Rocket Bands Online

Winter Concert Schedule

2011-12-05T06:06:00.001-08:00

This year's winter concerts are now upon us. The High School Band and Chorus will perform this Tuesday, December 6th at 7pm in the HS gym. The SIMS Bands and Choirs will perform next Tuesday, December 13th with the 6th Grade Band starting at 6:30pm in the SIMS "old" gym.

We hope to you at the concerts!

This Week - 9/12 - 9/17 SIMS Bands

2011-09-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

This week is an extremely busy week with lots going on.

Friday is Smiles Day and the SIMS Marching Rockets are marching! Students need to be in the band room at 10am ready to go!

Saturday is the Astoria Parade which starts at 10:30am. Students need to meet at the band room at 9:30am to load the bus. We should be returning to Rushville around 11:30am and if you are planning on taking your student home after the parade please have a written note ready Saturday morning.

Great performance at the Car Hop Saturday!

Musically Yours,
Mr. V

SIMS Bands Weekly Update

2011-09-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

The Car Hop is tomorrow night! Students will be getting reminders today in class with all the info but here it is: students need to be in the band room at 5:15pm and will perform first at 6:00pm and the High School band will perform after them.

6th grade band is underway and the students are playing great! Remind your students to practice over the weekend so we can keep moving forward.

The Smiles Day Parade is next Friday and the Astoria Parade is the next day so please plan ahead for a very busy weekend.

See everyone at the Car Hop tomorrow night!

Musically Yours,
Mr. V

CAR HOP NIGHT

2011-09-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is excited about the Late Night Cruisers and SID 5 Bands Car Hop Night on Saturday, September 10. Cars will be parked in front of the high school by 5 PM. Food will be served starting at 5 PM. The SID 5 bands and drill team will be performing at 6 PM. The high school band will be playing all the music selections from their fall show, "Let Freedom Rock". The junior high band fits right in the theme, their parade song being, "God Bless America." Come hungry and bring your lawn chairs!

SIMS Weekly Update

2011-09-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

The SIMS calendar has been added to the band blog. Just click on SIMS Calendar on the right side of the page to view the schedule.

The SIMS Marching Rockets are working hard to get ready to parade season and will be playing "God Bless America". Please check to see if your music polo shirt still fits and get those khaki shorts and light colored tennis ready. Our first parade performance is September 10 here at the High School starting around 6pm. More info to come.

Musically Yours,
Mr. V

Welcome Back!

2011-08-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

The 2012 school year is here! The High School Marching Rockets are in full speed and will be performing this Friday night at the football game. The Middle School bands will begin this week and will be having a busy fall with 4 parades for the Junior High Marching Rockets.

Keep checking this site for all event and program information.

Musically Yours,
Mr. Van Dyke

Concert Week!

2011-05-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

This week is concert week with 3 concerts. Tuesday night is the High School Band and Choir concert starting 7:30pm. Thursday night is the SIMS Band and Choir concert with the 6th grade band starting at 6:30pm. Saturday night is our Jazz Dessert Concert which will be in the middle school gym starting at 7:00pm. Hope you see you at the concerts this week.

IESA Solo and Ensemble - This Saturday!!!

2011-03-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, April 2, 2011, SIMS will be hosting IESA Solo and Ensemble. The schedule is set and students have already or will receive their assigned performance time and location. Saturday will begin with events at 8:36am and continue til around 2:00pm. Please stop by to watch performances and support our music students. If you need information or have any questions please email me at jvandyke@sid5.com or call the Band Room at 322-4133 x669.

6th Grade Spring Concert Music Set!

2011-03-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

Musical selections for this year's 6th grade portion of the Spring Concert is as follows:

Stone Age Stomp
Prehistoric Suite
Voodoo Dance
Eye of the Tiger

Please encourage your 6th grade students to practice these songs as well as their Solo and Ensemble music. The Spring Concert will be May 12th.

SIMS IESA Organizational Music Set!

