Madill Music Blog

Happy Father's Day!

Week of Monday, June 10th, 2013

With final rehearsals rehearsed and performances performed, the official rehearsal schedule is now at an end.  I know some of you are already emotional about this (students hugging and crying in the band room!)... and others are exremely grateful to have their mornings back to themselves!  However you feel, there are a few clean-up things that still have to take place.  Music has to be returned and organized, and instruments need to be well-cleaned and maintained.

 

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

1. Please make sure all your band music and class music is returned to the proper pile on the tables in the music room.
2. Mr. V is in need of 10 volunteers who are good at sorting music.  Please sign-up with Mr. V.  Our music sorting party will take place on Thursday of this week.

 

Thursday

1. Music sorting:  The 10 volunteers will begin sorting the music into score order.  If we have 10 volunteers, this will only take about 15 minutes (approx. 3 scores each to sort).

 

The following week, I would like to have all band members in to review their section's instruments and maintain them one more time before the summer.  This will begin on Monday of the following week.  Woodwind players are asked to be in the music room on Monday the 17th, Brass on Tuesday the 18th.  This includes all members of the Senior and Intermediate Bands

Canada's Wonderland!

Monday
No rehearsals 

Tuesday
6:40am - Band members report to music room to begin organizing gear for packing onto bus.
6:45am - Bus arrives, load bus
7:00am - Bus departs
10:00am - Intermediate Band performs at Kingswood Event Tent
10:30am - Senior Band performs at Kingswood Event Tent
11:00am - Return instruments, music, etc. to bus and enjoy day in the park
5:45pm - Bus departs for home (with stop en-route for dinner)
8:30pm - Bus returns to Madill 

Wednesday
11:45am - ALL band members return music to designated piles 

Thursday
11:45am - ALL Band members return music to designated piles (if not done so already)

Friday
11:45am - Ten volunteers needed to sort & organize music 

Announcements

1. Please note carefully the timings for Tuesday's trip to the Music Festival at Canada's Wonderland.  Band members are to report to the Music Room NO LATER than 6:40am to organize gear.  Please remember to bring:
           * Weather-approrpriate clothes for the day at the park as well as your BAND SHIRT
           * Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, etc.  Take care of yourself!
           * A pre-packed lunch & dinner or money for lunch and dinner
           * All music and instruments (Percussionists, we will pack all necessary instruments except the drum kit)
2. Any band members who have yet to turn in their money and/or permission form are reminded that the permission form MUST arrive by Monday at 3:30pm.  The money can arrive on Tuesday or anytime this week... but the permission for MUST be submitted by the end of the day on Monday.
3. BEFORE turning in your sheet music, please ensure you have erased ALL pencil markings from the music.  It is professional musicians' courtesy to the next band student who plays your part.
4. Mr. V will be in need of approximately 10 volunteers to help sort music on Friday during the lunch period.  Volunteers will be handsomely rewarded!  :)

Rehearsal Schedule: Week of Monday, May 27th, 2013

Monday
No Rehearsals 

Tuesday
7:15am - Senior Band
11:45am - Intermediate Band 

Wednesday
7:15am - Jazz Ensemble
11:45am - Intermediate Band 

Thursday
Daytime: Students who are available help set up the gym (risers, chairs, stands, gear, etc.)
6:15pm - All band members tune in the music room
7:00pm - Spring Alive!

Friday
No Rehearsals

 

Announcements

1. Well, we've arrived at the end of May and our "Spring Alive" concert!  Spring Alive is this Thursday night, May 30th at 7:00pm in the big gym.
2. Band members are reminded to bring a contribution to the refreshments table on Thursday evening.
3. All participants in Spring Alive are reminded that help in cleaning up after the performance is expected.  If everyone helps to clean up, it should only take about 20 minutes or so.
4. If you haven't yet done so already, please bring in your $55 for our Canada's Wonderland Music Festival taking place on Tuesday June 4th.  That's only about a week away!  The bus will be rolling at 7:00am so please make sure to arrive to Madill by 6:45am at the latest.

Spring Alive!

