Welcome to Nieman Elementary Bands

band announcements Sept. 12-16

by | Sep 11, 2022 |

Monday, Sept. 12th–

6:45AM rehearsal for all varsity members.

6:30-8:30PM rehearsal for all varsity members

 

Tuesday- regular day.

Trash bag pick up 4-6PM.  See note below.

 

Wednesday-

6:45AM rehearsal for all varsity members

 

Thursday- Home Game Day!

5:00PM- band room will open for uniform distribution.  Attendance taken on upper field at 6:15PM, in full uniform in attendance block.  JV students, this performance can count as one of your two required football game performances.  We will stage to the stadium at 6:30PM for a 6:45PM pregame performance.  Game begins at 7:00PM and varsity will perform at halftime.  Return uniforms at the end of the game.

 

Friday- NO early rehearsal due to the football game on Thursday.

 

Here’s a note from our fundraising chairperson, Ms. Kronawitter:

Hello North Band Families,

For those of you that participated in the recent trash bag fundraiser, ORDERS ARE IN AND CAN BE PICKED UP AT MY HOUSE ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, FROM 4PM-6PM. OUR ADDRESS IS 9617 HOCKER DRIVE, MERRIAM, KS (Please note that our driveway is accessed off of Knox). If you have any questions, or need to make different arrangements, you can e-mail me at joeandmoe@rocketmail.com.

Thanks,

Maureen Kronawitter

 

Congrats on a busy Homecoming week, you were all great!  Looking forward to learning the next part of our show, leading up to the drum break!

 

Mr. Reed

Ms. Fillingham

band announcements Sept. 6-10 Homecoming week!

by | Sep 4, 2022 |

Tues. 9/6- Fall sports assembly.  All varsity band students report to band room at 8:50AM to prepare for the assembly.  I will send an email to teachers requesting this release time.The assembly is during seminar.
Wed. 9/7- 6:45AM rehearsal for all varsity students.
Thurs. 9/8- nothing band related
Friday. 9/9- HOMECOMING DAY!  6:45AM rehearsal for all varsity students.  We will march through the halls near the end of block 1.  Block 2 drumline, I am excusing you from block 1 since it’s only a 35 minute class period, and you’ll already be outside with the winds before school.
Friday’s Homecoming parade-
Please wear your show shirt as your uniform (any color shorts is fine).  Eat a fast lunch at 12:15 and be in the band room by 12:35PM to warm up and stage for the 1:00PM parade.  The parade will conclude before busses leave at the end of the day.
Friday’s home game-
Band room will open at 5:00PM for uniform distribution.  Attendance taken on upper field at 6:10PM, in full uniform in attendance block.  JV students, this performance can count as one of your two required football game performances.  We will stage to the stadium field at 6:30PM.
PARENTS AND STUDENTS- Due to homecoming festivities during halftime, VARSITY WILL MARCH OUR “HALFTIME” SHOW AT 6:40PM in the stadium, thus before the game begins.  Parents, if possible, please be in the stands (section F) before 6:40PM or you will miss the band performance.  Game begins at 7:00PM.  Varsity will perform the opener of the show at halftime and remain on the field during Homecoming festivities.  At conclusion of game, everyone report to band room and return uniform.  As in the past, students must remain for the entire game, as the band room will be locked and parents will not be there receive your uniform.
Sat. 9/10- Drumline performs cadences at 12:00PM for 100th year anniversary.  Confirm with Ms. Fillingham as to the report time, but it will be around 11:30AM.  We should be finished by 12:30PM.
Finally, a word from our SM North Invitational chairman, Mr. Duckworth-
Dear Parents:
As you may be aware, this year’s Invitational is going to be held on Saturday, October 15th. Like in previous years, it is important to have as many volunteers as possible to ensure that everything runs smoothly. I have created a Sign Up Genius and I would love to see everyone that is able to help out again this year. To make it even easier, here is a link to find a job that would match your talents. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044CACAB2FA2FA7-2022
I am really excited about this year’s event! We are hosting 10 Bands. Of the 10 bands, 5 are from the local metro area. The bands that we will be hosting are: Buhler (repeat), Valley Center (repeat), Topeka West (repeat), Truman, Washburn Rural (repeat), Lee’s Summit North, Olathe North, Olathe Northwest, Olathe South (repeat) and Shawnee Mission East.
As you can see we are going to need everyone that is able to help to sign up and volunteer. If you have questions about something on the list, or suggestions that may have been overlooked, please feel free to reach out to me. The best way to contact me would be by email (SMNBandInvitational@gmail.com) or by Texting me at (913) 579-0732.
I hope to see everyone at the Invitational!
~Tony
This is a big week ahead of us, and we’re really looking forward to it!  Last Friday’s pep-band at SM South had a great time, thank you everyone for a wonderful evening!
Mr. Reed
Ms. Fillingham