2011-03-15T07:12:00.001-07:00

This year's musical selections for the SIMS Jr. High Band for IESA Organizational Contest is as follows: The Great Escape Concert March, Slane, and Pictures at an Exhibition. IESA Organizational will be held at Macomb Jr/Sr High School on either April 29th or 30th with the date to be set in the near future. Please make plans to attend and have your student practice this music as prepare for this event.

IESA Solo and Ensemble

2011-03-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

IESA Solo and Ensemble will be April 2, 2011 at SIMS. We are in need of volunteers to help with serving food, moving equipment, monitoring contest rooms, and many other tasks. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Mr. Van Dyke at the band office at 322-4133 x669 or email me at jvandyke@sid5.com. Thanks!

Thanks for a Great Concert!

2011-03-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Thank You to all district band students, families, and the SID 5 community! This year's Music In Our Schools Concert was a huge success and the students did a great job. It was a privilege to conduct the District band and I am very grateful to be a part of the band program and this community. Thanks again!

High School Band Events Spring, 2011

2011-02-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

· Sat, Mar 5 Solo & Ens Contest Rushville/all day Select group

· Sat, Mar 12 MIOSM Concert RIHS gym/ 4:00 PM REQUIRED

· Sat, Apr 16 Organiz Contest Macomb/8:30 AM REQUIRED
(there are various athletic events on this day---it will be worked out with your coaches)

· Tues, May 10 Spring Concert RIHS Gym/7:30 PM REQUIRED

· Sat, May 14 Jazz concert SIMS Gym Select Group

Mark your 2011 Calendars!

2011-01-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

Hey Rocket Band Fans,
Happy New Year! Hope you all had a great break from the hustle and bustle and are ready to jump into 2011 full speed. Just a few notes about what we have to look forward to in the coming months:

9 more pep band appearances at the boys/girls basketball game----remember to check the schedule to see when you play and remember to fill out a sub-sheet if necessary.
Rebecca Worthington will be playing horn in the IMEA All State Band January 27-29 at the Peoria Civic Center. Congrats to Becca!
IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest is Saturday, March 5 at Rushville.
The 2nd annual music in our schools concert will be held in the RIHS gym at 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 12. This involves instrumental students in grades 5 - 12.
IESA Solo and Ensemble Contest (select 6th, 7th, 8th) is Saturday, April 2 at Rushville.
IHSA Organizational Contest for the HS band will be held on Saturday, April 16 at Macomb High School.
IESA Organizational Contest (All 7th & 8th) will be held at Macomb Jr. High School on April 29 or April 30.
Tentative Spring Concert dates are as follows: High School-May 10; Grades 6-8-May 12; Jazz -May 14; 5th grade (at Industry)-May 17.

enjoy the year!

2010-11-29T07:06:00.000-08:00

SID #5 Music Department Presents Holiday Concerts

Monday, December 6 at SIMS Gymnasium
Sixth Grade Band and Chorus @ 6:30 PM
Jr. High Band and Chorus @ 7:30 PM

Tuesday, December 7 at SIMS Gymnasium at 6:30 PM

Fourth Grade Students (including Industry 4th grade) present the holiday musical, "Humbug"

Thursday, December 9 at Industry Elementary at 6:30 PM
Fifth Grade Band and Chorus

Tuesday, December 14 at RIHS Gymnasium at 7:00 PM
High School Band and Chorus

Bands are directed by Jody Worthington and Jordan Van Dyke. Choruses are directed by Amanda Pohl. The public is invited to these free concerts.

2010-11-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

Video from WGN, Thanksgiving Parade, November 25, 2010:

http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/f06e612f-3b51-42b1-9979-435d3abba977/News/Rushville-Industry-High-School-Thanksgiving-Day-Parade-2010

Notes from the SIMS Bandroom November 1, 2010

2010-11-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

THERE WILL NOT BE A VETERAN’S DAY CONCERT THIS YEAR. WE WILL PLAN AHEAD FOR NEXT YEAR.

