Director's Message

1st Game Friday August 22

RJR VS PAGE

Hey Everyone!

I wanted to tell you how proud (mostly) I was of our 1st performance last night. Roxanne was a little shakie, I thought we might have to pull over, but you managed to get back together. The second song sounded good, but the drill is still a little rusty.

For the most part, everyone's presence in the stands was positive. You all cheered in the right places at the right times.

A couple of concerns: The behavior on the bus could have been a little better (at least on the bus I was riding) It is okay to be excited and even to yell, cheer, sing, etc. but there is a limit to how far you should go. Also, with the exception of Shawn Holland and myself, no one stayed behind to make sure the band room wasn't left in the mess that it was! It hadn't been that nasty since band camp.

These are things that can easily be corrected. As a whole, I was very pleased, as you should be. Thanks to all the parent volunteers and chaparones. Make sure you fill out the volunteer form online at the WSFCS website.
Also, your forms and marching band fee are due now! We cannot operate without 100% funding from everyone! We got bills people!
See everyone on Monday!

Go Demons!
ISH

10-20-07

Band, Parents, fellow mafiosos,

I really enjoyed our performance today. I thought it was spirited to say the least. I also noticed that none of the other directors "acted" in their band's show......

I thought my death scene was EPIC......

Thanks for a fun day. I hope all you newbies to band contests got to see some fun stuff. Maybe the DVD we ordered will be at school by Tuesday, but if not, we'll listen to some tapes and talk about it.

Have a great weekend! I really do love all you guys!!

ISH

PS Thanks to all the parents who supported us by riding the buses, carrying props, and loading and unloading the trailer. A special great big bear hug shout out to Maryalice Adams for organizing the perfect crime..

10-6-07

Wow!

What a night! Who would have thought we would have beat Tabor! It makes the rest of the season up till last night, irrelevant....

This is going to be a busy week. Tuesday's practice is pretty important. It's the last chance we'll have to put everything together for Jamboree on Thursday. I am really looking forward to it. For those of you who arent' coming from the career center, you will need to eat first lunch. We'll be leaving by noon on Thursday am. You need to wear your practice uniform, as we will be outside all day. We'll have dinner at Glenn around 4p, and we are the 2nd band to perform, at about 615p. In addition, there will be a pep rally on Friday that we will play at. There is a party with free food at the stadium that we'll go to around 5p. I am trying to get permission for us to perform our show at pregame, before the game starts.

Also, don't forget, if you are thinking about going to Florida with the band in April, you should have your parents come to the band booster meeting on Tuesday night at 6pm.

Have a great weekend!

ISH

9-30-07

Band,

This is a crucial week. WSFCS Jamboree is one week from Thursday.y not be Everything that is going on the field needs to be there this week. We are very close, but there is still stuff to clean, and add. Our props will likely be ready by the week of jambo, which will give us only a little time to adjust to them. Percussion and any extras helping with the Sopranos need to plan to stay Weds. from 4-5p.

Tuesday, make sure you bring sneakers and water, we need to work hard. Also, Friday is 8th grade band night and the Tabor game. Any 8th graders that come need to see your enthusiasm and fun, I know you won't let me down on that. Good job at Grimsley. Told you those fans were rude. It kind of makes our Rowdies look polite.....

See you monday.

ISH

Director of Bands
RJ Reynolds High School
301 N. Hawthorne Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
336-727-2063 school
336-992-0929 home
336-413-6844 cell

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

3 marathons and counting

9-15-07

Howdy,

Hope you all enjoyed your Friday night off. I was in bed by 930p....man, I'm lame. The usual Friday activities will now take place on Monday night. We'll have regular practice after school, eat Friday's meal, and go do the game. It starts at 7p instead of 730p, so maybe it won't be as late of a night. regular practice on Tuesday, percussion and or guard Weds from 4-5p, and then the great, EPIC Friday practice!!!!!!!

The great news is, the weather should be a lot cooler this week. We'll get to march and play the second number, set the third, and hopefully by Friday, practice with the props, start lining up the skit, and God willing, figure out the Sopranos/soljah boy/car chase/mob extravaganza!!

Remember: there are, and have always been 3 saturdays reserved for contests. October 22, October 29, and November 3. Jamboree is October 11. IT IS UP TO YOU! IF YOU WANT TO TAKE THIS THING TO THE NEXT LEVEL, I'LL HELP. HELP BEING THE KEY WORD!!! Where we go from here is up to YOU.

"I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."