band announcements Aug. 29-Sept. 2

by | Aug 25, 2022 |

Hello everyone-
Looking forward to seeing many of you tonight (Aug. 25th) for 5th grade instrument demos (5:30-7:30pm) AND Fall kick off, which entails an optional pep-band meeting on the track at 7:00PM.  We’ll be finished by 7:20PM.  Big time lettering points awarded!
NEXT WEEK:
Varsity band- please bring a water bottle to tomorrow’s 6:45AM rehearsal, it’s supposed to be a little hot tomorrow, even in the morning.
Next week’s schedule (8/29-9/2)is:
Monday: odd
Tuesday: even
Wednesday: odd
Thursday: even
Friday: no school
So varsity will have early rehearsals on Monday and Wednesday.  We will also have Monday evening from 6:30-8:30PM.
Now a message from our booster fundraising chair, Ms. Kronawitter-
Hello North Band Families,
We have one week left in for our current trash bag fundraiser – there’s still time to participate & raise some funds for the Florida trip – ALL ORDERS NEED TO BE TURNED IN TO ME NEXT MONDAY, AUGUST 29, FROM 6PM-8PM, IN THE BAND ROOM. If you have any questions, need an order form, or need to make different arrangements, you can e-mail me at joeandmoe@rocketmail.com.
Thanks,
Maureen Kronawitter
Thanks everyone-
Mr. Reed
Ms. Fillingham

band announcements Aug. 22-26

by | Aug 21, 2022 |

Interesting schedule for band students this week, please see below:

 

 

Monday, Aug. 22- 6:45am rehearsal for varsity band. I will also try to wrap up giving out show shirts after school on Monday. Evening rehearsal for varsity band students from 6:30-8:00PM.

 

Also, if there are any block 7 JV band students that can show up between 6:30-8:30PM in the band room, we would like to get many of you fitted for your band uniform.  These uniforms will be worn at home football games, as well as in Florida.

 

Tuesday- KMBC “Banding Together” performance.  Report time of 6:30am on stadium field. See below for more details.

 

Wednesday- NO early rehearsal due to early call times on Monday AND Tuesday. Varsity winds will start on the field at 7:40am.

 

Thursday- two thing:

-Fall Sports Kickoff performance.  Report time of 7:00 in stadium, performance at 7:10. Should last 10 minutes playing pep-band tunes, and we’re done!  This is an optional performance, but you will receive lettering points.

 

Instrument petting zoo for incoming 5th graders. 5:30PM-7:30PM in cafeteria. This is an optional event for upperclassmen, to help Ms. Fillingham recruit 5th graders and trying new instruments. Lettering points given to those who help. Yes, students can do both events on Thursday night…we’ll make it work!

 

Friday- 6:45am rehearsal for varsity band.

 

Tuesdays KMBC “Banding Together” event!  Report time of varsity band is 6:30 AM, feel free to wear your show shirt, but you don’t have to. At 6:45AM, were being recorded by KMBC TV station, playing pep-band tunes. At 6:52, Johnny Rowlands flys over the stadium in the helicopter, showing video of the band in a “9” formation!  7:15 AM Johnny gives a live feed presentation on air, saluting the teachers and band students getting back into the school year.  So parents, spread the word the varsity band students will be on TV this Tuesday at 7:15AM!

 

Friday, Aug. 26th– This is the deadline for any new band students who have NOT signed up for the trip.  After this date, we cannot add additional band students or chaperones.  ALSO, we will need to remove students who do not have any funds in their account.  We have 15-20 students who turned in a letter of intent but have not made any payments.  You can view your Florida account as follows:

 

Go to www.charmsoffice.com

Click Login

Click Parents/Students/Members

Our school code is smnbands

Enter your password, and then click the finances button.  If this is your first-time logging in, you will be asked to reset your password.  If you have any technical difficulties, please call CharmsOffice at 972-485-1912.

 

That’s it for now.  The band students are off to a great start!

