The Director's Corner
July 17, 2008

A printable version of the letter below is avaiable in MS Word format or Adobe PDF format.

July 17, 2008

Attention Hawk Band Students & Parents:

Summer Band is just around the corner.  The Hawk Band is excited to invite you back for another exciting and rewarding year.  This year we will be re-entering the BOA arena with our fantastic fall production, Imaginarium.  I am looking forward to honor band taping, concert season, and Spring Trip.  We will be headed up to “Big D” this year for lots-o-fun.  And, of course, all of the fun that comes with being a part of an award-winning, state-level program.

Our staff has gone through many changes this summer.  We are proud to announce Mr. Atkinson as the new HEAD Band Director at Connally high school   Our new assistant band director is Mr. Edward Lopez.  Mr. Lopez comes to us from The University of Texas where he was a 4 year member of the world-renowned UT Wind Ensemble.  Mr. Lopez was president of Kappa Kappa Psi in the UT Longhorn Band, and was very involved in organizing festival with Texas Music Festivals, UIL, BOA and USSBA.  Mr. Lopez is a clarinet player.  Leading our colorguard will be Mr. Michael Warner.  Mr. Warner has experience with the Round Rock HS, Pflugerville HS and Bowie HS Colorguard.  We are excited to welcome these talented new staff members to the Hendrickson High School Band Family.

All students should be practicing daily at home on their instruments to prepare for the upcoming year.  In addition, STAY IN SHAPE.  The marching production will be physically demanding for all members.  Your safety is at risk if you are not working on raising your heart rate daily and breaking a sweat.  It is simply good sense to always stay in good physical condition.  Not only is it good for the band, it is good for YOU.  Make sure that you arrive at camp ready to GO.  The band is counting on you and the skills that your bring every day.

Important Dates

• Summer Band for all students starts on July 31st at HHS.  Camps run weekly until the 1st day of school.  Students must attend camp to have a marching spot in the show.   No exceptions.
• DCI show, July 19 (optional)
• SHOPPING DAY August 9th, AM, This is very important!!!!
• HHS vs. NB Canyon, Home, August 29, Home opener

Marching Band Information:

• We will attend up to 6 marching contest or performances this fall.  These are required performance for all members.  September 27 – USSBA Central Texas Preview hosted by Hendrickson HS Night performance: September 29 – Pflugerville Pfestival of Bands, Connally HS,  October 11 – Bands of American Houston Regional, “The Rig” in Houston (All Day);  October 18 – UIL Region Marching Contest, Burger Center, Day Show;  October 25 – USSBA State Championships in San Antonio TBA 
• Check the Weekly Schedule every week for the GAME DAY SCHEDULE
• Marching Positions will be determined by music pass-offs, attendance, physical health
• All students are required to have a Hawk Band shirt and Show Shirt
• All students are required to have a flip folder and lyre at each rehearsal
• Students must pass ALL ACADEMIC Classes to participate in the marching band
• Attendance at ALL rehearsals is extremely important to the success of the band
• Music pass-offs will determine the academic grade for marching band. 

USSBA Central Texas Preview Information:

• Stephen  Williams, band booster will be coordinating this event
• Go to our websites and link to the Central Texas Preview for more information
• We will need lots of booster help at this event.
• Hendrickson will be the final band of the night at around 8:30 pm

Region Band and Private Lessons:

• Private lesson will be on August 8th.  Please plan to sign-up for a lesson time on this day with your teacher.
• Private lessons determine individual success of the band students and the overall success of our band program

Band Trip

• The Hawk Band will be traveling to Dallas for their Spring Trip.  The trip will occur in late April or Early May 2009.
• If you are interested in chaperoning please email Mr. G at garth.gundersen@pflugervilleisd.net ASAP
• More info to follow

Band Fees

• ALL participation fees have been eliminated thanks to the contributions of PISD
• Students will still be responsible to pay for marching shoes, spirit shirt, show shirt, spring trip, private lessons, and other items that are unique to each student.  More information to follow.

Colorguard and Percussion

• All colorguard members must attend all camps to participate in the band program
• We always need help in PIT CREW and with sewing flags and uniforms.  Please help us with this if you are available.  Contact the band boosters to sign-up for one of these groups.

Parents and Students, we are proud of the tradition and success of our program.  Remember, your daily effort and work will pay off in great things for your kids and yourselves.  I am proud to be the band director as Hendrickson High School.  Let’s have an awesome season.  Please stay up to date on the band calendar and check the website regularly for updates.   Contact Garth Gundersen at garth.gundersen@pflugervilleisd.net if you have any questions.  Thanks for all you do for your kids and our band program.  Hawk Pride!!! 
Sincerely,

Garth Gundersen,  Andrew Polk, Edward Lopez & Michael Warner
Band Directors
Hendrickson High School