Exciting News!

Great News To Share! There are no doubt many needs in the public school systems today. Among those many needs are some that hit very close to home for our band. We are very fortunate to have been informed recently that Senator Jim Pruitt is going to be able to help us meet some of those many needs. The Zora Ellis Band received a donation of $5000 dollars to use where needed in our band program. With so many things to buy and the desire to get the most for our money, we have made the decision to buy some VERY much needed percussion equipment. This is equipment that is not in need of repair or renewal, it is equipment that we simply do not have available to our excited and motivated students. Not only will this purchase enhance the percussion classes at Zora Ellis, but the addition of these instruments will aid the entire band program in its musical endeavors. I am so excited at the opportunity to add to what the band program at Zora Ellis has to offer. No doubt a Thank You to Senator Pruitt for his generous and supportive efforts.

Attention young ladies!

• Monday, August 11, 2008 - Turn in forms and audition money ($20) in the ZEJH bandroom
• Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - Clinic 5:45pm-7pm at the THS Bandroom (Those who have not turned in money and forms MUST do so the first day of clinic.)
• Wednesday, August 13, 2008- Clinic 3:30 pm- 5 pm at the THS Bandroom
• Thursday, August 14, 2008 - Clinic 5:45 pm - 7 pm at the THS Bandroom
  Friday, August 15, 2008 - Clinic 3:30 pm - 5 pm at the THS Bandroom
• Saturday, August 16, 2008 - Tryouts 10am -finish. In the THS Bandroom. (parents may wait in the lunchroom if they wish to do so. Girls should wear red shorts, white shirt, white shoes and hair pulled up in a bun or ponytail.

Go by the ZEJH bandroom for more detailed information.

WELCOME BACK!

The days of sitting in the air conditioning playing guitar hero and spending time on the computer browsing through myspace have come to an end..... school is back in session!

The usual adjustments to the schedule associated with the first day back to school, coupled with a threat of severe weather that sent us home earlier than normal, made for a very interesting day. However, what a day it was!

I am so encouraged by the number of enthusiastic students that walked through the bandroom door today. The anticipation of putting together and playing an instrument was somewhat put to rest today when the 7th grade beginners attempted to produce their first sounds. The realization that the 8th grade band seemed to have as they discussed the many events of the year and the exact moment when they realized that they ARE now the older band students at Zora Ellis was humorous. Also, the fact that the beginning percussion class was upset when the weather issue occurred before the anticipated moment of playing the drum just tells me that our band is full of students that care, want to learn and are excited about the possibilities. That is what any band program needs. How fortunate for us to have that in Talladega, Alabama.

I look forward to tomorrow and actually getting to play in 4th period, as well as the opportunity to meet the new addition of 8th graders that joined the ZEJH band program by participating in the 8th grade beginning band.

What at great night!

Welcome officially 7th grade band members. It was great tonight to see so many excited and energetic young people, as well as parents, at the instrument show. I am VERY excited about this year and where we will go musically together. My only regret is that for some reason I did not take pictures. I would love to have had them to post here. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson raved about the crowd and patience of everyone there. Thank you for helping things run very smooth and quick.

I am looking forward to working with each student and parent to make the Zora Ellis band program the best that it can be.

If any 7th or 8th grade beginning band student did not attend the instrument show and purchase an instrument, or if you have not obtained an instrument by some other means, please contact me as soon as possible. There are still options available.