 

Mr. Reed

Ms. Fillingham

band announcements Aug. 7, 2022

by | Aug 7, 2022 |

Hello SM North band family!
Looking forward to getting the school year going with music!  Thanks to everyone for making our summer rehearsals a huge success.  Special shout out to Amy Hall and all band parents who helped with outdoor activities, water, uniforms, etc.
A few bullet points for everyone:
– students, PLEASE double check your class schedule to make sure you’re in the correct band class.  Once school begins later this week, it’s really difficult to change anything.
– Varsity and JV band, we will not play instruments on Friday, Aug. 12th
– blocks 3 and 4 jazz bands, we WILL play on the first day of school, Aug. 12th so please bring your instruments.
– varsity band will meet Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30PM in the stadium.  Watch for ReMind notifications if we ever move locations.  There are a total of 8 Monday evenings rehearsals, with the first one on Monday, Aug. 15th.
– varsity band will meet at 6:45AM every Monday/Wednesday/Friday morning at 6:45AM in the stadium.  Watch for ReMind notifications if we ever move locations.  The first early rehearsal will be Wednesday, Aug. 17th.
-band shirts have been ordered and should arrive soon.  If possible, please make sure you’ve paid your band expenses if you haven’t already done so ($125 varsity, $75 JV, $50 dance team).  If you need to pay this later, just email me and let me know!
– The 2nd Orlando, FL installment is due on Monday, August 15th.  If you haven’t registered for this trip, you still can, but that window will be closed within a few weeks.  Please contact me if you still want to go!
Band expenses and trip payments can be made online at www.smnorthbands.org and clicking “Group Member Payments” or you can mail a check made payable to Shaw-Mi-No to the following address:
Booster treasurer- Melinda Duckworth
8209 W 58th ST
Merriam, KS 66202
– we will have a way for you to login at www.charmsoffice.com  to view payments/balances/fundraising activity for band expenses and the Orlando trip, but it’s not ready just yet.  Stay tuned!
– here is a message from our fundraising chair, Ms. Kronawitter.  Please read the attachment that states various details, such as the turn in night of Monday, Aug. 29th.
Hello North Band Families,
As you all know, the marching band will be taking a trip to Florida over winter break. Therefore, we wanted to provide some additional fundraising opportunities for those that are interested. On Thursday, we kicked off our Bags for Bucks fundraiser. If you weren’t able to attend the picnic/meeting on Thursday evening and/or didn’t receive the paperwork, attached please find the information letter, as well as the order form. This is a great, easy fundraiser to participate in – for every roll sold at $15, your band kid will receive $6.50 applied to their individual account. Those funds can then be used for the upcoming band trip, or yearly band fees. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me at joeandmoe@rocketmail.com.
Maureen Kronawitter
If you haven’t done so already, please enroll for any ReMind codes that apply to you.  We use ReMind for last minute announcements and updates:
ReMind phone number 81010
 Varsity band, student last name A-L: @vmbbison1
Varsity band, student last name M-Z: @vmbbison2
JV band: @jvbison1
Varsity drumline (battery & front ensemble): @dbison1
Student staff (all seniors and section leaders): ssbison1
Again, Ms. Fillingham and I are really excited about the upcoming school year.  We’re looking forward to seeing everyone this week!
Mr. Reed
Ms. Fillingham

Upcoming band camp information as of 7/25/22

by | Jul 25, 2022 |

Hello everyone-

 

Beginning tomorrow (July 26th), all rehearsals (except the two evening varsity drumline rehearsals) will begin in the stadium.  In case of inclement weather, we will use the ReMind app to notify everyone we’re moving into the band room.  If you don’t get a text, we will always plan to meet in the stadium.

 

 

Things to do/bring/wear for outdoor rehearsals:

-A one gallon (hopefully somewhat insulated) water container, filled with ice and water.

-shorts and T-shirt

– sunglasses

– hat/visor

– tennis shoes with socks(NO flip flops or sandals, you can’t really march in those)

– sunscreen, to be applied before rehearsal begins

 

-Also, PLEASE eat some sort of breakfast before arriving.  Protein is best, as little sugar as possible.  If necessary, I would suggest no more than one cup of coffee.  Also, I would suggest little to no soda drinks.

 

– get a full night of sleep before rehearsals, and hydrate when you get home.

 

-Beginning this Thursday (July 28th), varsity marchers should bring a lunch, or money to eat at local fast food near North.  Students can either ride with other students, or walk.  Students will have 90 minutes for lunch each day.

 

-Please bring your instrument every day.  If you don’t have your marching instrument yet, we will get that to you upon arrival.  You will also receive new music upon arrival.

