December 12, 2018 Update

Good Afternoon A.I. Band Family!

Contact List – We want to make sure that everyone’s contact information is up-to-date so that they can receive communication from the Band Staff and Band Boosters.  Please take a few minutes to complete the following Contact Form.  (If you cannot click the link, please copy and paste it into your browser.)

https://goo.gl/forms/kupQk0xtUqRJKhBy1

 

Gift Wrap – We have far too many slots left unfilled in our gift wrap schedule.  Please click the link below and sign up to volunteer for 2 shifts for band, and 1 for each sport the student plays.  We already had a shift uncovered on Saturday night (which was our first day being open for business).  If we do not have workers for ALL of the shifts, we may loose the gift wrap table, along with the $10,000 we raise each year. (If you cannot click the link, please copy and paste it into your browser.)

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4aa8ab23a1fc1-aidupont

 

Baked Goods – Please remember to bring a baked good for our concert’s hospitality table.  Students may bring the desert to school that day, or when they report for the concert.

Practice – There is NO night practice this week. Students are busy and should take tonight to catch up on studying and/or completing missing assignments for their classes.

Choice Open House – The Choice Open House is this Tuesday (12/11/18).  Students are to report to the band room by 5:30 pm.  They will perform 2 songs shortly after 6:00 pm.  They will be finished by 6:30 pm.  They should dress in A.I. spirit clothing (shirts from band, AIHS sports, blue in color, gold in color, etc.).

Music Concert – Our concert is this Wednesday (12/12/18) at 7:00 pm in the AIHS Auditorium.  Students are to report at 6:00 pm.  The choirs perform at 7:00 pm, with the band groups to follow.  Dress is Concert Black Attire.  Ladies should wear their black dress, along with dress shoes.  Gentlemen should wear their band tuxedo (or their own black suit). The band has provided tuxedo pants, jackets, and bow ties. Students will need their own white, button-up dress shirt (does not have to be an actual tuxedo shirt).  They will also need black socks and black dress shoes.

Richard Weaver

Director of Bands – Alexis I. duPont High School

 

 

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Thanksgiving Parade Update!

Good Evening A.I. Band Family,

The Thanksgiving Day Parade is going to be could…period!  PLEASE BE PREPARED!  It hasn’t been this could since 1901!!!

I had two conference calls with the ABC parade producer today.  I also communicated with Jessica Burton (Band Front Advisor), Heidi Sarver (UD Band Director), and Chris Hewlett (Band Booster President).  We are all concerned about the weather and here is what we want to do.

All students should bring their complete uniforms for the parade.  I cannot stress that enough. Complete band uniform, band front uniforms, warm-ups, under-garments, etc.

Here is the current plan:

I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH!  BRING YOUR COMPLETE UNIFORMS AND WARM UPS WITH YOU IN CASE SOMETHING CHANGES! This parade is going to be 20 degrees colder than last week’s playoff game!

Base layers of Under Armour, thermal garments, etc. should be worn by EVERY band member!

The parade officials have stated that we can stay on our motorcoaches until 20 minutes prior to our step-off time…which means we will have to be set in our ready area by 8:00-8:15 am.  We will not be in the staging area for an hour (which is the usual case).

Band Fronts will march the entire parade, including the TV area, with warm-ups.  So, please make sure that you bring warm clothes to dress underneath the warm-ups!  The plan now is to keep the warm ups on the entire parade.

The playing members should still bring their entire uniform.  They should also bring their warmest winter jacket (or borrow one from a family member if they don’t have a true winter coat).  Our current plan is to wear our band “raincoats.” We should wear our bibbers (pants) and shoes, as we normally would.  Band member will wear their winter coats (with layers underneath) and the “raincoats” will serve as our uniform top instead of the regular band jacket.

Mrs. Hewlett bought hand and foot warmers for all of the band members. Thank you!

Students should also wear any ear warmers that they may have.  The cloth ear warmers are preferred, but anything they have will work (including knit hats that fit under their band hats).  They should also bring any gloves that will still allow them to play their instrument.  When in doubt, bring whatever you have.  We will take it off in the TV area if we need to do so.

Do not forget to wear two pairs of socks.  Everyone will need that for this parade!