SIMS JAZZ BAND IS BEGINNING WITH AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND DURING LUNCH IN THE BANDROOM.

SIMS JAZZ BAND WILL REHEARSE ON MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS DURING LUNCH.

SIMS JAZZ BAND IS OPEN TO ALL SIMS 7TH & 8TH BAND STUDENTS.

OUR WINTER CONCERT WILL BE MONDAY, DECEMBER 6TH IN THE SIMS ACTIVITIES CENTER STARTING AT 6:30PM.

CONCERT DRESS WILL BE BLACK SHOES, BLACK PANTS OR DRESS, AND SIMS PURPLE POLO SHIRT.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE EMAIL ME @ JVANDYKE@SID5.COM OR CALL THE BAND OFFICE AT 322-4133X669.

MUSICALLY YOURS,
MR. VAN DYKE

Congratulations IMEA Winners!

2010-10-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

On October 11, many students were sleeping in for the Columbus Day holiday, but several jr. high and high school music students across Central Illinois traveled to PORTA High School to audition for the IMEA District IV Festival. Several Rushville-Industry students made the cut and will be participating in the festival which will be held November 6 at Western Illinois University.

SIMS students participating are Ryan Hackworth and Keeley Acheson, chorus; and Nickie Meyer, Megan Pichaske, and Kristin Wooldridge, band. RIHS participating students are Garrick Dodds, chorus; and Becca Worthington and Kelli Edwards, band.

The junior high band and chorus will perform a concert at 2:00 PM at Western Hall. The high school students will perform at 4:30 PM in the same venue.

Keeley Acheson will also participate in the district IV jazz concert at Rochester High School on November 20.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE STUDENTS!

OCTOBERFEST IS HERE!

2010-10-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

The marching band has been working 2 and a half months for our upcoming performance at Quincy Octoberfest. Details are as follows:
Load and leave: 11:45AM
Parade begins at 2:00 PM and runs from 33rd and Maine to 14th and Maine (judging at 25th & Maine)
Boosters will feed band members between the parade and field competition
Field competition begins and parade results announced at Flinn Stadium (44th & Maine) at 5:30 PM
Rushville-Industry performs at 6:45 PM
All students are expected to stay for the Grande Finale March at 9:30PM
Buses will be home around 11:00 PM

Notes for the SIMS Bandroom

2010-10-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the students and families that made our first “Band Night” a huge success last Friday. We look forward to seeing you in the High School Marching Band next year!
It’s offical, marching band is finished and now we are changing gears for concert band.
I am planning a Veteran’s Day concert for our community and more information will be coming.
Practice sheets will begin in the second quarter so be on the lookout for them.

WIU FIELD SHOW , SAT. OCT 9

2010-10-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

· The RIHS Marching Band will perform Satruday, Oct. 9 at Wiu. Details follow:
o Rehearse 11AM to Noon
o Food at Noon provided by Boosters
o Load and leave for WIU, Macomb at 1:15
o Performance at 3:08
o awards ceremony 5:00 PM
o Home around 6:30 to 7:00 PM
For those interested, the show is at Hanson Field and begins at 1:55 PM
Admission fee is $7.00 adults; $3.00 students
Come support us!

REGISTER ONLINE FOR THE CHICAGO TRIP!

2010-09-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Calling all parents and chaperones FOR the Chicago Trip! Follow the following directions to register your child and/or yourself for the Chicago trip.
1. Log onto www.bgaevents.org
2. click on the "register online" button
3. enter our group trip ID 54204
4.enter ALL requested info
...5. read terms & conditions and espescially BEHAVIOR code
6. Submit your completed form

PLEASE DO THIS ASAP!

Smiles Day Parade

2010-09-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

SIMS MARCHING ROCKETS

SMILES DAY PARADE 2010

ALL STUDENTS NEED TO MARCH IN THE PARADE AND THEN THEY WILL BE DISMISSED TO PARTICIPATE IN OTHER GROUPS IN THE PARADE IF NEEDED.