 

-JV/new marchers students, we plan on splitting time outside with playing in the shade or even indoors, depending on temperature.

 

– varsity students, we plan to be outside in the morning, and inside in the afternoon.  If it gets too hot in the morning, we’ll move to shaded areas.

 

 

Please feel free to email or text me with any questions or updates (car trouble, feeling sick, etc).  Please do NOT respond to a ReMind text.

 

 

-Another reminder to give us your T-shirt size with this G form.  Parents, you can order additional shirts with the same link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMH_t954wRiSmbNfSaP5DE9PPG5shzyqbj8GN7Q9g9OZvkkA/viewform?usp=sf_link

 

– Please take care of your band expense ASAP if you haven’t done so already.  (VARSITY $125, JV $75, dance team $50).  The easiest way is to play online at www.smnorthbands.org and click “group member payments”.

 

 

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in the coming days…we’re so excited to see everyone and make some music.

 

Mr. Reed

Ms. Fillingham

June updates to SM North band

by | Jun 2, 2022 |

Hello students, happy summer to you all!

Everyone is invited to the FREE Ice cream social on July 23rd. Your child will receive their 2022 band shirt (different designs every year) if they have a fully paid band account.

 

Although the July 26th/27th new marchers camp is optional for JV band members, please consider going to these fun two mornings!  It’s always great to reconnect with everyone.  New varsity marchers and section leaders are expected to participate these two mornings.

 

All varsity drumline members are expected to participate during drumline camp, and ALL varsity marchers are expected to participate during the July 28-Aug. 4th camp (no weekends).  I cannot stress how important these rehearsals are, as we learn a significant portion of our competitive show during summer camp.  Communication is the key- if there is a scheduling conflict with any of those dates, please let me know ASAP.  We can have students share a spot if we know they’re going to be gone for a portion of camp.  We can make other arrangements as well, but communication is the key.

 

REMIND Texts:

We frequently use ReMind texts for last minute changes or reminders.  If you have not done so already, please sign up for the appropriate ReMind class, so you will be in the loop!  Students AND parents can sign up.  Make sure to use the “@” sign.

Also, this is a one way communication device.  If you need to contact me regarding a ReMind text, please email me at noreed@smsd.org or text me on my phone if I’ve given you that number. To attain the Remind codes, please reference an email I sent on June 2nd.  If you didn’t receive an email, then email me at noreed@smsd.org

Hoping you’re all having a great start to your summer!

 

Mr. Reed

Ms. Fillingham

band announcements May 16-24 Almost there!

by | May 15, 2022 |

Wed. May 18- Graduation Day
Seminar- will try to run graduation music during seminar.  Kids, stay tuned for precise time, as seminar and lunch occur within the same block.  This is NOT a required rehearsal, but please attend if you can.  PLEASE take care of academic things first…but we are making this rehearsal an opportunity so the evening performance goes better.
5:45PM- All 9th-11th graders (except freshman percussion) are in graduation band.  Please dress nice, yet appropriate for weather.  Report to band room.  We will warmup/rehearse, then head to the stadium.  PLEASE bring as many clothes pins as you can, so we can attach music to stands.  Graduation begins at 7:00PM and should last until about 8:45 or so.  Parents of graduation band, we generally ask that you don’t attend, as the campus is packed with seniors and their families.
Fri. May 20th– Indoor rehearsal/pizza party!  Although this is optional for current 9th-11th graders, please plan on attending this fun event!  Free pizza!
5:40PM- section leaders report, get ready for everyone.
6:00- incoming freshman and section leaders begin eating.
6:20- current 9th-11th graders arrive and can have some pizza.
6:45- 8th-11th graders will do a little parking lot marching to music!
6:55- parent meeting in choir room, as sections break off and collect summer contact information.
7:20- all students in band room to play a couple pep-band tunes.
7:30 – rehearsal ends, and begin summer rentals
Mon/Tues, May 23/24 9AM-noon in stadium- varsity marching band rehearsals.  This is required for all 2022 varsity Marching Bison.  This helps secure your spot in the show for the upcoming season.  Please communicate transportation issues as soon as you can, so we can help get everyone to North.  Bring instrument, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water.  Wear tennis shoes, NO flip flops/sandals.
We’re looking forward to a fun conclusion of the school year.  As always, please communicate scheduling conflicts ASAP.  We’re almost there, just a few more days!  😊
Mr. Reed
Ms. Fillingham