Rehearsal Schedule: Week of Tuesday May 21st, 2013

Monday
Victoria Day, no classes

Tuesday
7:15am - Senior Band
11:45am - Intermediate Band 

Wednesday
7:15am - Jazz Ensemble 

Thursday
7:15am - Senior Band
11:45am - Intermediate Band 

Friday
No rehearsals

Announcements

1.  I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable long weekend!  Happy Victoria Day to everyone... GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!   :)
2. A reminder that Spring Alive happens on Thursday, May 30th at 7:00pm in the big gym.  An individual posting for this will come out later this week.
3. Our annual performance trip to Canada's Wonderland happens on Tuesday June 4th.  Despite rising costs for bus bookings, park entry fees, and festival fees, I was able to keep the student cost at $55 per student for everything combined.Please feel free to bring in the money at any time this week or next week.  If there are any questions or concerns regarding this trip, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school or email me at ericvari@fc.amdsb.ca    I do not want any student to feel they cannot attend this valuable performance opportunity simply for financial reasons.  If there are concerns or questions of any kind, please contact me and we will make arrangements that work with everyone.
4. Students are of course welcome to use the poinsettia fundraising money they raised from the Christmas season.  I have all the account information... just let me know if you wish to use these funds.

Rehearsal Schedule: Week of Monday, May 13th, 2013

Monday
No Rehearsals 

Tuesday
7:15am - Senior Band
11:45am - Intermediate Band 

Wednesday
7:15am - Jazz Ensemble 

Thursday
7:15am - Senior Band
11:45am - Intermediate Band 

Friday
No Rehearsals

Announcements

1. First of all, I'd like to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers reading!  None of us would be here without the love and dedication of our wonderful mothers!
2. A reminder that Spring Alive happens on Thursday, May 30th at 7:00pm in the big gym.  An individual posting for this will come out later this week.
3. Our annual performance trip to Canada's Wonderland happens on Tuesday June 4th.  Despite rising costs for bus bookings, park entry fees, and festival fees, I was able to keep the student cost at $55 per student for everything combined.Please feel free to bring in the money at any time this week or next week.  If there are any questions or concerns regarding this trip, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school or email me at ericvari@fc.amdsb.ca    I do not want any student to feel they cannot attend this valuable performance opportunity simply for financial reasons.  If there are concerns or questions of any kind, please contact me and we will make arrangements that work with everyone.
4. Students are of course welcome to use the poinsettia fundraising money they raised from the Christmas season.  I have all the account information... just let me know if you wish to use these funds.
5. Members of the Jazz Ensemble are reminded that rehearsals are now moved back to Wednseday mornings as opposed to Friday.

Rehearsal Schedule: Week of Monday, May 6th, 2013

Monday
No Rehearsals 

Tuesday
7:15am - Senior Band
11:45am - Intermediate Band 

Wednesday
No Rehearsals 

Thursday
7:15am - Senior Band
11:45am - Intermediate Band 

Friday
7:15am - Jazz Ensemble 

Announcements

1. Our final performances are coming up in just a few short weeks.  Spring Alive takes place on Thursday, May 30th, 2013 at 7:00pm in the big gym.  All band members should have made sure to be there that evening with their parents, friends, and families to share in the fantastic evening of arts, drama, dance, and music.
2. The F. E. Madill performance of the Senior Band and Intermediate Band at Canada's Wonderland is on Tuesday, June 4th.  Despite the ever-rising festival fees, park entry fees, and bussing costs, I have been able to keep the trip cost to $55 covering all three costs.  As with previous Wonderland trips, we will leave early in the morning but exact timings are not yet available.  Further details will be made available next week.
3. If there are any other students wishing to perform at Spring Alive, please let me know as soon as possible so that we can do an audition this week.

Rehearsal Schedule: Week of Monday, April 29th, 2013

Monday
    No rehearsals 

Tuesday
    7:15am - Senior Band
    11:45am - Intermediate Band 

Wednesday
No Rehearsals 

Thursday
    7:15am - Senior Band
    11:45am - Intermediate Band 

Friday
    7:15am - Jazz Ensemble

 

Announcements

1. Spring Alive takes place this year on Thursday, May 30th, 2013 at 7:00pm in the big gym.  Band members are expected to book off this date with any other possible conflicts including work.  If anyone is unable to make it to Spring Alive Mr. V must be informed by email by this Friday, May 3rd at 3:30pm.  An email from parents and/or band members explaining the reason for the absence would be fine. 
2. Our annual trip to Canada's Wonderland is on Tuesday June 4th.  The cost for this trip will be posted next week.  Previous years have been $55 and, despite the festival fees increasing this year, I will endeavour to keep the cost to this or less.
3. There may be one or two community performances coming up in about 3 weeks.  If these become confirmed, they will be announced immediately so that band members can prepare for being away from classes on these days.  These possible performances would not exceed the regular school day hours.