STUDENTS ARE TO WEAR THEIR SIMS MUSIC POLO SHIRT WITH KHAKI SHORTS OR PANTS WITH WHITE OR LIGHT GREY SHOES.

9:30AM - STUDENTS ARE TO REPORT TO THE BAND ROOM WITH INSTRUMENTS AND NO CASES IN UNIFORM.

THE BAND WILL FINISH THE PARADE NEAR THE PRINCESS THEATER.

AFTER THE BAND HAS FINISHED THE PARADE, TUBAS AND DRUMS WILL PUT THEIR INSTRUMENTS ON THE BAND WAGON AND ALL STUDENTS WILL BE DISMISSED.

STUDENTS NEED TO TAKE THEIR INSTRUMENTS HOME OVER THE WEEKEND.

2010-09-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Smiles Day Agenda----High School
Friday, September 24, 2010

· Band room opens at 7:15 AM
· If you are getting a memory mate w/ Lane Photography (individual picture) you need to be dressed and ready by 7:45 AM.
· Everyone needs to be dressed for GROUP PICTURES and in the gym by 8:30 AM. Group pictures will be: 1. entire marching band 2.all seniors 3. drum majors and front line 4. drill team
· NO HATS OR GLOVES FOR PICTURES
· at 8:50-ish, we will go to the field, warm-up and run the show
· at 9:15, we come back to the band room and get ready to parade march
· we will have water and a snack for you
· we step-off at 10:00 AM for uptown
· the bus will follow us thru the parade, so if involved in something else you can put your stuff on the bus--- BUT make sure you have cases and garment bags!
· Band room will be open all day----bring your stuff back or get it off the bus at some point and put it up in the band room.
· Be dressed and ready to warm-up for the game at 6:15 PM
· Announcement of Homecoming court will be first thing at half-time, then we play!
· Sophomores and Juniors go back 4th quarter to cheer
· Would love to seniors come back and play the cans!

BUTTER BRAIDS & COOKIE DOUGH

2010-09-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

High school music and drama students are selling cookie dough and butter braids until September 27. Profit from each students sales will go into their individual account to be used for their senior trip to New York. AGAIN, PROCEEDS FROM THIS FUNDRAISER WILL GO DIRECTLY INTO INDIVIDUAL MUSIC/DRAMA STUDENT ACCOUNTS! Contact your favorite fine arts student or call the band room at 217-322-4311 ext 669 to order!

Orders are scheduled to arrive October 6.

MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE!

2010-09-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, SMILES DAY!

Memory mate pictures begin at 7:45 AM with group pictures to follow at 8:20

Parade begins at 10:30

Be dressed and ready to warm up for the game at 6:00 PM

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, HOME FOOTBALL GAME

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, WIU MARCHING BAND CLASSIC

Time: to be announced---probably leaving around 2:00 PM

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, HOME FOOTBALL GAME

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, QUINCY PARADE & FIELD SHOW

Parade: 2:00 PM

Field Show begins at 5:15 PM

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Leave for Chicago!

Monmouth College Field Show---Saturday, Sept. 18

2010-09-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

The field show at Monmouth is actually a clinic with some of the best ajudicators in the area. Rushville-Industry Marching Band will be on the field from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. Admission is free and we encourage parents to attend.
Students load the buses at 1:45 and we leave at 2:00 PM sharp.
After playing we will load up, go to McDonald's in Monmouth and head home.
Parents, please remember you must sign your child out. Students riding home with a friend's parents must have a note from home. School ploicy states students may not ride home with someone under the age of 21.

Welcome Back!

2010-09-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to school for all of our Rocket Bands!

My name is Mr. Van Dyke and I am the new band director for SIMS and will be trying to stay on top of the band blog. The school year is already at full speed as we have our SIMS Marching Rockets and RIHS Marching Rockets hitting the streets.