Rich Weaver – Band Director

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2018 Gift Wrap Fundraiser!

2018 Gift Wrap Sign Up Genius – CLICK HERE

Greetings A.I. Band Family!

It’s that time of the year again (“…the most wonderful time…”)!  Holidays are fast approaching and we need help from all of you to volunteer to fill two (2) shifts for the A.I. Band Gift Wrap Table at Concord Mall.  It’s the biggest fundraiser that both the Band Boosters & Tiger Boosters have and it will help fund the many expenses necessary to keep these programs moving forward.  In total, we hope to raise close to $10,000!  It is one of our largest annual fundraisers!

Every band family is expected to work at least two (2) shifts.  Please make sure that you sign up on Band Days.  You will also be expected to sign up for one shift for each sports team that your child is on during a Sports Day. Remember, you are always welcome to volunteer for more days!

We will be at the Concord Mall from December 8, 2018 through December 24, 2018.  We are not in the store front we were in last year.  We are back to our usual table in the hallway in front of Sears.

All you need to do is navigate to our schedule on Sign Up Genius (link at top of page).  Look it over for a time that works best for you and your family.  We really need help during the mornings and afternoons if you (or your families/friends) are available!  There are instructions for what to do on the page.

Be sure to write “Band” in the comments when you sign up.  If you are volunteering for a sports team, write the name of one sports team in the comment section.

WE NEED EVERY STUDENT AND THEIR PARENTS/GUARDIANS TO HELP MAKE THIS IMPORTANT FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS!!!

In advance, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Richard Weaver – Director of bands

 

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Thanksgiving Week Information

Good Afternoon A.I. Band Family!

Tonight 11/19/18 – Parade Practice for students going to Philadelphia 7:00-8:30 pm.  We will end by 8:30 pm.  Dress warmly!

Wednesday 11/21/18 – Report to AIHS at 4:30 pm for the Thanksgiving Parade.  See more information below.

Friday 11/23/18 – Report directly to Concord Mall by 12:00 noon with your instrument and in full uniform.  See more information below.

Please read below for complete information about our busy week ahead!

November

Monday, 11/19: Practice – 7:00-8:30 pm (No Sectionals) *We may even finish early.  Please have rides at AIHS by 8:30 pm.

Wednesday, 11/21: Leave for Philadelphia – Report to AIHS 4:30 pm.  Please pack your complete uniform in your garment bag and make sure that your name is on it.  Remember to have warm layers of clothing for under your uniform. This could be one of the coldest Thanksgiving Days in the past 100 years! Right now, Thursday has a high temperature of 30 degrees and a low of 20 degrees.  If you need to pack a bag for clothes, accessories, etc., please make sure that it is not too large. We are only staying for one night, so you do not need a large suitcase. You will need to get some rest Wednesday night. Do not bring video game systems with you!

Thursday, 11/22: 6ABC Thanksgiving Day Parade, Return Time approx. 11:00 am – 12:00 noon. Parade steps off at 8:15 am.  TV coverage begins at 8:30 am. (6ABC does their best to show as many bands as possible, but appearing on television is never guaranteed.)  We are unit #48 of 155 total units in parade.

*After the Thanksgiving Parade, please take your instruments home with you because you will need them for the Concord Mall Parade the next day.  (Please plan in advance if you play a large instrument such as a drum or tuba.)

Friday, 11/23: Concord Mall Parade 1:00 pm. Report directly to mall 12:00 pm. Ends at 1:30 pm. The Band room will be open from 11:00-11:30 am if you need to pick anything up.  Please take instruments and equipment home after the performance is over as the school will not be open.  The band will meet in the same storage room as last year. It is right by the H&M store. Dress is full uniform.

Monday, 11/26: Practice – 7:00-9:00 pm (No Sectionals – this may be for Marching and/or Concert Band).

Thursday, 11/29: Band Booster Meeting at 7:00 pm in the AIHS Library (Rescheduled from 11/15/18)

Friday, 11/30: West Chester Holiday Parade 7:15 pm, Report Time 4:00 pm (Unit #79 of 96 total units in parade).  Student should call/text for a ride when we leave West Chester.  The return time is hard to estimate for this event. I would guess approximately 10:00 pm.  Again, please make sure that you dress very warmly under your band uniform. (You can feel free to decorate your uniform or instrument with battery-powered lights, but your instrument must still be playable.)