Don Corleone

The Godfather

9-8-07

Hey Guys,

Very nice job last night. You looked and sounded fantastic! What a great first performance (moving and playing). Hopefully it will cool off some this week. Rehearsal on Tuesday and Friday, no Thursday rehearsal. Drumline and colorguard are welcome to utilize Weds. from 4-5p to rehearse.

One or two more good days, and we could have the rest of the drill on the field! Keep up the good work. I am proud of you.

ISH

9-1-07

Band members, parents, supporters and friends:

We did it...the first home game is behind us! It's all down hill from here....Yeah right! Some good things. Thanks for your "keep on keeping on" even though tempers were short, we were all tired, and things weren't all hugs and kisses. The true measure of togetherness is how you pull together during times of stress and strife.

Practice this week tuesday, Thursday and Friday 4-6. Drumline is meeting 4-5p Weds. Lets keep going, I can see the vision starting to unfold....

"Stay positive and love your life."

311

ISH

8-25-07

Band,

Great job last night! The consensus I got from many of you was that we had more enthusiasm last night than all of last season combined! (We'll have to pace ourselves!)

I spent some time with Spencer and Kevin Owen today lining of the junior parking lot for our "practice field". It is going to be an unusual experience, and will take a little getting used to, but I am thankful that we have a place on campus, instead of having to trudge to the other side of Winston, or worse....

Keep up the enthusiasm! Don't forget: we're going to practice tuesday, and thursday, and Friday this week. (the heat will kind of decide what times.....again, not an ideal situation, but it is what it is.

Thanks to the parent volunteers that rode the buses, brought the water and snacks, pulled the trailer, and supported us in the stands. Thanks band!

Have a great first day of school, oh joy.!!

ISH

8-19-07

Hey Everybody,

Make sure you are ready for practice on Tuesday (4-6p) We have the drill for the first song, and I really think we can get it set if we work hard. Be sure and bring your water. Also, if you have any side walk chalk, or can pick some up, it will be helpful for learning the drill. You can mark your spots on the parking lot.

Also, we are playing at the open house around 8pm on weds. night. It will probably just be the fight song and alma mater. Our first game is on Friday at East Forsyth. Hopefully, we can work on some of the new stands music on Friday afternoon, and maybe perform the opener at the game.

See you Tuesday!
ISH

2006 Season

Message posted following the final game @ North Davidson Nov. 3, 2006

11-4-06

I'm Froze....

Well, it was an exciting conclusion to an equally exciting season. No, really....It was kind of sad to think that this would be my seniors last football game. I try not to think too much about those types of things, as I am likely to burst into tears and cry like a baby! A lot of you kept reminding me of the fact, however, so it was kind of unavoidable!

Looking back on the last 4 years of the seniors of '07, I have a ton of great memories. I remember stuff like when Lauren was a young, bright eyed, freshmen who always greeted me with a "Hi Mr. J!" (back when I was Mr. J.) Cody was actually MORE of a spaz as a freshmen. If we had footage of his debut performance on cymbals, we would make national news on U- tube...it was bombastic! I have pictures of Tamelia in the pit room, spraying my hair with some kind of space-aged epoxy to hold it in place. I also have pictures of her helping me stuff my wife's bikini top so my dress would fit properly......no need to elaborate on that one.

Drew has a funny story about falling of a certain toilet in the music wing. I'll let him tell you about it....Trent reminded me of a comment I "allegedly" made about the band's performance at one rehearsal..."Supposedly" I said something like, "Well, that was great, now do it again without sucking!" I know, that really doesn't sound like something I would say, but Trent was pretty adamant about it....HMMMM... John Lacy went from this little skinny, kid who never talked, to a taller, skinny kid who never stops cracking jokes! He is probably funnier than me. Well, maybe not funnier than me, but, you know...James Wudel. There are so many Canadian, back hair stories, that it is impossible to pick just one! I love that guy. Sam Green. After a brief hiatus from marching band, guess who's back...?! There is a lot of funny stuff there, let me say. I'll leave it at this: if you play trumpet beside him, be ready for some surprises....

I remember Katja staring right at me forbidding me to laugh when Collin fell over backwards during a rehearsal of the 311 show. I actually felt like I'd get in trouble if I dared to laugh....but then I laughed anyway!! Sorry Peter, er, I mean Collin....

Michael Savage. Is his arm still broke?!? Kelly Cooke.....man you are a loud talker! I don't know how we ever got along without you. Better late than never. Casey Collins...I told you you'd like it, dag! Need a band aid? How about some motherly advice, comfort or just need someone to cry to? Philna....Oh, yeah, if I give you my keys, will you go unload the trailer? Thanks!

