EIU HS Band Day 2009

I don't think many people would wake up at 4AM to get on a bus. However, about 1/3 or the RIHS band was just fine with doing just that! Given the option this group of students was ready to go to EIU for the band day experience.

The students practiced with the Panther Marching Band under the direction of Mr. Barry Houser. They learned from the section leaders, bonded with some really fun college students, and seemed to just have a blast.

I know I enjoyed watching the drill put on field by the PMB. It's always exciting to see how other schools are doing things and there is a lot about Mr. Houser that I wouldn't mind to add to my personality and talents!

The students spoke very highly of the experience and I'm sure this will become a Rocket tradition. Even though it was a long day, 5AM Call(which means they got up earlier than that) to 8:30PM dismissal, they enjoyed spending together and taking the field for "Not Dead Yet". However, it seems that they enjoyed the march down to the field the most, even though it was hard on the instruments(I hope that clarinet still plays...)

Congrats on a great season Marching Rockets 2009. Seniors will be missed, they've left us some great things to build upon next season.

New 6-8 Grading Procedures

New Grading Procedures:

I have revised my grading to fit the needs of the students here at SIMS. Please note the new procedures. I will make the students aware, but I can't promise they'll retain that information.

Daily grading will become Weekly grading - Due to the amount of days missed for holidays and such I would like a consistent 30 points per week. Each student will have grades updated on Tuesday. If they are on time, with materials, prepared, and have a good attitude they will receive 30 points.

In addition to this weekly lesson grades(see handbook), students will receive a quarter grade based on musical achievement. The lesson assignment sheet, which serves as rubric and grading sheet, must be handed in and completed at the end of the quarter. This assignment is worth 90 points.

Swingin' into the Holidays!

It's beginning to get cold outside. The leaves are falling. The marching band uniforms haven't been touched in weeks...You know what that means?

You guessed it! Jazz Band is starting up. Tonight from 5:15-6:30PM in the RIHS Band room.
I'm really excited to get the band up and swinging in preparation for our concert.

It's not too late to sign up, just write your name in the appropriate spot on the sign up by the office and show up to rehearsals.

The RIHS Jazz Band will have its first performance at the HS Christmas Concert on Dec 15th. They band will help you swing into the holiday season with two great medleys of popular Christmas tunes.

Hope to see you jazzers at rehearsal tonight and everyone else at the concert!

Woodwinds and the Sounds of Christmas

New this year! RIHS has started a woodwind choir, featuring a unique instrumentation of saxophones, clarinets, flutes, and a bassoon(go Brooke!).

The group meets Tues/Thurs after school from 3:15PM-4:00PM.

They will be playing a variety of Holiday standards such as, The Holly and Ivy, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Deck the Halls, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, Jingle Bells, and many more!

Performing venues for this group which will last until Winter Break, are being set. Let us know if you'd like us to come perform for your group!

Email KFreesen@sid5.com or call (217)322-4311 ext 669 to "book" the RIHS Woodwind Choir!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

1st quarter has ended, but that time is upon us. It's parent-teacher conference time. Mrs. Worthington and Mr. Freesen would like to let everyone know that we will be meeting with parents during these two days, but in order to see everyone we will be at two locations!

Thursday 10/29 - 4-8PM at RIHS/SIMS
Friday 10/30 - 8AM-12PM at Industry Elementary

Thanks and please feel free to stop by anytime to discuss your student's progress with us.

If those times do not work for you. Contact us by school phone (217) 322-4311 Ext 669 or by email, KFreesen@sid5.com and JWorthington@sid5.com

We look forward to helping you make the most of school music for your student.

Quincy Competition Update

Good morning Marching Rockets and Fans!
We have a schedule update for Quincy's Parade and Field. Please take note:
Octoberfest 2009 Parade - 2:30PM
Field Competition RIHS Performance - 7:10PM

The field portion will take place at Flinn Stadium(44th and Maine)

It looks a good line up including 17 bands.

Competition Update

Greetings followers and members of the RIHS Marching Rockets. Here's a schedule update.

Please take note and get ready for the action!

Saturday, October 10---WIU Marching Band Classic @ Hanson Field

- Starts @ 3:30 PM Bus leaves @ 3:00 PM Rushville-Industry performs at 5:28 PM
- Added bonus: see RIHS grad Amanda Grafton marching with the WIU band @ 7:10 PM
- We will stay for awards which follow Western’s performance

Saturday, October 17---Quincy Octoberfest Parade and Field Show@ Flinn Stadium
- Parade begins @ 2:30 PMbus leaves @ 1:00 PMField show begins @ 5:15 PM
- Don’t know RIHS performance time yet!
- We stay for awards!