Please check back frequently as I will be updating the blog and trying to provide all the information you need.

Musically Yours,
Mr. Van Dyke

Fundraising for NYC!

2010-03-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

The RIHS music students are currently fundraising to help them pay for their senior trip to the Big Apple. They are selling cookie dough, pizzas, and cheesecakes until Monday, March 15th. You may purchase from any student.

OR...

You may purchase to help the band direct(or any individual you choose) from the Century Resources Online Store! Click the following link to be taken to the site http://www.helpourgroup.com/ from there you can click "shop now" and enter "35264" as the group id (or search by state and city)

It's very easy, will ship straight to you, and you can choose to help any student you want! You may also chose to shop without a student to just help the music department raise money.

Thanks for supporting the fine arts here in SID #5!

A Visit from Dr. Fansler

2010-03-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

The flutes had their chance at some prime time with a great collegiate educator, now it's the whole band's turn. Today I've taken my laptop out into the rehearsal room to blog about our the RIHS band working with guest conductor, Dr. Mike Fansler.
On a personal note: It's a special treat for me to have Dr. Fansler here. He was one of my college band directors and my academic advisor. So many of the things I've learned have came from this great conductor, educator, and musician. This is the first time I've seen him conduct in three years and nice to see some things I do and some things I should be doing! Enough of that.

Dr. Fansler just took over rehearsal on Zdelchik's “Chorale and Shaker Dance II”. First thing fixed horn hand position, thank you sir. He's now establishing how to make them to watch; repeated pitch with him showing each note, now I know where I stole that technique from a few years a go.

The dynamic of the group is very different today they're much quieter and focused. I wish it was like this all the time...maybe just putting a picture of him up in the room.

I'm so glad they're playing notes very well. It's giving him a chance to make some music. The focus has been very much on energy and balance of section. He really is exploring the third trumpets and their role in the ensemble. I hope it helps them. Using the analogy of a springboard he's again adding a sense of urgency in the one of the first statements, the altos and the flutes picked that up very nicely, the phrase is really moving now. I hope they're watch the clarity of what he's doing could help so much.

It's interesting how this composition works, the melody is broken up across the ensemble. He's explaining how to it bring out when a group has some part of the melody. I'm glad I'm sitting behind the baritones right now. I figured out how to get one of them to sit up taller, shoebox under the baritone so it matches his height haha!

Oh no trombones! Your weakness has been exposed. On the upside, he's fixing it by fixing a few notes and getting the bells up a bit. He told a story about putting his wind ensemble trombones on a riser because he couldn't hear them our baritone quickly looked down, wondering if Mrs. Worthington had done the same thing to them.

Ah the bop technique. Let me explain, you play a note and don't sustain it. It helps to hear the motion and in my opinion it help subdivsion. Showing the melody bouncing around the ensemble was pretty effective. Have to try this one again. Second try at this was a little more difficult because of the section it was in, but accomplished it's goal.

It is story time, “what is dichotomy?” he asks. Good and Evil. Light and Dark. In music we need contrast as well. Slow/Fast we do well, but Loud/Soft. He wanted the Marching Leathernecks to play loud when he first to them over, then realized that gets boring and soft can make the loud so much more exciting and effective.

Time is about up and I had to stop for a second to get a few snapshots on my Blackberry. Which will appear below as soon as I can upload them.

Flute Day at RIHS!

2010-02-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

I'm going to type very quietly because I'm sitting in on a flute masterclass that Professor Virginia Broffitt from Western Illinois University. Mrs. Worthington contacted her a little earlier this year and asked if she'd be willing come down work with some of our shining flute stars. Seven students are here in the office listening about how to practice, working on sound, and checking out some wild cool techniques(I hope they all try this singing flute thing she's showing us)

Now we're working on harmonics on the flute. Starting on low F and then overblowing to get those pitches to come out by changing the direction of air. This helps to use more air and faster air. This is going to help us get our high notes to speak. Start with the low fingering and overblow because it's more difficult, when you switch to the regular fingering, Bam! It's much easier.