 

December

Saturday, 12/1: Poinsettia Fundraiser Pick-up 9:00-11:00 am in the front of school.

Monday, 12/3: Practice – 7:00-9:00 pm (No Sectionals – this may be for Marching and/or Concert Band).

*Saturday, 12/8: Concord Mall Parade 1:00 pm. Report directly to mall 12:00 pm. Ends at 1:30 pm.

Tuesday, 12/11: AIHS Choice Open House Performance 6:00 pm. Report Time 5:15 pm. Students will be finished by 6:30 pm.  

Wednesday, 12/12: Holiday Music Concert 7:00 pm in AIHS Auditorium (Choir first, then Jazz Band and Concert Band).

 

April

Thursday, 4/4 – Sunday, 4/7: Hold dates for possible Spring Music Festival Trip.

 

May

Wednesday, 5/8: Hold date for possible Spring Concert

Wednesday, 5/15: Hold date for possible Spring Concert

 

June

Saturday, 6/1: Graduation Performance (most likely 9:00 am), Report Time TBD

Sunday, 6/16: St. Anthony’s Parade (afternoon), Report Time TBD

 

July

Thursday, 7/4: Hockessin Parade (afternoon), Report Time TBD

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Forms Due This Week

Good Evening,

Please see my previous blog post for news about the game change, performance schedule, and what is due this week.

Below are copies of the forms in case you need to print them.  The Philadelphia Parade Form and Fan Gear are due tomorrow (11/07/18) and the Poinsettia Form is due Thursday (11/08/18).

Philadelphia 2018

Fan Gear

2018 Poinnsettia Form

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News for November 5-13

Good Evening Tiger Band Family,

There is a lot of important information in this update, so please carefully read it all!  The football game has been moved to Thursday evening.

Monday, 11/5/18 – No school (teacher grading day).  No evening practice scheduled.

Tuesday, 11/6/18 – No school (election day).

Wednesday, 11/7/18 – (“A” School Day) Marching Band Practice 7:00-9:00 pm.  *Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade Permission Slip and Payment due.  *Band Fan Gear Orders due.

Thursday, 11/8/18 – (“B” School Day) Football Home vs. Dickinson 6:00 pm (Band Senior Night).  Report to AIHS 4:00 pm in uniform.  We will take our band picture in the gym asap, followed by band fronts, then anyone wishing to order an individual/group photo.  Order forms are available in the band room and should be turned in to the photographer Thursday evening.  *Poinsettia Fundraising Forms are also now due tonight since the game was moved up a day early.

Friday, 11/9/18 – (“A” School Day)

Saturday, 11/10/18 – New Castle County Marching Band Festival at A.I. duPont High School 6:00 pm.  Report time is 5:00 pm.  This event is for ALL BAND MEMBERS (including Band Fronts).  Dress is Full Uniform.  8 high school bands and Delaware State University participating.  Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for students.  Show should conclude at 8:30 pm.

Sunday, 11/11/18 – Veteran’s Day Performance 10:30 am.  This event is only for playing members of the band (not band fronts).  Dress is Full Uniform.  Report to AIHS 9:00 am.  The band will play the national anthem and a couple of our field show songs to entertain the crowd at the Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the War Memorial in New Castle.  We should be back to AIHS around 12:15-12:30 pm.

Monday, 11/12/18 – No School (Veteran’s Day Observed). No evening practice scheduled.

Tuesday, 11/13/18 – (“B” School Day) Marching Band Practice 7:00-9:00 pm.

 

Richard Weaver – Director of Bands

 

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Boscov’s Fundraiser

Good Evening,

Attached is information about a fundraising coupon from Boscov’s.  Mrs. Weyl will be at AIHS tomorrow at 1:00 pm to hand out coupons for any family wishing to participate.  Please remember that all unsold coupons will need to be returned so that they are accounted for.

Rich Weaver

Boscov Information

Boscov Flyer

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October 6th-12th

Good Morning A.I. Band Family!