If I forgot anyone, I apologize. I'm sure there are many, many more memories that we can share later.

Thanks seniors, for 4 fun, memorable years of marching band. I love you guys!

ISH

Message posted following Homecoming October 13, 2006

10-14-06

Hey, Hey,

That was the last home game of the season! Very cold. I think everything went well yesterday. We survived a pep rally, a homecoming celebration, and another resounding loss for the football team. It was Davie County after all. I really enjoyed the fun and fellowship. Thanks to everyone for your positive attitudes and fun spirits.

This next Friday is our off week. Enjoy your long weekend. Friday is also Octoberfest, which is usually pretty cool. If nothing else, it is a break from the monotony of your regular classes! The jazz band has a performance next Saturday. We are playing for the athletic booster's golf tournament fund raiser. I think it is important to work together as a school and support each other. Also, coach Pinnix has done a lot for me and the bands at RJR over the years, and I wanted to return the favor.

2 more games to go (Tabor and North Davidson, both away) then the Veteran's Day parade.

Again, great job!

See you Monday,

ISH

Message posted following 2006 Jamboree at Glenn High School

10-6-06

Band,

Very good job last night. I was extremely happy with the show you put on. I hope all of you are as proud of the performance as I was. Thanks to all the boosters and parent volunteers for keeping us straight, and helping us. I still think our show was #1 for fun and entertainment. I admire the work and commitment that some of the other bands showed, but in the end, I enjoyed our show more.

This next week is homecoming. The jazz band will perform at halftime as background music for the homecoming ceremony. There is a possibility that there might be enough time left over afterwards for the marching band to do some of our show. I'll give you more details about that on Friday.

Have a great weekend!

Thanks,

ISH

Message posted following postponement of Jamboree to Oct. 5

9-30-06

Howdy,

I hope everyone enjoyed their "night off" last night. I saw that RJR defeated East Rowan 14 to 7. Maybe the tide is turning for the football team...Hope they don't think it has anything to do with us not being there!

Looking ahead to this week. I want to practice on Tuesday from 4-6p instead of the usual 5:30p time. The extra half hour will give us a little more time to practice staging, and running through the 3rd tune. We'll have to see if the drill and music improves enough to try and march the drill in the 3rd song. If you really want it to happen, make sure you have your music memorized!

The schedule of events for Jamboree THIS Thursday is the same as it would have been for last. (Hopefully without the cancellation!) If you haven't gotten your permission slip signed, you have a few extra days to get it done.

The football game for this week was supposed to be on Thursday, because of Parkland and RJR both having home games scheduled. Unfortunately, with the jamboree being rescheduled for Thursday, we won't be able to attend. Dr. Paschal is going to be with us at Jamboree as well. This was in no way MY CHOICE or decision. We are required to be at Jamboree, (rightfully so, it is our chance to showcase marching band in Forsyth county). The decision to reschedule jamboree turned out to be the right one, as it rained and stormed pretty significantly at around 6pm in Kernersville. It stinks that it inconvenienced everyone in the county, but hopefully it will work out this week.

Remember, this year, I am really focusing on trying to bring the school community together. I have tried to communicate and work with the athletic booster club, the rowdies, the dancing boots, the cheerleaders, and the football team, to insure that we are all working towards the same goal: school spirit and cohesiveness. If anyone complains to you about us not being at the game next week, just explain to them the situation. Don't get defensive or ugly. Remember: Be lovely, not ugly! Our support for our school and the team needs to be unconditional.

I am looking forward to Thursday. I am excited about the performance and can't wait to see the other bands. Have a great weekend, I'll see you Monday!

ISH

That woman deserves her revenge.-KILL BILL

Message posted following 9-22-06 RJR vs. West

9-23-06

Man,

We almost won that one! It is hard to believe that the team is struggling so much when you look in the stands and see how much fun the band is having! I really am enjoying learning all the dances to the cadences, but more so watching you guys do them! Some of you are real funny! Also, kudos on the original costuming ideas with regards to the gauntlets. I would have never thought that they could be transformed into flying Nun's habits, but there it was!

We have a lot to do on Tuesday in preparation for band jamboree. I am very excited about some of the last minute visual plans we are adding with props and costuming. I think once we leave the battery up front on the 3rd song, that a lot of the phasing problems will be resolved. In case you didn't remember, band jamboree is this Thursday at Glenn High School. I will give you all permission slips on Monday, as well as an email to the school and the career center to let them know about student absences. This will not count against senior exemptions, it is an EXCUSED absence. You will need to change into practice uniforms and eat first lunch on Thursday, as we will be loading up and leaving around noon, 1230. Also, as an added bonus, we will not be attending the East Rowan game Friday, and you will not have Friday practice, so enjoy your free Friday!!!!