Stage fright ahh!!! Sarah says she gets nervous for scales and the two octaves freak her out. Prof. Broffitt is exploring why we get scared. Here's the key, "Practicing is supposed to get us comfortable." Practice your weaknesses, by bookending your practice with them start and finish what you're nervous about. Use visualization and take yourself through the whole day(what to wear, seeing the room, imagine your sound) then try to replicate that on your flute. Again building confidence! I love that. More wisdom: "Practicing is just problem-solving"

Listening to some of the students play is very cool. Prof. Broffitt is offering some suggestions. It's nice to have a specialist work with some of the advancing students. Especially, since Mrs. Worthington and I are both brass players. The woodwind choir flute section definately got some great tips. It seems like the students are most interested in someone who actually explains all this trill stuff.

Ending with the $1,000,000 question...how do I play soft in the upper register? Prof. Broffitt says that if she knew she'd right a book! Her solution, Good sound loud and back it off a little each day as you practice.

Addition: Prof. Broffitt said that she really enjoyed working with the flutes here. She also wants to share her website with you. There's lots of great flute stuff at http://www.virginiabroffitt.com/
KF

High School Solo and Ensemble

2010-02-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

High school Solo and Ensemble contest is coming up on March 6th. I don't have a bus time yet, but I'll keep you posted.

Soloists need to sign up to work with the accompanist. See Mrs. Worthington to get that done.

Practice, practice...it's only three weeks away.

Coming up also is the Music in our School Month Concert on March 13th. Make sure it's on the calendars.

Pictures fromthe Holiday Concert

2009-12-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

The RIHS Concert Band took the gym floor in front of a packed house for their Holiday Concert this past December. I guess everyone around town was the mood for some holiday cheer and knew the band would deliver.

Mrs. Worthington on the podium ready to start the second peice on the concert.

RIHS band members performing during the concert. We tried to find some shots that featured both sides of the band.

Pictures from the SIMS Holiday Concert

2009-12-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

Concerts, Concerts, and More Concerts!

2009-12-09T13:45:00.001-08:00

Tired of shopping? Need to relax? Need to get in the holiday mood and not just in a mood from the holidays? Come to our holiday music concerts! They're free!
High School Band and Chorus Concert, Tuesday, December 15, 7:30 PM in the RIHS Gym
Industry Fourth Grade Music and Fifth Grade Band and Chorus, Thursday, December 17, 7:00 PM in the Industry Gym

SIMS Concert Success!

2009-12-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

Just picture it...a light dusting of snow, the first of the year to be exact. Diana Krall singing Christmas favorites backed up by a big band over the PA system. Middle schoolers wearing ties and nice sweaters. A stage set and an audience enjoying conversation with good friends as they await the music.

Then Mr. Shepherd, our principal, takes the microphone and introduces the groups that will be performing. Suddenly, the crowd is taken by the sounds of the SIMS choirs and bands. Thunderous applause after every piece, cameras flashing to capture the moment, red recording lights blinking.

When the bands took the stage in a well-rehearsed orderly fashion, they were all business, but with smiles. The instruments came up right with the baton. The audience learned a little bit about what it's like to begin a band class with Mr. Freesen through their warm-up and tuning procedure. With a swift motion the music was off to a roaring start. It was fantastic!

We couldn't have asked for a better concert. The set up was great. The audience was responsive. The student-musicians were treated like the true performers that they are. Setting expectations high is really paying off isn't it?

Thank you to those of you who were attendance and all those that help the concert be such a success. Please leave comments. We'd love to hear what you thought about it!

The Concert Season Begins!

2009-12-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

The First Holiday Concert!

This upcoming Monday night marks the first of many holiday themed concerts here at Schuyler-Industry schools. The band and choir directors couldn't be more excited, even though we always wish we had a little more time to prepare.

