students will need to provide their own footwear appropriate to be worn with a tux or dress. Guys will need black dress shoes and socks and girls will need black flats or other appropriate dressy black footwear.

-Orchestra: Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:00 a.m. is picture time for the full symphonic orchestra which includes all orchestra students and the woodwind/brass/percussion students that join the orchestra. We will also take section pictures during class.
-Jazz Orchestra pictures will be at 7:45 a.m.

-Symphonic Band pictures will be during class.
-Concert Band pictures will be taken during class.

Thanks!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"

A few reminders!

Dear band and orchestra parents and students,

Here are a couple quick reminders.

1. Pep band tomorrow night for all band students.

6:00 p.m. - pizza in band room

6:30 p.m. - head to bleachers and play before game

halftime - play a few songs and then pack up

2. Don't forget to complete your schedule form, All State sign up, pit orchestra sign up, or Honors Band/Orchestra sign ups, retreat and Florida permission sheets. Find them all on the last two blog posts.

https://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com/2023/09/schedule-verification-and-more.html

https://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com/2023/08/important-information-for-this-year-in.html

3. We need chaperones for the band and orchestra retreat. Here is the plan. Would you join us? Email me if you are interested. svandenberg@hollandchristian.org

Friday, October 13, 2023
6:00 p.m. Arrival at the High School Band/orchestra room for pizza
6:30 p.m. Pep Band and enjoy the football game
Leave for Camp Geneva
Games, pumpkins carving, hot chocolate, bonfire, s’mores and devotions

Saturday, October 14, 2023
8:30 a.m. Breakfast and devotions
                 Group games!
11:30 a.m. Departure

Thank you!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"

Schedule verification and more.

 Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

Please take a minute to check out this important information

1. Parents and students, please be sure that the dates from the calendar/schedules above are added to your family calendars. Please fill out the form linked here to verify that you have signed off on the dates and also use this form to communicate any calendar conflicts for this 23/24 school year. Thank you for taking the time to do this. Completion of this form is required. This form is due by Friday, September 16.

*Band and Orchestra Retreat and the Florida trip are not required events and will not impact student grades, but it is nice if you let us know if you have a conflict with these events for our planning purposes.

2. Are you interested in being part of the pit orchestra for HCHS's upcoming musical? The musical takes place on Nov. 16, 17, and 18. Pit orchestra involves flexible practices, frequent snacks, and lots of fun making music. Instruments needed this year are: 2 flutes, piccolo, oboe, 2 clarinets, bassoon, 3 horns 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, tuba, percussion, guitar, 8 violins, 3 violas, 3 cellos, 1 or 2 basses.
 Sign up here.

3. Are you interested in auditioning to be among the top in the state of Michigan on your instrument? Sign up here to audition for All State here! 

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"

Important information for this year in HCHS band/orchestra

 Dear band and orchestra students and parents!

I hope you are doing well and looking forward to your long weekend. It has been great making music together this week!

Here is a lot of important information. My apologies for the length of this blog entry. Grab a cup of coffee, tea or whatever your favorite beverage is....here we go.  :)

Save a link to this blog as a resource for information on what is coming for the bands and orchestras this year. I will always send you an email when I update the blog.

http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com/

1. I highly recommend taking lessons on your instrument this year, it is a great way to grow as a musician. Here are a number of excellent musicians who are willing to share their expertise!  Mr. Veenstra and I also give lessons and we also have other ideas of names to suggest to you. Don't hesitate to reach out and ask if you have any questions or if we can help in any way.

2. Here are links to concert dates and other important event dates. Please enter these dates into your family calendar:

Concert Band

Symphonic Band

Orchestra

All Groups

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 on this page and all of the dates will automatically appear in your google calendar. When you get to the page, scroll down to see the 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. If your children are involved in these early morning groups, here is the schedule.

Monday: Jazz Band 7:15 a.m. this group will start at a later date

Tuesday: Jazz Orchestra - 7:10 a.m.

Wednesday: Chamber Orchestra - 7:30 a.m. 

Thursday: Jazz Orchestra - 7:10 a.m.

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

6. Here is information for our concert band, symphonic band, and orchestra trip to Florida with performances at Disney World. The trip is not required, but it is a lot of fun.

Here is a preview of our trip itinerary. 

This is the trip information and commitment form. 

Check these out and let me know if you have any questions.

7. Here is information about our band and orchestra fall retreat to Camp Geneva. The retreat is not required, but it is a lot of fun.

 Here is the retreat information letter.

Here is the retreat consent form (with medical information).

8. Last thing....I promise. :) 

10th-12th grade students are eligible for this year to have participation in symphonic band or orchestra become a credit for honors symphonic band or honors orchestra. This would show up as an honors course on your transcript and be counted as an honors course for your grade point average. You would continue to be a member of the same class that you signed up for, but would have the opportunity to engage music more deeply and have it show up on your transcript. Many of you were already participating in the things that would make you eligible for honors distinction. 

Check out the information here on how to make this happen and scroll all the way to the bottom of the form to submit if you are interested in finding out more.

Thank you!

Mr. Vanden Berg

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"

Welcome Back!

Dear HCHS band and orchestra students,

Welcome to a new school year! My name is Mr. Vanden Berg, I am the band and orchestra teacher at Holland Christian, and I am excited to get to make music with you this year! I hope you are enjoying these beautiful summer days. 

Here is some information and opportunities:

1. We are looking for student volunteers for a folder filling party on Thursday, Aug. 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. We would love to have you join us. There will be ice cream and a chance to get a sneak peak at what we are playing this year. Reply to this email if you can join us for all or part of the time.

2. We are looking forward to Friday, October 13 (evening) and Saturday, October 14 (morning) at Camp Geneva for our band/orchestra retreat. Plug this into your calendars. It is a fun time for good food and hanging out--you won't want to miss it! We can be flexible so that we can include kids who have other activities and practices going on those days.

3. We can't wait for our Florida Band and Orchestra trip this year! All students are encouraged to attend! Here is an preview of our trip itinerary. We have lots more info to come.

4. 10th-12th grade students are eligible for this year to have participation in symphonic band or orchestra become a credit for Honors Symphonic Band or Honors Orchestra. This would show up as an honors course on your transcript and be counted as an honors course for your grade point average. You would continue to be a member of the same class that you signed up for, but would have the opportunity to engage music more deeply and have it show up on your transcript. Many of you were already participating in the things that would make you eligible for honors distinction. Check out the information here on how to make this happen. 
*For those who are wondering, there will be no summer work this summer for 10th-12th graders who would like to get honors credit for band or orchestra. I will give you more details when we are together in class.

5. On the right side of my blog page is a link to the band and orchestra calendar if you want a sneak peak of events for this year. Did you know you can subscribe to this calendar and events will show up in your google calendar? We will also have a listing of events for each of the groups ready for you soon. https://hollandchristian.org/arts/band-orchestra/

6. Throughout the year I post important band and orchestra information for this school year at this location: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com/. It would be a good idea to bookmark this page. I will always send you an email when I update the blog with new information. I actually posted all of the information from this email on the blog.

7. It wouldn't hurt to get your instrument out in the next week to make sure the instrument still works and to get yourself back in shape for music making. :)

  
I am looking forward to seeing you!

Mr. VB

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Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  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"