Rehearsal Schedule: Week of Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Monday
No rehearsals 

Tuesday
7:15am - Senior Band
11:45am - Intermediate Band 

Wednesday
No rehearsals 

Thursday
7:15am - Senior Band
11:45am - Intermediate Band 

Friday
7:15am - Jazz Ensemble

 

Announcements

1. Mr. V is looking for musicians who are interested in learning some small ensemble repertoire.  If you and a friend (or several friends) are interested in going 'above and beyond' in band and learning some duet, trio, or quartet music, get your group together and Mr. V can help  you find some fantastic rep!

Rehearsal Schedule: Week of Monday, April 15th, 2013

Monday
        No rehearsals

Tuesday
        7:15am - Senior Band
        11:45am - Intermediate Band

Wednesday
        No rehearsals

Thursday
        7:15am - Senior Band
        11:45am - Intermediate Band
Friday
        P.D. Day, No rehearsals

 

Announcements

1. I hope everyone survived the power outages well.  We had the fireplace going most of the weekend to keep warm
2. The weather this week is supposed to be much warmer than this past weekend but, as always, please use caution and give yourself a little extra driving time in the morning if the weather is bad.  If you and/or your driver feel that the weather makes driving in for morning rehearsal prohibitive, I would rather you stay safe at home.  Please just simply inform me about it when you arrive to school.
3. As always, if you have any questions, comments, please call me at the school or email me at ericvari@fc.amdsb.ca

No Senior Band on Thursday: OSSLT

My apologies.  When creating this week's blog posting, I had failed to remember that the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test takes place this Thursday morning.  As such, there will be no Senior Band rehearsal this Thursday morning.

Given the change in scheduling, there will also not be Intermediate Band rehearsal during lunch time on Thursday, however, the room will be open for those students who wish to come in to practice.

Mr. V

Rehearsal Schedule

Monday
        No rehearsals

Tuesday
        7:15am - Senior Band
        11:45am - Intermediate Band

Wednesday
        No rehearsals

Thursday
        7:15am - Senior Band
        11:45am - Intermediate Band
Friday
        7:15am - Jazz Ensemble

 

Announcements

1. Mr. V is looking for musicians who are interested in learning some small ensemble repertoire.  If you and a friend (or several friends) are interested in going 'above and beyond' in band and learning some duet, trio, or quartet music, get your group together and Mr. V can help  you find some fantastic rep!
2. Please make sure to arrive to rehearsals on time.  We only have about 2 months of rehearsals left in the school year and I would love to end this school year on a 'high note' (pun intended!) with our performances!
3. If for any reason you cannot make it to a rehearsal, please let me know as soon as possible.  Before the rehearsal would be fantastic... but even if it's a simple email telling me you stayed home sick or have a doctor's appointment, it would be good to know.

Rehearsal Schedule: Week of Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013

Monday
    Easter Monday, No Rehearsals

Tuesday
    7:15am - Senior Band
    11:45am - Intermediate Band

Wednesday
    7:15am - Jazz Ensemble

Thursday
    7:15am - Senior Band
    11:45am - Intermediate Band

Friday
    No Rehearsals

Announcements

1. I hope everyone has had a great Easter weekend!  Despite today's (Monday's) weather, I hope everyone is looking forward to the Spring haul towards May and the end of the school year!
2. I would like to apologize to those students who ordered black leather music folders back in the fall.  I have been informed that the printing company has been extremely delayed in completing orders in a timely manner.  They should be arriving within the next few weeks.  Be assured that the music store through which the folders were ordered are not going to be using this printing company again.
3. I will be updating the calendar file soon with our final Spring performances.  Although we just got back into extra-curriculars, we only have a few months left of school which means not much time to organize events, performances, etc.  but it will be updated soon.
4. As always, if you any questions or comments, please feel free to call the school or email me at ericvari@fc.amdsb.ca

Happy Easter!

 

To Everyone in the Madill Music family, Happy Easter!  Have a safe and family-fun-filled weekend!

 

Cheers!