Hey, I'm always excited about free time!

Looking ahead......I am almost convinced that October 21 contest at Mt. Airy could work. The contest will start before 9am, and I have talked to the director and worked out a deal that we can perform first. The reason being, the Jazz Band has a gig at !1130a back in Winston. The only draw back will be that we won't be able to stay for the awards ceremony, or see any other bands perform. You could however, get your hand stamped and go back to Mt. Airy, or enlist some parents to hang around to provide rides back for you. I am willing to work this out, if it is something that everyone wants to do, and will commit to. It's no big deal if we don't go to a contest this year, it's just that this show is so much fun, I think it would be a hoot to take it and see the crowd reaction. I'm just saying.....

In closing, I'll say this: We may not have the most artsy-fartsy show out there. We may not be pushing the envelope on artistic expression or interpretive movement. We may not have the biggest, loudest, most in step band out there. I do think our music is fun, entertaining, and cool. I think we have cool, talented kids, and active parents. I think we are doing a great job of providing support to our school and our community. I also think that we are having fun. At the end of the day, that's what makes me happy.

Much Love,

See you Monday,

ISH

Message posted

9-9-06

Thanks to everyone for making last night a huge success!

The Teagues were very appreciative of your performance, and I was very proud of you as well. The show music just keeps getting better and better...

Two Things:

1) Don't forget our about our Saturday rehearsal next Saturday from 8am-12noon.

It is very important that everyone attend, as we will be setting the rest of the drill and putting the finishing touches on our show.

Band Jamboree is just around the corner, Thursday, September 28.

2) I would like to wear our regular uniforms at next week's home game against Reagan.

Anyone that needs shoes needs to email me there name and shoe size. Don't assume I'll recognize your email address, I need names, people! The shoes we will be wearing are similar in sizing to sneakers or athletic shoes.

Not sure November 4th (North Davidson) will work. Several of you have already told me about other plans, and that you will be out of town. Also, that Saturday is an SAT testing date. What about October 21st?

There is a pretty decent contest at Mt. Airy High School. That would be my plan B......

Get me your shoe sizes. Again, great job last night!

See you Monday,

ISH

Kids and parents,
I cannot even begin to thank you all enough for this past week. I know it was trying, exhausting and stressful, but you all came through with flying colors. I have never been more impressed or proud of a group of kids in any of my 9-1/2 years of teaching high school band. You guys are the greatest!

I also want you to consider all the sacrifices and extra time and energy all of your parents and families have made to help you with this activity. Without the band boosters and all the tireless energies that go into the games, contests, trips and parades, we wouldn't be able to have any measure of success. We are very fortunate.

There are many ways in this life to measure success. There are a ton of different qualifiers, standards, rubrics and tests. One of the most overlooked at times, but in my opinion one of the most important is this: how do you feel about yourself? I saw how you all felt after you performed at Ledford. I felt the energy and the positive attitudes about the improvements you had made. That was real, and that is what I will remember 5 years from now. Trophies and accolades are nice, but when I look back on this season in the future, it's you guys and the relationships that I got to have from being your teacher that I will remember most.

I love you all,
ISH

Don't let them change you/or even rearrange you/you've got a mind of your own....
- Bob Marley from "Could You Be Loved?"

Director of Bands
RJ Reynolds High School
301 N. Hawthorne Rd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
336-727-2061 school/336 727-2053 fax
336-992-0929 home/336-413-6844 cell

Meet at the Band room by 8:30a. Another parade on Saturday at 3p, be there by 1:30p, and a playoff game on Friday, (Details TBA)

Great job last night folks!
Love,
ISH

Also, lots and lots of football games to go, and 3 parades this year. Nov. 11, Nov. 13 and December 4.

See you Monday,
ISH

We have begun a great thing, and I want to make sure we see it to it's fulfillment. It's not so much the actual success that really matters, so much as the striving to attain it.

Life's a journey, not a destination.- Aerosmith

Much love to you all,
Mrj

A positive attitude goes a long way towards reaching a goal.

Remember: Nothing motivates someone more than doing something, or accomplishing something that they never thought they could. Keep up the good work, and positive energy.

Thanks especially to all my section leaders, Drum Majors, and band parents for making the last day and half run so smoothly! See you in the am.
Mrj

If you don't see your name, it could mean a variety of things. Either, I didn't receive a deposit from you to hold your spot ($50), or I for what ever reason didn't know you were going to be doing marching band.

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