Monday, December 6th at 6:30PM in the SIMS Activities Center for the 6th grade.

Monday, December 6th at 7:30PM in the SIMS Activities Center for the 7th-8th grade.

Parents please encourage your students to come early/stay and listen to the other groups. Students love having the support of their peers. Oh and directors like playing for a full house...

Remember to dress in your best, be on time, and be focused. More specifics can be found on Mr. Freesen's site on www.sid5.com

EIU HS Band Day 2009

2009-11-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-17T09:08:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-11-05T07:29:00.002-08:00

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

2009-11-05T07:29:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-09T07:13:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

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!

Hometown Heroes

2009-09-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

Shelbie, Maggie, and Becca - 2009 Drum Majors
RIHS Drum Majors, Shelbie and Becca passed out awards for the 2009 Smiles Day Parade Competition. SIMS Drum Major, Maggie poses here with our Participation Award, the band couldn't place since it's their hometown.

These drum majors really represent the instrumental music program here at Schuyler-Industry in the best way. Even after a grueling morning these lovely leaders were all smiles(ha!) when I stopped and asked if I could get a picture for the blog. Your directors are very proud of you and you really Hometown Heroes for being such wonderful role models/spokespeople for our organizations.

SIMS Marching Debut

2009-09-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

SIMS Marching Rockets at Smiles Day

The band getting into formation to step off in their first parade of 2009.

At the end of the route, they were tired, but *most* of them did a great job of staying in step and sounding strong!

After a hard morning's work, wowing the fans around the square in Downtown Rushville. Don't let those faces fool you, they were just waiting to unleash all their energy at the day's events and the Homecoming game that night!

Trashcans and Homecoming

2009-09-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

A few Senior members of the Marching Rockets showed to rock the trashcans at the Bonfire for the class of 2010!

Mrs. Worthington leading the group in some super sick beats!

LeAnn and Anthony on the 5 gallon pickle tubs.

The trashcan jam played an important part of keeping the party going as the students got ready for Smiles Day(Homecoming) this past week. We had a lot of fun practicing and then just beating the heck out of the cans. I'm certain that most of these students were running on little sleep after all the Box Day activities and an early call time for the parade.

First Performance

2009-09-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

The first performance was well done. The community response was PHENOMENAL! Congratulations to the Marching Rockets for putting on a good preview of what's coming up as the season progresses.

The staff received a lot of positive comments(as well as some constructive criticism) from the crowd. Below are images from the game! Go Rockets!!

SIMS Drum Major Selected

2009-09-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Maggie Prather

8th grade trumpet player Maggie Prather has been selected to serve the SIMS Rocket Marching Band as the Drum Major for the 2009 season.

Maggie spoke about how this is a position she wants to pursue in high school and feels that this will help prepare her for more leadership positions in the future. Maggie is leading by example in the instrumental music program. Later this semester she will be trying out for both the IMEA District IV Junior High Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble.

Mr. Freesen is excited about her enthusiasm and hopes it catches on with the whole band so that they can accomplish great things this year. Her smile, good attitude, and work ethic will make her a good leader not only during the fall marching season, but also as concert band begins later this month.

You can catch the SIMS Rocket Marching Band on the streets of Rushville and Astoria for parades later this month.

Cheer us on as we play our sweet beats for you!

Stormy Weather(Update w/ Pics!)

2009-08-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

Despite a rained out rehearsal(which provided some pretty cool rainbows) the RIHS Marching Rockets took the field last Friday for the Pigskin Preview. The MR spent Friday's class working hard to prepare for their first performance. It was a little rough, but we've got potential to be fantastic this season.

It was nice to hear the roster of the marching band read over the loudspeaker. The band also received a warm welcome from the crowd. Thanks to all who came out to the support all the Rocket groups! Let's try to keep the rain away this week as we keep pushing forward.

Go Rockets!

Welcome SIMS!

2009-08-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome back SIMS Bands!