important & time sensitive info- May 3-24

by | May 2, 2022 |

BAND EVENTS:
Friday, May 6th– Pizza Jazz 6-10PM in the cafeteria.  Free admission.  $1.50/slice or $6.00 all you can eat.  North jazz bands are playing plus several from Shawnee Mission and Olathe.
Saturday, May 7th– Drum line auditions in the band room.  9AM-noon.
Tuesday, May 10th– Spring Concert in the auditorium.  Concert begins at 7PM.  7th/8th Hocker bands, Freshman/Concert/Symphonic bands will play.  All band members, please report to band room by 6:40PM, dressed up, ready to go.  “Sunday best” casual-formal.  Please no jeans, T shirts, etc.
Thursday, May 12th– Band Banquet in cafeteria.  6-8:30PM.   See link below to reserve your dinner.  Again, reservation due TOMORROW, May 3rd!
Sunday, May 15th- Mattress fund raiser.  See attached flyer.  Remember that students get 100% of the profit!
Wednesday, May 18th– Graduation band (more info to follow, all band members (except freshman percussion) perform.
Friday, May 20th– Indoor rehearsal/summer rental night (more info to follow, all fall/2022 band members should attend).
May 23rd/24th– Varsity Marching Camp.  CHANGE OF TIME:  Since there’s no school that week, we’re adjusting these rehearsals from 9AM-noon (as opposed to 4:30-7:30PM).
LINKS AND FORMS:
Banquet reservation link, due TUESDAY, May 3rd!
senior memory form (current seniors only) due WEDNESDAY, May 4th!  (see attachment to this email)
senior picture submissions for video, due FRIDAY, May 6th:

 

band announcements April 5-15

by | Apr 4, 2022 |

April 5th– band booster meeting at 5:45PM in the band room.  Parents, this is a great way to get plugged into the band program.  Everyone is invited!

 

April 6th– slight change to accompanist schedule, please see update by band room office.

 

April 7th– a reminder that the SMSD block 2 Concert band will play @ SM NW high school at 7PM.  Block 2 will play their state contest pieces with the other 4 SMSD concert bands.  We will play 2nd out of 5.  Report time of 6:30PM in the SMNW band room, in full uniform and ready to play.

 

April 7th– Anyone interested in another jazz opportunity- Bryan Redmond will host an jazz clinic on 3:45-4:30PM at Hocker Grove.  You don’t have to currently be in a jazz class to attend.  He will cover tips and ideas on how to improvise.

 

April 9th– Regional solo/ensemble festival @ Olathe South.  Specific performance times are posted in the band room.  Parents, the festival host is still looking for 2 more SM North volunteers to help run the festival.  Please use this link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050d4ba4a62ea64-kshsaa1

 

April 11th– Contest Concert, 7:00PM @ North auditorium. Symphonic and Concert bands will play their two contest pieces after orchestra plays.  This concert begins as 7:00PM.  Report time of 6:50PM in the band/choir rooms, in full uniform, ready to go.

 

April 13- STATE LARGE GROUP CONTEST for Symphonic and Concert band.  Both groups will play at Blue Valley Southwest HS.  Symphonic band plays at 10:40AM and Concert band performs at 11:40AM.  Both performances are free and open to the public.

 

 

Mattress Fundraiser Information

We will have a mattress sale on Sunday, May 15th, 10AM-5PM in the aux gym.  You don’t have to do anything, except tell everyone you know about it!  Anyone that purchases a mattress that days and mentions your name…you receive all the profit in your individual band account, which can be used to pay for your Florida trip!  More information to follow.

 

We will have a brief meeting about this fundraiser on Monday, April 11th, after the symphonic/concert bands play their contest music.  It will be a very brief meeting…and if we have at least 100 people in this meeting, they will donate $500 to our booster organization!

 

Students in block 7 freshman band who are traveling to Florida, please consider attending this meeting.

 

Please click on the QR code on the flier for more info.

 

 

 

April 15th– 1st Florida installment due.  Payments can be made at www.smnorthbands.org then clicking “Group Member Payments”. Remember that the $900 installment costs $931.50.  The additional $31.50 is what PayPal charges.

 

We have a busy and important 9 days ahead of us…looking forward to it!

 

Mr. Reed

Ms. Fillingham

5th Grade Band Practice and Homework Assignments
6th Grade Band Practice and Homework Assignments
Elementary Band Handbook
Instrument Rental/Purchase Guidelines