Mr. V

Rehearsal Schedule for the week of Monday, March 25th, 2013

 

Monday

Tuesday

        7:15am - Senior Band

        11:45am - Intermediate Band

Wednesday

        7:15am - Jazz Ensemble

Thursday

        7:15am - Senior Band

        11:45am - Intermediate Band

Friday

 

Announcements

1. Mr. V is looking for musicians who are interested in learning some small ensemble repertoire.  If you and a friend (or several friends) are interested in going 'above and beyond' in band and learning some duet, trio, or quartet music, get your group together and Mr. V can help  you find some fantastic rep!
2. Please make sure to arrive to rehearsals on time.  We only have about 2 months of rehearsals left in the school year and I would love to end this school year on a 'high note' (pun intended!) with our performances!
3. If for any reason you cannot make it to a rehearsal, please let me know as soon as possible.  Before the rehearsal would be fantastic... but even if it's a simple email telling me you stayed home sick or have a doctor's appointment, it would be good to know.
4. It looks like our snow-days are behind us but, in case buses are cancelled due to inclement weather, I will post a rehearsal-cancellation notice here on the blog the MOMENT I find out about buses.  I am able to find out about bus cancellations well before the radio or other public venues so if you're not sure about weather, please check the blog for any postings.  As always, if you (or your driver) feel that it is unsafe to drive to school that day, please also just send me a quick email to let me know.  I would much rather you stay home and feel safe than feeling like you have to risk your safety.
5. As always, please let me know if you have any questions.

Madill Music Update!

Greetings all!

 

I know it's been a while since we've been in touch, but I just wanted to keep you up to date with regard to Madill Music and how things will be progressing:

Good news all! We have been asked by OSSTF to consider starting up extra curricular activities once again.  Our federation and the new government (under Premier Wynne) have apparently had very positive discussions in the last few weeks towards resolving our differences. As a showing of what they are calling 'good faith' towards those discussions, our federation has asked us to consider resuming our extra curricular activites. However, this remains an individual decision that each teacher will make on their own. There is no guarantee that each and every sports team and club will start back up immediately or at all around the school. It's all up to individual teachers involved, and there are still a lot of hard feelings and uncertainty around the situation with the government.  Please understand that this in no way means things are settled between teachers and the Ontario government.  It is still possible that extra-curriculars may halt again if real progress is not made in the coming weeks/months.

 

That being said, I am happy to announce that Madill Music ensembles will be starting up after the March Break!  With three and a half months left in the school year, it will be great to get back to some sense of normalcy here at Madill Music!  Please note the following rehearsal schedule:

 

Monday - No rehearsals

Tuesday

    7:15am - Senior Band

    11:45am - Intermediate Band

Wednesday

    7:15am - Jazz Ensemble

Thursday

    7:15am - Senior Band

    11:45am - Intermediate Band

Friday - No rehearsals

 

New music will be available for pickup starting Thursday this week.  All current band members are asked to pick up new repertoire on Thursday or Friday in preparation for first rehearsals after the March Break.

 

I'm very much looking forward to getting the bands up and running again!  See you in the band room!

 

Mr. V

Have a great weekend all!

Merry Christmas!

I would like to wish the entire Madill Music community a very safe Christmas and enjoyable New Year!  Have fun and spend quality time with family and friends.  Be safe in your travels.  I'm looking forward to seeing you all in the new year!

Merry Christmas to you all!

Cheers!

Mr. Varillas

Bill 115 & OSSTF Sanctions

Hello students/parents,

As you are all aware, this past week was the beginning of Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation's (OSSTF) implementing workplace sanctions.  These sanctions have been implemented to protest the Ontario government's passing of Bill 115 into law.  OSSTF is fighting this bill because its members believe the bill is unnecessary, unjust, and unconstitutional.    

With current sanctions in place, extra-curricular activites have been cancelled across the province.  For our part at Madill Music, it means no extracurricular bands or ensembles will be running until the sanctions have been lifted.  While OSSTF recognizes that this is an unpopular decision, members feel that it is necessary to dedicate this time to fighting Bill 115; protesting in this manner is one of the last legal recourses OSSTF members have to protest Bill 115.  

For my own part, I want to state that, despite the suspension of extracurricular activities, I am committed to providing exceptional music instruction during the school day.  I am committed to providing students with various ensemble experiences within their courses, so that they will have a well-rounded musical education.

If you have any questions regarding the effect of these sanctions on Madill Music specifically, please feel free to contact me by email, or to call me at the school.  By phone, I can best be reached between 12:10 p.m. and 1:40 p.m.

Attached to this post is a flyer from OSSTF that details the bill and its implications for Teachers, Students, Parents, and other Ontario workers.  Please feel free to read this flyer at your convenience so that you may better understand the implications of Bill 115 as well as the perspective of OSSTF members.