It's been a joy to meet members of the Middle School bands this past week. Now that we're getting all the boring paperwork stuff out of the way, it's time for the real fun! Remember to bring those instruments on Monday the 24th. Get in the habit now of getting those instruments back and forth, so we can keep the grades high.

Mr. Freesen is excited to hear your play and help you work to become even better musicians this year. Remember he's new so you have a chance to make a first impression, you can be any kind of student you want! He's hoping for all good ones...can you make that happen?

MR Performance Schedule 2009

2009-08-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

Here's the updated performance schedule for the MR(Marching Rockets, get it?)

Put these on your calendar, fridge, planner, Blackberry, IPod...you get the picture!

RIHS MARCHING BAND PERFORMANCE DATES FALL 2009
- Fri, Aug 21 Pigskin Preview 6 pm--5:30 pm line-up-wear Band T-Shirts
- Fri, Sept 11 FB Game line-up 6:00 pm
- Sat, Sept 12 Marching festival at Rushville-be prepared to start at 4 PM
- Fri, Sept. 18 Smiles Day-we start with pictures at 8 AM/ parade at 10:30/game line-up around 6:00 PM
- Sat, Sept 26 Beardstown Parade-load at 9:00 AM
- Fri, Oct 2 FB Game-line-up 6:00 pm
- Sat, Oct 3 Barry Apple parade-load at 11 am
- Fri, Oct 9 FB Game-senior night-line-up 6:00 pm
- Sat, Oct 10 WIU field show competition-be prepared to load around 1:00 pm
- Sat, Oct 17 Quincy P/F competition-load 11 am
- Sat, Nov 14 EIU band day-load really early-probably around 5 am

I'll update as I get more dates. Full calendar in link form to follow!

Pictures from Camp

2009-08-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

Here are a few closing photos from band camp 2009. Note the sweatshirts! We couldn't have asked for better weather to keep us focused and working hard. Thank you to all the parents who provided lunches, water, and the popsicles for our rehearsals!

The staff is very happy with the results of this camp and we're looking forward to working with you all year. Mrs. Worthington is right, it's just the beginning!

The seniors on their FINAL day of RIHS band camp.

Uniform fitting is very exciting! Can't you tell?

A little time at the coolers before heading inside to finish up camp.

The pit works just as hard as everyone else. They're moving back in after a parking lot rehearsal.

REMINDER: We are back at it tonight from 6-9PM! See you soon!

Director's Log: Day Five

2009-08-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

Well it's official we've survived the week of marching band preparations. The students worked extremely hard and held a high level of focus. The work paid off because we have two tunes on the field! The first one is almost memorized and I don't think the rest of the numbers will be far behind.

Students as you get through this next week make sure to look over your music and start memorizing more of it. The quicker we get rid of the flip folders(folios) the quicker we will be wowing our audiences across central Illinois. The directors can't wait to see what you will accomplish next.

Pictures of the seniors will be coming up tomorrow. They're on my jump drive at school!

Remember practice for the full band is from 6-9PM on Thursday. Tuesday Mrs. Worthington and Mr. Freesen will be around the band room and we'd love to have you stop in, maybe even call a sectional!

GO Marching Rockets!

Directors Log: Day Three

2009-08-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's official the band and staff members have survived over half of our summer band camp!

It's an intense week for everybody, but it's paying off. The students are starting to get the hang of our 2009 show, "Walking on Sunshine". The staff is happy with the progess made by all the sections so far. We just see it getting better and better!

Here are some snapshots from camp so far. Check back often for more updates!

Welcome!

2009-08-03T14:49:00.001-07:00

To the Official Blog of the Schuyler-Industry Instrumental Music Department!

Please bookmark or follow this blog for the most current information about the bands in District 5.

This site will include information about all the instrumental groups 5-12. Including articles about the students and ensembles, pictures, video, schedules, etc...

Check back often to read all about what the groups are up to in Rushville-Industry!