Christiana Game on 10/06/18: The football game at Christiana is this Saturday, 10/06/18, at 3:00 pm.  It was changed from the previous time of 11:00 am due to several student athletes taking the SAT in the morning. Band members are to report to AIHS at 1:00 pm.  Students should call/text for a ride when we depart Christiana.  My best guess would be that we will be back at AIHS around 5:45 pm.

This is Christiana’s Homecoming Game and they have festivities, including a Hall of Fame induction, from 2:15-3:00 pm.  Because of this, we have been told that our band will not have the opportunity to perform our field show.  I met with our student executive board yesterday morning and they voted to still attend the football game.  We will play music in the stands throughout the game to support our football team.

Practice: Marching band practice is on Monday, 10/08/18, from 7:00-9:00 pm.  (Reminder to students that the band room will be locked at 2:40 pm and opened for practice at 6:00 pm.)

Homecoming Dance Help: The Homecoming Dance is one of the biggest fundraising events for the A.I. duPont Band each year!  We cannot do it without all hands on deck.  Help is needed with planning, decorating, concessions, breakdown, etc. The dance is on Saturday, 10/27/18, but help is needed now (and before, during and after the event).  PLEASE volunteer a few hours to help you kids! Contact Ms. Stephanie Simpson at aihsbandboosters@gmail.com or Ms. Chrissy Cesario at chrissy@myfcres.com if you are willing to help out.

Glasgow Game at AIHS on 10/12/18: Our game next week is home vs. Glasgow.  The start time of the game has been moved up to 6:00 pm.  Band members are to report to the band room in full uniform at 5:00 pm.  We will step off around 5:15 pm, so please be prompt.

Richard Weaver – Director of Bands

 

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Game Time Changed for 10/06/18

Good Evening AI Band,

Marching Band practice is tomorrow night (Monday 10/01/18) from 7:00-9:00 pm.  Students should not be staying after school for band practice.  If they are not involved in a sport or club they should be leaving the building at 2:15 pm, and returning for practice at night.  The band room will be locked at 2:40 pm and opened at 6:00 pm.

The football game on Saturday (10/06/18) is at Christiana High School.  Due to a high number of students taking the SAT that morning, the game time has been moved from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Kickoff will be at 3:00 pm, which would usually mean that the visiting band would perform between 2:40-2:55 pm.  However, this is Christiana’s homecoming game and they have festivities, included a hall of fame ceremony, beginning at 2:15 pm.  Because of this…

The Athletic Director at Christiana High School had their Band Director contact me to let us know that there will not be time for the A.I. duPont Marching Band to perform before the game.  They are instead asking us to perform our show after the game.  I have been a teacher at AIHS for 16 years and this is a first for me.  I have been able to speak with several of our band officers and school administrators (including Mr. Palladinetti).  None of us like the idea of being told to perform after the game and we are frustrated with this situation.  I am not sure how this will turn out.

As of now, the report time to AIHS for band members will be 1:00 pm on Saturday (in full uniform). However, if we are not provided with a respectable opportunity to perform our show we may decide to not attend the event.  I will let you know as soon as I can.  Just plan on reporting at 1:00 pm on Saturday.

Richard Weaver – Director of Bands

 

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09/28/18 – Football Game Recap

Good Afternoon A.I. Band Family,

This past Friday, the marching band performed very well.  Even with the field being muddy, they put on an excellent show!  Great job!  And, our football team defeated Mount Pleasant!

Unfortunately, there were some fans at the game who decided to cause an incident in the parking lot after the event.  During the 4th quarter, there seemed to be tension between several groups of people by the concession stand.  Something was off and just didn’t feel right.  Administration called for additional state troopers.  We also decided that the cheerleaders and band members should remain in the stadium while the crowd exited after the game.

Once in the parking lot, a large fight broke out between several groups of people.  Even with the extra troopers for support, the crowd took a while to disperse.  Nobody involved in the fight was an AIHS student.  I will repeat that: No AIHS students were involved in the altercation.   Keeping the band and the cheerleaders in the stadium after the game turned out to be the correct decision.  Regardless of anything else, student safety is always our highest priority.  I hope that you will agree with me…even if it was slightly inconvenient for families picking up their students after the game.  I could not have been more proud of the way our band members handled this unfortunate situation.

Rich Weaver – Director of Bands

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